Android Phone Fans |
- Download Nexus 5 Wallpapers from Android Kit Kat 4.4
- Download and install the new Google Experience Launcher
- Download: Google apps extracted from Nexus 5 factory image
- Download: All new Hangouts v2 extracted and ready for installation
- Nexus 5 Android 4.4 KRT16M factory image and drivers now available for download
- New Hangouts v2 will support SMS and MMS, but Google Voice integration will take some time
- Some Nexus 5 orders have already begun shipping
- Here are a few new Nexus 5 camera samples (let’s hope these aren’t taken down)
- Nexus 5 vs iPhone 5S vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Nokia Lumia 1020
- HTC chimes in on plans to update HTC One to Android 4.4 KitKat (all variants)
- Android 4.4 KitKat coming to Nexus 4,7,10 and Google Edition devices over the “next few weeks”
- Motorola updates us on which of their devices will receive Android 4.4 KitKat
- Expensive Nexus 5 cases hit the Play Store, are you buying?
- Nexus 5 Forums: open for business
- With Android 4.4 KitKat, WebView is now handled by Chrome
| Download Nexus 5 Wallpapers from Android Kit Kat 4.4 Posted: 31 Oct 2013 06:50 PM PDT The Nexus 5 has been announced, people are buying it like hot cakes, it’s even selling out, and some Nexus 5′s are already shipping, but why wait to get the Nexus 5 Wallpapers found in Android Kit Kat 4.4 onto your Android phone right now? You don’t have to. We dove deep into the chocolatey code and have emerged like Wonka with a set of wallpapers for your enjoyment. Now go forth and enjoy:
Let us know which is your favorite in the comments and for more discussion, head over to our Nexus 5 Forums!
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| Download and install the new Google Experience Launcher Posted: 31 Oct 2013 06:33 PM PDT
Rumors that Google would soon release the stock Android 4.4 KitKat launcher in the Play Store were rumored for weeks now. Digging through the Nexus 5 factory image, we found a few key apps you can install to get the new Google Experience Launcher up and running on your device. Here’s what you’ll need to install:
After that, enjoy! Let us know if it’s working on your device, or if your phone or tablet blew up in a firey ball of flame (okay, that wont really happen….. we don’t think). Happy Nexus 5 day! UPDATE: Google Search Force Close fix: Long press the home screen, select Settings. Select Voice. Select Language to change the default. Change to another language, I choose English – UK. Hit Home. Repeat the first three steps. Change back to English – US. |
| Download: Google apps extracted from Nexus 5 factory image Posted: 31 Oct 2013 06:00 PM PDT
We’ve been digging through the Nexus 5′s factory image, testing out all the new Google apps to see which work, and which don’t. Here’s a quick list with download links if you want to be on the bleeding edge of Google software. Have at it. Tested and working
And the rest? Well, we haven’t gotten the opportunity to test them all out. Feel free to download and try out a few for yourself, just be warned, they might break a few things if you aren’t careful. Make sure you let us know what’s installing, that way we can finish up the list. Cheers! |
| Download: All new Hangouts v2 extracted and ready for installation Posted: 31 Oct 2013 05:30 PM PDT
Here it is, folks. Extracted straight from the Nexus 5′s freshly-made-available factory image, the all new Hangouts v2. This is the one Google made a big deal about during their Google+ event, and it’s now finally available for download and installation.
The new Hangouts v2 brings SMS integration, GIFs and more into the already stellar messaging experience. Enjoy. |
| Nexus 5 Android 4.4 KRT16M factory image and drivers now available for download Posted: 31 Oct 2013 05:23 PM PDT
Google just posted the factory images and drivers (binaries) for Android 4.4 KitKat, build number KRT16M. While they wont do most of us much good — as we don’t yet have a Nexus 5 in our possession — it’s nice that they’re already made available should anyone need to return their Nexus 5 back to its original factory state. You know, once you actually get it. We’re gonna dive in and see what we can extract but in the meantime, download links provided below. [Android 4.4 KRT16M Hammerhead factory image | Nexus 5 binaries] |
| New Hangouts v2 will support SMS and MMS, but Google Voice integration will take some time Posted: 31 Oct 2013 04:18 PM PDT
Many suspected that once the all new Hangouts v2 began rolling out on Google Play (arriving first on the Nexus 5), it would bring not only the SMS integration we’ve all been requesting, but integrated Google Voice SMS and calling too. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it looks like Google Voice anything on Hangouts wont be happening anytime soon. According to Googler Nikhyl Singhal, Google has run into some snags with getting Google Voice integrated into Hangouts. The explanation is kind of weird, but it has something to do with 3rd party developers using Google Voice services in their own apps, and it creating some kinda of headache for Google. Google has put those developers on notice, saying they have until May 15th, 2014 to cease and desist.
