Samsung releases small but urgent update for Galaxy S7 edge

The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is set to launch in just two days alongside its less curved counterpart, but some people have already received their devices early. However, it seems that the device wasn’t completely ready for prime time, as Samsung has released a small update labeled as urgent.

The update is a mere 3.32MB in size and relates to the edge screen, which is why the standard Galaxy S7 didn’t receive this update. We don’t know what it fixes, but it might fix a firmware bug, or just add some important feature that was promised during the announcement.

Head over to Settings > About > Software updates to make sure you download this update. If Samsung calls it urgent, you might as well install it now.

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Android N Developer Preview allows you to change screen zoom levels

Many people have rooted to change the DPI settings and get more to fit on their displays. Some phones are guilty of having everything too big on the screen, wasting precious screen real estate. But with the Android N Developer Preview that just launched, you’re  able to change the zoom level of the display through settings.

This new feature has been confirmed by the preview feature list and explained by a member of the Android framework team on Reddit. Depending on your device, you’ll be able to change zoom between 0.85x and 1.5x, though smaller displays will be limited to lower levels of zoom.

With this feature, you’ll be able to fit more on your screen without the complications or security downsides of root. And for folks that can’t see as well, the extra zoom may very well help. Since it was confirmed by a member of the Android framework team, it’s likely we’ll see it in the final version as well. Will this feature finally get you to drop rooting? Let us know in the comments!

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ASUS ZenWatch 2 receiving Marshmallow update

Marshmallow seems to be rolling out to a bunch of Android Wear devices lately. We first saw it come to the first gen Moto 360, then the announcement for the Huawei Watch (enabling its internal speaker), and now ASUS has joined in on the fun.

People have reported that the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is now receiving the Marshmallow update, at least to some extent. Not only will you get a bunch of fixes and improved performance, the update also adds Doze Mode and and new wrist gestures. It made a significant difference on the Moto 360, and should be just as good on the ZenWatch 2.

Head over to Settings > About > Software updates and check to see if you can pull it. If you can’t, it’s likely going to be a slow rollout and you’ll have to wait for a while until it reaches everyone.

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HTC One A9 receiving update in Europe adding Quick Charge 3.0 and display color temp adjustment

The HTC One A9 is now receiving an update in Europe that brings a feature promised back at launch: Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0. It’s not often we see missing features added via an update, but it’s nice that owners of the One A9 are getting more for their money.

The update also brings display color temperature adjustment, the latest security patches, and overall bug fixes. It’s a 440MB download and will bring you up to software version 1.56.401.70. Head to Settings > About > Software updates to check if you can pull it, and let us know how you like it! Hopefully other regions will soon get this update as well.

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Android N Developer Preview available for download now

Surprise! There had been some rumblings about this previously, but we’d be lying if we said we were expecting to see a public preview of Android N available for download today, but that is exactly what Google has delivered.

If you are the proud owner of a Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Nexus 9 or Pixel C, you will be able to join the new Android Beta Program later today and you will receive the latest developer previews directly to your device by OTA.

This is an awesome change for both sides as developers get an earlier look at the new OS, which should in turn get Google feedback at an early enough stage to make a real difference in Android N before Google needs to get it to OEMs.

While you are waiting for the Android Beta Program page to go live you can hit up the Android N Developer Preview page to read up on the details and check out this Medium post by Android and Chrome OS head Hiroshi Lockheimer for more on Google’s thoughts regarding this new philosophy.

Here’s a few of the highlight features for the Android N preview:

  • Multi-window 
    Pixel C users in particular are going to be rejoicing over this one, it is a sorely needed feature to take advantage of the larger tablet screen.
    Multiwindow_N6P_N9
  • Direct reply notifications
    Very much as it sounds this will allow you to quickly reply directly from the notification shade.
  • Efficiency
    This is an evolution of Doze mode that helps battery life as soon as the device is turned off rather than requiring that the device be lying still.

We’ll definitely be downloading the preview ASAP, but let us know how things go if you join in the fun too.

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Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

New apps need lovin’ too, right? Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. We’ve shown in the past that this community can discover great apps and propel them to new heights. Our weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs. Browse our new Android app picks below and let us know which ones you enjoy.

Xcerpt for Twitter

Xcerpt for Twitter

Description: Do you want to make the articles you share on Twitter more eye-catching – and more likely to be read? Do you wish you could share a passage from a web page AND comment on it in 140 characters?

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Clink

Clink

DescriptionClink is a savings and investing application which facilitates your savings by making you save every time you dine out. When you register for Clink you are basically filling out all the required information to open an investment account. 

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TimeSet: Places to GO

TimeSet

DescriptionTimeSet is a world of unlimited images posted in time and all over the world. The app lets you upload photos at a particular time and place and see what has taken place in the past and present.

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Docady

Docady

DescriptionEasily discover and securely manage all of your (and your family’s) important documents. We even find your documents automatically in online services (Such as: Dropbox, Gmail and more) and put them in the right place for you! Cool, right?!

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Sniff – Pet Social Network

Sniff

DescriptionSniff is a social network dedicated for pet owners, pet lovers and brands, providing a fun, personalized and interactive experience within the pet community. The application enables users to socialize experiences of their pets’ lives with other pet owners by exchanging posts, pictures and videos through an appealing approach.

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Sidewire — Live News Analysis

Sidewire

DescriptionSidewire cuts through the noise to help you easily find the most important political news and what insiders are saying about it. Instead of relying on social networks and piles of content to understand the day’s political news, quickly read trending news and valuable insights from the community of insiders working in the news cycle.

