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10 'Droid-Life' stories February 2012 - September 2013
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Another image of the Nexus 5 shows up, still looks the same

Avatar for Seth Weintraub Sep 30 2013 - 4:46 pm PT
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We’ve seen a lot of pictures and videos of the Nexus 5 and that’s why this one has some merit: it looks like the others. It was originally on a forum and picked up by Droid-Life but since has been deleted.

This weekend  MyCE/Android World leaked out some specs of the upcoming device.

  • Display:  5-inch Full HD display, 442 ppi (potentially 4.97-inch)
  • Processor:  2.3GHz Qualcomm Snadragon 800
  • RAM:  2GB
  • Internal Storage:  16GB (could be another model too, this is what was in the log)
  • Camera (rear):  8MP (no idea if it has OIS like the LG G2 camera)
  • Camera (front):  1.2MP
  • Sensors:  accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity, light, barometer, orientation
  • Battery:  2300mAh (via FCC) and wireless charging
  • Other:  LTE, NFC
  • Model:  LG-D820

Also the FCC has picked it up as well as some benchmarks. All we are missing is a launch date and price. 
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Google rolling out update to fix new Nexus 7 multitouch issues

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Aug 22 2013 - 9:35 am PT
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As noticed by Droid-Life, Google has responded in its product forums to complaints related to multitouch issues for its new Nexus 7 and is rolling out an update to address the problems. The update will bring the Nexus 7 up to Android 4.3 build JSS15Q and a Googler confirmed the update should fix the touchscreen issues:

As a couple of you have mentioned, there’s a new system update that’s started rolling out for your Nexus 7s. This update does address the touchscreen issues discussed in this thread. If you’re one of the people experiencing touchscreen issues, please let us know how it’s going after you’ve received and installed the update.

We also heard earlier this month that Google was investigating reports of GPS problems with new Nexus 7.

Google announces $35 Chromecast, a small HDMI stick that shifts video from mobile to TV

Avatar for Seth Weintraub Jul 24 2013 - 9:56 am PT
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Google just seemingly ‘cast’ its Google TV project to the curb.  As a much simpler version of GoogleTV, the leaked Chromecast allows you to do what you can now do on Google TV: pushing content from both Netflix and Youtube to your TV.  Unlike Airplay, the Chromecast stick allows the original device to turn off or go to sleep. It functions as a standalone streaming device, awaiting orders from an iOS device, Android device, or Chrome browser on a PC, Mac or Chromebook Pixel (strangely, other Chromebooks need not apply). 

Google has also baked in iOS support, which will allow users of both platforms to control Netflix or Youtube. You can also broadcast a tab in the Chrome Browser.

Google Play music and movies can also ‘cast’ to the best speakers in your house as long as those are connected to your TV. Pandora is coming soon.

It will be available from Google Play, Amazon and Best Buy as well as other retailers. We’ll have a review up as soon as possible. 
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Pre-order your 1080P Nexus 7 at Best Buy (or PC Connection, Sam’s Club) now, before it is announced

Avatar for Seth Weintraub Jul 24 2013 - 12:19 am PT
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.

Sadly, there are no more secrets left to reveal here. We’d already seen the Best Buy circular and inventory system and we knew the specs which include Android 4.3 and $230-$270 price tag for 16GB and 32GB. But now you can, well, buy them. People should start getting them before the end of the month. Unless they come sooner.

16GB: $229 | 32GB: $259

Here’s Best buy’s spec list:

Enjoy your media on the go with this Google Nexus 7 tablet, which features a 7″ 10-finger capacitive touch screen with IPS technology that simplifies navigation and delivers vibrant images. Wi-Fi makes it easy to surf the Web.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Google Nexus 7 7 inch Tablet with 16GB Memory
  • 1-cell lithium-polymer battery
  • Adapter, power plug
  • Owner’s manual

PRODUCT FEATURES

  • Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system Along with a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 8064 processor with a 2MB L2 cache and 1.5GHz processor speed allows you to stay connected and productive on the go.
  • Built-in 802.11a/b/g/n wireless LAN Connect to the Internet without wires.
  • 2GB DDR3LM memory For multitasking power.
  • 7″ LCD high-definition 10-finger capacitive touch screen With IPS technology, 300 cd/m² brightness, 178° viewing angles and 1920 x 1200 resolution offers easy operation and provides crystal-clear visuals.
  • Scratch-resistant glass helps guard the display against damage. Antifingerprint technology minimizes smudging for enhanced clarity.
  • 16GB on-board flash memory Offers plenty of space for your music, movies, photos, apps and more.
  • Adreno 320 graphics For lush images with precise detail.
  • 5.0MP rear-facing and 1.2MP front-facing webcams Make it easy to video chat with loved ones.
  • Micro USB 2.0 port with SlimPort For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
  • Bluetooth 4.0 Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
  • Weighs only 11.2 oz. and measures just 0.3″ thin For lightweight portability. Sensors include G-sensor, ambient light, Ecompass, gyroscope and proximity.
  • Preloaded apps Include Google Search by Voice 2.1, Gmail, Google Talk, Google Maps, Google Street View, YouTube, Android Market and more.

