Google parks its map-making tool inside Drive for easy access
To make things easily accessible, Google is nesting its My Maps feature in Drive. This means that in addition to creating custom maps for whatever need may arise, you can also nestle them alongside documents or forms created with the productivity suite’s other apps. Drive’s cloud storage abilities also make it simple to store and share those custom maps in a place that you’ll know exactly where to find them. Even if you can’t remember, Drive’s search box can lend a hand. My Maps has been around for a bit, but it hasn’t nearly as easy to find. Now, it’s accessible from the red New button in Drive, situated in the extend menu under the core apps. As Google notes, it’s incredibly useful for building a guide for multiple colleagues attending the same conference or keeping a few different hiking trails organized. And perhaps best of all, it’ll pull data from a Sheet, Document or Form to save you from all of that extra typing.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Google
Feds hunt for suspects in California internet backbone attack
A string of attacks in California on one of the core portions of the internet has the FBI searching for suspects. The latest disruption occurred yesterday morning when three fiber-optic cables were cut in Alameda county in the Bay Area. The interruption affected internet access for individuals and businesses throughout Northern California and was fixed early Wednesday morning. This is the 11th time in the past year that an individual or group of individuals have vandalized fiber optic cables in the Bay Area. The first such attack occurred on July 6, 2014 in Berkeley. FBI special agent Greg Wuthrich told Engadget, “The FBI is coordinating with local law enforcement partners as these cuts are happening in multiple cities and jurisdictions.”
The severed cables belonged to backbone-internet companies Level 3 and Zayo. In order to access these cables, the vandals had to remove manholes and enter underground vaults. While the cut lines were fixed within a day, it does highlight how easy it is to disrupt the internet within the physical wold. In a statement, the FBI asked for the public to contact it if anyone saw anything suspicious at one of the sites and added that, “the individuals may appear to be normal telecommunications maintenance workers or possess tools consistent with that job role.”
So instead of the internet being brought down by a virus or super hackers, it turns out that someone with a set of bolt cutters could severely disrupt how we get our news and do business.
[Photo credit: Getty Images]
Via: USA Today
Grovemade Laptop Stand review
G
rovemade describes their products as “beautiful products from quality materials.” If their wooden laptop stands are an accurate representation of this ethos, then it’s safe to say the Portland, Oregon company backs up their words in spades. We received the maple model (walnut is also available) and were immediately impressed by the stand’s look and design.
The first thing one notices is the angled platform, a creative and ergonomic twist that, after a week or so of use, becomes appreciated when using the stand while seated, standing, or laying in bed. The angle makes it easier on your wrists to type and see what you’re typing (try this: tilt your flat keyboard right now up a few degrees towards you) and the upward angle of the monitor itself makes so much sense that your dear reviewer is keeping this stand for personal use.
Here’s some more technical info so I can get to the design part: This stand is super-lightweight. I couldn’t find its weight on the website specs but it weighs less than some textbooks. There’s an aluminum stopper at the bottom of the stand to hold your laptop in place. There’s enough space under the stand to store an external hard drive, chargers, or anything else you might need to keep handy but out of the way.
Beyond function, this stand is just stylish. The maple perfectly matched my desk which increased my office area’s cool points by 100. No words could match just taking a look at the lovely photos of this unit.
Some readers might’ve seen similar stands before or even this specific model, but this was new to me, and even when I first took it out of the box I didn’t appreciate it all the way. “What am I gonna write about a laptop stand?” I said. But now after sitting with the stand for a while, I can truly appreciate what Grovemade has done here. Style meets function.
Their website lists the stand for $119, and at that price I give it a strong recommendation as an investment in your work-space and workflow.
– Chris S.
The post Grovemade Laptop Stand review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Clash of Clans get big update with Dark Spell Factory
One of the highest grossing apps of all time just got a major update today; Clash of Clans received an update dubbed Dark Spell Factory, which brings a ton of functionality.
The strategic app still has one of the highest and most loyal fan base, generating millions in in-app purchases daily. The update will no doubt keep users engaged for longer and generate yet more income for the company. In fact, according to last estimates, Clash of Clans had 4,136,284 active daily users, and is being installed more than 220,000 times a day.
For those not aware of Clash of Clans – it is a strategic peer-to-peer battle game where you build a base with defences to protect your mined resources, as well as troops to attack other bases to steal resources for yourself. It is supported by in-app purchases to speed up production of buildings and materials and was one of the first apps to use the freemium model.
