The Android Crew Premiere–Metal Bodies and Virtual Magnets - a podcast by CBT

from 2015-03-20T20:57:59

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For our first show, the Android Crew, Greg Lopez, Tomi Geczy, Brandon Cross and Cory Martin all meet to hash out the latest Android happenings, starting with new hardware announced at Mobile World Congress.

The crew starts out with the Samsung Galaxy S6 by discussing the pros and cons of the drastic new design.Here are a few links to some of the items which they discussed:
Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge reportedly facing touchscreen issues - SamMobile https://is.gd/Y7hOc1Here is a link to the new accessibility features for the galaxy S6 https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/eyes-free/bpaJIotS1kE
Here is a PDF for the Samsung S6 manual that talks about the accessibility features https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201503/20150303094626458/SM-G920F_UM_EU_Lollipop_Eng_Rev.1.0_150302.pdfThe new Loop Pay on the S6 looks possibly better than other NFC-based payment options, offering backward compatibility with existing point-of-sale hardware. Loop Pay on S6: https://www.nfcworld.com/2015/03/01/334371/samsung-unveils-galaxy-s6-with-nfc-and-looppay-mobile-payments/

S6/S6 Edge available via US and Canadian carriers on 4/10/2015, prices still unknownhttps://mobilesyrup.com/2015/03/10/samsung-galaxy-s6-gold-canada/

Wireless charging and Fast Charge 2.0 technologies are contrasted, speed versus convenience?It is suggested that wireless charging might be detrimental to battery-life. One of the sources of this information came from the Wikipedia article provided here. Wireless charging may generate additional heat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_charging

Finally, it was unanimously decided that the Samsung Galaxy S6 would make an excellent choice for those considering switching to Android from other platforms.The S6 wasn't the only cool phone announced, with HTC and their M9 now boasting a 20 Megapixel camera and 2800 MA battery which might be important for another soon to be announced app: https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-m9-what-we-want-to-see-1266545

At finally long last, Blind Bargains brings us an interview from CSUN where it is suggested that the KNFB Reader app might soon be coming to Android: https://www.blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=12451Those monster megapixel cameras on these Android phones might soon be a very important tool for us who are blind or visually impaired.

For those of us who might need to conserve the cash, the new Motorola E now has LTE, 4.5 inch screen, 5 MP camera, yet has no flash according to All about AndroidIt is suggested that the phone may have a price-point of $150.00 US.

If you're in to unusual, you might enjoy the Alcatel One-Touch Idol-3
Handset with earpiece on front at top and bottom. Check out this article, Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 can take phone calls even when upside down https://www.engadget.com/2015/03/01/alcatel-onetouch-idol-3/Finally, if you're a fan of the stock droid experience, All Huawei phones released are running stock android: https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/3/8140837/huawei-watch-design-interview-mwc-2015

What will be laid to rest is the Google Nexus 5 according to this article, Nexus 5 no longer for sale https://www.cnet.com/news/google-puts-the-kibosh-on-nexus-5-sales/Of course, the Apple Watch may have some competition as the Samsung Gear series of watches appear to come with similar accessibility features including a built-in screen-reader, negative colors and a privacy screen option among many others, check out the links to some details on the Samsung Gear accessibility features:
Samsung Gear S Specs: https://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/gears/gears_specs.htmlSamsung Gear S Accessibility User Guide: https://eguides.sprint.com/support/eguides/samsunggears/index.html#samsung_gear_s_ug/accessibility_settings.html

Of course, if you're in to the immersive experience, the HTC Vibe definitely has you covered with a whole series...

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