Android Community |
- Google Wallet now supports all major credit cards
- Google Play App policies updated with major changes
- Nexus 7 keyboard dock and accessories coming soon from ASUS
- Android 4.0 gets baked into Raspberry Pi
- Ice Cream Sandwich rolling out to HTC EVO 3D and EVO Design 4G
- Google delays launch of Nexus Q, gives free Q to those who pre-ordered
- An iPad Mini could crash the Nexus 7 party
- Verizon faces $1.25m fine for blocking third-party tethering apps
- Android 4.0 ICS rolling out for Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the UK
- Square Enix announces Final Fantasy III for OUYA
| Google Wallet now supports all major credit cards Posted: 01 Aug 2012 11:37 AM PDT Google Wallet just received what is quite possibly the most important update for the app yet. Not only does it now have cloud support but the biggie here is all major credit cards and debit cards are now accepted. That means everyone using a VISA card and more can enjoy Google Wallet to the fullest. Google Wallet now supports VISA, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover card. Awesome news! I’ve actually been using Google Wallet more and more in daily life but now that users will be able to use any card they have, this should open up the flood gates of users. Not only that but it is cloud based so on first setup if you already have a card attached to your Google account (for Play Store purchases and such) it syncs and will be ready and waiting for you. This is epic! That isn’t all either. While many are focusing on the fact you can use any major debit or credit card they also have another awesome update. Remote disable. Starting today with the new Google Wallet not only do you have the privacy and protection it has always had with a pin number, but not users can remotely wipe and disable it should you lose your device. This is an added layer of protection that is an awesome and welcomed addition. Here at Android Community we’ve tried Google Wallet multiple times. You can see our LG Viper Google Wallet hands-on demonstration, or just enjoy the awesome Google made video above. For those with NFC capable devices you’ll want to head to the Play Store and get Google Wallet right now by clicking here. For those with Verizon phones there’s multiple APK’s to sideload, but that can be iffy when we are working with credit card information so proceed to that route with caution. Who’s excited to take Google Wallet to the next step? We are!   
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| Google Play App policies updated with major changes Posted: 01 Aug 2012 11:10 AM PDT Today Google has made a rather large update to their Android Market now known as the Google Play Store. While many are reporting that they’ve taken steps to kill annoying in-app ads, that is only the beginning. Google’s developer policy changes today are about more than just ads, it is a change in the app universe on Android — for the better.
Many of the policies and rules listed have already been in place, but today we’ll go through the new ones that will change Android’s Play Store for the better. The full list of policies can be found here. From ads, to the colors and copy-cat fakes and more Google’s taking a new approach here that should really help make the Play Store better for all — except those developers that no one likes anyways. Ads Icons & Naming Privacy Payment Policies Spam
These are all changes for the better if you ask us. The in-app purchase thing can be a problem for good, hard working developers that aren’t in countries with Google’s support — so that could be a problem. In general however all these changes to the Play Store policies should be a good thing. If you’re sick of seeing fake Temple Run games, Adobe Flash apps that are fake malware and other things we’ve heard in the past this should help in some manor. Obviously evil developers will always exist and are smart fellows, but hopefully Google hits them hard. Everything outlined here today by Google will help make the Android experience a smoother, better, prettier, and more polished experience for everyone. Obviously Android and apps are still wide open, but these types of guidelines will help mature the platform even further than it already is. More details on Google’s Play Store can be found below.
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| Nexus 7 keyboard dock and accessories coming soon from ASUS Posted: 01 Aug 2012 09:47 AM PDT The new Nexus 7 tablet might not be a Transformer Prime but that doesn’t mean it won’t be getting its own keyboard. If some new reports coming from Mobilefun are accurate we’ll be getting a bluetooth keyboard dock, smart cases, screen protectors and more all officially licensed for the Nexus 7.
