Android Central

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• Google Search update adds new card functionality, improved search results
• Google Maps brings navigation to 9 new countries in Europe and Africa
• Droid Bionic Jelly Bean soak test invites rolling out now
• Google forks off WebKit to create new rendering engine 'Blink'; will power Chrome and Chrome OS
• Shadowgun: DeadZone 2.0 update hits with loads of new features
• Google Play Sound Search now available in the UK
• Chrome for Android gets password and auto-fill sync in latest update
• Wallaby: Get the most out of your credit card rewards
• Sony Xperia ZL goes on sale in Germany
• New Nexus 4 accessories debut on Google Play
• Looking back on one full year since Instagram for Android launched
• Google+ update adds better cover photo editing, fixes bugs
• Twitter for Android updated with UI overhaul
• AT&T's LG Optimus G getting its Jelly Bean update today
• Canada's Telus gets the HTC One on April 19
• 'HTC First' Facebook phone UI pictured in leaked shots
• Tasks update brings multi-app integration, better usability
• ASUS teases Transformer Pad Infinity Android 4.2 update today
• Mozilla, Samsung team up on 'Servo' next-gen browser engine
• Rovio to launch mobile app for Angry Birds Friends
• AT&T updates Galaxy S4 pricing, will offer 16GB model for $200
• Imaging head explains HTC's 4-megapixel decision
• Agenda Calendar for Android gets long-awaited widget
• Deal of the Day: Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Case for LG Nexus 4
• Samsung announces Galaxy Star and Galaxy Pocket Neo

Google Search update adds new card functionality, improved search results Posted: 03 Apr 2013 04:28 PM PDT Real time package tracking from select carriers and subtle UI tweaks make it into this update The Google Search app, better known for its transition into the Google Now interface on Jelly Bean devices, has been updated with a few more features today. The first improvement is what Google calls "real time package tracking", which should give you a better indication of the package status, rather than simple "package shipped" cards that have been there previously. The new functionality is only available for select carriers, but it isn't specified which ones at this point. Also included is a visual redesign of the "settings" key that appears in the top right corner of every card, which has turned into an "i" (information) button. Instead of just popping up a settings option to take you deeper into the app, it expands the current card to let you toggle quick settings related to it. For example tapping the "i" on a sports score card gives you quick options to follow or not follow a team, while tapping "i" on a stocks card lets you choose which stocks you would like to always see. It's a visual improvement that will be instantly noticeable as a better choice for managing Google Now settings. Be sure to grab the update from the Play Store at the top of this post if you've got a device running Jelly Bean.

Google Maps brings navigation to 9 new countries in Europe and Africa Posted: 03 Apr 2013 03:37 PM PDT Voice guided, turn-by-turn navigation available for millions more people today on Google Maps for Android The Google Maps team has taken to Google+ and announced the addition of voice navigation for 9 new countries today. Users in the following countries will be able to use the Google Maps app on their Android phone with the new (to them) feature, starting right now: Ghana Kenya Côte d'Ivoire Senegal Estonia Bulgaria Latvia Lithuania Slovakia There was no word on when to expect the same for other locations, nor about how the process is done. We tend to take Google services for granted in Western Europe, and especially, North America, but for many folks Android devices are missing some of what makes them so special. We're glad to see Google address this issue, even if it's a bit slower than we would like. Source: +Google Maps

Droid Bionic Jelly Bean soak test invites rolling out now Posted: 03 Apr 2013 02:53 PM PDT Turns out that Motorola support page may have been right after all After a puzzling update to Motorola's support documentation for the Droid Bionic that indicated it would receive Jelly Bean in Q2 2013, soak test registration emails are being sent out to some users for the update. Soak tests, if you're not familiar, are a last level of testing with a small portion of users willing to give new firmware a try before it moves out to everyone. Like previous soak tests, this is a good indication that we're headed towards an official release of the update to the general public soon.  Remember though, Q2 just started a couple of days ago, so if previous updates are any indication we may be waiting a little while to see it all out there officially. The soak test registrations go out to a small number of people and won't be available for long, so keep an eye on your inbox if you're expecting to see one. More: Droid Bionic Forums; Thanks, shayne6717!