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Tapete

Tapete

DescriptionTapete’ is the German word for wallpaper. Tapete enables you to create wallpapers according to your wishes – making yourself a graphic artist. In a few steps unique wallpapers will arise out of geometric shapes and colors.

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VideoMeeting+ Better Meetings

VideoMeeting - Better Meetings

Description: Add freedom and flexibility to your video meeting by turning your phone into a second video camera! This free video chat app, designed for Skype and Hangouts, will enable you to display visuals like whiteboards and demonstrations more effectively, and give video conference participants up-close views of documents and other materials.

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DC All Access

DC All Access

DescriptionDC ALL ACCESS is your daily DC. Anytime. Anywhere. Get official news, real time social updates, daily rewards, deals an upcoming exclusive DC emoji keyboard and much more!

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MSQRD

MSQRD

DescriptionMSQRD now in beta. Update with new masks will be soon! Record video selfie animations, change the way you look and send it to friends via your favorite messengers and social networks.

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New OTA update rolling out to Nexus 5X; bug fixes, security patches and more

Yesterday brought forth a bit of a stir when new factory images were posted on the Google Developers site. The reason? These factory images were specific to the Nexus 5X, piquing the interest of many owners who weren’t expecting an update. Google has come forward with official word on the new factory images, letting customers know that they were the precursor to a new OTA update that’s rolling out as of today.

This new update is based on customer feedback and addresses many of the issues that users were encountering. As such it will include “a number of bug fixes that will improve overall stability, connectivity, and performance on the Nexus 5X.” Additionally, the monthly security update for March will be bundled along with this, knocking out the need for two small updates during the month.

Check out the source link for more discussion on the Nexus 5X Reddit page.

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Google introduces Destinations to simplify trip planning

Google is a company that’s constantly working to make things easier, simpler and more intuitive for its customers. Today, Google is taking the wraps off of its latest creation, Destinations on Google. Destinations is a new feature of Google Search that aims to simplify trip planning, allowing you to take advantage of a simple, straightforward planning process right from within Google Search, saving you the hassle of switching between tabs to compare different info.

Destinations is simple enough to utilize: just add the word “destination” to your search for a travel spot. By using that keyword, Google will instantly combine the information gathered from Google Search, Google Flights and Hotel Search to provide you with a comprehensive way to plan your trip.

You can also search for activities at your destination, and Google will provide the best results that tie into when and where you’re looking to go. To aid in the when question, Google is offering a flexible dates filter, which allows you to look at prices and activities over a range of dates, without choosing the exact dates that you’ll be at your destination. You can also tap on the Explore Tab within destinations, which will inform you of the usual weather and the level of business during your selected date range.

Once you’ve decided on a destination, you can tap on Plan a Trip, which will show the highs and lows of trip planning over the next six months. As you slide left and right over the date range, Google will show you an estimated price for your trip and will instantly update the price to match real-time fares and rates, all based off of the data that the company handles through Google Flights and Hotel Search. Users can further customize the results through a number of variables, such as flights with or without stops, hotel class, and more.

To cap it all off, Destinations can help you find the best things to do while you’re on your trip. Simply type in your destination’s name plus the word travel and it’ll bring up the best suggestions based on past itineraries by users. It’ll also take into account the time of year that you’ll be traveling and keep that in mind when providing you with results.

Destinations is a fantastic new tool from Google that’s going to make travel planning far easier for many. For more info and .GIFs of all the features in action, just follow the source link below.

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T-Mobile offering BOGO deal on Galaxy S7, S7 edge

With this year’s crop of flagship Android devices arriving, it’s time for carriers to start rolling out the deals on these new devices. T-Mobile is kicking things off with a superb deal on Samsung’s newest flagships, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. T-Mobile customers who buy one Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge can get another one for free, after a rebate card is applied.

Full retail price for the Galaxy S7 is set at $669.99, which converts to $28/month for 24 months. The Galaxy S7 edge is slightly pricier at $779.99 FRP, which comes to $30/month over 24 months. With this deal, you could purchase two Galaxy S7s and only have to pay $28/month for one of the devices.

This deal can also be combined with other T-Mobile deals. These include switching costs covered, fourth line free data promotions and even a special bundle for the Galaxy S7, which includes a Gear VR, six free games and a free year of Netflix. Most of these deals are limited time and will end fairly soon, but if you act quickly, you could score some great deals.

Follow the source link for more details from T-Mo itself.

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Not all Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge devices will ship with the same camera sensor

It feels like its 2015 again. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge appear to share more in common with last year’s Galaxy S6 than just their looks. Just like last year’s models, Samsung is its own ISOCELL and Sony imagine sensors in its flagship devices without telling its customers which camera sensor they are actually getting. Before things get out of hand, we’d like to remind you that manufacturers swap internal components in their phones on a regular basis. We’ve seen devices which use different cameras, batteries and even displays. This may be common practice, but it usually does not start with the first manufacturing runs of a flagship device.

Since the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are just now making their way into the hands of consumers, we still don’t know if there is a difference in image quality produced by the two different sensors. The Sony sensor used in the Galaxy S6 produced richer color tones than its ISOCELL counterpart, but exposure and sharpness were pretty much indistinguishable.

If you already have a Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you can download AIDA64 app from Google Play to see which camera sensor Samsung decided to use in your phone. With the limited amount of information that we have, it appears that the Sony IMX260 sensor is typically paired with the Snapdragon 820 version of the phone while the ISOCELL S5K2K1 sensor is being used in the Exynos variant. But some Galaxy S7 owners have also reported that those combinations are not always the case.

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