AndroidAppInspection

The future of Android comes in all shapes and sizes.

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 20:39:00 +0000

Straight on the heels of Google I/O's keynote. We get a look at the future of android on a variety of devices and screens. The video below shows off the latest from Android and Google on everything from watches and cars to tablets and TV's.

The video shows a number of the features and projects announced during the I/O keynote including Android Wear, Android Auto, Google TV and the latest version of Chromecast.

Google launches Android 4.4 Kitkat and the Nexus 5

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:37:00 +0000

Just in time for Halloween. Android 4.4 KitKat is here!

Voice recognition.
In 4.4 you'll be able to wake up your Nexus 5 and search or issue voice commands. By saying "Ok Google". Voice search has been improved, allowing you to further clarify what you mean by way of conversation with your phone. Google promises it's already excellent speech recognition will now have 25 percent less word errors.

Immersive mode
When playing games, movies or listening to music android now lets that experience take center stage. It will automatically hide everything else on the screen. You simply swipe the edge of the screen to bring back your status bar and navigation buttons.

Faster Multitasking
In Android 4.4 system performance is revved up by optimizing memory and improving the touchscreen. Making it respond faster.

Google Smarts

Prioritized Contacts
Smart Caller ID - matches unknown numbers with businesses with a local listing on Google Maps.
Hangouts app - all sms and mms messages together alongside your conversations and video calls.
Emoji everywhere - now available directly from the Google keyboard.
Print wherever, whenever. print to any printer connected to google cloud print or HP eprint

Project Svelte

One of the most important features of this new version of Android comes in the form of Project Svelte.
The project focuses on reducing memory requirements and allowing later versions of android to operate on older devices. The project aims to bring even "entry level" devices in on all the latest android has to offer. This would include even those devices with as little as 512MB RAM.

Additional features

Bluetooth MAP support

Chromecast support

Chrome we view

Closed Captioning

Device management

Easy home screen switching

Full screen wallpapers with preview

HDR+ photography

infrared blasting

location modes and monitoring
low-power audio playback
Music and movie seeking from lock screen
Secure app sandboxes
Step counting built-in
Improved NFC payments

No more rumors, no more teasing leaks. The Nexus 5 is here!

4.95" 1080p display 445ppi
Full HD IPS
Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU
2GB of RAM
16GB and 32GB storgae
8MP rear-facing camera with OIS (optical image stabilization) 1MP front-facing
2300mAh battery with wireless charging capabilities
4G/LTE
Bluetooth 4.0
802.11ac Wifi
NFC

The Nexus 5 will be carried by AT&T, T-mobile and Sprint in th near future. Leaving Verizon customers to miss out. The device is available unlocked on Google Play. Two Nexus 5 models will be offered, a North American version with CDMA support, 7-band WCDMA and 9-band LTE, and an international version with 6-band WCDMA and 6-band LTE. The 16GB version runs $349 and the 32GB version is $399.

Invitations Going Out For October 24th Google Event

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:52:00 +0000

With the numerous rumors and leaks we've been subjected to recently surrounding KitKat 4.4 and the Nexus 5 just about the only thing we've been lacking at this point is a solid release date. And while that hasn't truly changed we do officially have a date to look forward to.

Google has begun sending out invitations to and event slated for October 24th. "A night out with Google Play" kicks off at 7pm in New York City. Given the time of year and the many recent leaks, I think it's safe to say the event will include KitKat and the Nexus5. Especially if you consider the fact that just last night the 16 GB Nexus 5 accidentally appeared on the Google Play Store marked for $349.

From One Second to the Next: It Can Wait.

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:15:00 +0000

You've probably seen a few scenes from this 35 minute documentary on Tv and/or along side the previews in a few theaters. In the film, director Werner Herzog exposes us to the events of four different individuals and the tragedies that have resulted from distracted driving. "What AT&T proposed immediately clicked and connected inside of me. There's a completely new culture out there. I'm not a participant of texting and driving -- or texting at all -- but I see there's something going on in civilization which is coming with great vehemence at us.''

The film is hard hitting and heartfelt; realistically shining a very important light on the entire meaning of what is summed up in such a simple message. "It Can Wait."

via

http://www.itcanwait.com/

Androidcentral

Ctvnews

Google launches Chromecast

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 01:36:00 +0000

Today along side the official announcement of the New Nexus 7 and Android 4.3 Google launched Chromecast. The small device is running a streamline version of Chrome OS. With it users can get content from their phones, tablets and laptop and onto their TVs.

