A new Android 5.1 build adds updated radio firmware and other under-the-hood changes.

Just a week after Android 5.1 first became available for the Nexus 6, Google has pushed out an updated factory image for that device. It’s still Android 5.1, but with an updated build number — LMY47E, up from the older LMY47D. So what does that extra letter get you?

Apple needs to step up its game with the built-in FaceTime cameras in Macs. They suck.

Apple laptops are popular with podcasters and video conferencers. Why do so many of us buy external cameras? Because the FaceTime camera built into the Mac is mediocre at best.

I love my 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro. It’s the best laptop I’ve ever used, except for one glaring problem: I find the FaceTime camera built into it to be completely inadequate. Within a few days of receiving it I’d also gotten a Logitech C920, an external webcam with full 1080p resolution. Its manufacturer doesn’t even officially support the Mac, but that doesn’t stop the C920 from running rings around what’s included with the Mac.

MacBook disappointment

Hopefully that provides some context for why I’m disappointed with Apple’s decision to outfit the new MacBook with a 480p FaceTime camera. That’s even lower resolution than the one in my two-year-old Mac laptop. I can’t get too upset with it. There are reasons for everything.

The new MacBook is going to be a careful study in compromises.

The new MacBook is going to be a careful study in balance and compromises. Apple’s using Intel’s Core M microprocessor inside. Apple usually shies away from the low end of Intel’s laptop processor line. Last year, you couldn’t find anything equipped with less than a Core i5, the middle-of-the-line Intel PC processor.

The new Intel chip has already been used inside “convertible” Windows tablet/laptop 2-in-1s. Most of the convertibles I’ve seen sport absolutely mediocre cameras little better than mid-range smartphones. I’m willing to bet that compared to them, the MacBook FaceTime camera will shore up well.

Apple needs to up its game

The MacBook is one thing; the rest of the Mac line is another. The 5K iMac is an engineering marvel; Apple managed to work around limitations in DisplayPort technology to get the amazing screen resolution at a fast refresh rate.

The MacBook is one thing; the rest of the Mac line is another.

We won’t see that sort of external display horsepower on the Mac until Intel ships Skylake processors (hopefully) later this year, which is why Apple’s been in no particular rush to replace or upgrade the Thunderbolt Display with a 5K model.

Yet that remarkable iMac is still equipped with a 720p FaceTime camera, the same resolution as my two-year-old laptop. Sure, iMac and MacBook displays are thin, but you can’t tell me Apple can’t put a 1080p sensor on there with a decent lens.

Know your audience

I’m quick to thumb my nose at self-proclaimed “power users” who turn their noses up at the MacBook without recognizing that it isn’t for them. I feel that way partly because Apple makes entire lines of products that cater to professionals: Apple attaches the “Pro” appellation to Macs befitting the name. MacBook Pro. Mac Pro. Even the iMac, for its consumer-friendly name, hits solid pro performance territory, especially in its 27-inch variant.

Apple attaches the “Pro” appellation to Macs befitting the name.

Bottom line: I’d prefer not to have junk up my otherwise fantastic Retina MacBook Pro with extraneous third-party hardware to make up for Apple’s engineering deficiencies. I wish they’d do another iSight, but for Pros. Or just improve the FaceTime HD cameras they currently install.

Judging from a straw poll I took on Twitter yesterday, many of you agree. Some of you are ambivalent, and a few of you don’t want any camera on your Mac at all.

I imagine a lot more of you have opinions on this, so don’t let me get in your way. Should the Mac have a better webcam? Why or why not? Let me know what you think.

Classic adventure game The Last Express has made its way to OS X. This new, Gold Edition of the game features a new hint system, an improved interface, and more.

Originally released on Mac OS in 1997, The Last Express takes place on the Orient Express in 1914, were the player steps into the role of Dr. Robert Cath, a fugitive with a mysterious past. Wanting to escape his troubles, Cath is instead thrust into a web of deceit, treachery, political conspiracy, and murder. Players can expect all of the hallmarks of the original game, including:

• 20+ hours of game play: interact with 30+ characters, move in real-time and converse with them
• Your actions affect other characters’ behavior, making every play-through different
• Rewind feature allows you to back up and choose a different course of action

The new Gold Edition features include a new hint system, as well as a more intuitive interface. The inventory has also been improved. The Last Express also now features achievements, as well as in-game bonus content like character biographies.

