LG G3 now receiving major stability update
LG is in the process of pushing out a relatively major over-the-air stability update to all unlocked variants of its flagship smartphone, the G3, currently located in India, Thailand and a bunch of European countries. Sadly, this upgrade doesn’t bring much in terms of added functionality, such as Android 5.0 Lollipop, but it does include a handful of ‘system stability improvements,’ which are geared towards making a user’s experience better when using the device.
Hit the break for the full changelog.
Enhancements:
- Valuepack upgrade
- Apps
- Google patch
If you own an unlocked variant of the LG G3 and have not yet received the OTA update, you can head into “Settings,” then “About Device,” and select “Check for Updates” to manually scan for the upgrade. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a push notification on your handset prompting you to download and install the update.
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Bank of America issues refunds after double-charging Apple Pay users
Went on a spending spree with your Bank of America debit card the moment Apple Pay hit your iPhone? You might be in for a (brief) shock. The bank is now issuing refunds after it charged at least some Apple Pay users twice when they made purchases at retail shops. While it hasn’t said what triggered the glitch, the issue doesn’t appear to involve Apple’s software — there haven’t been widespread reports of problems with other cards, and Apple itself doesn’t process transactions. Whatever was the cause, it’s not surprising that a major mobile payment service would run into some hiccups just after launch. Let’s just hope that things go more smoothly from here on out.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple
Source: Cult of Mac
Google Earth for Android is now faster, better at 3D exploration
Heads up, Android fans: Google Earth for your phones is about to get a lot better. That’s what the folks in Mountain View are promising, anyway — they’ve released an update to the app brings with it snappier performance and improved labels for maps (you’ll never wonder where Foster City and Redwood Shores begin and end again). Perhaps the biggest change, though — a completely rebuilt 3D rendering engine — means those cityscapes and mountain ranges you pore over should show up with more crispness and clarity. Try not to lord that over your friends using Apple Maps, will you? Throw in a way to import your own custom .KML files into the app from Google Drive and you’ve got all the makings of a pretty momentous update. Itching to take it for a spin? Mosey on over to the Google Play Store to get your globetrotting fix.
Filed under: Mobile
Source: Google
Nexus 6 not likely to hit the UK before December!

It’s bad news unfortunately if you live in the UK and are looking forward to holding that Nexus 6 in your hands, since the guy that correctly predicted the Nexus 6 release and general accurate rumour reporter says that the device won’t be hitting the UK until at least December.
Paul O’Brien tweeted out the following:
Think you're getting a Nexus 6 in the UK before December? Think again!
— Paul O'Brien (@PaulOBrien) October 22, 2014
With the Nexus 6 showing as not available in the UK Google Play Store, and no other UK retailers showing signs of even listing the device, including Amazon, you begin to think that the UK may be lucky to see the Nexus 6 in 2014 at all. The same thing happened with the Nexus 4, with it arriving several weeks after ordering only minutes after sales went live.
It is certainly bad news for those in the UK wanting a Nexus 6, so let’s hope this is one of those rumours that isn’t right.
The post Nexus 6 not likely to hit the UK before December! appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Microsoft Garage brings new Android app alternatives

