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lundi 28 novembre 2016

Someone used Google Home to light their fireplace and play sexy music

google-home-review-5-of-15

google-home-review-5-of-15

A Reddit user has created a workaround which allows Google's voice-activated speaker Google Home to light a fireplace. The Redditor, who goes by the username hovee, uploaded a video which shows the effect in action along with instructions for how to set it up.

Google Home doesn't have a native function for lighting fireplaces, so hovee instead made a solution involving a Raspberry Pi, Android app IFTTT and some custom wiring. Though the full setup procedure is detailed in hovee's Reddit post, be aware that it doesn't seem like a particularly simple process.

The rewards, however, speak for themselves – as you'll see in the video below.

Google Home went on sale in the US on November 4 for $129 (temporarily reduced to $99) but a worldwide release hasn't been announced. To find out what else it can do, read our full Google Home review.



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dimanche 27 novembre 2016

Cyber Monday 2016: best tech deals

For those that don't exactly like the idea of pushing and shoving your way to the front of the lines during the brick-and-mortar shopping war that is formally dubbed Black Friday, the good news is that the internet has given us ample opportunity in recent years to get great deals during the holiday shopping madness, without ever having to leave our homes. Not only do a number of retailers offer special online Black Friday deals but there's also the so-called Cyber Monday.

First started in 2005, Cyber Monday has recently grown into "Cyber Week" for many retailers, with at least a few deals hitting during the weekend. With that in mind, we've gathered up some of the best "Cyber Monday" deals available, many of which are live now. Keep in mind that some of these links won't go live until Monday, however.


Need some inspiration? Check out our gift guides!

How about some apps?


Smartphones


TV & streaming


Tablets & e-readers


Audio & Assistants


Computing


Wearables


Smart home


Gaming


Other deals


Editor's note: This page contains affiliate links that allow us to earn a commission on certain sales.


We will refresh this Cyber Monday deals list with more tech deals soon! Did we miss anything? Let us know!



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Crowdfunding project of the week: Gryphon is a fast, safe and super simple router

gryphone-1

gryphone-1

It's time for another 'Crowdfunding project of the week' and you know we have been digging for some of the hottest tech in sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Let's jump right into this week's featured campaign.

Other featured campaigns:

We have never really been keen on showing off our routers, right? These machines are pretty much something you hide away in a corner and keep out of the way. And the settings! Oh my… the settings are usually a mess to go through. But a new trend of better designed routers with simple app-managed options is rising. Today we are taking a look at one of these new generation WiFi routers – the Gryphon.

What makes the Gryphon special? Let's start with the design. This is a gadget you will be proud to show off in the living room. It looks like an ornament, as opposed to some confusing piece of technology. But aesthetics are only part of what you get with the Gryphon.

gryphone-2

gryphone-2

The router is controlled through a smartphone app, which offers great smart features. The main highlight here is parental controls, really. Parents can use the app to set bed times, after which the internet would cut off. It's also possible to select homework times, pause the internet, set age levels and more.

Of course, it's simple to filter the internet and keep kids away from things they shouldn't see. And if they legitimately need to access a restricted site, it is simple to request permission from parents. The administrator would then get a notification on his/her smartphone and choose whether to grant access or not.

gryphone-3

gryphone-3

One can also see how many (and which) devices are connected to the network, making it easy to choose who is allowed in. And you need not worry about malware, as the router itself checks data streams for malicious software, keeping all connected devices safe.

It just so happens to be a good router, too. The unit has tri-band WiFi with support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, powered by six antennas that provide a 2,500 square feet coverage. You can utilize mesh networking if one isn't enough. There is also support for MU-MIMO technology.

If you won't be using all the parental controls and security features, at least you will enjoy a powerful router that is super easy to use and set-up. Not to mention it looks rather nice.

Interested? We have seen similar options come to the market. Namely, Google WiFi and OnHub. Those offer almost the same features, but they won't be cheap… nor will the Gryphon. This router will retail for $199 once it hits the market, but you can currently sign up for it by backing the project with at least $149.

The goal has been met, but those who get in line will have to wait until June 2017 to see shipments reaching their doorsteps. Are any of you looking to back this Kickstarter project? Hit the comments to let us know what you like about the Gryphon.

