Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Read it Later renamed to Pocket, gains extra features and a free price tag.

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 05:02 PM PDT

We’ve all come across the scenario where you’re taking advantage of a spare 5 minutes by checking your Facebook or Twitter and you come across an article that sparks your interest. You don’t have time to read it right away however you’d like to make a note of it for later consumption. Many of you will have been using popular offline caching app, Read it Later, to solve this particular problem. Well we have some exciting news today as Read it later has gone through a major redesign and has re-emerged in the Play Store as Pocket.

The application has a brand new UI and allows for the caching of web pages, photos, videos as well as application specific content in order to watch at a later date regardless of whether or not you have data coverage. Better yet, the price has been dropped and won’t cost you a single bean.

You can grab the download by following the link below and also be sure to check out the full press release after the break.

 

 


Google Play Store

More Than Just Reading – Top App “Read It Later’s” Newest Version Becomes the Now Free “Pocket” to Easily Save Web Articles, Videos and More to View Later

New Pocket App Leads Content Shifting Category with a Beautiful New Design that Makes Viewing Later on Any Post-PC Device Easy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, APRIL 17, 2012 – Four years ago, Read it Later was created to allow users to save their web content to view later on their own schedule. One year ago, Read It Later had 2.5 million users; now it has 4.5 million. This growth made it the number one paid news app for Android and Kindle Fire and a top app for iPhone and iPad. Today, the company announced a new version of their flagship app — now free across all devices — and a new name, Pocket.

Pocket is for when people discover an interesting article, video or web page, but don’t have time to view it. Once saved to Pocket, the list of content is visible on any device — phone, tablet or computer. It can be viewed while waiting in line, on the couch or during commutes or travel — even offline. Pocket is available today for free in the App Store atgetpocket.com/ios, on Google Play (formerly the Android Marketplace) atgetpocket.com/android, and for Kindle Fire at getpocket.com/kindlefire.

“Nearly five items every second are saved to Pocket from the web and popular news apps, including videos, articles, recipes and more,” said Nate Weiner, founder of Read it Later and creator of Pocket. “Pocket is the perfect name for our latest version as it expresses how simple it is to take any content users discover with them, no matter where they go.”

Pocket is different than “bookmarking,” apps, which organize links for long term storage. Instead, Pocket lets users save the content they discover on the web or inside any of over 300 leading apps–including Flipboard, Twitter, Pulse, and Zite–with a single tap and view it on any device.

Since its launch in 2007, over 200 million items have been saved, giving the company deep insight into how and when consumers save and view their web content. Key findings include:

• 33 percent of saved items come from 3rd party apps including Twitter, Zite, Flipboard and Pulse.

• 50 percent of items saved via Pocket are viewed on mobile screens (up from 34 percent in January).

• Web consumption peaks in the early morning and declines through the day, as consumers dig through their inboxes and find what they want to view later. iPad use peaks at night, as users view saved content in the pre-bedtime hours. Mobile consumption maps to commuting times, as users increasingly view content in transit.

• 40 percent of items saved are not articles; popular content include videos, images, things to buy, travel tips and recipes.

• YouTube is the apps’ most popular source of content, as users increasingly are saving videos for later viewing.

The new Pocket update is focused on making the most important parts of the user experience as easy and simple as possible. It enhances all the features users already loved in Read it Later in a beautiful new interface.

• A Cleaner, Simpler UI. The new user interface of Pocket displays all of a user’s content in a beautiful, easy-to-view layout adapted to take full advantage of high definition displays.

• Video & Image Filters. Most people save sites with videos and images, in addition to articles and text. Pocket automatically filters all content so users can quickly switch between articles, videos and images with just a tap.

• Enhanced Viewing Experience. Articles, videos and anything saved is displayed in a clean and simplified view with fewer toolbars and a redesigned full-screen mode.

• Easier to Organize. New bulk editing, favoriting and tagging modes make organizing and browsing saved items easier. Users can find content by keywords, publications or create their own custom tags.

• Favorites. Users can star favorite content so it is always available when they want to find it.

• Pocket is Free on All Major Mobile Platforms. Pocket is now available, for free, on all major mobile platforms including Android phones and tablets, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Amazon Kindle Fire.

About Read it Later

Based in San Francisco, Read it Later was founded in 2007 by Nate Weiner to help users save what they find online and view it on any device at any time. The service currently has over 4.5 million registered users and is integrated into over 300 apps including Flipboard, Twitter and Zite. In April 2012 the Read it Later app became known as Pocket and focused on the most important parts of the content-shifting experience, making it easier and simpler than ever. Pocket is available for major devices and platforms including iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Kindle Fire, all Android-based tablets and smartphones, Google Chrome, and Firefox.

