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5 Xbox One Games You Still Need to Buy in 2014
5 Xbox One Games You Still Need to Buy in 2014 is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.
Slowly but surely, the first full year of the Xbox One being available on store shelves is coming to a close. Even still there are a lot of Xbox One games to hold us over into the New Year.
For those who've already picked up Xbox One there have been a lot of thrills, including Xbox One games. Earlier this year Titanfall launched exclusively on Microsoft's platforms. Since the game's launch developer Respawn Entertainment has kept a steady stream of updates flowing, making the game even better today than it was when it launched back in March. There have also been a ton of updates that included much-needed features and changes.
Read: Xbox One Review – My Experience Six Months Later
Whether you have an Xbox One now or are preparing to purchase one this holiday season, now is the time to start looking into the Xbox One games you're planning to pick up. Though exclusives for the Xbox One are a bit light this fall, there are more than a few Xbox One games you should plan on purchasing, whether you're new to the console or picked one up last year.Sunset Overdrive
Launching on October 28th, Sunset Overdrive is almost hard to explain. Really, it's a third-person shooter with a sense of humor, but what we've seen of the game indicates it goes way beyond that. Layered on top of that third-person shooter experience are co-operative multiplayer elements that let Xbox One owners team up with their friends to earn in-game rewards. Speaking of in-game rewards, player customization in Sunset Overdrive is absolutely over the top.
Read: New Video Shows Huge Amount of Customization Coming in Sunset OverdriveAdvertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
In the game, Sunset City has been overrun by giant mutants who were created because they all had the same beverage. Cool weapons and power-ups make killing these mutants pretty fun, and that players have wall-running and a rail system to help them get around quickly. That Sunset Overdrive has a pretty killer sense of humor helps it standout among other Xbox One games.
[ Pre-Order Sunset Overdrive in the Xbox Store ]Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
It's been a long time since Call of Duty was interesting. That's not true. More specifically, it's been a long time since Call of Duty's campaign was interesting. Slowly it became very apparent that Activision's studios weren't investing a lot into story anymore. That made sense as Call of Duty's multiplayer has always been why people buy games in the series.
Read: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Ad: Spacey, Tech & Gameplay
With a few smart moves Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare doesn't follow this trend. The campaign takes place in an alternative future where world governments have abdicated military responsibility in favor of contracting it out to a company called Atlas.
Atlas' soldiers are outfitted in the latest weaponry and armor. Some of that armor gives players super strength, while others can climb on walls and more. In the campaign, the head of Atlas is played by Kevin Spacey. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare arrives on store shelves November 4th. That being said, users can play it early on November 3rd if they pre-order.
[ Pre-Order Call of Duty Advanced Warfare in the Xbox Store ]Grand Theft Auto V
Rumors of Grand Theft Auto V coming to the Xbox One and PS4 were pretty steady last year, but only this year did Rockstar Games officially reveal the coming remakes. Grand Theft Auto V for the Xbox One will have the same missions and online multiplayer that users got last year. That being said, the state of San Andreas will look more realistic. Weather effects are better and trees and plants are more abundant. Rockstar is also gifting players who purchase the game a fortune of in-game cash for buying weapons, clothing armor and more.
Read: GTA 5 PC, PS4 & Xbox One Deals Offer Tempting Upgrade
Grand Theft Auto V for Xbox One launches on November 18th.Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Launching November 11th, Halo: The Master Chief Collection isn't a new game in the long-running franchise. There are no big story-related surprises to expect and buyers won't learn what happens to John 117 after the events of Halo 4.
Read: Halo: The Master Chief Collection Pre-Orders Start Today
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a giant assortment of everything Halo in a single package. The campaigns from Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 4 are included. So too is a playlist creator that allows Xbox One owners to relieve their favorite Halo moments. Halo: The Master Chief Collection also includes the multiplayer experiences from each of those four games and beta of Halo 5: The Guardians.
[ Pre-Order Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the Xbox Store ]Assassin's Creed Unity
Finally, there's Assassin's Creed Unity. Launching on November 11th, the same day as Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Xbox One owners can expect a near complete refresh of all the mechanics from prior games. Moving and outside of buildings is seamless, missions now adapt to situations players find themselves in and all of this is set in a huge recreation of Paris, France.
Read: Why You Should Be Excited for Assassin's Creed Unity
[ Pre-Order Assassin's Creed Unity in the Xbox Store ]
With the exception of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto V, all of these games are available right now for pre-order in Microsoft's Xbox Store. Pre-ordered games can be download ahead of their release date so that they're ready to go on launch night. Only Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare can be played ahead of its release though.//<\/script>'); //]]>
5 Xbox One Games You Still Need to Buy in 2014 is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.
How to Turn On and Use iCloud Photo library
How to Turn On and Use iCloud Photo library is a post by Craig Lloyd from Gotta Be Mobile.
iOS already has a feature called Photo Stream, which takes your photos that you capture with one of your iOS devices and syncs them across your other iOS devices, including an Apple TV if you have one. However, a new feature called iCloud Photo Library looks to take that to the next level. Here's how to set it up.
iCloud Photo Library launched alongside iOS 8.1. This new service syncs your photos in iCloud, not only allowing you to view them on your iOS devices, but also on your Mac as well as on any other computer by visiting iCloud.com and logging into your account.
The service is still in beta, which means it's not fully functional just yet, but it still works for the most part. OS X users can't officially use it yet until the new Photos app releases early next year at some point, which is probably why the feature is still in beta mode.
If this is a feature that you're interested in using, here's how to set it up and sync your photos across all of your Apple devices through iCloud.On Your iOS Device
While most features in iOS 8 are enabled by default, iCloud Photo Library is a feature that is opt-in, meaning that you'll have to enable it yourself. To do so, follow these quick and easy steps:
From there, any photos an videos that you currently have on your iPhone or iPad will begin uploading automatically to iCloud.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
To access iCloud photos, simply just open up the Photos app on any of your iOS devices and then tap on the Photos tab down at the bottom. You should now see all of your photos that are in iCloud, as well as photos that you took locally with that specific iOS device.
To view your iCloud photos on a Mac, your only option right now is to visit the iCloud beta website and log in to your iCloud account using your Apple ID credentials. From there, click on the Photos icon to browse your photos.Additional Options
After enabling iCloud Photo Library, you'll notice a couple of more settings that appear on that menu page.
You'll have the option to either select Optimize iPhone Storage or Download and Keep Originals. iCloud Photo Library uploads all of your photos and downloads them to all of your other iOS devices, which takes up space on those other devices. If you're running out of space on one of your iOS devices, it may be a good idea to select the first option to save on storage space.
However, if you have plenty of free space and prefer the full resolution quality of all images, you can select the latter option. However, you can also just select Optimize iPhone Storage and simply pick and choose which photos you want the full resolution to, allowing you to still save on free space.iCloud Storage Space
It's important to know that using iCloud Photo Library takes up space in your iCloud account, so it will be really easy to fill up your free 5GB. However, Apple lets you upgrade storage for a monthly fee.
You can buy 20GB of storage for $0.99 per month, 200GB for $3.99 per month, 500GB for $9.99 per month, or 1TB for $19.99 per month.
Which storage size you pick is ultimately up to you, but 200GB should be plenty if you only plan to store photos and such, and you can easily upgrade your storage in the future if you need more space. You can do this by navigating to Settings > iCloud > Storage > Change Storage Plan.//<\/script>'); //]]>
How to Turn On and Use iCloud Photo library is a post by Craig Lloyd from Gotta Be Mobile.
Nexus 9 Release: What to Expect
Nexus 9 Release: What to Expect is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
October is almost over and Google's Nexus 9 release date is fast approaching, but before it arrives users can pre-order it today from the Google Play Store, or Best Buy. With a Nexus 9 release date just weeks away, we want to take a look at what buyers can expect from Google's newest tablet release date.
Earlier this month, Google posted a quick blog post and announced the all-new Nexus 6 smartphone, the Nexus 9 tablet, a Nexus Player and the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop software update. All the reports and rumors that were floating around for months were put to rest, and you'll be able to get your hands on both in early November.
Read: 7 Nexus 9 Features You'll Love
The previous Nexus 7 was announced and released in the summer months, and many expected the same this year. However Google kept everything a secret and took a few months longer to deliver a bigger and better Nexus 9 running the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop. The release date is almost here, and below we'll go over what to expect, and what prospective buyers should know.
Google shocked everyone by announcing the new Nexus 9 was made by HTC, delivered tons of quality features, and would be available for pre-orders just a few days later. However, the release date isn't until early November, but that date is quickly approaching.
Since the announcement on October 15th Google's been rather silent, but they opened up pre-orders on October 17th for two of the three Nexus 9 colors, but haven't said a word about the Sand (gold) option, or the 4G LTE model. That said, here's what we know.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nexus 9 Release Date
The Nexus 9 release date is officially November 3rd, and pre-orders went live on the 17th as promised. The Google Play Store, Best Buy, and even Amazon all are taking orders, and even though they've been up for over a week, stock still says plenty is available with shipments all going out on or before November 3rd.
Best Buy and Amazon both say the device will "start shipping November 3rd" which means the device may not ship until the 3rd, rather than ship early and be delivered on the 3rd. It's also possible you'll be able to walk into a Best Buy on the 3rd, if they have stock, and walk out the same day with Google's latest tablet.
Google's been silent regarding the 4G LTE model, but a few sources have hinted that it won't arrive until later in the month, possibly around November 12th or later.Nexus 9 Price
In previous years the Nexus 7 tablet was extremely wallet-friendly, and priced very aggressive to take on the competition. This year Google changed that a bit, while still being aggressive, but delivered a much better product. The Nexus 9 is the best tablet they've released to date, has tons of features other tablets don't offer, but that all comes at a higher price.
The Nexus 9 will be $399 for the 16GB model, and $499 for the 32GB version. Google's 4G LTE option will be even more, costing users $599, making it the most expensive Nexus tablet ever released.
The Verge claims that reliable sources suggest the Sand color and 4G LTE version won't arrive until a later date, which was confirmed when it wasn't available for pre-order on the 17th. So what about the 4G LTE version and carrier support? That brings us to our next topic.Nexus 9 Carriers (U.S.)
T-Mobile says that it plans to release the Nexus 6 starting November 12th. They'll also offer the Nexus 9 that day too. This means other carriers may also announce pricing and availability for the 4G LTE Nexus 9, but none have made any formal announcements. AT&T hasn't provided any release details, U.S. Cellular says November for the Nexus 6, and nothing about the Nexus 9. Most likely Sprint and Verizon will also offer the 4G LTE Nexus 9, but again, everyone has been silent thus far.
The Nexus 6 smartphone will be available from all five major carriers in the United States, and even if each carrier doesn't offer the Nexus 9, it's likely users will be able to pick up the 4G LTE model if they'd like, and toss a SIM in with full support.Nexus 9 Specs
In case you missed it, the Nexus 9 has some compelling specs and features. This tablet has tons of features that we've never seen before on a Nexus device, so check out the entire list of top tier flagship specs below. The Nexus 9 is Google's iPad Air, yet has much more to offer. Things like front facing speakers, just to name one.
Offering a bigger Quad-HD display, front facing speakers, a brushed aluminum design, an 8 megapixel camera and more all in a sleek package makes this an instant buy for Android users. It's sized and priced perfectly between the iPad Mini and iPad Air 2, and should be quite popular this holiday season.Nexus 6: Where to Buy
According to Google, the Nexus 9 will be sold on the Google Play Store, from carrier locations and through at least one big name retailer like Best Buy. The official Nexus 9 product page also mentions Amazon and Gamestop. Last year the Nexus 7 was available from Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, and many other shops around the United States, and similar stores outside of the US.