Check out Gryphon on Kickstarter


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5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – Android Apps Weekly

Welcome to the 167th edition of Android Apps Weekly! Here are the headlines from the last week:

  • Google Play is currently trying out individual game ratings. The way it works is you rate titles based on game play, controls, and graphics. The scores for each category lets people know how good those qualities are for a more comprehensive look at the game. It can also warn people if games don't have good controller support or have great graphics but otherwise suck. We're not sure if this is going to roll out to everybody, but it seems like a good idea.
  • So Twitter banned its own CEO this week. In an act that essentially summed up how bad it's been at Twitter lately, Jack Dorsey spent a good portion of the day not being able to view his own Twitter account. He did eventually make it back on and told everyone that it was an internal problem that caused the ban. There's nothing of real note here, but it was kinda funny.
  • It was announced this week that Google is ending Google Play Services support for Android Gingerbread. The change will happen in early 2017. By removing Gingerbread, Google Play Services will become a little more modern in nature and give developers more options for building apps. The number of devices that even use Gingerbread is only about 1.3%. Also, most apps don't support Gingerbread anymore anyway.
  • The latest Humble Bundle is live! This bundle features tons of games from HandyGames and includes Clouds & Sheep, Rocket Island, 1942 Pacific Front, and plenty of other games that would cost you $42 to buy individually. You can pay what you want and get five games, pay a $3 minimum and get up to 11 games, or pay $5 or more to get the whole bundle. It's a good way to get some games on the cheap and give to charity.
  • Google Play is tossing a huge games, apps, books, movies, and more sale in honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can get stuff for up to 80% off and some of the titles are rather expensive without deals. It's a good time to stock up on some stuff. We don't know how long these deals will last, though, so be sure to get them while you can. Click the previous links to see the deals!

For even more Android apps and games news, updates, releases, and more, check out this week's newsletter by clicking here! There you'll find a bunch of stuff that we didn't have the space for here. You can sign up for the newsletter using the form below if you'd like and we'll send it to your inbox every Sunday! Also, don't forget to check out the Android Authority app!

Subscribe to Android Apps Weekly!
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

eisenhorn xenos Android Apps Weeklyeisenhorn xenos Android Apps WeeklyEisenhorn: Xenox

[Price: $5.99]
Eisenhorn: Xenos is an adventure game that takes place in the Warharmmer 40,000 universe. It's an adaptation from a book of the same name. You'll be able to explore the world, take part in various quests, and the game comes with full voice acting. The graphics are also pretty decent. Unlike most Warhammer games these days, this one is a pay-once title with no in-app purchases. It also has full game controller support if that matters to you.

Download now on Google Play!

chase pay Android Apps Weeklychase pay Android Apps WeeklyChase Pay

[Price: Free]
Chase Bank has released its own NFC payment app called Chase Pay. It's about what you'd expect from an NFC payment app. You'll be able to log into an existing Chase account and use the cards on file to make purchases. It's brand new which means there are plenty of bugs that need to be worked out. Also, the app only works at Best Buy and a few other places right now but we expect that to increase over time. It's not very good right now, but members of Chase Bank should keep an eye on it.

Download now on Google Play!

chase pay Android Apps Weeklychase pay Android Apps Weekly

gear.club Android Apps Weeklygear.club Android Apps WeeklyGear.Club

[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Gear.Club is a racing game that boasts a realistic experience. Underneath its bravado, it's a fairly standard freemium racing game. You'll race various tracks at various locations to win various championships. Above that, there is a large selection of cars to collect, optimize, and upgrade. The graphics are simply astounding although other parts of the game could use a little bit of work. It's not quite prime time yet but we're sure it'll get there eventually.

Download now on Google Play!

pulse Android Apps Weeklypulse Android Apps WeeklyPulse SMS

[Price: Free / $0.99 per month / $1.99 per 3 months / $5.99 per year / $10.99]
Pulse SMS is a hybrid of a texting app and a Pushbullet competitor. On its own, the Android app functions as a good, if slightly basic SMS app. However, you can download the app on various platforms and share the SMS messages between them. That means you can text on your tablet or your computer if you want to. Like Pushbullet, there is a subscription service although you can get a lifetime license and not have to worry about it if you want to. It's a little buggy as new apps are, but it's definitely going to get better over time.

Download now on Google Play!

microsoft solitaire collection Android Apps Weeklymicrosoft solitaire collection Android Apps WeeklyMicrosoft Solitaire Collection

[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Microsoft Solitaire Collection is an Android port of the popular Solitaire games available on most Microsoft Windows machines. The game includes five total variants of Solitaire, including Klondike (classic), Spider, Freecell, Tripeaks, and Pyramid. This adaptation also includes daily challenges as well as Xbox Live login support where you can earn actual achievements. It's a time waster through and through. You can also get a premium membership for a recurring charge that removes advertising and gives you in-game boosts.

Download now on Google Play!

microsoft solitaire collection Android Apps Weeklymicrosoft solitaire collection Android Apps Weekly

Related best app lists:

If we missed any big Android apps or games news, tell us about them in the comments! To see our complete list of best app lists, click here.