There were a few questioned raised when Google pulled the Nexus Q from the PlayStore earlier this year. And now it makes sense, it wasn't simple abandonment of a failed endeavor.. They had something better coming down the pipe. And that's what we have here, a smaller, cheaper and more functional Nexus Q.

Simply plug the device into the HDMI port on your TV, connect it to Wifi and next using your smartphone, tablet or laptop you can press the "cast" button that you'll find in your popular media apps. (youtube, netflix etc) Once you press the cast button the content is instantly broadcast to the bigger screen. This works for youtube, netflix and play store videos. As well as music and chrome browser tabs. That means that if the video will play in a chrome tab you can stream it to the big screen with Chromecast! And best of all is it's cross platform. During the demo not only did Chromecast work with both Android and iOS devices but handled both controlling the same content simultaneously.

Chromecast actually comes with 3 free months of Netflix that reportedly also applies to current members. If you take that into account along with the very affordable $35 price mark; current Netflix users are only taking a hit of about $11! The device sold-out quickly on the Play Store but won't actually ship for around two weeks . And Amazon has it for sale and free shipment immediately but is now temporarily out of stock.

Check out this video of the demo from Ubergizmo.

You can order Chromecast from the Play Store and Amazon.

New Nexus 7 is live in the play store.

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 19:53:00 +0000

The long awaited and much anticipated (lots of leaks) New Nexus 7 is official today. The device launches July 30th in the US and you can pre-order from the Play Store and other retailers (Best Buy etc). Staying true to the selling points of the previous iteration the new Nexus 7 packs noteworthy hardware with a compelling price point. A combination that made the Nexus 7 the best selling 7-inch tablet in the past. The 16GB model will see a $229.00 price mark and the 32GB model will ring in at $269.

Android 4.3
7-iunch 1920x1200 display
323 PPI - currently the highest on the market
Dual-Stereo speakers
16 and 32GB memory
2GB RAM
Quad-core Qualcom Snapdragon S4 processor
5MP rear camera 1.2MP front camera
Qi wireless charging
3950 mAH battery with a predicted 9 hours of active use.
New Netflix app with 1080p streaming.
a unlocked LTE model that will work on AT&T, T-mobile and Verizon will be available

click to view the new Nexus 7 on the Play Store.

One Today: Google's charity app now open to all

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 21:26:00 +0000

Quick Update:

Last time we covered One Today, the charity app from Google it was invite only. I've personally been using this app since it launched. And not only is this a well built app but it allows you to flex your philanthropy muscles a bit without even getting up. Each day new causes are featured and you can choose to "give a little to change a lot."

Single Donations are limited to $1 and within a mobile structure that price mark makes giving, less of decision. Though you can pledge to match donations that are given by others (up to a limit) if you really want to give more. The causes you'll find in the app cover a wide range of issues and needs, meaning there is almost always something you'll find worthwhile waiting for your donation. I have yet to be able to move on from the app without wishing I could give more than a $1 a day.

Download from Play Store

Do a little and Change a lot, with One Today by Google

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:04:00 +0000

A few weeks ago Google launched an app that seeks to capture the scaling power of mobile apps and the Play Store to combine it with charitable donations. The app, named One Today has a simple premise; once a day you'll be shown a worthy cause presented by a nonprofit and can make the choice to give a $1 donation to said cause. All of your donation goes directly to the cause (minus a 1.9% credit card fee). These donations are fully tax deductible with your confirmation emails serving as donation receipts. Also when you click the give button the app marks it as a pledge rather than a charge. A balance of each pledge is kept and the app will periodically notify you and request you approve payment. And as a added bonus for those who would like to contribute a bit more. The app allows you to encourage your friends to donate and pledge to match their donations dollar for dollar (to a limit).

Right now you need an invitation to participate. And the app is limited to US users at this time, which are really the only drawbacks. Well that and the fact that it's an Android only app at this time. It will be interesting to see if Apple allows the app in the App Store. As the company has a history of not allowing charitable donations through the App Store. Something it has been criticized about several times. You can request an invite from the site listed below or from directly within the app. So what do you think? Are you going to jump on board to Do a little and Change a lot?

