Official Formspring for Android application available now Posted: 29 Jan 2012 04:10 PM PST If you're one of the more than 28 million users of Formspring, you'll notice that there has been a lack of an official application from the social network. That all changes now as the official Formspring for Android application is available right now in the Android Market.  It offers a pretty full experience, allowing you to ask and respond to questions from your contacts on the go. Sharing photos is also built in, and that pretty much covers everything Formspring is about. If there's room for one more social network on your Android device, hit the download links after the break. A word of warning though, it force closes at every time of asking on the Galaxy Nexus so you'll have to wait for an update to join in if you're using one. read more

Android Central weekly photo contest winner: Transportation Posted: 29 Jan 2012 02:25 PM PST The winner of this week's Android Central photo contest is August with his picture of a compact in a quiet street scene, taken with his Samsung Galaxy S II using Retro Camera .  This week's pictures were as amazing as last time around, and picking just one was no easy feat.  It's the kind of work we all enjoy though, so we love doing it.  Keep an eye on your e-mail August, I'll be contacting you about getting your battery shipped out. With so many great pictures, even picking the 10 runners-up was difficult.  We finally settled on them, hit the break to have a look.  Don't forget, we're starting up a new round tomorrow, so keep an eye out.   read more

Editorial: Google needs better user support in the Android Market Posted: 29 Jan 2012 12:08 PM PST We see Google working hard to provide better support for Android developers, and that's a great thing.  We want developers for our platform of choice to be well taken care of so it's worth learning to code for Android and releasing great applications.  Google's not perfect in this regard, but they keep improving, and that's the only way to make it better.  But el Goog needs to start focusing a little more on user support. Recently, I stumbled across an app in our forums that I wanted to try.  It's an Aquarium screen-saver type app for Google TV on my Logitech Revue.  I'm an Android nerd, and an aquarium nerd (we had jackets made), so I thought I would give it a try.  Just so happens that I ran into some Market issues, and was in some magical diabolical limbo where I had paid for the app, but couldn't download it or pay for it again.  It's not the first time we've heard about this happening -- the cofounder of doubleTwist just ran into it as well when trying to buy his own app -- and it's not even the first time we've seen it happen on the Revue.  There's a chance you've read about someone with similar issues on the Internet somewhere.  Unfortunately, it's a fairly common issue.   So I did what any self-respecting Android user would do -- tried to hack it to make it work.  Wipe Market data, clear cache, even a reset of the device.  All with no luck.  I couldn't make the Market know I had paid so I could download, but it knew I had paid and wouldn't let me pay again.  All that was left to do was click the support link.   Clicking the support link of course sends you to an online form to fill out.  Tell it some transaction details, describe the issue, and submit.  Then wait.  And wait.  And now it's been two weeks and still no response.  I get that they're busy, and that this is only a buck.  Not exactly high-priority stuff. But to leave a user hanging for two weeks waiting on any type of response is just poor customer service, plain and simple.  I'm fairly well versed in all things Android-ish, so I eventually contacted the developer with my transaction code.  But my mother isn't, and would have not known any way to resolve this little issue.  A little issue that leaves a big impression, and not a good one.  Google has shown that they want to take Android mainstream in a big way, and introduced a really user-friendly version with Ice Cream Sandwich.  Now it's time they focus more on the little stuff. That Aquarium app?  I got a copy to sideload after talking with the developer, and it kicks ass.  We'll be reviewing it soon but If you are looking for a beautiful app made specifically for Google TV, grab it and check it out.

Pure Music goes live in the UK, offers streaming to your Android device for £4.99 a month Posted: 29 Jan 2012 10:07 AM PST Pure Music's Spotify challenging subscription service has been on the horizon now for a couple of months. The service has now gone live, offering users in the UK unlimited music streaming for a very reasonable £4.99 a month. There is also of course an Android application that goes along with the service. That's half the cost of a Spotify premium subscription, which at first glance is incredibly tempting. There are a couple of differences between this and Spotify though, with the most significant being a lack of offline capabilities. If you don't have an unlimited data plan, the ability to stream only on the move is going to prove pretty limiting. Suddenly that extra £5 a month for Spotify doesn't seem so bad. You do get a 1 month free trial, so you at least get a chance to play with it and see what's what before committing your cash. The Android application has been in the Market for a while now, as a portal to their other online media content, mainly radio stations. With your subscription enabled though the very same application -- it hasn't been updated -- unlocks the music catalogue for you to browse at your leisure. The catalogue seems pretty deep as well, coming up with a number of albums from various, less mainstream artists I listen to.  The UI on the app is very pleasing to the eye, and pretty easy to navigate. One issue is the apparent lack of the ability to create playlists within the app. This I found particularly frustrating as it seems the only way to create and manage playlists is through The Lounge website on your computer.  All in all Pure Music is a bit of a mixed bag. If you can live with the limitations of the Android app and don't need offline capabilities then this could well be the one for you. It's a good initial offering, and if you own any of the Pure range of internet radios then you're even better off. It's not quite Spotify, but it is half the price. Hit the break for the download links.  More: Pure Music Lounge read more