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Must read: top 10 Android stories

leeco-le-pro3-review-aa-10-of-23

leeco-le-pro3-review-aa-10-of-23

This week we reviewed the OnePlus 3T and LeEco Le Pro3, talked about Nokia's upcoming Android phone launch, and much more. Here's the news of the week!

Who wants to win a Huawei Nova Plus?

Huawei's new Nova Plus is one heck of a mid-range smartphone. Here's your chance to win one!

10 Android stories we handpicked for you

OnePlus 3T review The OnePlus 3T brings a few key improvements to the table. What does the latest OnePlus flagship have to offer? We find out, in this OnePlus 3T review!


LeEco Le Pro3 review Does an affordable flagship from LeEco – that prioritizes streaming services – represent great value for consumers? Find out in our LeEco Le Pro3 review!


Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview 2 goes live Google has just announced the second Android 7.1 Nougat developer preview for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 9, and Pixel C.


5 things Nokia, and HMD Global, need to do for a successful 2017 Android phone launch Nokia and HMD Global are partnering to launch new Android smartphones in 2017 and there are some things they need to have for a successful release.


Snapdragon 835 tipped for the Galaxy S8, but what about Exynos? According to a recent leak, the Galaxy S8 will be powered by the Snapdragon 835 processor, but the company appears to be working on an Exynos chip too.


Hot tech gifts under $25 for the holiday season Looking for a hot tech gift for your loved one this season? Have only $25 or less to spend? Android Authority has your back!


Best Black Friday Android game deals Black Friday might be over, but a lot of these deals are still live. Head to this roundup to save big on some popular games.


ASUS ZenFone 3 review Does ASUS deliver on its marketing pitch of a 'premium' mid-range smartphone with the ZenFone 3? Find out, in our full ASUS ZenFone 3 review.


Beyond phones: Why Qualcomm is betting big machine learning, VR and 5G Qualcomm may be best known for its Snapdragon processors, but the company is also investing heavily in machine learning, 5G modems, and augmented reality platforms.


BLU Vivo 6 hands-on and first impressions A quick first look at BLU's Vivo 6 – a very affordable smartphone with a solid specs list and functional design that hopes to be on your Christmas wish list!


Don't miss these videos

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samedi 26 novembre 2016

Huawei Nova Plus International Giveaway!

Welcome to the Sunday Giveaway, the place where we giveaway a new Android phone or tablet each and every Sunday!

A big congratulations to last week's winners of the Umi Plus  Giveaway: Zhenyi O. (Malaysia), Mike F. (Australia), Soubheek S. (India), enjoy your new phones!

This week we are giving away a brand new Huawei Nova Plus!

nova-nova-plus-06nova-nova-plus-06

With 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, 4K video recording and a Full HD display Huawei Nova Plus has the hallmarks of all upper mid-range devices. Plus, with its larger display and built in OIS, it delivers a few extra goodies sure to delight its owner, and its packed in a well constructed body to match.

Huawei Nova Plus International Giveaway!

More International Giveaways

Winners Gallery on Google+

Terms & Conditions

  • The giveaway is an international giveaway (Except when we can not ship to your Country.)
  • If we can not ship to your country, you will be compensated with an online gift card of equal MSRP value to the prize.
  • We are not responsible for lost shipments.
  • You must be age of majority in your Country of residence.
  • We are not responsible for any duties or import fees that you may incur.
  • Only 1 entry per person, do not enter multiple email addresses. We will verify all winners and if we detect multiple email addresses by the same person you will not be eligible to win.
  • We reserve all rights to make any changes to this giveaway.
  • This giveaway is operated by AndroidAuthority.
  • The prize will ship when it is available to purchase.


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Deal: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0″ Android Tablet for just $99

It's hard to find a new Samsung tablet for under $100 but that's just what we found while browsing the eBay deals section. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 originally released in May 2015 is a 8 inch tablet that might just be the perfect holiday gift that you've been look for. This is the lowest price we've seen this tablet sell for, it currently is for sale  at Amazon for $127.99.

The eBay Seller: Quickshipelectronics has a rock solid eBay record with over 255k positive feedback and they guarantee the product with a 1 year warranty. Also it's important to keep in mind that although the item is new the packaging may show some signs of distress. This is what the seller says:

This item shows virtually no signs of use. It includes the original package (which may be lightly distressed) and the original OEM accessories and pouch(EF-SN510B). We include a free 1 year warranty with every item we sell.

Get deal at eBay

Specs

  • Screen: 8″ 768 x 1024 pixels (~160 ppi pixel density)
  • OS: Android OS, v5.0 (Lollipop)
  • CPU: Quad-core 1.2 GHz
  • Memory: 16 GB, 1.5 GB RAM (Wi-Fi)
  • Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 4200 mAh battery

Price History

tab8pricehistory

tab8pricehistory

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