Yesterday we reported on some leaked pictures showing a desk dock with audio out options, as well as a few genuine leather cases, but today we have 5 accessories all for the new tablet instead. They are listed as officially licensed ASUS products, and will be for sale soon. According to MobileFun we can expect a case with a Bluetooth keyboard (might be small and hard to type on) that will offer extended up-time with its own built-in battery. There is also a case that doubles as a completely rotatable stand. That means it opens up and you can rotate the tablet from portrait to landscape for gaming, reading, or watching YouTube. Then they’ll have screen protectors as usual, but you can get those from a 3rd party almost anywhere these days. If the reports are accurate all 5 of these accessories designed for the Nexus 7 will be available shortly for sale. All the cases are “smart” cases and use the magnetic sensor to auto wake/sleep the tablet too. Personally I won’t use a case that makes my tablet too large or clunky. Do you guys plan to buy any of these?      [via SlashGear]
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| Android 4.0 gets baked into Raspberry Pi Posted: 01 Aug 2012 03:34 AM PDT If you’re a big fan of the small Android-powered Raspberry Pi computer, you’ll be tickled to death to hear the latest news. This tiny little credit card sized computing device originally launched running an optimized version of Android 2.3. Android fans like to have the latest version of the operating system to play with. Some people were probably a bit put off that little computing device was running an old version of the operating system.
If you’ve somehow managed to miss the Raspberry Pi a few key facts you need to know include that the device is only $35 and it’s been so popular it’s hard to find one in stock. The device uses a Broadcom BCM2835 700MHz ARM1176JZFS processor with a FPU and Videocore 4 GPU. The GPU supports OpenGL ES 2.0 and supports 1080p30 H.264 hardware decoding. The little computer also has 256 MB of RAM and boots from a SD card. Connectivity options include an integrated Ethernet port, HDMI port, dual USB 2.0 ports, a RCA video output, and a 3.5 mm audio out. The little device also has a header for camera connection. The best news to surface in a while on the Raspberry Pi is that support for Android 4.0 is coming. According to RaspberryPi.org, a port of Android 4.0 has been in the works and hardware-accelerated graphics and video and been up and running smoothly for a while. The missing component delaying the launch of the new operating system for the Raspberry Pi is AudioFlinger support. According to the guys behind the Raspberry Pi, they have been mum on the implementation of Android 4.0 because it uses a different kernel and VideoCore binary image than the version available on GitHub for little computer right now. The company says it’s investigating the possibility of converging the two versions into a single common platform. Check out the video to see Android 4.0 in action on the Raspberry Pi.
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| Ice Cream Sandwich rolling out to HTC EVO 3D and EVO Design 4G Posted: 31 Jul 2012 04:19 PM PDT We have some tasty frozen treat news for the folks rocking EVO’s this afternoon. It looks like HTC has finally made their way through the device chain, and is now upgrading multiple EVO’s to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. You won’t get Sense UI 4.0 like the HTC One line of phones, but the upgrade should still be rather exciting.
Earlier today the HTC EVO 3D started getting the upgrade to ICS, and now multiple reports have just hit the wires confirming that the EVO Design 4G is also getting the much anticipated update. Thanks to the folks at Android Police the image below will tell you all you need to know about the EVO 3D’s upgrade to ICS. Both devices will not be seeing HTC Sense UI 4.0, and instead 3.6 will grace your phones instead. HTC has reserved their latest 4.0 UI for the One branded phones. The update will bring everything we know and love about Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to both devices. Some of those include folders on the homescreen, Face unlock, better browser performance, and an enhanced camera experience. You can see our HTC Vivid 4G LTE ICS hands-on for more of what to expect from ICS and Sense 3.6 if you’d like. Otherwise just do the usual and head into settings and check for updates right this moment. The update should be live for both devices and users should be seeing notifications to accept the over the air update, or can manually check for updates and get started. You’ll be losing root access here, so proceed with caution if you’re a member of the root crowd. Once you accept the update let us know how it all goes in the comment section below. Device Info
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| Google delays launch of Nexus Q, gives free Q to those who pre-ordered Posted: 31 Jul 2012 02:50 PM PDT Google has officially suspended the Nexus Q media streaming devices official launch. Not delayed as in it will be shipping later than expected, instead they’ve basically canceled it and will be making some changes. That is why they are stating it has been suspended. A brief email is going out to those who’ve pre-ordered and multiple reports have just hit our inbox.