Google forks off WebKit to create new rendering engine 'Blink'; will power Chrome and Chrome OS Posted: 03 Apr 2013 02:23 PM PDT Initial work focuses on internal improvements and brings very little change for web developers Update: Chrome developer Alex Russell has an excellent read on this for those interested. On the Chromium blog, Google just announced that they have split off WebKit to create and further develop the open source Blink rendering engine. Blink will, over time, diverge away from WebKit and evolve in "different directions" with a focus on speed and stability. If all goes according to plan, developer channels of Chrome and Chrome OS should see a Blink-powered version in short order. The reason behind the decision, according to the Chromium blog post, is that Chrome handles all the different processor architectures a bit differently. Forking their own model will alleviate future issues in both the WebKit code and Chrome itself. Chromium uses a different multi-process architecture than other WebKit-based browsers, and supporting multiple architectures over the years has led to increasing complexity for both the WebKit and Chromium projects. This has slowed down the collective pace of innovation - so today, we are introducing Blink, a new open source rendering engine based on WebKit. Because WebKit is open source, Google has long been one of the main contributors. Blink will also be open source, and qualified developers will be able to become "official" contributors if nominated by the group.  On the surface, Blink won't bring much, if any, visual change. The changes are under the hood, and users should see no difference. Of course, with software anything can happen. This is a big undertaking, and we wish the best of luck to the entire Chrome team. And yes, Blink sounds very Google Glass specific. There is no mention of the wearable device, and we're not going to speculate. Source: Chromium blog

Shadowgun: DeadZone 2.0 update hits with loads of new features Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:48 PM PDT Game adds localization for several new languages; remains free-to-play for everyone As one of the most popular mobile-only online multiplayer games, Shadowgun: DeadZone is keeping the experience fresh with a 2.0 update in the Play Store today. The update brings new maps, weapons and stat boosters for things like armor, damage and accuracy. Also new is a "friends" menu that lets you invite friends to your game or view real-time stats while they play. First time players will like the new "tutorial" mode to help get acquainted with the game. The update also localizes the game for several new languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. If you haven't yet given the multiplayer version of Shadowgun a try yet, now may be the time. read more

Google Play Sound Search now available in the UK Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:32 PM PDT "What's this song?" working in Google Now as well Google's Sound Search, which lets users identify music tracks and artists by letting their phone listen to them, is branching out from the U.S. to include users in the U.K. In addition to the stand-alone app and widget for Sound Search, the same functionality also seems to be working within Google Now for U.K. users. Saying "What's this song?" then letting it listen will field results. While the app's changelog hasn't been updated to reflect it, there has been an update in the Play Store and our own Alex Dobie in the U.K. is confirming that it does work now. Head to the Play Store link above to grab your download and test it out, and let us know in the comments if it's working in any other new countries.

Chrome for Android gets password and auto-fill sync in latest update Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:08 PM PDT Chrome 26 for Android hits the stable channel, also brings improved performance and bug fixes Google Chrome for Android has hit version 26, bringing with it the ability to sync passwords and auto-fill data from the desktop browser. If you've been running the beta version of Google's browser then this may sound familiar, as it's been in testing in the beta channel for a few weeks now. Chrome 26 also fixes a bug where a blank page would be displayed instead of the requested URL. In addition, there's the standard assortment of performance improvements -- and we have to say Chrome for Android feels pretty speedy on this latest build. Head to the Google Play Store app to update, or hit the link above if you're a first-time installer.

