Blizzard finally launches Hearthstone for Android Phones

While we had to wait a long time to get Hearthstone for Android tablets, Blizzard saw fit to deliver the goods to phones at the same time as our iPhone-toting counterparts. Hearthstone has finally been  adapted for the smaller screen.

It’s the same game you’ve come to love, and you’ll play with the same account, cards and decks no matter which device you use. You’ll also play people who are on other platforms or types of devices. That’s the great benefit of a turn-based game.

The only difference? Everything has been compressed in a way that makes card slinging a breeze. It’ll take a bit of getting used to if you’ve played the PC and tablet versions often, but the experience is familiar and intuitive enough that you’ll pick up on it within a matter of seconds.

Oh, and fair warning to employers: expect your Hearthstone-loving employees’ productivity to hit an all-time low. Grab the download from Google Play right here. Amazon Appstore users will find it right here. PS: If you’re starved for cards, you can get a free pack for simply playing a match on your phone, so be sure to take advantage.

[via Blizzard]

Samsung Gear VR for Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge pre-sales kick off tomorrow, launches May 8th

Owners of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge can grab themselves a Samsung Gear VR very soon. Samsung and Best Buy have announced that pre-sales for the virtual reality headset will commence tomorrow at Best Buy stores, and you can expect it to arrive May 8th.

Those are all the details we have right now so there’s no pricing information to be had. Beyond that, this should be the same Samsung Gear VR that was fit for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 that we’ve come to know and love. It’ll give you a unique look into some VR-ready content such as the collection of goods found inside Samsung’s Milk VR app, as well as the new VR feature on YouTube. There’s also a decent selection of other apps scattered about that might interest you.

We’ll be sure keep our eyes on Best Buy’s website to see if we can’t get more details. In the meantime check out our Samsung Gear VR review to see what you can expect once you have one of your own.

AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini launches March 20th for $99 on-contract

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini might not be able to match the internal prowess of the bigger original it’s based on, but for on contract (.30 per month on Next 24, .88 per month on Next 18 or .48 per month on Next 12) it might become a very decent option among AT&T’s lineup. The device launches March 20th, the carrier has announced.

Here’s what you’re getting for that bit of coin:

• Display: 4.5-inch 720p


• Rear Camera: 8MP


• Front Camera: 2MP


• Voice Calling: HD Voice capable


• Dimensions: 5.16 x 2.55 x 0.36-inches


• Weight: 4.23 ounces


• Operating System: Android 4.4.4 KitKat


• Processor: 1.4GHz Quad-core


• Memory: 16GB internal storage, supporting up to 128GB with external microSD card


• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of talk time and up to 10 days standby time

Not as great of a value as something like the 2nd gen Moto E due soon, but the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini has more than enough to hold its own if you absolutely must have a Samsung device. The device will be available both in-store and online, so stop into an AT&T store to check it out before buying if you’re curious about its look and feel before committing to it.

[via AT&T]

Google launches an Android for Work app for Android 4.0 – 4.4 users

Google’s Android for Work initiative gives businesses a mobile platform flexible and suitable enough for the secure workplace, but those lucky enough to get in on the fun in the early days have been forced to use Android 5.0 Lollipop to take advantage. That is no longer the case.

Google has released an Android for Work app in the Google Play Store specifically for those with phones between Android 4.0 and Android 4.4. Pre-4.0 users need not apply, though if you have a phone with legacy software you might be well overdue for an upgrade.

Android for Work isolates and encrypts your work-related data and keeps it separate from your personal stuff, giving your network administrators peace of mind whenever you need to conduct business on the go. It’s a big step for the Android platform and one that had to be made if Google wanted its usage in the business sector to grow.

Unfortunately the program is only available for select businesses who have signed up for Android for Work right now. If your company doesn’t yet know about it you should urge your IT department to contact Google and see if you can’t get setup. For those who do have it but aren’t fortunate enough to have a Lollipop device you can get your app right here.

