Action Launcher version 3.4 update brings a ton of new customization options
If you thought Action Launcher 3 was already incredibly feature-rich and customizable, wait until you see the new update to version 3.4. The update, which is now rolling out in the Google Play Store, brings well over a dozen new features and improvements to the app.
Most notably, you can now make the All Apps/widgets list scroll vertically, making it much easier to reach the end of the list quicker. You can also customize the All Apps grid size and icon scale, as well as edit the icons and labels found in the All Apps and Quickdrawer panels. You can now also configure the font throughout the launcher, with the ability to choose from five different Roboto font variants. Take a look at the video below to see the new enhancements in action.
For those interested, we’ve attached the changelog below. We’ve only added in the new features and improvements sections, and if you’d like to see the list of bug fixes, you can head over to developer Chris Lacy’s Google+ page to check it out for yourself.
- NEW: App is now much more generous with customizations that are unlocked for non-Plus users. Quicktheme and customizable shortcuts aside, >70% of all customizations are unlocked.
- NEW: Option for a vertically scrolling All Apps/widgets list.
- NEW: Customize All Apps grid size and icon scale.
- NEW: Edit the icons and labels of apps in the All Apps/Quickdrawer.
- NEW: Option to configure the font. Pick from 5 Roboto variants.
- NEW: Edit the labels of Shutters/app shortcuts.
- NEW: Quickly hide desktop shortcuts from app drawers.
- NEW: Option to hide the status bar.
- NEW: Add shortcut action for toggling the status bar on/off.
- NEW: Option to specify all new folders be created as Covers.
- NEW: Option to select All Apps/Quickdrawer sort mode.
- NEW: Option to disable Quickdrawer letter shortcuts.
- NEW: Option for All Apps/Quickdrawer/widget picker to always/never load to the previous position.
- IMPROVEMENT: When importing from other launchers, preserve an item’s grid position/screen.
- IMPROVEMENT: Remove empty padding beneath icon when icon labels are hidden.
- IMPROVEMENT: Action 3 Settings shortcut can be hidden from app drawers like any other app.
If you’re interested in trying out Action Launcher for yourself, there’s a free trial available in the Play Store with a full version IAP available for $4.99.
Nexus Player Wins the Android 5.1.1 Contest, Factory Image Now Available
Remember the Nexus Player? We won’t fault you if you don’t. To many, Google’s first entry into the digital media player space is an exercise in futility, with similarly-prices competitors sporting stronger specs and better UIs. Like many Nexus devices, the Player hasn’t quite made the splash Google (and Asus) might have intended, but how many Nexus devices go mainstream, anyway? The closest we’ve really come to that is the Nexus 6 and (maybe) the (subjectively superior) Nexus 5.
But now, the Nexus Player is also the first device to receive the Android 5.1.1 update. Yes, what is arguably the least-used of all Nexus devices (we’ve got our eye on you, Nexus 10) is now leading the pack in software updates. The now-passé Android 5.1 has been rolling out to a handful of devices over the past number of weeks, but now that progress has been torn asunder by proof that there is more to be had from Lollipop than mere single-decimal nomenclature.
Specifics surrounding the features of the download are scant at present, which might be further evidence that no one really owns the Nexus Player, but we’re going to go out on a limb and assume 5.1.1 consists of a handful of refinement tweaks to 5.1, but please don’t hold our feet to the fire in the event we are totally wrong and it represents the biggest Android update since Donut.
Incidentally, slower sales often result in more tantalizing offers for consumers, and it appears Amazon is selling the Nexus Player for $78.72 instead of the MSRP of $99. So if you’ve been on the fence about purchasing the underpowered media box, we’re practically in the same territory as the cost of two Chromecasts now.
Factory images are now available and ready for you to install, so get to it.
And seriously, call this an informal poll: Who owns a Nexus Player and are you glad you do? I worry the Player will go down in history as besmirched yet beloved as the Pontiac Aztek. But at least Walter White drove the Aztek.