To learn more or request an invite, visit http://www.google.com/onetoday/

Click to download

Scan to download

[via The verge]

T-mobile takes new approach to wireless with Simple Choice

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:12:00 +0000

Today T-Mobile President and CEO John Legere took to the stage at a event in Manhattan to make a few announcements. One of the biggest announcements was a seemingly new approach to business of being a wireless carrier. With the announcement of the Simple Choice plan T-Mobile is trying to take a more modern and 'simple' approach.

Following along with the announcement were a series of tweets describing the mindset T-mobile has as they make this move towards Simple Choice. From what I can gather based on these tweets. Customers can look forward to No Overages, Anytime Upgrades, No annual contracts and Lowest out-of-pocket cost at activation .

If you couple that with T-mobile's new "pay off" approach to it's newly announced devices this may be exactly what it takes for T-mobile to draw costumers away from competitors AT&T and Verizon both of which hit a fair bit harder in the wallet region. Ideally you'll walk into a store and get whatever phone you want for $99 down and pay off the price of the phone over the course of two years. (so no contract but still kind of a contract)

Here from the man himself in the video below.

Check out whats new at T-mobile.

What is Facebook build 141046?

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:36:00 +0000

I like many others today noticed a download in progress in my phones notification bar. I was immediately curious about the currently running download that I couldn't remember starting. Upon viewing the notification I became even more curious and a bit skeptical, "Facebook (build 141046)" This isn't the typical wording you'd see on a app update or download and lets not forget the previously mentioned but very important part about not starting this download! Automatic updates are turned off on all apps on my device and a quick check confirmed what I assumed, this wasn't an update from the Play Store. So I did what most (I'd hope) would do and started doing a little searching.

I came a across a few threads on other Android sites and realized this was indeed something that others were seeing on several devices. Some users reported having noticed the download hanging in their notification area for hours and were seeking ways to clear the notification. A tip from some was to open download manger and 'Force Stop' the app. This worked but the download would reappear later. Turning on wifi seemingly allowed the download to complete and then you are given the option to install this new build.

As I said I'm a bit skeptic at this point, so I declined to install if it's an official update then fine I'll have a change to install later. Better safe than sorry. But the real problem was the issue pictured above. Why would Facebook need to download files to or from my device without me knowing? After declining the install I a different notification about the downloaded update being ready to install started to appear.

I'm a little less inclined to think this is some form of malware and rather just a poorly instituted update from Facebook at this point. Facebook has a history of neglecting user privacy and settings when it rolls out updates. This download of which by the way seems to bypass user settings to only allow downloads while on wifi or to not allow auto updates to apps. But as I mentioned this isn't an update from the Play Store so it apparently doesn't have play nice with user settings.

Basically this unprompted and self-downloading update, that didn't come from the Play Store, wants me to install it and give permission for future self installing updates that I won't know about.... I can't without any further info say that's it's malware but even if it's authentic I don't want it.

Android 4.2.2 rolling out to Nexus devices

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:46:00 +0000

Android 4.2.2 is rolling out to Nexus devices right now. This is a incremental update to JellyBean (4.2.) so nothing major here, just the usual bug fixes and performance improvements. No real bells and whistles to speak of, most of this update will function behind the scenes. That combined with the fact that only a handful of devices are running 4.2 Jellybean this update isn't anything for most users to get excited about. Here's a run down of what we know about 4.2.2. so far.

Prompted to allow the connection when connecting via adb to a computer for the first time, This small security enhancement will help keep your bootloader locked device safe if you lose it.
App download notifications now shows time remaining.
Quick settings have been enhanced. Users can now long press on the Wifi and Bluetooth icons to toggle the setting.
New sounds for wireless charging initiation and low battery alert.
Vibration for notifications is longer in duration
New Gallery app animation allows faster loading.

