BBC iPlayer app now supports downloads on nearly all Android devices
The BBC has allowed Android users to download programmes since September last year, but that functionality was only extended to 11 of the most popular Android devices at the time. While its slowly expanded support over the past seven months, the Beeb today welcomed the majority of Android iPlayer users to the party, updating the app to allow downloads on devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and above. To put it in perspective: 96 percent of current BBC iPlayer users now have a smartphone or tablet capable of storing programmes for offline playback.
The update comes as part of the BBC’s Mobile Compatibility Programme, which aims to extend the same features to all Android users regardless of their device. While you should be able to enjoy downloaded content error free, the BBC warns users that the odd issue may surface, but that’s only because it can’t test all of the “five thousand different phone, phablet and tablet models able to install the iPlayer Android app.”
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, Software, HD, Mobile
Source: BBC Internet Blog
Sprint Rolling out KitKat 4.4.3 update to Nexus 5
A new update is out today for the Nexus 5 on Sprint. This update version (KTU84F) brings about various bug fixes, and also enables the device to work on Sprint’s Spark LTE bands 26 and 41. Sprint’s update page states that the update will be released over-the-air in stages and may take several days for delivery.
This update is expected to fix several issues including the bug that causes massive battery drain while using the Nexus 5′s camera.
You can manually check to see if you have the update waiting by going to ‘Settings’, tapping ‘About Phone’, and then selecting ‘System Updates’, or you can just patiently wait for your update to arrive.
The post Sprint Rolling out KitKat 4.4.3 update to Nexus 5 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google Glass Kit Kat update arrives ahead of tomorrow’s big sale, but removes video calling
Still need a push to drop $1,500 on Google’s Glass headset when they go on sale to all US residents tomorrow? After skipping a couple of months, the team behind it is pushing a big software update later this week that lets it run the freshest version of Android and adds a bunch of new features. Other than switching to Android Kit Kat — which will bring new features to apps and let developers use the latest SDK — Glass is now organizing photos in bundles (think Instagram photo grids, look after the break for a peek) for easier scrolling, allows for photo replies in Google Hangouts, makes it easier to send feedback and even sorts voice commands to put your most-used ones at the top.
Unfortunately, there’s also one feature that has been removed in this update — video calling. According to the Glass team that’s based on wearer feedback and since less than 10 percent of people were using it, the feature is gone until they (or someone else working on Glassware) can make it better. It’s not all bad news though, because a longer, complete list of new features is promised for the Explorers community — hit the how to buy page at 9AM ET tomorrow to join the club.
Filed under: Wearables, Google
Source: Google Glass (G+)
Leaked icons indicate Android may enjoy a redesign soon
The Google I/O developer conference is just over two months away, but it’s never too early to start opining about what the software giant is planning to show. Try not to be overwhelmed with excitement, kids: according to documents leaked by Android Police (seemingly confirmed by Google’s own Partners page) new icons are coming. The new style is apparently referred to as Moonshine, and this flatter look is likely just a portion of an upcoming redesign. We’re still awaiting details on what else may change, but for now, all we can do is look forward to new icons for Play Music, Books, Movies, and Games; as well as Google+, Calendar, People, Chrome, YouTube, Maps, Gmail, Hangouts, Camera, and the Play Store. Each of the icons appears to be more in line with what Google uses on the web. So is this just a foreshadowing that all of Android’s design guidelines will see a similar overhaul? Hang tight — we’ve got another couple months before we find out. In the meantime, feast upon a few more icons (the new ones are on the right).
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Google
Via: 9to5Google
Source: Android Police
Kill time with Shuttle Up
Looking for a new game to pass time? Shuttle Up is an addictive, tricky game that lets players control a shuttle as it is flying through the air.
The game itself is very simple. All you have to do is get the shuttle as high as possible and become the ruler of high scores. Sound easy? It’s not. You must watch out because you need to fly very carefully and keep your pace as there are moving bars trying to stop your flight path. Check the leader boards to see if you were able to get the number one spot. As you climb the ranks you will find out that you will be playing this fun Android title for hours.
