It was a phone fiddle day. I added my work calendar to my phone and it disabled all trusted devices. Good thing the fingerprint reader is reliable.

It was a phone fiddle day. I added my work calendar to my phone and it disabled all trusted devices. Good thing the fingerprint reader is reliable.

I got tired of trying to make appointments without knowing my work commitments. Then I cruised the Gear app store and found something I'd been looking for that I mentioned early. Then it was all out redo! Changed my Glovebox configuration, wall paper and agenda widget. Still no app draw icon though.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.candl.chronos&hl=en-GB

One of the features I used on AndroidWear was loyalty cards on the wrist.

One of the features I used on AndroidWear was loyalty cards on the wrist.

FidMe adds this functionality for the #GearS2. This and tap to pay using Samsung Pay would be awesome. Of course some loyalty cards require you use their app for full function but I can live with that.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fr.snapp.fidme&hl=en

MWC, it's about smarter not bigger

MWC, it's about smarter not bigger
Mobile World Congress for 2016 has come and gone. Slipped in amongst the flagship announcements and high featured mid-range devices was a heck of a lot of innovative tech. LG kicked it off with it's modular design. It's easy to make devices thinner and slee...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/mwc-its-about-smarter-not-bigger.html

Thomas and Sarentha, two lumberjacks, get into a fatal fight at work and are forced to flee. When a mysterious nobleman approaches them with a job and coin in hand, they can't refuse. Teamed up with the nobleman's niece Eliza, they are catapulted into an epic adventure that spans continents, over the course of the three book series.

Thomas and Sarentha, two lumberjacks, get into a fatal fight at work and are forced to flee. When a mysterious nobleman approaches them with a job and coin in hand, they can't refuse. Teamed up with the nobleman's niece Eliza, they are catapulted into an epic adventure that spans continents, over the course of the three book series.

The books are filled with action, humour, mystery, exotic destinations and creatures, and so much more. If you're looking for a new epic fantasy series to try out, now's the perfect time with this Amazon Countdown Deal starting today!

goo.gl/bBSpWr

The second book, A Wizard's Gambit, is also available through Amazon. The third book, A Hero's Birth, is undergoing it's third draft, and is scheduled for developmental editing in June.

If you prefer epubs, contact me with proof of purchase through Amazon, and I can send you one.

I'm not sure if this promotion is available in Canada. Looking at Amazon.com from here, the price looks like it's still set to normal. If you are in Canada (or anywhere outside of Canada and don't see the discount), we can arrange a PayPal payment.

I got the Texture by Next service quite awhile ago and I really like it.

I got the Texture by Next service quite awhile ago and I really like it.

No more heading to a dental or doctor's office to read old issues of magazines I don't want to purchase:) And I read a wider range of material. I wouldn't buy a Canadian Business subscription but I will skim through a digital magazine version and read an article. My only regret is there is little international content. I would love to see Braintainment, T3 and Pacific Review. Maybe even New Scientist. I'm not interested in creating my own magazines a la Flipboard.

It does a good job of incorporating multi-media rather than just PDF style formatting. With the latest update you can save articles or issues on an SD card which will be great when we go on holiday.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nim.rogers&hl=en

I got a Gear VR; now I'm all in for VR

I got a Gear VR; now I'm all in for VR
I tried Cardboard at Christmas and it was ok but...then I saw the Gear VR on sale and had a coupon so I finally bit. The experience is so much better than cardboard that I'm a VR convert. It make a huge difference to get content handed to you that demonstra...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/i-got-gear-vr-now-im-all-in-for-vr.html

ECOXGEAR Ecocarbon BT speaker

ECOXGEAR Ecocarbon BT speaker
Look at the speaker not the desk... There are a lot of BT speakers out there. What sets this speaker apart is it's ability to charge your device while sharing your tunes. It's beach or pool ready with an IP 68 rating and it's ruggedized. And by ruggedized I...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/ecoxgear-ecocarbon-bt-speaker.html

Watch this space for a review...Simpiz iTron power bank

Watch this space for a review...Simpiz iTron power bank
With removeable batteries becoming less common, we need to have power banks that are reliable and quick charging. Simpiz will be releasing a 9,000 mAh powerbank in March. According to the press release the iTron’s 9,000mAh power bank fully recharges in 18 ...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/watch-this-space-for-reviewsimpiz-itron.html

This is truly amazing. I wonder if the video demo is a personality test.

This is truly amazing. I wonder if the video demo is a personality test.

That robot looks humanesque, not just because it's bipedal but because it's shown walking though the woods, walking beside a researcher and "escaping" at the end. To demonstrate its balance responsiveness by tripping it with a hockey stick then pushing it hard enough to fall, again with a hockey stick, seems ... mean. A collapsing or moving shelf could have established the same resilience. 

Other commenters noticed - referring to uprisings due to treatment and violent response being an indication of developed intelligence. It certainly was a demonstration of how handy lack of emotion would be. How sad that people would look to a violent response to "bullying" as an indication of  developing intelligence rather than a random act of kindness.

