Android

After a week of puzzling YouTube clips and tweets surrounding Seattle’s downtown, we have learned what the Treasure Truck is. Those in Amazon’s home city will be able to obtain special one-day deals on products, food and other items by following the status of the truck on the retailer’s mobile app.

Starting on Saturday, Amazon will be selling items out of the truck but you’ll have to find it first.
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The Amazon App Store is giving away another collection of paid apps. While not quite as large as past sales in terms of selection, all told there are about $50 worth of games and apps for free. To sweeten the deal even further, the Amazon App Store Free Android App of the Day is the stellar puzzle platformer Monument Valley. Typically $4, you can grab the game for completely free on the Amazon App Store. It has received a 4+ star rating from over 80,000 ratings on Google Play. It appears Monument Valley is also a part of the freebie sale, but there is a chance it could expire tomorrow morning.

Some other standouts from the freebie sale include Weather Live (Reg. $2), The Bard’s Tale (Reg. $3), Quell Memento (Reg. $3) and more. Combining both Google Play and the Amazon App Store, just these three apps alone have received 4+ star ratings from around 78,000 ratings. You’ll also find titles Trouserheart (Reg. $3), Table Top Racing (Reg. $3), Simply Yoga (Reg. $4), Alarm Clock Pro (Reg. $2) and Airport Mania 2: Wild Trips (Reg. $1), among others.

This sale runs from now through July 1st. Be sure to keep a close eye on our game/apps roundups for all the best deals across every platform and our 9to5Toys Google Lunch Break for a list of the day’s best Android hardware and software deals.
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After raising more than 800% of its Indiegogo campaign goal, Micro Drone 3.0 has certainly caught the attention of gadget lovers. It’s not the smallest drone, and not even the least expensive one with a camera, but its well-rounded, featured filled design and affordable price might make it one of the best points of entry for those looking to get in the air for the first time:
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Last year, Polaroid introduced us to its tiny action Cube cams that are 1 cubic inch, shoot 1080p and go for under $100. This year, the company is back at it again with a brand new version of the mini cam know as the Cube+. It brings everything the original model is known for, with the addition of Wi-Fi for direct integration with the iOS/Android companion apps:
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Amongst other things, one of the best results of the ever developing world of technology is its ability to connect us with friends and family from far away. However, it has admittedly left some out of the loop as its developed with more complex features. FaceTime and Skype offer quality solutions for communicating with loved ones but require pricey iOS devices or login hassles, and sometimes subscriptions.

Insert Ily, a new hardware solution to bring everyone into the fold. Its simple design puts video chat and communication front and center. Best of all, it doesn’t matter if loved ones have an Ily of their own or not, it can communicate with both iOS and Android.
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Video gamer producer Funcom has announced that LEGO Minifigures Online will be coming to iOS, Mac, PC and Android devices next week. The June 29th launch will bring all of the platforms together allowing gamers to collect minifigures and battle together online, no matter what device they are using.

We have the full details below:
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Update: The Pebble Time is now available to purchase from Best Buy and is coming to Target next month.

Pebble has a long-time friendship with Best Buy, and now the smartwatch maker is launching the first widespread availability of its new Pebble Time through the retailer. Available for $200, the standard 22mm non-steel version of the watch is now available for consumers to put their claim on red, black, and white models.

While the Kickstarter Edition just recently began shipping to those who backed the watch, those just now realizing that they would actually like a smartwatch that has a color e-paper display, more than 5 days of battery life, and cross-platform compatibility are in luck:

• Pebble Time (red)
• Pebble Time (black)
• Pebble Time (white)

We recently reviewed the Pebble Time, saying that while it does have its upsides, it still feels stuck in the past compared to the currently-available Android Wear devices and the Apple Watch. Long battery life is nice, but the lack of a touch screen and sketchy compatibility with iOS hold the device back—especially at this price point.

E3 is set to come to a close today after a week of providing us with a look at some of the newest gaming titles and hardware advancements. We’ve already detailed what Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are planning to have in store for gamers and today we’re going to take a look at the upcoming mobile releases.

