Project Fi Now Supports Data Only Devices

Google announced that Project Fi subscribers can add a tablet or other data only device to their plan if they choose. Customers will need to order a data-only SIM card from Google through the Project Fi web site. 

Google charges $10 per 1GB of data, but only bills customers for what they actually use each month. The offer is available only to existing Project Fi subscribers. Tablets cannot be used as mobile hotspots. 

The initial batch of tablets compatible with the service include the Nexus 7 and Nexus 9, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 4, and the Galaxy Tab S. Project Fi uses a mix of cellular service from Sprint and T-Mobile, and WiFi to provide coverage. Devices that run on Project Fi can dynamically switch to the strongest network to optimize performance.

Source: Project Fi Help Forum

Google Adds Cellular Support To Android Wear Platform

Google announced today, Android Wear now supports cellular connections for making calls, sending messages, and syncing data, says Google. 

The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE, which was announced last month is the first Android Wear device to support cellular networks. LG, Samsung, and others have sold cellular watches in the past but none ran Android Wear.

Google says cellular equipped Android watches will automatically switch from Bluetooth or WiFi to cellular when needed for connectivity. Google fully expects people will be able to use their Android smartwatches to answer calls, read emails, dictate text messages, and manage their fitness all while on the go. 

Source: Official Android Blog

Apple Music For Android Hits Google Play

Android users can now begin their three-month trial of Apple Music, though Apple says the beta does come with some restrictions. Music videos are not yet available, and the sign-up process hasn't been optimized for Android purchasing or upgrading to a family membership will require a Mac or iOS device.

Just like those on iOS, tvOS, and Mac Apple Music users on Android can access playlists, Beats 1 radio, Connect, and iTunes purchases.

Apple appears to have adapted the application's user interface slightly to conform to Android interaction paradigms, but doesn't seem to have adopted Google's material design. 

Apple Music requires Android 4.3 or above. Users can download Apple Music beta for free from the Google Play source link below.

Source: Google Play

BlackBerry Makes Android Powered Priv Handset Official

BlackBerry announced the company will launch a flagship slider, the BlackBerry Priv which will run on the Android operating system. Bringing together the best of BlackBerry security and productivity with the expansive mobile application ecosystem available on the Android platform. 

In combination with BlackBerry's efforts to support Android for Work on the BES12 platform the new device will offer best in class security for enterprise customers. BlackBerry expects the device to be available late in the calendar year in major markets in store and online and will release further details in the coming weeks.

Amazon’s Move To Release A $50 Tablet

Amazon is preparing to hit tablet market this holiday season with a $50 device that has a 6 inch screen. That's half the price of the company's current 6-inch Fire HD tablet, and even less expensive than the company's Kindle reader, which starts at $79.

The current 6 inch Fire HD tablet is one of the cheapest tablets worth buying, and while the idea of an even cheaper tablet sounds wild. There are no specs yet but WSJ suggests the new $50 device will test the limits of cost savings.

Amazon could also be exploring other ways to make the $50 target price possible. The company's current Fire HD tablets may be as cheap as they are because of lock screen ads, and Amazon could expand ads like those to reach the $50 mark.

We'll be sure to keep you posted as more detail become available. What's your thoughts? Comment below...

Source: The Wall Street Journal

BlackBerry To Acquire Good Technology For $425 Million

BlackBerry has agreed to purchase Good Technology for $425 million. Good Technology makes and sells mobile email products as well as mobile device management tools. 

BlackBerry said the acquisition "is aligned with BlackBerry's strategy to offer businesses the most complete, end to end solution that secures the entire mobile enterprise, across all platforms." 

Good Technology was purchased by Visto in 2009. Prior to being owned by Motorola. At one time, Visto successfully sued BlackBerry for patent infringement. BlackBerry said it expects to close the acquisition during its 2016 fiscal their quarter.


Source: Reuters

Google Releases Android Wear For iOS

Android Wear for iOS has started rolling out today. Just pair your iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus (running iOS 8.2+) with an Android Wear watch to bring simple and helpful information right to your wrist.

Get your info at a glance: Check important info like phone calls, messages, and notifications from your favorite apps. Android Wear features always-on displays, so you’ll never have to move your wrist to wake up your watch.

Track your fitness: Set fitness goals, and get daily and weekly views of your progress. Your watch automatically tracks walking and running, and even measures your heart rate.

Save time with smart help: Receive timely tips like when to leave for appointments, current traffic info, and flight status. 

Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions: like “Is it going to rain in London tomorrow?” or create to-dos with “Remind me to pack an umbrella.”


Source: Apple App Store

Samsung Opens Beta Testing For Samsung Pay

Samsung is allowing a select number of people to beta test Samsung Pay in the U.S. In order to trial the mobile payment platform consumers need to have a Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, or Note 5. 

AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular are supporting Samsung Pay at launch. The beta requires users to have an active Samsung account and a MasterCard or Visa credit/debit card from Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, U.S. Trust, or U.S. Bank. 

Samsung Pay uses both NFC and MST for tap to pay transactions. Consumers can request an invite to test Samsung Pay from Samsung.com by following the source link below.


Source: Samsung

HBO NOW Adds Chromecast Support

HBO streaming service HBO NOW, the app that allows you to cut ties with your current cable provider received an update this morning to allow for Chromecast support. The update includes performance tweaks along with the ability to send users push notifications. The updated HBO NOW app is live on Google Play to download.

Source: Google Play Store

Google Releases Preview Version Of YouTube Gaming For Android

Today Google released the version of the YouTube Gaming app for Android, users can watch videos covering more than 25,000 games and also watch live streams. While watching live streams, users can chat with other gamers and see reviews of popular games. YouTube Gaming will also recommend videos based on games in which users have showed interest. As far as the apps interface goes, users can browse dedicated pages for every game, as well as specific publisher and gamer channels. There are also category pages for topics such a reviews let’s plays and eSports.

YouTube Gaming for Android includes support for live stream notifications and will also include live streams of events such as E3, Pax, and Gamescom. The APK for YouTube Gaming is available via direct Google Drive link below and is slowly rolling out to the Play Store. Hit the links below to download Youtube Gaming let us know what you think in the comments below.

Source: Google Drive, Google Play Store