Here’s the gallery from Best Buy:

Best Buy

It is showing up also at PC connection

Also, Droid-Life notes that it’s at Sam’s Club too.
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Google rolling out nutritional information in search results

Avatar for Zac Hall May 30 2013 - 8:35 am PT
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As noted by Droid Life , Google is rolling out nutritional information from the Knowledge Graph into its search results for users in the U.S. over the next ten days.

Google Now will be able to take advantage of these results across various platforms including Android and its iOS application:

From the basics of potatoes and carrots to more complex dishes like burritos and chow mein, you can simply ask, “How much protein is in a banana?” or “How many calories are in an avocado?” and get your answer right away. You’ll hear the answer to your specific question, see relevant nutrition information under an expansion, and be able to switch to other related foods or serving sizes.

Many consumers will value this information as caloric intake and personal fitness trends more and more popular. Even fast food restaurants are starting to report nutritional information for its products. Good on Google’s part for making this information more accessible for everyone.
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Carrier billing to be available for Verizon Wireless customers who want Google Play content

Avatar for Jake Smith Oct 18 2012 - 5:46 pm PT
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After rumors over the last week, Google confirmed this evening that Verizon Wireless customers will be able to buy Google Play content from their Verizon account. Google tweeted:

Hey @Verizon Customers! Pay for Google Play apps, music and more on your phone bill. We’re rolling this out over the coming weeks. Enjoy!

Droid Life pointed out that there could be a $25 limit set for how much can be charged to a Verizon account each month. We will know more as this feature rolls out to Verizon customers!

Google Wallet’s prepaid card refund form is now online

Avatar for Élyse Betters Oct 17 2012 - 11:50 am PT
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Google Wallet launched with free $10 prepaid cards to welcome users to the mobile payments system, but the company later revealed that it would discontinue the complimentary gifts and issue refunds for remaining balances in October.

Well, the time has now come… and Google is keeping its promise. Folks need to complete Google’s refund form online to get their money. It asks for their Google Wallet device ID, name, phone number, and other sensitive details.

Refunds come via check or prepaid MasterCard. Google will not process the requests until after Oct. 30, however, so do not expect to receive the prepaid card for another 7 to 10 business days. Those who choose the alternative option will receive a check within eight weeks.


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First leaked images bring the Motorola Droid Razr HD to life [Photos]

Avatar for Élyse Betters Jun 8 2012 - 1:36 pm PT
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A couple Motorola Droid Razr HD pictures just hit the Web.

Droid-Life posted the leaks (above), mentioned the smartphone’s upcoming arrival to Verizon’s 4G LTE network, and detailed its visualized design and rumored specs:

While it maintains a bit of the RAZR look of last year, the back plate is now full kevlar without the extra rim of plastic around it. The camera (likely 13MP) has been centered in the middle with flash and speaker on each side. From the picture below, you can see that there isn’t much of a hump left and that is thought to be because of the 3300mAh battery that Moto has included inside. Our source claims that the screen is “amazing” and that the phone also has the expected on-screen navigation keys. They were not able to confirm the processor, which is thought to be Qualcomm’s 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4, but we would be surprised if it was something else. What’s interesting is the move from Motorola to put the micro HDMI and USB ports on the bottom side of the device again, similarly to what we saw from multiple devices like the Bionic and DROID X/X2.

There are no official details on a release date for the newest Razr offering, but rumors indicate a late summer launch.


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Verizon offers HTC Rezound for $49.99, ICS upgrade coming soon

Avatar for Élyse Betters Apr 2 2012 - 11:44 am PT
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Verizon just knocked $150 from the HTC Rezound’s sticker price.

The carrier is now offering the Android-based smartphone for $49.99 with a two-year contract. That’s a great deal for a 4G device showcasing a 4.3-inch Super LCD screen, 720p HD display, dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with a dual LED flash, and Beats by Dr. Dre.

According to Droid-Life, the HTC Rezound is also eyeing an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade in the next couple of weeks, which is just one more reason to take advantage of today’s sale.

Go to Verizon’s website to check out the details (a zip code prompt is required).


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Droid 4 reportedly launching Feb. 10 for $199

Avatar for Jake Smith Feb 2 2012 - 5:03 pm PT
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There are two new reports today regarding the upcoming availability of the sleek Droid 4. Droid-Life, who is usually on-par, reported that Verizon Wireless’s latest QWERTY offering will launch for $199 on two-year contract and $549 full price, which has been confirmed in Verizon’s system (seen in the screenshot below). This certainly makes for one of the cheapest LTE offerings out there. Droid-Life also posted a second screenshot of Verizon’s internal system that reveals the Droid 4 will launch on Feb. 10 in all markets. Why Feb. 10, you may ask? It is the same day Star Wars in 3D hits theaters. As a reminder, the Droid 4 boasts a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 4-inch qHD display, 1GB of RAM, and dual-cameras. We will keep you updated as Verizon goes official with its launch date.


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