Thursday, December 8, 2011

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Launches Flipboard Killer, “Currents” Now Available In The Android Market (Video)

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 03:33 PM PST

A while back we reported on the news of a new social news reader created by Google that would rival Flipboard. Currents looks to be that rival and unlike Flipboard it works on both Android and iOS devices. This app and service boasts over 150 publishing partners and offers full-length articles from folks like CNET, AllThingsD, Forbes, PBS, Huffington Post and more.

What’s nice is that content is optimized for smartphones and tablets that allow you to navigate intuitively through words and pictures. You can do this even while being offline and on large or small screens alike. You can choose which publications you want to subscribe to for the great price of free.   You can add RSS, photo and video feeds, Google+ streams of the public variety, and Google Reader subscriptions that you’re already reading. There’s a trending tab to discover content that relates to what matches your taste.

Along with Google Currents, Google is going to be launching a self-service platform (See image below) for publishers. This will give publishers a lot of flexibility with design, branding and customizing their web content. Google’s example of this was:

“If you're a small regional news outlet, a non-profit organization without access to a mobile development team, or a national TV network with web content, you can effortlessly create hands-on digital publications for Google Currents.”

 

Google knew that great content needed a great audience, so they fully integrated Currents with Google+ so that articles or videos they’ve enjoyed can be shared easily with their circles. You can, as a publisher, associate your account with Google Analytics in order to increase your awareness of your consumers’ content preferences, device use and distribution geographically.
Google Currents is now available for download in the Android Market (link provided below)  Whether you're a reader or a publisher, we hope that Google Currents helps you easily experience the best content on the web. Try it here now and stay tuned for more to come.

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Huge Bug Fix For Droid Bionic On The Way, Brings Build To 5.5.893

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 03:14 PM PST

We know what you’re thinking….”damn, finally!”  We hear ya.  Verizon has finally stated that the long awaited bug fix is underway and requests for your patience.  The update will provide improved stability by avoiding power cycles, add fast auto focus on the camera functionality and offer better handshakes between 4G/3G connectivity.  In addition, the device can now support up to eight other devices when using the mobile hot spot.  Usually only a max of five devices are able to hop on due to supposed hardware limitations.  And supposedly now if you power the handset off it doesn’t turn on by itself.  In addition, SIM cards should activate much quicker than before.  There are quite a few other features added and other enhancements made so check out the info graphic below to get a better idea of the full change log.  No word yet on an exact date the update will be pushing out but usually we see something within a week or two when a support document has been rendered.  So keep a look out and don’t forget to let us know you think of it when it arrives.  The update should bring your device’s build to 5.5.893.

 

 

Android Market Infographic Details the Road to 10 Billion App Downloads

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 02:35 PM PST

Right now, Google is celebrating a huge milestone in Android Market history. A few days ago the big G announced that the market has reached 10 billion (with a b) downloads and decided to offer popular apps for only 10 cents over a period of 10 days (be sure to check back with us daily for the days list).

To add the the excitement, the Android Developers team has compiled a fact filled infographic that details the path to 10 billion downloads and also includes a few random fun stats as well. Congrats Android! It’s been a fun ride and we look forward to what you have in store for us in the future. :-D

Jump past the break to see the full image because you wont belive how many miles have been navigated using Google maps!

 

Verizon Galaxy Nexus Pricing Revealed: $299 at VZW and $289 Bundle at Costco

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 11:57 AM PST

Although no official launch date yet, we have some official pricing for those who need to balance their checkbooks before they make the big Galaxy Nexus purchase. This is as official as it gets I think (although it could doubtfully get reprinted), a leaked image of a Verizon in-store price tag has appeared on line and clearly shows the device at $299 on contract, just as we suspected. Although not shown in the picture, the retail price is going to be $649 for those who want to purchase the phone out-right.

If you are harboring a great hate for Verizon and refuse to give them money directly you could always go to Costco where none the wiser. According to Droid Life, they have heard from Costco insiders that the device will be sold with their commonly offered accessory bundle. Unlike the great goodies you got with the Bionic and the RAZR, the Galaxy Nexus will only come with a generic leather case, car charger, and a few screen protectors, but will be cheaper than Verizon at $289.

You know we are most definitely keeping our eye on the latest release rumors and we will keep you posted as soon as we hear more.

 

T-Mobile Begins Roll-Out of HTC Sensation 4G Update

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 11:31 AM PST

If you are the owner of an HTC Sensation 4G then you may be pleased to know that T-Mobile has begun to roll-out a new update bringing the device to Android 2.3.4, and software version 1.50.531.1. The roll-out started yesterday, Dec. 7, and continues through Jan. 15. Quite a widespread time-frame given the fact the update is random and you don’t really know when to expect it to hit. I guess you should just keep checking your notification bar for a software upgrade message. If you are antsy like me, you can manually check to see if the update is available by pressing Menu–> Settings–> About Phone–> System Updates. If your device is ready for the update you will see a download option and you should definitely press ‘yes’. The features and improvements you can expect are as follows:

New Features

  • Software stability
  • Improved battery life

Improvements

  • Improvements to Trace dictionary
  • Screen  unresponsiveness resolved
  • Device taking screen shots resolved
  • Lock screen shifted up resolved
  • Icon pixilation  resolved
  • Improved Wi-Fi  connection
  • Green lines on  photo resolved

Hit the source link below to see the full announcement from the T-Mobile Support Community.