Verizon makes it official: Nexus 6 launches online March 12th, in-store March 19th

It took Verizon an obnoxious amount of time to join the Nexus 6 party, but the nation’s largest carrier has finally set an official date. It’s March 12th — a date we’ve given you before thanks to trusty insiders — and it’ll largely be the same Nexus 6 available everywhere else (with exception to that sore thumb of a logo, of course). Note that it will only be available through Verizon’s online store tomorrow. Those hoping to run into a store to grab one will have to wait until March 19th.

This is Verizon’s first officially supported Nexus phone since the Galaxy Nexus debacle of 2011. That particular handset was marred by a couple of big shortcomings: bad battery life (likely due to the infancy of LTE) and Verizon’s lengthy upgrade schedule. We’re hoping things have changed all these years later and that they’ll be able to deliver the same quality Nexus experience that everyone else currently is.

Verizon’s Nexus 6 will cost you 9.99 with a new two-year activation or .08 per month for 24 months with Verizon Edge. It’ll come with support for Advanced Calling 1.0 out of the box thanks to it shipping with Android 5.1 Lollipop — perhaps the update’s arrival was Verizon’s sole reason for delaying their launch.

Oh, and if you buy one before the month is over you’ll even get 6 free months of Google Play Music service. Not bad at all. Take the plunge online starting tomorrow.

[via Verizon]

Andy Rubin launches Playground Global, joins up with Redpoint as a venture partner

Google’s Andy Rubin — the Godfather of Android — made headlines nearly 2 years ago when he stepped down as head of Android to build, what else, but actual androids inside Google’s top secret X Labs. It wasn’t until nearly a full year later we learned he was leaving Google altogether, looking to spread his wings and create an “incubator” for hardware-based startups.

Today, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that, after raising million from investors that include Google, Hewlett-Packard Co., and others, Mr. Rubin has officially launched Playground Global LLC. As previously reported, his new company will provide support for tech startups and entrepreneurs, handling the business aspects (distribution, manufacturing, financing, etc.), so inventors can focus on building their new gadgets while Rubin and Playground Global handle the rest. Mr. Rubin describes Playground Global as a “studio,” saying in an interview:

“Our aim is to free the creators to create by bringing these partners to the table we can remove many of the roadblocks of bringing a great idea to market.”

But that’s not all, Rubin is also joining up with investment firm Redpoint, as a venture partner evaluating and backing companies with great ideas. Sounds like he’s got his bases covered. There’s a lengthy press release over on Redpoint’s site for those who are interested. It’s a great read and highlights Rubin’s history and achievements.

 

HTC officially launches the One E9+ with 5.5-inch Quad HD display and 20 megapixel camera

Oddly enough, HTC has introduced a new phone that’s supposed to be an upgraded version of another phone that doesn’t yet officially exist. It’s the HTC One E9++, a 5.5-inch device with 2560 x 1440 resolution. It also sports a 20 megapixel camera on the rear, an UltraPixel camera on the front, 3GB of RAM and MediaTek’s 64-bit 8-core MT6795M chipset.

Compare that to the regular version of this phone — the HTC One E9 — which we’re expecting to launch with just a 13 megapixel camera, 1080p resolution and 2GB of RAM. We’d assumed HTC would look to wait until their April 8th event in Beijing to reveal this device up alongside the HTC One M9+, but it appears HTC wants to give the M9+ a stage of its own.

The E9+ isn’t likely to travel far outside of China from the starting gate, though there’s a possibility we’ll see it or its lower grade sibling made available for other markets. As it stands HTC hasn’t yet mentioned anything in terms of availability so it’d be wise to wait for official word. In the meantime let us know if you wouldn’t mind this low-cost option up against something like the HTC One M9 for your 2015 smartphone.

[via HTC]

The LG G Flex 2 launches on US Cellular March 26th

US Cellular has announced that they will be offering the LG G Flex 2 starting March 26th. The phone will cost 0, though you can get it for down and .50 per month for 20 months. US Cellular opted to provide the Platinum Silver color option only, so you won’t have much of a decision to make once you head to your nearest store.