The Google Play Store is an obvious retail choice for the Nexus 9 and it will join the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 as Google's flagship Nexus products. Google's Play Store has been a great place to buy previous Nexus devices, even if stock is limited and supplies sell out quickly. The Nexus 5 was a smooth launch when compared to the Nexus 4, and the Nexus 9 should be even better.
The Nexus 7 release last year was pretty smooth, although the Google Play Store ran out of stock rather fast and some select stores like Office Max, Best Buy, or Walmart sold a few early by accident. We could see something similar this year, so keep your eyes out if you visit these stores around the November 3rd release date.
As you can see above, everything we just mentioned above is being confirmed here by Google, although a few of those smaller stores and Walmart aren't mentioned for pre-order, but should have stock once it's released in November.
Read: Nexus 9 vs iPad Mini 3: What Buyers Need to Know
Users will be able to head to a nearby Best Buy to get hands-on time with the device before they buy, but with this being one of the best Nexus tablets ever released, the $399 asking price should be well worth it.Nexus 9 Accessories
While Nexus accessories have never been extremely popular, or easy to find, the past year Google's done a much better job offering official options for their smartphones and tablets. The HTC Nexus 9 will be no different.
Google and HTC are releasing a keyboard attachment that will "magnetically attach to the Nexus 9, folds into two different angles and rests securely on your lap like a laptop." This is essentially an origami-type case that has a built-in bluetooth keyboard, and in a way will be taking on both the Microsoft Surface and the huge selection of 3rd party iPad Air keyboard cases all in one take.
HTC and Google also have an oragami style magnetic folding case available in four colors options for $39.99, but it's yet to be released. Amazon is taking pre-orders already, so you may want to grab one before they're gone to protect your new tablet.
The Nexus 9 release date is almost here, and it will surely be followed with updates to Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Nexus 7 tablet, Nexus 10, and other Nexus devices in the near future. Stay tuned for more details, release information, and hands-on once it arrives.//<\/script>'); //]]>
Nexus 9 Release: What to Expect is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
MacBook Sale Offers $150 Off Entry-Level Models at Best Buy
MacBook Sale Offers $150 Off Entry-Level Models at Best Buy is a post by Craig Lloyd from Gotta Be Mobile.
We don't normally see MacBook sales as often as we've been seeing iPad sales, but this latest deal from Best Buy has entry-level MacBooks for $150 off.
You can grab the latest refresh of the 13-inch MacBook Air for just $849, and it comes with an Intel Core i5 processor clocked at 1.4GHz with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage. Normally, this would cost you $999 any other day.
As for the MacBook Pro that Best Buy has on sale, it's the non-Retina 2012 13-inch model that comes with a 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 processor with 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive for $949. It's certainly a good deal, as it's hard to find a MacBook Pro for under $1,000 these days, but if you're just looking for something to get the job done, you can save a lot of money by opting for either one of these models.
This deal lasts until Monday and it's a part of Best Buy's "early kickoff sale" to mark the beginning of holiday shopping, although, we're still two months away from Christmas day.
The sale also includes a 55-inch Panasonic HDTV for $599 and an LG G3 for $79 after signing a two-year contract.
You can also grab a 32-inch Panasonic HDTV for just $189, as well as a 46-inch RCA and a 60-inch Panasonic for $319 and $779, respectively.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Of course, we'll probably see way more deals come Black Friday, as well as better deals overall, but this is certainly a good start, especially considering that we don't see a lot of Mac computers go on sale during Black Friday. iPad sales are no doubt going to be a hit come next month, and we've already seen a ton of iPad Air deals throughout the year.
The MacBook Air deal from Best Buy is rather good, seeing as how it also benefits from the price cut that Apple gave it earlier this year. The company updated the MacBook Air line back in April, adding better processors and battery life while also cutting down the price by $100 across the board, with the 11-inch MacBook Air down to $899, while the 13-inch MacBook Air now starts at $999. However, with this Best Buy deal, you can grab a 13-inch model for less than what the 11-inch MacBook Air normally costs, so if you got the cash and have been wanting a MacBook Air, this is a really good price.
Plus, considering it's the latest model, you'll be futureproof for at least a few years. Of course, rumors have been flying around about a 12-inch MacBook Air recently, but we've yet to see anything official at this point.
It's said that Apple is still planning to release a 12-inch MacBook Air with a Retina display at some point next year, and it will include a handful of new features, including the new USB Type-C standard, a different kind of charger (other than MagSafe), and a thinner design that allegedly won't include any fans.
Apple is hoping to use Intel's new Broadwell processors with this new MacBook Air, which are designed to be able to produce low heat at high performance without the need for a massive heatsink. This would allow Apple to get rid of the fans and go for a thinner design.
The MacBook Air has been one of Apple's most popular Mac products, coming with a thin and lightweight design that is loved by users of all kinds, especially frequent travelers and commuters who need the portability. Plus, it's gotten faster every year with new processors, and it's currently at its cheapest starting price ever at $899, but we can expect that to go down over the next few years as components get cheaper and competition gets more fierce.//<\/script>'); //]]>
MacBook Sale Offers $150 Off Entry-Level Models at Best Buy is a post by Craig Lloyd from Gotta Be Mobile.
Exciting Galaxy Note Edge Release Date Progress
Exciting Galaxy Note Edge Release Date Progress is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.
The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge release date has made significant progress as new Galaxy Note Edge release dates have emerged and an important Galaxy Note Edge model has gotten closer to its arrival.
Back in September, Samsung took the stage to announce a number of new products. While the spotlight was on the rumored Galaxy Note 4, the company made a surprise announcement in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, a device that shares many of the Galaxy Note 4?s features but comes with a curved display.
The new Galaxy Note Edge is a concept phone and one that should be intriguing to those that are looking to upgrade to a high-end smartphone. Samsung's Galaxy Note Edge specs include a Quad HD resolution, a 2.7 GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 805 with 3GB of RAM, Android 4.4.4 KitKat with Samsung TouchWiz, 16MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization, massive battery, and a thin 8.3mm frame. It also comes with an S Pen stylus. However, it's the device's unique screen that sets it apart from the competition.
At the time, the company did not confirm a specific Galaxy Note Edge release date and instead left the door wide open with a vague later this year release window. As we've deeper into the month of October, we've finally started to see the big Galaxy Note Edge release picture come together for those interested in picking up a curved Galaxy Note.
Yesterday's Galaxy Note Edge release in Japan represented the first Galaxy Note Edge release date. However, it does not also represent the last. The Galaxy Note Edge will also be released in the U.S., UK, Korea, China, Australia, India, and Russia without more countries expected to be added to the list as time goes on.
Today, the Galaxy Note Edge release date pushes forward as new details confirm Korea's Galaxy Note Edge release plans. According to MK, a Korean daily, the Galaxy Note Edge will hit SK Telecom on October 28th. The publication expects the Galaxy Note Edge to land for two other Korean carriers, LG U + and KT, sometime in November.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
In addition, Blog of Mobile spotted an international Galaxy Note Edge variant, the SM-N915F, cruising through the FCC's clutches. FCC certification is required ahead of a release and it means that this model, and others, are getting much closer to their respective release dates.
The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is already available on KDDI and NTT DoCoMo in Japan though it will land on a number of carriers in select regions around the world. One of those regions is the United States wherein the device is confirmed for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. U.S. carriers haven't confirmed specific release dates though we've seen the U.S. Galaxy Note Edge release make progress behind the scenes.
Last week, the Sprint Galaxy Note Edge was caught passing through the FCC on its way to shelves. FCC approval is necessary before a device can hit shelves and it's one of the last steps in the release process. Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 4 release date for the U.S. just days after the fifth and final Galaxy Note 4 passed through the FCC.
The AT&T and T-Mobile models have also received their FCC certifications which means that they too are one step closer to release. The Verizon Galaxy Note Edge is the only model left that needs clearance and it's still not clear when it might pass. U.S. Cellular, for the moment, does not appear to have any plans to stock the Galaxy Note Edge though that could certainly change down the road.
Gotta Be Mobile has heard that at least one carrier could be gearing up for a Galaxy Note Edge release on November 4th. This is unverified information but the source was confident about that date.
Other regions, like Canada, aren't expected to get the Galaxy Note Edge release until 2015. The U.S., Korea, China, and Japan are expected to get the Galaxy Note Edge first which means that with Korean release dates now in the open, China and the U.S. could the next dominoes so fall.//<\/script>'); //]]>
Exciting Galaxy Note Edge Release Date Progress is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.
Xbox One Black Friday 2014 Deals: What to Expect
Xbox One Black Friday 2014 Deals: What to Expect is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.
Black Friday video game deals are an excellent way to save on a new console and stock up on games. We'll take a look at the Xbox One Black Friday 2014 deals you can expect on Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the weeks around this crazy shopping event.
We're already hearing readers and friends ask, "Should I wait for Black Friday to buy the Xbox One? and "What Black Friday Xbox One deals can i expect?"
After very limited Black Friday Xbox One deals last year, we expect to see big discounts and bundles for Black Friday 2014.
Not only did Microsoft make this easier with a $100 cheaper Xbox One without Kinect, but the company is in a place where it needs to catch up to the PS4 this holiday season. A motivated company, a growing library of cheap games and plenty of consoles in stock should lead to a lot of Xbox One Black Friday 2014 deals.
We expect to see at least $50 off the $399 Xbox One, deals on Xbox One controllers and accessories like headsets as well as many Xbox One game deals on Black Friday 2014.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
These predictions come from what we've seen throughout this year, on the Xbox 360 in earlier years and the current trends towards pricing. We've covered and shopping Black Friday for nearly a decade and hate paying full price for games, which is where we picked up on this knowledge.Xbox One Black Friday 2014 Deals
There are two types of Xbox One Black Friday 2014 deals to look for; discounts in cash and discounts that bundle games, Xbox Live or gift cards.
When it comes to straight up cash discounts on Xbox One Black Friday 2014 deals you can expect to save at least $50 on the $399 Xbox One. We're already hearing that Kmart will sell the Xbox One without Kinect for $350 a week before Black Friday, which sets the stage for similar or better deals during Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
There's a chance you'll see similar bargains on the Xbox One with Kinect, but it's tough to tell exactly how much this will drop in price.
When it comes to bundles and gift card promotions you should see more value than the straight up cash discounts. Expect to see bundles offering at least two games for the $399 price and possibly with some type of gift card or Xbox Live card tossed in. These may not be the newest games, but it's a good way to build the library. We could see current bundles like Madden 15 and others arrive with a gift card or discount promotion.
Bottom Line: Xbox One Black Friday 2014 deals will deliver at least $50 in savings, and potentially more.
If you see any Xbox One deals of $50 or more in savings in the run up to Thanksgiving and Black Friday, jump on that deal instead of chancing a long line or fast sell out on Black Friday.Xbox One Black Friday 2014 Games Deals
You'll need games to go with that Xbox One, and if you can wait a few weeks you'll find big discounts on the top Xbox One games for 2014.
We expect to see Buy One Get One 40-50% off on Xbox One Black Friday Games Deals. We saw similar deals in 2013 that included top games arrive shortly before Black Friday.
On Thanksgiving and Black Friday you can count on at least $10 off new games like Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Halo The Master Chief Collection as well as recent favorites like Madden 15, FIFA 15, NBA 2K15 and others. You can count on these types of deals on Walmart, Amazon and Best Buy, and to buy online.
Toys R Us and other retailers may reprise their Buy One Get One 50% off deal on the hottest new games of 2014.
Bottom Line: Xbox One Black Friday 2014 games deals of $10 off new releases and Buy One Get One promotions.
