Google increases the file size limit of an APK on the Play Store
Storage space on our devices is extremely important. When you’ve got something like a 8GB or 16GB device, every app that you install, counts. But when you get into the larger storage devices, or have a device with support for a MicroSD card, you stop worrying as much.
Today, Google has announced a little bit of a change for the minimum size of APK’s that can be found within the Play Store. Moving up from 50MB, the maximum size of an APK is now 100MB.
This may alleviate some of those apps (usually games), that force you to install more information after you’ve downloaded the application from the Play Store. I’m looking at you Leo’s Fortune. If you are developing an application, and run into the minimum file size for APKs, you’ll be switched to making use of those Expansion Files.
Google does warn against developing apps that reach the 100MB limit due to a few different factors:
- Mobile data connectivity: Users around the world have varying mobile data connectivity speeds. Particularly in developing countries, many people are coming online with connections slower than those of users in countries like the U.S. and Japan. Users on a slow connection are less likely to install an app or game that is going to take a long time to download.
- Mobile data caps: Many mobile networks around the world give users a limited number of MB that they can download each month without incurring additional charges. Users are often wary of downloading large files for fear of exceeding their limits.
- App performance: Mobile devices have limited RAM and storage space. The larger your app or game, the slower it may run, particularly on older devices.
- Install time: People want to start using your app or game as quickly as possible after tapping the install button. Longer wait times increase the risk they’ll give up.
This is just a minor update since most of the world has access to Wi-Fi at some point in time. But it’s still worth taking note of if you are on one of those devices with lower storage.
Source: Android Developers Blog
The post Google increases the file size limit of an APK on the Play Store appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google Play’s APK file size limit has been raised
Developers uploading applications to Google Play were left with an APK file size limit of 50MB prior to today. Now though, developers can publish APKs that are up to 100MB in size. For anything higher than 100MB or requiring expansion files, Google will continue issuing a warning to users to let them know that their downloads are of larger size.
The company notes that users still have auto-updates over WiFi as a default setting on their devices.
Google also reminds developers that there are multiple factors to consider when sizing apps:
- Mobile data connectivity: Users around the world have varying mobile data connectivity speeds. Particularly in developing countries, many people are coming online with connections slower than those of users in countries like the U.S. and Japan. Users on a slow connection are less likely to install an app or game that is going to take a long time to download.
- Mobile data caps: Many mobile networks around the world give users a limited number of MB that they can download each month without incurring additional charges. Users are often wary of downloading large files for fear of exceeding their limits.
- App performance: Mobile devices have limited RAM and storage space. The larger your app or game, the slower it may run, particularly on older devices.
- Install time: People want to start using your app or game as quickly as possible after tapping the install button. Longer wait times increase the risk they’ll give up.
Raising the APK file size limit will allow developers to produce apps and games with smoother experiences and more features.
Source: Android Developers Blog
Come comment on this article: Google Play’s APK file size limit has been raised
Google Nexus 6P to join Nexus 5X for pre-orders on September 29th
Fans of Google Nexus devices will want to be ready to refresh their browsers tomorrow as new information indicates that not only will the Nexus 5X be available for pre-order once it is officially announced, but the Nexus 6P will be joining the party. Customers in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada and Japan will be able to start the process of getting an order in for the larger of the two Nexus devices slated to be announced on September 29th. Sources indicate the starting price for the Nexus 6P will be $499.99 for the 32GB version.
If you are one of those fans hoping to place a pre-order tomorrow, you will have a choice of Aluminum, Graphite or Frost for colors, unless you are in Japan where they will also get a Gold option. Consumers may have noticed that it appears Google has swapped Korea, which gets the Nexus 5X, with Canada which will get the Nexus 6P as an option. No matter where buyers are located though, it is expected the devices will only be available through Google and not through carriers.
Pricing for the versions of the Nexus 6P with 64GB and 128GB of memory has not been announced. There is also no information available yet as to when the devices will actually ship.
How many of you will have your browser ready and poised to place an order tomorrow for either of the Nexus smartphones?
source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Google Nexus 6P to join Nexus 5X for pre-orders on September 29th
Google to launch a family plan for Play Music tomorrow
Tomorrow will be quite the day for Google as it will be announcing the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, a new Chromecast, and possibly additional hardware. Software, too, will receive attention as Android 6.0 Marshmallow will be showcased and a new version of the Chromecast app will debut. And now it looks like Play Music is going to be joining the party at Google’s event as Android Police reports that a family plan for the music streaming service is on the way as well.
