Android Community |
- Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE for Verizon now available for $225
- Samsung: We’ll fix Exynos exploit “as quickly as possible”
- Verizon Galaxy Note 2 developer edition confirmed by Samsung
- Verizon contradicts itself with ISIS approval and Google Wallet block
- Google Santa Tracker app now available for Android
- Redbox Instant app now available for those with a beta invitation
- Acer V360 image leak shows the front and back in clear detail
- Nexus 7 hacked to work with the Palm Touchstone charger
- LG shows off the Nexus 4 features in a new 2-minute movie
- HTC says the Thunderbolt Ice Cream Sandwich update will be arriving “soon”
- Google Play Books app update brings new “Read Aloud” feature
- Android Community Nightly: December 18th, 2012
- Samsung bests Nokia to become top smartphone brand for 2012
- Twist for Android uses GPS to tell your friends you’ll be late
- Samsung posts Galaxy Camera ad starring James Franco
- Jelly Bean updates for Galaxy S II reportedly delayed
- Apex Launcher updated with 4.2 Jelly Bean features and much more
- Flock photo sharing app now available for Android
- Garmin GPS Navigation gets price cut and Foursquare integration
- Mysms text message sync app launches for Android tablets
| Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE for Verizon now available for $225 Posted: 19 Dec 2012 11:22 AM PST The Verizon Galaxy Nexus is certainly not the newest handset on the market at the moment. Not to mention, it seems to be lacking on the updates as compared to the non-Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus. But that bit aside, given this deal, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus may be worth considering.
That said, the deal is available for today only. In fact, as of this posting you have about 10 hours left to secure the deal. The handset is available through Daily Deals and the price is $225. Keep in mind, that is a contract-free price. The Galaxy Nexus is the 32GB model which also features a 4.5-inch display, 4G LTE connectivity and a 5 megapixel rear facing camera. The other catch here, this is a re-certified handset. It does however home with a 90 day guarantee. All things considered, this sounds much nicer as compared to the contract-free price you would pay direct with Verizon Wireless. If nothing else, this could be a nice buy for someone that either wants to play around a bit, or for someone that is not ready to use an upgrade for a currently available handset. In terms of the playing, we should remind you that CM10.1 recently came available for this handset. In other words, despite Verizon lacking on the updates — you can still have Android 4.2.1 running on your GNex. And in fact, here is a hands-on video showing you CM10.1 on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. Device Info
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 [via Daily Deals] |
| Samsung: We’ll fix Exynos exploit “as quickly as possible” Posted: 19 Dec 2012 10:55 AM PST This weekend we learned some rather interesting news regarding a few exploits found in the kernel for Samsung‘s Exynos processors that power many popular smartphones. The Android Community and developers at XDA found a few holes and exploits in Samsung’s kernel that were both good, and bad. The important thing here being that this was a huge security concern for all users. Today Samsung’s replied to ease our minds.
The Exploit was found in Samsung’s Exynos 4 processors kernel, and was a security concern for the Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note, Note II, and many more Samsung devices. For one it gave us extremely easy ways to root the devices, which is awesome, but also allows so much access that it’s scary. Rouge apps can maliciously root users phone and become those bad malware infested apps we always hear about. The community has already provided a fix (and root) for said devices, but today Samsung themselves went ahead and confirmed the exploit and were quick to mention a fix was in the works already. We expect a software update to arrive extremely quick, but here’s what Sammy had to say:
Samsung mentions most devices operating credible and authenticated apps won’t be effected, but this is still a huge exploit that many developers are saying is extremely silly. It makes rooting the phones an absolute breeze which could be bad in the wrong hands. The US Galaxy S III on all carriers are not effected, but all others will need a quick software update. We have a feeling Samsung will work rather quickly and issue something out ASAP, as they’re playing in the big league these days. For the average user this shouldn’t be too big of a cause for concern, but be cautious of what you download and install in the meantime. We’ll update when we hear more. |
| Verizon Galaxy Note 2 developer edition confirmed by Samsung Posted: 19 Dec 2012 10:35 AM PST We have seen plenty of complaining about the Verizon branding on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, and well, it looks like Verizon is also going to be screwing with the developer edition of the phablet. But before we get ahead of ourselves, Samsung has confirmed the upcoming availability of a developer edition Galaxy Note 2 for Verizon Wireless.