Your best bet is to look for these games in the weeks leading up to Black Friday and be ready to buy as soon as the games go on sale online, and not going into a store.Xbox One Black Friday 2014 Accessory Deals
Gamers in need of a new Xbox One controller, a new headset for gaming and other accessories can also count on deals during the week of Black Friday and on Cyber Monday.
The best bet for new Xbox One headphones is on Amazon, where lightning deals throughout the Black Friday season can chop 50% or more of Turtle Beach headphones.
Bottom Line: Xbox One Black Friday 2014 accessory deals focused on headphones and controllers.
For controllers, chargers and other Xbox One accessory deals, look on Amazon, Best Buy and at GameStop for a variety of Black Friday 2014 deals.//<\/script>'); //]]>
Xbox One Black Friday 2014 Deals: What to Expect is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.
Nexus 9 vs Nexus 7 (2012): What Buyers Need to Know
Nexus 9 vs Nexus 7 (2012): What Buyers Need to Know is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
After several months of reports and rumors floating around last week Google finally announced and revealed the brand new HTC Nexus 9 tablet running the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop. Now that the tablet is officially confirmed, many prospective buyers are weighing their options when it comes to buying an Android tablet.
With tons of tablets readily available for Android or Apple users, and new ones on the horizon, here we want to compare the brand new Nexus 9 to the original Nexus 7. It was Google's first tablet and still wildly popular, but it's getting a little old and starting to show its age.
Read: 7 Nexus 9 Features You'll Love
When it comes to buying a tablet there are tons of choices readily available. However, many want to get the latest and greatest devices, and those are the iPad Air 2, the Nexus 9, or something from Samsung's ever-growing lineup. Here we'll compare the Nexus 9 to Google's original tablet for those considering making the upgrade from the first generation, to the latest and greatest.
The original Nexus 7 was announced at Google's annual developer event in June of 2012 running the new Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system, and was eventually released in July. A new model replaced it last year with the same screen size and some improvements, but in 2014 we have a completely different beast in the Nexus 9.
Google's Nexus 7 was the first quality Android tablet that could compete with Samsung and Apple, not to mention it was priced extremely aggressive. In fact, it was the best price/performance tablet available, and Google did the same with the second-gen Nexus 7 last year.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
However, this year they've decided to deliver a truly quality product that will compete with Samsung's latest devices, and fit nicely between Apple's two iPad sizes. Below is what all you Nexus 7 owners need to know about Google's new premium Android tablet.Display
First up would be the display, as that's one of the most important aspect of any mobile device. Google's original Nexus 7 was of course, 7-inches, and only had a 1280 x 800 (720p) HD display, but that was good enough back in 2012. It had decently thin bezels and was a bright IPS panel, one that many enjoyed.
Many users still have and enjoy the original Nexus 7, including myself as I have the white Google I/O edition for those who attended Google's developer conference. Sadly, the tablet hasn't aged well and does have a little lag here and there, and battery life is starting to become an issue. Both of those should be addressed a little with the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, but you can only do so much with an aging device.
Google's HTC Nexus 9 has an 8.9-inch 2048 x 1536 display, offering a slight increase in size, but not making it too big like many 10-inch tablets. It's the perfect middle ground if you ask us. My favorite tablet is the LG G Pad 8.3, but the 8.9-inch Nexus 9 seems to be the perfect size, and I'll update once it arrives. It's also wider offering a 4:3 aspect ratio (like the iPad) rather than the long and skinny 16:9 all other Android tablets employ.
Google's Nexus 9 is also different from other Android tablets and offers an Apple-like 4:3 aspect ratio as mentioned above, vs the long and this 16:9 they've used in the past. This makes it easier to hold, better for browsing the web, but won't offer as good of a video playback experience.
The Nexus 7 had a good display back in the day, but the new Nexus 9 will be extremely better in all areas. Colors, text will be crisp, and 1080p video will look excellent. The new Nexus 9 is bigger, better, and certainly worthy of an upgrade.Design
Similar to the Galaxy S5 released earlier this year, the original Nexus 7 has an odd textured or dimpled plastic design. It was all plastic, comfortable, and easy to hold, but nothing overly impressive. It felt good in the hand and was durable, but didn't have that premium iPad feeling many wanted.
The bezels on top and bottom were average, but on the sides we had a bit more black bars and bezel than many wanted, but that, like everything else, won't be a problem on the new Nexus.
However, Google's Nexus 9 offers a few important features the Nexus 7 didn't. For one, they've changed the approach of their tablets and the Nexus 9 finally has a brushed aluminum design around the entire outer edge. That said, for weight and comfort while using it the back is still a soft touch matte plastic design. Available in black, white, or sand (gold) color options. It looks very similar on back to the Nexus 7 (2013) style.
Google's Nexus 9 is sleek, elegant, and has subtle curves as it wraps around the aluminum sides to offer a better experience that feels thinner in the hand than it really is. The Nexus 9 isn't as thin as the iPad Air 2 although it's thinner than the Nexus 7, but the sides curve to a rather thin point and will make it feel extremely thin in your hands. Another major design feature is the dual HTC Boomsound front facing speakers. No tablet makers have done this right, but Google looks to have finally delivered. No more cupping the back trying to get decent sound towards your face.
Samsung had a tablet with front speakers years ago, but abandoned this obvious and excellent design approach. All said and done the new Nexus 9 is sleek, durable, premium looking and feeling, and will be a significant update over the Nexus 7 from 2012.Release Date
Before we talk about specs and features, you may be wondering when the Nexus 9 is available, in case you missed the announcement. Google's Nexus 9 went up for pre-order last week and won't be in stores until November 3rd.
If you're looking to buy a tablet today, right now, the Nexus 7 (2013) is an excellent choice and we doubt you'll be able to find the original. This article is more geared for original Nexus 7 owners anyways, so that isn't a concern. All said and done, it's worth waiting until November 3rd and trying it out in stores before you get something from Samsung, or opt for an iPad.
Read: Nexus 9 Release Date Breakdown
Google's past releases haven't been extremely smooth when it comes to availability and stock, but that was much better with the release of the Nexus 7 in 2013. This year though, things are looking even better as Google has pre-orders available from Amazon, Best Buy, the Google Play Store, and others are coming soon.
The Nexus 9 should be shipping on the 3rd of November, in stores, and we're hearing plenty of stock will be available to make this Google's biggest and best Android Nexus tablet launch to date.Price
This brings us to our next topic, price. Buying a new tablet isn't cheap, unless you're getting a Nexus. That was the assumption over the past few years, but not this time. The original Nexus 7 was $199 and became an instant hit, even if that was only 8GB of storage. The 2013 model was $229 for the 16GB model, and $269 for the 32GB variant.
However, you can get deals on the newer Nexus 7 from just about anywhere, but you won't be able to find the original 2012 Nexus 7 in stock from most sources. You can buy it 3rd party from many online sources, often for around $100.
The Nexus 9 comes in three variants, as well as three colors too. Black, White, and Sand Gold. So how much?
Google's Nexus 9 will be $399 for the 16GB model, $479 for the 32GB option, and $599 for the 32GB 4G LTE flavor. There is no micro-SD slot to expand storage, and there's no 64 or 128GB option available. This isn't cheap, but still undercuts the bigger iPad Air and is the same price as Apple's smaller iPad Mini option.Specs
So what will that $399 get you and why is it sooo much better than the Nexus 7? We'll tell you below. The Nexus 9 at $399 looks to be one of the best tablets around with neat features like front facing speakers, and a good 8 megapixel camera. Here's the detailed breakdown for those interested.
Nexus 9 Specs
Nexus 7 2012 Specs
There wasn't much to the original Nexus 7, but it was the first of its kind. The screen isn't even 1080p, there's no rear camera, the processor is outdated, and it didn't have a very big battery. All of that and more has been addressed in the all new Nexus 9. Making it a worthy successor to the Nexus brand, and for your aging original Nexus 7.Final Thoughts
If you bought the original Nexus 7 most likely you already have the newer model released last year, but if not, now is a great time to finally update that old tablet for something fresh and new. You'll get a bold premium new design, more features and better options, improved performance and battery life, and what looks to be an excellent tablet for years to come. HTC makes quality stuff. Anyone remember the HTC Nexus One?
The Nexus 9 also has a 64-bit processor, and will deliver the smoothest and best Android 5.0 experience of any device. So while the original Nexus 7 will see an update, it won't be the same as on Google's new slate.
The Nexus 9 is set to be Google's best tablet to date, and may end up being one of the best tablets of 2014. It has a lot to offer, and should be in the running for any tablet buyer this holiday season.
HTC and Google are putting tablet makers in the Android space on notice with the Nexus 9, and aiming directly at Apple's iPad Mini lineup and the new Air all at the same time. It's a complete package with everything a tablet buyer wants and needs, priced fair, and should be a great device. We'll report back with more details and our hands-on experience and first impressions the moment it arrives.
That said, we're pretty sure it'll be worth the update no matter what. So save your pennies, try and sell that old Nexus 7, and order a new Nexus 9 today.//<\/script>'); //]]>
Nexus 9 vs Nexus 7 (2012): What Buyers Need to Know is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
Nexus 6 vs Galaxy Note 2: 5 Details Before You Upgrade
Nexus 6 vs Galaxy Note 2: 5 Details Before You Upgrade is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
Samsung's Galaxy Note 2 is what really kicked off big-screen smartphones, and it's still an extremely popular device. It was released in October of 2012, and at this point owners are approaching their 2-year upgrade. Last week Google officially announced a brand new flagship phone that should be on many of those users radar. The Motorola-made Nexus 6 smartphone. Buyers have a lot of choices, and with the Galaxy Note 2 showing its age, the Nexus 6 is a perfect replacement.
Now that the Nexus 6 is official and all the reports, rumors and leaks have been confirmed as accurate, buyers are probably pondering if it's worth buying. While many Note 2 owners have likely updated to the Galaxy S5, Note 3, or are eying the Note 4, Google's new Nexus 6 is absolutely worth checking out.
Read: Nexus 6 Pre-Order Details Arrive
The Galaxy Note 2 was announced in September of 2012, and launched around the globe in October. That means if you bought it around launch, or during the holidays, your contract upgrade is available now, or coming up soon. Especially those looking to jump on AT&T Next, Verizon Edge, or any of the other various early upgrade programs. Read on for everything you'll want to know about the Note 2 vs the Nexus 6.
The first Galaxy Note was released in 2011 and was a massive 5.3-inch "phablet" and it officially kicked off the phablet term. It was too wide and hard to hold, but the Note 2 that replaced it was a worthy successor that many people still use and enjoy today.
Samsung's Note 2 is still a premium smartphone that many owners can use and enjoy for years, but with screen sizes and resolution increasing, cameras improving, and the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop update finally here some could be looking to switch. Not to mention the Note 2 may be approaching that 18 month update window, where it won't see Android 5.0 Lollipop.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The Galaxy Note 2 offers a large HD display and plenty of premium features, but like all things, a replacement is eventually going to arrive. And while we can't predict a users wants, needs, preference or even budget, below we'll rundown a few key details you'll need to know about the Nexus 6 before considering the switch.Display
The biggest difference between these two phones at first glance will be the display, and we're not talking about the screen size. While the size is important, it's the resolution here that will be a killer, and make you want to switch. Android smartphones have continued to get bigger and bigger, a trend which was kicked into full gear by Samsung. The new Motorola Nexus 6 is the biggest Nexus device yet. So much in fact that it has turned off many potential Nexus buyers simply because it may be too big.
