Sprint sends out Marshmallow to Galaxy Note5 and S6 edge+ too

It turns out that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 isn't the only smartphone sold by Sprint to bereceiving its dose of Marshmallow today. In fact, the carrier has also started over-the-air rollouts for Android 6.0 for the newer Galaxy Note5 and Galaxy S6 edge+.

Since these are staggered rollouts, not every Note5 and S6 edge+ sold by Sprint will get that coveted update notification today. The carrier says that the rollout will be complete by April 8.

For the Galaxy Note5, the new build, the one which is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, is N920PVPU2BPC3. On the other hand, the Galaxy S6 edge+ will be on G928PVPU2BPC3 after you install the update.

In both cases you'll get everything that Google has built into the Marshmallow release, including Doze Mode for battery saving, the new permissions system, and much more. Sprint also mentions that some unnamed "security updates" are in too, which can only be good news.

Google is apparently developing a competitor for Amazon's Echo

According to a new report, Google has noticed how unexpectedly successful Amazon's Echo speaker has been ever since its launch in 2014. What's more, the search giant apparently wants in on the nascent market of speakers with built-in virtual assistants. Hence, it's said to be developing one such product of its own.

Unfortunately other details haven't been uncovered about this device yet. It is clear, however, that Google wants to compete with the Echo (pictured below). So it's safe to assume that its gadget will also have built-in listening and talking abilities, though obviously using Google's technology.

Many have described Google's OnHub routers as the perfect vessels for the presence of such a virtual assistant in your living room, but it looks like the company didn't agree. So it's working on something new, which may in fact be unveiled not long from now, as the annual I/O developer conference happens in May. And that's generally where Google likes to announce new products.

The Echo competitor is not being created with the help of the Nest team, that much is for sure, the report goes on to claim. This despite the fact that the Nest team requested to be part of the project. That idea was rejected by the Google people leading the effort, probably because Nest is already very late in delivering some of its own in-development products to market.

Hulu app for the Samsung Gear VR finally becomes available

It was in October of last year when Hulu promised to release an app for Samsung's Gear VR headset. The app was supposedly coming that November, but it didn't. In fact, it's only become available today, believe it or not.

Still - better late than never, right? The Hulu app is now up for grabs in the Gear VR store. It lets you "watch the entire Hulu 2D library in immersive 360-degree environments", but also has 360-degree video content thankfully.

At the moment you'll be looking at 25 "pieces of exclusive and premium content" in glorious 360-degree view. Among the companies that have produced them are Baobab Studios, Discovery Communications, Las Vegas, The National Geographic Channel, RYOT, Showtime Networks, SilVR Thread, Spoke, Studio Transcendent, The Uprising Creative, and Viacom. The VR content is available for free even for those who don't have a Hulu subscription.

The app also sports Hulu's first original VR short, called The Big One. It's about a meteor shower that turns into "an apocalyptic nightmare".

As for the 2D library, you can watch that while being in an immersive viewing environment - sitting in a comfortable living room, watching a movie in a big screen theatre, or kicking back on a scenic beach are all actual options for this.

Verizon starts pre-orders for LG G5 and Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE, launches LG K4

Verizon and LG are having quite a big day today, it turns out. No less than three new LG devices are now listed on the carrier's website, two of which are up for pre-order while the third is actually available already.

Let's start with the G5, LG's newest flagship smartphone. It can be yours for either $624 upfront, or $0 down followed by 24 monthly payments of $26. It will be released on April 1. If you pre-order one, you get a free LG 360 Cam, as well as a free second battery for the G5 and a battery charging cradle.

The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE was launched last year then sales were abruptly stopped when the Korean company discovered a faulty component. The smartwatch is back, though, with AT&T starting pre-orders for it a few days ago. And now Verizon is following in the footsteps of its biggest competitor, by offering the Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE for pre-order too.

It's priced at $449.99 with a two-year contract, or $499.99 without a service agreement. It too shall ship by April 1, like the G5. And if you buy a G5 or a V10 on device payment, the smartwatch becomes $100 cheaper for a limited time.

Finally, Verizon is launching the LG K4 smartphone today. It's already available to purchase from Big Red's website. It goes for $120 all-in, or you can pay $0 down and then 24 monthly installments of $5 if you so choose.