ZTE To Hit U.S. Market Hard With High-End Smartphones

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 11:11 AM PST

As we all know, Apple, HTC, Samsung and Motorola are locked in a furious battle for U.S. market share. According to the Wall Street journal it appears that the Chinese company, ZTE, will be throwing their hat into the ring as well with a new line of high-end smartphones that look to debut sometime next year.

It’s a surprise move considering they mostly sell budget devices and broadband modems. ZTE America President Lixin Cheng is optimistic about pushing forward into the U.S. market. He was quoted to say:

"By 2015, we expect the U.S. to be the largest market for handsets for ZTE. Next year, we're going to launch LTE and high-tier phones in the U.S."

Cheng did not go into specifics, however. He did mention that new devices will be “more affordable” than the iPhone. Even with this move the question that is begging to be asked is how will they be received by the U.S. populace? They usually prefer big name brands as it gives them comfort. Big name brands are usually known for delivering better devices than smaller brands. Cheng continued to be optimistic by saying that sales of ZTE devices in the U.S. in the third quarter were up 157% year-to-year.

While this venture is far from smooth sailing, there is no saying that ZTE can’t live up to their goals. HTC, the Taiwanese company went from zero-to-hero becoming the top device vendor in the U.S., in just a couple of years. While the market is pretty established now, there is no saying that ZTE couldn’t pull off the same thing. It’s hard to say right now, but if they hit the market with power packed devices, they certainly will have a better chance.

 

Google Image Search Has New Enhancements For Tablets

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 11:07 AM PST

Google has just announced some pretty cool features intended to make web searching on tablets greatly enhanced and interactive. For starters, they’ve added a new image carousel for viewing large image results within a few swipes. When users tap on an image result, it'll expand in the carousel view and users can swipe through the search results. Also, to learn more about an image, a simple tap on the web page preview, title, description or URL will take users directly to the webpage as highlighted in the video below: 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Try out the new Google search for images on your iPad or Android tablet today. It’s available in over 40 languages now. When you do try it out, be sure to let us know how it works out for you in the Comments section.

Twitter Updates Android App with Improved UI and New Features

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 11:06 AM PST

 

‘Tis the season for social networking sites to update their Android Market app, I guess. Just after we saw yesterdays much needed and anticipated Facebook update, Twitter follows suit and releases one today as well. With the new update you will notice a few changes with the UI and the addition of new features like:

  • The latest version of Twitter offers a faster, simpler way to stay close to everything you care about on your Android.
  • Home is where you start: a personal collection of Tweets from the sources you care about. The Tweet details show rich information such as replies, retweets and embedded images.
  • Connect is the place to see who followed or mentioned you, retweeted or favorited one of your Tweets.
  • Discover is where you can tap into the stories and trends people are talking about in your world.

I really like the new Twitter app and its UI improvements. I usually use a third party app for my Twitter account but I might just keep using the official Twitter one now, I just wish they would have made the widget scrollable. Jump past the cut to check out some new screenshots, promo video, and download links. Be sure to let us know what you think!

Android Market

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Click here to view the embedded video.

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inPulse Smartwatch pairs with your Android phone

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 10:52 AM PST

We’ve seen a number of watches that either have Android onboard or work in conjunction with your Android phone. inPulse just released a new smartwatch, which is a wrist-computer that pairs with some Android and BlackBery phones to receive notifications or even check-in to Facebook places. There are also a number of watchapps that include different watch faces, as well as an app that lets you control PowerPoint presentations. If you own a Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Nexus One, any Motorola device, or a CyanogenMod based phone, you can pair it to the inPulse. Unfortunately HTC and Samsung have an incompatible Bluetooth stack. It’s priced at $150.

I would love to hear from you guys. Do any of you own a smartwatch to go along with your Android phone? I’m not seeing too many out there. Checkout a couple of videos after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Beautiful Widgets: First Paid App to Reach 1 Million Downloads

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 09:27 AM PST

The first thing I did when I switched from my HTC phone to my Droid X was secour the internet in an attempt to bring the Sense flip clock to it. In my search I stumbled across a forum that boasted Beautiful Widgets as being the closest thing to getting the Sense flip clock on my device. I hurriedly downloaded the app and since my first install I haven’t used anything else; even when I moved on from my Droid X to another HTC phone. Beautiful Widgets gives us handy widgets and shortcuts right on our homescreens and make them look, well, beautiful.

Given that this is one of my essential widgets of use, I was quite excited to read that LevelUp Studios, the creators of Beautiful Widgets, had announced that the app is the first paid-for app to reach the 1 million downloads. In celebration they released an infographic toting some pretty awesome stats. They are:

  • 121 updates in the Android Market
  • There is a total number of 1109 skins
  • These skins have 1.3 million downloads every month.

Beautiful Widgets is also part of Google’s 10 Billion App Download celebration which means you can get these awesome widgets for $0.10. When I checked a moment ago it was still available for that price. So if I were you I would jump on the chance to check out this awesome app for an awesome price. Hit the break below for download links and to check out the infographic.

Beautiful Widgets QR Code

Android Market Link
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