Keep in mind that Sprint users who’ve enabled Google Voice on their number will be unaffected by all of this (luckies). As far as an ETA on when we can expect Google Voice SMS messages to finally integrate into Hangouts, Singhal says only to expect everything up and running by early next year. You might remember a few weeks ago we told you guys about the latest Hangouts update to hit iOS users. Well, don’t get too bent out of shape. Where the update enabled voice calls over data (cellular or WiFi) using Google Voice numbers, it was limited to only that. iOS users still don’t have SMS integration in Hangouts. We can’t even imagine the hell that would break loose in the Android community if they did. |
| Some Nexus 5 orders have already begun shipping Posted: 31 Oct 2013 03:28 PM PDT
Well, that didn’t take long, now did it? Those who were hot with their keys today after the Nexus 5 went live in the Play Store have already begun receiving shipping confirmations. Seems Google is cracking the whip over at their warehouse, and a few customers will have their Nexus 5s on their doorsteps in no time. Hopefully this will help wash out the bad taste left over from last year’s Nexus fiasco. Remember that? Thanks, anon! |
| Here are a few new Nexus 5 camera samples (let’s hope these aren’t taken down) Posted: 31 Oct 2013 02:58 PM PDT
A few days ago we shared with you some photo samples taken by the then upcoming Nexus 5. Because these shots were taken by Googlers, we don’t think they planned on having their images — from an unreleased phone, mind you — plastered all over the internet and we removed many of them. Now that the Nexus 5 has finally been announced, it looks the Googlers are coming back out of hiding, uploading pictures taken from the device onto Google+. Because Google touts the OIS camera as one of their best yet, we were definitely curious to see how shots came out in real world use. Here are just a few samples we found. Before you make any final judgements, keep in mind that 1. these aren’t in full resolution, and 2. it’s possible Google+’s Auto Awesome image enhancing may have touched them up a bit. In any case, have a look see.
[Google+] |
| Nexus 5 vs iPhone 5S vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Nokia Lumia 1020 Posted: 31 Oct 2013 02:31 PM PDT Google has officially announced (and released) the Nexus 5 by LG, a smartphone that many have no doubt been anticipating for months. All the teases are over, though, and the information is finally officially official. We knew almost everything there is to know about the Nexus 5 ahead of launch thanks to those aforementioned leaks.
(Click to Enlarge)
But now that we have the official tale of the tape it’s time to put it up against heavy hitters from across the mobile ecosystem. How does the Nexus 5 stack up to the likes of Apple’s iPhone 5S, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Nokia Lumia 1020? Let’s find out! Nexus 5This is the start of today’s show, of course. The Nexus 5 is a direct sequel to the Nexus 4. Made by LG, the Nexus 5 introduces increased resolution, a much better processor, bigger display sized and more. It’s a doozie for sure, and you can find out more about the when, the where and the how much right here. so let’s hop right into the silicon behind this beaut.
Specs
Software Pure Android 4.4, baby. You can find out more details about Android 4.4 and what it brings here, but the ability to launch Google Now commands from the home screen, a translucent user interface, new SMS-driven Hangouts app, new Caller ID and business look-up features in the dialer, and more highlight the biggest, most visible changes for this rendition of Android. Beyond all that, it’s promised to be unadulterated Android, with the promise of swift software upgrades as soon as they’re available. We’re still waiting to get our paws on this puppy, but just know that whatever firmware is loaded up on this thing is how Google intended Android to be run. iPhone 5SApple’s latest crack at the smartphone market isn’t a huge leap over the previous entrant, but the iPhone 5S is still their top phone, and still one of the top phones in the market. A faster processor and a fingerprint scanner highlight the biggest of changes here, but what else is it bringing to the table?