The LG G Flex 2 is a very decent phone by 2015’s standards. Here’s what LG put on paper for us when we visited them for a look at the device at CES earlier this year:

• 5.5″ Curved Full HD P-OLED Display


• 13 MP OIS+ Laser Auto Focus Rear Camera and 4K Ultra HD Camcorder


• 2.1MP Front Camera with Gesture Shutter and Gesture View


• 3,000 mAh Battery with Fast Charge, allowing for a 50 percent charge in less than 40 minutes


• Operating System: Android 5.0


• Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 Processor


• Storage: 32 GB ROM (21GB of usable memory) with a microSD slot


• Dimensions: 5.87 x 2.96 x 0.35 inch

Doesn’t sound like a bad alternative to the LG G4 if you’re getting tired of waiting. Don’t forget that this thing also has an improved self-healing back so scratches evaporate just as soon as they appear. Will you be getting one?

Samsung Flow beta launches in the US, but only for 7 of their Galaxy phones and tablets

Remember Samsung Flow? It was their response to Apple’s Continuity, a feature that allows you to take what you’re doing on one Samsung device and pick up where you left off on another. Whether you’re working on a document in an office app or in a video call with friends and family, you can seamlessly move what you’re doing from one device to another with little interruption.

The good news today is that Samsung Flow is now in open beta, though there are a couple of catches. For starters, the service is only available to folks in the US at the moment. Samsung also only opened up initial support for just 7 of their devices:

• Galaxy S5, S6, and S6 Edge


• Galaxy Alpha


• Note 4 and Note Edge


• Galaxy Tab S (we’re assuming it’ll work for all sizes)

It’s that reason that the app is getting a large quantity of one-star reviews over at Google Play. It’s important to remember that this is only a beta, and as such Samsung expects to be able to add more of their devices over time (including support for Flow on Samsung’s Smart TVs, Gear smart watches and computers).

Beyond that, Flow should seemingly provide a pretty robust experience to start. Samsung built the service based on Android’s pre-existing intent-based share API, so many apps in Google Play already support the use of Flow at a basic level. More advanced functionality can be added by developers if they so choose, and Samsung’s development page has all the details on how to do that.

If you have more than one of the supported devices be sure to give it a try. Otherwise you’ll have to wait for Samsung’s beta program to expand before you’ll be able to take advantage.

Samsung officially launches Blue Topaz Galaxy S6 and Green Emerald Galaxy S6 Edge

Samsung has announced that the Blue Topaz and Green Emerald options for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are now officially available. There’s a catch here, though — the Blue Topaz option is exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy S6, while the Green Emerald is an S6 Edge-specific color.

With this, Samsung has jumped on the train of explaining what each color option says about the individuals who choose them. People who opt for Samsung’s Blue Topaz Galaxy S6 are likely to be more self-confident, fastidious, discriminating, sensitive, exacting, and intuitive,” said a British psychologist. The Green Emerald Galaxy S6 Edge users “tend to be balanced, loyal, hard-working, honest, benevolent and concerned for others.”

Whether you believe any of that or your color choice simply comes down to taste is up to you to decide. Aside from all that, they’re the same devices you’ve been able to buy since they were available April 10th (read our Samsung Galaxy S6 review if you’re curious), only now in new colors. Exact availability will differ by region and carrier so be sure to stay tuned to your preferred carrier’s announcements for details on their arrival if you want one of these.

[via Samsung]

Xiaomi Mi Note Pro launches May 12th with 4GB of RAM, 5.7-inch Quad HD display and Snapdragon 810

Xiaomi today officially unveiled that their Mi Note Pro, a 5.7-inch Quad HD device with a line of specs that will make any participant of the mobile arms race sweat, will launch May 12th. Here’s the spec sheet being touted in case you needed a refrsher of what’s inside:

• 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor


• 4GB LPDDR4 RAM


• 64GB eMMC 5.0 flash storage


• 5.7″ 2K (2560 x 1440) display from Sharp/JDI (515 PPI)


• Sunlight Display technology for unparalleled outdoor visibility


• 13MP camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)


• 4G Dual SIM


• Supports LTE CAT 9 for up to 450Mbps download speeds


• Hardware-optimized Hi-Fi audio for incredible sound quality


• High-capacity 3090mAh battery, supports Quick Charge 2.0 (charges up to 70% in 1 hour)


• Incredible craftsmanship with an aluminum frame and curved 2.5D and 3D glass on the front and back

All of that is coming in at an incredible price point of RMB2999 (about US3).