ClockWorkMod Recovery Touch Beta now available for download Posted: 29 Jan 2012 01:29 PM PST A couple of days ago we told you about Koush’s new project, a touch version of ClockWorkMod. We weren’t sure how long it would take for us to get our hands on it, but he just announced it’s now available as a beta for download for the Galaxy Nexus (GSM and CDMA) and the Nexus S (GSM). Download links below. If you want to see a video of it in action, checkout our previous post here. Download Galaxy Nexus (GSM and CDMA version) Download Nexus S (GSM version) Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

Google Brings Sprint Galaxy Nexus Sign-Up Page Out of the Freezer Posted: 29 Jan 2012 12:54 PM PST A few weeks ago, at CES, Sprint made the announcement that they would bringing the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in the 32GB variety to their newly minted LTE network. If you are one of those folks on Sprint that are looking forward to this device and you’re impatiently waiting it appears that the release is coming soon. The registration section for the Sprint device has gone live on the official Galaxy Nexus site which will allow you to be notified when the phone goes up for sale. The Sprint version will come with Google Wallet installed unlike Verizon‘s, and will also be free of any bloatware, again unlike Verizon’s version. However there is nothing to suggest what the phone will be going for when it becomes available on Sprint but if you are interested in being one of the first in knowing when it’s available you can hit the source to sign up. You can check out our hands on with the Sprint Galaxy Nexus at CES. Also if you’re interested you can check out the review on Verizon’s version here. While it’s on a different network I am sure it’s essentially the same device. Enjoy! Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

Symantec reports the largest Malware scare in the Android Market, Lookout Mobile Security says no way Posted: 29 Jan 2012 12:08 PM PST Symantec is reporting they found what they’re saying is the “highest distibution of any malware identified so far this year.” According to them, up to 5 million users are affected, but before everyone gets their panties in a bunch, they list the risk level as “very low,” not to mention this probably isn’t malware. It’s called Android.Counterclank, and it can be found in the following applicatons: Publisher Malicious App Title Category iApps7 Inc Counter Elite Force Arcade & Action iApps7 Inc Counter Strike Ground Force Arcade & Action iApps7 Inc CounterStrike Hit Enemy Arcade & Action iApps7 Inc Heart Live Wallpaper Entertainment iApps7 Inc Hit Counter Terrorist Arcade & Action iApps7 Inc Stripper Touch girl Entertainment Ogre Games Balloon Game Sports Games Ogre Games Deal & Be Millionaire Sports Games Ogre Games Wild Man Arcade & Action redmicapps Pretty women lingerie puzzle Photography redmicapps Sexy Girls Photo Game Lifestyle redmicapps Sexy Girls Puzzle Brain & Puzzle redmicapps Sexy Women Puzzle Brain & Puzzle The malicious code is grafted in a package called com.apperhand, which is found in each of the above apps. Upon installation the com.apperhand package could complete any of the below functions: Copy bookmarks on the device Copy opt out details Copy push notifications Copy shortcuts Identify the last executed command Modify the browser’s home page Steal build information (for example: brand, device, manufacturer, model, OS, etc.) It may also try to connect to a couple of remote locations. A major competitor, Lookout Mobile Security, a company we support here at TalkAndroid, say that this isn’t malware and is legitimate. The apperhand package is actually an aggressive advertising component, and part of a modified version of the “ChoopCheec” platform or “Plankton” SDK that caused a stir in June 2011. This newer version is cleaner, and Lookout said the following: It is capable of identifying the user uniquely by their IMEI number, for instance. But unlike some networks, this SDK forward-hashes the IMEI before sending to its server. They're identifying your device, but they are obfuscating the raw data. (That’s a good thing.) The SDK has the capability to deliver Push Notification ads to the user. We're not huge fans of push notifications, but we also don't consider push notification advertising to be malware. The SDK drops a search icon onto the desktop. Again, we consider bad form, though we don't consider this a smoking gun for malware provided the content that is delivered is safe.  In this case, it is simply a link to a search engine. The SDK also has the capability to push bookmarks to the browser.  In our opinion, this is crosses a line; although we do not believe this is cause to classify the SDK as malware. And finally Lookout said: “Of the applications that were originally identified as malicious, a subset of them have subsequently been pulled from the Android Market. However, it's important to note that this does not include all identified applications, and reasons for removal may also include content, copyright, or other violations of the Android Market's Terms of Service.” The story of Android security continues, and it simply creates great press. Is malware and trojans an issue for Android? I won’t say it isn’t, but there really hasn’t been any major catastrophes as some of these articles and posts would like you to believe. It’s the job of the security firms to make money, so putting a little extra fear into the public’s mindset isn’t a bad thing to them, but at the same time we have to educate ourselves by reading beyond the titles. source: symantec, lookout via: androidcentral Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