Source: Google Developers
Come comment on this article: Nexus Player Wins the Android 5.1.1 Contest, Factory Image Now Available
Sony’s Google Cast for Audio-ready devices coming next month
Starting next month, Sony will launch some of the hardware introduced at CES 2015 as being compatible with Google Cast for Audio. The company has six devices that will be released between May and July. There are four sound bars ($349-$1,499) and two A/V receivers ($499-$599) for consumers to choose from. Aside from Google Cast support, these devices have Bluetooth and 7.2 channel audio. Both the online Sony store and authorized dealers in the United States will sell the devices.
Sound bars:
- HT-CT780 – $449 – May 2015
- HT-CT380 – $349 – May 2015
- HT-NT3 – $699 – July 2015
- HT-ST9 – $1,499 – July 2015
A/V receivers:
- STR-DN1060 – $599 – May 2015
- STR-DN860 – $499 – May 2015
Sony Electronics Unveils New Premium Home Audio Products For The Ultimate In-Home Entertainment Experience with 4K Support
SAN DIEGO, April 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics announced today pricing and retail availability for four new Sound Bars – the HT-ST9, HT-NT3, HT-CT780, and HT-CT380, as well as the STR-DN860 and STR-DN1060 A/V Receivers, allowing consumers to elevate the home audio experience with simplicity and powerful performance. Taking the home entertainment experience to the next level, these new home audio products are HDCP 2.2 compliant (except for the HT-CT380), supporting playback of copyright-protected 4K content, including hit blockbuster movies.
The HT-ST9, HT-NT3, and both new A/V Receivers have Google Cast™ built in so you can cast your favorite music apps from your personal device to your speakers. You can cast from your Android phone or tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, and Mac or Windows laptop. By simply pressing the cast icon, you can search, browse, play, skip, and turn up the volume on your favorite tracks directly. Google Cast gives you a wider breadth of audio streaming options vs. standard built-in streaming. Additionally, you can expand the fully integrated home music experience through multi-room functionality by joining speakers together using the intuitive SongPal™ app. Stay tuned for more information on the future of Google Cast and multi-room functionality.
Sound Bars
The HT-ST9 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer, sound-tuned by Academy Award-winning Sony Pictures engineers for world-class cinematic sound, features immersive 800 watts and 7.1 channel surround sound from seven discrete amplifiers and nine speakers. The HT-ST9 is Hi-Res capable and also supports Spotify Connect. Complete with a wireless, front-firing subwoofer with passive radiator, the HT-ST9 delivers an enveloping listening experience that will enhance any home theater environment. The HT-ST9 has three HDMI inputs for easy set-up, and brings full-room cinematic simulated surround sound to life with four digital sound fields – allowing consumers to enjoy movies as if in the theater, listen to music as if at a concert or watch sports as if at the stadium. For easy music connectivity, the HT-ST9 offers Bluetooth® reception and transmission for a simplified, high-quality music experience. With integrated Bluetooth transmission, enjoy music or movies with Bluetooth enabled headphones while not disturbing the rest of the house. With three times the data transmission capability, Sony’s LDAC™ technology provides an enhanced wireless listening experience for all music with compatible products.
The HT-NT3 Hi-Res Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer provides flexible connectivity, smart functionality and 450 watts of premium power for rich, high-fidelity sound. The sleek, slim and versatile HT-NT3 delivers a quality 2.1 channel listening experience that allows for effortless, wireless audio streaming with Bluetooth and NFC connections. The HT-NT3 also incorporates Sony LDAC technology. Boasting single HDMI® TV connection with inputs for three HDMI devices, the HT-NT3 also offers easy connectivity for superb sound in unrivaled hi-resolution.
The HT-CT780 330 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer elevates the home theater experience with elegant simplicity and powerful performance. This sound bar delivers impressive sound with wall-mount versatility. Enjoy superior high-definition quality, including three HDMI inputs with one supporting 4K with HDCP 2.2, and seamlessly connect to 4K or HD devices such as a cable box, Blu-ray® player or gaming console. HDMI TV connectivity with Audio Return Channel support ensures simple, one cable connectivity and maximum Audio/Video performance.
The HT-CT380 300 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer allows users to simply connect a TV and other HD devices or stream content wirelessly via Bluetooth and NFC. Similar to the HT-CT780, the sleek HT-CT380 is inspired by a flat panel design, complementing virtually any TV or household room, and can easily be mounted on the wall or placed on top of a TV stand or table.
