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Why the Nexus 7 is still a good tablet in 2015

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Tablets are not the most popular pieces of tech recently, but the Nexus 7 has proven itself quite useful for many tablet users. People have generally started to gravitate towards larger smartphones and convertible devices like the Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3, even the Asus Transformer Book Chi line-up. Tablets have gone out of fashion so to speak, but I remain  firmly convinced that there is a purpose for tablets and the Nexus 7 is the perfect example. Regardless of the fact that the first and couple subsequent Android 5.0 Lollipop updates have ruined the Nexus 7 for many people, it can still be a great tablet after you get to the latest version of Android, which is Android 5.1.1.

Word of caution, though. The Nexus 7 is the most affected device by Android Lollipop problems. There are many people out there who are complaining about bricked devices. If you’re in the know and can fix these things, that’s your shot. Get the bricked devices for cheap on ebay and flash something new on them, if you know how. There’s a lot of potential in the Nexus 7 and it could be a good way for you to learn how to flash ROMs, how to wipe, how to reset and how to actually handle tech. If you don’t know what you could do with a bricked Nexus 7, the easiest thing would be to install a factory image from Google or XDA, but make sure to install a version that didn’t mess with your device. You could get a bricked Nexus 7 for less than $50 online and flash whatever and have yourself a fully functional tablet: in my mind, that’s a good deal and it involves learning about tech, hardware and software, all at the same time. Hopefully, a bricked Nexus 7 tablet scenario won’t apply to you.

The Nexus 7 is a tablet made by Asus and Google and one of its best features is stock Android. Although the Nexus 7 has been discontinued in the Google Play Store, you can still find it online on various e-commerce websites. And that is one of the main reasons why the Nexus 7 is still a good tablet in 2015: price. Since it’s discontinued and a wee bit outdated, you will be able to find great deals on it occasionally, if you find it in stock. Right now, the lowest Nexus 7 price that I’ve come across was $165 on Amazon, brand new. Naturally, that’s the Wi-Fi only, 16 GB model from 2013. If you want an even lower price, you can go for the 2012 Nexus 7 which goes for as little as $130 new or even $70 used.

Getting a tablet like the Nexus 7 for such a low price makes this situation perfect, for some. People who just need a bigger display to view messages and social media would be delighted by this, as the Nexus 7 is as simple as it gets. Little bloatware and all the social apps that a Google-fan would ever need. At the same time, the Nexus 7 is still a good tablet in 2015 because it’s a perfect starting point for techies. By techies I mean kids. Is you child screaming about wanting a new iPhone 6? Are you worried sick that the cost of the iPhone 6 and the data plan and the contract or prepaid card and the Apple Care will cost you too much? And your kid is 12 and doesn’t need a smartphone at that age? As they should be spending more time outside? If that’s you, then the Nexus 7 would be perfect for your kid. They will get all the games they need, all the Wi-Fi they can catch and all the social media that you want them to, without you having to get extra guarantees and insurance, because it’s not that expensive.

The Nexus 7 is perfect for youngsters, because it’s got a big screen, a lot of games and a simple interface. Moreover, the battery life is also acceptable and of course, Android Lollipop. But why would anybody else want the Nexus 7 in 2015? I can answer that by going back to my original point: tablets might be done for. The Nexus 7 could be that in-between device, especially if you get one with LTE, that will keep you up to date on everything you need for years to come, and can be the perfect back-up device in case your daily driver, convertible, laptop or smart watch leaves you hanging. It’s cheap and it has all the important features that one might need in case of an emergency.

To be fair, the Nexus 7 might not be the perfect device, but it’s definitely a good tablet that’s worthy of all the attention it got over the past few years. It’s easy to use, rather cheap and can handle most of the rudimentary things that an average user would throw at it. Say you’re on a train, going to work, and you find a neat video on Youtube, but you would like to watch it on a bigger screen (alone or show it someone): the Nexus 7 comes in. Of course, any other tablet could do that, but how many tablets offer stock Android at a good price?

Although when we look at specs, the Nexus 7 is definitely not the best tablet in 2015, but it’s not the worst, either. The cheaper, 2012 Nexus 7 gets a 7 inch display with a 800*1280 resolution, Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset, 1 GB RAM, 8/16/32 GB internal storage, a 1.2 MP camera and a beefy 4325 mAh battery. The newer Nexus 7 from 2013 comes in with the same 7 inch display but with a higher 1200*1920 resolution, a better Snapdragon S4Pro CPU, 2 GB RAM, 16/32 GB internal storage, a 5 MP main camera, a 1.2 MP secondary camera and a 3950 mAh battery. Clearly, that’s not a setup that you would put on a 2015 tablet. But that’s a setup that will run almost anything. Not Asphalt 8, but all the popular games on Google Play.