Publisher Square Enix dropped the bomb that Tomb Raider would be making an appearance with Lara Croft Go. This exciting new puzzle adventure game is a follow up to Hitman Go, which was met with much fanfare since its release last Spring. Head below for trailers, release information and more on Lara Croft Go, Star Wars upcoming mobile release and more.
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Developer Asher Vollmer has now brought his Apple Game of the Year winning puzzler, Threes!, to the free-to-play space. After being heavily ripped off and cloned by other free iOS games, Vollmer decided it was time to start playing hardball, but in the right way. This isn’t your typical free-to-play mobile app that is littered with ads and IAPs, in fact, there are no in-app purchases or annoying pop-ups while you’re playing the game at all:
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Google has started offering Chromecast users a pretty sweet deal today. The company is offering all Chromecast owners a free movie rental from the Play Store and the list of movies that you can choose from is pretty impressive. Google is offering up modern day titles such as American Sniper, Lucy, Unbroken, Interstellar, Fifty Shades of Grey, and We’re the Millers for free as part of this promotion.

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9to5Toys Specials is currently letting you “pay whatever you want” (currently <$5) for the Mobile-First Developer’s Bundle. It shows you how to start making mobile apps from scratch.

The bundle includes ten courses covering iOS, Android, and HTML5 app development. No previous experience is required, as there is an introductory course for each of the platforms. The tuition is bang up to date, with instruction on coding in Swift for iOS, and building apps for Android Lollipop. Once you have the basics down, you can move on to more specialized tracks, such as how to create games with Unity3D and convert a WordPress site into a native app. You also learn how to design your apps for a great user experience, and how to monetize them.

• Monetize Your App: Major Advertising Networks ($49)
• The Complete Android Lollipop App Development Course ($99)
• Learn Android Development from Scratch ($99)
• Learn Swift Programming Step by Step ($99)
• Learn to Build Mobile Games Using Unity 3D ($149)
• Projects in HTML5 ($199)
• The Ultimate Android Course for Complete Beginners ($499)
• Learn iOS 8 Mobile App Design and Make Top Money ($199)
• Create a Native App for Your WordPress Website in 8 Days ($149)
• Mobile App Design in Sketch 3: UX and UI Design from Scratch ($199)

You can pay what you want for the first two courses; pay above the average price (currently $5) to unlock the full bundle.

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There are a wide range of devices available for consumers today that are internet and smartphone connected. It is often a struggle to decide whether to upgrade existing products with an add-on or make the investment in a new release that has these features built-in. Upgrading can be hit or miss and new products, especially appliances, can be pricey. With the impending arrival of Apple’s HomeKit, now is the time to get on the smart home train more than ever.

A new product called tado° has put air conditioning in its sights for a smart upgrade. We have seen smart AC units before, but the execution has at times left something to be desired. By adding tado° to an existing system, consumers have more options with the actual cooling unit, as long as the existing unit meets some requirements.
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The capacity of flash storage devices just keeps climbing at an exponential rate, and now we’re hearing (via CNET) that California-based Microdia plans to introduce a 512GB—yes, five hundred twelve gigabyte—microSD card later this summer. 
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Update (9/9 3:30pm):

• Star Wars: Uprising is now live for iOS and Android, a day before its official release.
• Disney, Lucasfilm and developer Kaboom have released the very first gameplay preview footage of the upcoming Star Wars uprising mobile title. You can see it below:

There is a brand new official Star Wars RPG in the works over at Kabaam studios. Today, alongside Disney and Lucasfilm, the developer announced Star Wars: Uprising, a new mobile title set to take place after the events of the last chronological film. The game is part of the official Star Wars canon and is set to continue the lore where no other project has before in what looks like quite a deep role playing experience for mobile devices.

Head below for more details on the game/story, a quick peek at the reveal trailer and how to get into the beta:
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Haven’t we all been in that situation, in need of a piece of paper to sketch out that important idea? Trying to capture a visual representation of that conversation or meeting you just had at the coffee shop. Today, we’ve got a pretty cool Kickstarter project that wants to take those worries away.

Actually, it just wants to take the paper away all together…
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Bike theft has long been an issue for riders of all ages. No matter the value of your bicycle, it has always been seen as an easy target for someone looking for a new ride or to make a few quick bucks. There is a new Kickstarter campaign that combines the convenience of a smartphone connected device with the security of re-inforced steel. Meet LINKA, the “world’s first” auto-unlocking smart bike lock…
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9to5Toys Specials currently has the ‘Neutron A’ Magnetic Phone and Tablet Car Mount for $30 with free shipping. It uses powerful magnets for an instant secure hold.