The game was created by independent developer Areon. It is a free game that you can find in the Google Play Store.
The post Kill time with Shuttle Up appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google to introduce new icons for Android apps –report
Google will soon introduce some new icons for its Android applications, reports Android Police. Rumored to be part of what’s called Project Moonshine, the new icons will more closely align with Google’s web-based counterparts. Details appear to include flatter images with more pronounced shadows with some getting more tweaks than others.
Alleged to be picking up some adjustment include
- Calendar
- Camera
- Chrome
- Google+
- Gmail
- Hangouts
- Maps
- People
- YouTube
- Play Books
- Play Games
- Play Movies
- Play Music
- Play Store
It’s not clear where Google is in terms of updating the icons or whether any further adjustments are in order.
In the meanwhile, those of you who like to flash your own ROMS, install themes, and play with icons might appreciate Phlash Tha’s latest icon bundle. Available for free, this kit includes .AI files (Adobe Illustrator) for playing around.
The post Google to introduce new icons for Android apps –report appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Verizon Red HTC One M8 May be on the Horizon
Renowned leaker, evleaks has posted via twitter that we should expect a Glamour Red HTC One (M8) soon from Big Red. At the moment, this is merely a rumor, but evleaks is known for getting the rumor mill churning and has been right more times than not.
Sprint currently has the exclusive red color on the HTC One (M7), so it’s not far fetched that Verizon would have a red One (M8) this year.
Currently, Verizon offers the HTC One (M8) in gunmetal gray, amber gold, and glacial sliver, so a red option would add to their color offering
As always, this is a rumor until proven otherwise, so take it as such.
Stay tuned as more information is sure to come.
The post Verizon Red HTC One M8 May be on the Horizon appeared first on AndroidGuys.
BBC’s Sport app now delivers real-time goal notifications
While the BBC’s Vidiprinter dutifully does its job providing us with all of the goals around the grounds, many have ditched TV and now use a smartphone to check the latest football results. The BBC Sport app has done a stellar job at providing live match updates, but a new update is about to make things a little more efficient. Using the same technology that pushes breaking news from BBC News, the Sport app now allows iOS and Android users to receive alerts for more than 150 domestic teams. Right now, the app will deliver notifications at kick-off, when a goal is scored, at half-time and the final score, but the BBC says it’ll add more in the future. To take advantage of the new alerts, make sure you have the very latest version of the iOS or Android app, then hit the “My Alerts” link in the app menu to select your favourite team.
Via: BBC Internet Blog
Get the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 for $99
The Samsung Galaxy S5, arguably the most anticipated phone this year to date, was launched this week with great reviews around the web. With every flagship launch, there will undoubtedly be early adopter sales and promos. The Galaxy S5 is no exception.
For a limited time, you can pay just $99 for the latest and greatest that Samsung has to offer. Verizon, via Amazon.com, is selling the Galaxy S5 for 50% off the normal on-contract price. Further, Verizon’s own site is offering 2 Samsung Galaxy S5′s for the price of one at $199. Time is of the essence with this promotion as well.
With a grocery bag full of top of the line specs, this is a deal worth looking into if you are in the market for a new on- contract device. With deals like these, Verizon and the Galaxy S5 might even put you in the market for a new phone.
The post Get the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 for $99 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Before the iPhone was announced, Android didn’t support touchscreen input
Ahead of Apple revealing its first smartphone, Google’s plans for Android back in 2006 involved physical keys for control and no touchscreen input support. Revealed in court documents from the ensuing Apple-Samsung legal fray, the early specification says that “the product [Android] was designed with the presence of discrete physical buttons as an assumption. However, there is nothing fundamental in the product’s architecture that prevents the support of touchscreen in the future.” (The above render is from Google’s initial SDK, but by then, touchscreen integration was now part of the official spec.)
In this 2006 documentation, many of the Android staples (both in software and hardware) get a mention, including removable storage, third-party application support, widgets, notifications and all those Google services. Between the announcement of the iPhone and finalizing Android’s software requirements, touchscreen input was not only supported — multi-input touch was required, and our phones were never the same again.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Google
Via: Recode
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