Google and Reliance team up to offer free data to new Android users in India

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 04:21 PM PDT

Is this a blue android I see before me? It certainly is as it’s the figurehead for the ‘Blue Bot’ campaign launched by Google and Reliance. Both parties have significant interest in the success of this campaign, for Google it looks to drive interest in the Android OS in India and for Reliance it’s all about attracting new customers to its new 3G network.

The promotion promises 1GB of free data usage for all new Reliance CDMA sign-ups and renewals, both pre-paid and contract, who purchase a new Android handset. The data is for one month only and must be used within the calendar month. The deal is available right now and is due to run until June 15th. There is a separate, similar promotion for GSM handsets due to launch on May 5th.

The Indian market is still very much dominated by Nokia with Android market share slowly creeping up, a free data offering is certainly an ideal way to kickstart a sales surge. Google’s quest for Android world domination continues. Click the link below to take a closer look at the deals on offer.

 

source : Reliance

via : tech2

Temple Run Receives Another Update Today, Brings Twitter Integration and Bug Fixes

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 04:10 PM PDT

Looking over my Android apps that received an update today, Temple Run is one of the more notable ones along with the Chrome browser. The uber popular game has already been downloaded over 10 million times and has only been available in the Play Store for just over three weeks. It is pretty amazing how fast this game has spread and the developers obviously want to keep the millions of users happy.

Today’s update brings Twitter integration as well as a few bug fixes such as; a bug that made it difficult to score points, a bug that caused the runner to accelerate too fast, and a few spelling errors. On top of making the app run better for users, the Twitter integration allows you to tweet your score after completing a run through the Temple. This may prove beneficial to some of you, and more of an annoyance to others. I dunno.

If you have yet to receive the update or haven’t even tried the game, go ahead and hit up one of the links below. The game is free and has almost been perfected at this point. Now if I could only perfect my hand-eye coordination and I would be set!

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Google Play Store

Symantec Helps Google Remove 29 Apps Containing Malware from the Play Store

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 03:39 PM PDT

For those of you who are worried about the increasing concern of malware hidden in select apps that make it into the Google Play store, you can rest easier knowing that Google and Symantec are hard at work trying to spot the culprits. Symantec has recently identified 29 apps containing malware that ultimately targeted Japanese markets. All the apps were removed by Google and seemed to have a common code so it is believed that one group is culpable for the offence.

Once the corrupt app was installed to a users device, it would connect to a server to download the apps content but at the same time upload all the content in the users address book. It is assumed that the app creators sold off this information to be used by various spammers and was possibly even used for financial fraud. Luckily for the markets that were targeted by these apps, the Tokyo police are looking into the case and plan to track down the suspects soon. It’s nice to know Google is at least making an attempt to weed out these malicious apps and that law enforcement is wiling to take action. As always, it’s good to use discretion and to pay attention to device permissions when when downloading apps to try and spot any fishy requests.

source: Symantec
via: Android Authority

 

Featured Play Store Newbie: Yay! Zombies [Game]

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 01:56 PM PDT

Yay! Zombies just made it’s way to the Google Play Store. It was originally available for iPhone users, but this is drahtwerk’s first offer for Android. If shooting and slicing ragdoll zombies flying in the air is your thing, you’re going to love this one. All you have to do is tap to shoot your MP5 or swipe your finger to cut the zombies to pieces. If you dissect all limbs, you get a humiliation bonus and you can earn combos by slicing multiple zombies at once. You will also find running hands that you can grab that will give you power ups such as “Freeze.” Sounds easy right, but the only problem is there are various bombs flying around, and if you hit any one of them, your done.

Yay! Zombies is free and comes with two weapons: an MP5 and a butcher’s knife. You won’t be able to use the MP5 until you can hit 1,000 points. You will also find two gaming modes: Classic and Blitz. Classic is basically playing until you lose, while Blitz gives you 60 seconds to get as many points as you can. If you hit a bomb in Blitz mode, you will lose 5 seconds. There are plans for a paid version that will provide more weapons and modes, but it’s not available yet. They do say it be for the cost of a candybar. What are you waiting for? Grab the download after the break and start slicing and dicing some zombies.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Play Store Download Link

 

Chrome for Android Beta gets updated, Finally able to download files and request desktop versions

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 11:13 AM PDT

Chrome for Android Beta just received an update, and they finally added two features I’ve been begging for: the ability to download files and request the desktop version of websites. Unfortunately it’s still only available for Android 4.x devices. Version 0.18.4409.2396 is available now in the Play Stores. Full changelog below and hit the break below for download links.