The handset will be available direct from Samsung and while we have yet to see a price or a release date — we suspect this one will cost a pretty penny. Just to make the comparison, Samsung is charging $599.99 for the developer edition of the 16GB Galaxy S3 and that handset sells for $199.99 with Verizon. In other words, expect this developer edition Galaxy Note 2 to fall somewhere close in price. As of now we are seeing just the 16GB model in Titanium Gray. The handset has the same features as the regular model. You know, the 5.5-inch display, quad-core processor, microSD card slot, front and rear-facing camera and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. the key here, the developer edition model will ship with an unlocked bootloader. Of course, if getting a Galaxy Note 2 with an unlocked bootloader was you main concern, we should remind you that a method to unlock recently came available. Granted, the currently available method is not super easy, but there are some decent directions available to get you through the process. Bottom line here, if you are the kind of person that wishes to have an unlocked bootloader then we suspect you are the kind of person that is willing and/or able to follow some directions to make that happen. [via Samsung] |
| Verizon contradicts itself with ISIS approval and Google Wallet block Posted: 19 Dec 2012 10:05 AM PST It looks like we’ve learned a bit more behind the Google Wallet block on Verizon Wireless today. There’s been a lot of talk lately about this “secure element.” Most of that talk is from Verizon who claims the secure element is the reason they don’t allow Google Wallet on their network. What is that you ask? The secure element is in most new devices using NFC and securely handles credit card information, royalty cards, and everything else for mobile payments.
As you all know, Google Wallet is the awesome mobile payments and eCommerce app from Google that accepts all major credit cards, and works like a charm. I absolutely love Google Wallet and use it often. However, Verizon doesn’t feel the same way and completely restricts it from their devices. Same goes for AT&T, and T-Mobile. Reason behind this is because they have their own option in the works to compete with Google Wallet. That’s ISIS Mobile Payments, something we’ve covered here plenty. Last week we reported a statement by Verizon, basically claiming the “secure element” works different than all other mobile payment apps (Paypal, Square, Starbucks) and for that reason they won’t allow Google Wallet on their devices. Sadly that was a bold little white lie. Today we’ve learned Verizon’s own app they’ve partnered with, ISIS Mobile Payments, in fact uses and requires the same secure element.
The screenshot above is from the Verizon Galaxy S III with the new update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which brought ISIS support to the smartphone. ISIS goes as far as to mention it’s required and a “dedicated component in your phone.” Sadly last week Verizon claimed that was why they wouldn’t allow Google Wallet. A little contradiction if you ask us. When we reported on Verizon’s statements we basically said they had no interest in using Google Wallet. Turns out that was 100% correct because even with all the pieces in place, they’ll still block Google and use their own option instead. A win for Verizon and a loss for the consumer. There’s a lot to be said here, but in the end in looks like Verizon won’t be getting Google Wallet support anytime soon. If ever. Hopefully ISIS turns into a viable option in the future. [via Droid-Life] |
| Google Santa Tracker app now available for Android Posted: 19 Dec 2012 09:59 AM PST You can track Santa on the web using the handy Google Santa Tracker website, however we suspect some will be happy to learn that there is also an app available. The app is called Google Santa Tracker and can be found in the Google Play Store.
The app is free, currently sitting at version 1.0 and available for devices running Android 2.2 or later. Nothing all that surprising there. And also not so surprising — the Santa Tracker app allows you to track Santa. As of this posting, the countdown is sitting at about 4 days an 16 hours left before Santa takes off and you can actually begin tracking him. In other words, while the app is available now — it is a bit limited in functionality at this time. The app launches to what you see below, well, except the buildings are scrolling when you are actually using the app. And unlike the scrolling buildings on the Santa Tracker website, it doesn’t seem possible to stop and interact with any of the points using the mobile app.
