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Kamis, 31 Agustus 2017

Best Shower Speakers

Sing along with your favorite tunes in the shower with these great speakers.

If you're sick of belting out your favorite tunes in the shower a cappella you may want to consider getting a speaker to use in the shower.

We've compiled a list of the best shower speakers you can find to help you sing like nobody's listening.

UE Wonderboom

UE's latest water-resistant Bluetooth speaker is cute as a button! The Wonderboom is a compact Bluetooth speaker with big sound, a lovely design, and an IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes — it's perfect for the shower. I've been testing this speaker and have been very impressed with its low end. The bass is surprisingly warm for such a small unit, and its size, again, is perfect for the shower.

Given its size, the Wonderboom does have a bit of trouble at higher volumes, with clarity capping out around the halfway mark on my phone's volume. That being said, half my phone's volume is plenty loud outside the shower and almost too much in it, so you don't need to crank it at all.

It comes in six fun colors, and we'll just hope the price comes down below its current $100 to make it a bit more competitive.

See at Amazon

Polk Audio BOOM Swimmer

This tadpole-looking device was conceived by the folks at Polk Audio to be as versatile as possible. The tail-end of the speaker is bendable, making it easy to wrap around shower curtain rods or even your shower head pipe, meaning there is always a convenient place to put it.

The Swimmer's waterproof rating is even greater than it needs to be for use in the shower. It can be submerged in up to 3 feet of water for half an hour without suffering any damage, meaning it can even fall into the tub when you're taking a bath.

The sound quality is not bad; although, there is very little bass, which isn't a surprise when you're talking about something this small. The Polk Audio BOOM Swimmer will only cost you around $19.

See at Amazon

Photive Hydra

The Photive Hydra is perfect for people that want a shower speaker and are more concerned about sound quality than convenience. Sporting a passive subwoofer and two 40mm drivers, the Hydra delivers a fuller sounding low-end, while still providing pleasing, clear treble.

Its IP66 rating won't allow the speaker to be submerged, but it can handle water jets and splashing just fine, making it more than durable enough to withstand your daily shower.

At roughly $35, the Hydra is a little bulkier and bigger than most of the other speakers on the list, but it's still compact enough to fit on the edge of your tub or on your shower caddy.

See at Amazon

SoundBot SB510

The SoundBot SB510 is perfect for people who want an easier way to control their music while they are listening in the shower.

The simple interface on the front of SoundBot will let you control playback or adjust volume with just a tap of its buttons, meaning you don't need to get out of the shower and touch your phone to change songs. Plus, there is even a speaker and microphone for taking calls, so you won't miss anything important just because you're bathing.

Its water-resistant rating only protects the SoundBot from splashing; however, It installs super easily with a suction cup that is attached to the back of the speaker, so you should have no problem finding a place for it that's out of harm's way. Plus, for $15, it's the cheapest speaker on our list.

See at Amazon

UE Roll 2

The Ultimate Ears Roll 2 has an IPX7 rating, meaning submerging it in up to 3 feet of water for about half an hour won't cause any damage, so your daily showers won't affect it at all. Plus, on the back, it comes with a bungee cord loop, making it easy to wrap or tie the speaker around your curtain rod or shower head, so it stays out of your way while you're headbanging in the shower.

The UE Roll 2 does come with a couple of improvements over its predecessor model. It has better sound, regarding both volume and quality, than its predecessor, and it also has an increased Bluetooth range of 100 feet, meaning your phone or tablet doesn't even have to be in the hot, steamy bathroom while you're getting clean.

The UE Roll 2 will cost you about $99 at full price; however, it's a very popular product and often goes on sale, so make sure you look out for those deals!

See at Amazon

Braven Mira

The first thing you will notice about the Braven Mira is the impressive sound quality for such a small device. It manages to stuff two drivers and a passive radiator into its small protective housing, giving the Mira the ability to sound full and provide some decent bass for about $63.

The hook on the back of the speaker allows it to hang easily from your shower head or it can even be used as a kickstand, allowing it to sit nicely in the corner of your tub. Plus, the battery lasts for up to 12 hours of playback, so even the longest shower takers should get more than enough time between charges.

Its waterproof rating is IPX5, meaning it can handle being hit by the stream from your shower head, which is more than enough protection for the average user.

See at Amazon


Fugoo Sport

Although it's another speaker you will need to rest on a shelf or the side of your tub, the Fugoo Sport is an awesome device that carries a starting price of about $99.

The thing that stands out the most is its 40-hour battery life. If you are truly using this in just the shower, you could probably go for weeks without needing a charge. With a waterproof rating of IP67, not only can you submerge the speaker in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, but it's also dust-proof, meaning dirt and other particulates won't cause you any problems.

On top of it all, the sound quality is very good. The Fugoo Sport has six drivers that are spread out across all four sides, giving you clear, well-balanced 360-degree sound.

See at Amazon

UE Boom 2

Taking the UE Boom 2 into your shower is absolutely no problem as it has a very high water-resistant rating, allowing it to be submerged in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. It's also protected against dirt and mud, but you can hand-wash the speaker with warm, soapy water just in case it gets messy.

UE Boom 2's battery will last you approximately 15 hours of playing time, which should amount to a lot of time in the tub, and has a Bluetooth range of 100 feet, making sure your phone, tablet, or PC doesn't have to be anywhere near the water. Plus, if you truly want the Boom 2 to live up to its onomatopoeic name, you have the option to set up another one to make a stereo pair and really raise the roof.

The UE Boom 2 doesn't come cheap, as its full retail price is $199; however, much like other UE products you can often find the UE Boom 2 on sale for as low as $149.

See at Amazon

What's your favorite?

Are you a shower singer? Let us know your favorite speaker to take into the shower with you by leaving us a comment below!

Updated August 2017: Added pricing information to each description.

Rabu, 30 Agustus 2017

Bell Mobility takes the first step in replacing SMS in Canada

Bell has launched its version of the RCS standard for Galaxy S8 users.

Slowly but surely, more carriers are starting to move to RCS to hopefully begin replacing SMS over the long run. All the pieces are in place in Android phones for RCS, since Google has built the standard into the Android Messages app. But users won't be able to actually use the new standard until their carriers update their piece of the puzzle.

Bell Canada has annouced that it will begin offering the RCS experience to customers, starting with Galaxy S8 and Note 8 owners. Users will not need to install another application to get the new advanced features.

RCS is intended to replace SMS and MMS in the long run, and bring features found in instant messages such as Allo or Facebook Messenger to "regular" text messages. This includes better read receipts, better media sharing, and video calling all through a user's phone number, without the user needing a second account.

Are you excited about Advanced Messaging? Let us know down below!

How to deal with controller issues on Daydream with Galaxy S8

Solve those controller issues with these tips!

Nobody ever wants to run into issues that make it difficult, or impossible, to enjoy some time in VR. This is especially true for Samsung Galaxy S8 users who are just getting used to everything that Daydream can deliver on. While controller issues with the Samsung Galaxy S8 can be frustrating, they can be dealt with.

We've got the details on what to do when your controller starts to act up right here!

Read more at VRHeads

Mint SIM Buyer's Guide: How to get the lowest data prices in the U.S.

Everything you need to know about Mint SIM in one easy place.

Buying phone service or changing carriers is never fun. But it should be! Saving money or having a better data connection is great.

Mint SIM takes the process of buying and setting up your new account and makes it simple. Even so, there are always a few things you should know before you get started.

We're here to help with that. Read on for a few tips and answers to help you get the most from Mint SIM!

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Best Phones

One of the best things about using an MVNO for your phone service is that there are plenty of unlocked phones that just work. Mint SIM is no exception, and most any modern phone built to use on T-Mobile works with everything Mint SIM has to offer — including Wi-Fi calling.

We've built a short list of the best phones to use with Mint SIM if you're looking for something new, and our top pick is the Google Pixel. With the Pixel you get everything Google has to offer on the services side, combined with a great camera and first crack at anything new Google brings to Android.

If a Pixel is more than you were planning on spending, the OnePlus 5 and Moto G5 Plus are ready to jump in and each offers a great value to use with your Mint SIM plan.

More: The best phones to use with Mint SIM

Best Deals on Mint SIM

Mint SIM offers several different ways to pay for your plan, and that brings a few compelling deals. You buy in advance, and plans with 2GB per month of high-speed data as well as 5GB per month and a whopping 10GB per month are available.

You can pay for 3 months, 6 months or 12 months in advance and get service as low as $15 per month for 2GB of high-speed data. If you want the convenience of paying for the whole year in one shot, a 2GB per month plan still comes out at just $15 a month. The value scales well, too: 10GB per month plans are just $25 per month.

Compare that to others and you see why buying "in bulk" makes sense.

We track extra deals and savings codes for Mint SIM all in one spot, so be sure to take a look before you click any buttons!

More: Mint SIM Deals & Promo Codes


Mint SIM FAQ

It's normal to have a few questions when you switch carriers. Things like international rates and extra data add-ons can be confusing for even the seasoned mobile enthusiast.

Mint SIM knows this and has a broad set of support options. You'll find the answers to most questions right in Mint's FAQ pages.

Another option is your fellow users! Cheap data pricing means plenty of people are using Mint, and there's a good chance you'll get an answer to any question quickly through online forums.

A few common questions and their answers:

  • Q: Will my existing phone work on a Mint SIM plan?

