Android OS - 20/164 - Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

Nov

Google Forbids 'Actions That … Result In Fragmentation' In Updated SDK License – What It Means

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Android OS, Development, Jelly Bean 4.2, News

Google recently updated its SDK license terms for the first time in a long while. While most changes are minor, one change has been grabbing quite a few headlines – Google's proclamation that those using the SDK are disallowed from taking "any actions that may cause or result in the fragmentation of Android". Here's the full clause in question:

3.4 You agree that you will not take any actions that may cause or result in the fragmentation of Android, including but not limited to distributing, participating in the creation of, or promoting in any way a software development kit derived from the SDK.

Nov

Samsung Announces S Pen SDK 2.2.5 Update With Multi Window APIs, Bug Fixes

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Android OS, Development, News, Samsung

In a continued quest to bring their handy functionality of the Note line's S Pen, Samsung has again updated the stylus' SDK, this time to 2.2.5 (a 0.0.5 bump over the previous update).

The update, which Samsung announced through its developer blog early this morning, brings one major feature – Multi Window and its related APIs. For those who haven't been keeping up with the Note line, Multi Window is a feature by which apps can share the screen by splitting it in half horizontally or vertically, sharing data through the clipboard or – in some cases – with simple drag-and-drop.

Nov

Nexus 4 Review Addendum: Lock Screen Widgets, No Benchmark Improvements, And Better Battery Life

Posted by Ron Amadeo in Jelly Bean 4.2, LG, Nexus 4, Reviews

The Nexus 4 retail software update is out! Previously, all Nexus 4 were running pre-release software, which was missing a few things. I reviewed the Nexus 4 as best I could with the beta software, but I wanted to update it once I had a few days to play with the final build.

Now that the final software is out, I've updated my review, and, to save people that have already read it from digging through 6000 words looking for updates, I'm putting all the new info in this article, too. So, if you haven't read the review and want to know all about the Nexus 4, skip this article, and go read the whole, updated thing.

Nov

Let The Nexus Hit The Floor: HSPA+ Nexus 7 Is Now Sold Out On The Play Store, Too [Update: It's Back]

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Android OS, News, Nexus 7

Update: It looks like the HSPA+ connected Nexus 7 is back in stock at the Play Store, at least for now. Those of you still hoping to get your hands on one would be well advised to claim yours now.

If the newly-released Nexus devices were people, then what we've been seeing is nothing short of that Texas Chainsaw Massacre sequel Cameron can't wait for. Both versions of the Nexus 4 have already dropped like flies, as well as the 32GB Nexus 10. Now, the 3G-connected version of the Nexus 7 is also sold out. Not too shabby.

Nov

Amazon Releases Open Source Files For The 8.9" Kindle Fire HD

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Amazon, Android OS, Development, Kindle Fire HD, News

Amazon, "in accordance with certain free and open source software licenses," released today the open source code files for their 8.9" Kindle Fire HD, one of the latest tablets to join their wildly successful e-reader lineup.

The source code release comes about five days before the HD 8.9 was scheduled for official launch (though it actually began shipping today), giving those who want to tinker, develop with, or simply ogle the fresh batch of source a fair lead time.

If you've been waiting to get your hands on the HD 8.9's source code (or even if you haven't), just hit the link below to grab the full download.

Nov

International Samsung Galaxy SII (I9100) Gets Leaked 4.1.2 Jelly Bean ROM

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Galaxy S II, Jelly Bean 4.1, Leaks, News

For many users, if an official firmware update for their device isn't available, a leaked ROM will do just as well. Owners of Samsung's International Galaxy SII (I9100) willing to run leaked firmware will be happy to know that today, XDA user izap has provided Jelly Bean 4.1.2 (build JZO54K.I9100XXLSJ) firmware for all to enjoy.

Of course, there have been rumblings that the SII will receive an official update to 4.1 this month, but sooner is always better, right? Users are reporting that the leaked build is working just fine, though as with any unreleased firmware, your mileage may vary.

Nov

New 3DMark Set To Bring Consistent Cross-Platform Benchmarking To Windows, Windows RT, Android, iOS

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Android OS, News

Popular benchmark and performance test maker Futuremark today announced that their 3DMark product, "the world's most popular benchmark and PC test," will be getting an update that brings it to Windows, Windows, RT, Android, and iOS, allowing the tool to join the ranks of cross-platform benchmarkers like the popular GeekBench.

The new version of 3DMark, which is expected to hit "before the end of the year," will include three all-new tests designed to benchmark devices from smartphones all the way up to high-performance gaming PCs.

The trio of new tests, which increase in intensity, methods, and purpose, include Ice Storm (for mobile devices and "entry level hardware"), Cloud Gate (for Windows notebooks and typical PCs), and Fire Strike (for high-performance gaming hardware).

Nov

Android 4.2 Feature Highlight: Multiple User Accounts

Posted by Cameron Summerson in Features, Jelly Bean 4.2, News

Well, guys and gals, it's finally here: Multiple Users Accounts has made its debut on Android 4.2 tablets. I got the OTA update on my Nexus 10 review unit a couple nights ago, and as promised, I immediately dove right in to see how this fancy new feature works. The Nexus 7 also got this feature with its 4.2 update, which became available early yesterday morning. Now that I've had some time to mess with it on both devices, let's take a look at exactly what it's all about!

First off, I want to say: this feature works exactly how I imagined it would.

Nov

Google Voice App Updated, Fixes Android 4.2 Crashes

Posted by David Ruddock in Applications, Jelly Bean 4.2, News

The Google Voice app received an update this morning, one that comes much to the relief of Android 4.2 users, who have been enduring crashes that have essentially made the app unusable since the OTA landed on Nexus devices. As far as I can tell, everything's back to normal in this update, as I successfully sent a text from my Nexus 7 running 4.2 just a moment ago. Head over to the Play Store to grab the update now.

Google Voice

Nov

Google TV Poised To Get Update With Voice Search, PrimeTime, New YouTube Experience

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Android OS, Google, Google TV, News

Today, in a post to the Official Google TV Blog, Google announced officially the new functionality offered by the YouTube update we covered yesterday, along with a few other treats set to hit Google TV users starting with LG devices "this week."

First among the enhancements is the addition of Voice Search, allowing users to "simply speak to watch anything." Voice Search recognizes commands for opening apps, playing YouTube videos, visiting websites, and even finding channels or specific TV shows. For example, if you don't remember what to punch in to get from the Golf Channel to CNN, you can just say "CNN," and Google TV will do the work for you.