This is the case on my GS3, and was also mentioned in the comments from users with a Nexus 7 and EVO 4G LTE. On that, we are not sure if this is a bug that will be fixed, or if Google had intended it to be that way. That being said, we can only hope that once the countdown reaches zero — the actual tracking of Santa works well. After all, we are guessing that lots of parents will be handing off an Android device so kids can track Santa on the way home from Christmas Eve festivities. [via Google Play] |
| Redbox Instant app now available for those with a beta invitation Posted: 19 Dec 2012 09:19 AM PST The Redbox Instant roll-out officially kicked off today. Albeit in a limited beta form, which simply means that if you don’t have an invitation to join then you will be sitting back and waiting for a while. But on that note, it looks like Redbox and Verizon are ready for the users to come.
That thought comes due to the recently released Redbox Instant by Verizon app. The app can be found in the Google Play Store and although the app is free to download, you will need a subscription to get any use out of it. The subscriptions will be priced from $6 per month. Details on the Redbox Instant website state that beta users will get a month for free. The free month will include unlimited streaming and four DVD credits. Though a note on getting those DVD credits, that plan will actually cost you $8 per month. Taking that a step further and a streaming plan with Blu-ray rentals will set you back $9 per month. But that is beside the point here as the Android app is key. The Android app will allow for unlimited streaming on your “phone and tablet” (provided you are running Android 2.3 or later) as well as allow you to reserve movies at the box, bookmark your favorites and in general, browse the available movie selection. Now if Redbox and Verizon would begin rolling-out those invitations. [via SlashGear] |
| Acer V360 image leak shows the front and back in clear detail Posted: 19 Dec 2012 08:43 AM PST Earlier in the week we saw an image of the Acer V360 smartphone leak. And while that image was clear, it was actually a render. That being said, it looks like some additional images of the V360 have surfaced and these are not renders. In fact, they are regular pics. Not to mention, they are pretty clear.
The pics are coming by way of the Chinese language vr-zone.com website and offer a look at the front and back of the handset. These images also come along with further details on the specs. Granted we have seen some of these listed before, however it is always nice to get additional confirmation. Of course, that is using the term confirmation loosely as we have yet to see anything come from Acer.
As for the specs, the V360 is running Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean with a 4.5-inch (960 x 540) display, dual-core 1GHz processor, microSD card slot, VGA quality front-facing camera and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with flash. Otherwise, the handset weighs in at 140 grams and measures in at 132 x 68.5 x 9.9 mm. Some of the other goodies include front facing speakers with DTS sound.
This part will likely change once Acer makes an official announcement, however as of now the V360 is expected to be released in China. European and North American releases are still unknown for now. Finally, touching on the price, the V360 is expected to drop at NT$8,735 which is about $300 in terms of US dollars. [via unwired view] |
| Nexus 7 hacked to work with the Palm Touchstone charger Posted: 19 Dec 2012 08:16 AM PST One thing the internet seems to be good for is checking out device mods that others are willing and/or capable of doing. And on that note, it looks like one user has hacked the Nexus 7 to make it work with the Palm Touchstone chargers. Or more accurately, hacked the Nexus 7 to work with two Palm Touchstone chargers.
The details come by way of Rod Whitby, who has a rather detailed breakdown on his Google+ page. The process begins with part 1 and goes all the way up to part 12 where he shares some pictures of the end result. Anyway, those interested in replicating this may want to read through all 12 steps. And trust us when we say they are detailed both in terms of text and images. Some interesting tidbits here include the Whitby used two Touchstone back coils. As to why, it was said that one coil gave 5.6V, but that dropped to 4.6V when the tablet was docked — that was not enough to charge the device. That went on to have two of the Touchstone coils included which brought the output up to a trickle charing 5.02V. Like we said, detailed. Perhaps more important for those looking to make this happen, these 12 steps include details as to where to place (and attach) everything inside the Nexus 7 case. An interesting tidbit here, it seems that the way these coils were placed on the inside will allow him to trickle charge using one Palm Touchstone and charge while watching a video if using two Palm Touchstone chargers. Finally, for those wondering why not use the TouchPad and the TouchPad charging dock — it seems the insides of the TouchPad were set up differently and the coils could not be removed and the TouchPad charging dock was not working with the coils taken from the phones. Device Info
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[via Liliputing] |
| LG shows off the Nexus 4 features in a new 2-minute movie Posted: 19 Dec 2012 07:29 AM PST LG and Google don’t seem to have any trouble selling the Nexus 4. Of course, that thought is based entirely on how it seems that the Nexus 4 listing in the Play Store seems to be out of stock more than it is in stock. Even at this time, the listing for both the 8GB and 16GB Nexus 4 is sold out with a mention that they are out of inventory.