That being said, each user has different needs and wants, and this is what Google felt was best moving forward. Giving users more space to do what they want with Android 5.0 Lollipop and the 5.96-inch display on the Nexus 6. However, that huge screen is a Quad-HD screen with a 2560 x 1440 2k resolution display. Meaning it has tons of pixels, and pictures and video will simply look stunning.
Yes, the Nexus 6 has nearly a 6-inch screen, which is quite big compared to 5-inch screen on the Galaxy S4. It's even bigger than the Galaxy Note 4 or iPhone 6 Plus. This is a Nexus phablet.
This may be the biggest concern for buyers. The Galaxy Note 2 only has a 5.5-inch 1280 x 720p HD display. It's still big and easy to see, but has a rather low and outdated 720p resolution. The big size of the Nexus 6 might be a bit much for some, but it's barely bigger physically than the Note 2, yet will look leaps and bounds better. Quad-HD means it has four times the pixels of regular screens. So keep that in mind.
Below is a quick comparison between some other large devices recently released. Showing it's size compared to the Note 4 and iPhone 6 Plus, meaning it's certainly bigger than the Galaxy Note 2, but not by much.
This is a big phone. A "phablet" in every sense of the word.
Samsung's known for having some of the best displays on the market, but the Galaxy Note 2 technology is just getting old, and a 720p resolution has no business being on a 5.5-inch or bigger phone in 2014. If you update to the Nexus 6 (or Note 4) you'll be amazed at how wonderful everything looks.Design
Another important difference will be the design and build quality. The Note 2 was the last all plastic and rather cheap looking Galaxy device released, and it won't look nearly as premium as the Nexus 6. The Note 2 is all plastic, and doesn't look or feel all that pleasing. Previous Nexus devices have been built of plastic too, rather lightweight, and not the most durable or attractive looking devices. The new Nexus 6 has a few big changes that will make it stand out. For one, it comes in a beautiful blue or white color, and is wrapped in a brushed aluminum ring for added durability, protection, and styling.
Both phones are pretty thick too, but the subtle curves of the Nexus 6 make the 10mm thickness feel extremely thin as it curves to a sleek edge on the sides. It will look thinner, and feel thinner while holding. The Note 2 will feel like a brick in comparison. Another key aspect of the design is front facing speakers, just like the Nexus 9 and the HTC One M8, the Moto Nexus 6 has dual front facing speakers. One integrated into the earpiece up top, and another below the on-screen keys down below. This should make sound much improved, especially compared to the Galaxy Note II which has a single, small speaker on the back facing the wrong direction.
That aside, the Galaxy Note 2 is still a decent phone. It's somewhat thin, lightweight, but made of all plastic. It does have an aluminum-looking ring around the sides like the Nexus 6, but that too is made of plastic. It's more for looks than durability and design.
Don't get us wrong. The Note 2 was a great device, but it's just starting to show its age. The camera can't keep up, the screen doesn't look nearly as good as even mid-range devices released last year, and by now that battery probably isn't lasting all that long. The Nexus 6 promises great battery life, something all smartphone users can get behind.Release Date
So when can you get one? Soon. After reading the above information you probably want one, so here's what we know. It was announced October 15th, pre-orders go live on the 29th, and it should be available in early November from all major US carriers.
The Nexus 6 is going to be available on AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular and… Verizon. Yes, all five major US carriers will offer the Nexus 6, which is a first for any Nexus device. The same can be said about the Note 2, which is available on most carriers, even smaller ones the Nexus 6 won't be. That could be an issue for some, but most use the five major carriers, and the Nexus 6 will be a worthy upgrade when it arrives early next month.
T-Mobile states the Nexus 6 will be available on its shelves come November 12th, and we saw pre-order pages on AT&T accidentally go live early too. While we can't confirm any other dates, it's highly plausible most US carriers will offer it come November 12th, if not slightly before or after. This means the Nexus 6 will be here next month right in time for 18 or 24 month update window offered by carriers. Especially for the two year old Note 2.
Read: Nexus 6 Release Date Breakdown
A completely unlocked Nexus 6 will be sold from the Google Play Store, possibly a few days ahead of carriers, but it's too early to tell. We'll know more in the coming weeks as the Nexus 6 release date approaches.
This all said, the Note 2 is also available for huge discounts now that the Note 3 and Note 4 have replaced it. You probably can't buy one in stores these days, but this is more geared for those looking to update, rather than comparing the two. I mean, we already know the Nexus 6 is the better phone.Specs
The Nexus 6 is the biggest, fastest, and best Nexus smartphone to date. It's also huge. It has all the top-tier specs users come to expect, rather than slightly undercutting the competition and offering a lower price. It's on par with the Note 4, Galaxy S5, and all other manufactures this year, if not beating many in multiple key areas. This means it's certainly a HUGE upgrade over the aging Note 2 from 2012. While specs aren't everything, some like the cold hard numbers, so here they are.
Nexus 6 Specs
Galaxy Note 2 Specs
Obviously the Nexus 6 is the better device, but it beats it in key areas a user will want. Those being a bigger better HD display, improved battery life, the latest features with Android 5.0 Lollipop, and a quality 13 megapixel camera. The only thing the Note 2 still has going for it is the S-Pen.
Again, most manufacturers promise (and agree with Google) on an 18 month update window. Meaning the device will see updates for 18 months. The Note 2 is past that, and is still on Android 4.4.2 KitKat. It hasn't seen updates to Android 4.4.4 KitKat (but might) and will probably never officially be updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop. That is another major thing you'll want to consider.Price
Last but certainly not least is the price. Samsung's devices have always been expensive, but buyers usually get them on contract and pay $199. This is something that will also be available for the Nexus 6 for the first time in Nexus history, so the price shouldn't be a huge concern, but is worth addressing. If you're looking to update with the 2-year window this won't matter, but if you want to buy off contract, be prepared to spend a pretty penny.
Google's Nexus 6 is $649 for the 32GB version and $699 for the 64GB model. There is no micro-SD slot. This is expensive, but it's cheaper than the smaller Samsung Galaxy Note 4 that was released earlier this month. Meaning it's expensive for a Nexus, but still undercuts larger devices of this caliber, making it a pretty good deal and worth looking at over the Note 4.
You could probably get the Note 2 for under $300 refurbished or used, and some carriers may have it for $49 on contract, but at this point there's absolutely no reason to take that route. Again, this is for those with a Note 2 looking to upgrade, but figured that was worth a quick mention.
All said and done, most buyers are used to spending $199 or so on-contract, which is what we're assuming the Nexus 6 will cost. So if you're looking for an impressive big new phone, one with all the bells and whistles that will make you put away that old Note 2, the Nexus 6 may be a great choice if you haven't already bought the Galaxy Note 4.//<\/script>'); //]]>
Nexus 6 vs Galaxy Note 2: 5 Details Before You Upgrade is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
Why You Should Stop Looking for the iPhone 6 In Stock
Why You Should Stop Looking for the iPhone 6 In Stock is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.
One month after the new iPhone release it remains incredibly difficult to find the iPhone 6 Plus or iPhone 6 in stock, and if you do find one, you'll likely end up in a huge line. It's time to give up your daily search to find the iPhone 6 in stock.
You don't need to give up and wait weeks for delivery, but with lines 100 people long there is no sense in walking into an Apple Store to try to find an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus in stock out of the blue.
If you do this, you'll end up in a huge iPhone 6 line like the one on video below. We shot video of this iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus line on October 23rd, over a month after these phones first went on sale.
This is a long line without the promise of an iPhone 6 in stock, and you'll end up waiting in it for more than just a few minutes.
Read: How to Find an iPhone 6 in Stock
The video shows the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus line at an Apple Store in San Francisco, but this is not an isolated problem with looking for an iPhone 6 in stock at a local store.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
There are still incredibly long iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus lines at Apple Stores in New York City as well.
A month after iPhone release + day of China launch yet still a line down the block at $AAPL NYC store. #notgreymkt pic.twitter.com/0UkJBxW1w2
— Walter Piecyk (@WaltBTIG) October 17, 2014
It's possible that some of these lines are from people who cannot order one online because they want to pay in cash or can't have someone sign for the delivery, or maybe they are tourists looking to take an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus home. It may even be the desire to get help setting the iPhone 6 up, but there are plenty of reasons to skip these lines.
If you placed an order for the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 plus even after the release date delivery sold out you would still be getting your new iPhone about now.
Before you go to any store, find an iPhone 6 in stock and reserve it for pickup. You may still end up in line, but you know you'll walk out with an iPhone.
The other option is to order online and get the iPhone 6 in your hands in a little over a week. You can even bring it into an Apple Store for a personal setup at no extra charge.
You may still want to hunt for an iPhone 6 Plus in stock, considering the wait is three to four weeks, but it is nearly impossible to find an iPhone 6 Plus in stock at a local store. Even if you search every day, you may need to give up and order online.
Read: Get iPhone 6 Plus in Stock Notifications
If you need to pay with cash you can stop in to a carrier store and ask them to order you one for delivery to your house and you can pay with cash. You can even bring it back for activation and setup if you want.
The only downside to giving up your search for an iPhone 6 Plus or iPhone 6 in stock is that you may need to wait a few extra days for an iPhone 6, for that you save standing all day in a line at your local Apple Store or the time wasted calling every local Verizon or AT&T store.
At this point finding an iPhone 6 Plus in stock is ridiculously hard, even in October. If you want the new iPhone by Thanksgiving you should just order today and if stock magically improves you may see it ship faster or you can cancel and buy in a store.
Before you order from the Apple Store, check the shipping times from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. they might be faster than Apple's estimates if you are lucky.
.gbmslideshow { border-width: 0px; } #gbmslideshow { border-width: 0px; } 13 Awesome iPhone 6 CasesApple Leather iPhone 6 Cases1 / 13
One of the most popular iPhone 6 cases is the leather iPhone 6 case from Apple. This case is one that you can find in any Apple Store on release day and is also listed with many carriers.
Apple designs the leather iPhone 6 case with premium leather in a small form factor that adds minimal bulk to the new iPhone. You can find the leather iPhone 6 case in five color options that match the white and black front of the iPhone 6.
Watch out if you buy the red iPhone 6 case as the leather model for the iPhone 5s wore very fast and looked dirty and grey soon after purchasing.
$45 at Apple1 / 13 //<\/script>'); //]]>
Why You Should Stop Looking for the iPhone 6 In Stock is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.
How to Change Your Mac's Admin Password
How to Change Your Mac's Admin Password is a post by Craig Lloyd from Gotta Be Mobile.
By default, your Mac's admin password is your iCloud password. This is a new feature introduced in OS X Yosemite, but it's something that not all users like, so here's how to go back to using an admin password of your choice.
The nice thing about past versions of OS X was that you could establish your own admin password during the set up process when you first installed OS X, but OS X Yosemite no longer does that and it simply just uses your iCloud password as the default admin password, which means you have to enter it in every time your Mac needs your authorization to open up a certain app or change a certain setting.
If your iCloud password is long and complicated, this really isn't a convenient way to go. However, you can still reset your admin password and change it to something that's a bit easier to type in, and you'll no longer be forced to stick with using your iCloud password every time.
So here's how to change your Mac's admin password in OS X Yosemite.1234 Is Not a Password
Firstly, before you even change your Mac's admin password, think of an easy-to-remember password that's also easy to type in, but you also want it to be somewhat complicated so that nobody can easily guess it.
I'm a big fan of using keyboard patterns for passwords, like "pqlamz," which is essentially just alternating the last letter keys on each row of the keyboard. Something like that is complicated enough, but it's also easy to remember and super easy to type in.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Technically, you don't need a really strong password for an admin password, since it's really only used for authorizing changes to settings and such on your Mac, but you need one in place, even if you don't enable a login during startup.