You can grab the latest update to Clash of Clans using the link below, as well as see the full rundown of what the new update brings.
Clash of Clans update
The Rise of Master Spellcasters and Legends
* The Dark Spell Factory is here with three new spells!
* Dragon level 5 sets its golden gaze on Town Hall 10
* A second Air Sweeper will help clear the skies, starting at Town Hall 9
* New Leagues are here, including the Legend League Tournament and Legend Trophies!
The Dark Spell Factory
* Harness Dark Elixir to make spells with advanced tactics, starting at Town Hall 8
* Poison Spell: Make a toxic cloud that slows and drains the health of defending troops
* Earthquake Spell: Rattles away the hitpoints from buildings and Walls
* Haste Spell: The fastest speed boost ever, at half the storage space of a Rage Spell
* These Dark Spells take half the space of regular spells. Mix, match and experiment!
New Leagues and the Legend League Tournament
* Introducing Titan League and the ultra-prestigious Legend League at 5000 Trophies!
* Legend League Tournaments are a new challenge for top players, ending once a month
* Tournament Legends get their final standings featured in the Top Players tab and profile
* Each tournament resets Legends to 5000 Trophies and converts extras into permanent Legend Trophies!
Game Balancing
* Training times in the Spell Factory have been reduced
* Extra Spells can now be queued in Spell Factories, even if your Spell Storage is full
* All resource storages are now immune to all direct spell damage
* Clan Tournaments are one month long and award more gems to more players per Clan
* Barbarian, Archer, Dragon and P.E.K.K.A training cost adjusted for some levels
* Several building hitpoint values have been increased
* Inferno Tower’s Single firing mode now charges to full power slightly faster
* Dragon level 4 has been moved to Town Hall 9
* Archer towers arrows travel faster so they “miss” less of their shots at range
A.I. Improvements
* Troops and Heroes are less likely to target walls unnecessarily (even the Archer Queen)
* Troops and Heroes will not continue bashing through walls to get to a destroyed target
* Wall Breakers now avoid retargeting towards unnecessary walls when deployed in groups
* Fixed rare cases where defending Heroes or defenses might get stuck and not attack
Interface Improvements
* Train your army with a new Training button just above Attack – no more Barracks-hunting
* Army Overview lets you view, request troops and edit your army, including spells!
* Quick-tabs have been added to training views to make cycling between buildings easier
* Troop selection when attacking has been cleaned up with new visuals and sounds
* You can now filter offensive Clan Chat by enabling the Clan Chat Filter in the Settings
* Arabic and Traditional Chinese languages are now supported!
The post Clash of Clans get big update with Dark Spell Factory appeared first on AndroidGuys.
What is Android Auto, and how does it work?
In-dash car stereos with a touchscreen and software is nothing new, but before Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, they all pretty much stank. Laggy. Slow. Never upgraded. Awful graphics. You get what I mean. Google took on a mission with Android Auto by trying to eliminate those problems, and also provide a solution to the texting while driving problem that plagues our roads. I have the Pioneer AVIC-7100NEX installed on a 1997 Ford Explorer (yes, an old car, I know) with Android Auto on it, and have had the last couple of months to use it and get a better idea of exactly how Android Auto works.
What is Android Auto anyways?
Android Auto is software created by Google to run your car’s in-dash system (to clarify, I’m talking strictly about stereo/radio related controls, not your car’s system diagnostics computer or A/C control). That means it can run navigation and control music for you. However, in Google fashion, they’ve taken it to the next level. They have also integrated some things from Google Now to suggest actions for you to take, and help control notifications from your phone so that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. All of this, and you can control it with your voice.
“Android Auto strives to keep things as simplified as possible, so that the driver can’t be distracted.“
Setup
The first time you setup Android Auto, it takes a little bit of time. I highly 
suggest setting time aside to familiarize yourself with Android Auto before driving with it. It is not too complicated, but it will be much easier, along with safer, to initially setup and use Android Auto before setting out on the road.
Anyways, when you first plug your phone into your car with Android Auto, your phone has to download the Android Auto app. There isn’t a whole lot you can do with it once it is downloaded, its simply a gateway of information between your phone and Android Auto. Once its downloaded, your phone basically becomes useless. All you see is a black screen with the “Android Auto” logo on it. Your phone will charge while its plugged in though. Any apps on your phone that are Android Auto compatible will now be available to you.
