The Android Crew Premiere – Metal Bodies and Virtual Magnets

Summary: For our first show, the Android Crew, Greg Lopez, Tomi Geczy, Brandon Cross and Cory Martin all meet to hash out the latest Android happenings, starting with new hardware announced at Mobile World Congress.<br> <br> The crew starts out with the Samsung Galaxy S6 by discussing the pros and cons of the drastic new design.<br> <br> Here are a few links to some of the items which they discussed:<br> Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge reportedly facing touchscreen issues - SamMobile <a href="https://is.gd/Y7hOc1">https://is.gd/Y7hOc1</a><br> <br> Here is a link to the new accessibility features for the galaxy S6 <a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/eyes-free/bpaJIotS1kE">https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/eyes-free/bpaJIotS1kE</a><br> Here is a PDF for the Samsung S6 manual that talks about the accessibility features <a href="https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201503/20150303094626458/SM-G920F_UM_EU_Lollipop_Eng_Rev.1.0_150302.pdf">https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201503/20150303094626458/SM-G920F_UM_EU_Lollipop_Eng_Rev.1.0_150302.pdf</a><br> <br> The new Loop Pay on the S6 looks possibly better than other NFC-based payment options, offering backward compatibility with existing point-of-sale hardware. Loop Pay on S6: <a href="https://www.nfcworld.com/2015/03/01/334371/samsung-unveils-galaxy-s6-with-nfc-and-looppay-mobile-payments/">https://www.nfcworld.com/2015/03/01/334371/samsung-unveils-galaxy-s6-with-nfc-and-looppay-mobile-payments/</a><br> <br> S6/S6 Edge available via US and Canadian carriers on 4/10/2015, prices still unknown<br> <a href="https://mobilesyrup.com/2015/03/10/samsung-galaxy-s6-gold-canada/">https://mobilesyrup.com/2015/03/10/samsung-galaxy-s6-gold-canada/</a><br> <br> Wireless charging and Fast Charge 2.0 technologies are contrasted, speed versus convenience?<br> <br> It is suggested that wireless charging might be detrimental to battery-life. One of the sources of this information came from the Wikipedia article provided here. Wireless charging may generate additional heat: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_charging">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_charging</a><br> <br> Finally, it was unanimously decided that the Samsung Galaxy S6 would make an excellent choice for those considering switching to Android from other platforms.<br> <br> The S6 wasn't the only cool phone announced, with HTC and their M9 now boasting a 20 Megapixel camera and 2800 MA battery which might be important for another soon to be announced app: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-m9-what-we-want-to-see-1266545">https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-m9-what-we-want-to-see-1266545</a><br> <br> At finally long last, Blind Bargains brings us an interview from CSUN where it is suggested that the KNFB Reader app might soon be coming to Android: <a href="https://www.blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=12451">https://www.blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=12451</a><br> <br> Those monster megapixel cameras on these Android phones might soon be a very important tool for us who are blind or visually impaired.<br> <br> For those of us who might need to conserve the cash, the new Motorola E now has LTE, 4.5 inch screen, 5 MP camera, yet has no flash according to All about Android<br> It is suggested that the phone may have a price-point of $150.00 US.<br> <br> If you're in to unusual, you might enjoy the Alcatel One-Touch Idol-3<br> Handset with earpiece on front at top and bottom. Check out this article, Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 can take phone calls even when upside down <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2015/03/01/alcatel-onetouch-idol-3/">https://www.engadget.com/2015/03/01/alcatel-onetouch-idol-3/</a><br> <br> Finally, if you're a fan of the stock droid experience,