Basically what it comes down to is the Nexus Q doesn’t offer all that much. Yes it’s a social media streaming device, has been hacked to work with the Google Play Store, but the high price and lack of usability has Google rethinking things. Here’s what we are seeing in the emails from Google:
Wow. Isn’t that interested. Google states that it was met with huge enthusiasm, yet feedback wasn’t that great as far as the feature list. As a result they’ve suspended the consumer launch and will be giving them out for free instead. I hope many of you pre-ordered that thing, because you’ll all be getting one free now. Apparently Google will be giving a “preview” version to everyone who pre-ordered absolutely free. Just like they did to those attending Google IO. You will not be charged for your pre-order, and instead will get Christmas early this year. Google intends to keep the industrial design but focus more on the product itself before relaunching for consumers. While we liked the Nexus Q, it didn’t offer enough to warrant a purchase if you ask me, especially for those with DirecTV, Netflix, and multiple other media options. You can expect your free Nexus Q to ship soon, and we’ll be sure and update once we hear anything more. Also worth noting, the Nexus Q is no longer “for sale” on the Google Play Store. – Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
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| An iPad Mini could crash the Nexus 7 party Posted: 31 Jul 2012 02:39 PM PDT We’ve been hearing lots of reports that the folks from Cupertino are planning an iPad Mini. From Bloomberg and the New York Times, to our sister site SlashGear. Apparently Apple will be releasing a cheaper, smaller 7-inch iPad Mini later this year to better compete with Android. Could an iPad Mini crash the Nexus 7 party that’s been going on all month? Doubtful — but lets talk about it anyways.
To be completely fair the iPad has dominated tablet sales for far too long. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a die hard Android fan and always will be. Facing the facts here the iPad has a strong lead — or did. When Google and ASUS dropped the Nexus 7 things changed. They unleashed a super powerful tablet with everything you’d want and need, great build quality, and the absolute latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean all for $199. What a powerhouse! Apple is probably scared, and they should be. The 7-inch form factor is a real winner here. We’ve seen that with the Kindle Fire, and even more so with the Nexus 7. Samsung’s done a decent job, but the Nexus 7 is the new king. The folks from Bloomberg seem pretty intent on saying the iPad Mini is a direct attack on the Nexus 7, as well as Android tablets as a whole. What do you guys think? We know Steve Jobs doesn’t like the smaller iPad idea. What we know Recent leaks suggest both a rear and front facing camera, and possibly 3G/4G connectivity. These are both signs that an iPad mini will in fact not hit the price point Google has. If this indeed is the case we could be seeing a $299 Mini, or higher. Obviously a smaller iPad could effect the sales of the Nexus 7 and Android tablets in general, but it’s just one more option. Apple has their App Store and thousands of tablet apps, but we don’t know if they’ll all be compatible with the smaller screen. This will even the “tablet apps” playing field. They have iTunes, we have Google Music. Both offer Netflix and movies too. The competition really is getting tight here — see the trend? With the Nexus 7 still being cheaper, rocking a quad-core processor, and being extremely hackable I’m not too worried. Oh and it runs Android!! Google obviously has a winner on their hands with the Nexus 7 (see our review) and this round it appears Android is in the lead, with Apple playing catch up. So in the end will an iPad Mini crash the Nexus 7 party? Not really. Will it add to competition and give users another option. You betcha! What do you guys think? Does an iPad Mini have some serious potential or are they just chasing the success of Amazon, Google, and ASUS?
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| Verizon faces $1.25m fine for blocking third-party tethering apps Posted: 31 Jul 2012 02:20 PM PDT Verizon is being forced by the FCC to pay a fine for apparently blocking their users from accessing third-party tethering apps. As is the case with most of these FCC fines, the $1.25 million settlement amount is chump change to a company as huge as Verizon, but it’s more about the message the FCC sends to companies than it is about the money. Verizon will also be forced to train its employees on proper C Block procedure, which it is accused of breaking by blocking third-party tethering apps.
