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If you were jealous of iOS users who were able to wake up every morning to the sound of their favorite Pandora stations, then today may just be your lucky day. Today, Pandora announced a new update to its Android app that includes the alarm clock feature which debuted on iOS last month. In addition to waking you up at a set time with the station of your choosing, it also includes a snooze ability and a customizable snooze timer which can be set to 5, 10, 15, or 20 minute intervals.
Nexus 10 Disappears From Staples.com, But It Doesn't Mean A New One Is Coming Anytime Soon
Nexus 10 Disappears From Staples.com, But It Doesn't Mean A New One Is Coming Anytime Soon
In another twist to the story that just won't go away, the Nexus 10 has now disappeared from Staples' online inventory. Going to the tablet's former URL on staples.com now simply redirects you to their main tablet landing page, and searching for "Nexus 10" now shows nothing except for a case and some screen protectors.
Android makes it very easy to add your own ringtones, notification sounds, and alarm sounds to your device. Simply move a sound file to the Notifications, Alarms, or Ringtones folder on your internal storage, and you're done. A new bug has popped up in Android 4.4.2, however, which could make this a bit more complicated. Currently, unless the sounds are added via a computer, they will not show up in your lists of available sounds.
As a follow up to our recent PSA on bootloader quirks with GPE devices, we thought it would be a good idea to shed some light on a bootloader anomaly which affects both Nexus and GPE devices. Recently, there have been changes to the way unlocking happens behind the scenes. These changes can result in a device that infinitely boots into recovery.
Metro PCS' Galaxy S4 Gets Android 4.3 Update - Brings Galaxy Gear and Knox Support
Metro PCS' Galaxy S4 Gets Android 4.3 Update - Brings Galaxy Gear and Knox Support
Of all the US Galaxy S4 variants, it's a safe bet that the Metro PCS version is one of the lesser-owned models. That said, if you count yourself among the ranks of SGH-M919N owners, your Android 4.3 update is ready. The official changelog doesn't look any different from the comparable OTAs for the other variants, but it's always nice to get a big firmware update like this nonetheless.
Last week, Google rolled out a huge update to Google Play Books that included support for uploading PDF and EPUB files. When the latest update, version 3.1.23, began rolling out, we tested it and noticed that PDF uploading was removed. A quick look at the Play Store's description also shows clearly that it was taken out.
Today is a good day to be a Galaxy S III owner. Before the Verizon variant's update even had time to get cold, Cricket's is now fresh out of the oven as well. The OTA brings along the changes from Android 4.2 and 4.3, plus Galaxy Gear support and a lot of UI changes which serve to make the software look and function more like the Galaxy S4's stock ROM.
In addition to things like stock Android and being carrier-unlocked, one of the big features of Nexus and Google Play Edition devices that Android power users love is an easily unlockable bootloader. While OEMs and carriers often make a policy of locking their devices' bootloaders to prevent installation of unauthorized software, Google makes it very easy for us to tinker with devices bearing its brand. All you really need to unlock a Google device is a tool called "fastboot," which is made available through the Android SDK. Just install the drivers for your device, which are generally available as part of the SDK, then run a quick command via the command line on your computer and you're done! Unfortunately, when it comes to Google Play Edition devices, unlocking is often times only the first step.
Of all the announced new features of the Nexus 5 and Android 4.4/KitKat, one of the cooler ones was a new dialer colloquially known as the "KitKat dialer." It features a revamped UI and includes the ability to search for businesses, contacts, etc. right from inside the dialer. It also features Internet-based caller ID. The name "KitKat dialer," however, is not entirely accurate.
[Update: Rolling Out Now] Verizon HTC One Support PDF Updated With Android 4.3 Information, OTA Should Begin Rolling Out Shortly
[Update: Rolling Out Now] Verizon HTC One Support PDF Updated With Android 4.3 Information, OTA Should Begin Rolling Out Shortly
If you own a Verizon HTC One, it's time to start tapping that "check for updates" button. Following Friday's announcement by HTC of an Android 4.3 firmware update, Verizon has updated its support PDF for the device with a full changelog. The new firmware version is 2.10.605.1. In addition to the obvious OS upgrade, there seems to be a fair number of bug fixes including:
In case you haven't been paying attention, there has been a storm of Android 4.4.2 updates for Google Play Edition devices over the past few days. It started Friday with the HTC One and Galaxy S4, and continued yesterday with the G Pad 8.3. Now, it's time for Sony Z Ultra GPE owners to get in on the action. The OTA weighs in at hefty 444 MB and, like all other recent GPE updates, will bring the phone up to date with current Nexus devices at Android 4.4.2/KOT49H.
Following the HTC One GPE and Galaxy S4 GPE updates that rolled out over the weekend, the LG G Pad 8.3 GPE is now receiving its first OTA. Rumblings about the update started as early as Friday, but we decided to wait until we had the OTA zip link. The new firmware version is Android 4.4.2/KOT49H, which brings it up to date with current Nexus devices.
As soon as the first orders for the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition began arriving at users' doors, the bug reports started rolling in. While this always happen with a new handset, two of the issues quickly emerged as critical. To be more specific:
The Google Play Edition update train keeps rolling along. Hot on the heels of yesterday's HTC One GPE update, Galaxy S4 GPE owners are reporting a new OTA update as well. This update was alluded to yesterday, when Samsung released a new set of kernel source and framework files for the device. The firmware version is I9505GUEUCML4, which is Android 4.4.2/KOT49H. This brings it up to date with current Nexus devices.
If you own an HTC One GPE, it's time to start keeping an eye on your system update screen. HTC has released kernel source and framework files for the new update and people are beginning to report receiving the actual update. The firmware version is 3.62.1700.1, which is Android 4.4.2/KOT49H. This brings the HTC One GPE up to date with current Nexus devices.
PSA: The 'Via WiFi-only Until' Date for Stock Android OTAs Doesn't Mean What You May Wish It Meant
PSA: The 'Via WiFi-only Until' Date for Stock Android OTAs Doesn't Mean What You May Wish It Meant
Any Nexus or Google Play Edition device owner has seen it at least once. You get an OTA update to a new version of Android, and you notice that it says "Via Wi-Fi only until" and some arbitrary date. There seems to be a lot of confusion with people regarding what this is and more importantly what it is not. We feel like it's time to shed some light.
Instagram To Release Version 5.0 With 'Instagram Direct' To Google Play Today [Update: APK Download]
It's been a pretty big year for Instagram. So far, it has released several big new features including video and people tagging. To end 2013 on a high note, Instagram announced today that it is launching Instagram Direct - a new private sharing feature. Highlights include:
Following on the heels of the white 32 GB Nexus 5, the black 32 GB version is now in stock on the US Google Play Store, leaving the warehouse in 1-2 days. If you weren't able to get your hands on a black 32 GB Nexus 5 originally, now's your chance. If you're in the market for a new phone, the Nexus 5 is certainly an attractive option with its hefty hardware specs and comparatively low price. In case you need a refresher, here's what $399 buys for you:
