Liam Spradlin - 4/99 - Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

Besides being an avid Android fan and blogger, Liam is a photographer with a degree in both Anthropology and Sociology. He can usually be found reading through blogs, taking photos, or studying ancient pottery. Liam has been known to leave on international trips at a moment's notice, and can't resist a new challenge.

Follow @LiamSpradlin

Apr

Deal Alert: Get A New 32GB Nexus 7 Plus Travel Case And Screen Protector For $229.99 From Adorama Through eBay

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Deals, Nexus 7

Still hunting for a bargain on the Nexus 7? Adorama might have what you're looking for. The purveyor of cameras and other gadgets is offering up a new 32GB Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi) with a travel case (in grey, blue or pink) for just $229.99. That's $20.00 less than the price of a new 32GB Nexus 7 from the Play Store, plus a travel case that's $19.99 (and only available in blue) in the same.

If you're not in the crowd who suspects Google may have a refreshed slab up its sleeve come May, or still want to experience the first seven-inch Nexus to hit the scene, hit the link below.

Apr

ASUS Starts 4.2.1 Rollout To MeMO Pad Smart 10 With Build V10.6.1.15, Posts US Download Link

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Device Updates, Jelly Bean 4.2, MeMO Pad Smart, News

Over the past few days, ASUS has begun rolling out a treat to MeMO Pad Smart 10 owners, distributing Android 4.2.1 in an update to build number V10.6.1.15. The update, which rings in at about 500MB, brings the MeMO to 4.2.1 from 4.1, delivering on ASUS' "Q2 2013" promises noted in our review.

Of course, the headlining feature with this update is 4.2's multi-user support, which we already saw on an ASUS slate back when the manufacturer brought 4.2 to the TF300T in the US, beating other OEMs to the update punch. Otherwise, users can likely expect the same performance and stability enhancements found in the TF300T's 4.2.1 build.

Apr

Google Invites Users To 'Do A Little, Change A Lot' With Charity-Minded One Today App

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Applications, Google, News

Google has just launched a new app that brings a charitable side to the Play Store, making it easier than ever to – in Google's words – "do a little. Change a lot."

The basic idea behind the app (which, for now, is limited to the US) is that users can donate $1 at a time to a daily project such as saving cheetahs, bringing clean water to those in need, or providing a roof for school children. That's not all it does, though – users can track their "impact," and almost gamify the process by challenging friends to match contributions or sharing their good deed via social media.

Apr

Pocket Celebrates Its Name's One Year Anniversary With 'Send To Friend' And More In Version 4.5

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Applications, News

Pocket, in an update to celebrate the one year anniversary of Read It Later's rebrand, has introduced (among other things) Send to Friend, a new feature that allows for quick, easy sharing of content with friends. Users can accept shared content directly from the Pocket app, using the app's new Inbox. Those sharing can also highlight quotes or add their own comments before sharing, sending them along for friends to read.

What's great about Pocket's Send to Friend is that users can share content with anyone via email without ever leaving the app. While a relatively small feature, it makes the Pocket experience all the more seamless.

Apr

Quick Look: Official Book Cover For The Nexus 10 – It's Something

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Accessories, Google, Nexus 10, Other Reviews, Reviews

In the interest of time, I'll spare you, dear readers, my usual spiel and say simply this: I like official accessories. In theory, anyway. I like the idea of accessories specifically made for specific devices by the device's original manufacturer. I've been delighted by the Nexus 7 pogo dock, and love the Nexus 10 pogo charger (though it isn't actually official yet).

Then there's the official book cover for the Nexus 10. We first saw this cover when the Nexus 10 was announced, and then it vanished into thin air for nearly six months before making a sudden appearance in the Play Store.

Apr

Were The Nexus 10 Book Covers Left Lying Around For Months Prior To Release?

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Google, News, Nexus 10

Just last week, we saw the launch of the elusive book cover for the Nexus 10 – the only official accessory of its kind to come out of the Play Store for the 10" slab. Since we spied it at the Nexus 10's original launch, all had been quiet. Presumably, the covers simply weren't ready to be sold.

Naturally, I had to pick one up and give it a shot. After all, I have something of a penchant for official accessories, and promised to give it a quick look. When the cover did show up, however, I noticed something curious.

Apr

MyGlass App Goes Live In The Play Store, Google Launches Glass Setup Page

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Android OS, Applications, Glass, Google, News

It looks like Google is gearing up for the Glass Explorer program, launching the MyGlass companion app and a new Glass setup page, both accessible to the general public.

The companion app relies on Google's now-signature "Card UI," and the listing's screenshots show off some of the app's functionality, though Google reminds us "if you don't have Glass, then downloading this will be a waste of time. Sorry about that." The description goes on to comfort readers, however: "But if you swipe the screenshots to the right, you'll see there's a picture of a puppy in pajamas. So not a total waste of time after all."

Of course, users can still install the app, though it (obviously) won't be able to complete Glass setup properly without an actual Glass unit.

Apr

Press Bumped To Version 1.2 With Widgets And More In 'Biggest Update Yet'

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Applications, Device Updates

Press, arguably the most well-designed Reader client of them all, got a sizeable update today. It's the "biggest update yet," in fact. Climbing up to version number 1.2, Press got some useful new features. Though this update isn't the one with which Press migrates to "a new backend syncing solution" as it is promised to do once Reader takes its final breath, it's definitely an update worth looking at.

First up, Press now has widgets, both large and small. The small one is basically an unread count, while the larger can show top articles from your "all unread" list or a specific subscription list within your account.

Apr

Deal Alert: Unified Remote Just $0.99 In Celebration Of Second Anniversary (That's 70% Off)

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Applications, Deals

Last Updated: April 15th, 2013

Unified Remote, in short, is a great app. Its claim to being "easily the most feature-filled PC remote" may have merit, as Artem will attest. The app, in conjunction with a PC-compatible server, will allow your device to control your mouse, keyboard, and favorite software (think Spotify, Winamp, VLC, Hulu, iTunes, etc.) via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Besides having impressive (and incredibly handy) functionality, Unified Remote impresses with a clean, easy-to-use interface. It's got big buttons, simple layouts, and oh yeah, it's holo-inspired.

If you're not yet a Unified Remote user, you'd be well-advised to check it out some time in the next two days – the full version is on sale for 70% off its normal price, bringing the cost down to just $0.99.

Apr

Deal Alert: Woot Offering MOTOACTV 8GB Watch With Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap For $179.99

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Deals, MOTOACTV

If you're intrigued by the idea of wearable technology, but don't see the Pebble's appeal, or don't have the patience to wait for Google Glass or any of the other rumored wearable goodies coming from Apple, Samsung, or Google (depending on who you ask), Motorola's MOTOACTV, the fitness-tracking smartwatch, may be a good starting point.

The MOTOACTV, which debuted in 2011, is a smartwatch that positions itself as mainly a fitness tool, tracking your runs and slapping some maps and music on top of it for a nice experience. The device also syncs to your smartphone to notify you of calls, SMS messages, and calendar events.