Wallaby: Get the most out of your credit card rewards Posted: 03 Apr 2013 12:58 PM PDT A wallet full of credit and debit cards, each with different rewards; Wallaby shows you which one to use When you have several different credit and debit cards in you wallet, it can be hard to choose which one to use to maximize the rewards and savings associated with it. Each restaurant, shop or store you visit may have a particular card that will work out to your advantage -- so how do you choose? Wallaby hopes to help solve the problem by giving you recommendations as to which card to use to maximize value when you shop, and it's doing so in a much cleaner way with version 2.0 of its app. Read on past the break and see what the new Wallaby has to offer. read more

Sony Xperia ZL goes on sale in Germany Posted: 03 Apr 2013 12:37 PM PDT €549,99 inc. VAT or subsidized on contract, now available at Phonehouse.de After going on sale in Canada yesterday, Germany now gets a chance to order Sony's premier smartphone, as the Xperia ZL is currently shipping from Phonehouse.de in black only. Those looking for a red or white version of this phone will have to wait a little longer, as is stock listed as "available soon." The phone is priced at €549,99, but can also be purchased with various subsidy prices on contract. Potential buyers only have one option at present, because Phonehouse.de is the only retailer taking orders for the ZL at this time. Amazon.de has no launch date listed on their site, and Cyberport.de is reporting they will start taking orders and shipping phones in May. While we here in the states are still waiting for our launch, time can be well spent looking over a close relative of the Xperia ZL, the Xperia Z, in our detailed review. Be on the lookout for a our review of the Xperia ZL, in the near future. Source: XperiaBlog

New Nexus 4 accessories debut on Google Play Posted: 03 Apr 2013 12:28 PM PDT Headphones with line mic, charger and microUSB cable now available separately Google has launched three new accessories for the Nexus 4 through the Google Play devices store. Well -- of the three, only one is really new -- the wired headset with line mic -- but it doesn't hurt that the official charger and microUSB cable are now available alongside it.  The charger and cable are exactly like what you'll find boxed up with your Nexus 4, while the headset is a new addition, consisting of earphones and a flattened cable containing a mic for calls. A quick breakdown of pricing in the U.S., U.K and eurozone -- Nexus 4 wired headset on Google Play - $19.99, £15.99 €19.99 Nexus 4 USB cable on Google Play - $9.99, £9.99, €9.99 Nexus 4 wall charger on Google Play - $15.99, £12.99, €15.99 The Nexus 4 bumper is also still available, priced $19.99, £15.99 or €19.99 via Android Central Forums

Looking back on one full year since Instagram for Android launched Posted: 03 Apr 2013 12:14 PM PDT One year on, almost half of all Instagram use comes from Android Today marks exactly one full year of Instagram on Android. The hipster filter, photo dedicated social network has its fans, and its critics alike. Love it or hate it, it's one of those 'must have' apps for a mobile platform -- just take a look at the number of BlackBerry 10 and Windows Phone users screaming out for it. To mark the year, the Instagram team has shared some numbers with us.  Despite the critics, despite the whole #TeamAndroid and #TeamiPhone deal back in the early days, Instagram for Android is booming. Booming to the point where almost half of all use comes from the Android app. Less than a day after launch the app had been downloaded 1 million times, and to date has in excess of 50 million downloads.  Also in that year since we saw the Android launch, there was of course the much debated Facebook takeover that priced Instagram at $1billion. In fact, the Android launch and Facebook takeover all happened within the same week. Over on the official Instagram blog, the developers have highlighted some pretty awesome looking snaps taken using Instagram for Android, so be sure to head on over and check them out. Source: Instagram

Google+ update adds better cover photo editing, fixes bugs Posted: 03 Apr 2013 12:08 PM PDT Mobile users can now see strikethrough text formatting as well Google has been knocking out some serious updates to both its mobile and web interfaces over the last few weeks, and today's Google+ update cleans up some odds-and-ends. Users now have better options for selecting and editing cover photos, which falls in line with the move on the web to big (well actually, huge) cover photos. You get a better preview of the photo you're choosing, as well as granular control over what part of the photo is displayed. Interestingly, this update also includes support for strikethrough text formatting, which is something you'll be used to from the web as well. And what would an update be without a nice grouping of "bug fixes and performance improvements"? Those are here too, of course. You can grab a download or update to the Google+ app from the Play Store link at the top of this post.