    • A: You'll need a phone that's GSM compatible (with U.S. radio bands (1700/2100 MHz (AWS), 1900 MHz, 850 MHz), is SIM unlocked and in working order.
    • For full compatibility, including 4G LTE data connectivity, you'll need a phone that supports the AWS bands (1700/2100 MHz) as well as Band 12 (700 MHz). Phones that only support 1900 MHZ and 850 MHz will be able to use the service, but you won't have access to high-speed data in as many places.
    • If you're not sure the phone you have will work, give Mint a call at 844-646-8746 (6-6 PT Mon-Fri, 8-5 PT on Saturday) or you can chat with a specialist at the Mint SIM website.
  • Q: What's the return policy?

    • A: You can get a refund for a service plan anytime within 7 days by filling in a form at the Mint SIM website. You can get a refund for any unused SIM cards within 10 days of purchase. The returned cards must be in their original, unopened packaging. To start the return process for phones purchased through Mint SIM, email returns@mintsim.com.
  • Q: How do I set up my Android?

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To see more Questions and their answers, visit Mint SIM's FAQ pages.

Mint SIM FAQ: Let's get you sorted out!

If you're still searching for the right answer, you can reach support by email or phone. Send a message to support@mintsim.com anytime, or call 844-MINT-SIM (844-646-8746) for live support Monday-Friday between 6AM and 6PM (PT) or Saturday between 8AM and 5PM (PT).

How to cancel Mint SIM service

Like all MVNO prepaid plans, you're paying in advance and once paid for, the service is yours to use for the duration. You won't be getting your money back. Mint SIM does have a 7-day guarantee so if things don't work out for you you can get a refund, but consider the money spent once that passes.

Actually canceling your service is easy. Once the months you've paid for are over, you'll get a text notice letting you know. You can reactivate by adding funds to your account to continue the service for 30 days. After 30 days, your number is released and you'll lose it and after 60 days you can consider your Mint SIM account closed.

The important thing to remember here is that you'll lose your number if you don't act. Porting phone numbers is fairly easy no matter where you end up, but you'll need to be sure to go through that process before your number is returned to the pool for someone else to get.

You'll find information about porting your number from Mint SIM to a new carrier at that carrier's web site.

How to port your number to Mint SIM

When you get your Mint SIM SIM card, you will need to activate it. That's a simple process you can do online and all you need is the 11 digit number printed on the card. If you would rather talk to a live person during the activation process, you can call (844) 646-8746 from any other phone to get started.

Activate your Mint SIM account

During the activation process, you'll have the option to use your existing number. You'll need to provide the number to Mint SIM as well as the account number from the carrier you're using now. If the account has a PIN or other access code, you'll need to supply that, too. You'll be able to get all this information from your current carrier if you need any help/

Once you supply the information needed, Mint takes it from there. Mint SIM contacts your existing carrier and gets the number freed so they can assign it to your SIM card.

This can take up to 24 hours for the process to complete, but usually, it doesn't and you'll be up and running quickly. During the actual number porting, you will not be able to use your number. Prepare for this just in case it takes a full day. You can set up an emergency Google Voice number and use it on a phone or even a computer with a Wi-Fi connection, and this makes a great backup if you need one.


We think Mint SIM is a great deal, and use the service ourselves. We're here to help get you started and answer any questions that might come up so your transition to great phone service on the cheap is pain free. If you need any help and are unsure where to look, drop a comment below and the awesome user community can help!

YouTube TV: Everything you need to know!

YouTube TV is here, and you probably have questions.

It's always exciting to see a company like Google offer something new, but YouTube TV is not the first time this company has tried to do something innovative with streaming video. Here's what you need to know about Google's latest efforts to shake up television as we know it.

What is YouTube TV?

Think of YouTube TV as an internet-based cable television subscription. For a monthly fee, you can stream live television directly to your phone without needing an account through your local cable company. You can use this as a way to watch live television when you aren't at home, or you can completely replace your home cable service with YouTube TV.

Aren't there other apps that do this right already?

As a matter of fact, there are three rather popular services offering similar services. Sony's PlayStation Vue lets you watch and record live TV across many different screens, DirecTV Now is a satellite-free alternative to cable companies, and SlingTV exists as an alternative to watching your favorite shows with a cable box.

YouTube TV is looking to compete with these services by offering a price point in the middle of these services, with expanded features a promise of more consistent streaming video quality.

What channels do I get with YouTube TV?