[via Androidcentral]

Samsung ships 100 million Galaxy S devices

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:09:00 +0000

Samsung has announced that is has shipped a 100 million units of it's Galaxy S line Android phones worldwide. Samsung made this announcement via Flickr. With this came the news that their Galaxy S3 is selling about 190,000 units per day. Samsung has been a powerhouse in the android market ever since launching the original Galaxy S in March 2010. I'm sure Samsung has plenty to come in 2013

[via Flickr]

Browse Safely with Link Buster

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 01:15:00 +0000

If you spend any time on Twitter or Facebook you probably run across your share of link spam in one form or another. And you may have even fallen prey to some. By link spam we mean that obviously unusual post from your friend or individual that includes a shortened link of some kind. For example "I just made a ton of money just for completing this survey....(shortened link here)"

This sort of spam/phishing can run rampant on social networks as individuals click links that have come from people they know and trust, who themselves received the link from someone they knew in one form or another. Accounts get compromised and more links go out to everyone in your contacts list, continuing the spread. If you're lucky you end up simply passing along a dirty link and having to change your password. If you're unlucky, that link you clicked can begin a download of software that can do much more damage than simply annoying your friends.

At this point some of you are deciding that this just isn't something you'd fall for. But anyone can make a mistake especially if someone helps you make it. What about html links elsewhere on the net that lead to sites other than what the link describes. For example. http://twitter.com/androidinspect if you click that it takes you to our facebook page rather than the twitter but it could lead anywhere I want it to. Unless you hovered you might not catch that.

The issue being that most of us know that you can get a peek at where a link is taking you by hovering over it and looking down at the status bar. (At least I hope you guys know that.) But on a mobile device there really isn't a "hover" equivalent. In fact since you're dealing with a touchscreen you can inadvertently click one of these "dirty links" just by navigating the site. Not to mention some of the bugs and exploits that have been affecting android phones that visit malicious links.

As far as your mobile concerns android has got you covered. Link Buster is an app that can open any link you click much like an alternate browser. Install if from the Google Play Store (link below) and when you see a link you're not sure about simply open it in Link Buster instead of your Browser.

After the link is open in Link Buster the full URL of the link is revealed along with the Web of Trust rating. The Web of Trust crowd sources is information from users just like us. It has a good reputation.

Having Link Buster appear as an option on every link you click may be a bit annoying for users not used to having multiple browser installed without a default set. But a moment of inconvenience wagered against never having to worry about a suspicious link is worth it in my opinion.

Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 live in Google Play Store

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:10:00 +0000

There has been a barrage of Nexus related news today, following the announcement from Google. And even though the live event was canceled due to concerns of Hurricane Sandy; there is plenty of Nexus goodness to share. Some of which includes new devices, launch carriers, android 4.2 and app updates.

For starters the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 have all gotten launch dates. And are live in the Google Play Store. Unsurprisingly the Galaxy Nexus and all it's accessories have been removed from the store.

The Nexus 4 by LG: lands on November 13th for $299 (8GB) or $349(16GB) and is slated to be available from T-mobile at $199 on two year contract. The Nexus 4 features a 4.7 inch 1280 x 768 IPS display, a 1.5GHz quad-core snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB RAM, 8 megapixel camera and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera. And a etched layered glass backing. Along with this comes compatibility with Google's Wireless Charging Orb. And last but not least is the fact that the new Nexus will be totting Android 4.2

The already released Nexus 7 (16GB) is now back in stock $199 and the 32GB versions will be available in the Google Play Store November 13th. $249 - $299 Featuring a 7 inch 1280x800 HD display, NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-crore processor 1.2MP front-facing camera, 1GB RAM, 4325 mAh battery, Micro USB.

The Nexus 10 by Samsung lands November 13th with the 16GB at $399 and the 32GB version at $499.

The 10 inch tablet will feature a Dual-core Cortex A15 CPU, 2GB RAM, Quad-core Mali T604 GPU, 5MP rear camera and 1.9MP front-facing camera, 9000 mAh battery, front facing speakers, Micro USB, Micro HDMI, two NFC chips, MIMO Wifi, Pogo pins and last but not least Android 4.2. Which many users will be pleased to know features multiple user support.

Check out the new Nexus devices on the Google Play Store.

See all the new Nexus devices in action in the video below.

[via Google Blog]

Verizon Selling Your Personal Data: Opt Out

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 01:10:00 +0000

News has come out recently that the Big Red cellular carrier Verizon is selling off the personal data of it's subscribers. An extra slap in the face to users who arguably already pay some of the highest phone bills on average in the US.

