01
Apr
pandoratiny

Pandora Update Finally Brings Lock Screen Controls, Still Forgets The Notification Controls

Posted by in Applications, News

Whether due to neglect or a topsy-turvy set of priorities, Android developers sometimes leave out basic features like lock screen or notification (I'm looking at you, Spotify) controls. Well, Pandora is fixing at least some of its problems with an update that brings the ability to pause or skip tracks from the lock screen. Unfortunately, notification controls still aren't available but, hey. One step at a time.

2013-04-01 20.31.59

Here's the full change log:

What's in this version:

- Lock screen controls for devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and later
- Added elapsed and remaining timestamps to the track progress indicator
- Reduced startup time
- Bug fixes and enhancements

Aside from the lock screen controls, it's not a huge update, but it's always encouraging to see a prominent developer truly take advantage of what Android can do.

21
Mar
currentstiny

PSA: You Can Now Listen To The Android Police Podcast Feed In Google Currents, And It Rules

Posted by in Applications, News

Yesterday, Google added support for audio playlists and media controls to Google Currents. We thought this sounded like a pretty neat feature, and, hey! We're on Google Currents! So why not put two and two together? Today we updated our Currents edition to include a feed of our audio podcast and it's actually kind of beautiful. Take a look:

2013-03-21 13.56.32 2013-03-21 13.56.44 2013-03-21 13.56.57

It was possible to add audio before, but it wasn't quite this nice. The feed works on both phones and tablets. Just open up the Android Police edition, tap the drop down that will initially say "Articles", tap on "Podcast" and boom!

20
Mar
currentstiny

Google Currents Update Adds Support For Audio Playlists, Media Bars, And Audio Controls

Posted by in Applications, News

Google released an update to the news reader it hasn't abandoned today, adding a bunch of support for audio-centric features. Playlists are now available for editions that contain audio content, and users will be able to play, pause, and jump forward or backward in the playlist. There are even status bar controls added for when audio is playing, so you don't have to sit staring at a blank playback page while listening.

Here's the full change log:

What's in this version:

* Audio playlist for editions with audio
* Audio media bar in app for stop, start, next, previous
* Story scanner audio icons for launching Audio directly
* Status bar audio controls when Currents audio is playing
* Syncing post read state between devices
* Bug fixes

It sounds a lot like Google is gearing up to make Currents more than just a guided content scraper.

05
Feb
unnamed

Winamp Updated To Version 1.4.6 With Notification Player Controls

Posted by in Applications, News

Popular (and well-established) music manager/player Winamp got an update today, bringing the app to version 1.4.6 and introducing (among other things) long-awaited notification player controls. The controls match the look and feel of the app they belong to, using a design language that (unfortunately) doesn't look like it's been revisited in a while. That said, they work like a charm, and add much-needed functionality.

image

Besides that, users will enjoy several bug fixes (primarily involving SHOUTcast and AAC playback), and some streamlined code on the Now Playing screen. In other words, behind-the-scenes stuff.

If you're already loving Winamp and want to get the notification player controls the app has so long been wanting, hit the widget to grab the update.

15
Oct
1

Archos GamePad Gets Some Hands-On Time, Shows Off How Button Mapping Works

Posted by in ARCHOS, GamePad, News

Back at the end of August, Archos announced an innovative new tablet called the GamePad. As its namesake suggests, it's built with gaming in mind - complete with on-board controls. In the announcement, Archos claimed the 7" device had "automatic gaming recognition and mapping tools" - the big question was, however, how's that going to work?

We now have a better idea of what to expect from the GamePad, as ArmDevices.net has gotten some hands-on time with the device. The first couple of minutes in the video are the most enlightening, as that's where they show off the button mapping tools.

03
Oct
unnamed (2)

[New Game] 2K Games Releases NBA 2K13, Invites Players To 'Enter The New Dynasty'

Posted by in Games, News

Bringing a new entry to the successful NBA 2KX franchise, 2K Games recently released NBA 2K13 to Google's Play Store. Like its predecessors, NBA 2K13 is built on the NBA 2K engine, with improved graphics and a new one-finger control option to give players "the ultimate NBA experience while on the go."

Besides the option to use 2K13's new one-finger control system, players can revel in some nostalgia while reliving some of the best performances "in NBA history, including Kobe Bryant's 81-point performance in 2006."

Players can also play through multiple NBA seasons with the same team in order to establish them as "a new dynasty," while enjoying a television-style presentation including full commentary.