Anyways, once Android Auto is loaded you’re presented with a Google Now-esque screen with suggestions for places to navigate to, along with weather and any other important info that is related to driving. So you won’t be seeing that reminder that American Idol is on tonight that would usually show on your phone’s Google Now.
Usage
From there, you can choose (via touch) any of the suggestions for navigation, or you can direct your attention to the five buttons along the bottom of the screen. From left to right: Google Maps, Phone, Home, Music, and Other.
Google Maps, Phone, and Home won’t have anything different than those specific apps. Music and Other are another story. Any music apps compatible with Android Auto will show under the music tab, and you can select whichever you’d like. In the Other section I haven’t really seen anything aside from an option to exit Android Auto, but my understanding is any other Android Auto approved apps that aren’t related to music will show up here.
Overall, setup is painless and easy. Learning how to navigate the system is fairly easy to do.
From any screen, you can tap on the microphone in the top-right corner to prompt voice commands. Don’t worry about locating the mic: in the 1997 Ford Explorer my unit is in, they installed a mic that sits near the base of the steering wheel. Voice commands can do pretty much anything on your phone, except nothing is displayed from the results, only read out loud so that the driver is not distracted. The only time voice commands affect the display is if you prompt a new navigation or music selection, in which case it takes you to the appropriate app.
For example, you could ask “Play Foo Fighters radio on Pandora”, and Pandora will open up and start playing that radio.
FAQs
What do I need to use it?
In order to use Android Auto, you either need a car with it built into the dash, or an after-market stereo (such as the Pioneer NEX-7100 that I used). You will also need an Android phone with Lollipop (Version 5.0). That means Android Auto will not work with iOS (that is what Apple CarPlay is for).
Does it work like your Android phone?
Not exactly. Android Auto is meant to not be constantly interactive. Its meant to setup and leave alone. Furthermore, the interface is much different.
Does it require a data plan?
Android Auto gets its internet connection straight from your Android phone. So as long as your phone has a data plan, you’re good to go.
Can it store music?
Not exactly. Android Auto pulls music from your phone, and doesn’t really store anything. That being said, if you have music on your phone (meaning you don’t want to use a streaming service) that is possible to utilize.
Do I need to have my phone plugged in?
Yes, Android Auto does not work otherwise. This is so that Android Auto can pull any information from my phone at any time, and its also so that you can’t use your phone while driving, for your own safety.
Keep in mind, Android Auto is simply a part of the after-market stereo (at least with the unit I use specifically). Meaning, if you forget your phone or are in a rush, things like AM/FM radio and other functions are still accessible through the unit. Android Auto only launches when your phone is plugged in.
How does it update?
I have not personally seen Android Auto update yet, but I’d assume it would do so through the app on your phone.
What apps are compatible?
You can check out a list of compatible apps here.
Where can I get it?
According to the Android Auto site, it’s available in “Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States”.
You can purchase Android Auto today with an aftermarket stereo from either Pioneer or Kenwood.
Pioneer has three models: AVH-4100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX, and AVIC-8100NEX.
According to the Android Auto site, it will be available with a bunch of car manufacturers “soon”. View which here.
How much does it cost?
It depends on how you get it. If it comes with your car, that will be included in the cost. Kenwood has two models between $699-$749. Pioneer’s models range from $700-$1,400.
This is only the price of the unit itself, and does not include anything else you might need, such as special cords, mounts, microphones, etc. It also doesn’t include the installation fee if you don’t install it yourself.
The post What is Android Auto, and how does it work? appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Android Lollipop 5.1 rolling out to Motorola Droid Turbo
If you are an owner of Motorola Droid Turbo, then there is a good news for you. After months of rumors and delays , the Verizon exclusive Motorola Droid Turbo is finally getting the long overdue Android Lollipop 5.1 OTA update.
Motorola and Verizon announced in March that they would skip Android 5.0 update, and would go directly to Android 5.1. Most of us assumed that the update would arrive soon after the announcement, but we were quite wrong. It was a great choice to skip 5.0 as that update proved to be littered with issues like battery drain and memory leaks.
The Android Lollipop 5.1 update is rolling out for the Droid Turbo starting today. The new update will bring Google’s Material Design, Lock Screen notifications, a new Recent Apps menu, new battery features, smart lock and other performance improvements. However as reported by users, Motorola did eliminate basic features from Lollipop – Guest Mode and Multi-User support.