With that said, here's how to change your Mac's admin password.How to Change the Admin Password
The first thing you'll want to do is open up System Preferences (the icon with a cog inside). Then click on Users & Groups.
From there, you'll want to unlock the padlock in the lower-left corner, so click on that and enter in your iCloud password. After that's done, click on Change Password. You'll get a pop-up that gives you the option to use a password other than your iCloud password, so go ahead and click on Use Separate Password.
Next, you'll be asked to enter in your iCloud password and then you'll type in a new password of your choice below that. Type that new password again in the Verify text box. You can also set a password hint, which will allow you to more easily remember your password if you ever forget it, but that's entirely optional.
Once you're done, click on Use Separate Password to confirm the change. Your Mac will use that new password that you set. Once that window closes, go ahead and click on the padlock in the lower-left corner to lock up that settings window, and then you can close out of System Preferences.
Now, whenever you go to enter in your admin password, you'll just need to enter in that new password that you specified, instead of having to use your complicated iCloud password.//<\/script>'); //]]>
How to Change Your Mac's Admin Password is a post by Craig Lloyd from Gotta Be Mobile.
Killer Halo: The Master Chief Collection Deal Arrives
Killer Halo: The Master Chief Collection Deal Arrives is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.
Ahead of the Halo: The Master Chief Collection's November 11th release date, Dell has revealed a new deal that lets shoppers at its website save $25 on the first-person shooter coming exclusively to the Xbox One.
As of right now Dell is taking pre-orders for Halo: The Master Chief Collection. On the page of the game itself, Dell advertises Halo: Master Chief Collection for $59.99. To be clear, that's the regular price of the game at places like Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and GameStop. On its gaming deals page we something a bit different.
According to that page anyone who purchases Halo: The Master Chief Collection from Dell gets a $25 gift card. Effectively, this Halo: The Master Chief Collection deal means users are getting the game for roughly $35. That is provided that they're ok with the details involved.
First, Dell isn't making that $25 gift card available to Halo: The Master Chief Collection deal seekers until after they've purchased the game. Users will be able to spend that $25 in credit on whatever they want, but that's only after they've paid the full price of the game. As Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a new release, that's $60. Those who choose to spend the gift card on something that costs more than $25 can expect to have to pay the balance left.
Users will have to wait between 10 and 20 days before they receive their gift card code for this Halo: The Master Chief Collection deal. When the code finally does arrive it'll only be good for 90 days, giving users until just after the holidays to use it before they've effectively missed out on the savings. Those are some pretty harsh terms, especially since users could be stuck waiting almost a month before seeing any savings.
On the other hand, it's not as if there are a lot of Halo: The Master Collection deals floating around. Those who purchase the game from Microsoft's own retail locations can expect $10 or $15 in gift card savings depending on whether they're a member of Microsoft's Xbox Live Rewards program or not. GameStop no longer boosts trade-in value on specific games like it once did. It stopped that practice in August in favor of providing better trade-in values across the board.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Announced at E3 2014, Halo: The Master Chief Collection isn't really a new game in the long-running shooter franchise. Instead, it's a high-definition remake of all the multiplayer and story levels from past games that feature its main protagonist John 117. Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 4 are all crammed into this one single purchase. It's probably the most content gamers have ever gotten for $60. Joining those missions and multiplayer levels are special add-ons to get users excited for what's coming next.
Read: Halo: The Master Chief Collection Pre-Orders Start Today
The Xbox One may not have had a new Halo game in is first year on store shelves, but it's getting one next year called Halo 5: The Guardians. Halo: The Master Chief Collection buyers will be the first to get their hands on this new game through a public beta this December. Halo: The Master Chief Collection also includes access to a live-action series called Halo: Nightfall. The series will focus on Agent Locke, who'll be a playable character in Halo 5 alongside John 117.
It's important to note that Dell's Halo: The Master Chief Collection deal is for a physical copy of the game. Users will need to install a portion of the game on their Xbox One's hard drive, but once they're done it can be traded into places like GameStop, Wal-Mart or Best Buy for credit towards other games and accessories. As such, users stand to save a bit more than that initial $25 depending on whether they'd like to keep it around or not.//<\/script>'); //]]>
Killer Halo: The Master Chief Collection Deal Arrives is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.
iPad mini 3 & iPad Air 2 Release Date Arrives in Stores
iPad mini 3 & iPad Air 2 Release Date Arrives in Stores is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.
After almost a week of pre-orders the in store iPad Air 2 release date is finally here, offering widespread availability at Apple Stores and coming soon to Best Buy and other retailers. Right alongside the thinner and faster iPad Air 2 is the iPad mini 3 release in the same stores, offering the new 7.9-inch tablet as well.
The in store iPad Air 2 release date arrives even as some shoppers wait for Apple to ship and deliver their new tablet. iPad Air 2 pre-orders kicked off online and in stores last week, at $499 and up for the iPad Air 2.
Although not as exciting to current iPad mini owners, this is also the iPad mini 3 release date in Apple Stores and other retailers. The new iPad mini 3 starts at $399.
News of the in store iPad mini 3 & iPad Air 2 release date comes after an atypical launch where Apple only confirmed pre-orders and left the in store release dates as coming soon.
Read: iPad Air 2 vs iPad Mini 3: Which One Should You Buy?Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
This afternoon Apple Stores kicked off the iPad Air 2 release date with the option to reserve an iPad Air 2 for pickup. Shoppers can use the Apple Store App to find an iPad Air 2 in stock at a local Apple Store. Best Buy also offers the iPad Air 2 in stores for pickup on October 24th.
Not all locations are ready for the in store iPad Air 2 release date so be sure to check with Best Buy or Apple before you go to a store. You can reserve an iPad Air 2 at either location for no extra charge as long as one is in stock.
The iPad Air 2 WiFi + Cellular is not available in stores yet. Traditionally the LTE iPad release trails behind the WiFi only models, though the shipping dates for the iPad Air 2 with LTE are two to four days, like the iPad Air 2 WiFi when ordered through Apple.com.
Read: Apple Black Friday 2014 Deals: What to Expect
The in store iPad mini 3 release date also arrived today at Apple Stores and Best Buy. Shoppers should check using the web or Apple Store or Best Buy apps as not every location offers the iPad mini 3 in stock yet. You can reserve the iPad mini 3 for pickup at Best Buy starting October 24th. It appears easier to find the iPad Air 2 in stock.
The iPad mini 3 with LTE is also not available in stores yet, though there is a one to 3 day shipping time online so it's only a matter of days before shoppers can expect to walk in and buy an iPad mini 3 WiFi + Cellular at an Apple Store.
At this point it is not clear if the iPad Air 2 release date arrived for all stores like Walmart and Target or if carriers like Verizon, AT&T and others will offer the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini in stores today. Walmart offers the iPad Air 2 for $489 and up and the iPad mini 3 for $389. Best Buy and Walmart both offer trade-in deals to help ease the price of upgrading from an older iPad 2.
Read: 11 iPad Air 2 Release Date Tips for Buyers
The iPad Air 2 features a thinner new design, 16GB, 64GB and 128GB storage options and an upgraded processor that delivers better performance than the iPad Air that is now $399. Apple finally offers the iPad Air 2 in gold, to match the iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus. The iPad Air 2 also includes Touch ID and support for Apple Pay payments.
Apple did not pack in as many upgrades for the iPad mini 3. The main upgrades are a cheaper 64GB storage option, Touch ID with Apple Pay and a gold color option.
//<\/script>'); //]]>
iPad mini 3 & iPad Air 2 Release Date Arrives in Stores is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.
Exciting Galaxy Note 4 Deal Hits U.S.
Exciting Galaxy Note 4 Deal Hits U.S. is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.
A new World Series Galaxy Note 4 deal has hit the United States though the exciting deal only applies to select Samsung Galaxy Note 4 buyers looking to score a discount.
Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 is an impressive smartphone and one that comes loaded with high-powered specs including a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, a brand new 16MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization, a new S Pen stylus, Android 4.4.4 KitKat software that's backed by TouchWiz, and a brand new design that comes with both plastic and metal materials. Unfortunately, those high-powered specifications come with a cost.
The Galaxy Note 4, on sale in the United States since last week, commands a $299.99 on-contract price point at most carriers. Off-contract, the device can be found from anywhere between $700 and $826. It's one of the most expensive smartphones on the market and that's a big reason why consumers are seeking out Galaxy Note 4 deals in the days after the Galaxy Note 4 release.
While we haven't seen a ton, we've stumbled upon a few and today, a new Galaxy Note 4 deal has emerged for buyers in the United States. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Note 4 deal does not encompass all carriers and instead, it applies only to those looking to buy the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 variant.
The T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 deal is found through the carrier itself and it ties into the Major League Baseball playoffs that currently pit the San Francisco Giants against the Kansas City Royals in the World Series. T-Mobile, one of the MLB's official sponsors, is knocking $30 off the price of its Samsung smartphones including the Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S5.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
T-Mobile's deal expires on October 28th and it requires buyers to input a discount code in order to take advantage of the offer. The deal knocks the Galaxy Note 4 price down to $749.76. T-Mobile also throws in free shipping making this a Galaxy Note 4 deal worth looking at as we push away from the Galaxy Note 4 release date in the United States. It's not the only rodeo in town though.
Those that aren't interested in going through T-Mobile can take advantage of Best Buy's trade-in offer. Best Buyis offering $200 gift cards to those who trade in a working smartphone and buy the Galaxy Note 4. This offer extends to the AT&T, Sprint and Verizon variants of the Galaxy Note 4 and it's going to be valid through November 1st.
Galaxy Note 4 deals are also available on Amazon. While the retailer still hasn't dropped the on-contract price of the Galaxy Note 4, Amazon is offering deals on the off-contract version of the Galaxy Note 4. For instance, its offering a $20 discount on the AT&T Galaxy Note 4 which costs a whopping $826 through AT&T. Best Buy is also offering a few off-contract deals for the Galaxy Note 4.
Samsung is also sweetening its Galaxy Note 4 release with its Galaxy Gifts deal. Galaxy Gifts, which comes free to Galaxy Note 4 buyers, provides tons of free content right off the bat including 12-weeks to the New York Times, a year to Bloomberg, and three months of OnLive gaming. It also comes with 50GB of free DropBox space for two years.
Galaxy Note 4 deals will continue well into its launch as retailers and carriers jockey for position ahead of the holidays and Black Friday. Flagship Android devices typically find themselves in the bargain bin just months after release so those buying today may not even wind up with the best Samsung Galaxy Note 4 deals.
While the Galaxy Note 4 release date has encountered some bumps in the road, the device is now available in the U.S., UK and India giving consumers in those countries another top smartphone option.
Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 release will coincide with another big Galaxy Note release. The Galaxy Note Edge release date has now been confirmed for late October in Japan and will arrive tomorrow on Japanese carriers KDDI and NTT DoCoMo. The U.S. is expected to get the Galaxy Note Edge later in the year. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have confirmed it for arrival.//<\/script>'); //]]>
Exciting Galaxy Note 4 Deal Hits U.S. is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.
Nexus 6 vs Galaxy S4: 6 Things to Know Before You Upgrade
Nexus 6 vs Galaxy S4: 6 Things to Know Before You Upgrade is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
Samsung's Galaxy S4 is one of the most popular smartphones available, but with owners possibly approaching their 18 month update window, buyers are likely looking for something new. Last week Google officially announced a brand new flagship phone that may be on many of those buyers radar. The Motorola-made Nexus 6 smartphone. Buyers have a lot of choices, and with the Galaxy S4 getting a bit old these days many may be considering making a switch.