A/V Receivers
The STR-DN1060 Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver provides the ultimate sound stage for music, movies and more. Enjoy superior sound while easily streaming music with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth reception and transmission, Google Cast for audio, AirPlay® and Spotify Connect. With 7.2 channels and 165 watts of power per channel, supported by the largest capacitors and transformer in its class, its legendary Sony sound really connects the listener to the sound experience. The STR-DN1060 also features 4K resolution upscaling and pass-through, flexible connectivity with ten high-definition inputs, support for two separate powered zones and hi-res audio compatibility.
The STR-DN860 7.2 channel Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver is a powerhouse that envelopes listeners in a new level of sound performance. The STR-DN860 offers 7.2 channels and 150 watts of power, as well as the ability to stream music via built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth reception and transmission, Google Cast for Audio and AirPlay. Quickly and easily maximize the home theater experience via the newly improved Advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration feature and supplied microphone. Using the intuitive, graphical user interface, refined remote control or SongPal App, users can easily adjust settings, change inputs, and confirm volume levels on-screen.
Model Price Availability HT-ST9 $1,499.99 July 2015 HT-NT3 $699.99 July 2015 HT-CT780 $449.99 May 2015 HT-CT380 $349.99 May 2015 STR-DN1060 $599.99 May 2015 STR-DN860 $499.99 May 2015
Come comment on this article: Sony’s Google Cast for Audio-ready devices coming next month
Google brings multiple teacher function to Classroom
Google built Classroom to make education more efficient with technology and computers. They’ve slowly been adding new and useful features every once in awhile, and today the platform is getting a few new tricks.
The biggest update is the option to have multiple teachers for courses. Not all classes have just one teacher, and in many instances there will be a teacher’s assistant or something similar in a classroom. This update will allow administrators to have more than one instructor per class, each with teacher-level access.
The platform is also getting a handful of other new features, including the option to save assignments as drafts before sending them, grades that autosave as they’re entered, and better notification support for private assignments.
source: Google for Education
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Action Launcher 3 updated with custom apps grid, editable labels, and more
Developers do listen to their users, especially the independent developers. Chris Lacy, the man behind Action Launcher 3, has pushed an update to the very popular Android launcher that has plenty of features requested by users. Among the new features are sizing the apps grid and editing labels for apps. The apps grid also resumes where the user left it when reopening. Lacy posted a video with the update’s announcement proving that there are sixteen noticeable changes; however, that number exceeds twenty when considering everything that the developer has done with v3.4.
Users that have not purchased Action Launcher 3 will also get more out of free version of Lacy has moved some features over to enhance the experience.
Hit the break for a video showcasing the features and download links.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Chris Lacy (Google+)
Come comment on this article: Action Launcher 3 updated with custom apps grid, editable labels, and more
Researcher says Apple hasn’t fixed major OS X security flaw
Earlier this month, Apple released an update that was supposed to patch a serious flaw in OS X, albeit only for Yosemite users. But, according to a recent report by an independent researcher, the company from Cupertino failed to fix the problem. Objective-See, a website that provides tools to prevent OS X malware, reports that the backdoor security flaw, known as “RootPipe,” can still be exploited. The root access vulnerability is a major one too, as it could give anyone with bad intentions a way to take over a user’s machine and, if they want, inject malware into the operating system. We’ve reached out to Apple for comment and will be updating this story if and when it gets back to us.
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Software, Apple
Via: ZDNet
Source: Objective-See
‘Rock Band 4’ will be co-published by hardware company Mad Catz
Rock Band creator Harmonix is bringing a roadie along for this year’s release of Rock Band 4 – Mad Catz, the peripheral manufacturer, will co-publish the game on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Mad Catz is in charge of making all of the wireless instruments in Rock Band 4, but as a co-publisher the company will also lead global sales, promotions and distribution, Global PR Director Alex Verrey says. Harmonix and Mad Catz intend to release Rock Band 4 simultaneously in the US and European territories, Harmonix PR Lead Nick Chester tweeted to a curious fan today.
