Eric Ravenscraft - 42/104 - Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

Eric Ravenscraft

Eric is a snarky technophile with a taste for the unusual. When he's not obsessing about Android, you can usually find him obsessing about movies, psychology, or the perfect energy drink. Eric weaves his own special blend of snark, satire, and comedy into all his articles.

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Nov

Now You Can Install Android Apps Directly From Google+ Play Store Links

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Google, News

One of the neatest things about the Play Store is that, as long as you're signed in to your account on the web, you can install apps directly to your device without ever picking it up. Now, Google has integrated this functionality into Google+. If a user shares a link to an app on the Play Store, that friendly blue "Install" button will now be embedded directly in the post. A-like so:

This is a nifty new addition to Google+. Of course, the embeds don't include ratings, user reviews, or any of the other key information that everyone should probably at least glance at before installing apps on their devices.

Nov

Google Rolling Out YouTube Update That Lets You Use Your Phone As A Remote Control For GoogleTV

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Applications, News

As our lives fill up with screens, it becomes all the more important for them to work together. Today's YouTube update brings that dream a little closer to reality. Now, if you own a Google TV set top box and an Android device, you can use the latter to play, pause, or add videos to a playlist on the former. This is already possible for PS3 owners, so the expanded capability is a welcome addition.

The functionality works by automatically pairing your phone and set top box as long as they're connected to the same WiFi network. After that, simply tap the TV-shaped icon on any video and it will start playing on your big screen, with remote control options appearing on your handset.

Nov

PPSSPP Is A Prototype PSP Emulator Available On The Play Store For Your Gaming And Testing Pleasure

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Games, News

There's no shortage of emulators for older gaming consoles on modern mobile platforms. The latest addition to the list is PPSSPP, a PSP emulator that self-admits to being a work in progress. Of course, there are a couple of things you should know up front: for starters, it's possible this won't last long on the Play Store, since emulators tend to have a pesky problem with legal and policy gray areas. Secondly, the app is still in early development, so many games will likely not work. You should expect a level of beta-ness on this one. Heck, it's only listed as version 0.2.

Nov

Some Users Reporting Android 4.2 (JOP40C) Is Rolling Out To The GSM Galaxy Nexus Right Now

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Galaxy Nexus, Jelly Bean 4.2, News

Sure, we're only a few hours away from the Nexus 4 and 10 launches, but that doesn't mean we can't have a software update or two while we're waiting. Some users on Google+ and Twitter are reporting that the Galaxy Nexus is receiving an update to Android 4.2 as we speak. Of course, if you're on a Sprint or Verizon device, you will probably be exempt right now, but if you see your ~~miracle~~ upgrade, speak up!

The new software brings Photosphere support, Gesture Typing (don't call it Swype), Gmail 4.2 with pinch-to-zoom, lockscreen widgets, notification quick settings, and more.

Nov

Nexus 4 Bumper Cases Show Up On The Play Store For $19.99, Will Be 'Coming Soon'

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in News, Nexus 4

The Nexus 4 launches tomorrow on the Play Store and it's sure to be a great day for Android fans everywhere. Of course, this will also be the first time that a Nexus device will have glass on both sides of the handset and traditional cases that cover the rear would make all that sleek engineering pointless. Fortunately, Google has you covered (I'm so sorry). A neat-looking bumper case has just shown up on the Play Store and will protect your $300+ investment for an extra $20.

The case actually looks pretty dang slick and fits in with the design of the Nexus 4 rather well.

Nov

Samsung Galaxy Camera Coming To AT&T On Nov. 16th For $499, $100 Off If You Buy With A Galaxy Smartphone

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in AT&T, Galaxy Camera, News

We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Galaxy Camera on AT&T for over a month now and today we finally received the juicy details we've been anticipating. The camera is going to come with a price tag of $499, putting it firmly outside the realm of your typical casual point-and-shoot market. However, you can knock $100 off that price tag if you buy it with an on-contract Galaxy smartphone. The camera itself will not be subject to a two-year contract, of course. Just the attached smartphone. Not a bad deal, really.

A data plan isn't necessary to pick one up, but if you do want to make use of that 4G radio, you have a few different options:

AT&T Mobile Share: $10 to share between 1 GB and 20GB
AT&T DataConnect 250MB: $15 for 250MB
AT&T DataConnect 3GB: $30 for 3GB
AT&T DataConnect 5GB: $50 for 5GB

Obviously, the cheapest option is to add the camera as an extra device to a shared data plan.

Nov

ASUS And Google Are Offering Money Back If You Bought A Nexus 7 Recently In The US Or Europe

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in ASUS, Google, News, Nexus 7

It always stings when you buy a device just before the price drops. If you happened to pick up a Nexus 7 directly from ASUS or Google, though, you may be in for some good news. Two separate partial refund systems are in place to compensate you. If you're in Europe and you purchased the slate directly from ASUS prior to October 29th, 2012, you can register for a €30 (or ₤25 for UK owners) voucher that's good for use in the company's online store. The offer doesn't seem to specify which versions qualify, so it may be all of them.

Nov

PSA: The Galaxy Note II Is Available On AT&T Starting Today For $300 On Contract

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in AT&T, Galaxy Note II, News

It's finally arrived! The Galaxy Note II, which went up for pre-order back in October, has now gone on sale in AT&T stores and online. The Verizon version, for those of you who like be-uglied home buttons, won't be coming around for another couple of weeks, so sit tight. Otherwise, it's time to get your giant phone on!

Of course, the Note II is $300 on contract. That's a pretty hefty price tag on any day, and after Google announced the Nexus 4 for $350 off contract, it's going to get even harder for people to justify so much up front.

Nov

AT&T Is Rolling Out Ice Cream Sandwich For Samsung Captivate Glide For Real This Time On November 10th

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Captivate Glide, News

Back in September, we heard that AT&T was rolling out Ice Cream Sandwich for the Samsung Captivate Glide. Well, it turns out, that was delayed. How long, you ask? Until tomorrow, it seems! According to a blog post by AT&T, the upgrade should be available starting November 10th via a download on Samsung's website. There will not be an OTA.

Android 4.0 simplifies common actions and includes a new typeface optimized for high-resolution screens to improve readability.

The many new features include the new browser with improved page loading, tabbed browsing, offline reading and desktop mode. There are new lock/unlock features such as the ability to unlock directly to the camera, text messaging, phone dialer, or home screen, or you can use Face Unlock which lets you unlock your screen using facial recognition technology.

You can easily swipe away notifications with the new notifications bar and multitasking is easier with the new Recent Apps Shortcut that lets you switch between apps quickly. There’s even a setting to help your track your data usage.

Nov

Angry Birds Star Wars Review: Revenge Of A New Hope Returns Again

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Games, Reviews

Guys did you hear the big news? ~~Leia is a~~ ~~Disney Princess Now~~! Rovio came out with a Star Wars version of Angry Birds! It's got lasers, wookiees, light sabers, and a bunch of other stuff that you remember from those movies you saw growing up that don't seem to bear much resemblance to the newer movies your kids watched. I can feel the conflict within you, though: is this going to be terrible, a bastardization of all my beloved characters, or can I set aside my disdain for everything Lucas and Rovio have done, relax, and enjoy this game?