Twitter for Android updated with UI overhaul Posted: 03 Apr 2013 12:05 PM PDT Official Twitter client gets a Holo-style re-vamp The official Twitter app for Android has been updated to version 4.0, and with it the UI has been significantly overhauled to be more in-keeping with the Android 4.x "Holo" design language. The visual changes are plain to see -- new icons, a cleaner layout and generally closer to the native Android look -- though the layout remains much the same. Like other official Twitter apps, you can now swipe left and right to jump between the four main tabs. The new app also includes the ability to load tweeted content from other apps -- such as Foursquare -- directly in that app using a special link. On the whole, it's a significant step forward for the long-neglected official Twitter app. Unfortunately for HTC One owners however, the Black Bar of Doom (on-screen menu key) on HTC devices is still present in this release. Worse still, it now does absolutely nothing but take up space. Oh well. Grab the new version of Twitter from the Google Play link above, or hit the Google Play Store to update.

AT&T's LG Optimus G getting its Jelly Bean update today Posted: 03 Apr 2013 11:31 AM PDT It's been a couple days now since the AT&T LG Optimus G got a mysterious Easter update. Today we've got something just as unofficial, but much more recognizable. Android 4.1.2 has begun to push out for the LG Optimus G on AT&T.  AT&T's PR says no official update has started, but that's in disagreement with our inbox -- and with AT&T's own community forums, which sport several folks saying they're getting the 336-megabyte update to Android 4.1.2, Build E97020j. If you've got an AT&T Optimus G, now would be a good time to check for an update. Just sayin'.  More: LG Optimus G forums; Thanks, tuckerman725!

Canada's Telus gets the HTC One on April 19 Posted: 03 Apr 2013 11:15 AM PDT The HTC One had beenrumored for Canadian carrier Telus for a little while -- and now it's official. The HTC One hits Telus on April 19. No word on pricing just yet (figure it'll be in the usual range of the Canadian standard contract -- cheapest at 3 years), so stay tuned for that one. In the meantime, be sure to hit up our HTC One forums for all the latest. More: Telus

'HTC First' Facebook phone UI pictured in leaked shots Posted: 03 Apr 2013 10:18 AM PDT A minimalist mix of vanilla Android and Facebook influences A day after we got our first look at the external hardware of the 'HTC First,' more leaked images claim to show the device's UI. Expectedly, today's images, released by 9to5Google in collaboration with @evleaks, put the new 'Facebook Home' home screen launcher front and center. That means your Facebook news feed becomes an integral part of the phone's main app. But what's a little surprising is that the rest of the phone's UI seems pretty close to vanilla Android -- the three leaked images show the stock Gallery, Camera, Phone and Settings apps, along with Google apps like Search, Chrome and the Play Store. Even on a Facebook phone, the Google influence is plain to see. The big question remains, though -- besides a custom launcher, what is Facebook bringing to the table that requires its own hardware? We suppose we'll find out tomorrow at the company's launch event in California. Source: 9to5Google

Tasks update brings multi-app integration, better usability Posted: 03 Apr 2013 10:06 AM PDT Now integrated with Google Now, DashClock Widget, Gmail, and calendar apps Tasks -- the app that looks so good you'd think it was made by Google -- is getting a big update today. No longer limited to typing out tasks, users can now use the voice command "note to self..." in Google Now to add task entries to the app. The ever-popular DashClock Widget gets Tasks support as well, with the ability to display pending tasks. But the app integration doesn't stop there -- support for related Gmail messages has been added, along with support for third party calendar widgets. There are a handful of other notable changes, too. Reminders now have a snooze function, and an indicator has been added for overdue tasks. Lists get the option to sort items alphabetically, and the date picker is now easier to use with new shortcuts for today, tomorrow, and next week. Upon installation of the new update, a permission change is requested. This adds the option to donate to the developer from within the app. If you're using the free version, we'd suggest getting the full version before donating. Hit the Play Store link at the top to get started.