Harmonix and Mad Catz still hope to make the instruments from previous Rock Band games compatible with Rock Band 4. “We are working on that; we will confirm when we can!” Chester writes. In March, when Harmonix announced the new Rock Band, CEO Alex Rigopulos said he was “working very closely with Sony and Microsoft” to make backwards compatibility a reality. Using old guitars and drums could save fans some money (if they can dig those instruments out from the back of their closets), and Rigopulos added that Harmonix probably won’t even launch a new, full-priced game every year.
“In addition to DLC expansions, we’re thinking of Rock Band 4 more as an ongoing platform model where it can incrementally accrete new functionality over time instead of doing big $60 title releases.”
Wii U ‘Splatoon’ bundle lands at Best Buy on May 29th
Nintendo must be really, really confident that you’ll want Splatoon. It’s launching a Best Buy-exclusive Wii U bundle that includes the ink-drenched, kid-friendly shooter, Nintendoland and a 32GB Deluxe console for $300. That’s a good deal, but a bit of a gamble for a brand new game series — normally, Nintendo thrives on bundling familiar titles that lure you in based on the name alone. If you’re new to the Wii U and don’t mind trying something genuinely new, though, you can snag this bundle on May 29th.
Source: Nintendo (BusinessWire), Best Buy
The Palette brings multiple colors to your 3D printer
3D printers are great for homemade toys. But most affordable desktop machines can only print monochrome models. Mosaic Manufacturing, a Montreal-based startup, has created The Palette, a filament feeding system that turns a single extruder 3D printer into a multicolor printing machine. It acts like a bridge between your current printer and ever-evolving filament options. You can feed it up to four colors or play around with wood, steel or conductive varieties. It works in tandem with your machine, so it calculates and cuts the filaments needed for each element in a design before fusing them into one continuous string for your printer.
To print in multiple hues, you would need to buy an exorbitant color printer (3D Systems’ latest Cube Pro C costs $4,990) or you’d hack your single color 3D printer to add calibrated nozzles for more options. But the add-ons are clunky and they usually slow down the printing. The Palette does away with the paraphernalia that comes with a multi-nozzle printer. It works with almost any printer that uses a 1.75mm filament, a common diameter for most machines, so it doesn’t need any additional hardware or modifications.
The creators, Mitch Debora, Chris Labelle and Derek Vogt went with open source firmware and software so The Palette fits into the collaborative ecosystem that’s driving the 3D printing community. And like most of their 3D printing peers, they also followed the crowdfunding route. You can back their prototype on Kickstarter for $899, which is pricey for an extension device. But, if you already own a 3D printer, it’s a whole lot cheaper than upgrading to a swanky color machine.
Angela Ahrendts Updates Retail Employees on Apple Watch and MacBook Launch Situation
Angela Ahrendts today sent out a video to Apple retail employees, once again reiterating Apple’s Apple Watch policies and explaining why the company has decided not to accept walk-in orders.
In the video, shared by French site Mac4Ever [Google Translate], Ahrendts again told employees that the Apple Watch is only available online due to global demand exceeding supply. She also emphasized Apple’s efforts to give customers the best possible ordering experience by restricting in-store orders and said there are no plans to change the current Apple Watch ordering process.
https://dailymotion.com/video/x2ngpic
It was not an easy decision, and I think it’s really important to remind every single customer that this is not just a new product for us, this is an entirely new category. And the first time we’ve ever previewed a product two weeks before availability.
The great news is from anyone who did pre-order, they’ll start getting their orders this Friday.
Ahrendts told employees that she’ll be providing updates on supply on a week by week basis, and she asked retail employees to prepare to help customers who will be receiving a pre-ordered Apple Watch in the near future. Ahrendts also once again confirmed that the Apple Watch launch is a unique situation and not reflective of Apple’s launch plans going forward. “We love our launches we do in stores,” she said. “Have absolutely no fear, this is a unique situation.”
The video also covered the MacBook, which has been highly limited even in first wave launch countries. Ahrendts said the response to the MacBook has been “overwhelming” and that it was one of Apple’s best MacBook launches yet. Demand for the Space Gray and Gold MacBooks was described as “off the charts.”
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