Specs
Software The iPhone 5S was the first phone with iOS 7, Apple’s latest concoction for all their mobile products. iOS 7 was the first major departure from the classic Apple design language we’ve all come to know and love, with the bitten fruit company going with a more bright and cheerful palette of colors. They also emphasized more flat iconography. The changes are mostly cosmetic, though, so there’s not much more functionality being added. Apple did make several of their premium App Store apps free at a recent press conference, and you can read more about all of that over at iSource.com. Samsung Galaxy S4The Samsung Galaxy S4 is a bit dated compared to the rest of the phones on this list, but with it being Samsung’s undisputed flagship smartphone for 2013 we felt it was appropriate to include. The Galaxy Note 3 might have a few more bells and whistles, but the S4 still has a lot to offer.
Specs
Software Samsung’s Android-based TouchWiz (or Nature UX, as they have been calling it lately) is much more bold than ever before, with the South Korean company adding many new features for productivity, camera, multi-tasking, and more. Things like multi-view, Air View, motion controls, Smart Stay and much, much more all come together to create a very fulfilling experience (although it is admittedly a tad bloated these days). A forthcoming Premium Suite upgrade will also add support for connectivity with the Samsung Galaxy Gear, the company’s companion smart watch that keeps you connected without you having to grope your phone all day. Nokia Lumia 1020The Nokia Lumia 1020 is a pretty damned good phone, with Joe Fedewa from WinSource calling it “the most amazing phone we have ever seen in the Windows world.” The phablet 1520 might take that crown by now, but the Lumia 1020 can still be considered one of the top smartphones of the year.
The biggest attraction is that massive 41 Megapixel backside illuminated sitting on the back, though other specs are good enough to make any phone user happy (and, as we all know, Windows Phone doesn’t require a heap ton of power to operate smoothly). Specs
Software The Lumia 1020 launched with the latest version of Windows Phone, though some custom Nokia bits included very in-depth camera features (with that sensor? you might have expected that) and your typical crop of Microsoft and Nokia-provided services and apps. Windows Phone is Windows Phone is Windows Phone, pretty much. Which one are you in for? And there you have it — three of the best phones from the top 3 mobile ecosystems compared to the brand new Nexus 5. Let us know which one you’re in for. We have an idea, of course… but hey, you never know who might not be on the Nexus 5 bandwagon (we’re looking at you, unfortunate Verizon users). Drop a vote and a comment below! |
| HTC chimes in on plans to update HTC One to Android 4.4 KitKat (all variants) Posted: 31 Oct 2013 02:02 PM PDT
You’ve probably been enjoying Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for only a few weeks now on your HTC One, and it’s crazy that we’re already looking to the next big Android upgrade. As we all heard, Android 4.4 KitKat was announced earlier today and if you’re an HTC One owner you likely have one question on your mind: “When is my HTC One getting it?” Wouldn’t you know it, HTC was quick to chime in on update plans for their flagship HTC One line. According to HTC, the HTC One Google Play edition can expect the update first, arriving in the next 15 days. Both the HTC One Developer Edition and unlocked models will receive KitKat within the next 30 days, followed by carrier-branded HTC One (those in the US) getting Android 4.4 within 90 days or less. HTC One Max and HTC One Mini? HTC says they’re still figuring out timing on those device, but expect to hear back from them shortly. Looks like HTC wanted to nip KitKat plans in the bud. You know, before their social outlets were flooded with questions from die-hard Android users frothing at the mouth. Now you can get back to enjoying your phone, and snapping ZOEs of the kiddies on Halloween. [via Engadget] |
| Android 4.4 KitKat coming to Nexus 4,7,10 and Google Edition devices over the “next few weeks” Posted: 31 Oct 2013 01:53 PM PDT
