Google changes Google Search app name in Google Play Store
Google have finally updated the Play Store listing for the Google Search app to match the app drawer labelling and new launcher icon.
The Play Store listing now lists the app as just ‘Google’ along with the refreshed icon. Order is restored in the unity of the Android operating system.
Small change, but notable nonetheless.
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Google wants its presence felt even more on smartphones
It seems that Google is realizing more that Android is big, and that their apps are therefore big. With this in mind, they have updated their MADA (Mobile Application Distribution Agreement) for 2014, the agreement that manufacturers such as Samsung or Motorola sign in order to add Google’s suite of apps to their phones.
New requirements include things such as having 20 pre-installed Google apps in a folder on the home screen labeled “Google”, a Google search bar at the top of the home screen, making “OK Google” a hotword to wake the device for interaction (assuming the phone has this capability), making Google Search accessible by swiping up from the home button, and during boot-up the screen should display either a Google trademark or mention that the phone runs Android.
This may seem extreme, particularly considering Android is supposed to be “open”. There’s a distinction that needs to be made though: getting Android on a phone, and getting Android on a phone with Google’s suite of apps. Manufacturers could still place Android on their phones if they desired, just without Google Play or other Google apps (similarly to how Amazon uses Android).
What do you think? Should Google rein it in? Or do they have the right to ask as much from manufacturers, considering the above requirements arguable provide a better Android experience?
via Droid-Life
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For Your Consideration: mobile accessories to check out this weekend (Sept. 27)
Hey, Happy Saturday! Welcome to the first of an ongoing series of accessories round ups. The plan is to highlight at least five accessories to check out, but we’ll play loose with the number, especially if it pertains to different smartphones or tablets. Let’s jump right in!
The Glif
The Glif is perfect for you if you have ever wanted to use your phone with a tripod. It has 2 purposes: it is a universal tripod mount, and you can use it as a kickstand. Its small and can be adjusted to fit any phone, even if the phone is in a case. It’s extremely portable, it comes with a keychain adapter so you can take it with you anywhere with your keys. The company, Studio Neat is from Austin,TX and the Glif is made in America. It can be found here on Amazon – The Glif.
Chargecard for Android
If you have ever been stuck somewhere and needed a micro-usb cable for your phone, this one is for you. The Chargecard is shaped like a card and is made to fit in either a wallet or purse. The name is slightly deceiving, this is not a portable charger as the name implies; this is just a compact USB cable that fits in your wallet for whenever you need it. The reason I included it is because I can’t tell you how many times, I have been stuck and needed a USB cable, this would have helped a lot. It can be found here- Chargecard.
Spiderpodium
I read about the Spiderpodium and thought of 1 thing: a holder for my phone in the car. I have had this problem in my car since I decided to get it back in March; I have nowhere to put it when I am in my car.
This accessory is one of the most versatile stands for a phone that I have ever seen. The stand has 8 flexible legs that can be arranged to grip and support your phone wherever you decide to put it. The are two different versions: one for the phone, and a bigger one for the tablet.
LG Tones
If you are in the market for some stereo bluetooth headphones, you should look at these strongly. I have owned a pair of these for about a year now, and they work unbelievably well. One of my favorite features is that it works with Google search on your phone, if you press one of the buttons on the device, it functions as if you just said “OK, Google” in the search app. They sound great, I haven’t had any issues with music or podcasts. Another of the cooler features is that these vibrate when receiving a call as well. Check them out at Amazon.
Otterbox Symmetry
I love Otterbox cases! I have used an Otterbox case for almost every phone I’ve used for over 2 years. I started with nothing but Commuter cases, which are smaller than the Defender, and have a screen protector included in every package. The new Symmetry case has caught my attention. I love that they are smaller and lighter than the Commuter, and offer a great level of protection.
What I don’t like is that they don’t come with screen protectors. Maybe Otterbox will include them at some point in the future. You can find one of these cases for some of the newer phones. Check out one of these symmetry cases for some of the more popular Android phones: LG G3, HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S5.
Well, that’s all for this week! Let us know what you think about the accessories on the list. Also, let us know in the comments which accessories you want to see covered next!
Featured this week
Otterbox Symmetry Series for Samsung Galaxy S5 – Retail Packaging – Black (Black/Black)
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Google to require more of its apps on Android devices
According to a report by The Information, you may be seeing a few more Google apps preloaded on future Android devices. Confidential paperwork on new contract requirements details raising the amount of pre-installed software. Under the new guidelines, the number is set to total up to 20 apps– more than doubling the current set of 9. What’s more, Google’s wares will also have to be displayed in strategic locations on home screens and in “prominent” folders. This means that Android device makers like Samsung, HTC and others would need to retool where the requisite apps are positioned and factor in the increased volume. As you may recall, Google aims to reign in customization of its software too, and ZTE has already opted for the Google Now launcher by default on its upcoming devices.