  • You can now request the desktop version of a website, in case you would rather not view the mobile version.
  • You can now add bookmarks as shortcuts on your home screen, so you can get to your favorite sites faster.
  • Choose your favorite apps to handle links opened in Chrome.
  • Have a proxy setup for Wi-Fi access? You can now use Chrome with the system proxy configured in Android settings.
  • Allow for download of files to the device
  • Complex Text Layout (CTL) and Right to Left (RTL) text support in rendered pages
  • Enable old-style YouTube embed content to be played via native YouTube app
  • Support for country-specific suggested search engines.

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Play Store Download Link

 

Sprint announces the Eco-Friendly and Economical LG Optimus Elite for Earth Day

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 10:23 AM PDT

April 22 looks to be a busy day for Sprint as the LG Viper and Galaxy Nexus should be released, but they are adding another device, the LG Optimus Elite. This one is similar to the Viper in that it’s eco-friendly, but it’s more of a budget phone. Since April 22 is Earth Day, it makes sense releasing it then. It will be available on both Sprint and Virgin Mobile.

The Optimus Elite is the successor to the Optimus S and will feature an 800 MHz single-core processor, 5MP rear camera with flash (with video capabilities), NFC, 3G connectivity, and Android 2.3. Users will also get 50GB of cloud storage on Box for free until July 22. It will be available in Titan Silver and White and priced at $29.99 with a 2 year contract and $50 mail-in-rebate reward card. It will show up in Sprint stores on May 18. So far no details were given for Virgin Mobile pricing and availability, but should soon follow.

Fans of eco-friendly devices are going to want to take a look at these features:

  • The device is ULE Platinum Certified, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint.
  • It is protected by a casing made of 50 percent recycled plastics.
  • It is RoHS compliant, meaning it is free from many potentially hazardous materials, such as PVC, phthalates, halogens and mercury.
  • The phone also includes a charger that exceeds the EC Code of Conduct on energy efficiency when it comes to no-load consumption. Unlike other chargers, LG Optimus Elite's charger only consumes 0.03 watts of power when plugged into a wall socket without being connected to the phone.

Full press release

Sprint and LG Launch Third Device in 2012 with Eco-Friendly Features, LG Optimus Elite

Popular Android smartphone coming to both Sprint and Virgin Mobile USA

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. & SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), April 17, 2012 – Thinking of doing something easy and fun for the environment for Earth Day? Now is the perfect time to switch to a mobile phone with eco-friendly features, as Sprint (NYSE: S) and its data-centric, no-contract brand, Virgin Mobile USA, join LG Mobile in announcing the upcoming availability of LG Optimus Elite™ on the Sprint 3G Network.

LG Optimus Elite will be available in Titan Silver and White1 on Earth Day – Sunday, April 22 – exclusively throughwww.sprint.com and 1-800-SPRINT1 for just $29.99 with a new two-year service agreement and $50 mail-in rebate via reward card2 (excludes taxes and surcharges). The device will become available in additional channels, including Sprint retail, on May 18. Timing and pricing for the device on Virgin Mobile USA will be announced shortly.

LG Optimus Elite marks the third device launched from Sprint and LG this year that boasts eco-friendly attributes and the coveted UL Environment Platinum Certification – the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint.3 Sprint and LG launched their first device with eco-friendly features together in 2010 with LG Remarq™ and continued the legacy earlier this year with both LG Rumor Reflex™ and LG Viper™ 4G LTE.

"As a leader in environmental responsibility and sustainability, Sprint continues to expand its portfolio of eco-friendly devices and services by providing consumers with strong device choices," said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. "LG Optimus Elite is a dynamic and affordable green option for customers who want to go green without sacrificing the latest features. We are thrilled to make this available as we celebrate Earth Day and think about what each of us can do to support sustainability."

Stylish and Feature Rich with Eco-friendly Attributes

As the successor to the popular LG Optimus S, this affordable and highly customizable full-featured smartphone keeps customers organized with Android 2.3, Gingerbread, and other key features, including a 3.5-inch capacitive touch-screen, 800 MHz processor, 5 MP rear-facing camera and camcorder with flash, virtual QWERTY keyboard and mobile hotspot capability supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices.4

LG Optimus Elite also is enabled with Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing users to access true value features such as Google Wallet, an app that allows payment using a mobile device at participating retailers like Bloomingdales, Toys "R" Us, CVS, Gap, Macy's and more. This is the first device in the Virgin Mobile USA line-up to support NFC and Google Wallet.

Also, consumers can download Box on LG Optimus Elite and receive 50GB of free cloud storage and sharing directly from LG, an estimated value of $240 per year, so users don't have to stress about storing all of their favorite music, files, photos and other memories. The 50GB of free storage is exclusive to LG devices until July 22.

"With the introduction of LG Optimus Elite, we felt it was critical to continue our eco-friendly-focused partnership with Sprint, and by extension, Virgin Mobile USA," said Tim O'Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. "It was important to both us and our consumers that we offer a competitively priced, fully featured smartphone that takes advantage of the latest advancements in green mobile technology. Earth Day presents the perfect opportunity for us to introduce LG Optimus Elite with eco-friendly features to the marketplace and to raise awareness about the importance of being environmentally responsible."