The Nexus 5 is out and with it comes the anticipated Android 4.4 KitKat version, but what about the rest of us? When will we get our KitKat updates? Well, if you don’t own a Nexus or Google Edition device you know you will have to wait months. If you happen to sport one of Google’s babies, though, you won’t have to wait more than “a few weeks”! The Android Developers Blog is letting us know the plans for said update. Android 4.4 will be rolling out to the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition and HTC One Google Edition over the “next few weeks”. That could mean a lot, but at the very least you should all get it before December. KitKAt comes with a good list of performance improvements and new features. You can read all about them in our Android 4.4 KitKAt announcement post and video tutorials. Stay tuned! And be sure we will let you know as soon as we know more. |
| Motorola updates us on which of their devices will receive Android 4.4 KitKat Posted: 31 Oct 2013 01:36 PM PDT
Not too many people know, but Motorola awhile back Motorola put together a handy web portal for eager Android users to visit and see which Motorola devices will receive the latest Android updates. Today they’ve officially updated their listings with the latest Android version — Android 4.4 KitKat. In case you were wondering which devices Motorola currently plans on updating to Android 4.4, it looks like only the Moto X and current line of Droids — Motorola DROID Ultra, Motorola DROID Maxx, and Motorola DROID Mini — will taste KiKat’s sweet chocolatey wafers. We’ll have to wait and see if more devices are added, as well as official word on updating timing. But at the time of this writing… that’s all she wrote. [Motorola] |
| Expensive Nexus 5 cases hit the Play Store, are you buying? Posted: 31 Oct 2013 12:29 PM PDT
Also hitting the Google Play Store this afternoon were a variety of OEM cases for the Nexus 5. Apple is often mocked around Android parts for offering expensive accessories, and it looks like Google is following in their footsteps. Jumping onto the Google Play Store you’ll find bumper and flip cases for the Nexus 5, in a good range of colors.
More of a full case than a “bumper”, LG’s bumper cases retails for $35 and comes in black, gray, red and yellow color options. The material seems to be TPU in nature, but Google claims they’re hard on the outside, soft and rubbery on the inside. We’ll need to get a hands on to judge for ourselves if they’re worth the steep price tag.
There’s also LG’s specially made “QuickCover”, not unlike the one made popular in Samsung devices. The flip cover features a plastic that covers the entire back and sides of the device, with a soft velvety flap to keep the screen safe when in a purse or gym bag. Available in both gray and white, these guys will set you back a cool $50. Google ain’t playing. Links to the case have been provided below, just keep in mind they aren’t available yet and still listed as coming soon. Anyone pick one of these up with their Nexus 5 today, or did you find a better 3rd party option? |
| Nexus 5 Forums: open for business Posted: 31 Oct 2013 12:13 PM PDT Finally: you can now buy the Nexus 5 with Android 4.4 Kit Kat. I’m sure many of you have already ordered your “precious” and while you’re waiting for it to arrive, you’ll be scouring the interwebz for every morsel of juicy goodness you can find. Don’t scour alone! Did you already order the Nexus 5? Let us know in the Official “I JUST ORDERED THE NEXUS 5!!!” Thread! Our Nexus 5 forums are open and ready for your delight. If you haven’t already, create an account and get to chatting. One your device arrives you’ll find the forums especially useful for support, tips, tricks, suggested accessories, and so forth. But for now, we ask that you continue to do what everyone else is doing and DROOL.
Added Bonus: If you make at least 5 posts and start 1 thread you’ll be automatically entered to win a Google Glass invite! |
| With Android 4.4 KitKat, WebView is now handled by Chrome Posted: 31 Oct 2013 12:08 PM PDT
For those of you who don’t know, Android WebView is the feature that opening web content within an application. This feature can be a bit faulty, though. This is why Android 4.4 KitKat brings a huge improvement by powering WebView with Chromium. The new Chromium-based WebView will improve the experience by supporting many of the features you can find on the Chrome browser. I don’t know about you, but I am glad to see this coming. I have found WebView to be pretty faulty as it is. I often find that pages load much slower in WebView compared to the Chrome browser. If they load at all, that is. This is one of those improvements that will be much more exciting for developers at first, but users will be able to benefit by the Chromium-based WebView indirectly. After all, that is what it’s all about. We should get current features right and smooth before we focus on the larger, experimental goodies. |
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