To get a bit more specific, Verizon purchased the C Block spectrum at auction intending to use the spectrum for its 4G LTE service. The purchase of C Block came with the requirement that Verizon had to keep C Block spectrum open to all devices and applications, something that Verizon ignored when it allegedly worked with Google to block its customers from accessing tethering apps on the Google Play Store. After receiving complaints from Verizon customers, the FCC launched an investigation and eventually arrived at the $1.25 million fine the company is being forced to pay today. Verizon, for its part, maintains that it never blocked users from accessing these third-party apps, but with the company now being forced to pay the fine and comply with the open requirements for C Block anyway, what Verizon claims doesn’t much matter. Keep in mind that other carriers can still block access to tethering apps because they don’t own the C Block spectrum, and this FCC decision only applies to the spectrum’s owner. Therefore, this settlement with the FCC isn’t as far-reaching as some wireless customers would like. Still, the FCC says that this is an important step forward in making sure that customers get to enjoy open broadband networks. “This case was the first of its kind in enforcing the pro-consumer open access obligations of the C Block rules,” said Enforcement Bureau Chief P. Michele Ellison in a statement today. “It underscores the agency's commitment to guarantee consumers the benefits of an open wireless broadband platform by providing greater consumer choice and fostering innovation.” You can bet that Verizon isn’t all too happy with the FCC’s decision, but it’s good to be able to report on something that’s a win for consumers nonetheless.
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| Android 4.0 ICS rolling out for Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the UK Posted: 31 Jul 2012 12:55 PM PDT Samsung’s original Galaxy Tab 10.1 is finally getting Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich starting today. While it’s been available with CM9 for months and months, this is the official update from Samsung themselves. According to SamMobile it started rolling out to the WiFi model today in the UK and Italy.
We first reported on the Galaxy Tab update path a few months ago, when we heard the entire recent Galaxy Tab family would get Ice Cream Sandwich back in June. First up was the WiFi Galaxy Tab 7.7 and now today the older, larger, 10.1-inch model is too. According to reports from Android Police and XDA the 3G capable model in Italy is getting ICS starting today, while all other regions are only rolling it out for the WiFi model. Users can expect Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich to arrive shortly, and along with it is the new Touch Wiz UX from Samsung. The same OS is currently running on the new Tab 2 series. For a better idea of what to expect you’ll want to check out our Galaxy Tab 2 10-inch review. For now we have no additional details on other variants of the Tab 10, or what parts of the world will see the update. Hopefully the US WiFi model, and the folks on Verizon will see the update in the coming weeks too. We’ll update when we know more. Device Info
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| Square Enix announces Final Fantasy III for OUYA Posted: 31 Jul 2012 12:27 PM PDT Just 8 more days to go until the Kickstarter for OUYA wraps up! Are you getting excited? Square Enix apparently is, as the company has announced a version of Final Fantasy III for OUYA. This will be mostly the same as the revamped Final Fantasy III we saw on Nintendo DS back in 2006 (and later on Android), but with a few key differences. It’ll also be available on OUYA from day one, so how’s that for a launch day announcement?
As stated above, Final Fantasy III on OUYA will be quite similar to Final Fantasy III on DS, with the same 3D models and environments. Resolution will be getting a boost for this OUYA release (meaning you’ll be able to play it in HD), and yes, it will be getting a demo too. The folks at OUYA also pointed out that this is the first time gamers outside of Japan will be able to play Final Fantasy III on a television set. Even though Final Fantasy III was originally released back in Japan way back in 1990, it wasn’t until the remake launched on the DS in 2006 that gamers in other regions got to play it for the first time. In North America, the Final Fantasy III we received was actually a re-branded Final Fantasy VI, with the North American version of Final Fantasy II actually a localization of Japan’s Final Fantasy IV. Confusing, isn’t it? Aside from its rather confusing history, Final Fantasy III is also notable for being the first Final Fantasy game to implement a job system, similar to what we see in Final Fantasy Tactics. This remake is definitely one you don’t want to miss out on, so if you’re planning on purchasing an OUYA, put this port at the top of your “buy” list. We don’t have a price for this OUYA port yet, but don’t expect it to be all that cheap – Square Enix charges $15.99 for the Android version of Final Fantasy III. Keep an ear to Android Community for more information on this port, as we’ll likely be getting more as we begin to close in on OUYA’s release date!    [via Kickstarter]
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