"We're able to view just everything that they do," Bill Diggins, U.S. chief for the Verizon Wireless

News of this action by Verizon has brought up question as to whether Big Red is in violation of wiretap laws.
Verizon is able to monitor app usage, browsing activities, geological location, and more. Verizon recently began sharing this information with third-parties. This information also includes basics like; age, gender, and location along with specifics like if a user is a sport enthusiast or pet owner and what Android or iOS apps are being used in what area as well as your social networking accounts.

"And that's really where data is going today. Data is the new oil."

Most cellular subscribers, particularly smart phone users have probably at one point or another accepted that their carrier can see their information. That just goes hand in hand with operating on 'their' network. Although having it all laid out and finding that they can see every individual website you visit and every app that you download and are sharing that information with third-parties is another thing?

Wiretap laws make this sort of thing illegal right? Well that is unless you offer those being tapped an opt-out. This is the legal loophole that lets Verizon and other companies do this. I'm not a Verizon subscriber so I'm unaware at this time if customers were notified that they could opt-out or if they were notified about Verizon's "Precision Market Insights" to begin with. But for those wanting to OPT-OUT click the following link. http://www.verizonwireless.com/myprivacy

It's worth noting that opting out only stops them from selling this information not from collecting it. Are you bothered by Verizon having this information? Let us know in the comments.

[CNET]

Android 4.1.2 OTA update rolling out.

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:26:00 +0000

Jean-Baptiste Qeru, Google's chief release engineer; announced today that Android 4.1.2 was being released to the Android Open Source Project. The update is 31.3MB in size and includes bug fixes, performance and stability improvements as well as landscape mode in the launcher.

So far the update is live and rolling out to Nexus 7 devices with signs that the Galaxy Nexus and Xoom will be next up to receive the update. All of this is of particular interest due to increasing plausible rumors of a new Nexus device coming in late October. A device spotted running 4.1.2.

(via AndroidPolice)

Android End of Summer Sale

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:54:00 +0000

Google is having a End of Summer sale and a lot of hit apps and games are on sale for only $0.99.
There are 18 app included in this sale and most are games. No word on when this sale ends so if you see something you like grab it while you can.

Google Play Store

Amazon Unveils Kindle Fire HD tablets

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 02:15:00 +0000

At today's live Amazon event the Kindle Fire HD line was unveiled. The Kindle HD Fire 7-inch, Kindle Fire 8.9-inch and a Kindle Fire HD 4G LTE version. The Fire HD has a new laminated touch sensor with no air gap giving us 25% less glare than the previous version. Two WiFi antennas give the device additional signal strength. A new feature; Whispersync Voice seamlessly transitions from audiobook to text while you read. X-Ray for movies will allow users to look up info on actors starring in the film they are viewing via IMDB. Tap a persons face and it will bring up their profile.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7-inch
$199 - shipping Sep 14th.
7-inch 1280 x 800 touchscreen
TI OMAP 4460 processor
16GB / 32GB storage
802.11n 5 Ghz MIMO WiFi antenna
7.6 x 5.4 0.4 inches
11 hours batter life

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 - inch
starts at $299-$499 for LTE/32GB shipping November 20
8.9 -inch 1920 x1200 touchscreen at254 PPI
TI OMAP 4470 processor and imagination SGX554 graphics engine
16 GB / 32 GB / 64 GB
9.4 x 7.31 x 0.34 inches
802.11n 5 Ghz MIMO Wi-Fi antenna

You can preorder the Kindle Fire devices now.

NBC helps you gear up for the Olympics with two new apps.

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 21:02:00 +0000

Just in case you somehow managed to be unaware the start of the London 2012 Olympics is only a couple weeks away. This major international event will feature the top athletes from over 200 nations. And for the first time every event will be broadcast over the internet.

And thanks to NBC and Adobe we have a pair of apps to help us keep track of our favorite athletes and watch live events. The NBC Olympics Live Extra app will stream 3,500 hours of live video and 302 medal competitions. While the NBC Olympics app will list stats, results, athlete profiles and include social interaction. As someone who in the past has tried in vain to keep up with all the Olympic on-goings, I'm glad to see these apps released.

NBC Olympics Live Extra

The Live Extra app will be your place to keep track of events and watch them live. 3,500 hours of programming, 32 sports, awarding of 302 medals and event rewinds. And it gets better, "Live Extra will provide concurrent streams of select sports, such as gymnastics (each apparatus), track and field (each event), and tennis (up to five courts.)" So during these events instead of being stuck on one main view that moves from event to event, viewers can select which streams dedicated to individual events such as long jump and javelin.

