“Did you mean” corrections start showing up in Google Search app
We have all seen those “did you mean” corrections Google offers, right? These word suggestions usually come up when a search query was written with a typo or error. They tend to show up mostly in PC and web search results, but I bet you have probably never seen it appear in the Google app for Android. I say probably because a few of you may have by now.
New reports claim the Google app for Android has been suggesting corrections using the dreaded “did you mean” phrase we all know way too well. The Android app is said to apply this feature in a very peculiar way, though. It seems these corrections are showing up in the drop-down menu that appears when one is still typing a search.
This is very odd, considering no other version of Google Search does this. Not the web version, not the other apps, none. All other instances of the “did you know” suggestions occur after the search is done, in the results page.
Is this the future of Google Search? Is it just Google going crazy and testing out some things sooner than they should have? We are not sure, but it would be lovely to see something like this coming to more Google services. Little upgrades like this one may seem insignificant, but they save users time, and one can no longer live without them after they enter your life.
I wasn’t able to recreate this, but we would love to know if any of our readers are beginning to see this “did you mean” section in the Google app. Please let us know in the comments!
The untold story of a failed Nintendo game 6 years in the making
Nintendo has had a number of high-profile flops (Virtual Boy, anyone?). However, one of its biggest failures may have been one you heard almost nothing about — at least, until now. Unseen64 has published a documentary detailing the largely unknown story of Project H.A.M.M.E.R (aka MachineX), a Wii game from Nintendo Software Technology that died after nearly six years of painful development that began in 2003. The hammer-swinging sci-fi brawler was supposed to be mostly finished by the time it was first acknowledged in 2005, but a culture clash between the Japanese management and American staff all but killed progress. The two sides had differing ideas about what would fix the mediocre gameplay. The top brass thought better environments would improve things, for example, while the rank-and-file wanted to overhaul the core gameplay mechanics.
That deadlock was never resolved. Eventually, the management’s requests (which included revamping the game for a “casual” take) led to numerous departures and an attempt to blame the head designer for what was ultimately a problem with the higher-ups. The game was quietly cancelled in 2009, and saw NST fall from its top-tier status to become a smaller, digital-only studio. It’s a bleak story, to put it mildly, but it’ll hopefully teach other game companies about the value of trusting creative leaders.
Via: NeoGAF
Source: Unseen64 (YouTube)
Stretchable nanowire mesh heats your sore muscles
Don’t like having to apply clunky heating pads every time you want to to deal with chronic muscle pain in your arms and legs? Eventually, you might not have to — that therapeutic care could always be there. Korean researchers have developed a stretchable silver nanowire mesh that heats your joints no matter how you bend them. It’s thin enough to fit under your clothes, runs on batteries and maintains a constant temperature, so you could wear the mesh whenever you’re out instead of having to wait for prime opportunities to get relief.
There’s no word on when this chainmail-like design will reach something you can buy, but there’s talk of using it beyond medical purposes. You could use it to heat up a winter jacket, or provide efficient, evenly-distributed warmth in your car seat. If the technology pans out, you could feel better without having to let anyone know that you’re feeling chilly or sore.
Filed under: Wearables, Science
Via: Gizmag
Source: Institute for Basic Science
Android 5.1.1 for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 apparently rolling out in Russia
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Just a few weeks ago, we heard that Android 5.1.1 for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has started being testing. After a brief period of silence, we’ve heard today that the update has allegedly been spotted being pushed in Russia – typically we see updates get pushed in Poland first, but we’ll take what we can get. We’re obviously cautious as to whether this is a legitimate OTA update or just a test build floating around, but given the proximity to the testing that happened recently, we’re giving this news the benefit of the doubt.
We’re unsure as to what Samsung is actually going to include in this update – whether they’ll actually include any Galaxy S6 features – but only time will tell whether any of this eventuates. Sit tight though – as always with update roll-outs, how soon you get your update will depend on your location and carrier, so don’t get too excited just yet.
What do you think about Android 5.1.1 for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 starting its roll-out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: SamMobile
The post Android 5.1.1 for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 apparently rolling out in Russia appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Thomas’s Musical Day for Percy app free this week, courtesy of Google
Google made a promise to give us a free weekly app from the Family section of the Play Store soon after it was introduced. So far they have done great and users have been freely enjoying apps they would normally have to pay for. It may be exclusive to the Family app selection for now, but we are glad Google is at least running these promotions, which is not customary behavior from the Search Giant.
Regardless, it’s another week and the kiddos need to play something that is both entertaining and educational. This week’s free app is Thomas’s Musical Day for Percy. It normally costs $4.99, so this is no cheap giveaway!
The game revolves around Thomas trying to find great sounds to put together a musical show for Percy, who’s whistle broke. It’s more like an interactive story, which is what developer Speakaboos is all about. They mix reading, music and story-telling to help your kids improve the skills they need to advance in their education.
It’s a good app and your kids will likely find it amusing. I know I used to find this cartoon amusing when I was a kid… mostly because it was so surreal. Either way, you can go straight to the download link and install the app on your Android device or you can simply head to the Family section of the Play Store and click on the green banner that reads “Free App of the Week”.
