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Android Community Tracking the Android Platform Revolution

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Apple buys Embark to help navigate the Google Maps battle Aug 22nd 2013, 22:08, by Cory Gunther Earlier this year Google released a pretty massive update that completely overhauled their Google Maps application for mobile devices. The new and improved Maps is pretty awesome, although some still miss the old version, but that change was to stay ahead of the competition. That competition being Apple and Nokia. As you all know, Apple has their own alternative for iOS now, and they’ve just purchased a maps company to improve their offering. After previous rumors today reports confirmed Apple has acquired a company called Embark, who specializes in Maps and public transportation throughout multiple cities. As we all know, Apple’s attack on the Maps globe didn’t go quite as well as they initially planned. With tons of complaints and users begging for Google Maps to return, which eventually did, and made plenty happy. Apple has been working hard on their map option, and it’s getting better, and this is one more step to further improve their services. Reports suggest Embark’s current set of options and features in their iOS apps will be directly integrated into Apple Maps, making it better almost instantly. We’re also hearing Embark apps for Android have already all been removed, as this will be iOS-only moving forward. Didn’t see that one coming, kidding. Google recently acquired Waze, and Apple also acquired Locationary recently, so this battle isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. VIA: SlashGear Story Timeline Google Maps update brings live departure times and service alerts Google Maps adds over 1000 new Street View locations Google Maps v7 detailed: Latitude killed, Offline maps hidden Google Maps for Android now includes local search-based advertisements Google Maps update brings real-time incident reports from Waze Google applies for location-based security patent for mobile devices Aug 22nd 2013, 21:10, by Cory Gunther Lately there has been a lot of talk and discussion regarding mobile security, and privacy for that matter, and it looks like Google has a few tricks up their sleeve. New details provided by Engadget shows that Google recently filed for a patent that will allow for location-based security for mobile devices and our smartphones. This sure would make some businesses happy. The patent is pretty self explanatory based on the title, but there’s more to it than that once you dig into the actual filing by Google. Essentially what you have is a far more secure device, all based on the users location, instead of just the usual slide-to-unlock system, etc. Imagine your device having no unlock method needed while you’re at home, because you are sitting on the couch and don’t need to enter a pin every time you use it. However, leave the house and the device gets a bit more secure. Or even work phones (even if most are switching to BYOD) phones could essentially lock-down and be ultra secure once the device leaves the work environment. Devices like the HTC One Max and new iPhone reportedly have fingerprint scanners, and even the Moto X has an accessory to bypass the unlock screen should you choose. Google’s looking to fool all those by simply altering the level of security based on location. I like it, and hopefully this branches down into all Android devices. VIA: USPTO Story Timeline Apple attacks Samsung over Galaxy Nexus slide-to-unlock feature Google preparing to delete passwords in favor of NFC security Google Face Unlock patent adds facial expressions to Android security Android's easy one-click Google authentication a security risk CyanogenMod Account launched to bring security and privacy features Motorola DROID ULTRA and MAXX both getting a quick software update Aug 22nd 2013, 20:54, by Robert Nelson Verizon Wireless recently released the DROID ULTRA and DROID MAXX smartphones and it looks like they are both getting updates straight out of the box. This is nothing more than a minor update and will have the handsets jumping to software version 12.7.7. The update doesn’t appear to contain any security fixes, which really just goes to say that you don’t need to be in any rush to update. That said, the 12.7.7 update deals with WiFi, Group MMS and ISIS. Specifically, this update has the available WiFi reminder appearing every 12 hours instead of every 30 minutes. Well, depending on your personal use this one may be nice to have updated sooner rather than later to avoid the unnecessary notifications. The second part of the update brings unspecified enhancements for ISIS Wallet and Group MMS message. If you are looking for the update and have yet to see the notification you can navigate