Friday, July 26, 2013

Android World Update # Google Hangouts gets a minor update with more emoji and butter

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Android Central 
Google Hangouts gets a minor update with more emoji and butter
Jul 26th 2013, 18:08, by Jerry Hildenbrand

Hangouts

More butter and emoji added to the recipe, still missing that dash of Google Voice that everyone wants.

Google Hangouts has received a relatively minor update today, bringing the app to version 1.1. Normally, we don't cover every little app update, but this time around the team have added a little bit of project butter to make the app smoother, and folks with older phones are going to be happy with that news. The full change log:

  • Added more emoji!
  • We added some butter to Hangouts to make it run faster and slicker.
  • Fixed a bunch of bugs.

We still all hope that Google can incorporate Google Voice or SMS messages into Hangouts, but no dice just yet. The last couple updates have had some interesting permissions, though. Hit the break to see what I mean, and grab the update from the Google Play link up top.

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Android World Update # How to use Android 4.3's 'Restricted Profile' feature

Android Central - Android Forums - News - Reviews - Help and Android Wallpapers
Android Central 
How to use Android 4.3's 'Restricted Profile' feature
Jul 26th 2013, 17:41, by Phil Nickinson

Restricted Profile

The ability to add a second user profile was added to tablets in Android 4.2, and it's gained even more granular functionality in Android 4.3 with the addition of "restricted profiles." In a nutshell, this lets you choose which applications that restricted user can use.

It's not quite a full-functioned kids mode, and there still are a couple things to watch out for. But for basic account compartmentalization, it works pretty well.

Let's dive into it and show how to use the new "restricted profile" feature in Android 4.3.

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Android World Update # Android 4.3: Quick update across platforms?

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This feed includes text previews of the latest news articles and app tests on www.androidpit.com. Click on the article title to read the entire article. 
Android 4.3: Quick update across platforms?
Jul 26th 2013, 16:48, by Sterling Keys

Android 4.3 is alive and kicking and we’ve been receiving word from different manufacturers that they’re quickly working on a release for their platform and devices. Should this be taken as a boon because it will be a quick roll out or just confirm that not much has changed in Android 4.3?

android 43 updates
Google/Sony/Samsung/Paranoid Android/CyanogenMod/AndroidPIT

(This is a preview - click here to read the entire entry.)

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Android World Update # Android Community

Android Community
Tracking the Android Platform Revolution 
Google Hangouts updated with more emoji faces and speed tweaks
Jul 26th 2013, 17:19, by Cory Gunther

Google has been rather busy over the past few weeks. From updates to Google Maps, a new Nexus 7, Android 4.3 more, and now we’re seeing another update for their popular Hangouts chat app. It started arriving for users in stages earlier this week, but the official update for Hangouts is now readily available for all. If you like emoji support, you’ll want to grab it.

hang-540x263

First off we’ll start with the changes and new stuff, then talk about what’s still missing, and things we’d like to see. The update to hangouts brought more butter (like Jelly Bean butter) which is Google’s way of saying they’ve improved the performance. Hangouts should now be buttery smooth and as they said in the changelog, “faster and slicker.”

The new Hangouts added tons of additional emoji options, faces, smileys, and things of that nature. So get crazy with those emojis and make something fun. Then of course like all updates it also states bug fixes. So while there isn’t too much here, hopefully the performance increase will be noticeable, because we experience a little more lag than we’d like at times.

Now for what’s not here. There’s no SMS or Google Voice yet, so that’s a major bummer. That’s really all I’m waiting for and I’ll be set. Another feature would be setting notifications on/off to be separate from the desktop, but everything is synced. Overall a minor update, but grab it below and give it a try.

VIA: Play Store

Android 4.3 update now rolling out for more Nexus 7 users
Jul 26th 2013, 16:46, by Cory Gunther

Earlier this week Google officially took the wraps off of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, as well as the new and improved Nexus 7, but for those with last years model an update is on the way. As you all probably know, Wednesday Google also announced the 4.3 update was rolling out to all the recent Nexus devices, but it has been a slow and staged push.

Screen Shot 2013-07-26 at 9.35.46 AM

Both of my stock Nexus 7 tablets received the update late last night, instead of on Wednesday when Google announced the update was rolling out, and we’ve received multiple tips this morning that other users are finally seeing it today. All those tips and tricks to get it early never seem to work anyways.

So for those who are sitting at home tapping that “check for updates” button still, it appears that Google’s finally rolling this out at a wider range and it should be arriving for your tablet any moment now. However, if you still don’t want to wait the official update download file is available below.

Screenshot_2013-07-26-09-11-10

Instead of making a long how to, we’ll just drop the official Android 4.2.2 to 4.3 WiFi Nexus 7 update.zip below, and those interested can grab it. In order to install you’ll need to boot into the stock recovery and flash it via ‘adb sideload’ with the SDK, or of course a custom recovery will have you up and running with the new update in minutes.

For all that’s new with Android 4.3 hit the timeline of news links below, then grab the download file and get started.

Download: Nexus 7 Android 4.3

Samsung Galaxy S 4 turns up in brown, blue and purple
Jul 26th 2013, 16:37, by Robert Nelson

We knew Samsung had plans to release the Galaxy S 4 in several additional colors and it looks like a few have recently arrived. Verizon has recently launched the Galaxy S 4 in brown and a blue version has appeared in the UK. There has also been a recently leaked image showing the handset in purple. The purple handset is still a bit of a mystery at the moment, however we do have some details on the brown and blue.

Screen-Shot-2013-04-23-at-3.00.32-PM-540x31411

The brown Galaxy S 4 is dubbed “Brown Autumn” and Verizon has said this one will only be available online. The black and white models of the Galaxy S 4 remain available with the carrier and the price is $199 (on a two-year agreement) regardless of the color you choose. Just to clarify though, the brown model Galaxy S 4 is only available in the 16GB variety. Those looking for 32GB of storage in a Verizon branded Galaxy S 4 will will have to choose between black or white.

Similar to the Autumn Brown being an online exclusive for Verizon Wireless, the blue Galaxy S 4 is also arriving as an exclusive. The blue is dubbed “Arctic Blue” and the exclusivity is for those in the UK. This model will be exclusive with Phones 4u and available both online and in retail stores. Those looking to pick this model up will have a choice of carriers to include Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange and EE.

mansonfat_3_Samsung-_eeda7cfcaed7c08202487676ca66e166

The purple Galaxy S 4 turned up on the Chinese language ePrice and there wasn’t much revealed in terms of details. This color is expected to arrive for those in Taiwan and at the moment was said to be a 16GB model that doesn’t support LTE. Those details aside, it does look like it would be a good option for those who are fans of the color purple. But with that in mind, we have yet to see anything that hints at a release outside of Taiwan.

VIA: unwired view

Samsung Galaxy Note III looks locked in at 5.7-inches
Jul 26th 2013, 15:51, by Robert Nelson

Another round of Galaxy Note III leaks have surfaced. This latest brings another ‘confirmation’ of specs by way of a report coming out of the Korean language MK News. Some of these specs appear to be a recap of what we have already seen, however there has also been a nice breakdown of what the various Galaxy Note III model numbers actually mean. To begin with though, lets talk some specs.

samsung_galaxy_note_review_sg_35-580x490-540x45611111

The Galaxy Note III should arrive with a 5.7-inch 1080p display. Specifically, with a display resolution of 1920 x 1080. This bit was confirmed by way of a UAProf listing which reflected the Note III with model numbers of SM-N900T and SM-N900A. The folks at Samsung-Updates have detailed those models numbers and it looks like the “T” and “A” will be heading to the US. The N900T is destined for T-Mobile and the N900A should be heading to AT&T.

Other Galaxy Note III model numbers show the N900V for Verizon Wireless and the N900S for Sprint. There was also mention of a N900R4 and N900P however those are currently unknown at the moment. The final two model numbers include the N9005 and the N900 with these being the Snapdragon and Exynos variants respectively.

While still not officially confirmed, the N9005 is expected to arrive with a Snapdragon 800 processor. That MK News report also tips an LTE-A version for those in Korea. That LTE-A model will be powered by a Snapdragon 800 processor. The other bit here, that same report is suggesting that a September announcement and the 5.7-inch display size has been confirmed. Of course, as we often point out — nothing has been officially confirmed until we hear it direct from Samsung.

Other still unconfirmed specs show the Galaxy Note III as having 3GB of RAM and a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. The Note III had been previously expected to arrive with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, however given the recent Android 4.3 announcement there now appears to be some hope that could change. Regardless of which version of Android ships with the Note III, the handset will also have TouchWiz.

All that being said, we are expecting Samsung to end these rumors during IFA 2013, which takes place in September.

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Android World Update # T-Mobile promotion sees all devices selling with zero down

AndroidGuys
Android news and opinion 
T-Mobile promotion sees all devices selling with zero down
Jul 26th 2013, 17:03, by Scott Webster

tmo_zero_down

Are you in the hunt for a new smartphone? You really ought to consider T-Mobile’s new promotion which sees them selling all of their handsets with the ridiculously awesome zero down.

Indeed, you can pick up some of the hottest smartphones around and pair it with a no-contract plan that also features the JUMP! option…all with nothing due up front.

The limited-time promotion is available starting tomorrow, July 27, 2013. In addition to the promotion, customers also can take advantage of T-Mobile's recently launched upgrade program, JUMP!™, which enables them to sign up to upgrade their phones when they want, up to twice a year as soon as six months from enrollment.

It is not immediately clear as to how long this promotion will run so our suggestion is to hop on the phone you want ASAP.

Which one do you plan to pick up?

T-Mobile

The post T-Mobile promotion sees all devices selling with zero down appeared first on AndroidGuys.