Sprint releases Marshmallow update for the Galaxy Note 4

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 owners on the Sprint network can now download the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update. The software version is N910PVPU4DPC1 and the update weighs in at 1.4GB.

The update comes three months after the update was initially released for the international version of the phone.

In terms of features, the update brings along some interesting ones. Chief among them is the Screen off memo function that allows you to start taking notes using the S Pen as soon as it's taken out from its slot.

In addition, the update also includes a new Air Command menu that debuted on the Note 5 and S6 edge+. Other changes include new icons, faster UI, and smoother animations.

Vertu Signature Touch available in Sky Blue leather

I wish I had Vertu money, but I'll have to settle for just writing about them. The luxury phone maker announced two new editions of its Signature Touch and Aster Android-powered phones.

The Vertu Signature Touch comes in a Sky Blue quilted leather option, calf leather sourced from one of the oldest tanneries in the Alps. It has a Grade 5 Titanium body with polished Red Gold detailing and a Black Ceramic pillow.

The relatively more affordable Vertu Aster is back in Orchid Pink calf leather and Caramel Calf leather, due to popular demand. It has quilted leather options too (but in other colors).

Vertu Aster: Caramel calf leather • Orchid calf leather

And since each Vertu is hand-crafted, there's a lot you can customize. The Made To Order program lets you pick the colors, leathers and designs for your phone and engrave your initials. A single craftsman from England will build your phone.

AdDuplex numbers show about half of current Windows smartphones are capable of running Windows 10

There is no denying that Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious, far-reaching roll-out mission with Windows 10 Mobile. Besides the ever-growing list of devices running the OS out-of-the-box, like the Lumia 950, 650 and 550, the US giant has also started releasing updates to an ever-growing range of older devices.

However, despite the growing number of devices, AdDuplex now says only 50.4% of all current Windows devices are capable of running Windows 10.

This means that developers willing to invest effort into Universal Apps can currently expect 50% market penetration on mobile, at best. This, however, in no way negates the allure of all the other Microsoft devices that run the the cross-platform applications. As for the remaining 49.6% of Windows phones, they are left with Windows Phone 8.1 or lower, at least considering Microsoft's current update requirements and plans.

Speaking of which, the whole 8GB storage, 1.5GB free, 1GB RAM and minimum 8.10.14219.341 build criteria are almost as vague and confusing as the various update compatibility lists that have been popping up from Microsoft as well as certain carriers. If you are wondering if your device can enjoy Windows 10, we suggest downloading the convenient Update Advisor app that does all the cross-referencing for you.

AdDuplex's new market report also provides some additional insight. For instance, Windows version distribution has changed a bit lately and Windows 10 has gained 2.4 percent points, making it the second most popular Windows on smartphones after Windows Phone 8.1, which still has a whopping lead of 81.1%. As for Windows device manufacturers, Microsoft/Nokia has actually increased its share by 0.34 percent points and now has a total of 97.21%. Most other manufacturers are loosing their shares quickly, but this might very well change if vendors continue to make progress on MediaTek support in Windows 10 for even cheaper devices.

As for the most popular devices in use, AdDuplex has registered a big rise in interest towards the Lumia 640, which is now more popular than the Lumia 635. The Lumia 520, on the other hand, is quickly loosing popularity and is now down by 0.5pp.

iPhone SE and iPad Pro 9.7 now open for pre-order, in stores on March 31

As promised on announcement day, Apple is now accepting pre-orders for the brand new 4-inch iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Pre-ordered devices will be delivered on March 31, when you will also be able to find them in physical stores.

The iPhone SE marks Apple's return to 4-inch displays, which some users still insist is the best size for a smartphone. The SE is also the cheapest iPhone ever, with a base price of $399/€489/£359 for the 16GB version, and $100/€100/£80 more for 64GB of storage.

The iPad Pro 9.7, which replaces the iPad Air 2, starts at $599/€689/£499 for the Wi-Fi only 32GB variant, and cellular connectivity will set you back an additional $130/€150/£100. 128GB and 256GB storage options are available too, and the top-end 256GB cellular model goes up to $1029/€1199/£839. You can also order a Smart Keyboard for $149/€169/£129, and in the States it'll even arrive before the actual tablet - 1 to 3 business days.