The benefits of being able to use your phone safely while driving are obvious. But getting your phone into many holders is a challenge, so the Neutron A’s magnetic mounting is refreshing. You simply stick a small patch onto the back of your phone or tablet which makes it strongly attracted to the Neutron A’s magnet. As a result, you simply have to hold your device up to the mount for it to lock into place. The mount and the stick-on pad are held on by strong-but-removable 3M VHB tape (usually used in aircraft maintenance), meaning you can use the Neutron A with a case.

• Allows quick removal and attachment of your device
• Machined from solid aerospace aluminum
• Holds devices up to 1 lb
• Contains shielded magnets that will never lose their hold (even dirt and temperature resistant)
• Includes 3M VHB tape that is easily installed and removed
• Works with a case attached to your device

Click here to get 25% off the Neutron A.

T-Mobile is currently offering the best price around for a new Nexus 6 by dropping $100 off the device’s regular retail price. That means you can pick up the 32GB model for $549 (usually $649), or the 64GB model for $599 (usually $699).
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9to5Toys Specials currently has the BACtrack Vio Smartphone Breathalyzer for $40 after $3 coupon code: 9to5vio with free shipping. It fits in your pocket and keeps nights out safe. That’s less than Amazon even with their $5 coupon and tax in more states  – and the lowest price we’ve ever seen it. (ThinkGeek offers it for the same price but then tacks on tax and $6.95 for shipping).

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ8K_l7u4i0]

There are many ways in which alcohol can affect your judgement, so it is best to get a second opinion on your sobriety before you try to drive home. This BACtrack breathalyzer is easily small enough to stay in your pocket all night, and when it is needed, it hooks up to your smartphone to analyze your breath. The Vio takes five seconds to calculate your blood alcohol level, and it is accurate to 0.00%. The results of the test are displayed via BACtrack’s app, and you can even play a game of “Guess your BAC” to see just how wrong you are.

• Slip the compact BACtrack Vio into your pocket or use as a keychain
• Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly sync with the free BACtrack app
• ZeroLine® Technology gets an accurate read on when your BAC will return to 0.00%
• Sanitary flip-up mouthpiece keeps germs and impurities out
• Advanced MicroCheck® Sensors to ensure accurate readings
• “Guess your BAC” feature

Click here to grab the BACtrack Vio at 14% off the standard price.

9to5Toys Specials currently has the Nexus 5 with One Year of Unlimited Talk-and-Text from FreedomPop for $200 with free shipping. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better phone at this price.

Google’s version of Android is the cleanest around, and it is matched nicely by the Nexus 5’s sleek exterior. But it is the specs of this handset that will really turn heads — a 2.26 GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, with a 1080×1920 high-resolution display and an 8MP rear-facing camera. It also sports 16GB of internal storage and a 1.3MP camera. In this deal, the Nexus 5 comes bundled with a year of FreedomPop wireless service. The generous Unlimited Talk-and-Text plan provides exactly what the name implies, along with 500MB of 4G LTE per month, voicemail, and tethering options — all with no contract.

Nexus 5

• 2.26 GHz quad-core processor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Processor
• 8MP rear-facing autofocus camera and camcorder with LED flash
• 1.3MP front-facing camera and camcorder
• Android 5.1 (Lollipop)
• 1080 × 1920, multi-touch screen
• 16 GB of internal memory, 2GB RAM

Unlimited Talk-and-Text from FreedomPop

• Unlimited texting and talking, plus 500MB 4G/3G LTE data per month
• One year of visual voicemail – $30 value
• One year of tethering – $47.88 value
• One year of usage alerts – $23.88 value
• No contracts or early termination fees

Grab this deal here.

9to5Toys Specials currently has the Revogi Smart Color Bluetooth LED Bulb for $35 with free shipping. It is a great price for a multi-colored, energy-efficient bulb.

The bulb connects to your phone (iOS/Android) via Bluetooth, and it can then be controlled through Revogi’s app. The LEDs are capable of producing sixteen million colors, any of which can be selected via a color wheel in the app, and moving the on-screen slider adjusts overall brightness. You can also set up “smart timers” to switch the bulb on or off at certain times of the day — waking up time and sunset, for instance — and the preset “scenes” offer quick access to certain behaviors, such as pulsing to the beat of music. The other major advantage of this bulb is its energy efficiency; it uses 90% less power than a standard bulb in the same socket.

