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Here is the thing about Nokia they are still an awesome phone manufacturer, however they really missed the boat on Android focusing instead on their own operating system, and then Windows phone. They are only now starting to put together some Android handsets. They are so far removed from the mind of consumers thanks to the popularity of Android and IOS. Their phones are tanks and have to be some of the most well built durable devices. Just a few years prior to Android they were actually the KING of OEMs. They outsold pretty much every other phone manufacturer even after Android and IOS mainly because they were the largest producer of cheap handsets. They rode that for a while, and now they have lost that market thanks to other OEMs producing super cheap Android devices.

Cyanogen Mod CEO "Kirt McMaster" seems to think top tier OEMs like Samsung will be tomorrow's next Nokia. He states in a Business Insider interview that Samsung's path is similar to Nokias, and that they will be slaughtered in the next five years. Most of his arguments stem on the fact that Samsung has been beat out by smaller companies like Micromax in emerging...

There isn't much more annoying than when you are intently watching a video and you get an email or text notification. You really want to continue watching the video, but it is super hard to ignore a text notification or dismiss a call from a loved one or good friend. Normally you would have to just ditch the video, go check the notification, then go reload the video. Not any more. The new Xposed Mod by developer "drashko" lets you watch your videos in a "Pop Up Video". No this is not the old VHS show that adds pop up information to your favorite music videos. This is essentially a new app that allows you to multitask while watching video. If a notification comes in you no longer need to ditch your video to check them. Just do both at the same time. You need to be rooted with the Xposed Framework installed to use this mod.

Via XDA

Today the Lollipop 5.0.1 OTA update was released by Verizon! A few of you have verified today that you did indeed receive the update. If you are S-Off with custom recovery and root it may be a bit difficult for you to take the OTA update. You basically will need to return to total stock prior to accepting the OTA update. A much easier way would be to just flash a prerooted RUU. "Dottat" has already built and released his prerooted RUU of 5.0.1. Just grab the exe launch it and run through the prompts. There is even an option to install a new custom recovery during the process. Alternatively you can grab the zip, place it on your external sdcard, reboot into bootloader mode, follow the prompts once the ruu is discovered. Grab the files necessary below.

via XDA

In this video we take a look at the super simple, yet crazy addictive time wasting game "Double Candy". To play simply tap the screen candies of varying colors fall towards the candy in the middle. Match the colors by turning the center candy. This is a very fast paced game. It is one of those games that frustrates you enough to try again. Head to the link below for the download.

via Play Store

On another Thursday with slow news back in January of this year, we shared an interesting bit of Off Topic news regarding the future of gaming graphics. It was a video of a French apartment which was rendered entirely in the Unreal Engine 4 game rendering engine. It was amazing to say the least because of its realistic depiction of textures, shapes and lighting. As amazing as it was, another video has surfaced which actually trumps it.

The above video is from a real-time demo created using the Unreal Engine 4 game engine for future next-gen gaming. This time we have a Scandinavian apartment that was created using the expertise of an architectural visualization expert. Its realism is mind-blowing! What's especially cool is that you don't have to take the video's word for it. You can actually download the demo and check it out yourself if you think your PC has the internal hardware to tackle it. You can also find a second video which is much like the one above.

Here's the link: Virtual Tour cgcloud

Folks on Sprint's network who own a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be able to get the latest version of Android starting today. The Android 5.0.x Lollipop rollout began for that device this morning. The update is build N910PVPU1BOB7. As is usual, the update will likely rollout in waves, so if you aren't in the first batch, it should come in a few days.

Sound off and let us know what you think of the update!

That was quick. Almost 10 days ago (on February 24th), Google and Softcard announced that they had purchased the company's technology and worked out deals with the carriers AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile for the new service to transfer to Google.

At that time, they indicated that more info would be coming regarding the existing account holders of Softcard. That info was just shared: Google plans to shutter Softcard's operations on March 31st, and will transfer existing customer accounts over to Google Wallet.

Update: According to some new reports from folks here in this thread, it looks like Softcard will not be transferring accounts, but will be closing them. Folks will need to pull their money out and contact Google if they want to get it moved into a Google Wallet account.

Source: CNET

Here's an interesting double story for you guys this morning. Both the HTC One M9 and the Samsung Galaxy S6 have been featured in two different contests. What's especially exciting about these contests is that they basically leaked the final retail prices of both products.

First, we have a T-Mobile contest in which you can win one of several prizes, including a Samsung Galaxy S6. The contest lists the price of the Galaxy S6 as $699. While they don't specify which storage option version of the Galaxy S6 this is, more than likely they are referring to the 32GB model. This means the Galaxy S6 base US price will likely be about $50 more than the previous generation Galaxy S5 when it launched. You can see more details on this contest here: Samsung s Next Big Thing is Almost Here New Samsung Smartphone T-Mobile

Second, we have an HTC contest. This one is giving away an HTC One M9 and shares its approximate retail value as $599. Interestingly, this is about $50 less than Best Buy listed the device ahead of the unveiling. This contest also does not reveal the storage option on this device, but it too is expected to be the 32GB version. For further details on this contest, check out this link: HTC One M9 Giveaway Terms and Conditions HTC United States

If we were to extrapolate on this base model pricing, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to...

The image above has surfaced across the Web yesterday. Will Samsung launch a special edition Iron Man Galaxy S6 Edge. Sounds like a winner to me. Right now it's just another rumor. We don't know if these photos are a Photoshop hoax or the real deal. We will keep you informed as additional information becomes available.

The Galaxy S6 has finally been unpacked and now it has been officially unboxed, but you won't be able to get it until a bit later this year. You can actually get a small taste of the Galaxy S6 on your device now. The stock Galaxy S6 wallpapers have been leaked. You can download them now and set them as your homescreen wallpaper. Head to the link below for the download.

via DroidViews