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With these things in mind, we can honestly say that the Nexus 7 is an iconic device and can still be called a good tablet in 2015. We could say that about the Nexus 5, the Nexus 10, the One M7, the Galaxy S4 and many other devices out there, but it seems like people tend to go for the newest thing on the market, even though they don’t really need it. That being said, before buying the new Nexus 9, consider this: would the Nexus 7 be enough for what you need a tablet for or do you really need all that processing power and front-facing BoomSound of the Nexus 9? If you do, swell, if you don’t, go for the Nexus 7. Your pocket and wallet will thank you for it in the long run.

As part of the editorial team here at Geekreply, John spends a lot of his time making sure each article is up to snuff. That said, he also occasionally pens articles on the latest in Geek culture. From Gaming to Science, expect the latest news fast from John and team.

Gadgets

Amazon DJI Store in Germany hacked? DJI NEO Fly More Combo reveals it

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We wanted to check all DJI Stores across the world on Amazon and found out an interesting probable hack on there store in Germany.

See below Screenshot

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Some might even buy the Fly More package without regards to the Title –

KuyuqudGVg 6 x 12 Inch Summer Sushi Printed License Plate Frame for Car, Car Tag, Car Tag  –What?????

So when you buy it and than realize you receive a pack of Car Tags instead of DJI NEO Fly More Combo and want to ask a refund will Amazon Germany give it back to you or will the buyers remain with a minus 293 Euro in there account.

What are you thougts about this?

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Gadgets

Spotify is providing refunds for Car Thing as it confronts a lawsuit regarding the malfunctioning of the streaming device

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Spotify is receiving ongoing criticism for its choice to terminate support for Car Thing, its in-car streaming device, which was announced in May. According to the company, the device will become inoperable after December 9, 2024. Gen Z users on TikTok are sharing videos to express their dissatisfaction with Spotify’s decision and its suggested measures, such as transitioning to Android Auto or CarPlay. The users point out that they often lacked access to integrated infotainment systems in their cars, which makes them a prime target market for a specialized player like Car Thing.

The streaming service’s in-car device hadn’t been on the market long enough to become outdated. The product was introduced in February 2022 but was subsequently discontinued within the same year. However, the company assured customers who had already purchased units that it would continue to provide support and maintenance. Prior to its release, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek indicated that there was a significant consumer interest in this product. During an earnings call with investors, Ek reported that over 2 million users had registered on the Car Thing waitlist in anticipation of its launch.

While Spotify did not disclose official figures, it is probable that Car Thing did not meet expectations or did not justify further investment in the current challenging economic climate. Spotify, on the other hand, terminated approximately 1,500 employees towards the end of last year. This followed previous rounds of layoffs earlier in the year that impacted hundreds of employees.

Car Thing users, on the other hand, are not concerned with the company’s financial issues; their primary concern is the functionality of the device or, at the very least, receiving a refund for the $90 cost.

As a result, some individuals have attempted to lodge their complaints directly with Spotify by sending direct messages on the X platform using the handle @SpotifyCares or by utilizing different email addresses associated with Spotify that have been shared on Reddit. As a result, certain users have reported that Spotify provided them with multiple months of a premium subscription as compensation for their inconvenience, whereas others have stated that they inquired with customer service and were informed that no reimbursements were being offered.

According to Spotify, they have recently implemented a refund procedure for Car Thing. However, the user must present evidence of purchase in order to be eligible for the refund.

Car Thing users were officially informed about the availability of customer support through a second email sent on Friday of last week, in response to the increasing criticism and dissatisfaction caused by the discontinuation of Car Thing. Within the message, Spotify provides users with the appropriate customer support link to contact the company. The email does not guarantee any reimbursements but states that users can contact us for inquiries.

Although a refund might appease a certain segment of the user population who are dissatisfied with Car Thing, numerous individuals are earnestly imploring the company through TikTok videos and comments on Spotify’s TikTok posts to refrain from rendering their device inoperable. (Indeed, grievances regarding the Car Thing have become so prevalent on Spotify’s videos that the algorithmically generated search recommendation on certain videos is “what is the spotify car thing.”)

“Spotify, I kindly request that you refrain from subjecting me to any further distress.” “I have a strong affection for my automobile,” expressed Carla, a TikTok user known as @carlititica on the platform.

“Depressed,” expressed another user, @nikkilovestech. “They seem to encourage people to use their phone, which is a source of distraction,” she stated in the video description while demonstrating a Car Thing mounted on her dashboard. In her video, she also addressed the issue of electronic waste resulting from the discontinuation of a fully functional product.

