Android Phone Fans |
- Google Santa Tracker updated for 2013, brings 3 new mini-games and Chromecast support
- Turns out Android 4.4.2 also patched up Nexus devices’ nasty SMS vulnerability [CHANGELOG]
- Verizon Galaxy S4 gets software update VRUEMK2, brings quicker device charging using 3rd party chargers and other improvements
- New Gmail 4.7 update brings ZIP file downloading, file attachments, and more [DOWNLOAD]
- Google Play Books update allows ePub and PDF uploads right from your device
- Android Device Manager app hits the Google Play Store
- Spotify mobile streaming made free for all
- KitKat India does the right thing, promises to ship 2013 Nexus 7 to contest winners
- Angry Birds Go brings kart racing fun to your Android device for free starting today
- Twitter 5.0 update brings refreshed user interface
- ASUS reveals Padfone Mini, a 4.3-inch phone that fits into a 7-inch tablet dock
| Google Santa Tracker updated for 2013, brings 3 new mini-games and Chromecast support Posted: 11 Dec 2013 06:00 PM PST
After debuting on Google Play last December, we suppose it’s only fitting Google would be updating their would famous Santa Tracker for 2013. Now available in the Play Store, Google Santa Tracker 2013 brings an “updated Santa tracking experience”, with 3 new Yuletide games — although only 1 is currently available, with the other 2 locked until the 17th and 19th of December.
Google also added Chromecast support with different channels that can be flipped through like a remote, giving us an inside look at how things are going in the North Pole. Santa Tracking wont actually commence until the 24th, and the clock is already ticking. You can download Google Santa Tracker for yourself or the kiddies via the Google Play link below. Enjoy.
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| Turns out Android 4.4.2 also patched up Nexus devices’ nasty SMS vulnerability [CHANGELOG] Posted: 11 Dec 2013 03:18 PM PST
A few weeks ago we told you guys about a nasty little vulnerability on Nexus devices that, if exploited, could cause some headaches as a result. Things like connectivity issues, to freezing and random reboots could all be achieved after receiving a malicious Flash SMS on your Nexus. While this didn’t sound like anything other than some general mischief, the implications were that, if left unresolved, could leave a device open to far more sinister attacks by would-be hackers. KOT49H (4.4.2_r1) AOSP changelog:
Well, according to the now posted changelog by Funky Android (using a script created by our old friend, JBQ), we now have a better idea of exactly what changed between Android 4.4.1, and Android 4.4.2. We already knew the most PR friendly new addition was, of course, the improved camera performance in the Nexus 5. But it looks like you can also expect 4.4.2 to fix that SMS vulnerability as well. All’s well that ends well. |
| Posted: 11 Dec 2013 01:48 PM PST
Verizon’s Galaxy S4 is currently receiving a relatively minor update to address compatibility with 3rd party chargers (as well as other smaller fixes). Samsung devices have been notorious for charging slower when using 3rd party chargers regardless of amperage, but new software build VRUEMK2 looks to fix that. Other “key device enhancements” include better email connectivity, and a more consistent data connection when roaming in Canada or Mexico, and when using proxy servers. Weighing in at a hefty 329.5MB, we can’t help but wonder if there were other changes made under the hood. If you haven’t been prompted yet, you can try and pull the update yourself by jumping into your Settings > About Phone > System Updates. [Verizon Support 1, 2] |
| New Gmail 4.7 update brings ZIP file downloading, file attachments, and more [DOWNLOAD] Posted: 11 Dec 2013 12:59 PM PST
Just in time for the holidays, Google is announcing a new update for Gmail that introduces a handful of much requested features to the Android app. All new for version 4.7 (941620) is the ability to finally send any file as an attachment in Gmail (previously, “pictures” and “videos” were the only options available). The nicest part about sending any kind of file stored on your device is it seems to have finally lead to downloading of ZIP files in Gmail — something that’s been absent for far too long. Speaking of absences, if you’re heading away on a trip this holiday, you can now set a vacation responder to auto-respond to emails while you’re away (something that would have come in handy while I was away in Jamaica last week). KitKat printing has also been introduced, as well as better app performance for lower memory devices, something that should come in handy for those with older Androids. Gotta love that Project Svelte! You can wait for the update to hit your device any minute now, or simply download the updated Gmail via 3rd party link below. Enjoy!
via Google+ |
| Google Play Books update allows ePub and PDF uploads right from your device Posted: 11 Dec 2013 12:43 PM PST
Google Play Books has been great, but there are still a few minor annoyances some users have to put up with. One of those annoyances was an easy way to upload PDF and ePub files for viewing from their device — you’d typically have to find a PC to do that. But a recent upgrade changes all of that for the better. Google Play Books will now recognize when you download ePub and PDF files, and will offer to upload them once they’re finished downloading. From there, you can read them just as you would any Play Books compatible content. That alone would have been great, but there is a lot more to like here:
So grab your reading glasses, load up your favorite material and head to the Google Play Store for the update. |
| Android Device Manager app hits the Google Play Store Posted: 11 Dec 2013 11:41 AM PST When Google launched the Android Device Manager, many users rejoiced. Finally, a built-in solution for finding, locking and securing lost devices. It was great, but the fact that you had to head to a web browser to do anything with it was a bit of a turn-off. A simple bookmark to the device manager site had us techies on our way, but your average Joe probably didn’t care to find and remember the URL.
