Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Are you ready for Android 6.0 Marshmallow?

Android 6.0 Marshmallow’s (initially announced as Android “M” or Android 6.0) final preview was released by Google on August 17, 2015.

Watch this video of the Android Marshmallow Statue as revealed in Googleplex, Mountain View, CA, USA:

Marshmallow has an updated permissions user interface and enhanced permissions behavior. Applications are no longer automatically granted all of their specified permissions during installation and users are now prompted to grant or deny permissions individually (such as access to the mic or camera) to an application when needed. Permission grants for applications are remembered by the program.

This new mobile operating system also features Doze, a new power management app that lowers the level of background application activity when the device determines that it is not being actively used and as a result, this doubles the device’s battery life.

Google can now match its OS competition in terms of security with Marshmallow’s fingerprint recognition feature. Users can use their fingerprints for unlocking their device and make Play Store and Android Pay purchases.

Since most newly-released devices support USB Type-C, Google made it a point to have this OS able to support it, including the ability to have devices charge another device over USB.

Watch out for upcoming mobile phones and tablets with Android 6.0 Marshmallow at MetroSix.

Samsung Galaxy Note5

Samsung recently introduced the much awaited Samsung Galaxy Note5 with a slimmer design and better features than the previous model.

The Galaxy Note5 boasts a  new sleek design. It is slimmer than the Galaxy Note4 -- only 7.6mm thin. It has a metallic aluminum frame with sloped edges and a slimmer bezel. It ergonomically fits in one hand with its curved Gorilla Glass 4 back. It is available in four (4) colors: gold platinum, black sapphire, white pearl and silver titanium. This phablet offers easy navigation with its all-powerful S-Pen. Features such as Air Command, Scroll Capture and Smart Select lets you access your favorites and apps instantly.

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 is powered by a 64-bit Octa-core processor with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and runs Android 5.0 Lollipop.  Available models with storage capacities are 32GB and 64GB. This device lets you enjoy viewing images and videos with its 5.7" Quad HD Super AMOLED display. Take vivid and crisp photos with its 16MP F1.9 Real-time HDR rear camera with Smart OIS and 5MP F1.9 front camera with Real-time HDR. Creating a video collage is easy with its 4K (UHD) advanced voice recording capability.

Fully-charge your Galaxy Note5 in 120 minutes with its fast charging travel adaptor and type with ease with a detachable QWERTY keyboard, an added accessory, to go with this new gadget.

Watch the Samsung Galaxy Note5 Introduction Video:

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 will be available at MetroSix on 21 August 2015.

Apple TV vs Andoid TV

Want to view your 1080p HD movie or play your favorite mobile game saved in your phone on a big screen? Then, you might be interested in buying a TV box. There are two types of TV boxes available in the market -- the Apple TV and Android TV. Aside from compatibilities, these two TV boxes have other features that differ from each other.

Since Apple TV works with Mac or iOS devices such as iPhones and MacBooks, it allows you to show anything that’s on your iOS device or Mac on your HDTV. You can access iTunes, purchase movies, live games, music and other apps using your iOS device and view them on an HDTV. All the music, photos and videos stored in your iCloud can be played anywhere or share it with your friends wirelessly. Use your tablet as a controller to play your favorite game while viewing all the action on a big screen. It is powered by a Single-Core Apple A5 chip.

Android TVs work with Android devices and of course, there are a lot of brands of devices available out there. If Apple has iTunes Store, there’s Play Store to purchase and download apps, music and videos for your Android TV. Since Android has Open App development system, there’s more apps available versus solely getting from Apple. Unlike Apple TVs, most Android TVs have 1GB of RAM and between 4 and 8GB of ROM storage so it can be a multimedia device as well. There are different processors available for each brand and model.

Although a new version of AppleTV is rumored to be released this September 2015 where it can be controlled by the Apple Watch along with its new features, it leaves to be desired compared to Android TV’s open app.

Shop for Android TV and Apple TV at MetroSix.

Beats Headphones + HK$1 iPod shuffle

MetroSix now offers this unbeatable deal: buy any of the selected Beats Solo or Beats Studio headphones and get an iPod shuffle (4th gen - Late 2012) for only HK$1!

Beats Solo high definition headphones are made for music lovers. These headphones offer lightweight and durable design with advanced driver technology that deliver legendary Beats by Dr. Dre sound.

There are 2 models for the Beats Solo headphones -- Beats Solo and Beats Solo 2. Solo headphones are HD on-ear headphones that offer crystal-clear sound and deep bass. These have built-in, three-button remote control for adjusting music, volume and move between tracks. Solo have built-in mic for calls and are made from lightweight materials. Solo 2 are wireless headphones that lets you listen to music wirelessly up to 30 feet (Bluetooth range) away from your iPhone, iPad or iPod. Its built-in mic and on-ear controls let you take hands-free calls and control music.

Watch this Beats Solo commercial:

Beats Studio models can either be wireless or wired on-ear headphones. These headphones are light. Studio features Beat Acoustic Engine and Beats signature DSP software that delivers exact emotional experience that Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine and some of the music industry's greatest rock, hip-hop, pop, electronic and R&B producers want you to feel. Studio headphones also have Beats' no-compromise dual-mode Adaptive Noise Cancelling (ANC), letting you enjoy listening to music without any noise. Studio headphones have fast curves, smooth surfaces and no visible screws. They weigh less than the original Beats headphones, are lighter, stronger and have more comfortable headbands.

View this Beats Studio video:

All Solo 2 and Studio wireless headphones have rechargeable batteries that can last up to 12 hours when connected via Bluetooth and up to 20 hours when plugged on an iOS device. Their Battery Fuel Gauge lets you see at a glance how much power is available.

With this MetroSix deal, for just an additional HK$1, get an iPod shuffle (4th gen - Late 2012) and enjoy listening to hundreds of songs. The shuffle has a clickable control pad on the front that lets you control music. Easily load music from your iTunes through your PC or Mac and with its sleek and durable design, it makes a good fashion accessory.

Get this special offer only at MetroSix.