Now that the Nexus 6 is official and all the reports, rumors and leaks have been confirmed as accurate, buyers are probably pondering if it's worth buying. While many GS4 owners have likely updated to the Galaxy S5, Note 3, or are eying the Note 4, Google's new Nexus 6 is worth checking out.
Read: Nexus 6 Pre-Order Details Arrive
The Galaxy S4 was announced in March of 2013 and released around the globe within a few months. While many US carriers didn't offer it until late May, that still means that over the coming months owners will be eligible for upgrades, especially those looking to jump on AT&T Next, Verizon Edge, or any of the other various early upgrade programs. Read on for everything you'll want to know about the Galaxy S4 vs the Nexus 6.
Samsung's Galaxy S4 is still a premium smartphone that many owners can use and enjoy for years, but with screen sizes getting bigger, cameras improving, and the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop update finally here some could be looking to switch. Of course the Galaxy S4 will see updates, but not before the Note 3, Note 4, and Galaxy S5 devices that arrived after it do first.
The Galaxy S4 offers a large HD display and plenty of premium features, but like all things, a replacement is eventually going to arrive. And while we can't predict a users wants, needs, preference or even budget, below we'll rundown a few key details you'll need to know before considering the switch.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Display
One key aspect of any smartphone buyers decision (aside from the price) is the size of the screen. Android smartphones have continued to get bigger and bigger, a trend which was kicked into full gear by Samsung. The new Motorola Nexus 6 is the biggest Nexus device yet. So much in fact that it has turned off many potential Nexus buyers simply because it may be too big.
That being said, each user has different needs and wants, and this is what Google felt was best moving forward. Giving users more space to do what they want with Android 5.0 Lollipop and the 5.96-inch display on the Nexus 6. However, that huge screen is a Quad-HD screen with a 2560 x 1440 2k resolution display. Meaning it has tons of pixels, and pictures and video will simply look stunning.
Yes, the Nexus 6 has nearly a 6-inch screen, which is quite big compared to 5-inch screen on the Galaxy S4. It's even bigger than the Galaxy Note 4 or iPhone 6 Plus. This is a Nexus phablet.
This may be the biggest concern for buyers. The Galaxy S4 has an impressive 5-inch 1920 x 1080p full HD display, so it still looks wonderful, but it isn't a Quad-HD display like other premium phones released in 2014. 5-inches may be perfect for many, but a bigger screen with minimal bezels like the Nexus 6 gives you extra screen real-estate without taking up too much more space in your pocket.
Below is a quick comparison between some other large devices recently released. Showing it's size compared to the Note 4 and iPhone 6 Plus, meaning it's certainly bigger than the Galaxy S4.
This is a big phone. A "phablet" in every sense of the word.
Samsung's known for having some of the best displays on the market, and the S4 has a great screen that is crisp, vibrant, and colorful. Google's Nexus 6 should in theory be better though, so consider that.Design
Another big difference between the Galaxy S4 and Nexus 6 is the design, and build materials. Previous Nexus devices have been built of plastic, rather lightweight, and not the most durable or attractive looking devices. The new Nexus 6 has a few big changes that will make it stand out. For one, it comes in a beautiful blue or white color, and is wrapped in a brushed aluminum ring for added durability, protection, and styling. No other Nexus has offered aluminum, except the original HTC Nexus One.
Everything about Motorola's Nexus 6 screams big, although the back features subtle curves that wrap into the aluminum edges to make it feel extremely thin in your hand, even if it is nearly 10mm thick at the biggest point. It doesn't sound thin on paper, but will still feel excellent in your hands. Another key aspect of the design is front facing speakers, just like the Nexus 9 and the HTC One M8, the Moto Nexus 6 has dual front facing speakers. One integrated into the earpiece up top, and another below the on-screen keys down below. This should make sound much improved, especially compared to the Galaxy S4 which has a single, small speaker on the back facing the wrong direction.
That aside, the Galaxy S4 is still a great phone. It's thin, lightweight, but made of all plastic. It does have an aluminum-looking ring around the sides like the Nexus 6, but that too is made of plastic. It's more for looks than durability and design.
On that same note, there is nothing wrong with the Galaxy S4. It was an extremely popular smartphone in 2013, and is still a good choice this year for those on a budget. It still has an HD display, a good 13 megapixel camera, a micro-SD card, and will see an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop sometime rather soon.Release Date
We'll get into specs and everything that makes this phone better in a moment, because everyone that's looking to buy a phone probably wants to know when they can expect the new Nexus 6 to arrive. It was announced October 15th, pre-orders go live on the 29th, and it should be available in early November from all major US carriers.
The Nexus 6 is going to be available on AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular and… Verizon. Yes, all five major US carriers will offer the Nexus 6, which is a first for any Nexus device. The same can be said about the Galaxy S4, which is available on most carriers, even smaller ones the Nexus 6 won't be. That could be an issue for some, but most use the five major carriers, and the Nexus 6 will be a worthy upgrade when it arrives early next month.
T-Mobile states the Nexus 6 will be available on its shelves come November 12th, and we saw pre-order pages on AT&T accidentally go live early too. While we can't confirm any other dates, it's highly plausible most US carriers will offer it come November 12th, if not slightly before or after. This means the Nexus 6 will be here next month right in time for 18 month update windows if you bought the Galaxy S4 when it was new.
Read: Nexus 6 Release Date Breakdown
It's also likely the completely unlocked Nexus 6 will be sold from the Google Play Store a few days ahead of carriers, but it's too early to tell. We'll know more in the coming weeks as the Nexus 6 release date approaches. A few reports suggest pre-orders will open for the Nexus 6 on October 29th.
This all said, the Galaxy S4 is also available for huge discounts now that the S5 is here. So while we're aiming this article at those considering upgrading from the Galaxy S4, you could also see the two and not want to spend extra on the Nexus 6, and instead pick the impressive Galaxy S4 up on the cheap.Specs
The Nexus 6 is the biggest, fastest, and best Nexus smartphone to date. It's also huge. It has all the top-tier specs users come to expect, rather than slightly undercutting the competition and offering a lower price. It's on par with the Note 4, Galaxy S5, and all other manufactures this year, if not beating many in multiple key areas. This means it's certainly an upgrade over the Galaxy S4 from 2013. While specs aren't everything, some like the cold hard numbers, so here they are.
Nexus 6 Specs
Galaxy S4 Specs
A quick look will instantly reveal the differences. The Nexus 6 is bigger, faster, better, and should have an improved camera while getting much longer battery life. And that's before we even mention software.Software
Software is a big aspect of these two devices, simply because while Samsung updates quickly to Google's latest releases, they cover it with their own TouchWiz interface skin. Or overlay. Samsung devices look nothing like stock Android you'll see and enjoy on the Nexus 6, but it does have a few features that many enjoy.
That being said, here's everything you need to know about Android 5.0 Lollipop. Google's added tons of changes from improved security, animations and effects for a more natural and visual response to touches, 64-bit computing support, guest mode for smartphones and tablets, redesigned the entire interface and notification system, and much much more.
The Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will be the first devices to run the new Android 5.0 Lollipop release, but Samsung's already working hard on delivering the same update out for the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, Note 3/4, and many other popular Samsung devices. Below is a quick video that leaked of Samsung's version of Android 5.0 Lollipop, which should come to the Galaxy S4 sometime hopefully before the end of the year.
The general software features will all be similar, but look completely different on these two devices. Add in all of Samsung's S-Apps, S-Health, motion and hands-free controls, and there's a few things you may miss if you upgrade. That being said, I rarely use any of the gimmicky software features on my own Galaxy S5, so this may not be that big of an issue for potential upgraders.Price
Last but certainly not least is the price. Samsung's devices have always been expensive, but buyers usually get them on contract and pay $199 out the gate. This is something that will also be available for the Nexus 6 for the first time in Nexus history, so the price shouldn't be a huge concern, but is worth addressing.
Google's Nexus 6 is $649 for the 32GB version and $699 for the 64GB model. There is no micro-SD slot. This is expensive, but it's cheaper than the smaller Samsung Galaxy Note 4 that was released earlier this month. Meaning it's expensive for a Nexus, but still undercuts larger devices of this caliber, making it a pretty good deal.
The Galaxy S4 though, has been dropping in price with new models arriving, and can be found for pretty cheap if you're on a budget. Verizon and many other carriers are offering the Galaxy S4 for $49 with a new contract, or even free, and it's $499 outright from most for the 16GB model. That's $150 less than the Nexus 6 on contract or outright, depending on carriers or storage configurations.
All said and done though, many are used to spending $199 or so on-contract, which is what we're assuming the Nexus 6 will cost. So if you're looking for an impressive big new phone, the Nexus 6 may be a great choice if you haven't already bought the Galaxy Note 4.//<\/script>'); //]]>
Nexus 6 vs Galaxy S4: 6 Things to Know Before You Upgrade is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
11 Common iOS 8.1 Problems & How to Fix Them
11 Common iOS 8.1 Problems & How to Fix Them is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.
Earlier this week, Apple pushed out its iOS 8.1 update for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 8.1 delivers new features but it also brings a laundry list of bug fixes for iOS 8 problems. And while it does fix a number of issues, iPhone and iPad users have discovered some iOS 8.1 problems in the days after its arrival. Here, we take a look at how to solve common iOS 8.1 problems.
In late September, just a few weeks after iOS 8.0 came out of the beta program, Apple released iOS 8.1 beta. Apple did not attach a public iOS 8.1 release date to the beta leaving iPhone and iPad users wondering about the release date. Last week, Apple cleared it all up and announced an iOS 8.1 release date for Monday, October 20th.
On Monday morning, Apple released iOS 8.1 to the public, bringing Apple Pay and a number of bug fixes to those running compatible devices. Apple Pay might be the focus of iOS 8.1 but the update is a massive bug fixer that has solved many of the initial iOS 8.0 problems that sprouted up in the weeks after the initial iOS 8 release and the release of iOS 8.0.2.
Of course, iOS updates, even massive bug fix updates like iOS 8.1, typically bring problems of their own and that's exactly what has happened. iPhone and iPad users are reporting that while iOS 8.1 does deliver some key bug fixes, it also breaks features and settings inside iOS 8. We've heard from a number of iPhone and iPad users who are dealing with issues after upgrading from iOS 8.0.2 or below. And while the issues don't seem to be widespread, there are some that are certainly more common then others.
With no iOS 8.1.1 release in sight, iPhone and iPad users dealing with iOS 8.1 problems are going to need to rely on temporary fixes to remedy those issues. And while we say with one hundred percent certainty that the following fixes for iOS 8.1 problems are going to work for everyone, those dealing with bugs will still want to give them a shot.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); How to Fix iOS 8.1 Battery Life Problems
While we haven't seen the usual outpouring of complaints about iOS battery life, we have seen several iPhone and iPad users complain. iOS battery drain, or at least perceived iOS battery drain, is one of the most common problems to emerge in the wake of an iOS upgrade and so it's no surprise that iPhone and iPad users are noticing issues.
Fortunately, there are quite a few things that iPhone and iPad owners can try should the device start experiencing heavy battery drain after the iOS 8.1 installation or in the weeks after its download. Battery life issues won't necessarily pop up right at the start and will often times emerge in the days, weeks and months after an update's arrival.
While there are a ton of things that users recommend, we think there are several key fixes that iPhone and iPad owners should try. These fixes range from small settings tweaks to changes in your daily use. All of them have the potential to fix bad iOS 8.1 battery life and we highly recommend looking at them before performing a hard reset.How to Fix iOS 8.1 Wi-Fi Issues
We've already heard about several iOS 8.1 Wi-Fi problems and we expect to hear about more before everything is said and done. This isn't anything new. Apple's discussion forums have been rife with complaints about iOS Wi-Fi issues for many years now. And while iOS 8.1 does come with a fix for one Wi-Fi problem, there's a good chance that it's not going to fix everything for everyone.