Spotify is still facing challenges regarding the discontinuation of Car Thing, despite the introduction of a refund process that has not been widely publicized. According to Billboard, Spotify is currently dealing with a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges that Spotify deceived customers by selling them a product that would soon become outdated, and then failing to provide refunds. The lawsuit was initiated on May 28th.

While Spotify is unable to provide a comment regarding the lawsuit, a representative did share the following statement regarding Car Thing:

The objective of our Car Thing investigation in the United States was to gain further insights into individuals’ auditory habits while driving. In July 2022, we made a public statement declaring our decision to cease any future manufacturing activities, and now we must bid farewell to the devices altogether. The deactivation of all Car Thing devices will occur on December 9, 2024, giving users until that date to continue using them. To gain further knowledge about the various methods available for listening to Spotify in your car, please refer to the For The Record section. Car Thing users can contact Customer Support for any inquiries by visiting: https://support.spotify.com/us/contact-spotify-support/

While the issues surrounding Car Thing may not impact all of Spotify’s user base, this development coincides with a period when users are already dissatisfied with being required to pay additional fees for features they consider essential to a music service, such as access to lyrics, a feature that Spotify recently made available only to paying subscribers. Furthermore, users are expressing dissatisfaction with Car Thing and are issuing ultimatums to discontinue their subscription to Spotify due to the introduction of paid access to lyrics.

Furthermore, Spotify raised its subscription fees last year, and Bloomberg has reported that another price hike is imminent in 2024.

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Mobile Devices

3 Video Games About Women’s Health

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Video games have transcended entertainment to become powerful tools for promoting health and wellness. One notable genre in this realm is fitness gaming, exemplified by titles like Hatsune Miku Fit Boxing, which motivates players to engage in physical activity to enhance their fitness levels. Building on this foundation, developers have ventured into women’s health with games designed to raise awareness and empower players to take control of their well-being. Here are 3 video games on women’s health that provide valuable health information and foster a sense of agency to uplift women around the world.

Tampon Run – Menstrual health

Created by Girls Who Code alumnae Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser in 2014, Tampon Run is an old-school 8-bit online game where the main character, Luna, lobs tampons to destroy enemies, who will confiscate the tampons if she lets them pass by. Interestingly, the concept of weaponized tampons is based on a real incident that occurred in 2013, where Texas state troopers confiscated tampons as potential projectiles, but not guns, from visitors observing a vote on abortion restrictions at the Texas State Capitol. The goal of Tampon Run is to destigmatize periods and menstrual products, which, up until recently, have not been properly studied to measure their absorbency, which underscores the need to address menstrual health so that women can get better care.

In between tossing tampons, Luna shares empowering messages about how periods are a natural part of women’s lives and should not be a source of shame or embarrassment. The game is available to play on the Tampon Run website and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for iOS users.

PCOS Vitality – PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex hormonal condition and the leading cause of female infertility that affects approximately 5 to 6 million women in the US, according to the Endocrine Society. Common features of the condition include having irregular menstrual periods, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Additionally, some studies estimate that up to 88% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. While there are weight loss programs helping women tackle PCOS, focusing on aspects like lifestyle, symptom management, diet, and other tips for how to lose weight with PCOS, the condition itself remains grossly under-researched. For some women, it may take years to confirm that they have PCOS, as there are other disorders that mimic PCOS signs and symptoms that must be excluded.

The lack of research has extended to a lack of awareness among the general population and is what clinicians from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland are trying to address with the 2023 game PCOS Vitality. Essentially a learning tool, the game takes users through a simple obstacle course. As you click toward the finish line, you are asked simple trivia questions about PCOS. The game is free to play on Focus Games’ website.

Bound by Blood – Period poverty

Period poverty refers to the lack of regular access to period products, painkillers, or underwear during a menstrual cycle. In the US, where 16.9 million menstruating women live in poverty, two-thirds cannot afford basic menstrual products. Period poverty has also been associated with mental health issues and urinary tract infections.

Available to play on the itch.io website, Bound by Blood was created by Jessica Gates in 2017 and aims to educate players about the reality of period poverty. Users take the character of Beth, a homeless woman who wakes up in her car and realizes that she’s started her period. Players then make a series of choices to try to stay as hygienic as possible in spite of lacking resources such as menstrual products and clean restrooms. There isn’t really a way to “win” the game, and it is instead a peek into the reality of life where period products are inaccessible and how this affects women’s quality of life.

Through these games, players not only gain valuable insights into various aspects of women’s health but also find themselves actively engaged in their own well-being. As developers continue to explore this emerging field, the potential for video games to serve as educational tools and catalysts for change in healthcare remains promising

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