Gear S2 gets iOS support with latest update, band adapter in the works?

Back at CES Samsung announced that iOS support for its Gear S2 smartwatch is in the making and it was supposedly coming by mid-January. That obviously didn't happen, and most recently the deadline was stretched to the end of March. This one is to be met, it seems.

Verizon has announced an update for the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch, and software version R730VVRU1BPC1 brings compatibility with iOS 8.4 and higher, as well as Marshmallow, on top of the usual bug fixes.

Meanwhile, Samsung might be working on an adapter to make the Gear S2 compatible with standard watchbands. So far only the Classic version lets you install aftermarket bands and bracelets, while the sportier non-Classic comes with a proprietary joint design, making third-party bands unusable. Well, if the pictured adapter is indeed in the making and not just a one-off piece, part of an elaborate hoax, you'd be able to use your choice of bands on the Gear S2 as well.

Alleged Samsung Gear S2 band adapter

The question remains open why Samsung would make an adapter after coming up with the existing design in the first place. Who knows though, it may be episode 2 of the company's newfound philosophy for listening to the consumers, which brought back the microSD slot and environmental sealing on the Galaxy S7.

Pebble is laying off 40 employees and refocusing its efforts towards heath and fitness

It appears Pebble hasn't been doing all that great lately, as evident by the company's latest batch of lay-offs. CEO Eric Migicovsky announced that he is letting go a total of 40 employees, which might not sound like much, but actually constitutes 25% of the Pebble workforce.

The fact is that despite its popularity, Pebble is still little more than a start-up company and still relatively small. Eric Migicovsky admits that this development is very much necessitated by financial hurdles, which is surprising, considering the popularity of Pebble products. Sadly, there is a lot more to running and sustaining a successful business. Migicovsky also adds that he was able to raise some money from investors recently, but apparently not enough to prevent the drastic measure.

While slightly surprising, this development is quite natural. As in every emerging market niche, which pretty much categorized the smartwatch industry in 2012 when Pebble got its first break things evolve quickly. What this means is the relatively tiny Pebble now has to compete with giants such as Apple, LG and Microsoft for a market that doesn't seem to be expanding as rapidly as participants hoped. And it is no wonder the little guy is taking a few punches.

However, Pebble isn't giving up quite yet. Eric Migicovsky has announced that the company will refocus its efforts towards health and fitness, which aren't really a major accent in the current device lineup. Hopefully, Pebble will have more success in the new niche, as it does have a rather unique approach to the wearable concept that would be a shame to go to waste.

Goldgenie can sell you an iPhone SE encased in 200g of solid 18K gold

King Tut was born before the camera was invented, so his selfie had to come in the form of a 10kg gold mask. You, a child of the digital age, can instead get a gold iPhone SE from Goldgenie and snap gilded selfies with that.

They come in 24K Gold, Rose Gold and Platinum versions and start off with the relatively reasonable Edition - £1,582 (excluding VAT) - goes through several Swarovski-studded options and proceeds to the outrageous Solid Gold Superstar.

Most such gold gadgets are gold-plated - meaning you get very little actual gold (this is the case with the Edition). The Superstar is a different story, though, it has a whopping 200g of solid 18K gold.

Let me repeat that - 200g of 18K gold. That would be £38,000 (excl. VAT) or you can get the Superstar Ice version with 365 diamonds (5.5 carats total) for £54,400. At least Goldgenie can repurpose the gold for the next model that comes out, so you can enjoy a current phone without plopping down another £38,000 (again, without VAT. I would calculate the "with VAT" price, but my wallet will have a nervous breakdown).

Regardless of which version you pick you will receive it in a fancy Cherry Oak finished box and Total Armour Protection.

PS. If you want a golden iPad Pro, Truly Exquisite has you covered.

Get a free Moto E with Moto X Pure Edition purchase

Motorola is holding a pretty sweet promotion and gives you away a free Moto E with every Moto X Pure Edition purchase. The promotion is only valid in the US for today and ends at 10.59 AM Central Time.

Moto E currently retails for around €110 and has so far managed to stay pretty up-to-date with the recent Android releases.

The vanilla Moto X Pure Edition costs $399.99 without any modifications from the Moto Maker. Yes, it sounds like a solid deal to us, too.