Not only is LG Optimus Elite a stylish, feature-rich smartphone, it also boasts the following eco-friendly attributes:

  • The device is ULE Platinum Certified, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint3.
  • It is protected by a casing made of 50 percent recycled plastics.
  • It is RoHS compliant, meaning it is free from many potentially hazardous materials, such as PVC, phthalates, halogens and mercury.
  • The phone also includes a charger that exceeds the EC Code of Conduct on energy efficiency when it comes to no-load consumption. Unlike other chargers, LG Optimus Elite's charger only consumes 0.03 watts of power when plugged into a wall socket without being connected to the phone.

In addition, the Sprint version comes in fully recyclable packaging that is printed with soy inks, contains up to 87 percent post-consumer paper and was engineered with a glueless construction. The Virgin Mobile USA version comes in fully recyclable packaging that uses soy inks, and contains up to 30 percent post-consumer paper. Up to 70 percent of the thermoform plastic contains a combination of post-industrial or post-consumer waste.

Sprint offers eco-friendly cases to protect LG Optimus Elite and other devices such as LG Viper 4G LTE and LG Rumor Reflex from inevitable nicks and scratches. ECOClear protective covers, designed specifically for Sprint devices with eco-friendly features, are made out of wood pulp and provide added protection from damage, thereby potentially extending the life of Sprint devices. They are available for the LG Optimus Elite for a special price on Sprint.com of only $15.99 (plus tax) in clear or for $17.59 (plus tax) in translucent green.

Ranked No. 3 in Newsweek's 2011 list of greenest companies, Sprint is committed to being a corporate leader in sustainability. Sprint leads the industry through its commitment to an absolute reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions, commitment to renewable energy, and its aggressive cell-phone recyclingefforts. These efforts are bolstered by a strong environmental management system, strong policies and practices for managing our use of natural resources, environmentally responsible building practices, and an employee-engagement program, to name just a few.

No more teasers: T-Mobile releases ‘Alter Ego’ Commercial, No More Mr. Nice Girl for Carly [Video]

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 09:46 AM PDT

Earlier today we told you about T-Mobile’s “Alter Ego” campaign and showed you a quick teaser video. T-Mobile just released the full 60-second spot so you can see the full transformation of Carly from sweet and innocent to “No more Mr. Nice Girl” as she races her 1000 cc Ducati superbike through the city symbolizing T-Mobile’s 4G network. T-Mobile is hoping to “set the record straight.” Did they? Check it out below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

Tax Day sale in the Google Play Store, 33 albums for $2.99 today only

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 09:38 AM PDT

What better way for music lovers everywhere to spend their recently acquired tax return dollars than on some cheap jams from the Google Play Store. Today only, Google will offer 33 albums for only $2.99. Some of the artists featured include Weezer, Sublime, Coldplay and other various popular performers of different genres. We can look at it two ways, Google is providing an avenue for which to spend our newly returned tax money or they are slashing the prices as a courtesy for those of us that had to pay Uncle Sam. Either way, it’s good to have Google looking out for our wallets! Hit the Play Store link below to get the goods.

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Play Store Download Link

Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S II Begins Receiving Android 4.0 ICS In The UK

Posted: 17 Apr 2012 09:33 AM PDT

Like a wayward step child, the unlocked Galaxy S II will start to join its cousins in regards to receiving Android 4.0.  In what seemed like a forgetful device, Sammy, in typical Sammy fashion, is a little late to the game but nevertheless here.  The company has confirmed and has actually already begun pushing ICS 4.0 to the best selling handset as I write.  Like O2, Vodafone and other carriers, the GSII will begin joining the club of 4.0′ers with the slightly tweaked addition of Samsung’s TouchWiz overlay.

"Samsung UK has been working as hard as possible over the last few weeks to get Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) rolled out to all our Galaxy S II customers. We can confirm that 'XEU/sim-free' and all network upgrades are now complete except for Orange and T-Mobile which will follow as soon as possible, pending software testing and approvals. Thanks again for your patience" Samsung

And of course, we weren’t expecting this to be a typical Android fashioned OTA update.  So get your Favorite Samsung KIES app ready (sarcasm mine) because that’s the only way you’ll be pushing this to your device, sorry folks.  Following carrier testing, T-Mobile UK and Orange should be joining the party.  Timing couldn’t have been any closer as Samsung will most likely be unveiling the Galaxy S III with ICS on-board in London on May 3rd, of which our very own Chris Stewart will be in attendance to cover the whole event.  Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below.

source: TwitLonger
Posted by at 5:58 AM

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