That’s a lot of bang for that amount of buck so it certainly has our attention. Unfortunately it does appear you’ll have to import this thing as Xiaomi has only announced plans to make the Mi Note Pro available online in their home base of China starting May 12th.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel launches for NVIDIA SHIELD devices July 1st

With today’s announcement of the NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV release date comes word that one of the biggest games shipping with the device will soon be available. NVIDIA has confirmed that Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel will be available starting July 1st for SHIELD Android TV users.

Those who opt to buy the SHIELD Android TV Pro (the 500GB version that will cost 0) will get the game for free as part of their purchase, while we imagine others will have to pay some yet-to-be-announced nominal fee.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is a first-person cooperative shooter that follows the story of Handsome Jack, the annoying protagonist that made your life a living hell in Borderlands 2. He leads a group of four baddies from previous games to take control of the Helios space station.

Fans of past Borderlands will find a familiar game here, including raunchy humor, a deep loot system and RPG elements for each character. No word on whether this launch will spread to other Android users just yet, but we’ll do our darndest to find out.

[via NVIDIA]

Another high-end HTC One device launches, and we’re still wondering why it isn’t the HTC One M9

Seriously, HTC, this is just getting ridiculous. The Taiwanese company has revealed another new smartphone as part of 2015’s One lineup. It’s the HTC One ME, and just like the HTC One E9++ and HTC One M9+, it outclasses HTC’s supposed “flagship” HTC One M9 in every way.

It does so with a 5.2-inch 2560 x 1440 display, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a front-facing UltraPixel camera, a fingerprint scanner and 2,840mAh battery. The only thing you could knock it for is using MediaTek’s octa-core Helio X10 chipset over something from the Snapdragon family, but MediaTek chipsets aren’t even bad these days.

Like many of the other variants, this one is only slated for a launch in China right now, which is fascinating considering that market now has access to 3 of HTC’s 2015 devices while most others only have the HTC One M9.

[via HTC China]

ZTE doesn’t want you to know they made the upcoming Axon Phone with 4GB RAM, launches July in the US

While it’s not uncommon for Chinese smartphone maker ZTE to launch an Android device here in the US, high-end handsets are another story entirely. The company, who has reportedly been sending invites out for a mysterious July 14th event in New York, is planning to launch a new smartphone, something they’re calling the Axon Phone. They even launched a new website for the device. Oddly enough, you wont find any mention of ZTE on the site, but the folks at PCMag did some digging and found out that the domain was registered by ZTE back in 2012.

In either case, the ZTE Axon Phone is an interesting handset, probably the most compelling smartphone we’ve seen from the manufacturer. Launching in a variety of colors — Phthalo Blue (don’t even try saying that out loud), Ion Gold, or Chromium Silver — it features a rather unique speaker grill design on the front. According to the branding on the back, it seems this Axon Phone was designed right here in the good ‘ol US of A.

You’ll also notice a dual-camera setup on the back, which — like we saw on the HTC One M8 — is supposed to help boost auto-focus speeds and allow users to refocus pictures after they’ve been shot. There’s also mention of both high fidelity audio recording and playback, presumably from those fancy stereo front facing speakers. Another interesting aspect is the phone is the custom UI, which — unlike ZTE’s usual efforts — actually doesn’t make us want to throw up in our own mouths. We posted a few screenshots for you to take a look at below.

Other hardware details are scarce, but the site does mention 4GB of RAM, an unspecified “lightning fast” processor, and large battery. You can visit the site right now if you want to be notified when Axon Phone officially becomes available where they’re even throwing a contest that will get you a free device along with the prospect of a ,000 grand prize. Source link provided below.

[AxonPhone]