There is no guaranteed fix for iOS 8 Wi-Fi issues but there are a few things that iPhone and iPad users can try before performing a factory reset, replacing a router, or taking the device to an Apple Store. These fixes have been passed down from the iOS 6 and iOS 7 updates and they've worked for many users in the past.
The first thing to do is reset the device's networking settings. This is an extremely easy process though it could take a couple of minutes to complete. Those experiencing Wi-Fi issues will want to set aside some time to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. To do this, open up the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Users will need the passcode and a few minutes of time because the phone or tablet is going to reboot itself after the process completes. Users will also want to track down commonly used Wi-Fi passwords because this process is going to wipe those out.How to Fix iOS 8.1 Cellular Data Issues
We've also been getting complaints about cellular data issues on iPhones and iPads running iOS 8.1. Slow connections, no connections and other random problems have plagued some iPad and iPhone users for many years now and it looks like iOS 8.1 is no different.
To try and fix these, users should first try restarting the iPhone or iPad. This has worked for us in the past. If that simple fix doesn't work, try toggling cellular data on and off. This also has had a positive effect on our connectivity. To do that, Cellular > Cellular Data > Toggle Off. It's a quick process and one that should return things to normal assuming connectivity isn't down in the area.
Finally, if none of that works, try flipping Airplane Mode on, waiting 30 seconds, and then flipping it off. This, like the other fixes, has worked to dislodge cellular data issues in the past.How to Fix iOS 8.1 Bluetooth Problems
Apple's iOS 8.1 update arrived with a fix for some of the Bluetooth issues plaguing iPhone and iPad users on iOS 8.0.2 and iOS 8.0. However, iOS 8.1 failed to fix every single Bluetooth issue.
Bluetooth problems have given iPhone and iPad users headaches for years. And while iOS 8.1 appears to have alleviated some of the major headaches, it hasn't eradicated them all.
There doesn't appear to be a cure all fix but we've heard about a few possible fixes that iOS 8.1 users will want to try. iOS users have singled out "Reset All Settings" as a solid fix. It hasn't worked for everyone but there are a ton of people that are claiming success after trying it on their iPhone. It should work for Apple's iPad as well.
To do this, open up the device and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This is going to take a bit of time and users will lose all saved settings but the pay off is that it seems to be fixing Bluetooth issues for many people. It's certainly worth a try if Bluetooth keeps acting up after Apple's iOS 8.1 upgrade.How to Fix iOS 8.1 App Issues
We haven't experienced any issues with applications after getting iOS 8.1 on board but that doesn't mean that we won't in the future. Issues with third-party applications are among the most common iOS problems and we're already hearing complaints from iPhone and iPad users about app performance in Apple's latest upgrade.
iPhone and iPad users can't rely on iOS updates for app fixes. Instead, users will need to rely on third-party developers (the makers of the app) and some useful, simple fixes.
First, make sure applications on the iPhone or iPad are updated. App updates with support for iOS 8 have been trickling out since launch. Many iOS users are horrible about updating apps and that's a habit that can, and should, be broken immediately.
iPhone and iPad users who are forgetful or lazy will want to turn on automatic App Store updates because it will keep apps automatically behind the scenes. Auto updates will ensure that they are always on the latest version with the latest bug fixes. To do that, head into Settings > iTunes & App Store > Toggle Updates on.How to Fix iOS 8.1 Random Reboots
Random reboots have plagued iPhone and iPad users for a number of years now, we ourselves have experienced them, and it looks like iOS 8.1 is causing some random issues for iPhone and iPad users.
As we've pointed out, the only permanent cure is going to be an iOS update and iOS 8.1.1 isn't guaranteed to fix things. Fortunately, after years of dealing with these issues, we have some tips to try and minimize this extremely random issue. These fixes helped when we saw them in iOS 7 last year and they have helped to tone them down in iOS 8.
First, try restarting the iPad. This helped us when we encountered random reboots on the iPhone and iPad in iOS 7. We also recommend performing a reset on all settings. To do that, Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
It also might be worth it to uninstall recent apps if the problems just started. If nothing helps, iPhone and iPad users will simply have to wait for iOS 8.1.1 or whatever is next from Apple.How to Improve iOS 8.1 Performance
We've seen some dips in performance after installing iOS 8.1 and we've heard that we're not alone. Fortunately, there are a few things that could return the device to form.
Back when iOS 8.0 first came out, we outlined a number of different strategies including reducing animations and pretty effects, resetting settings, or restoring back to factory settings. These fixes are for the iPhone 4s but they will help with all versions of the iPhone and iPad as well.
Keep in mind, there is no cure all for performance issues on the iPad or Apple's iPhone. If nothing works, users will want to try these before performing a factory reset.How to Fix iOS 8.1 AirDrop Problems
iOS' AirDrop is a quick way to share files across devices. It's also a feature that's been troublesome for some users in the past. We ourselves have encountered AirDrop problems inside iOS 8.1 though we were able to solve them with a simple solution.
iPhone and iPad users experiencing issues with AirDrop, including the inability to send files or discover users, will simply want to try toggling AirDrop to Everyone. To do that, pull up Control Center from the bottom of the screen and change the setting from Off or Contacts Only to Everyone. With this setting turned on, we were able to share files across all devices using iOS 8.1 with no problem at all.
Users will also want to ensure that the device is signed into the proper iCloud account. If it's not, the feature won't work.How to Fix iOS 8.1 Keyboard Lag
Keyboard is a common iOS problem that's endured through many iOS updates. We've already encountered the occasional keyboard lag on the iPad and iPhone when shooting off an email or iMessage and we imagine that others will as we move away from the iOS 8.1 release. Thankfully, there are some simple fixes to try before throwing the phone against a wall or installing Swype.
First, try turning off Documents & Data in iCloud. To do this, Settings > iCloud > Documents & Data. If everything returns to normal, it should be okay to flip that back on. If that doesn't work, try resetting all settings. To do that, General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Again, like all these fixes, it's not guaranteed to work.How to Fix iOS 8.1 iMessage Issues
iOS 8.1 fixed many of our iMessage problems though there's always a chance that they will return. In fact we've heard from iPhone users who claim that iMessage is broken in iOS 8.1.
For those experiencing issues after installing iOS 8.1, there are some fixes that are worth trying, fixes that have actually helped to alleviate our own iMessage problems in the past. The first thing to try is toggling iMessage off and on. If that doesn't work, try rebooting the tablet. If neither of those work, it's time to reset the device's network settings.
To do that, head into Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. The iPad or iPhone will reboot, and while the stored Wi-Fi networks will be lost, reentering a Wi-Fi password is a small price to pay for working iMessages.How to Fix iOS 8.1 Problems If Nothing Else Works
If none of this works and Apple's discussion forums aren't helping, we have two recommendations. First, take the iPhone or iPad to a Genius Bar at the local Apple Store. They'll help diagnose the problem, if they can.
Those that can't or don't want to go that route will want to consider performing a factory reset. Factory resets will wipe the device clean which is going to add more work. It does have the potential to iron out problems, especially on older devices.
To do that choose Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Again, this will wipe everything from the iPhone or iPad, so make a back up before doing this. Again, setting all of this up will be extremely consuming, but it may be the fastest way to fix bad iOS 8.1 problems on the iPad or iPhone.//<\/script>'); //]]>
11 Common iOS 8.1 Problems & How to Fix Them is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.
21 Things Every 21st Century Teacher Should Do And Keep Their Sanity!
Being a "21st Century" teacher is still very much in vogue these days, and I still hear the term "21st Century Skills" tossed about from time to time at conferences and workshops. There's nothing particularly wrong with the phrase (it's immensely better than it's predecessor "digital natives") as it speaks to the collaborative, creative, and communication skills that most educators should herald as the foundation of their instructional practice.
"21st Century Skills" get a bad reputation though for being overly "techie", and quite often people will go out of their way to shoe horn every single piece of media creation they can into a document extolling teachers to adopt more tech. To be honest, that reputation is sometimes earned, as I see teachers that I work with struggle to try all sorts of new gadgets, tech, apps, and sites without getting too deeply into any of them, and only retaining some surface level knowledge, or worse yet, not even giving a tool or technique a fair shake. So when I saw Brad Currie tweet out the following image created by Sean Junkins, I had to poke a little bit of playful fun with it.
And thus, my "21 Things Every 21st Century Teacher Should Do This year AND KEEP THEIR SANITY" was born!
While I'm always applauding teachers and students to tackle new technology and learning through a hands-on, playful attitude, even I think that sometimes we do go a bit too far. So in response to Sean Junkin's image, which was actually based on a blog post by Carl Hooker, I present my re-imagined task list for the "21st Century" teacher that wants to try new things, but stay sane in the process.
Some of my suggestions are "tongue in cheek," but many I feel quite strongly about when it comes to creating something in the real world versus a digital creation. When I taught 6th grade science, my students and I had MUCH more fun building a grow station for a plant investigation, instead of just using a virtual interactive. We created experiences, developed relationships, and worked through a lot of "21st Century" skills while building something with our hands that then sat at a place of honor in our classroom for the rest of the year. Think of the list of things I've put together here as a means of blending much needed real-world experiences with some digital ones.
Special thanks again to Brad Currie, Sean Junkins, and Carl Hooker for providing the impetus to create this. I hope it's received as the playful riff that I intended it to be.
How to Use AirDrop on iOS 8 & OS X Yosemite
How to Use AirDrop on iOS 8 & OS X Yosemite is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.
With iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite you can quickly send photos links and more from iPhone or iPad t your computer. This guide explains what AirDrop is, how to use AirDrop and what's new with this feature in iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite.
You need iOS 8 on your iPhone or iPad an OS X Yosemite on your Mac to use all the new AirDrop features. These are free updates that work on even older devices, but you need somewhat new iPhones, iPads or Macs to use AirDrop.
AirDrop is an easy way to wirelessly share photos, links, contacts and more even if you aren't connected to WiFi. The service only works between Apple devices, and with the latest updates you can finally send photos from your iPhone right to your Mac.
You need to update to iOS 8 on the iPhone or iPad and to OS X Yosemite on the Mac to make this work. Updating the iPhone takes about 30 minutes and plan on about an hour to update the Mac. Both updates are free and should install without losing any date. You should still backup just to be safe.
AirDrop works with the following devices. You cannot hack it to work on any older devices, so if you're iPhone or iPad is not listed you will need to wait.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
To use AirDrop from the iPhone to Mac you need a newer Apple computer as well. Apple shares the official list of supported products;
Once you confirm that you own supported devices you can get started using AirDrop between the iPhone, iPad and Mac.How to Use AirDrop
To use AirDrop you need to turn on WiFi and Bluetooth on all the devices you want to use. If any of these are turned off the devices will not see each other. We'll walk through how to share from iPhone to another iPhone or iPad, from iPhone to a Mac and from a Mac to an iPhone. The process is similar, but not identical across all the actions.AirDrop from iPhone to iPhone or iPad
You'll need the devices in the same room, with WiFi and Bluetooth on. Holding the iPhone you want to send from find a file like a photo and press the share button.
You may only see a blank AirDrop logo at first, but the other iPhone or iPad should soon show up. If it doesn't you may need to tap on the AirDrop Logo once. Also make sure the screen is on for the other device.