But despite apparently being able to sell the handset well, LG has recently come forward with a new commercial. Or as they have called it, a movie. The video comes in at just over 2 minutes in length, which honestly seems a bit long for a commercial and a bit short for a movie. Nit picking aside, if you were curious about some of the features, this may be worth 2 minutes of your time. The video highlights features to include Photo Sphere Camera for the 360-degree panorama view, Google Maps with a highlight on the “clear outdoor visibility” thanks to the True HD IPS Plus display, the Play Store including Books and Movies, Wi-Fi Display, Android Beam and Google Now. The video also highlights some of the hardware features and design aspects such as the quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and the sparkly back cover. And of course, LG takes the opportunity to tout the Nexus 4 as being the “best Google experience with cutting-edge LG technology.” All said and done, the LG video is nice but if you are looking for more, we had our own Nexus 4 review video which you can see right here. Device Info
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| HTC says the Thunderbolt Ice Cream Sandwich update will be arriving “soon” Posted: 19 Dec 2012 06:49 AM PST The never ending saga of the HTC Thunderbolt and Ice Cream Sandwich seems to have once again kicked into gear. And while we may have some good news for those still rocking a Thunderbolt, we caution you not to get super excited. After all, this is far from the first time we have heard of an update coming for the aging handset.
That being said, the latest details are coming by way of the official HTC Twitter account. HTC was asked about Ice Cream Sandwich for the Thunderbolt and the reply stated that it was coming soon. Or a bit more specifically, HTC said that “ICS will be here soon.” And nicely done, they even went on to thank the person who asked. Well, thanked them for the continued patience. That patience is something that we suspect Thunderbolt users are most likely running low on at this point. This is considering that we have been hearing chatter about Ice Cream Sandwich for the Thunderbolt since early in the year. Of course, we should also point out that while HTC has confirmed this update as coming soon — they have made similar promises in the past. If you remember back to August, HTC had confirmed that the ICS update would be available by the end of the month. And well, given we are way past August, it is clear that did not happen as expected. Bottom line here, while we have our fingers crossed that this “soon” really means soon — we would be lying if we were to say that we weren’t skeptical. Device Info
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[via Gotta Be Mobile] |
| Google Play Books app update brings new “Read Aloud” feature Posted: 19 Dec 2012 06:20 AM PST Google has pushed the latest update for the Play Books app, which as one may have assumed, is available by way of the Google Play Store. This update has brought a few new features as well as some other, more general, fixes and enhancements.
In terms of the update, the big lead here is the addition of a new “Read Aloud” feature. And just as the name would imply, this means the Play Books app will be able to read your books to you. According to details coming from Google, this will allow you to listen to “most flowing text books” that are available. Other goodies include the ability to pinch and zoom as well as double tap to zoom. This pinching and double tapping will be available for all books. The app has also gotten the ability to show personalized recommendations at the end of your library and also at the end of books as well as having all text editing features available for all notes. Finally, as for those bug fixes and enhancements. Google didn’t break these down into specifics and instead mentioned that there were “numerous” bug fixes and performance enhancements included. That being said, despite not knowing the specifics, we cannot really complain about updates that fix things. [via Google Play] |
| Android Community Nightly: December 18th, 2012 Posted: 18 Dec 2012 07:15 PM PST Welcome to another edition of the Android Community Nightly. Today was hot with Android news from multiple hardware manufacturers, a few awesome new apps were released, and as usual Samsung had multiple announcements and details put forth to us readers. We’ll start off with the big news, that being NVIDIA’s Tegra 4 details were leaked — and it sounds amazing. More news from today is all below for your enjoyment.