The upcoming family plan for Play Music’s paid subscription features will allow up to six family members to stream from Google’s library for $14.99 per month. Each family member can continue using their own Google account in the process. Right now, it is unknown what the exact restrictions are on the amount of devices being used on one family plan. As we all know, Google has angered many of its customers by limiting the amount of authorizations/deauthorizations on a single account.
This would be identical to Apple’s approach with Apple Music and an advantage over Spotify. Apple currently chargers $14.99 per month while Spotify commands that same monthly fee for two users. Spotify then raises that to $19.99 for three users, $24.99 for four users, and $29.99 for five members. When Apple Music was announced in June, it was believed that Spotify would be changing its pricing; however, that has yet to happen. At least Google seems to realize that family plans for music streaming services needs to be affordable to be accessible.
Source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Google to launch a family plan for Play Music tomorrow
Google offers its Cardboard-powered VR field trips to schools for free
Google detailed its Expeditions project back at I/O, and now the company is looking to get schools more involved. To do just that, Mountain View will offer schools the VR field trip kits for free. The New York Times reports that Google is handing out the Expeditions package at no cost to help push the effort ahead. Each kit contains Cardboard VR headsets and ASUS phones for the students alongside an app for teachers that controls the virtual trips. And as you might expect, they’re able to pause the action to ask questions as needed. Google isn’t ruling out charging for the gear at some point, though, if it’s able to make the price affordable enough for educators.
Source: New York Times
With the EOS M3, Canon finally has a worthy mirrorless camera
Canon’s entry into the mirrorless space started with the EOS M in 2012. Unfortunately, the company’s first interchangeable lens camera failed to impress, due to its sluggish performance, a tedious user interface and subpar battery life. A year later, the improved (and mostly faster) M2 was introduced, but Canon only ended up selling it in China, the UK and its home country of Japan. Fast forward to today and the EOS M3 is set to ship in the US next month, despite being announced in February and having been available overseas for almost as long. But now it’s here. And, unlike the original EOS M, this one was actually worth the wait. Canon, it seems, has finally figured out the right formula to building a satisfying mirrorless shooter.Slideshow-323037
Inside, the EOS M3 packs a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Digic 6 processor and Hybrid AF III focusing system. What’s interesting about these specs is that Canon borrowed them from its latest entry-level DSLRs, the T6s and T6i, which bodes well for the M3. The camera also comes with the same focus peaking system and dynamic image stabilization, all inside a much smaller body than both of those other models. As has become standard on most cameras, Canon’s new mirrorless features NFC and WiFi, letting you easily transfer pictures to an iOS or Android device. You can also use the company’s Connect app to shoot remotely. What you won’t find here, however, is 4K video; the EOS M3 can only record up to 1080p movies at 24, 25 and 30 fps, with a maximum ISO range of 12,800 (6,400 for stills). If you want to take high-speed snaps, on the other hand, there’s a modest 4.2 frames-per-second mode.
Thankfully, the M3’s performance matches its strong spec sheet. The main gripe people had with previous EOS mirrorless cameras from Canon was speed, and I’m happy to report that’s not an issue in the third-generation model. It’s as fast as you’d expect a mid-range compact shooter to be in 2015, even compared to standouts like the Panasonic Lumix G7, Samsung NX500 or Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. And when I say fast, I’m not only talking about focusing on and capturing subjects, but also browsing through the menus and finding settings you’re looking for (e.g., ISO, white balance or choosing a file format for pictures or videos).
During my time with the EOS M3, I used an 18-55 IS STM lens (EF-M mount), given that’s the kit Canon will be pushing in stores. But, and here’s one way in which the M3 outshines some of its rivals, there are adapters to make it compatible with Canon’s full line of lenses, including the EF and EF-S. Regardless of the glass, the M3 managed to capture beautiful shots for the most part, even in low-light situations. One of my favorite things about it is how quick it is, so much so that I often felt comfortable just picking it up, aiming at a subject and hitting the shutter without a second thought. One of things I was trying to do there was see what the M3 could do in full-auto mode, since this is a relatively affordable camera and will likely end up in the hands of a few beginners — people who just want something better than a point-and-shoot.