The Last Express Gold Edition is available now from Steam at an introductory price of $3.49, a 50% discount from its normal price of $6.99.

• $3.49 (until March 24) – Download Now

A new image taken from the set of the upcoming Steve Jobs biopic shows a mockup of a NeXT Computer poster with actor Michael Fassbender as Jobs.

The photo, taken by Instagram user “seannung” was apparently taken at the San Francisco Opera House earlier this week. It shows that the film, directed by Danny Boyle from a script by Aaron Sorkin, will feature a sequence depicting the launch of Jobs’ PC computing business in 1988.

According to MacRumors:

Back in 1988, the unveiling of the NeXT Computer took place at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, which is located across the street from the Opera House. It is not clear why filming is taking place at the Opera Hall, but scenes will also be filmed at the Symphony Hall, according to reports. Filming in the area will continue until April.

The Steve Jobs biopic, which also stars Seth Rogen as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, will be released by Universal Pictures to theaters on October 9.

Source: seannung (Intstagram), MacRumors

The news that Google is now reviewing apps submitted to Google Play is bound to draw the ire of folks who prefer a wide-open Internet. But the long-term ramifications mean better apps for all.

There have been some pretty clear battle lines drawn within Android Central over the years, even if the two sides aren’t readily apparent publicly. For some time I’ve advocated that Google need some sort of screening process for apps submitted to Google Play. There’s just too much junk, too many ripoffs and too many ways for consumers to get burned by bad apps.

On the other side are those of us who believe that the entire Android ecosystem should be as open as possible, and that includes Google Play. Publish at will.

We’re both right, in our own ways. But today, as Google’s announced it’s pre-screening new submissions as well as updates, the Google Play Store is no longer the Wild West. And that’s in no uncertain terms good for users, and good for developers.

Microsoft’s Halo: Nightfall miniseries is now available for rental or purchase from the Google Play Store.

Originally released in several episodes, Nightfall is being presented as a single movie, running 98 minutes. Nightfall follows the story of ONI agent Jameson Locke as he leads his team as they investigate terrorist activity on a colony world.

Microsoft’s Halo: Nightfall miniseries is now available for rental or purchase from the iTunes Store.

Originally released in several episodes, Nightfall is being presented as a single movie, running 98 minutes. Nightfall follows the story of ONI agent Jameson Locke as he leads his team as they investigate terrorist activity on a colony world. Caught in an ambush, Locke and his team must fight for survival while uncovering the mystery of an ancient artifact.

Nightfall was produced by Ridley Scott, and stars Mike Colter as Agent Locke, who will take a lead role in the upcoming game Halo 5: Guardians. You can purchase Halo: Nightfall in HD for $14.99, or rent it for $4.99 from the iTunes Store now.

• $14.99 – Download Now

The rollout of the Lumia Denim firmware update in India continues. We have received a number of tips that the Lumia 730 is the latest smartphone in that country to get the over-the-air update.

Perpetual gilder Goldgenie will be applying their gold and platinum platings to the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, but getting one will cost you dearly.

Samsung announced back at Mobile World Congress their newest flagship devices, the Galaxy S6 along with its curved sibling the Galaxy S6 edge. Both devices will be available in White Pearl, Black Sapphire and Gold Platinum versions, while the Galaxy S6 will have a Blue Topaz variant and the Galaxy S6 edge will have a Green Emerald. If these colors aren’t quite luxurious enough for you, Goldgenie hopes that their gold- and platinum-plated version will win you over.

Tinkerplay, a new free app from Autodesk, hopes to make 3D printing and designing a little more fun.

3D printing is becoming more and more popular, and our own Russell Holly has been having quite a good time with it, but designing and printing isn’t for everyone. The folks at Autodesk have just released a new app for Android, iOS and even Windows Phone that they hope will make the experience much easier.