Sometimes specs aren’t everything, especially if you prefer value over the bleeding-edge. Enter the ZTE ZMAX, an Android phone that you can get right now for less than $200—cheaper than even the Nexus 5 or OnePlus One. If you’re looking for a cheap high-end phone, it’s hard to go wrong with one that sports a 5.7-inch display, expandable storage, and a massive 3400mAh battery that’ll easily get you through a full day of use.
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Now, of course, there will be some drawbacks. The device is currently stuck on Android 4.4 KitKat, and while the representative we spoke with hoped that an… more
Add-on smartphone lenses are nothing new, but they have definitely gotten better as time goes on. Case in point: the Olloclip series of lenses for iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices (the S4 and S5 only at the moment).
Their newer 4-in-1 lenses give you fisheye, wide angle, 10x macro, and 15x macro capabilities. Each model works on the rear-facing camera, except the one for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which not only works on the rear-facing camera, but also the front-facing one for enhanced selfies.
Check out the quick demo below for more information, and to see just how well the macro lenses… more
New York cops, miffed by accusations of brutality and over-reaction and in a direct challenge to the peoples elected representative, Mayor Bill de Blasio, are staging a ‘work slowdown’. Arrests have fallen dramatically by at least 66% and police say they’re now making arrests “only when they have to” (which is what they should always be doing anyway). They’ve temporarily stopped using arrests as a way of keeping a lid on structural social problems and as a form of backdoor taxation. Ironically (and quite unintentionally) this could point the way to better policing nationwide (but it won’t). .. (story here)
Creating giant, reusable bubbles at home is easy, and it’s a fun project for children. Just dump a whole bottle of non-toxic Elmer’s Clear School Glue into a bowl, add fine glitter and watercolors (or food coloring), and slowly mix together Sta-Flo Liquid Starch to form a pliable concoction.
Once you are done creating the concoction, simply stick a large, wide straw (like the ones used for bubble teas) into a mound and blow hard. Experiment with different sizes, and simply squish bubbles back into a mound to reuse and repeat.
For more bubble fun, make sure to check out my guide on making… more
Sometimes it’s not the look of a product that makes it unique, but the thought that went into it. That’s what struck me about TobyRich’s SmartPlane—it isn’t the most elegant toy on the market, but its simplicity and function make it a winner.
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Simplicity in design means this gadget weighs in at only 3 grams, which feels like no more than a few sheets of paper. Functionally, it combats some of the shortcomings of similar smart toys. In fact, TobyRich’s representative stated that he doesn’t consider this a toy. “Toys are for kids, these gadgets are for tech lovers.”
So while the plane’s… more
The lack of Xposed support on Android Lollipop has left modules like GEL Settings incompatible with my Google Play Edition HTC One, so I’ve had to find a new launcher to meet all of my needs. While I can safely say I will never find the perfect launcher for me, Blinq comes pretty damn close.
Blinq Lollipop Launcher, by Bliqdroid, comes with the same Material Design as the Android Lollipop launcher, but with added features like gesture detection, themeable docks, “OK Google” compatibility, and icon pack support. While I am using it on my GPE device, this launcher can work on any device, rooted… more
Sig Nordal 