These will continue to change every week, so make sure to sign up for your free apps as soon as possible. And stay tuned to see which application Google will be giving us next. Hopefully one day they can take this offers outside just the Family section. It would be a hit!
Sony Xperia Z5 rumoured for September announcement, rocking SD820, 4GB RAM
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By now, Sony’s offering in the early part of the year, the Sony Xperia Z4 (or Z3+ depending on where you live) has already been forgotten thanks to a minor and disappointing upgrade to its hardware. For those waiting for a Sony device worthy of their attention, you’ll be glad to hear that rumours about the Sony Xperia Z5 are much more enticing. A report has dropped today detailing what the Xperia Z5 is likely to have when it is announced in September this year. The honour roll includes the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, 4GB RAM, and perhaps most interestingly, a 4,500mAh battery – that last detail could see the Xperia Z5 last more than a day and a half on normal usage.
The rumour goes on to say that a Xperia Z5 Compact and Xperia Z5 Ultra will be announced alongside the Xperia Z5, presumably with very similar specifications. This fits right in with our expectations given that a rumour a few months ago said exactly the same thing. For those hoping for a drastic change in design philosophy, you will be disappointed with Sony tipped to be using their OmniBalance design once again. Still, there are a lot of people who like the design, and what’s on the inside is definitely going to impress this time around.
What do you think about the Sony Xperia Z5 rumours? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Technodify via Phone Arena
The post Sony Xperia Z5 rumoured for September announcement, rocking SD820, 4GB RAM appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
3D-printed ‘dough’ helps fix your bones
One day, you might not have to spend ages waiting for broken bones to heal. Researchers have developed a 3D-printed, dough-like biomaterial that could fill large bone fractures while aiding the recovery process. The porous chemical blend can withstand the same abuse as the spongy parts of your longer bones while still letting cells and proteins through — it even could release its own proteins to speed up your treatment.
The paste has yet to reach clinical trials, so don’t count on getting it you break your leg in the near future. However, it’s relatively easy to make (you can produce it at room temperature) and shouldn’t be inordinately expensive to make. Also, this is only the beginning. The scientists are hopeful that their goo will eventually be useful as a scaffold for reconstructing larger and more complex bones. If the technology advances far enough, you may not have to suffer quite so much if you smash your nose.
[Image credit: IOP Publishing]
Filed under: Science
Via: EurekAlert
Source: IOP Science
Android 5.1.1 update comes to T-Mobile LG G Stylo and LG Leon
T-Mobile customers were blessed with a couple good affordable options in June – the LG G Stylo and LG Leon. These have proven to be good affordable gadgets for the casual user, and things are getting even better. T-Mobile has announced both the G Stylo and the Leon are currently getting updated to Android 5.1.1.
The OTA update comes with everything Android 5.1.1 entails. It won’t be such a drastic change compared to Android 5.0, which is the software version both devices launched with. T-Mobile does mention “this mandatory update improves battery life (for WiFi calling) and display.”
These updates bring the LG G Stylo up to version H63110e, while the LG Leon is taken to version H34510e. Both are available to download now as long as you have a WiFi connection, at least 50% battery life and available memory (428.6 MB for the Stylo and 316.2 MB for the Leon).
Otherwise, the procedure is pretty standard. Just head over to the About Phone section in your Settings app and check for an update. By the way, these updates will become available for download over the T-Mobile cellular network starting July 9th and July 10th, just in case you feel like using up all them megabytes!
I personally love how LG tends to keep even its lower-end devices in check when it comes to software updates. Most manufacturers release these budget phones and never really support them afterwards. Go ahead and check if your phone is already getting its sweet Lollipop update! Have you installed it yet? How is it treating you? Let us know in the comments below!
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Podcast 020: Back at it!
Sorry for the lack of episode last week, but we have been hard at work to find the best weekly schedule to bring you the Android Authority Podcast every single week! And yes, we are changing the name one last time but that doesn’t mean #FDP is completely dead – listen for the first 10 minutes to hear the explanation why! (Basically, the
But we aren’t short of great discussion points this week, despite being down a couple people – the Honor brand returns, we explore how our opinions on people might change based on the phone they are using, and then we end with a discussion about a BIG debacle that occurred via Google Photos earlier this week. It’s a great listen – so hit that download/play button!
The Android Authority Podcast – discussing topics in Android every week.
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Recorded on July 3, 2015 – Hosted and Produced by Joshua Vergara
Lego is developing eco-friendly plastic bricks
Lego’s iconic plastic bricks aren’t very kind to the planet since they’re made from oil-based ABS plastic, but the toy maker is planning to mend its ways. It’s paying $150 million to build a sustainable materials center that will develop oil-free plastic, whether it’s made from recycled plastics or an organic material. It’s still early going, but the plan is to completely ditch ABS by 2030. This won’t have as much of an environmental impact as getting gas-powered cars off the roads. However, Lego makes a whopping 60 billino bricks a year, and estimates that it’d cut three quarters of its carbon dioxide emissions with the switch — this would still represent a noticeable improvement.
[Image credit: Steve Ruark/AP Images for LEGO]
Source: Fast Company
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