To view most of the content you will need to log in through your cable or satellite provider. There is no additional cost. Once you do can browse the sports tab and favorite any sport that you want to be alerted about. The app will remind you of every individual event that airs of that sport. Or for a more specific listing you can click the schedule tab and get a detailed listing of each individual event with times and dates. From there you can select to be reminded about those events. In the favorites tab you

NBC Olympics

The NBC Olympic app is pretty straight forward. It functions as a companion app to the Live Extra app. Providing Olympic news, stats, results, athlete profiles and more. This app will function greatly to help users add a little more substance to the events they watch. Events that will contain many athletes that may be completely unknown to some viewers.

The apps are available for iPhone, iPad, iPod and some Android devices.
All that being said I'm seeing a lot of users comment on other articles about the apps not being compatible with their android devices. I can confirm that only one of my three devices is compatible. Leaving my Galaxy Nexus my only way of enjoying these apps. And on top of needing a cable login the apps appear to be U.S. only. Hopefully with some timely updates these apps will be made functional on more devices, in time for the Olympic games.

Download NBC Olympics Live Extra from Google Play store.

Download NBC Olympics from Google Play store.

Deal Alert: T-mobile Galaxy S III for $199.99

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:20:00 +0000

If you've been wanting to get your hands on a Samsung Galaxy S III perhaps Wirefly's latest deal is just what you've been waiting for. Wirefly is selling the device at $199.99, $80 cheaper than T-mobile. And even better, this deal effective for new purchases and upgrades.

[Wirefly]

Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) Highlights from Google I/O 2012

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Just a few days ago the 5th Google I/O kicked off. Android developers and engineers took to the stage to bring us the latest and greatest on all things android. Most importantly of which is the latest version of Android. 4.1 aka Jelly Bean. But before we dive right into the features of the latest Android build lets Take have a run through of some of the highlights from the day 1, Google I/O keynote.

Momentum:

400 Million total activations to date.
1 Million android devices activated every day.
"That's about 12 new devices every second every day."

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean:

Project Butter-

vysnc - For consistent framrates, everything runs in lockstep against a 16 millisecond vsync heartbeat.
triple buffering - added to the graphics pipeline for more consistent rendering, making everything smoother.
touch responsiveness - reduces touch latency, synchronicity with vsync timing and anticipating where your fingers will be at the time of the screen refresh. After inactivity applies a CPU input boost at the next touch event to avoid latency.

Improved Homescreens - Widgets dynamically resize and respond to icons and available space on homescreens. Making managing your homescreen easier than ever.

New Google Search experience. - offline voice typing, predictive keyboard

Input Languages - 18 new input languages

Accessibility - gestures and integrated brail support.

Camera - On the fly video and photo viewing. Swipe to view photos you just took while in the camera app.

Android Beam - now includes photos and video. Simple Bluetooth pairing, just tap together.

Voice search - Powered by the Google Knowledge Graph. Now speaks back to you. And understand natural speech.

Notifications -

Actionable notifications - No longer need to launch the app to deal with each notification. Return missed calls straight from the notification tray, +1 posts from Google +, comment on foursquare post All straight from the tray. You can also

Expandable - notifications now can be expanded to show more information and content.

Google now

"Smart phones are only as smart as you tell them to be. They rely on you to do everything. You have to enter a search query, type in a street address and ask for traffic in a particular area....Google now gets you just the right information at just the right time." Using search history, location history and your calendar to do this automatically.

Traffic - Learns your daily commute and can give you a faster route when you're in traffic.

Public Transit - When you're near a bus stop or on a platform in a subway Google now can tell you when the next bus or train will arrive.

Places - Google now will show you places of interest as you walk. And highlight notable info about places you enter.

Next Appointment - Helping you get where you need to be on time. When you have a calendar event Google now will tell you when to leave based on where you need to be and how long it will take to get there based on local traffic information and how you plan to travel.

Flights - Keeps you up-to-date on the status of your flight. Notifies you of any delays. When traveling provides interactive cards for conversion and translation.

Sports - based on your search info will keep up-to-date with real-time news and scores on your favorite teams.