That should all change with the release of a new app today. Google has released an Android Device Manager app in the Play Store, giving folks a clean, fast and easy interface for locating, wiping, and locking their device from afar. This will likely only be useful to those who use multiple devices (such as the typical smartphone + tablet combo), but we’re glad to have the option. Simply login with the account associated with the lost device, and you’ll be able to perform the following actions:
Sold yet? Hit the Google Play Store for the download, and hope that you’ll never have reason to use the app for as long as you have your devices. |
| Spotify mobile streaming made free for all Posted: 11 Dec 2013 09:57 AM PST
Spotify today announced that they’re making their streaming music service free for mobile users… except there’s a quick catch (isn’t there always?). You’ll have to listen to tunes in shuffle mode, meaning you’ll select an artist or a playlist, and hear music from that pool of tracks in a jumbled, random order. It’s not ideal, but considering you aren’t paying a dime for the functionality we can’t imagine too many people will scoff at that. Bringing a free way to enjoy the Spotify experience will be crucial in the company’s growth. They’ll invite you inside for dinner, and they’re hoping that you thought the turkey was good enough that you’ll want to stay and pay for the dessert. I can’t say that’s a bad strategy at all. The app itself can be had as a free download in the Google Play Store. [via Spotify] |
| KitKat India does the right thing, promises to ship 2013 Nexus 7 to contest winners Posted: 11 Dec 2013 08:54 AM PST The other day, we reported on a maddening story that formed over the weekend. Tons of Indian KitKat consumers reported that they’d received a 2012 Nexus 7 as a result of winning the promotional contest that ran alongside the launch of the Android version by the same name. The problem with that is that Nestle was advertising the contest using images of a 2013 Nexus 7, leading folks to believe that’s the version they’d be entitled to should they have won.
While the contest language never specified which “Nexus 7″ winners would get, many — including us — called Nestle out on such an obvious bait-and-switch. The company responded with an excuse, saying that the 2013 Nexus 7 was not yet available at the time the contest ended, which is why they sent the 2012 version out to winners. While Nestle didn’t get back to us about our inquiry surrounding this unfortunate episode, it does appear they were listening. On their Facebook page, KitKat India had the following to say:
It’s not often we get to see such quick turn around on issues like these, so you can imagine how thrilled those who voiced their opinions were after hearing this news. It just goes to show that a little shouting can do some good after all. Kudos to Nestle for doing the right thing. [via Facebook, thanks Patanjali!] |
| Angry Birds Go brings kart racing fun to your Android device for free starting today Posted: 11 Dec 2013 07:42 AM PST Rovio has released a new game in the Angry Birds universe that is quite unlike anything they’ve done before — a kart racing game! Dubbed Angry Birds Go, this game will pit you against other birds and those dastardly egg-stealing pigs. You take the track to race to the finish line, using every devious tool at your disposal to gain the advantage you need to claim that #1 crown. This release marks the first ever Angry Birds game to be set in a 3D universe, giving us a look at these two warring factions like we’ve never seen them. You’ll get to race with Red, Chuck, Terence, Stella, King Pig, Moustache Pig and more in 5 different game modes, upgrade your ride, and use Telepod figurines to “teleport” characters into your game. Oh, and all of this is free, so don’t hesitate to give it a download (but if this hefty 168MB download is too much for your data connection you might want to wait until you’re on WiFi). Find it sitting in the Google Play Store, and don’t forget to take a look at the launch trailer above. |
| Twitter 5.0 update brings refreshed user interface Posted: 11 Dec 2013 06:51 AM PST Twitter for Android has gotten another big upgrade, with the company bringing yet another refresh to their clean user interface. Things look a tad more bright and a tad more flat, and they’ve compressed a lot of the menu options to make more room for viewing the timeline. Said change brings us a new layout for navigating your Tweets that you might find a bit weird to get used to at first.
For starters, you have three main tabs:
You might notice that list doesn’t include anything to view mentions. That’s because Twitter has set all that stuff up under a new Notifications section that’ll show you everything that is pertinent to you, including mentions, people who have started following you, people who have saved or ReTweeted your Tweets, when someone has sent you a direct message and more. The Notifications icon will light up with a number whenever there is something new for you, and since it’s always in view no matter which timeline you’re in it’s never too hard to figure out if something is waiting for you. Finally, Twitter for Android has gotten a unique feature that allows you to be notified whenever any specific user Tweets. Simply tap the star icon on their profile page, and you’ll get a notification whenever they send their 140 characters out to the world. It’s great for keeping tabs on people that you might otherwise miss in situations where your timeline is being flooded by other bits of nonsense. You can find the new upgrade over in the Google Play Store for free. |
| ASUS reveals Padfone Mini, a 4.3-inch phone that fits into a 7-inch tablet dock Posted: 11 Dec 2013 05:57 AM PST ASUS has announced a new addition in their unique Padfone series. This one is called the Padfone infinity, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. What you’ll get is a 4.3-inch phone with qHD resolution, a 1.4GHz Snapdragon MSM8226 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and a 1,500 mAh battery. That phone will act as the processing power behind the tablet experience you’ll get with the 7-inch tablet dock it sits inside. That dock’s display has a 1280 x 800 resolution, and includes a 2,200 mAh battery. These specs obviously aren’t of the overwhelming variety, which is why it’s coming to market at a price point of about $400. The Padfone Mini is expected to launch in limited Asian regions for now, with China, Russia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia being the only known launch markets right now. Those in other regions might instead be interested in the Padfone Infinity, a decidedly more powerful tablet / phone combo, but one that will be more stressful on your wallet. That particular device gets you a 5-inch 1080p display with a Snapdragon 800 processor and a 13 megapixel camera. You can read more about it here if you want, but if you absolutely have your heart set on the Padfone Mini we suppose importing it isn’t out of the question. There’s no word on when, exactly, we’ll be seeing it launch. |
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