Nougat update may be rolling out to Verizon Moto Z Droid and Force Droid

Verizon customers who own Lenovo's recently launched Moto Z Droid and Moto Z Force Droid may be getting a nice pre-Thanksgiving surprise. Online reports suggest strongly that the carrier has begun rolling out updates for both phones that will upgrade their version of the Android OS from Marshmallow to Android 7.0 Nougat.

See also:

Moto Z and Moto Z Force Cases

September 20, 2016

As with many of these kinds of surprise reveals, the reports come from eager Reddit users, one of which quickly posted proof that his phone was indeed getting the over-the-air update. The upgrade to Nougat is apparently not yet ready for the Moto Z Play just yet.

The update version number is NCL26.86-11, but there's no word yet about its file size. However, the screenshot shows that it will take about 20 minutes for the Nougat upgrade to install on the Verizon phones. The screen also says that the update also includes some features like split-screen mode for using two apps on the display at once, and "app quick switching". Another Reddit user also says the update enables the Moto phones to work with the Daydream View VR headset.

So far, Verizon has not made any official announcements concerning a Nougat update for its Moto Z Droid phones, but these reports do make it seem like the carrier has indeed begun the process. If you own these phones and have been getting the Nougat update, make sure to give us your impressions in the comments.

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US government gives ZTE another export restriction reprieve until Feb. 27

ZTE got some good news today from the US government. It decided to once again extend the reprieve on the previous export restrictions it placed on the company for another three months. The new deadline for those restrictions to go live is now Feb. 27.

See also:

ZTE Axon 7 vs Samsung Galaxy S7

2 weeks ago

You may remember that back in March, the government slammed the door on ZTE with a series of trade sanctions. At the time, the Commerce Department suspected the Chinese-based company of sending US technology to countries to Iran. If those export restrictions had been enforced, the company could no longer work with US-based hardware and software suppliers for its smartphones and other devices.

However, ZTE and the government got together and talked it out. A couple of weeks later, the government decided to temporarily lift the export restrictions ban until June. The reprieve was later extended until August, and again until November, and today's decision likely means that the two parties are still working in good faith to get their differences sorted out.

Reuters also reports that ZTE has hired Matthew Bell as its new US-based chief export compliance officer. The company said it will continue to continue to cooperate with the US government to reach a final solution to this issue. If the export bans are permanently removed, ZTE will still likely have to pay a one-time penalty to the government.

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Samsung Galaxy Beta users can’t use their Gear VR headsets

Samsung originally introduced the Galaxy Beta program to allow for select users to try out the newest version of Android on their Samsung devices, but many early adopters are having some un-predicted complications because of it.

While your phone may be fine with running the most up to date experience Android has to offer, Oculus isn't. The app hasn't yet been updated to support Android Nougat, so many users are finding that their Oculus Gear VR app will not run while enrolled in the beta program. While this is hardly a deal-breaker for many, there are some users that are absolutely in love with their Gear VR headset, and are more worried about being able to use that than being on the latest and greatest version of Android.

• Google Daydream View Review
• Oculus Rift: Everything you need to know

You may be wondering, "how do I roll back?" This is actually quite simple and can be done by opening up the beta app which Samsung is using to get people into the experience, then de-registering yourself from the program. The phone will then install Android Marshmallow on your phone once again, and after a few selections and a bit of waiting, you should be ready to go. If you used some other method to install Nougat onto your device however, you're going to have to re-flash the stock rom for your Galaxy device to get back to the original stable state.

While this may come as a bumber for many, we are likely not too far off from either Samsung officially upgrading Galaxy devices to Nougat themselves, or Oculus adding support to the new OS though their Android app.

What is more important to you? Would you prefer to be on the cutting edge of Android, or use your Gear VR to your heart's content?

This was originally published at our sibling site, VR Source. 

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Snag Google Home for $99 during Best Buy’s Black Friday event

Google Home was officially released just two short weeks ago, and already we are seeing discounts to go along with America's annual post-turkey shopping spree.

In a recent "Black Friday Preview" put out by Best Buy, it is shown that Google's new Glade-shaped assistant will be sold at a rate of just $99 a pop, $30 cheaper than its regular retail price of $129. That's a mighty fine deal, especially for a product that made it's debut just 14 days ago.

See also:

Google Home review – the future of the home?

4 hours ago

Google Home also comes with a free 6 month trial of YouTube Red and YouTube Music, so for those that were thinking about subscribing to one of these services, the Home essentially pays for itself. That deal is bundled with the Home hardware and is not locked to a specific retailer, so if you decide to pick it up from the likes of Wal-Mart, Target, or somewhere else, the trial still applies.

Best Buy's Black Friday sale runs from Thursday November 24th through Saturday November 26th, so let us know if you're able to get your hands on one during that time.

Looking to pick this up?

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Google Play Movies quietly begins adding 4K UHD films

If you own a 4K television with Android TV installed, you might be able to watch a small selection of UHD films from Google Play Movies. The company first announced that 4K films would be added to its Movies & TV app during the Pixel press event in October, and it looks like that is indeed happening, although unofficially and very quietly.

See also:

How to fix common Google Play Store error codes

July 27, 2016

Posts on Reddit show that some users have spotted UHD options in Google Play Movies for movies like The Fifth Element, This is the End, Star Trek, Star Trek Beyond, and Zoolander. Some of these movies show the UHD option but the movies themselves are not yet available to download. The 4K movies are only appearing inside the Google Play Movies app, rather than directly from the Google Play Store. Also, as you might see from the screenshot above, the UHD version is priced up to twice as much as the HD option.