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Google
Source: The Information
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Facer allows you to fully customize your smartwatch face [‘Watch’ This App]
If you want: a fully customizable watch face, to choose from a wide array of watch faces, or even to create your own watch face, then you may want to check out the Facer app. It’s an app for Android Wear devices (yes even round ones) that allows you to get your watch face just… Read more »
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More HBO and Showtime channels can now stream via the FiOS app
Attention all ye FiOS subscribers: Verizon’s announced more new channels for the service’s mobile app. While you’re still at home, now you can stream FOX Sports 1, HBO Latino HD, MAX Latino HD and More MAX HD to the Android, iOS or Kindle Fire device of your choice. If you’re out and about, you’ll be able to check out Showtime’s Family Zone, Showcase HD and Women channels in addition to Encore’s Black and Western channels. Need more? How about making your autumn family road-trip a little easier with Starz’s Kids & Family HD option? That’s an almost sure-fire ticket to backseat silence. Sure, there are still plenty of channels missing, but it’s pretty hard to complain when you can delay hearing “are we there yet?” for at least a little while.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD, Mobile, Verizon
Source: Verizon, Google Play, iTunes
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Wear Tip Calculator: An app for those of us who struggle calculating tips [‘Watch’ This App]
Trying to figure out how to properly tip your server is one of those things that seem like they should be easy, but can actually be surprisingly difficult. For many of us we must rely on technology to help us through the tipping process, and the Wear Tip Calculator is an app is here to help. It’s… Read more »
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Ingress’ user-created missions give added meaning to your walking tours
Ingress certainly has a following among augmented reality gamers, but its relative lack of direction can be intimidating — especially if you’re a newcomer. Where do you go first? As of today, you’ll (usually) have an easy answer. Google’s Niantic Labs has added user-created missions to the game that give you an incentive to get moving. Effectively, they’re walking tours with objectives. You’re usually asked to hack portals or solve puzzles at each stop, with the promise of special medals at the end. Each mission includes both average completion times and ratings, so you’ll likely know in advance whether or not a given adventure is worth the effort.
Not everyone can take advantage of missions just yet. You can only access them on Android right now (iOS is due soon), and only a small batch of “experienced” players can create them; Niantic eventually plans to open up creation to everyone with a level five rank or higher. It could be a while before you see many missions near you, then. Even so, what’s here could keep you playing Ingress when you might otherwise have given up — and you’ll probably get some exercise in the process.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Mobile, Google
Via: The Next Web
Source: Ingress (Google+), Google Play
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New Moto Nexus details come to light with leaked render
Yesterday we reported a rumor from Android Authority that talked about the release dates of upcoming Nexus devices and Android L. The other day we discussed an article from WSJ outlining an upcoming tablet from HTC. Today, we bring to you an exclusive from 9to5Google giving details about the Moto Nexus device that’s been rumored about for months now.
They say that they can confirm that this device will indeed be a phablet with a huge 5.92″ screen, and essentially will look like a stretched out Moto X (2014). Other specs they give are a QHD screen (2560 X 1440, 498 PPI), a 3,200 mAh battery, a 13 MP camera with 4K UHD recording capabilities on the back, 2 MP on the front, a Snapdragon 805 processor, 3 GB of RAM, and at least one storage option of 32 GB.
They do say while they are sure this is a smartphone that will come out, they can’t necessarily say it’s not the only smartphone that will come from Google this year, and that there’s a likelihood that a 5.2″ device will come out.
Stay tuned as the release of these Nexus devices draws nearer, we’ll report any new details that emerge.
via 9to5Google
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Amazon’s latest free Android app bundle includes a $59 dictionary
Amazon sure loves giving away free apps, and today sees the start of its third Appstore promotion in almost as many months. If you’re not following, Amazon’s Android Appstore already offers a different piece of paid software for free each day. Lately, though, it’s been discounting collections of apps for a limited time, like with the new “work, play & watch” bundle. In total, there are 27 apps worth around $135/£100 up for grabs until September 27th (this Saturday). It’s not the most attractive buffet, but Riptide GP2, SketchBook Pro and the Swype keyboard are notable inclusions, with the most expensive being OfficeSuite Professional 7 (usually $14.99/£9.36) and the latest edition Merriam-Webster dictionary (normally $59/£34.44). Anyway, you may as well check out the full selection in case you spot anything you like; and remember, Amazon’s Appstore isn’t just available on its own hardware, but to anyone with an Android device and a few spare minutes.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Mobile, Amazon
Source: Amazon (US), (UK)
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AIVAnet 