Google offers developers 25% off the Pixel C tablet

To complement the release of the first developer preview for Android N, which happened mere hours ago, Google has revealed a promotional offer for those who'd like to pick up one of its Pixel C tablets.

The search giant says this deal is only meant for developers to take advantage of, but we can't see why you couldn't try to even if you're just a consumer. What you get is 25% off the price of the tablet.

That means the 32GB model will be yours for just $375, which is $125 less than its normal price. On the other hand, the price reduction for the 64GB tablet is even bigger - $150, in fact (you can grab it for $450, compared to the usual asking price of $600). The deal sadly does not apply to the Pixel C's keyboard, which you still have to purchase separately for $150.

If you want in on this, head on over to this page and enter your email address. You should then receive a promo code via email, which you can enter into the Google Store upon checkout, after you've added the desired Pixel C to your cart. The limit is one tablet per person, and the offer is only valid in the US.

Android N Developer Preview is out with multi-window mode built-in

Today Google has released the first Developer Preview of the upcoming Android N release. And yes, this is just called "N" for now, expect the official desert name to be outed alongside its final build many months from now.

It's a surprise, this, because Google has so far introduced developer previews of its new Android versions at the annual I/O conference, which generally takes place in May. This time, however, the search giant is giving developers a taste of a build that's even earlier in the development cycle than usual, which means it should have more time to incorporate feedback into the final thing. It will also let Google "hand off the final N release to device makers this summer, so they can get their hands on the latest version of Android earlier than ever".

What's new

The big new headline feature in Android N, at least so far, is the addition of a multi-window mode. Or call it split-screen multitasking if you want, it's the same thing. This will be incorporated by developers into their apps by using a new manifest attribute. Once engaged, multi-window mode will look like you can see in the screenshots below. Notice that it's not limited to tablets, but will also work on phones, and even TVs - where you'll even get a picture-in-picture mode.

Next up, in Android N you are able to reply to incoming stuff directly from the notification. This uses the same API as Android Wear, so any app that works with Wear will work with it without the need for any code changes at all.

While we're on the subject of notifications, the new release also lets developers group notifications from the same app together. The bundled notification can be expanded into individual ones by tapping a newly-introduced expansion button or by using a two-finger gesture.

Doze Mode was put into Marshmallow in order to enhance standby battery life. But while that only works when your device has been stationary for a while, the new revamped Doze Mode in Android N also sometimes kicks in when the screen is off and the device isn't stationary. Project Svelte has also been worked on some more - it's an effort to reduce the operating system's memory use so it can be more usable on low-end hardware.

And in a bit of news that will surely only concern actual developers, Java 8 language features have now come to Android, and you can use them through the Jack compiler.

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Google has already posted factory images for the Android N Developer Preview on its dedicated website. These are available for the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9,Nexus Player, and Pixel C. The company stresses that this initial release is only intended for developers to fiddle with, and not for daily use or consumers.

It is however making it easier than ever before to test it. Later today a special page will allow you to sign up for the new Android Beta Program. And once you've done that you'll get this Developer Preview build, along with all the others that are coming in the future as over-the-air updates. So you won't have to flash those factory images to take a peek at Android N.

Google says that it will invite consumers in to have a look the new Android version once it gets closer to a final product.

Goldgenie already has a 24-karat gold-plated Samsung Galaxy S7 on offer

Nothing speaks status more than a golden phone right? If you share this opinion then you have surely heard of Goldgenie - the company enjoying the plentiful financial support of millionaire James Caan. Now, as Samsung is preparing for the first wave of mass shipments of its latest flagship duo, Goldgenie has already gotten its hands on the devices and is offering them with a golden exterior.

Currently, there is only one modification of the S7 family on offer, complete with a sparkly golden dust effect on its curved back. The 24-karat gold also extends to the frame and buttons, even the camera and flash frames, leaving only the front it its original black color and Gorilla Glass finish for protection. The design is quite reminiscent of the Galaxy S6 edgeStardust model, also currently on offer at Goldgenie, but we hardly think it's wise to splurge for a full gold treatment and not get the latest tech at hand.
Goldgenie is offering the service with the purchase of a new Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, or your own unit, if you have somehow managed to already get one. The former options come with 64GB of storage and will set you back GBP 2,097.00 for the S7 and GBP 2,297.00 for its edgy sibling.

T-Mobile officially announces its Buy One, Get One free deal for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

The Buy One, Get One free (BOGO) deal that was leaked two days ago has now become official at T-Mobile for both the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the S7 edge. The offer will become available online tomorrow, and will stay so "for a limited time", according to the carrier.

Here's how it works. You grab an S7 or S7 edge with an installment plan, and you get a second one for free after a rebate card. You do have to add a line for the free phone, however. You also receive the Samsung Gear VR headset for free as well as a full year of free Netflix if you purchase before March 18.

The 32GB Galaxy S7 will cost $669.99 upfront, or $0 down followed by 24 monthly installments of $28. It will be out in Black Onyx and Gold Platinum. The 32GB Galaxy S7 edge will be priced at $779.99 upfront, or $59.99 down and then 24 monthly payments of $30. For this model you'll be able to choose between Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, and Gold Platinum.

HTC to make Nexus devices for the next three years

It is no secret that HTC is struggling big time on the Android market. But, while other major players like Samsung and LG are focusing on increasingly more impressive handset offers to wow fans, HTC might have decided to adopt a more business approach in the face of an alleged long-term partnership with Google.

Some yet unconfirmed information was spotted on Chinese social network Weibo, claiming that HTC has struck a partnership with Google to manufacture Nexus devices for the next three years. This comes along with a hint that two new Nexus handsets are already planned for this year, one with a 5-inch display and the other a 5.5-inch one.

If this story holds water then HTC might have just secured its future on the mobile market for quite some time. Nexus fans can also be fairly sure of the well-being of their beloved brand, as HTC does have a history of doing it justice.

The Nexus One was quite impressive when in came out and the same goes for the Nexus 9 tablet, which offered superb performance, an early taste of Android 5.0 and also stunning looks with aluminum edging.

Samsung launches its phone upgrade program in Korea

After launching an upgrade program in the UK a few days ago, Samsung has it to its home turf as well. The deal sound quite attractive to those who always want to have the latest and greatest from the Galaxy lineup.

As per the official announcement, you can purchase a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge in South Korea and sign up for the 24 month plan, at 7,700 won ($6.35) on top of the cost of the unit. This will apparently allow you to get the latest Galaxy device 12 month later, once it becomes available. That amounts to just roughly $76 for an upgrade.

Factor in the hassle-free upgrade experience and you have a no-brainer. However, we are not entirely sure what happens with the payments during the remaining 12 months of the upgrade plan. Our best guess is that you end up paying them as well, which could mean that you can upgrade only once every two years, or have double payments after the first 12 months.

However, even if this is the case, it still sounds like a pretty good deal. Plus, there was also mention of a Galaxy Note in the source, which could possibly mean that Samsung's productivity phablet series is also eligible for the plan, or perhaps even better, it might suggest a cross-matching scenario, in which you can pick between a few eligible models each year.

Samsung announces own dual-pixel 12MP sensor

One of the greatest new bits about the Galaxy S7/S7 edge is their 12MP camera, with 12 million phase detection agents, as Samsung puts it. That's the essence of the dual-pixel term that we've heard every time the latest top-shelf Galaxies have been mentioned.

The sensor used in the smartphones was so far known to be Sony's IMX260, but apparently Samsung has its own imager in production with the same capabilities. Announced today, the Samsung-made sensor sounds very much the same as the Japanese one - 12MP, dual-pixels for PDAF, 1.4 micron pixel size, the lot. Plus the added ISOCELL tech, that is, which stands for isolated individual pixels to help reduce color cross talk.

Now, there's no word in the press release if the sensor is going to be fitted in the S7, but with it already rolling off the production line, that seems to be a likely scenario. Samsung has been known to source sensors from Sony while also using its own in parallel fashion, and the Galaxy S6 was one such example, so it's no precedent. Forum threads praising one and dissing the other are the natural outcome, we'll just need to wait for a critical mass of devices to accumulate.

AT&T offers 'buy one, get one free' deal on Samsung Galaxy S7

US carriers are doubling down on the Samsung Galaxy S7 - literally! AT&T is offering a "buy one, get one free" deal for new and existing users, even business users are welcome.

You can get the Galaxy S7 edge instead, but the second phone will still be an S7. That's if you want it for free, you can instead use the credit to purchase an S7 edge if you splurge some extra.