The only news from Google today was probably one of the most exciting things of the entire day. That was Google Music now offers song matching. This means you won’t have to upload those thousands of albums and wait forever for slow upload times. Google will match the artists and albums and populate them for you if they’ve got em. Good stuff Google! Amazon and Apple does this for your dollars — Google does it free. As we said, Samsung had a few more announcements and newsy bits as usual. First up they announced the Galaxy Grand – a 5-inch smartphone. Sadly it has a poor 480 x 800 resolution, instead of a 1920 x 1080p HD high-end option like the DROID DNA. So we’ll pass! The folks from Sammy also announced an official 3,000 mAh battery for the Galaxy S III, and they even released an awesome commercial for their Galaxy Camera starring James Franco. Now for some bad news, the Galaxy S II Jelly Bean update has been delayed. Sorry guys. We’ll update when we know more.
As usual we like to wrap up with a pile of absolutely random bits of Android news for everyone to enjoy. Today we have a few goodies too. First up Apex Launcher was updated with Jelly Bean enhancements, Polaroid is working on their own Android-powered camera, only it will feature changeable lenses. The Transformer Prime received a nice bug fixing update, and in the light of the Instagram news you’ll be happy to hear about a new app called Flock Photo Sharing for Android. Last but not least check out MySMS for tablets, and Twist for those who are always late. Have a great evening. Happy Holidays! |
| Samsung bests Nokia to become top smartphone brand for 2012 Posted: 18 Dec 2012 05:54 PM PST The competition to become the top smartphone brand is definitely cutthroat, and it’s one that Nokia has dominated for the past 14 years. It looks like that’ll all change soon, with Samsung poised to take that first place spot from Nokia to become the top smartphone brand in 2012. That’s according to a new IHS iSuppli report, which claims that Samsung will account for 29% of all smartphone shipments by the end of the year.
Last year, Samsung only managed to take 24% market share for itself, which couldn’t beat Nokia’s 30% market share. This year the tables have turned, with Nokia projected to drop down to 24% and pave the way for Samsung to take the crown. Apple is projected to hold steady at third, gaining three percentage points to settle at 10% market share for the year. That means Samsung will be well ahead of its archnemesis, widening the gap between the two to a significant 19 percentage points. ZTE isn’t expected to experience any real change, staying at 6% from 2011 to 2012, while LG comes in at fifth, losing two percentage points and falling to 4%. It should also be a big year for smartphones in general, with IHS saying that smartphone shipments will rise 35.5% while overall cell phone shipments will only increase by a single percentage point. This means that smartphones will enjoy further adoption by the mobile phone using public, which must be music to all these companies’ ears. Of course, it isn’t all that surprising to see Samsung come out above Nokia for 2012, with the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II as big as they are. Nokia hasn’t had any major hits this year, and its flagship devices for 2012 just recently launched. If Windows Phone 8 takes off, Nokia may be able to reclaim its title in 2013, but it’ll have some tough competition regardless thanks next year’s release of the Galaxy S IV. Stay tuned! [via SlashGear] |
| Twist for Android uses GPS to tell your friends you’ll be late Posted: 18 Dec 2012 03:45 PM PST There’s a brand new app that was just released today for Android called Twist. We all have that friend or sibling that is just late for everything right? I’ll be there in 10. Then they leave 8 minutes later are are 20 minutes late. Twist for Android looks to curb that by using GPS to give you a real-time alert on progress, as well as the estimated time of arrival. Read on for more details.
Without revealing exactly where you are to friends and family (who would want to be tracked, this isn’t Mission Impossible). Instead it uses GPS and cell tower signals and location to estimate, and for the most part accurately report when you’ll arrive at a destination. You can fire up the app and then quickly share details, and that ETA information with friends and family, Facebook, or whatever you’d like. The app obviously knows if you’re walking, driving, or taking public transit as well as letting you chose the options that best fits the situation. I like the fact that once you send out the notification it adds you to their site. While it won’t tell anyone your exact location, the people you’ve sent a notification to can then track the progress, or check for status updates if they are getting impatient.