When you see the contact picture and name of the device you want to send to, tap on the circle. This will start the transfer and if you are sending to yourself it will auto download on the second device and open to the photo or webpage. If you are sending to someone else they need to accept the file.AirDrop from iPhone to Mac
To send from iPhone to Mac the process is essentially the same. You find what you want to send, tap the share button and then look for the contact with a Mac shown. Tap on it to send.
Occasionally the Mac may not appear. If this happens open the AirDrop folder in Finder and see if that fixes it. You may also need to change the setting to Allow me to be discovered by Everyone.
On the Mac the files save to the downloads folder and links open in Safari. If you send to someone else they can accept or decline. If you send to yourself it will automatically save.AirDrop from Mac to iPhone or iPad
You can also send files from your Mac to the iPhone or iPad. You'll need a Finder window open to the AirDrop folder. This should be on the left side of the Finder window. If you do not see it you can click Go -> AirDrop from the menu.
You should now see the iPhone or iPad you want to send to like in the screenshot above. You need the screen on, and sometimes this is still troublesome so you may need to try a few times to get the devices to see each other.
Drag the file you want to share on top of the user icon, let go and it will appear on the iPhone in a few seconds. If it is a photo it appears right in the Photos app and links open in Safari. If it is a file type that you can open with multiple apps the iPhone will ask what app to open it with.
You can then open it in that app or cancel if you do not wan to use any of the listed apps.AirDrop from Mac to Mac
The process of sending from one Mac to another is very much like sending to an iPhone. Instead of dropping on the icon for an iPhone or iPad you can do this on a Mac icon. You may need to click the Don't see who you're looking for? option to connect to an older Mac.
After you drag and drop the file it will appear on your other computer in a few seconds depending on the file size and if it is a file it will appear in downloads.
Check out other new iOS 8 features in the slides below.
.gbmslideshow { border-width: 0px; } #gbmslideshow { border-width: 0px; } iOS 8 vs iOS 7 Walkthrough: What's New in iOS 8iOS 8 vs iOS 7 Walkthrough - Home Screen1 / 19
We start our iOS 8 vs iOS 7 walkthrough with the iPhone home screen, which is where you'll start your iOS 8 experience after an update this fall.
These screens are incredibly important as you see them anytime you turn on the iPhone or need to choose an app to launch. There is no way around using them, so Apple needs to make sure they work just right.
As you can see in the iOS 8 vs iOS 7 comparison above, there is no change between the home screen in the new iPhone software. Apple changed the status bar and some other small visual changes in iOS 7, but there are no updates for iOS 8.
We could see Apple change the home screen slightly for iOS 8 for the iPhone 6. The new iPhone will feature a larger 4.7-inch display with a higher resolution. This is something Apple may use to add more icons to the screen. Or they could stick with the current layout, it's tough to tell.1 / 19 //<\/script>'); //]]>
How to Use AirDrop on iOS 8 & OS X Yosemite is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.
Android's Best Lock Screen App Comes From Microsoft
Android's Best Lock Screen App Comes From Microsoft is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.
One of the unique things about Android is that users can simply pick it apart and replace important features with apps made by companies other than Google. In its effort to encourage employee tinkering Microsoft may have just stumbled into what could be the best Android lock screen app available.
To be clear, Microsoft isn't actively working to subvert the Android experience with its own – at least not on a massive scale. Next Lock Screen is one of the Android mobile apps to come out of the Microsoft Garage. Microsoft Garage isn't so much a product group as it is a place for company employees to tinker with mobile apps in their free time.
Next Lock Screen is great because it turns the lock screen into the productivity tool it should be. A swiping gesture lets users quickly and easily get to the Android dialer and a row of app shortcuts allow Next Lock Screen users to easily launch different apps. Important calendar items are always available and some apps are even surfaced on the lock screen based on user's location. Backgrounds on the lock screen actually change depending on location. Toggles for Bluetooth and more are surfaced right there on the lock screen too. Next Lock Screen is available free in the Google Play Store now.
There are tons of other apps being made available through Microsoft Garage. For example, Torgue is a way for Android Wear users to replace the "Ok, Google" voice command with Bing voice search by just twisting their wrist. To be clear, Microsoft isn't focusing its efforts on Android. The Microsoft Garage has apps for Apple's iPhone and its own Windows operating system too. Journeys & Notes is an Android only app that lets users check-in at tourist destinations and leave notes for other app users based on location information.
The takeaway from this is really that – at least on the surface – Microsoft is experimenting with other products in the mobile space. As Windows Phone continues to trail other smartphone platforms, this is key.
Users like to think that the Microsoft's relationship to Android is the same as Apple's, but that's not the case at all. Apple is committed to not developing apps and enhancing the platforms of rivals. It's one reason we've never seen an iTunes app for Android. Microsoft under former CEO Steve Ballmer and new CEO Satya Nadella doesn't share Apple's disdain for other's platforms.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Most of Microsoft's core products have apps on Android on the iPhone. OneNote, the company's note-taking application and competitor to Evernote, is available on both Android and iPhone. So too is Office Mobile, a smartphone centric version of the Desktop productivity suite that millions of Mac and PC users live in every day. This new Microsoft has a two-pronged strategy to users. If it can't convince them to switch to its own operating systems and platforms, it's perfectly happy making its services available to users on rival platforms.
In most cases the company does it for free, but embraces freemium models where it makes sense. For example, Office for iPhone & iPad is free for everyone to download, but some features requires that users purchase an Office 365 subscription. Office 365 costs $99.99 a year or as little as $6.99 a month.
Read: What is Office 365: 3 Things You Need to Know
Next Lock Screen and Torque for devices running Google's Android Wear operating system are completely free for users to download from the Google Play Store. In fact, each one of the apps available through Microsoft Garage are completely free for users to download whether they're for Windows, Windows Phone, the iPhone or Android.
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Android's Best Lock Screen App Comes From Microsoft is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.
HTC One M8 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update Continues to Arrive
HTC One M8 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update Continues to Arrive is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
Yesterday HTC announced on Twitter that more users of the popular HTC One M8 could expect the Android 4.4.4 KitKat update to arrive soon, and today it has started rolling out over the air for more users.
Over the past few months we've seen the HTC One M8 Android 4.4.3 KitKat update arrive for most users in the United States and around the globe, but now the missing HTC One M8 Android 4.4.4 KitKat update is rolling out to multiple carriers, and along with it comes the new Eye software experience and improved camera features.
Read: iPhone 6 vs HTC One M8: What Buyers Need to Know
Most manufacturers have been busy pushing Android 4.4.4 KitKat to devices, but instead HTC opted to add some of those improvements to Android 4.4.3, with no word on an update to 4.4.4 KitKat. That said, rumors swirled last month that they'd changed their minds and would send it out shortly, and that all started earlier this month, and again today with T-Mobile.
Users with a T-Mobile HTC One M8 can expect the update to Android 4.4.4 KitKat to arrive starting today, and along with it comes a lot of changes. Interestingly enough though, the latest version of Android isn't the important aspect of this update.
While getting Android 4.4.4 KitKat is a great update, and something many users should be excited about, it's the new HTC Eye Experience that's been bundled in the update. This was announced earlier this month by HTC, and it delivers tons of additional functions and features to the already great camera experience. It won't give you more pixels, but it does have a lot to offer.Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The T-Mobile HTC One M8 Android 4.4.4 KitKat update is arriving as of today, but it could take upwards of two weeks for it to arrive on all owners handsets.
Read: HTC Android 5.0 Lollipop Update Plans Detailed
So what else is new aside from Android 4.4.4 KitKat? As mentioned above, the entire Eye experience is coming to your smartphone. Below is a screenshot of the changelog, which details tons of the new features. Courtesy of AndroidPolice.
As you can see some of the new features include facial tracking, photo booth where you can merge four photos into a single shot for the best image, voice selfies (yes, because everyone needs more duck faces) face fusion, as well as the new split camera which lets you capture images or video from both the front and rear cameras at the same time.
Of course the facial tracking and split camera features sound best, as being able to merge faces with face fusion may be more of a gimmick than anything else.
This is currently rolling out for the T-Mobile HTC One M8, but other devices and carriers will be delivering something soon to their respective customers in the near future. The changelog states this comes in roughly a little over 255MB in size, meaning owners may want to download and install the latest Android 4.4.4 KitKat HTC One M8 update on a WiFi network, instead of using your data plan.
HTC has promised this update for multiple devices and for all carriers in the United States. Stay tuned as we'll have more details regarding the update, and more carrier rollouts in the near future.//<\/script>'); //]]>
HTC One M8 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update Continues to Arrive is a post by Cory Gunther from Gotta Be Mobile.
iPad Air 2 Release Date Heats Up
iPad Air 2 Release Date Heats Up is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.
The iPad Air 2 release date is close as Apple's begun shipping out iPad Air 2 pre-orders ahead of its in-store release date that's expected to land sometime this week.
Last week, after several months of anticipation, Apple finally announced its two new iPad models dubbed iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3. While the company's iPad mini 3 is a tiny refresh that brings a new gold color and Touch ID fingerprint technology, the iPad Air 2 is far more interesting and includes some worthwhile changes including a new design.
Apple's new iPad Air 2 comes with some impressive set of features including Apple's Touch ID fingerprint technology embedded in the home button, a design that's just 6.1mm thin and less than a pound, a display that now includes several improvements including anti-reflective technology, a brand new A8x chip that delivers 64-bit support, and an improved rear camera.
iPad Air 2 pre-orders went live last week ahead of an unannounced release date in 29 countries and regions around the world. While Apple confirmed the device's specs, it was unwilling to commit to a specific in-store release date. It noted that the release date would arrive sometime this week though it didn't specify a date. Today, we're as close as ever to an iPad Air 2 release date and it looks like an in-store release date could be imminent.
iPad Air 2 pre-orders have started shipping out ahead of the iPad Air 2 release date. Delivery dates are set for October 22nd and October 23rd. Other delivery dates are set for later in the month though none of them have been pushed into the month of October. At least not yet. Apple's iPad Air 2 shipping times are holding steady at two to four days for most models as we push towards an in-store release date.
T-Mobile and Staples have also confirmed new iPad Air 2 release date details today. T-Mobile will start taking pre-orders starting tomorrow and it looks like the carrier will start stocking the device in late October on October 29th. T-Mobile joins AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon, all of whom began taking iPad Air 2 pre-orders starting last week. None of those carriers have offered in-store iPad Air 2 release dates either.
Staples today confirmed iPad Air 2 pre-orders and confirmed plans to start stocking the iPad Air 2, in stores, by October 27th at the earliest. The exact release date remains in the shadows as Staples, and other retailers, wait for Apple to detail plans of its own. Staples joins several retailers including Best Buy, Target, Walmart in taking iPad Air 2 pre-orders ahead of its release date.
Apple's iPad Air 2 is expected to go on sale at the same time as the iPad mini 3, Apple's third-generation iPad mini, that's also begun shipping to consumers that pre-ordered through Apple. The iPad mini 3 is also up for pre-sale at several carriers and retailers in the United States including Staples, Best Buy, and Walmart.
The iPad Air 2 will start at the company's usual $499 price point and knock the original iPad Air down to the company's more affordable $399. The company will position the iPad mini 3 at $399 with the iPad mini 2 and original iPad mini rounding out the company's brand new iPad lineup for the fall and the holiday shopping season. The company's iPad 4 drops out of the lineup though consumers should still be able to find deals on it as we move deeper into the fall and towards Black Friday.
Apple's new iPads round out the company's fall lineup that includes its new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus smartphones and new Retina iMacs. The company is also expected to deliver an Apple Watch in early 2015 though the company still hasn't committed to a specific date for its wearable.//<\/script>'); //]]>
iPad Air 2 Release Date Heats Up is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.