[Deal] Amazon Offering New Customers The HTC Rezound For Only $79.99 Posted: 29 Jan 2012 07:48 AM PST Amazon is at it yet again with another great deal for customers interested in grabbing a great phone. Today, it is offering the awesome Beats Audio-powered HTC Rezound 4G LTE phone for a stunning $79.99 for new Verizon Wireless customers when you sign a 2-year contract. That means you’ll be able to grab the phone featuring 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM and of course the custom Beats Audio Headphones for less than some Beats By Dre Headphones. If you’re a current customer and it’s time to upgrade that old Droid X finally, Amazon is also offering the upgrade to you for a mere $159.99, which is still quite a bargain. Don’t forget kids Amazon is offering free 2-day shipping when you order the phone by 3PM (Monday-Friday). If or when you do go to Amazon to grab the phone, be sure to let us know how you like phone and thank us in the Comments section. Naturally, you’re all going to rave about the killer Beats Audio headphones and EQ setting on the phone, right? Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

Evi Personal Assistant App Gives Android Users Another Reason To Forget About Siri Posted: 29 Jan 2012 07:27 AM PST Siri may be the most familiar personal assistant around, but there are a growing number of personal assistant apps for Android too. Enter Evi– the “Ask Me Anything” app. Developed by True Knowledge Ltd., the app understands what you want to know and gives back exactly what you’re after. If you need to know where the nearest bank is, Evi can tell you. If you’re going out for dinner but can’t decide where to go? Evi can help with that too. Evi is a personal assistant who looks to evolve with the individuals it is assisting. In addition to answering your common questions, the app features the following: Voice or text input – Chat to Evi in plain English and she will understand Local information for UK and USA – Shopping, news, dining and more. Evi knows where you are and gives answers based on your location Built in browser – No need to swap to a different browser, view web links within Evi’s app A learning and adapting intelligence – Rate Evi's answers to help her learn more about the world Evi is available for free today for any Froyo 2.2+ user. You can hit up the Android Market or scan it to your device using the nifty QR code found below. Android Market Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

SpaceCat 3D For Android, A Perfect Ratio Of Cats And Flying Saucers (Video) Posted: 29 Jan 2012 05:37 AM PST What do you get when you combine 3D graphics, flying saucers and cats?  One heck of a ride for Android with SpaceCat 3D.  The glasses free 3D game allows you to enjoy a rich graphics quality platform landing game on your Android smartphone.  The challenge is to dodge both moving and stationary walls, lasers and tight spots all while snatching up all of the floating space mice you can find. On your quest, be sure to take out all of the annoying SpaceRats you can for the crew of humans you’re loyal to.  You can even share your score with the rest of the world via ScoreLoop. In the year 3122, man has conquered space and has taken his favorite pets with him: Cats. Did you know which are the favorite toys of cats on space? Flying saucers! Even better, chasing mice while flying around! They are the only ones that can go into the narrow spaces and capture the SpaceRats, an evolved species that keeps annoying the crew of the spaceships. You’ll have the option to choose from 10 different cats for game-play and several spaceships to match them up with.  Each ship has different characteristics and themes that you can choose from as well.  Ready to give the game a go?  Hit the break for some screen shots of the game and check out the quick video demo of the app in action.  Feel free to drop a comment or two below as well of what you think. Click here to view the embedded video. Android Market Link From The Developer: == Something more == * Feels like is not a real lander? Try the realistic control. * To enable XPeria Play / Gametel support you need to select on-screen controls. * We recommend a minimum hardware of Motorola Droid, Nexus One, Galaxy S or HTC Desire. * For low end devices, touching the screen can slow down the gameplay, alternatively you can use the menu button to thrust. * The search button makes a screenshot of the game (in /sdcard/spacecat), just in case you want to show how cute your cat is with his spaceship. I know, you have never figured this out. * 3D engine: jPCT-AE * Sound effects from The Freesound Project (http://www.freesound.org/) Because the world will be a better place with more cats in flying saucers.