• Control all aspects of your lights from an easy-to-use app
• Choose from 16 million color options
• Easily control the brightness of your lights
• Set smart-timers
• Control up to 10 bulbs from the app
• Enjoy preset “scenes”
• Use 90% less energy than with traditional bulbs

To light up your home in style, grab the Revogi here.

Back in January, I found myself becoming increasingly enamored with the idea of making bicycling a serious a hobby. A month later I was the proud owner of a Trek CrossRip hybrid bike, great for riding around town but also for longer trips through the country. As someone that enjoys technology, I quickly looked for ways to make my new hobby a connected experience.

There are a plethora of good apps for iOS that track and record your excursions. I found this to be particularly handy in keeping tabs on my progress as a rider. However, finding a safe, visible spot for my iPhone 6 during the ride proved to be more challenging. The beauty of having all of this data is somewhat lost when your phone is stored away during your ride.

Over the last month, I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with iOttie’s new Active Edge Bike & Bar Mount, which places an iPhone or Android directly on your handlebars. Head below for my thoughts as well as an exclusive 30% coupon code.
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The Fleksy keyboard app is a popular option among both iOS and Android users for its creative and customizable options. Recently updated with hotkey shortcuts, case-sensitive layouts and previously with built-in GIF support, Android users can now get it for free. Regularly listed for $2 on Google Play and the Amazon App Store, you can now activate the full version inside the free trial. Simply head over to Google Play and download Fleksy + GIF Keyboard Free, where you’ll find a free upgrade link inside the app right after the installation process. This promotion will run for a week according to Fleksy’s update on the Google Play page

Head below for more details:
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These days it seems that we are trying to make everything smart. Even products that have been around for a long time. Something as simple as a bicycle, which has been around for years, suddenly has all sorts of possibilities once a smartphone is connected to it.

A group of inventors is not attempting to reinvent the wheel, but rather the pedal. They are simply trying to prevent bike theft and make your two wheeled vehicle just a little bit smarter.

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TomTom, best known for its GPS driving systems, is announcing its new Bandit Action Camera. Aimed at removing the tedious editing process that comes along with most popular options, you can simply give your smartphone a shake to edit and then share your new video within minutes of shooting it.
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9to5Toys Specials currently has the ZeroLemon SolarJuice 10000mAh Battery for $26 with free shipping. That’s as low as we’ve ever seen a 10,000mAh battery with solar charging option.

This battery offers a capacity which can fill your phone several times over, but it also has its own power source: the sun. One side is covered by a 1.2W monocrystalline solar panel, allowing the ZeroLemon to recharge during the day. Output is via two USB ports (2A for fast-charging, 1A for smartphones), which can charge devices simultaneously, and the battery itself has a lifespan of over a thousand cycles. The casing is rain-resistant, shock-proof and anti-explosion, and there is a flashlight built in for real emergencies.

• Simultaneously charges two devices at once
• Rain-resistant, shockproof and environmentally friendly
• Anti-explosion, lightweight, compact and reliable
• Includes a top grade-A cell, built-in 10,000mAh lithium polymer battery
• Two outputs: 2A fast-charging for mobile devices, 1A charging for smartphones
• Allows casual solar charging via a powerful 1.2W monocrystalline solar panel
• Boasts an ultra-long battery life; recharge the SolarJuice 1000+ times
• Use in the dark with built-in LED flashlight

Grab this power pack at the discounted price here.

9to5Toys Specials currently has the Innori 22,400mAh Portable Battery Pack for $34.99 with free shipping.

This Innori battery pack weighs under a pound, but it has a large enough capacity to charge three devices at once. It can do so simultaneously via three USB ports — two made for smartphones, one for everything else — and the battery automatically doles out electricity at the right current for each device. LED indicator lights show the battery’s charging status, while another, more powerful LED matrix acts as a flashlight with a range of 65 feet.

• Total of 3 outlets: 2 optimized for smartphones, 1 for tablets and other USB-powered devices
• LED light with a long range of 65 feet for convenient night charging
• Helpful LED light indicator functions: flashes on while charging/off when fully charged
• Intelligent charging, recognizes your devices and allocates the right current automatically

Click here to grab one.