to Menu -> Settings -> About phone -> System update to try and get the process started. From that point (assuming the update is available for your handset) it is just a matter of following the prompts. According to Verizon this update should take just a few minutes to download with another few minutes for the installation process. The update should measure in at around 50MB in size. Otherwise, once updated both the DROID ULTRA and MAXX will remain on Android 4.2.2. Aside from the DROID ULTRA and MAXX release, Verizon has also begun shipping the DROID Mini. Those curious about the DROID ULTRA may benefit from our earlier published review, and to give a bit of a spoiler — we liked it. Of course, the full review should still be read. Story Timeline Motorola DROID Ultra and MAXX shipping now, could arrive before the 20th DROID ULTRA and MAXX smartphones arrive with Verizon Wireless today Verizon reveals Moto DROID ULTRA 'Catch me if you can' TV ad spot Verizon Motorola DROID ULTRA already sold out on Best Buy Motorola DROID Mini now shipping from Verizon, hits stores tomorrow Asphalt 8: Airborne Review on NVIDIA SHIELD Aug 22nd 2013, 20:22, by Cory Gunther After months of waiting the folks from Gameloft have just released the 8th installment to their classic racing franchise for mobile. That being Asphalt 8: Airborne. We saw it when Google announced the Nexus 7 followed by a slight delay, and today it’s officially available for almost all Android devices. Oh, and it works amazingly well with the NVIDIA SHIELD, so we’re doing our review with that device. Check out this high flying, octane-boosting game below. Asphalt 8 delivers on the classic style we love from their games, which is over-the-top intense racing, yet offers tons of all-new content, tricks, and gravity-defying tricks. It’ll cost you just $0.99 from Google Play which will get you 47 officially licensed and beautiful cars, 180 different racing events, 9 new exotic tracks, ghost mode, and much more. We’ve been waiting for this game to arrive, especially since we loved Asphalt 7, and now that it’s here what better way to show it off than on the NVIDIA SHIELD. Using a Tegra 4 quad-core processor and the 5-inch HD display all on a dedicates game controller this is truly a console experience. This weekend I’ll be using SHIELD to stream it via HDMI to my 57-inch Vizio for some real console-quality gaming. Without much talking, here’s our hands-on of 8 with SHIELD. Watch to the end to see how I do! Everything about Asphalt 8 has been improved by Gameloft. It was redesigned from the ground up to have a similar look and feel, but with an all-new engine with stunning top-quality mobile graphics. Android 4.3 enables the new Open GL ES 3.0 graphics support, but Android 4.2 here with my SHIELD was just as impressive. Gameloft added tons of real-time lighting and reflections, seriously overhauled the physics (and you’ll see how when you wreck or go Airborne) and this is the game for you adrenaline junkies. The 47 officially licensed dream cars vary from a weak Dodge Dart RT (starting car) to the Bugatti Veyron, Lambo’s and other supercars you’ve never heard of before. There’s multiplayer, of course, and you can connect with friends on Facebook and Google+, and even race yourself with the ghost mode. You can even play against yourself and others at the same time, now that’s just neat. (Check out the dirt on my car below) Everything is absolutely polished here. This is one of their best gaming franchises, and they didn’t hold back anywhere. Even the music is real and licensed. The Crystal Method, I heard some Queens of the Stone Age, and all sorts of other good tracks while speeding around. Not only that, but Gameloft re-recorded the supercar engine noises to make it even more immersive. Yes, they thought of it all. So far I’ve clocked about 4 hours with Gameloft’s Asphalt 8: Airborne, and all those “gravity-defying” airborne stunts are one of my favorite parts. The new two-stage turbo or boost (NOS) mode is excellent too. This is hands down the best racing game for Android, and showcases the power of mobile graphics like none other. Add in the fact that I’m completely enjoying this on the SHIELD, and it showcases just how awesome Android gaming truly is. Do that on your iPad folks. The game is only $1 so get it from the link below, then check out a few more screenshots just for fun. No complaints from me so far, but I’ll update after I play this game all darn weekend. VIA: Play Store Story Timeline Asphalt 8: Airborne console-quality graphics shown off in latest video NVIDIA SHIELD Console Review Gameloft teases Asphalt 8: Airborne in new gameplay trailer Asphalt 8: Airborne to hit Play Store on August 22 for real Household Hacker shows off how to get 9000 games on NVIDIA SHIELD

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