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Yesterday, we took a look at the upcoming Hangouts 4.0, a yet unreleased update that promises to clean up the Hangouts interface in many ways. But there was one thing we didn't cover in that post - the Android Wear app that will apparently come with the update to 4.0. Since yesterday we've been playing with the app and thought it would be good to follow up with a quick overview of what it does.
Back in September, Hangouts switched from gray to green in its 2.3 update, ostensibly making the first baby steps on its journey toward joining Google's material design parade. Then in December we first spied a slightly more material version of the app. Now, users are running version 3.3 and many aren't satisfied with the app's layouts or structure. Things like the seemingly unnecessary contacts tab, the somewhat messy drawer, and the non-standard toolbar are common complaints.
Along with a handful of new tablets, Amazon has officially announced Fire OS 4 (codenamed Sangria), which it says adds hundreds of new features to the "content-forward" operating system.
In a pair of exciting tweets (and a Google+ post), the Android team has announced that the WiFi Nexus 7 (both 2012 and 2013 models) will begin getting updated to Android 4.4 KitKat today, while the mobile data-enabled Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 will get the update "soon."
[Updated: Q&A] Dan Rosenberg Has Unlocked AT&T Galaxy S4's Bootloader, But We Won't Get To See How For A While - Here Is Why
It was only yesterday that Cyanogen definitively confirmed AT&T's treacherous move to lock down the Galaxy S4's bootloader, but there is light at the
It was only yesterday that Cyanogen definitively confirmed AT&T's treacherous move to lock down the Galaxy S4's bootloader, but there is light at the end of that tunnel. No thanks to AT&T but to security researcher extraordinaire and a person I admire Dan Rosenberg, a.k.a. the magician, a.k.a. the root whisperer.
Amazon's Kindle App Hits Version 4.0 With Reworked Interface
Amazon's Kindle app has just received a significant update, bringing the reader up to version 4 and introducing a refreshed UI, among other things. Just
Amazon's Kindle app has just received a significant update, bringing the reader up to version 4 and introducing a refreshed UI, among other things.
Update: It looks like the 16GB Nexus 10 is back in stock now. If you were one of the unlucky few who missed the first batch of orders, go ahead and claim yours now.
When Chameleon Launcher first hit the scene with promises of a "new Android homescreen," people were excited. As we started to see more and more of this unique launcher, excitement continued to grow. Then we finally got our hands on it, and well - it wasn't what we hoped for. The dev team behind Chameleon have since worked hard to bring more widgets and features to the launcher, increasing not only its usefulness, but reasons you'd actually want to abandon the stock experience for something different.
Update: At the time of last update, the 16GB Nexus 4 is consistently listed as "Coming Soon," with the 8GB version going up and down. The 32GB Nexus 10 is also consistently listed as "Coming Soon." If we receive any word that these device's are again available, we will update this post.
If you're a resident of the US waiting for your chance at one of the new Nexus devices, you've no doubt been growing envious as countries around Europe (and Australia) got to place their own orders before (and after) the rumored 12am PST launch time for the US.
It looks like we can add one more market to the list of those to which Google has opened the Nexus gates. Customers in a few European countries can now claim their own Nexus 4 or Nexus 10 from Google Play. Note: since these orders just opened up, you may see some errors or inconsistencies with ordering or availability. If any of the devices appear to truly be out of stock, we'll update this post.
If you thought Google's official Ask Me Anything video was a good promo for the new Nexus family, wait till you see this. A design studio called Autofuss (based in San Francisco) has created their own promo video for the Nexus 4, 7, and 10, that does a great job of showing off the new line. Take a look:
Now that we're acquainted with the new Nexus family, many users are beginning to make plans to pick up one, two, or potentially all the new additions to Google's flagship product line.
T-Mobile Set To Carry Google's Nexus 4 And 3G Nexus 7 As Premier Launch Partner
T-Mobile Set To Carry Google's Nexus 4 And 3G Nexus 7 As Premier Launch Partner
In addition to the absolute mania of incoming announcements we saw from Google today, there was one interesting carrier-related development for the Nexus line – T-Mobile, the US' fourth largest carrier, announced that it would be carrying Google's LG-built Nexus 4 and ASUS-built 3G Nexus 7 as a "premier launch partner" starting this November. In fact, users can already sign up for more info at T-Mobile's website.
Tucked away in HTC's press release about the HTC One X+ and Sense 4+ was one tidbit that should make quite a few people happy:
In its One X+ announcement, HTC also announced some changes to Sense. While none were groundbreaking (so don't expect a visual overhaul) and not a lot of details were revealed, the company did mention a few things were being upgraded.
We heard about it back in February, and now it looks like Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II is about to start rolling out. Those of you with Tegra 3 chips in your devices, get ready to have your SoCs rocked off*. Everyone else will be waiting for a little while. The gaming company's follow-up to Episode I of the same game will launch on Android tomorrow, for $6.99.
A high capacity microSD card is a good upgrade for any power user, even if at first blush you don't think the space is required. From my own experience, I never thought I needed one for extra space - I always had plenty enough storage as it was, or so I thought. But then I tried rooting a tablet and realized I needed a microSD card to do so, so sure enough, I ordered one. And today, I have no regrets; I keep music on it for local playback (since music streaming can still be spotty at times) and a few movies and photos that can be swapped from device to device seamlessly. In short: if you're a power user, you'll put the storage to good use - even if you don't think you need it.
[Updated: Here Are The Winners!] Book Giveaway #16: Take Your Developing Skills To The Next Level With One Of Ten Copies Of Pro Android 4
Book Giveaway #16: Take Your Developing Skills To The Next Level
Let's be honest, there isn't exactly a shortage of Android apps. What there is a shortage of, though, is quality Android apps. You know, apps with great interfaces, support for new features (such as ActionBar), and formats (tablets, TV, etc.) Part of the problem could simply be that a lot of the people developing (cr)apps for Android aren't experienced developers... or if they are experienced devs, they don't know how to get the most from the OS. Luckily, Apress has just just updated one of their most popular books, Pro Android 4, which is written for developers looking to move into mobile - and to teach them the finer points of Android.
LTE-Enabled Motorola Droid 4 Goes Live On The Verizon Network For $200 With Contract, $550 Without
LTE-Enabled Motorola Droid 4 Goes Live On The Verizon Network For $200
The latest RAZR-looking, 5-row-keyboard-sliding, LTE-packing Droid incarnation - the Motorola Droid 4 - went live today on VZW.com and at Verizon Wireless stores nationwide. The Droid 4 is the first LTE-enabled device in the family which makes it much more appealing to those of you who have been shying away from Moto's iconic line due to data speed constraints.