Currently, YouTube TV is offering:

  • ABC
  • CBS
  • FOX
  • NBC
  • NBCSN
  • USA
  • FX
  • FreeForm
  • Oxygen
  • Bravo
  • MSNBC
  • Fox News
  • CNBC
  • FXX
  • FXM
  • SyFy
  • Fox Business
  • Local Now
  • Disney
  • Disney Junior
  • Disney XD
  • The CW
  • E!
  • Universo
  • Universal
  • Sprout
  • National Geographic
  • Nat Geo Wild
  • Chiller
  • ESPN
  • ESPN 2
  • ESPN 3
  • ESPN News
  • ESPN U
  • SEC ESPN
  • CSN
  • Fox Sports
  • BTN
  • NBC Golf
  • Telemundo
  • FS1
  • FS2

YouTube TV also includes YouTube Originals, which are shows and movies previously available only to YouTube Red subscribers.

There will also be the ability to add networks to your subscription for an additional fee. Currently, Fox Soccer Plus and Showtime are on the list of add-on networks to be available at launch.

Can I record shows with YouTube TV?

You can! YouTube TV includes a "Cloud DVR" service that allows you to record multiple shows simultaneously so you can watch them later. This feature includes a commercial skipping feature if you're watching a recorded show, available with a simple tap in the YouTube TV app.

This Cloud DVR service comes with unlimited storage, and videos you have recorded can only live on your account for nine months before they need to be erased.

How many people can use my account at the same time?

Each YouTube TV account allows you to connect up to six accounts in a family plan for no additional fee. Currently, no other live TV streaming service supports six simultaneous users as part of the base price, and each of these connected accounts will get separate recommendations and offers based on their viewing habits. This means you kids can watch all the Pokemon they want and it won't interfere with reminders about Game of Thrones or Football.

So far, Google has not mentioned any need to prove those six people live in the same house or share any other Google services.

What do I need to use YouTube TV?

As it stands YouTube TV works on just about everything with a screen. Android and iOS apps are available, as well as a website for watching and controlling your account.

If you have a TV with a Chromecast dongle or Google Cast service embedded, you are able to stream anything from YouTube to your television easily.

How much does YouTube TV cost?

Right now Google is offering a flat rate of $35 per month for YouTube TV. Each add-on network will run you an additional $10 per month.

This monthly plan does not include any contracts or commitments, so you can quickly cancel the service if you decide you are unhappy with it.

Can I get YouTube TV now?

You can get YouTube TV right now, provided you live in an area with service. Google's plan is to make the service available first in the largest U.S. markets and expand rapidly after the launch. In case you are curious, the currently supported media markets in the U.S. are:

  • Atlanta
  • Baltimore
  • Boston
  • Charlotte
  • Chicago
  • Cincinnati
  • Columbus
  • Dallas-Fort Worth
  • Detroit
  • Houston
  • Jacksonville
  • Las Vegas
  • Los Angeles
  • Louisville
  • Memphis
  • Miami-Fort Lauderdale
  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul
  • Nashville
  • New York City
  • Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne
  • Philadelphia
  • Phoenix
  • Pittsburgh
  • San Antonio
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Seattle
  • Tampa
  • Washington DC
  • West Palm Beach

To sign up so you can be notified of when this service is available in your area, head here and let Google know you're eager to try YouTube TV.

What about people outside of the U.S.?

As is often the case with Google products and streaming TV services, YouTube TV is currently U.S. only and will likely remain U.S. only for quite a while.

In order to launch in other countries, Google needs to secure streaming rights in each country. That kind of thing takes a lot of time, so the current focus is delivering in the U.S. for now.

We'll be sure to update this FAQ as more information becomes available!

Updated August 29, 2017: We've updated this FAQ to ensure it's got everything you need to know!

FFXV: Monsters of the Deep - All You Need to Know

It's almost time to go fishing!

Final Fantasy XV introduced us to Prince Noctis, and the world of Eos, and the addicting minigame of fishing. While the Final Fantasy XV itself has concluded, there is definitely more to come, in the form of FFXV: Monsters of the Deep. This game will bring us back to Eos, but there aren't tons of details quite yet.

Read more at VRHeads

Watch the LG V30 launch at IFA 2017 — live at 3:00 a.m. ET Aug 31!

LG is hoping to make a splash just a day ahead of the IFA 2017 trade show in Berlin.

We've seen the leaks, checked all of the latest information from LG and set our expectations — it's time for the LG V30. Coming just a week after the Galaxy Note 8 was announced, and several months after the LG G6, it's more important than ever that LG get this one right. All indications are that it's going with a notably different strategy from the V20 — pushing into more of the mainstream — and that's probably a good thing. But no matter what it does, we'll see all of the details, and how LG presents them, at the event here at IFA 2017.

Now because the event is happening here in Berlin, it's going to cause some time zone issues for some of you. The 9:00 a.m. local start time means it's going to start at 3:00 a.m. ET — tough for those of you on the U.S. East Coast, but something that West Coasters may be willing to stay up for and watch at midnight.

No matter where you are, you can catch the event live above at the start time (or after the fact!), and you can bet that Android Central will have all of the news from the show as well.