Diving into Android M: (re)revamped app drawer and customizing what shows in status bar
Earlier today Android M Developer Preview 2 arrived adding a number of bug fixes, performance tweaks, and the promise of more complete APIs for developer testing. We are still diving in and trying out some new things but we thought we’d take the time to highlight two interesting changes.
First, the app drawer has once again been modified. As you might recall, the first M preview brought a new vertical scrolling app drawer that was alphabetically sorted and featured four shortcuts on the top row. While this is still the case, the difference now is that the A/B/C/etc lettering on the side has now been removed.
Android M left, Android M Dev Preview 2 on right
While on the subject of the launcher, it’s now also possible to allow rotation on the homescreen by enabling “rotation” from within the launcher settings.
Moving on, you might remember the System UI Tuner from the first preview. This made it easy to tweak what icons showed up on the quick settings menu, though it first had to be turned on from the developer options. With the second preview, this functionality remains but has also extended to the status bar.
Simply put, you can now toggle off Wi-Fi, cellular, and just about everything that surfaces on the right side of the status bar except for battery. You can also enable/disable battery percentage from the System UI tuner and toggle on demo mode.
For those wondering what demo mode is, basically it sets your battery status to 100% and shows only the cellular icon giving you a clean, unified status bar for taking screenshots of your apps (obviously geared towards developers).
So there’s a quick look at just a few of the changes we’ve stumbled upon with Android M, though we should have many more “Diving into M” articles coming over the next few days. What do you think of these changes so far? Let us know in the comments.
Developer preview of Android M gets its first update
We are getting closer and closer to Android M reaching the market with every update and today is the first update for the developer preview. The update includes the latest platform code, and near-final API’s for you to validate your app. They have also refined the Nexus system images and emulator system images with the Android platform updates. Plus it has Google Play services 7.6.
If you would like to try the update Google outlines how below. Also for a more detailed list of changes please see the Android Developer Blog.
How to Get the Update
If you are already running the M developer preview launched at Google I/O (Build #MPZ44Q) on a supported Nexus device (e.g. Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, or Nexus Player), the update can be delivered to your device via an over-the-air update. We expect all devices currently on the developer preview to receive the update over the next few days. We also posted a new version of the preview system image on the developer preview website. (To view the preview website in a language other than English, select the appropriate language from the language selector at the bottom of the page).
For those developers using the emulator, you can update your M preview system images via the SDK Manager in Android Studio.
Source: Android Developers
Come comment on this article: Developer preview of Android M gets its first update
Android M Developer Preview gets first update
Having promised monthly updates to Android M at the Google I/O 2015 conference earlier this year, the Developer Preview of the latest version of Android has received its first update.
Preview 2 includes the new platform code, some additional APIs for testing as well as a few developer reported fixes such as Camera Permission and TextInputLayout issues.
How to Get the Update
If you are already running the M developer preview launched at Google I/O (Build #MPZ44Q) on a supported Nexus device (e.g. Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, or Nexus Player), the update can be delivered to your device via an over-the-air update. It is expected that all devices currently on the developer preview will receive the update over the next few days.
There’s also a new version of the Android M Developer Preview posted here for any new fresh installs for devices.
Google indicates that Android M is still on schedule for a fall release and urges anyone on the Developer Preview to report critical issues as you continue to test and validate your apps on the M Developer Preview.
The post Android M Developer Preview gets first update appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Android M Developer Preview 2 arrives!
Last year’s Android L Developer Preview marked the first time Google had ever let the general public take part in testing out new versions of Android before they were ready for final release. One thing L didn’t have, however, is regular updates.
Thankfully, with Android M Google announced it would be continually updating the test builds between the first release and final commercial version. And now the very first update has arrived! Android M Preview 2 images are now available for your flashing pleasure. For those that already installed the first preview and are willing to wait, Google also says an over the air update will be making its way over to your device in the next few days.
As for what’s new? In addition to bug fixes and performance tweaks, Google’s official blog post also mentions the following highlights:
- Modifications to platform permissions including external storage, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth location, and changes to contacts/identity permissions. Device connections through the USB port are now set to charge-only mode by default. To access the device, users must explicitly grant permission.
- API Changes:
- Updated Bluetooth Stylus APIs with updated callback events. View.onContextClickListener and GestureDetector.OnContextClickListener to listen for stylus button presses and to perform secondary actions.
- Updated Media API with new callback InputDevice.hasMicrophone() method for determining if a device microphone exists.
- Fixes for developer-reported issues:
- TextInputLayout doesn’t set hint for embedded EditText. (fixed issue)
- Camera Permission issue with Legacy Apps (fixed issue)
So what are you waiting for? To grab the update and manually flash, click on one of the following links:
For those that have already flashed, any noticeable (major) changes in terms of features or performance?
LG to build its third Nexus 5?
We received word earlier today that LG is in charge of building the next Nexus smartphone. However, it will not be based on the LG G4 but an undisclosed prototype. This is according to an anonymous source who spoke to AndroidPit whose identity could not be revealed since the device is still in development.
It is not known why this is the case when the Nexus devices until now have been based on a particular manufacturer’s current flagship. Nonetheless, AndroidPit believes that the 2015 Nexus 5 will at least be smaller and cheaper than the Nexus 6. Sales for that device probably were impacted by its size and high cost in comparison to the Nexuses that came before it.
Lastly, there is no word yet on when this new Nexus 5 will come out. Although, it is expected to coincide with the release of the next version of Android, Android M.