Update (4/16 8:00am): We have teamed up with Oceanhouse Media to giveaway 5 free download codes for The Lorax interactive book app on iOS. To enter the giveaway, simply follow @9to5Toys on Twitter and retweet our article or Like us on Facebook and share with your friends. The giveaway will be open for 48 hours, with the winners chosen on Saturday. Good Luck!

In celebration of Earth Day 2015 on April 22nd, Dr. Seuss mobile developer Oceanhouse Media is offering The Lorax interactive book app on iOS for $1.99 (Reg. $5). Only once in the last two years have we seen the app dip below $2 on the App Store. Android users will also find the app discounted for the same price over on the Amazon App Store.

Head below for more details on The Lorax mobile book app:
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Update (4/14 12:45pm): On-The-Go has launched its IndieGoGo campaign, if you’re interested in grabbing one they’ve got a number of different pledge options.

If you’re an avid follower of 9to5Toys (and we know that you are), you’re well aware of our love of battery packs, USB drives, MFi certification and all around gadgetry. It’s always interesting when companies set out to pair these things together, with varying degrees of success.

We’ve spotted something new today though, fittingly named On The Go, which aims to combine storage, charging, streaming, device tracking and more into a small package. The multi-functional connectivity on this thing is impressive, from iPhone to Android to Mac, it has everything covered…
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Update (4/15 8:40am): The below Moto 360 deals from Amazon and Best Buy are now over, but you can still find discounts available at Google Play. You’ll also find the Motorola Moto360 Smartwatch Charger for $28.23 Prime shipped on Amazon right now (Reg. $40, lowest we can find).

On the morning when initial Apple Watch supplies have sold out and try on sessions are happening all around the globe, the best Android Smartwatch is down to its lowest price ever. Coincidence? Maybe, but who cares what the reason is. These prices are terrific for anyone looking to jump into Android Wear:

• Motorola Moto 360 23mm Black: $179 at Amazon or Best Buy (Reg. $250)
• Motorola Moto 360 23mm Stone Leather: $179 at Amazon or Best Buy (Reg. $250)
• Motorola Moto 360 22mm Cognac: $179.99 at Best Buy (Reg. $250)
• Motorola Moto 360 23mm Dark Metal: $229 at Amazon or Best Buy (Reg. $300)
• Motorola Moto 360 18mm Champagne Metal: $219 at Amazon or Best Buy (Reg. $330)
• more deals here

Note: Best Buy prices are $0.99 more. Also, anyone with access to a .edu email address can save an additional $25 on any Moto 360 Smartwatch.

It’s rated 4 out of 5 stars from Amazon reviewers and we called it “The best Android Wear smartwatch currently available.”

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The popular Roomlia hotel savings application for iOS and Android is today launching an interesting new loyalty program. Basically, if you stay 7 nights, you will get a night free.

In order to get to that free night, the application will add up the amount you paid each night for your first 7 nights, and then it will credit you back the average. In most cases, this will obviously work out to an eight night free.

The cool parts about the program, which differentiate it from competitors, are that these are actual nights, not days, and the nights can be combined. You don’t need to stay 7 nights in a row to get the credit back toward an either night. You can stay for 3 nights during one trip, and 4 nights on another trip to get up to the 7.

The app is developed by a team made up of former Expedia developers, the application actually has some great deals that beat out some of the competition.

New hotels and supported cities are added each week, and users can book rooms up to 7 days in advance, for up to 5 nights at a time.

The application is free on iOS and Android, and the new loyalty card system launches today.

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Wireless whole home audio is moving away from being labeled a new and expanding category to something that is refining itself as a necessary need for audio enthusiasts. We’ve seen new releases from Bang & Olufsen this year, as well as updates to Aether’s speaker, while SONOS continues to reign supreme.

This week, Samsung announced a new entry into the whole home audio competition with its Radiant360 R7 Wireless Speaker that offers a number of familiar features plus some new ones.

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Developer DeNA is back at it again after last week’s release of Final Fantasy Record Keeper with an all new brawler title for iOS and Android. Chosen by Nintendo to develop its highly anticipated mobile releases, DeNA has dipped in to the world of Marvel this time in the form of the 4 player co-op beat’em up Marvel Mighty Heroes.

Head below for more details on what characters to expect and some gameplay footage in the launch trailer:
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