Google Play

600K apps and games with 20 Billion installs.
Worlds larest EBook collection with over 4 million tittles.
Apps are available in 190 countries with 50% of app revenue coming from in-app billing.
App Encryption
Smart app updates - deliver only parts of the apk that have changed.
Movies now available for sale.
Tv shows now available per episode or by season.
Magazines coming to google play. Including premium publications via subscriptions or single issue.
Added support for 20+ additional languages.

HBO GO adds tablet support, finally.

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 02:43:00 +0000

We've talked about HBO GO a few times in the past. It's a great way to catch up on your favorite shows if you're a subscriber of HBO. And while the functionality has been available via the website and the mobile app; users wanting to take advantage of their tablets screen real-estate were stuck on their phones.

The latest update adds support for tablets running 4.0.4 and earlier. No Jelly Bean 4.1 support at the moment. The subscription needs of the service remain the same you need to a subscription to HBO to use the app.

Download HBO GO

My Xbox Live app comes to Android

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 01:19:00 +0000

Android users have been waiting to join iOS and Windows Phone users on having an xbox mobile experience. And as of today the My Xbox Live app is live on the Google Play Store.

Features:

Track and compare your achievements with your LIVE friends
Change up your 3D avatar
Message your Xbox LIVE friends
Edit your LIVE Profile
Stay connected to the xbox community with the Spotlight feed.

Download from Google Play Store.

I think this will hold us android users over until we can get a little Xbox SmartGlass action. How about you?

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Accessories available from Google Play Store

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Thu, 31 May 2012 00:53:00 +0000

It was little over a month ago that Google got back into the hardware selling game. Returning to an old strategy Google made it's Galaxy Nexus device available for purchase directly from the Google Play Store. Since launch accessories for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus have been hard to come by. And those wanting to be able to take advantage of the three pogo pins on their devices to power and charge them via their accessories have been stuck waiting.

Available from the Google Play Store are two Desktop Docks and a Vehicle Mount. One of the desktop docks offers HDMI output while the other comes in a landscape form factor and utilizes the pogo pins on the side of the Galaxy Nexus. The vehicle mount also utilizes thease pogo pins. While they have been much awaited by Galaxy Nexus owners these accessories are currently only shipping in the US. Also be aware that these accessories only work with the HSPA+ version of the Galaxy Nexus.

Grab yours here.

WhatsApp security flaws put on display by third party app.

noreply@blogger.com (A.A.I) — Sat, 05 May 2012 00:43:00 +0000

Having several hundreds of thousands of downloads in the Google Play store alone and being available on iPhone, Nokia, Blackberry and Windows Phone devices as well. You'd think that WhatsApp would take it's users security fairly seriously. As it turns out that may not be the case. Recently a third party app called Whatsappsniffer entered the Play store. This app allows anyone on the same WIFI network to pull your entire conversations from the network. This includes messages, pics, videos, and coordinates.

The app's purpose seems to actually not be completely malicious. "This application is designed to demonstrate that the security of WhatsApp's communications is null. WhatsAppsniffer just use the TCPDump program which reads all the WIFI networkk packets and filters those which has origin or destinations at WhatsApp's severs. All messages are in plain text, so it does not decrypt anything, complying fully with the legal terms of Whatsapp..."

For those that didn't catch that, WhatsApp sends messages from your device to it's servers in plain text. Where it is then redirected to the chosen recipient....in plain text. Meaning that in the event that someone did get their hands on your conversation (which apparently works even on secured networks) they don't even have to trouble themselves with decrypting the data. They can just browse through it. The app separates conversations by phone numbers so it's not just the conversation that has been compromised but your number as well. And to make matters worse WhatsAPP has known about this issue since May 2011, when other blogs began to report the issue. And apparently this isn't the beginning of WhatsApps security issues.

Whatsappsniffer is basically just a packet sniffer and requires root access to use. But it makes the act of packet sniffing so easy that anyone with root access could utilize this exploit, even if they didn't understand how it works. Granted those with root access are among those likely to fully understand this security flaw.

We've seen acts like this in the past, where security holes and exploits are put on display to urge the company or organization to address them. And in light of Whatsapp being more than a little slow to address the problem hopefully this app and the coverage it's getting will push them to act.

WhatAppSniffer it's self has been removed from the play market. At this time we'll have to wait and see if WhatsApp addresses the issue. If you're a WhatsApp user Does this security flaw concern you?

[via AndroidPolice]