The post LG to build its third Nexus 5? appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Nexus 4, 10 and 7 (2012) may still receive Android M after all
When Android M was officially announced, Google gave the bad news that the Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and Nexus 7 (2012) were not to receive the update due to the age of the devices, but that may be about to change.
A reference to the codename of the Nexus 10, manta, appeared in the AOSP repository for the device and an update dated May 28th was found marked as android-m-preview. Similar updates were found for the Nexus 4, and Nexus 7 WiFi, lending suggestion that those devices may actually receive the updated Android operating system.
It seems that Google is still investing in the older devices with the Android M rollout, which is great news for adopters of the Nexus devices, because that’s what the Nexus programme is all about. Whilst there’s no official announcements for the support of these devices, don’t be surprised if that changes closer to Android M’s public release.
The post Nexus 4, 10 and 7 (2012) may still receive Android M after all appeared first on AndroidGuys.
The new Nexus 5 (2015) and Android M will debut together, report says
According to recent rumours, we could be looking at a dual launch of the next version of Android operating system, Android M, and a 2015 version of the Nexus 5.
Codenamed the “LG Angler”, the device is expected to be the successor to the widely popular Nexus 5, and more importantly the flagship device for Android M.
The Nexus 5 (2015) is expected to have a 5.2-inch QHD display, 3GB of RAM, and a Snapdragon 810 processor, the aim of which will be to appeal to those users who thought the Nexus 6 was just too big. It’ll most certainly have the new USB Type-C connector, and come with 32GB or 64GB variants, and potentially even an 128GB model.
A release date pegs the Nexus 5 (2015) towards the end of the year, possibly around October time, with pricing unknown at this point.
Google will use the next device in its Nexus lineup to change its design language for a device – much like Samsung did with their Galaxy S6 – that will see a more premium, durable, build quality.
One thing’s for certain – the tech world want an updated Nexus 5!
The post The new Nexus 5 (2015) and Android M will debut together, report says appeared first on AndroidGuys.
No surprises there: Nexus 5 2015 and Android M will be releasing at the same time
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
In news that should surprise nobody, a rumour has emerged today saying that the Nexus 5 2015 and Android M will be released at the same time. We’re assuming this is going to be the LG-made Nexus device – there is another Nexus smartphone known to be made by Huawei, but that is expected to be a phablet – though there’s still so much up in the air at the moment that anything could be possible. We’re not surprised to hear that the Nexus 5 2015 and Android M will be released at the same time as the release of a Nexus smartphone and a new version of Android have always been loosely aligned.
Regarding the Nexus 5 2015 itself, it’s been leaked by someone close to the Google engineering team that the new Nexus will have a more durable body that the usual plastic, opting for a form of carbon fiber – I smell a premium priced Nexus device again, though I’d love to be disproved.
What do you think about this latest rumour about the Nexus 5 2015 and Android M? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: GeekSnack via TalkAndroid
The post No surprises there: Nexus 5 2015 and Android M will be releasing at the same time appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Nexus 5 (2015) and Android M to be released together
Google gave us a preview of the yet-to-be released next version of Android, Android M (6.0) at the 2015 Google I/O event. This sparked the big question of how will the next version of Android be released to the world. According to recent rumors, Google is planning on releasing its next OS alongside a new Nexus device, known to be at this point the Nexus 5 2015, codenamed “LG Angler”. The new device is hypothesized to be released by the end of this year, alongside a Nexus tablet that Huawei will most likely be in charge of making. The specs of the upcoming Nexus 5 2015 are still to-be-annouced, however users do have high expectations which will force Google and LG to release a device with the latest specs and tech available in the mobile market. We definitely expect to see a Full HD resolution touchscreen (5-inch minimum) with a possibility of a Quad HD panel as well. The new Nexus device will certainly feature a fingerprint sensor to take advantage of Android M’s new native fingerprint identification support. In terms of internal specs, the new Nexus will most likely come with the snapdragon 810 or 808, 3GB of RAM and come with 32GB, 64GB or 128 GB of internal storage options. In addition, wireless charging and fast charging should be included in the package, and most certainly, a USB Type C port. Finally, according to a person close with the engineering team at Google said that the new Nexus will have a major design improvement with a more durable body made up of a specific type of strong carbon fiber.
Another important question to ask at this moment is whether the new Nexus 5 2015 or so-called “LG Angler” will feature a built-in non-removable battery or not. Having a removable battery does offer a great advantage as batteries do wear out and having the option of removing the battery yourself and replacing with a new one is always preferable.
Source: GeekSnack
Come comment on this article: Nexus 5 (2015) and Android M to be released together
Only version of CyanogenMod 12 snapshots, final version of CM11 now rolling out
With Google announcing Android M coming later this year, the ROM developers at Cyanogen have their sights focused on the next version of Android as the basis for their own ROM. Given the time taken to develop CyanogenMod 12 based on Android 5.0 Lollipop and Google already releasing Android 5.1, the snapshot release rolling out now will be the only CM 12 stable version based on the 5.0 Lollipop codebase.
The snapshots of CM 12 that have started to populate the CyanogenMod download page is based on the Android 5.0.2 code. The team that is still working on the Android 5.x line indicates they are moving on to CM 12.1 which will be based on the Android 5.1 code. Effectively this means the version rolling out is simultaneously the first and last version of CyanogenMod based on the Android 5.0 code.
Users who prefer a KitKat based build will find that the final snapshot of CyanogenMod 11 based on Android 4.4 is also rolling out. The CM team indicates this will be the last version of CM 11 to be made available.
source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Only version of CyanogenMod 12 snapshots, final version of CM11 now rolling out
AIVAnet 