ASUS teases Transformer Pad Infinity Android 4.2 update today Posted: 03 Apr 2013 09:57 AM PDT TF700 to join its little brother on the latest version of Android The ASUS Transformer Pad 300 was the first non-Nexus device to get Android 4.2 just a month ago, and now its larger cousin the Transformer Pad Infinity (TF700) is set to join on the latest version of Jelly Bean. An image posted to the official ASUS Facebook page reveals that the update should be landing today -- though there's no mention of which territories will be included in this initial roll-out. If the Infinity's 4.2 update is anything like that of the TF300, owners can expect updates for ASUS's App Locker, Virtual Keyboard, Lock Screen and Setup Wizard applications alongside the new OS. Transformer Pad Infinity owners, hit the comments and let us know if you're seeing the update on your device yet. Source: ASUS on Facebook

Mozilla, Samsung team up on 'Servo' next-gen browser engine Posted: 03 Apr 2013 09:37 AM PDT Android code for 'Servo' and 'Rust' language available to download and build Browser-maker Mozilla has announced that it's teamed up with Samsung in the creation of a new web browser engine, 'Servo,' built upon a new, modern programming language, 'Rust.' Both projects are focused on fully exploiting modern, multi-core hardware in a way that maximizes performance, while avoiding  the kinds of bugs and glitches that can lead to crashes and security vulnerabilities. The source code for the latest version of Rust, v. 0.6, and the Servo browser engine, is available to download for Android today. The first major  release of Rust -- let alone the Servo browser based upon it -- isn't expected anytime soon. Today's Mozilla post outlines development work continuing "in the coming year" as it approaches its first major revision. read more

Rovio to launch mobile app for Angry Birds Friends Posted: 03 Apr 2013 08:54 AM PDT Facebook-based bird-flinger reportedly heading to Android and iOS Social avian catapulter Angry Birds Friends is set to launch on Android and iOS, according to reports from TechCrunch. The title's move to mobile was apparently revealed at a Facebook event in Helsinki, Finland, following the Facebook version's push past the 60 million install mark. In contrast to the single-player focus of vanilla Angry Birds, Angry Birds Friends lets players hold weekly tournaments and compete for medals. Naturally, moving this new social pig-slaughtering experience back to mobile makes sense for Rovio given its web-based success and its familiarity with both platforms. No word on release dates just yet. In the meantime, you'll just have to make do with of the gazillion other Angry Birds titles currently on Google Play. Source: TechCrunch

AT&T updates Galaxy S4 pricing, will offer 16GB model for $200 Posted: 03 Apr 2013 08:20 AM PDT 16GB AT&T Galaxy S4 for $199.99, 32GB model priced at $249.99 AT&T has updated its pricing details for the Galaxy S4, indicating that it'll offer Samsung's upcoming flagship smartphone in both 16 and 32-gigabyte flavors. If it's the base 16GB model you're after, that'll set you back $199.99 up-front on a two-year plan. 32GB will run you $249.99. Previously the carrier had stated it'd sell the S4 for $249.99, without specifying an internal storage amount. By contrast, AT&T's HTC One comes with 32GB for $199.99 or 64GB for $299.99. Of course, additional built-in storage isn't as much of a concern on the Galaxy S4, on account of its microSD slot. But extra base storage isn't to be sniffed at, if you've got the cash. Source: AT&T

