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It was only a matter of time after the dev units shipped out that we could expect to see a thorough walkthrough on the part of a new owner, and here it is. Some of what we're seeing in this trio of videos, we've already seen in the official Ouya unboxing. However, a few new details have been highlighted. For starters, in the top center of the controllers, there are touchpads that can be used for cursor control. Also, as we learned before, they will require two AA batteries. Well, that's a bummer.
Welcome to the Android Police Podcast, Episode 42. This week is a special, best-of show featuring highlights from the past year of podcasts. Our very first year, at that!
As we close out 2012 and move into the new year, all of the tech world is eagerly awaiting the arrival of one, unique product with bated breath and eager curiosity: Google Glass. But for those of us who don't have $1500 to shell out on prototypes of that thing (and a time machine to travel back to I/O '12 to order them), we're distracting ourselves with Ouya, the Android-based gaming console. As of right now, the company behind the platform has finished shipping 1,200 developer units out.
You know us, here at Android Police. We have simple tastes. We like old school games, we like getting things on the cheap, and we like things that go boom. Which means that this sale on Metal Slug 3 is right up our alley. While this title is normally around $7, it's available for $2 right now on the Play Store.
First off, a little briefing for those who are unfamiliar with Touch of Modern: the site requires an invite to gain access, so if you're not already a member and you're thinking of buying this, or any other deal really, you should sign up for an invite immediately. I got mine in a day or two after requesting, but your mileage may vary.
While the boom in the tablet market has certainly seen a gold rush from manufacturers eager to capitalize on the new craze (whether it be with Android or Windows RT), there's an equally-eager market that's attempting to cash in: accessories. Some of them are great, some are bafflingly weird. The PadPivot probably sits somewhere in between. This little thing is designed to fold up and easily slip into a pocket or purse. When you need it, you can unfold it, set it up, and prop your tablet on a makeshift stand that fits comfortably on your knee.
If you use Google Voice, or simply make the occasional outgoing call via Gmail, Google's got some great news for you. The service is going to continue to be free throughout 2013 for users in the U.S. and Canada! International callers will still have the same rates applied. In short, nothing is really changing, and that's a good thing.
Don Bluth... What happened? You had such a good run. You made film history by actually giving Disney a run for it's money with Secret of NIMH, An American Tail, and The Land Before Time. They were classics! But then Rock-A-Doodle happened. Then Thumbelina. Then...lord forgive me for speaking it's name...A Troll in Central Park. The decline was quick and painful. Before the movies started getting weird, though, Dragon's Lair came out and revolutionized the laser disc gaming industry (no seriously). While that title actually saw some initial success due to the unique tech (and notably high price point at $0.50 per play), the follow-up game, Space Ace, did not do nearly as well. That was nearly three decades ago, though. If you want to give it a go for yourself, now you can! And it will only cost you $5.
It may not be all that often that a phone over a year old will still be getting many updates, but lo and behold, it's a Festivus miracle. Users are reporting that the original Droid RAZR/RAZR MAXX is currently seeing an update roll out to Jelly Bean (4.1.2) right now. And to think, this phone launched with Gingerbread.
You guys remember Google TV, right? LG does. While the platform hasn't exactly seen stellar adoption rates, the company is still pushing forward with it by integrating it into its new line of television sets. Previously, only two sized models including the software: 47" and 55". Next year, 42", 50", and 60" options will be added to the mix. The hardware will also feature a ridiculously thin bezel, just in case the RAZR M didn't satisfy your dreams of a world without borders.
Man, Google. You just can't stop screwing with Christmas, can you? First you cancel December, and now this? In a very real and totally serious bug report over on Google Code, one user is reporting a serious flaw in Android: If you use the Emoji keyboard to enter a Santa face, he looks decidedly unhappy. Emotionless at best. But, as everyone knows, "Santa should be jolly."
While Android continues to get better about making its UI look gorgeous, there are still plenty of trends that have yet to be standardized in any meaningful way. Of course, part of that may be because they don't need to be. After all, Google doesn't want every app in the world to use the Google Now-style card view (though, so far, Google+, Search, and Currents are already among those that find inspiration from them). This leaves implementation up to developers, like those featured over at AndroidViews. Here are just a few samples of their work:
Leave it to Disney to go all out like this. In a very rapid release of new apps, everyone's favorite kid-friendly distributor of films, TV shows, games and anything else that can empty parents' wallets has dropped on us three new titles. For starters, Nemo's Reef. This let's-call-it-a-game expands on the Finding Nemo franchise (naturally), and allows players to create their own underwater reef. You can customize the fish's home, add various characters from the movies including Gill, Dory, Bloat and Bubbles, and even plant a variety of seeds. It sounds a bit more like a virtual aquarium than a proper game, but that doesn't sound too bad to us! This one's free, so why not go ahead?
Nearly a couple weeks ago, the Jelly Bean (4.1.1) update to the Evo 4G LTE XL BBQ began to roll out. By now, we think it's safe to say that most or all of you have it. If you don't, however, or if you've already updated, flashed another ROM, and want to get back to stock, then maybe I can interest you in a nice RUU?
The hits just keep on coming. Today's delightfully twisted game is Battle Bears Royale and, just like it says on the box, this game features bears. That battle each other. With sniper rifles, machine guns, and cactuses. If you've ever played Team Fortress 2, you'll feel right at home (though it's hard to seriously say the quality is as high as the Valve game, but what is?) with the class system.
Google Announces New YouTube API, Allows Developers To Embed High-Quality Videos Directly In Android Apps
Google Announces New YouTube API, Allows Developers To Embed High-Quality Videos Directly In Android Apps
It's rare that the phrases "developer API" and "holy crap" are uttered in the same sentence, but if anything's going to pull it off, it might just be Google's new YouTube APIs. These allow developers to embed high-quality videos right inside their apps, obviating the need for that silly WebView thing.
Wonderful news for the roughly everyone on the planet who plays Shadowgun: Deadzone: a whole bunch of new stuff is rolling out today! Notably, there's the Gangs feature which allows you to create groups of friends to play with. There are also a couple new maps that you can explore. And by "explore" I mean "kill things in."
Artem gives me all the weird stuff. I love it, really. In the last week or so alone, I've covered Shaq fighting mutant zombies, Santa Claus as a rock star, sentient pudding, and a walk in the park. I thought I couldn't be happier. Then he brings me 'Sacred Guns'. This game stars Archangel Mark Leung (which appears to be the same name of one of the primary devs on this project), wielding his dual golden pistols and rainbow sword against an army of "God's unwanted creation." Apparently, when the Lord Almighty wanted to flood the Earth to cleanse it of sin, "sin" was code for "evil Teletubbies." Which makes perfect sense.
I say, fancy a jaunt in the park, ol' chap? Whilst other games may be of a less than savory nature, sometimes all a proper bloke wishes is to go for a stroll with his dog on a windy afternoon. Autumn Walk affords you just such an occasion, providing an ace simulation of the experience, in case you can't be buggered to leave your flat.
I don't know about you, but when I think of the holidays, my mind immediately jumps to gang violence, prostitutes and M ratings. Which is great for me, because Grand Theft Auto III (normally $4.99) and Max Payne Mobile (normally $2.99) are both on sale for just a dollar each on the Play Store right now. God bless us, everyone indeed!