The update, which Verizon says will bring the device’s software version to 23.11.38, will roll out to devices in stages. There are a lot more new features and improvements included in Android 5.1 Lollipop for the DROID Turbo. You can find the change log and how to install OTA update instructions in the source link down below.
Source : Motorola
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Verizon finally approves Android 5.1.1 (LMY47Z) update for the Nexus 6
Even though Nexus devices are among the first to receive the newest versions of Android, unfortunately the same can’t usually be said for the smartphones on Verizon’s network. However, if you’re the owner of a Nexus 6 on Verizon, you’ll be happy to hear that Big Red has finally approved the update to Android 5.1.1 with build number LMY47Z for Google’s phablet.
Although it’s been quite some time since Android 5.1.1 has been out, at least this update isn’t a crucial one. This is the same build that has already rolled out to the Sprint, AT&T and U.S. Cellular variants of the device. It mainly brings bug fixes and performance improvements, and not much more than that.
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If the update hasn’t made its way to your device yet, it should within the next few days. To check for a new update, head to Settings>About phone>System updates>Check for update. Once it comes to your device, be sure to let us know in the comment section!
Moto 360 gets a price drop to just $150 from Motorola and Google
Motorola and various other retailers have constantly been discounting the Moto 360 to the low price of $150, likely because the second generation model isn’t too far off. In case you’re still interested in picking one up for a discounted price, you’ll be happy to hear that both Motorola and Google have dropped the price of the watch to just $149.99. We’re not exactly sure if this is the watch’s permanent price point from here on out, but if we had to guess, we’d say that it is.
If you choose to go through the Google Store, you can buy the Moto 360 in either Black or Stone Gray color options. If you choose to go through Motorola, however, you’ll be able to customize your watch with different colored bands and cases. Note that the metal bands are slightly more expensive, so keep that in mind before you place your order.
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So is the Moto 360 still worth it? Considering that the 2nd generation watch likely isn’t too far off, you might regret this purchase if the new model launches soon. No, it’s not the most powerful smartwatch on the market, but $150 isn’t much to spend on a device that may end up adding a ton of convenience to your everyday life.
Remember, the Moto 360 originally launched for $250 and stayed at that price point for some time. So if you’re in the market for an Android Wear device and would like to save a bit of money, the Moto 360 may be a decent option for you. If you’re interested, be sure to head to the links below for more information.
Android emulator BlueStacks now available for Mac
If you are a Mac owner who feels left out when your friends and people on the internet go gaga over all those wonderful Android games and apps, we have a great news for you. Android emulator BlueStacks is now available for Mac.
Until today, the Android app player was only available to Windows users who could play android games and app on their computers after downloading the software for free. Back in 2012, Bluestacks had briefly released an alpha version of the app for Mac users.
Now, the company that boasts of 90 million downloads to its kitty, says that the official Mac version would be as smooth an experience for its users as it is for those using Windows.
“We worked hard to take advantage of everything Mac has to offer. From pinch to zoom on the trackpad to its retina display we optimized for everything,” said BlueStacks Principal Software Architect David Reese.
The app player supports MacBooks with Retina displays and trackpads. Basically, any Mac device with Intel-based or ARM-based processors will be able to support the BlueStacks player.
Source: BlueStacks
Come comment on this article: Android emulator BlueStacks now available for Mac
‘Customer feedback’ forces Sprint to change streaming video policy for All-in plans
Citing “customer feedback”, Sprint will no longer limit streaming video speeds for its All-in rate plans. The new options, which were only announced one day ago, feature unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data. The problem, however, was that the fine print told a different story. It didn’t take long for the news to spread that Sprint had hidden away a very important detail.
As it turned out, Sprint was going to limit streaming video to a mere 600kbps. Indeed, that’s hardly “high speed” by today’s standard. And, when you think about it, much of what the average user relies on higher 4G speeds is for video. Facebook, messaging, and other stuff doesn’t require all that much of the connection.
““At Sprint, we strive to provide customers a great experience when using our network. We heard you loud and clear, and we are removing the 600 kbps limitation on streaming video.“
While we have to admit Sprint was quick to act here this should not have been an issue to begin with. Further, we have to wonder what the carrier may do in the future as it pertains to the plan. The Sprint added a vague blurb about its network speeds.
“During certain times, like other wireless carriers, we might have to manage the network in order to reduce congestion and provide a better customer experience for the majority of our customers.“
Is this just leaving the door open to throttling services or apps?
The post ‘Customer feedback’ forces Sprint to change streaming video policy for All-in plans appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 