The app actually uses Microsoft’s Bing apps, even though Google’s recently opened up their maps API for developers. While we probably don’t expect them to switch over, the experience has been rather impressive with Bing. Instead of always having to send a quick “be there soon” text message, especially while driving (who does that) you’ll now just fire Twist up as you head out the door — and commute in peace. Get it now absolutely free from the link below and give this neat new app a try.    [via SlashGear] |
| Samsung posts Galaxy Camera ad starring James Franco Posted: 18 Dec 2012 03:15 PM PST Samsung’s new Android powered Galaxy Camera has blasted onto the scene with both AT&T, and Verizon 4G LTE connectivity. Add in Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and you have one extremely smart and powerful camera. While many might believe this is a niche product Samsung’s just released a brand new commercial starring actor James Franco that shows some of the true power behind their Galaxy Camera.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen him in a Samsung commercial, but we’ll take him over Ashton Kutcher any day. I can’t help but think of Franco from Pineapple Express, which was awesome, but either way the commercial is actually pretty impressive. Samsung doesn’t just talk about it being a smart-camera, instead they focus on the “actual” uses from having Android powering a camera. Get rid of photobombers with instant cropping, save photos instantly to Dropbox. You name it, the Samsung Galaxy camera can probably do it. Samsung’s been showing the real life experience we can expect with their devices in their latest ads, and I’m certainly a fan here. Check it out: The ad is a bit long, but sure shows all the potential and power this Android touting camera has to offer. In case that video didn’t quite sell you on their device you can also check out our AT&T Galaxy Camera Review. Verizon just launched it as the first 4G LTE camera on their network, for $549, so get it and upload those 16MP photos and 1080p videos to Facebook and YouTube in minutes. James Franco, the ultimate multitasker according to Samsung, delivers another awesome performance here with a rather long commercial. Showing just how fun, powerful, and effective their new Samsung Galaxy Camera can be. What do you guys think? Device Info
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| Jelly Bean updates for Galaxy S II reportedly delayed Posted: 18 Dec 2012 02:34 PM PST We’ve been talking a lot about Jelly Bean updates for the Samsung Galaxy S III lately, and all the while, the large number of Galaxy S II owners have been waiting patiently for news of their update. We’ve got some news to share with you today courtesy of the folks over at SamMobile, but unfortunately it isn’t good. It would appear that the Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy S II won’t arrive until sometime in 2013, so owners still have a bit of wait ahead of them.
SamMobile has been in touch with Samsung Sweden for the past few months as that branch of Sammy’s business constantly pushed back the launch window for Android 4.1.2 updates. Originally, the update was scheduled to launch in Sweden in November, but after a number of delays, we’re now looking at a December – January launch window for the update. Additionally, SamMobile says that the European version of is ready to go, but there may be one thing holding it back from release. That one thing happens to be the exploit in Samsung’s Exynos kernels that was discovered over the weekend. It’s entirely possible that Samsung now wants to patch this exploit before rolling out the update to Jelly Bean, which would extend the wait even longer. In the end, SamMobile says that it isn’t expecting the first Galaxy S II Jelly Bean updates to arrive until we’re into 2013. That’s sad news, but not totally surprising if Samsung wants to get this Exynos exploit fixed first (as it should). After all, Jelly Bean updates are great, but if a malicious app can easily root your device and take control, they can wait. We’ll be keeping an ear to the ground for new details, so be sure to check back with us for more news on these currently-missing updates. Device Info
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| Apex Launcher updated with 4.2 Jelly Bean features and much more Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:33 PM PST For all you home replacement fans looking to rid your device of HTC Sense, Samsung’s Touch Wiz, or just love the stock look of Android 4.0 and above Apex Launcher is a popular choice. Being one of the most popular Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich based launchers it has been a big hit, but today just got even better with the latest update. The developers merged what’s new from 4.2 Jelly Bean, and added a huge list of awesome features.
Apex has been known as one of the better stock Android home replacement apps, or launchers as we call it. Giving your device that stock Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean look many desire. Today’s update adds support and many features found in Jelly Bean, something many have been waiting for. The full changelog is rather large and that’s a good thing. I’m most excited about the option to import desktop settings from other launchers. In the all new Apex Launcher there is now a dedicated action to expand “quick settings”, we can change icon sizes, and a much improved theme support to name a few. Here’s the full breakdown from their “what’s new” list.