The efficient autofocus represents a marked improvement over the EOS M: It’s fast and accurate in nearly every shooting situation, save for a hiccup here and there in poorly lit conditions and video-recording mode, but those are the exceptions, not the rule. Overall, Canon has made the necessary improvements to its EOS M mirrorless camera, both inside and out. The addition of an articulating, selfie-friendly screen and a built-in flash, for example, will be appreciated by newcomers and power users alike — though I do wish it had a pop-up electronic viewfinder, similar to the one on Sony’s RX100 IV. At $680 for the body only (or $800 with an 18-55mm lens), Canon’s EOS M3 is worth the money — and that’s something I couldn’t have said about either of its predecessors.Slideshow-323040
To view sample images shot with the Canon EOS M3, click here.
Silent Circle’s Blackphone 2 now available in North America for $799
If privacy and security is what you need in a smartphone and you don’t mind spending more than a few hundred dollars for it, Silent Circle’s new Blackphone 2 may be in the running for your next handset. The security-focused Blackphone 2 is being aimed at folks who want more granular control over what type of information can be shared with others.
We’ve already gotten a brief look at the specs thanks to a previous announcement from the company, but let’s go through them again. The Blackphone 2 features a 5.5-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 1.7GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of on-board storage and microSD expansion up to 128GB. It also comes with a 13MP rear-facing camera, a 5MP front camera, a 3060mAh battery and Quick Charge 2.0 capabilities. As far as software is concerned, the device runs Silent Circle’s Android-based Silent OS. Be sure to check out the announcement video below for a brief look at some of the Blackphone 2’s software features.
See also: Silent Circle’s Blackphone 2 is joining Google’s Android for Work program
The Blackphone 2 is now on sale in North America for $799 from Silent Circle’s website. No information has been given regarding availability for the rest of the world, but we’ll be sure to update you as we learn more.
Deal: 3-month subscription to Loot Crate for only $49 (15% off)
Whether you’re a gamer, comics aficionado or all-round geek extraordinaire, you may want to pay attention to this new promotion that’s now available in the AA Deals Store. Right now, you can save 15% on a three-month subscription to Loot Crate and receive awesome handpicked collectibles, gear, toys, apparel, art and more delivered to your doorstep in a mystery package.
When you sign up for 3 months, you’ll receive exclusive swag in a monthly package that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Each package will be centered around a theme, and will come with an average of 6-8 items per crate.
A three-month subscription is normally offered for $58. But thanks to the Android Authority Deals Store, it can be yours for just $49. Sounds awesome, right? If you’re interested in this deal, be sure to head to the link below to get signed up.
Black and White wallpapers to keep your display simple
Sometimes wallpapers can be too colorful. The colors can drown out the colors of the apps on your screens. Today we have curated a selection of black and white photograph wallpapers for your displays. Please enjoy.
If you see a wallpaper that belongs to you and you would like to receive credit, I would love to give it to you! Just drop a comment in the section provided below with some proof (You know, just so we don’t have people claiming things that are not theirs…) So, please choose those that you like and enjoy!
The post Black and White wallpapers to keep your display simple appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google to offer shared Play Music Family accounts, rumor indicates
Streaming music seems to have become the next great thing, with many companies offering free streaming with ads and monthly unlimited plans. There is already Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and of course Google’s Play Music. Some of those offer a family plan for a discounted rate between multiple users. Google’s plan doesn’t include that, yet.
According to the latest rumors from Android Police, tomorrow Google will announce a new plan for consumers who want to save some cash by partnering up on a streaming service. Google’s All Access plan will allow six family members to stream unlimited music all for just $14.99 a month. All users will be able to sign in to their own Google account for the service, so no need for sharing precious account details.
This is definitely strategic pricing because Google’s biggest competitor, Apple, has their streaming service priced the exact same: six family members for $14.99 a month. To give a perspective at how good of a deal that is, Spotify charges $14.99 a month for just two people. Every time you add a user on Spotify, the price continues to climb
Tomorrow is expected to be quite a big day for Google, as they are expected to debut their two new smartphones, the LG-made Nexus 5X and Huawei-made Nexus 6P. To top that off, Google is expected to announce the new Chromecast. Our very own Derrick will be in San Francisco for the event, so keep your eye out.
The post Google to offer shared Play Music Family accounts, rumor indicates appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 