Note that the first phone can be a new line or an upgrade, but the second must be a new line on AT&T Next 24. In fact, both phones need to be on a Next plan.

You can get unlimited data if you have DirectTV or U-Verse, otherwise you get a 10GB plan (you have the option to keep your old one).

If you already bought an S7 earlier (starting February 26), don't shake your fist at the sky - your account will be credited for the second phone.

At sale you just pay the taxes on both phones, then after three months you will start receiving up to $695 in credit spread over 30 months. It's a complicated deal, so ask around your local AT& shop.

By the way, T-Mobile will allegedly launch a similar "2-for-1" deal.

Nexus 5X update rolling out today, expect performance improvements

Nexus 5X users have been experiencing a some issues and a few of them are getting squashed today. The big ticket item is "general slow/sluggish performance." It's not clear if the camera sluggishness is included in that.

Additional changes include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi improvements (users report choppy playback after long uptime). The issue of the next DND alarm disappearing has been fixed too. Additionally, there are carrier-specific fixes.

The new update (MHC19J for most Nexus 5X devices out there) is rolling out today, so be on the lookout for the notification.

The security updates for March have been included in this release.

Verizon's Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge lack Samsung Pay support

Samsung Pay is gaining support in various markets, and the USA has always been one of the biggest opportunities for that kind of mobile payments. All major carriers officially support Samsung Pay, though Verizon was the last one to offer it.

Samsung Galaxy S6 series was the first one to introduce Samsung Pay, and the service is working well for the Verizon's users. Unfortunately, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge smartphones for Verizon lack this support.

There is no official reason either from Verizon or from Samsung, why the app is missing on the new flagship duo. If you try to install it from the Play Store it still won't work as apparently the S7 lineup for Verizon isn't supported.

Hopefully this gets resolved soon with an update, or at least, Verizon gives a reason for the removal.

Ultra low-end Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini announced

Like many of its major rivals, Samsung is doing its best to capture emerging markets and offer tailored budget-friendly handsets for them. The latest addition to this budget class of devices is the Galaxy J1 Mini. It was announced today for the Philippines and from the looks of things is more or less identical to the Galaxy J1 Nxt, which the Korean giant recently made available for just $88 in Bangladesh

The new name might have actually been necessary to avoid confusion, as the J1 Mini comes with a bump down in RAM from 1GB to just 768MB. We can't really imagine this will net that much of a decrease in cost, but perhaps there are other factors involved that we don't know of.
Other than that, the specs sheets of the two devices is identical. It has a rather modest 4.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Inside is a quad-core CPU, clocked at 1.2GHz, which is used to boot Android 5.1 Lollipop OS. The camera setup is nothing special and includes a 5MP rear CMOS sensor camera and a VGA 0.3MP one on the front. The J1 Mini comes with a 1500 mAh battery, which promises up to 8 hours of 3G talk time, 7 hours of browsing and 29 hours of audio playback.

Sadly, there is no 4G compatibility, but the compact device (121.6 x 63.1 x 10.8 mm) still offers Dual SIM support. Other features include USB 2.0, GPS, Glonass, 3.5mm Stereo Earjack, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth 4.0.

Information on pricing and availability is still unknown.

Samsung phones are harder to repair than ever before, iFixIt tears down the Galaxy S7

Ever since Samsung’s days of removable batteries and hyper-glaze plastic, Samsung’s Galaxy phones have gotten more and more difficult to repair. This time around, the Galaxy S7scored a low 3/10 for user repairability.

Compared to Galaxies past, the Galaxy S6 had a score of 4/10, the S5 scored 5/10, and the hyper-glazed Galaxy S4 scored 8/10 as pretty easily repairable. These phones are becoming more and more complex and harder to repair now.

The good news is components are separated better and not stuck together to the midframe as was the case with the Galaxy S6. The bad news is, well, good luck getting into the device. The only way to gain access to the S7’s internals is by removing the rear glass panel, which is a feat all by itself.

Heat is needed to remove the adhesive that keeps the glass on the back. At this point, you’re five hundred times better off buying an insurance plan for your device in case the screen shatters or the components fail (looking at you, Galaxy S4).

Just make sure you all get cases for your new Galaxy phones!