Apparently, Google support is telling uses that the UHD film options are a "mistake" but it's likely that the company is simply just rolling this support out and testing it before making an official announcement. If you own a Chromecast Ultra, you can also check out these new UHD films if you hook it up to a 4K TV or monitor.

Get it at Google Play

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Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for Lenovo/Motorola [UK]

It's that time of the year: Black Friday and of course, Cyber Monday that follows suit. And these days, this super sale period isn't limited to the US – it's worldwide. So here are some official deals from Lenovo for those living in the UK:

Moto Z and Moto Z Play

Of course, we have to start with Lenovo's modular superstars: the Moto Z and its cousin, Moto Z Play. The two will be available in black or white and Lenovo is bundling them with some nice modular freebies and free shipping. As for the Moto Z, it will cost £499.00, but the device comes with a free Incipio offGRID Power Bank Mod, which would normally set you back £59.99.

As for the Moto Z, it will cost £499.00, but the device comes with a free Incipio offGRID Power Bank Mod, which would normally set you back £59.99.

The Moto Z Play will cost £369.98 and comes with a free JBL Soundboost Speaker Mod, which normally retails for £69.98. The Moto Z is definitely the more powerful of the two, with a 5.5-inch Quad HD display and a low-light camera. It's 5.2mm thin but its laser thin body comes with some sacrifices: no 3.5mm headphone jack and disappointing battery life. The Moto Z Play features a 5.5-inch Full HD display, and while it doesn't have the blazing fast Snapdragon 820 processor, it does maintain the good old 3.5mm headphone jack.

See also:

Moto Mods Review: Blast, Power and Project in a snap

July 27, 2016

Moto G4 family

If you're looking for something a bit more mid-range, the G4 family might be a better fit for you. The Moto G4 and G4 Plus both feature a 5.5-inch Full HD display and a decent design. The main difference between the two are the RAM and camera. The Plus gives you an option to get 4GB of RAM along with 64GB of internal storage and has a 16-megapixel camera instead of the 13-megaixel shooter found on the regular G4. The regular G4 will be available for £159.00 with free a premium back cover and the Plus will be available for £209.00 with free premium back cover.

The G4 Play is the least powerful of the G4 family, featuring a 5-inch 720p display and an underwhelming camera. But if you're looking for a decent smartphone for internet browsing and casual photos, then this may be the phone for you. Lenovo is slashing £10 off the original price tag down to £119.98 this holiday season (tbh, I think they could've done better than £10). Of course, they all come with free shipping.

But if you're looking for a decent smartphone for internet browsing and casual photos, then this may be the phone for you.

Moto X family

Next up is the ultra-durable Moto X Force: although it is now almost a year old, it has a nice 5.4-inch Quad HD display that is shatterproof as well as Snapdragon 810 and a 21-megapixel camera. Lenovo is giving a £50 discount on it this month, so for £429, you can grab yourself a shatterproof device with a free back cover.

Although it is now almost a year old, it has a nice 5.4-inch Quad HD display that is shatterproof as well as Snapdragon 810 and a 21-megapixel camera.

The Moto X Style is slightly bigger, measuring at 5.7 inches. It's not shatterproof, however. It has the same 21-megapixel camera, and can be yours for just £309. Again, it comes with a premium back cover.

The smartwatch

What would Black Friday be without Lenovo's circular smartwatch? If you were looking to get a well-designed Android Wear smartwatch this holiday season, the Moto 360 is now £218.99 with free shipping. And yes, this is the 2nd generation Moto 360 we are talking about.

See also:

Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) review

October 13, 2015

The deals are available right now from Lenovo's official website, and will go on until the 28th of November. Let us know if you'll be getting a Lenovo device this holiday season!

These deals will be available from today through November 28.

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Deal: lifetime Brain.fm subscription $36 (usually $149.99)

The AA Picks team is on the prowl for things we think our readers will value. If we make an affiliate partnership to reduce the costs of purchases, then we may see a share of revenue.

Trouble focusing at work? Having a hard time getting to sleep at night? Brain.fm might be your salvation.

Brain.fm is one of the highest rated items on Product Hunt. The monthly subscription service provides you with AI-curated content combined with years of neurological research to stream the ideal background music for whatever you're trying to accomplish: from studying to relaxing.

The premium version of Brain.fm (which is currently on sale) also offers you tools that let you track your work progress, so you can actually see how well Brain.fm is improving your productivity.

The service offers specific streaming channels based on what you're attempting to accomplish, and feedback from thousands of active users every month have turned Brain.fm into a finely tuned music machine. The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and some users who typically have difficulty focusing or who suffer from ADHD have reported that the service has made a marked difference in their productivity. The subscriber reviews essentially speak for themselves.

The company is so confident in their product that they'll even give you a refund if you decide you're not a fan within the first two months.

AI-curated content combined with years of neurological research

Normally, subscribers have to fork over $199.99 to get lifetime access to the service, but right now you can snag it for 80% off: just $39. If you're not quite ready to commit to the long haul, you can also get a 3 year subscription for $29 (normally $149) or a 1 year subscription for $19 (normally $49.99). It looks like this offer ends on Tuesday.

Stop struggling through the work day on lackluster sleep and then stressing all evening. Click the button below to become more productive, better rested, and more relaxed with Brain.fm.

Get a Lifetime Subscription for $39

Disclosure: This offer is brought to you by AA Picks. Our purpose is to highlight products or services we think you as our readers might be interested in and, if you buy them, we may get a share of the revenue. We operate independently from our advertising sales team, and we welcome your feedback and questions. Email us at aapicks@androidauthority.com.

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