Deal: The first Transformers movie is free to watch on Google Play right now

If you need something to watch this weekend and have yet to see the Transformers series launched in recent years, Google is giving you a good reason to start. The company is offering Transformers for free in their latest promo. To be specific this is the 2007 film that kicked off the live action rendition of one of history’s greatest and most popular intellectual properties.

In case you don’t know what Transformers is about, two alien races of robots — the autobots (good guys) and decepticons (bad guys) — are fighting each other for ultimate dominance. The fight is brought to earth, and the autobots soon find out that they’ll need to call on the courage of the human race to help fend off their foes.

If not for nostalgia, then you owe it to yourself to watch it for the cool factor alone. Oh, and this is a Michael Bay affair, so get ready for explosions. Lots and lots of explosions. Grab it from Google Play right here.

UK folks can check out the Samsung Galaxy S6 right now by heading to a Samsung Experience Shop

The Samsung Galaxy S6 isn’t due until around this time next month, but if you live in the UK and want to check it out in person you’ll be glad to know you have that opportunity right now. As reported by a SamMobile editor, all Samsung Experience Shops in the UK have demos of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge to check out right now.

You may have already seen it in our hands-on, but there’s nothing quite like getting up close and personal (especially with this device’s best-in-class display and the interesting curves and contours of the S6 Edge). Be sure to head to your local SES at your earliest convenience, but don’t blame us if you end up leaving the shop with S6 fever and start getting the shakes as we await its grand arrival.

You can buy Pioneer’s Android Auto units right now

Yep, Pioneer’s the first to bat with Android Auto products officially available. The line of in-dash units revealed at this past CES is available for boatloads of cash, depending on what you need out of your vehicle’s in-dash system.

There’s just one problem: Android Auto isn’t actually out yet. It’s a fine audio unit on its own, mind you, and for those with Apple CarPlay that functionality is readily available. But those hoping to be able to add Android Auto functionality to their car without having to buy a brand new vehicle will have to wait for an update (though Google tells us that will happen quite soon).

These things don’t come cheap:

• AVH-4100NEX: 9.99


• AVH-7100NEX: ,199.99


• AVH-8100NEX: ,399.99

The main differences between them seem to be in areas of navigation. The cheapest option doesn’t support standalone GPS navigation, while the latter two do. The most expensive option offers a more robust suite of navigation features over its cheaper counterpart.

All units seem to enjoy the same audio, connectivity and media support (DVD and CD), though, so if navigation isn’t your thing then you’re better off going with the cheaper of the three. They’ll slot into any standard 4-inch Double-DIN dash bay so make sure your car has enough room for it and order one in anticipation of Android Auto’s arrival at some point down the line.

5 Android Wear watches you can buy right now for a fraction of the cost of the $10k Apple Watch

The Apple Watch’s availability was just announced with a price range starting at 9 for an aluminum and rubber Sport version all the way to the scale-tipping k+ for the high fashion Edition variant. You can get yours starting April 24th, or you can grab any number of Android Wear watches available right now for a fraction of Apple’s inflated price. Here are some of our favorites:

Motorola Moto 360 – 0

Among the first Android Wear devices announced and generally revered as the best on the market. Check out our full review.

LG G Watch R – 9

Another top choice, the successor the the LG G Watch (and possibly outclassed by the upcoming G Watch Urbane). We reviewed this one, too.

ASUS ZenWatch – 9

Inexpensive with tons of style. Who needs an Apple Watch? Yup, we have a review for the ZenWatch, as well.

Sony SmartWatch 3 – 9-299

We have to say the Steel update to Sony’s otherwise customizable SmartWatch 3 looks just as good as the 9 Apple Watch Collection variant, similarly made of stainless steel, but won’t cost nearly as much.

Samsung Gear Live – 9

Samsung hasn’t given as much love to Android Wear among their lineup of smartwatches, but the Gear Live works on a budget.

There’s a giant Android robot urinating on an Apple logo in Google Maps RIGHT NOW

Quick, before Google notices: go to this Google Maps destination (make sure you’re in Map view, not Satellite view) and tell me what you see. No, it’s not the oddest-shaped golf course you’ve ever seen — it’s a picture of an Android robot urinating on an Apple logo. You know, the one we’ve seen depicted time and time again since Android’s existence.