Must have watched to much Big Hero Six.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=LnSlUw7NWbM&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrVlhMGQgDkY%26feature%3Dshare

Hangout Show #150 [event]

Hangout Show #150 [event]
Hey, the world is moving at a frenetic pace it seems ... I know a few of us on the team have had some real gruelling weeks. But, it's also Mobile World Congress, which means there's so much to talk about.  So, we're carving out some time on that Wednesday n...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/hangout-show-150-event.html

A smile for a Sunday evening.

A smile for a Sunday evening.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=YogrHBykZoo&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DkI4yoXyb1_M%26feature%3Dshare

Facebook adds new Social VR team, dynamic streaming for mobile and more

http://www.androidcentral.com/facebook-betting-big-virtual-reality-planning-dynamic-streaming-mobile-and-adding-new-social-teams?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=gplus

Coming up in one hour, all the Galaxy S7 things.

Coming up in one hour, all the Galaxy S7 things. 
http://www.androidcentral.com/samsungs-unpacked-mwc-event-live-700-pm-cet-100-pm-et

Samsung's Unpacked MWC event is happening entirely through Gear VR

http://www.androidcentral.com/samsungs-unpacked-mwc-event-happening-entirely-through-gear-vr?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=gplus

Coming up in one hour, all the Galaxy S7 things.

Coming up in one hour, all the Galaxy S7 things. 
http://www.androidcentral.com/samsungs-unpacked-mwc-event-live-700-pm-cet-100-pm-et

Been eyeing this for awhile and finally bit on a Best Buy sale. Wow.

Been eyeing this for awhile and finally bit on a Best Buy sale. Wow.

This is amazing. Pretty sure the whole time I have it on my mouth is hanging open. So far I've been exploring free stuff. The Cirque de Soleil clip is amazing and there's some very cool photos. Even watching Netflix is a different kind of experience.

On my stream is a bunch of users losing their minds at the thought of Android N not having an app drawer.

On my stream is a bunch of users losing their minds at the thought of Android N not having an app drawer.

The only people affected would be Nexus users who want the "pure" Google experience. Pretty sure all the skins would continue to include the app drawer which would now be called bloatware. I hope these people don't want to be designers because there's a real lack of imagination.

Very well written short story. Love the ending.

Very well written short story. Love the ending.
http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/not-by-wardrobe-tornado-or-looking-glass/

I keep putting my tablet down and then not be able to find it - it's usually slid off a chair arm into the cushion. Anyone got suggestions for making it beep from my phone?

I keep putting my tablet down and then not be able to find it - it's usually slid off a chair arm into the cushion. Anyone got suggestions for making it beep from my phone?

Aging is awful.

Ticket to Ride is on sale so I bought all the maps. Fun game and you can pass and play which is nice for sharing.

Ticket to Ride is on sale so I bought all the maps. Fun game and you can pass and play which is nice for sharing.

Had some AirMiles to use so I ordered this BT speaker by Ecoxgear

Had some AirMiles to use so I ordered this BT speaker by Ecoxgear

Selling points (other than free-ish) waterproof, military grade, LED light and phone charger! It's in orange so I shouldn't lose it:) It's heavy - almost a kg - so we'll throw it in luggage.
https://ecoxgear.com/ecocarbon/

PlusUs has a teeny tiny portable battery charger for you - is it too small?

PlusUs has a teeny tiny portable battery charger for you - is it too small?
So it's always good to have a spare battery with you, and we've reviewed a lot of them over time on this site.  ( My favourites have been the ones with the built in cable like  +TYLT . ) A company called PlusUs has come up with a super teeny tiny portable b...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/plusus-has-teeny-tiny-portable-battery.html

Is it bad my first thought was chocolate dipping and using as a fruit cup? The Refinery 29 writer is a little acerbic in their product evaluation but I could see it being a fun thing if you take lunch to work or entertainment.

Is it bad my first thought was chocolate dipping and using as a fruit cup? The Refinery 29 writer is a little acerbic in their product evaluation but I could see it being a fun thing if you take lunch to work or entertainment.
http://www.refinery29.com/2016/02/103395/edible-spoon-maker?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss

Any...

Any...

It's super easy to get fixated on steps. For instance I am at under 600 at 10 am on a day off and just heard the phrase "gotta put some steps on the counter" float up from the basement. I won't be taking off my Gear S2 because it's more than just a pedometer, but I'm changing the watch face away from constantly displaying my steps. I will also actually do something when nudged for activity.

It's super easy to get fixated on steps. For instance I am at under 600 at 10 am on a day off and just heard the phrase "gotta put some steps on the counter" float up from the basement. I won't be taking off my Gear S2 because it's more than just a pedometer, but I'm changing the watch face away from constantly displaying my steps. I will also actually do something when nudged for activity.

