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Most of our rooting and ROMing readers should be familiar with the name GravityBox, which is a set of tweaks that use the Xposed framework to modify AOSP-based ROMs with features and tweaks typically found in third-party projects—giving you ROM-like features while running stock, basically. Earlier today we were interested to see the tool had a listing on the Play Store, but after reaching out to GravityBox developer C3C076, we've learned it has no association with the project.
When we had our hands-on look at the latest Samsung tablet, we guessed that it would be priced to compete with the 10-inch version of the iPad Pro, if only because its included stylus and sold-separately keyboard seemed intended to appeal to that same "productive" tablet niche. Thanks to an early listing from Best Buy (since Samsung still hasn't given us a straight answer), we now know that yes, indeed it will. The Galaxy Tab S3 starts at 9.99 USD for the Wi-Fi model.
Google often experiments with small interface changes without mentioning them in blog posts or update notes, and that seems to be the case with the latest aesthetic change in the Play Store. Multiple Google+ users and Android Police readers have noticed a new and more compact display of the five-star rating system for app and game listings on the home page and in searches, replacing the full five-star graphic with a single icon and a numerical value. Observe the difference below, standard on the left, updated on the right:
When it comes to getting users to your app, your Play Store listing counts for a lot. What users see (and read) when they reach your app's listing can make or break their decision to download or buy, so carefully crafting a good listing is important.
Why did the Twitch app move from its old Play Store listing at "tv.twitch.android.viewer" to a new one at "tv.twitch.android.app?" Beats me - maybe it's because the added functionality in version 4.0 makes it more of a "full" interface for the popular streaming game video service, as opposed to simply a viewer. You still can't stream video directly from your Android device, but now you've got access to the whole expansive collection of gameplay videos.
With just a week until we can expect to formally meet HTC's next flagship, we're already feeling like old friends of the device. We've seen it purportedly leaked six ways to Sunday, and if today's materials are to be believed, it looks like some of those leaks ended up being right. The HTC One M9 appears to have surfaced on Cyberport.de with copious renders and full specifications. First, let's have a look at the specs.
Adobe's proprietary PDF format isn't much fun to work with on any platform, but marking up and editing those documents on Android is a particularly poor experience. Developer Branchfire has offered an Android version of its iAnnotate app for a little over two years, but it hasn't been met with the same acclaim as the iOS version, probably thanks to a clunky interface and missing features. Apparently the company wanted a clean break with the latest update, because the app has been moved to a new Play Store listing and reverted to a 1.0 release. The new app is also free.
Google Preparing Expansion Of App Discoverability With Listings On Official Chromecast Site [Update]
Since the Chromecast debuted, Google has had partnered apps featured at chromecast.com/apps. According to a tip we received this evening, and a post by Leon Nicholls to the Google Cast Developers community, it looks like Google might be ready to show off third-party apps at the same URL.
It seems that just about every major organization or service is being targeted for a gigantic data breach these days. Spotify was the latest service to be attacked, and yesterday the music streaming company specifically told Android users to upgrade their apps soon to protect themselves. The update is available today, but Spotify isn't taking any chances: it's created an entirely separate entry in the Play Store to make sure users get the point.
After many many leaks, we've got an official look at the Nexus 5 via the Play Store - the Nexus collection for the US is showing the icon for the Nexus 5 listing, along with the official description copy. Unfortunately though, the phone's actual listing is inaccessible.
Do you have Comcast XFINITY cable? If not, this app may have you considering a switch of providers. The Comcast XFINITY TV app has been around for a while, but a lack of Gingerbread and Honeycomb compatibility has left many users frustrated - and drooling. Why? Because this app is awesome. Take a look at these Honeycomb screenshots taken from a XOOM: