Paranoid Android 4.1 beta released with reworked PIE controls for KitKat
There are plenty of options when looking to run a custom ROM on your Android device and one of the most popular, besides CyanogenMod, is Paranoid Android.
Official PA ROMs only support Nexus devices, so if you don’t see your device in the downloads, it’s not supported by the main development team, but there may be a port and you just need to search the forums.
Up until recently, the latest PA ROMs based on Android 4.4 KitKat were primarily a stock experience, but today an update was released, PA 4.1 beta, bringing one of the ROM’s killer “flagship” features, PIE controls, its stock navigation replacement.
According to PA, PIE is “a simple, straight-forward replacement of the navigation bar that optimizes the screen space available to the user.”
PIE is basically a fully-customizable replacement for the on-screen navigation buttons and stays hidden off-screen, only seen with a predefined gesture that can come from any of the four sides of the device.
Via Google+, the PA development team said that it faced some problems with the immersive mode introduced in KitKat, and has now released a redesigned version to match the KitKat design philosophy. Instead of porting the feature to its KitKat ROMs, PA completely redesigned the feature for the new version of Android.
PIE controls are now fully-integrated into the core UX with the introduction of “on-the-spot preferences,” so PA users no longer need to sort through endless settings.
Additionally, it gives users status information at a glance when your status bar is hidden in immersive mode, plus the stock Google Now swipe up gesture is now integrated.
If you’ve never tried out Paranoid Android before, be sure to check out 4.1 beta on your rooted, unlocked device, which is now available for the Nexus 7 2013 (Wi-Fi and 4G), Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi and 3G), Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and the Galaxy Nexus (GSM, Sprint and Verizon). Be sure to grab the latest Gapps as well.
Downloads via +ParanoidAndroidCorner
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T-Mobile LG G2 Receiving Android 4.4.2 Starting Today
T-Mobile users rocking and LG G2 might see some Android 4.4.2 today. T-Mobile posted on their page that the update should be rolling out today, but naturally it might take a bit for it to roll out to all users.
- Update to Android 4.4 KitKat
- Auto Brightness
- User experience improvements
If you don’t see the update in your settings, give it some time. On the support page, it does mention the OTA will be rolling out between the dates of March 6th to the 25th. If it isn’t there quite yet, just be a little more patient and it will arrive. Let us know if you received it.
Source: T-Mobile
Via: Android Police
ASUS schedules Android 4.4 for several PadFone tablets
ASUS is planning to release the Android 4.4 for their PadFone tablets, plus it will also feature the latest version of the Zen UI as well. Although, ASUS is only telling us when we can expect it as they are no exact dates right now, but at least we know it’s coming. Below you can see the list of few tablets, including their region and time frames:
- ASUS Padfone 2 (Q2 2014)
- ASUS Padfone Infinity in Russia and Asia (Q2 2014)
- ASUS Padfone A80 in Europe (Q2 2014)
- All other new PadFone Infinity models (Q3 2014)
ASUS says that they “will provide more specific information on the timing of these updates at a later date”. Are you using any of the mentioned PadFone? Tell us what you think in the comment box below.
Source: ASUS
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Have a Nexus or GPE device? Download the Google Now Launcher OFFICIALLY from Google Play
When the Nexus 5 was announced the launcher looked a bit different from what people are used to seeing on a stock Android device.We’re used to seeing the same launcher on basically every Nexus device, so it was a bit of a shocker when Google unveiled the new look.It was running the Google Now Launcher with a few more features than the original “stock” look.
Well, Nexus and Google Play Edition device owners rejoice – the Google Now Launcher is finally official! You can grab it from the Google Play Store today, but only if you have a Nexus or GPE device running Android 4.4.
With the GNL, you can swipe left to access Google Now from your main homescreen. Long press on a blank space to access wallpapers, widgets, and settings. And the app drawer is now only used for apps.
No word yet as to whether or not they will release it to non Nexus/GPE devices, but I couldn’t see that happening.
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Google Now Launcher Available in the Play Store for Nexus and GPE Devices
Google has launched the Google Now Launcher app to the Play Store this morning. If memory serves me right, this was formerly known as the Google Experience Launcher. The GNL gives you all the goods that is Google Now integrated as a launcher app. The feature list is pretty nice too.
Key features:
• Google Now on your home screen – it’s easier than ever to get just the right information at just the right time.
• Just say “Ok Google” – when you’re on your home screen, just say “Ok Google” to trigger voice input. Then say your search query. Or tell your phone what to do, like send a text message, get directions, or play a song (available in the US, UK, and Canada).
• Faster search – tap the search box and you can enter your query immediately.
• Easy access to your favorite Google products and services, like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps.
• Larger viewing area – the status and navigation bars are now translucent, so your wallpaper pops from every pixel, and is even visible when you expand your apps drawer (when supported by device).
• Intuitive wallpaper picker – select any image that’s stored on your device, or in the cloud. Position and preview your wallpaper before you set it.
Before you go getting all giddy about it, you will only be able to pick up the app if you have Android 4.4+ running on a Nexus or Google Play Edition device. At least that is what Google is saying in the description. I am sure it will get toggled by a developer some where that lets it install on other devices. Feel free to check into it, just hit the button below to go to the Play Store and see.
Via Zammi Kahan G+
We just heard from one of our loyal readers on G+ who confirmed he was able to install it on his non-Samsung Galaxy S3 device.
Interestingly it let me install it on my S3, I am running a 4.4 ROM on it (Beanstalk) though. Thanks for the link, playing with it now
We assumed that might be the case for a ROM that is based off stock. Thanks Dave!
Android 4.4.2 Almost Here for T-Mobile and AT&T HTC One Users. More KitKat for Samsung. – Device Updates
Happy Samsung day everybody. Time to take a break from all those first hands-on videos and dive into some device updates. Android 4.4.2 is almost here for you HTC One users on T-Mobile and AT&T. Hopefully HTC keeps their promise.
Device Updates
AT&T and T-Mobile HTC One Android 4.4.2 update almost here
Sprint Moto X Android 4.4.2 soak test rolls out
Verizon Moto X Android 4.4.2 soak test
Android 4.4 rolling out to Sprint Galaxy Note 3
Samsung to update 14 US devices to KitKat
Android 4.4 Rolling Out to the Sprint Galaxy Note 3
Sprint Galaxy Note 3 users will start receiving that delicious Android 4.4 KitKat. The kernel source was posted the other day, which usually leads to a roll out, and that indeed is happening. Here is what you get with the update:
- Android 4.4
- Music album art on the lock screen
- Launcher selection in settings
- Camera shortcut on lock screen
- Improved user interface and stability
- Prevention pop-up removal
The Android 4.4 update is a hefty 503.6 MB file, so make sure you’re on a wifi connection as always. Let us know if you received it.
Source: Android Police
T-Mobile HTC One’s KitKat update coming this week, AT&T “likely” next week
T-Mobile and AT&T HTC One owners waiting for the update to Android 4.4.2 KitKat don’t have to wait too much longer.
On Tuesday, Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America, took to Twitter and answered a few customer questions about the updates.
Mackenzie said that the update for the T-Mobile version will be coming later this week, while the update for the AT&T version will be “likely last week of Feb(ruary),” which is already next week.
The update for all US versions of the One were originally expected before the end of January, but carrier testing took more time than HTC anticipated.
Once the update arrives, it should hold all you HTC One owners over until “The All New One,” the rumored HTC M8, is announced March 25.
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Samsung confirms Android 4.4 KitKat for multiple devices
Samsung on Tuesday outlined the Android 4.4 KitKat update details for a number of smartphones and tablets. In addition to the standard OS details, Samsung will include other software touches:
- Location Menu: An integrated location menu enables users to easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously checking the battery usage of apps running location service capabilities.
- Enhanced Messaging: Enables users to choose between Messages or Hangouts as their preferred default messaging application, and select from a larger assortment of updated Emoji icons.
- Upgraded Google Mobile Service™ (GMS) apps: Users can automatically back up photos and video and can open, view, rename and share Google Docs and files.
As to the exact devices in line to see the update, it could vary by carrier and market. With that in mind, the following models are expecting to see 4.4 KitKat.
- Galaxy Note 3
- Galaxy Note II
- Galaxy S 4
- Galaxy S 4 mini
- Galaxy S 4 Active
- Galaxy S 4 zoom
- Galaxy S III
- Galaxy S III mini
- Galaxy Mega
- Galaxy Light
- Galaxy Note 8.0
- Galaxy Tab 3
- Galaxy Note 10.1
- Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition
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Android 4.4 KitKat for the Sprint Galaxy S4. Sony Brings Android 4.3 to Multiple Devices. – Device Updates
Hello Android friends. Time for that time of the week where we talk about those updates that happened this passed week. The Sprint Galaxy S4 should be getting some Android 4.4, and Sony is getting a few of their Xperia devices up to Android 4.3. Other than that, a pretty slow update week.
Device Updates
Sprint Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 update rolling out
Sony Xperia devices getting Android 4.3
AIVAnet 