Microsoft seemingly cannot decide whether it is for Google or against Google. Nevertheless, for those wanting some Microsoft love on their Android devices can get it through Microsoft Garage.
Microsoft Garage is a project by Microsoft looking to bring projects to reality from hackers, interns, employees, etc. Part of what has come to fruition is a trio of new apps available from the Play Store.
First, Torque is an app for Android Wear where you can twist your wrist, prompting a voice search in Bing. Essentially a Google Now replacement for Android Wear.
Next Lock Screen is an app that allows you to access apps and functions directly from the lock screen. If your device isn’t getting Android Lollipop anytime soon, but you like the idea of interactive notifications on your lock screen might look to this as an alternative.
Journeys & Notes is a way to discover things in between two places by looking at notes left by others. You can also leave your own notes about things you know of and find.
If you want to look at the project more, hit the link below. If you want to try any of the apps, click on one of the widgets below.
Do any of these apps interest you?
via Microsoft Garage
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Microsoft Garage launches two Android apps for your lock screen and travels
Today, Microsoft Garage was introduced as an “after-hours idea factory” for company employees to work on their own projects. Microsoft started the day by launching Bing Torque for Android Wear. Now, two apps for phones are available in the Play Store. One is a lock screen replacement and the other is a social app for traveling.
Microsoft wants to be front and center on your Android phone with Next Lock Screen. The app is all about launching apps as quickly as possible. It displays things like your calendar, missed calls, emails, messages, and more. There is a swipe-to-dial feature that allows conference seamlessly. So it seems that people looking for productivity will find Next Lock Screen more useful. A nice touch for Next Lock Screen is that the background is dynamic and changes throughout the day and based on location.
Hit the break for more.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Journeys & Notes, however, leaves behind the seriousness of business and productivity for fun. It is a social app that connects a user with their origin and destination. Microsoft says “The road may be long and lonely, but we help connect you with others along the journey.” Journey & Notes uncovers other users that have taken the same path as you. Notes left by previous travelers can be found and then you can leave some of your own. The design of Journeys & Notes is quite impressive and seems like it is worth giving a try.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: Microsoft Garage launches two Android apps for your lock screen and travels
Samsung using Sony’s IMX240 camera sensor for the Galaxy Note 4
The Galaxy Note 4 is no slouch in any area. The phone is an absolute beast and one of the standout features is the 16-megapixel camera. Much of the time, hardware manufacturers go with components supplied by competitors. That is exactly the case with the Galaxy Note 4′s camera sensor. It is the IMX240 camera sensor from Sony. This is a departure from Samsung’s ISOCELL camera sensor that was used with the Galaxy S 5. It is possible that Samsung wants to leave all of its in-house parts for its true flagship phone.
Source: IT168
Via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: Samsung using Sony’s IMX240 camera sensor for the Galaxy Note 4
HTC One (M8) for Verizon now receiving software update with Eye Experience, Android 4.4.4
A software update has arrived for Verizon customers with the HTC One (M8). It brings the Eye Experience software introduced a few weeks ago as well as Android 4.4.4 in a file totaling just over 210MB. The carrier estimates that the update will take six minutes and that is about what I experienced. The device cycles through some restarts with installations once the download is complete and then the device is ready to go. Of course, Android 4.4.4 is primarily unnoticed changes; however, the Eye Experience gives new features to the Camera app.
Come comment on this article: HTC One (M8) for Verizon now receiving software update with Eye Experience, Android 4.4.4
Huawei hosting contest to launch the Honor 6 in Europe
In six days, Huawei will be launching a new handset in Europe. The Honor 6 is set to arrive next week in select countries allegedly including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Huawei is holding everyone over by hosting a contest in which fifty Honor 6′s are being given away. The only thing necessary is an email and then Huawei will contact winners. To increase your chances of winning, refer some friends and have them participate as it nets another entry.
Folks in the United States, we have no word on the Honor 6′s status at this time. So just keep your fingers crossed for now.
Source: Huawei
Via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: Huawei hosting contest to launch the Honor 6 in Europe
Google Earth updates with an enhanced 3D experience and easier way to view KML Files [APK Download]
A new update is being pushed out to Googlers who have Google Earth for Android installed. Google Earth first made its appearance on Android way back in February of 2010. Since then is has received a number of updates with the last real big update coming in May of 2013 when street view was added in. Today Google Earth gets a substantial bump in version number from 7.1 to 8.0. The leap offers a heck of a lot too.
The file size is reduced a fair amount. Coming down from 8.5GB to just a touch over 8GBs. Besides the file size shrink, Google puts emphasis on new 3D rendering technology that gives Google Earth its first major 3D overhaul since it launched over 10 years ago. The new technology will provide you with much sharper views of the surroundings.
Google is also pushing the same data from Google Maps to Google Earth now. That means roads and POI will be all up to date as they are on Google Maps. There is also some rework down to the Roads and labels in terms of their visual appearance. Things look a lot less slapped over the area and more integrated. You can see the before and after in the two images below.

Google also did a little Drive integration for those of you that make your own maps in Google Earth. Now you can open up your KML files saved in Drive through Google Earth on your phone or Tablet. Might not mean much to the average person out there, but those that use the ability to build maps inside earth, this must be great news.
In true Google fashion the update is rolling out to users slowly through the Play Store. You can check now to see if the update is available. If not, then head over to Gappsearly for the updated APK and give it a look.
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