We’re not sure who. We’re not sure why. We’re not sure how. And we’re not sure when Google will finally notice this and take it down. But it’s something you owe it to yourself to see even if you have nothing against Apple and don’t care for the everlasting feud between the two sides.

PS: Can’t click links? You can also type the coordinates in manually. Simply enter 33°30’52.5″N 73°03’33.2″E into the search box.

[Update]: Well, we can probably explain the “how” by now. It appears this may be the work of someone using Google Map Maker, a custom map-enhancing tool that allows users to submit changes, updates and enhacnements to maps of their local area for use on the public version of Google Maps.

It’s likely that someone submitted these custom maps, and a moderator simply approved them without checking to see what, exactly, the map changes consist of. Here’s a passive plea by someone who used to same method to bring about a better review policy for custom maps:

So there you have it. Might want to get that taken care of, Google. [via]

[via Engadget]

LG G Watch R doesn’t support WiFi right now, but it will later this year

If you have an Android Wear device, chances are you’re pretty hyped about the latest software update. Aside from improving upon the UX, Android Wear 5.1.1 — which still hasn’t hit the Moto 360 — was able to unlock dormant WiFi radios located on most of devices. Of course, we know the LG G Watch definitely wasn’t on that list, but for the LG G Watch R, things were a little wishy-washy.

Whereas the original G Watch didn’t have the necessary hardware, the LG G Watch R (it’s round sibling) actually does, it’s just that for whatever reason wouldn’t be enabled in 5.1.1. Fast forward to today where an LG spokesperson is now saying a future maintenance release will, in fact, activate the LG G Watch R’s hidden WiFi functionality. According to the statement provided to AndroidWorld, LG plans to push out this update sometime in the 3rd quarter.

“LG Watch Urbane is the only wearable device Currently shipping with the latest version of Android Wear OS and is Wi-Fi capable out of the box. The original LG G Watch was not designed with Wi-Fi in mind and will not have this capability even after the Android Wear update. LG G Watch R will require a maintenance release after the patch update to Android Wear-access Wi-Fi networks. LG engineers are preparing the patch now for availability in the third quarter.”

So, if the lack of WiFi was a make-or-break for you, don’t worry. In a few months time, you can expect the LG G Watch R to connect to WiFi networks the same as most other Android Wear smartwatches. Anyone who already purchased the watch, feeling better now?

Download the Google IO 2015 app for Android right now

Headed to Google I/O later this year? Google is preparing to update the Google I/O app in the Google Play Store for the 2015 version of the developer conference, and APK Mirror has the download to prove it.

The app is decked out in full Material Design, as you’d expect, and it gives you an access to the full Google I/O schedule, a map of the conference hall, videos and more. There are robust filter options for finding the exact sessions and events that you’re interested in, and you can even have it sync the sessions you plan to attend with Google Calendar.

Other than that it’s your typical Google I/O app, and we’re sure Google will have it in the Play Store before too long. If you can’t wait then simply head right here for the download. And as they do every year, expect Google to release the source code for the updated version of the app at some point before, during or after Google I/O.

[via Reddit]

KFC’s food trays with built-in Bluetooth keyboards need to come to every restaurant RIGHT NOW

File this one firmly under the “I never thought I wanted or needed this until I saw it” category. Germany KFC restaurants have started a limited trial run of new food trays. Big deal, right? Who cares about a food tray that you’re only going to be using for 20 minutes while you stuff your face with food?

Except these food trays have Bluetooth keyboards built inside. The keyboards are thin enough to fit under the microfilm slit such as an advertisement would. You pair it with your smartphone or tablet, and continue typing away or doing whatever it is you need to do on your phone or tablet, all the while avoiding a greasy, disgusting mess on the display.

What’s not to love? Open letter to all fast food establishments: copy this idea, and put it into all of your food trays as standard. It might be expensive, but the coolness and convenience factors will more than make up for that.

[via Engadget]

The Nest Cam security camera is available for pre-order right now

UPDATE: We’ve also found the Nest Cam on Amazon.com!

Last week we saw leaked images of a Nest camera. The device looks a lot like a Dropcam camera, which, of course, is now owned by Nest. Today the Nest Cam has shown up for pre-order on Best Buy’s website for 9.99. (Update: It’s also now on Google Play.) It appears that Best Buy accidentally tweeted about the device a little early, but the page is still live on their site.