The most important being they’ve added desktop data importing from other launchers. This way you won’t have to replace all your icons and widgets if you’re coming from stock, Nova, or any other launcher. I’ve been waiting patiently for this one. Dock swiping for those using the pro version is here, and the shortcut picker in Android 4.2 has been fixed. For the millions of Galaxy S III owners that were having issues with TouchWiz widgets, that’s also been fixed so enjoy that weather widget or whatever else you were missing. Give the new and improved Apex Launcher a try today by heading to the Google Play Store, or get the Pro version for $3.99 and support the developer. |
| Flock photo sharing app now available for Android Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:17 PM PST Flock, the social photo sharing app has launched for Android. The app may sound familiar to some, however up until today it was available only for iOS users. In short, Flock will allow you to see pictures that others take at an event. Basically, if you and your friends are using Flock, you will likely end up seeing more pictures than if you weren’t.
The reasoning here, with Flock, your friends pictures will automatically be shared with you. As opposed to your friend having to do something in order to share. Of course, depending on the friend, you may or may not necessarily want to see every image they capture. Anyway, assuming your friends take great pics and you love to look — Flock is available in Google Play. The Flock app works with Facebook Connect, which means the sharing will be limited to those you are Facebook friends with. And while Flock shares images, it is not a camera app. Flock simply runs in the background and checks the images that you are taking and saving to your gallery. All said and done, provided you get get your friends to download and install the Flock app, the process after is pretty simple — just take pictures with any camera app and Flock will remember, and notify you when you have photos to share. Lastly, the Flock app will run on Android devices with 2.3 Gingerbread or later. [via The Next Web] |
| Garmin GPS Navigation gets price cut and Foursquare integration Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:36 PM PST While Google Maps is obviously one of the first apps that comes to mind when we talk about Android navigation, the folks from Garmin aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Today they’ve just announced some exciting news for their Android apps, including a much needed price cut. Both of their popular apps are now 25% off and we have all the details below.
While this is all about Android they’ve also lowered the price for that other smartphone brand too. Anyone looking to get Garmin’s apps for mobile will be happy to see the price decrease. Garmin StreetPilot Onboard for iPhone and NAVIGON for both iOS and Android is looking a little better right about now. At the same time StreetPilot has teamed up with Glypse and has tons of new features with the latest update. Share locations, arrival times and much more has been included. That isn’t all either, they’ve also integrated Foursquare for those who love check-ins. You’ll be able to navigate to a destination, and easy check-in once you arrive all in app for a quick and seamless experience. Garmin’s NAVIGON for Android got a nice little price drop, although we’re still not sure how much this will help sales at the moment. NAVIGON Android USA: $39.95 instead of $49.95 and for North America it will be $44.95 instead of $59.95. Still pretty steep if you ask us. For those who love Garmin get it today from the Google Play Store. [via SlashGear] |
| Mysms text message sync app launches for Android tablets Posted: 18 Dec 2012 12:30 PM PST Back in October we began hearing that mysms was working on a native tablet app and as of today, that app has come available in Google Play. The app is called mysms Tablet and it has launched as version 1.0 and with a special introductory pricing.
The mysms Tablet app is currently priced at $1.99, which is a 50 percent discount. No word as to how long this sale will last, but if you want to pay $2 as opposed to $4, you may want to buy sooner rather than later. Some may be familiar with the mysms app as it has been around for smartphones (as well as other platforms) for some time now. For those new to this app, it will allow you to send and receive messages on your tablet. Perhaps a bit nicer, mysms Tablet will allow you to sync all text messages between your smartphone, tablet and computer. You can also send an unlimited amount of free messages to other mysms users. The mysms app allows for text and picture messages and has other perks such as the ability to backup your messages and even save them to Evernote. Basically, once this app is setup on your smartphone, you will be able to send and receive messages on other devices, which as of today includes Android tablets. Otherwise, the mysms Tablet app works in portrait and landscape and as it is said to run on devices with Android 3.1 or later, it should run on just about any tablet available. [via mysms] |
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