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Android World Update # Android and Me

Android and Me
Meet Your New Android Friend. Your Community For All Things Google Android. 
Top 10 Android app updates this week: WidgetLocker, Reddit Now, Runtastic PRO
Jul 26th 2013, 16:44, by Steve Raycraft

Welcome back to our weekly Top 10 Android App Updates column, where we take a look at the most upgraded apps for the week. I've found that one of the best ways to discover useful apps is to look at what people are actually updating, not focus on which apps have the most installs. As in the past, we’re going to filter out minor updates for the super popular apps that have over 10 million installs, but I'm going to make an exception for apps that had significant updates. I hope you enjoy this weekly feature and discover some apps that you might find useful.

Bitcasa – Version 2.0.0

Bitcasa

What’s new in this version:

  • New and fresh home screen design.
  • View your recent documents right from the home screen (toggle between “Recently Added” and “Recently Viewed” by swiping to the right; rearrange sections by holding them down and dragging).
  • Left navigation drawer for easy access to any section from anywhere in the app.
  • Pull to refresh in each section.
  • Light colored background theme for “My Infinite Drive” and “Documents” views.

WidgetLocker – Version 2.4

WidgetLocker

What’s new in this version:

  • Bezel Swipe left for apps.
  • Bezel Swipe right for camera.
  • Redesigned settings page.
  • New Unread Count badge options.

Google Play Movies & TV – Version 2.6.9

Google Play

What’s new in this version:

  • Send what you're watching to your TV screen (when used with Chromecast).
  • Support for virtual surround sound on the new (2013) Nexus 7 and on the Nexus 10 running Android 4.3.
  • Watch Now sync enabled across devices.

Reddit Now – Version 2.0

Reddit Now

What’s new in this version:

  • Completely new “card based” interface.
  • New tablet interface.
  • Messaging (send mail and receive inbox notifications).
  • Subreddits now appear in a slide down drawer.
  • Faster image handling.

Amazon Cloud Drive Photos – Version 1.7

Amazon Cloud Drive

What’s new in this version:

  • Protect your personal videos in your Cloud Drive.
  • Auto-Save video from your device directly to your Cloud Drive.
  • Manually upload or download video up to 2GB in size or 20 minutes in length.
  • Play back saved video streamed instantly to any device.

Runtastic PRO – Version 4.0

Runtastic PRO

What’s new in this version:

  • Runtastic is now lighter, simpler and more elegant for you.
  • Heart Rate via Bluetooth Smart.
  • Access features & screens effortlessly with the new drawer navigation.
  • Maps are now 3D: Adjust your viewpoint to show map with perspective.

Yahoo! Fantasy Sports Football – Version 4.0

Yahoo Fantasy Sports Football

What’s new in this version:

  •  Enjoy our redesigned app. It’s faster, simpler, and more useful than ever before!
  • Draft from your phone. Pick players, set your queue, check results, and chat with other managers. Never miss a pick again.
  • Prepare for your real draft with mock drafts. Practice your strategy and get an edge on the competition when it counts.

Hangouts (Replaces Talk) – Version 1.1.1.7

Hangouts

What’s new in this version:

  •  Fixed a problem where you could receive two notifications for a message: one from Hangouts, one from the old Talk app.
  • Audio issues in video calls on some Android 2.3x (Gingerbread) devices, including the Droid Charge, should now be resolved.
  • Bug fixes and better performance.

Photo Grid – Version 4.51.1

Photo Grid

What’s new in this version:

  • WOW, Filters finally come to PhotoGrid now!
  • 18 great photo effects are ready for you in Single and Grid mode.
  • Bugs fixed.

McAfee Antivirus & Security - Version 3.1.0.5.5.9

McAfee

What’s new in this version:

  • Introducing Free and Premium versions without requiring re-installation.
  • Multi-User App Profile.
  • Backup/Restore Operations over Wi-Fi.
  • Cloud-based Data Exposure Analysis of embedded or in-app advertisement libraries.

Google sold out of free Netflix subscriptions for Chromecast customers
Jul 26th 2013, 16:38, by Dima Aryeh

The Chromecast was announced at only $35, which is already a steal. You get an awesome streaming device that could make any regular TV a smart TV for less than half the cost of an Apple TV or Roku. Though the Chromecast is limited in functionality, the device can get the job done for most users.

However, Google also announced that customers would get three free months of Netflix with their purchase of a Chromecast. This alone costs $24, so the device wound up costing just $11. People liked it so much, it sold out everywhere as soon as it went on sale. However, Google has announced that the Netflix deal is now over.

It’s not what you think! Google didn’t cancel it because demand was so high and they didn’t want to lose money. They actually purchased a specific amount of Netflix subscriptions, and they just happened to run out really fast. I guess no one expected the Chromecast to be such a runaway hit.

Does this make the Chromecast less justifiable? Yes, but not by much. It’s still only $35, and does quite a lot for the price. We say it’s still perfectly justifiable to buy at this price, even without the free Netflix. Do you agree?

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