I know Martin Guay doesn't bother with fitness tracking at all but what about those of you who do? Do you get hooked on the numbers and rewards?
http://www.refinery29.com/fitness-tracker-obsession?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss

There is a lot of soft tissue injury that heals only with exercise. Everything else is just an attempt to not change what you're doing.

There is a lot of soft tissue injury that heals only with exercise. Everything else is just an attempt to not change what you're doing.

I had to come home from work one day because Fred had bent over in the garage to tie a shoe and got stuck that way due to back issues. Not convenient because I had walked to work and had to borrow a company vehicle to get home. Over time he was on anti-inflammatories and other medications for his back. He also had shoe inserts.

We haven't golfed since my accident. He has had no back pain since he stopped golfing. His swing could have been triggering a mild strain so any further activity would create more extensive strain.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.3444738

Gone in 80 Seconds – Women and Heart Disease

Gone in 80 Seconds – Women and Heart Disease

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the U.S. today. Every 80 seconds, a woman dies from heart disease, and more than three-quarters of these heart-related deaths are preventable. While 80 percent of all women have at least one risk factor for heart disease, most women do not consider heart disease to be their greatest health risk.

Today, nearly 44 million American women are living with some form of heart disease and, quite surprisingly, less than a third of women actually know the symptoms of a heart attack. February is designated as Go Red For Women month – its purpose is to raise awareness about heart disease in women and promote engagement in hopes that thousands of unnecessary cardiac deaths can be prevented.
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2016-02-12/gone-in-80-seconds-women-and-heart-disease

I am a first aid instructor and have been for over a decade.

I am a first aid instructor and have been for over a decade.

I gave a session at the beginning of the month, the class was quite goofy as they all work together. But one of the attendees was first on the scene of an accident and was able to be the lead and get the person help.
http://www.sja.ca/English/Pages/default.aspx

The battle of the File manager on Android is a hot topic

The battle of the File manager on Android is a hot topic
Unlike our operating system on Windows Or Mac, we have choices of different file browser on Android. It goes further than that when you start looking at all the features of each one of them. Some are strictly aiming for the ability to file browse, others ai...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/the-battle-of-file-manager-on-android.html

Our curator Kristine Kathryn Rusch on the fantastic Women in Fantasy bundle!

Our curator Kristine Kathryn Rusch on the fantastic Women in Fantasy bundle!
http://buff.ly/1oq2SXx

visit hangouts.androidcoliseum.com for our agenda and to join in the live chat during the show!

visit hangouts.androidcoliseum.com for our agenda and to join in the live chat during the show!

Some more pictures of my new ear phones.

Some more pictures of my new ear phones.

Got new tech in the mail. ANKER SoundBuds Sport

Got new tech in the mail. ANKER SoundBuds Sport

Isn't everyone in search for the perfect ear buds/phones? I like buds but my ears are small or something. I had some older ones that were only BT version 2 so when it was link to a device, it blocked other devices. Thus the search was on for a new pair.

Prices have really come down and there are lots of different styles. These have those weird ear anchors. I wanted them because my ears get sweaty (TMI?) Of course it comes with a range of sizes for the anchors and the buds. The sound is very good and it connected very easily to my Gear S2 which has an amazing amount of music on it that I forget about.

But I digress.

It was a little picky connecting with my phone. I had to disconnect from all other BT devices first but after that it worked just find. It's really reasonably priced so I'm happy.

Watching season 2 of the detectorists. Take note Steve Sakamoto​.

Watching season 2 of the detectorists. Take note Steve Sakamoto​.

Hands on with the Montar Qi

Hands on with the Montar Qi
Long story short - I loved this. I clamped my S6 in place and shook it upside down. Phone didn't budge and kept on charging. The main problem I have with charging my phone in the Macan is where to put it while it's charging. Plus I prefer to use wireless ch...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/hands-on-with-montar-qi.html

Hangout Show #148 [event]

Hangout Show #148 [event]
Well... it certainly didn't feel like a real week last week as we didn't have a proper get together. We missed out on one, but we won't miss this week's. See you then! Android Coliseum: Hangout #148 February 3rd, 2015 ON AIR 10PM EST Event link: https://plu...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/hangout-show-148-event.html

Screen protector, tempered glass, vinyl "uggghhh" what to choose?

Screen protector, tempered glass, vinyl "uggghhh" what to choose?
We've all been in the situation where a screen protector is a must and we've either bought one directly from the carrier when we were getting our new phone or simply scouring the depths of the internet to find the best one possible at the lowest cost. Looki...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/screen-protector-tempered-glass-vinyl.html

So this episode was epic. All the fun of the original series.

So this episode was epic. All the fun of the original series.

WinnerGear MicFlip cable deal

WinnerGear MicFlip cable deal
We've covered these reversible microUSB cables before.  And I have to say I love the cables.  The latest offering with the braiding are exceptional (as well as Quick/Rapid Charge 2.0 compatible) and they come in 6' lengths. Recently they had the red on sale...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/02/winnergear-micflip-cable-deal.html