Imaging head explains HTC's 4-megapixel decision Posted: 03 Apr 2013 08:00 AM PDT It's all about balancing sensor size, pixel size and file size, says HTC's Symon Whitehorn One of the more controversial engineering decisions made in the new HTC One was the choice to go with a 4-megapixel rear camera, but with advanced optics and larger individual pixels. After all, we've been conditioned to see the overall megapixel count as a rough way of judging camera quality. But as HTC's been keen to hammer home since the phone's announcement, pixel count isn't the be-all and end-all of digital imaging. In an interview with ComputerWorld, HTC's director of special projects Symon Whitehorn -- a former Kodak executive in charge of the manufacturer's imaging efforts -- goes into more detail about the benefits of HTC's new "UltraPixel" sensor, consisting of four million, 2-micron wide pixels. It's really [a matter of] becoming very rational about the megapixel count rather than using it as a marketing metric, which people have been doing before. Lots of megapixels have their place -- usually in a bigger device. The price the industry is starting to pay by cramming more and more megapixels into a smaller and smaller sensor is loads of added noise and all-over performance. For 99 percent of what people do with their images, they actually don't need the high megapixel count. We'd rather give them the sort of performance that is real-world usable. Whitehorn says one of those benefits is improved low light performance, something we highlighted in our review of the HTC One. But it turns out one of the HTC One's other main camera features is reliant on the smaller image size -- namely HTC Zoe. read more

Agenda Calendar for Android gets long-awaited widget Posted: 03 Apr 2013 07:19 AM PDT Resizable, and as stylish as it is simple, the Agenda Calendar widget makes this app an easy recommendation It's a good day for those of you who have waited on a widget for the excellent Agenda Calendar. (Be sure to check out our full look at Agenda Calendar.) We now, in fact, have a widget. Actually, it's a resizable widget, which any self-respecting widget connoisseur knows is the best kind of widget to have.  And this is what it looks like. Not a whole lot more to say about it -- it's a big black-and-white widget with some colors thrown in depending on the calendar sync. Tap a listing to see it in Agenda, and hit the big + button in the top right to add a new event. Tapping a day (or date) opens that day in the Agenda app. You could argue that there's a little wasted space here. But, truth be told, the Agenda widget looks a little different on different launchers. In the example above, we've got it set as a 4-by-3 widget on top of Action Launcher. By default, you get a 2-by-3 widget. And the spacing is different on, say, the Nexus 4. So you might have to futz with it a little. We've been using the Agenda Calendar widget for a couple days now in place of our old standby, Pure Calendar (Agenda). This one's much simpler to set up, but that also means it's not quite as full-featured. That's not really a strike against it, though. There's much to be said about that simplicity, and the overall design is more sophisticated. All in all, this is a $1.99 that's definitely worth trying out now.

Deal of the Day: Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Case for LG Nexus 4 Posted: 03 Apr 2013 06:38 AM PDT The April 3 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Case for LG Nexus 4. These gel cases are made from shock absorbent and scratch resistant TPU. They are slim-fitting, and provide great protection for the LG Nexus 4 from day to day use and accidental bumps and spills. Each case features a custom Andy design and are available in a variety of colors. The Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Case is available for just $7.00, 65% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last! Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

Samsung announces Galaxy Star and Galaxy Pocket Neo Posted: 03 Apr 2013 04:29 AM PDT Tiny new entry-level handsets with dual-SIM functionality As Samsung prepares to launch the all-singing, all-dancing Galaxy S4, it's worth remembering that entry level smartphones are also an important part of the company's game plan. So today we see the announcement of two such devices -- the Galaxy Star and Galaxy Pocket Neo. Both handsets are almost identical in specs and appearance. Both pack dual-SIM capabilities, a 3-inch QVGA screen, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 512MB of RAM and a 2-megapixel rear camera, along with 4GB of internal memory, expandable via microSD slot. But the Galaxy Star clocks its CPU all the way up to the dizzy heights of 1GHz, while the Pocket Neo is content at just 850MHz. The Pocket Neo also includes a digtal compass, whereas the Star does not. There's no word on availability for either device just yet, but we imagine these will both be targeted at parts of Europe and emerging markets. Source: Samsung

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