android
Humble Bundle data shows Android gamers not cheapskates
Since the culmination of the Android OS, its users have been stereotyped as users who would rather source out an .apk file or download a free ad-supported app from the Google Play store rather than pay up for software. Besides that, many online reports have shown that developers have preferred to go over to iOS simply because of how much more profitable it is. All of the scenarios point to Android users being a little more protective of their wallet when compared to users of other platforms.
However, Humble Bundle, the software distribution model which allows users to choose how much they would like to pay for a collection of indie games, recently released their second Android pack and the data collection about how much users of different OS’ were willing to pay. Contrary to past beliefs, the Android users scored the highest with its users willing to spend an average of $9.92 for the bundle compared to $5.73 for Windows Phone users and $7.02 for iOS users.
This just goes to show that the users of the open software want to support the indie developers that are putting in the hours to create intriguing content for their platforms. While there is still time to go before the polls closes (6 days to be exact), it doesn’t change the fact that for an affordable amount you can have a unique bundle of good games for your device. If you haven’t already checked out the Humble Bundle for Android #2, you can head over there and have a look by clicking on this link.
The Fairphone 2 was first unveiled in June earlier this year, where this particular handset carried a modular design while featuring majority of its components that have been sourced from conflict-free mines. It seems that this particular handset that you can purchase with a clear conscience has begun to ship to those who happen to live across Europe.
Fairphone announced in a blog post, “It’s been almost two years in the making, and some of the earliest buyers have been patiently waiting since July to receive their new phones. As community manager, I want to personally welcome the new batch of Fairphone owners to our community.” The initial 1,000 units are tipped to ship this month, before the other pre-orders follow in January 2016.
In terms of hardware specifications, the Fairphone 2 will run on a Snapdragon 801 chipset, has a 5″ 1080p screen with Gorilla Glass 3 protection, 2GB of RAM, an 8MP camera, with Android 5.1 Lollipop in tow. It will be a dual SIM capable handset with a microSD memory card slot and plays nice with 4G LTE networks, retailing for approximately €525 a pop.
It looks like the upcoming flagship model from Xiaomi will feature NFC support, at least based on a document that was released by China UnionPay. Just in case you are scratching your head and wondering who China UnionPay is, they happen to be the only domestic payment gateway supplier and card organization, and hence, to see them offer detailed support concerning the newly released NFC-based payment system points to the very real possibility of the upcoming Xiaomi Mi 5 featuring NFC capability.
After all, the Xiaomi Mi 3 was also mentioned on the list, which so happens to feature NFC, and there is no mention of the Xiaomi Mi 4 which does not come with NFC. Still, such a new payment system would be the ideal tool to see the reintroduction of NFC to the flagship model.
OnePlus did make an announcement in the previous month that the Ceramic variant of the OnePlus X will be released on November 24. True to their word, they did exactly that – although only a pitiful number of units were made available, and not only that, this was through a charity auction. Thankfully for the rest of the masses who are on the lookout for this device, it has gone on sale officially already.
Needless to say, this particular variant is available only by an invitation, although do bear in mind that standard OnePlus X invites are not good here – you will still need to snag yourself a specific Ceramic variant invite before you make a purchase. OnePlus is also on the lookout to offer additional methods of picking up this smartphone, although no further details were revealed.
The OnePlus X Ceramic will be available only in select markets, where among them include Europe, India, and Hong Kong. To date, we do know that OnePlus had made only 10,000 units of the handset available. A case of the early bird getting the proverbial worm here?