Here are the product features listed on the site:

• View remotely with the free app
  Download the Nest app and view footage from your compatible device running iOS 8 or later, or Android 4 or later.


• Stay informed via instant smartphone notifications
  Receive motion and sound detection notifications for peace of mind while you’re away.


• HD recording ensures crisp, clear detail
  Vivid 1080p resolution at 30 fps (frames per second) allows you to see small details on your screen.


• Digital audio ensures quality sound
  Built-in microphone lets you hear everything clearly.


• Infrared night vision lets you see in the dark
  Keep an eye on things up to 20′ away when there’s little to no light.


• See more with the 130° field of view
  Provides a wide-angle vantage point.


• Zoom in on details
  The 8x zoom lets you focus on specific parts of your home.


• Two-way talk
  Communicate with people and talk to pets from anywhere with the built-in microphone and speaker.


• Customize motion and sound alerts
  Choose which areas of your home you want to monitor more closely with Activity Zones.


• Optional cloud recording
  In addition to free live streaming, you can add cloud recording to save footage with a Nest Aware subscription (not included).


• Connects to your Wi-Fi network
  For convenience and simple setup.


• Wall-mounting hardware
  Allows you to easily attach the camera to a wall.


• Works with Nest Aware subscription (not included)
  The Nest Cam will automatically turn on when the Nest Protect (sold separately) senses smoke or carbon monoxide.

By all accounts it looks like an excellent security camera. It has all the great features that Dropcam users have come to love, plus a few new goodies, and the integrations that has made Nest products so popular. We should be hearing an official announcement very soon. Are you going to buy a Nest Cam?

[Update]: Nest’s site is now live with more information about their first ever IP camera. In addition to what we learned from Best Buy and Amazon’s listings, we know that the cloud recording subscription for the new Nest Cam is now called Nest Aware. We also know that the device has a magnet to add an additional mounting option for those who can make use of it.

The promo video for the thing does well to show you how the Nest Cam fits into your life, so be sure to check it out, and let us know if you’ll be ordering one for your home!

Download the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active user manual right now

Samsung’s website was a fountain of information earlier. Not only did they unleash official specs for the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active, we’re even getting a full user manual to go along with it.

This 108 page document will tell you everything you need to know about using the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active, including some of the more unique features like customizing the extra “Active” button you’ll find on the side of the device. It also takes you through using Samsung’s user interface on top of Lollipop, and showing you how to do stuff like hard resetting the device (there’s no removable battery) and changing the SIM card.

One thing we should note is that this manual specifically covers the AT&T variant, which — to our knowledge — will be the only variant of the phone available at launch (as AT&T has historically been the exclusive launch partner for the Active series).

We’re still digging through the manual ourselves to see what other interesting bits lie inside, and we’ll definitely be sure to share whatever we might find. Rather give it a look yourself? You can view the full thing over at AndroidForums.com.

Verizon will let you test drive Lollipop for the DROID Turbo right now, but not on the actual phone

Motorola/Verizon/whoever has been hard at work preparing the Motorola DROID Turbo for its first taste of Lollipop since the updated firmware debuted last year (it actually arrived for the GSM Moto Maxx back in February). We know the Turbo is going to jump straight to 5.1. Motorola has been telling us this for months now and reaffirmed this only yesterday in Google+ post. We heard rumors that the update could arrive sometime in mid-June, with dates jumping between June 11th and June 12th.

Well, here we are on the 12th and still nothing. No worries. We’re sure it’s right around the corner. How can we be so sure? Well, Verizon has been busy updating all the DROID Turbo pages on their site to reflect the new Lollipop update. In fact, you can test drive Lollipop on the DROID Turbo right now using Verizon’s online simulator.

The web tool let’s users play around with specific functions on the device, walking them through each step with easy to follow animations. It’s actually pretty neat and something Verizon’s offered for awhile now (and not just on the DROID Turbo). Starting to see why major updates like this take so long?

The most interesting part is the date along the bottom which shows the last time the simulator was updated with Android 5.1 goodies: June 11th, 2015. Yeah, it’s so close we can practically taste it. Hang in there, folks. In the meantime, you can play with Lollipop on the DROID Turbo via the link down below. Enjoy.

[Verizon]