Instagram for Android update sports refreshed UI, speedier performance
Is Instagram your go-to photo app on that trusty Android handset? If so, you’re about see a bit of a jump in performance with a new look. The filter-powered social snapshot software has been updated with a more polished UI that “feels native and at home on any Android device.” This means simplified (read: flat) design elements are used throughout and the app is faster and more responsible all the way around. The difference is immediately visible in the main navigation bar across the bottom. Some controls have been shuffled around, but the outfit promises the changes are in the interest of maximum useability, making the app “faster, cleaner and easier to use than ever.” If your Android device doesn’t alert you to update the app, mosey over to the Google Play store today and snag it.
Source: Instagram, Google Play
Jawbone updates its Android app with wireless syncing and push notifications (updated)
If you own a Jawbone fitness tracker, you may have read last week that the company made some changes to its app. Unfortunately for some of us, the updates were all for iOS only — in fact, the company didn’t even bother to mention Android that day. Turns out, Jawbone had a good reason: it was planning an update for the Android app that brings it more in line with its iOS counterpart. In particular, it now fully supports the wireless Up24 band, which is to say it syncs wirelessly and sends out push notifications (e.g., you’re about to hit your daily step goal). In addition, the app includes most of the new features that were introduced on iOS last week — things like sunrise/sunset times in the sleep graph and “Insight Reports,” which establish a connection between things like how much sleep you got and what foods you’re likely to crave the next day. So, even if you own an older Up band you’ll want to head over to Google Play straight away.
Update: An earlier version of this story reported that the Android app would be missing the new features that were just introduced on the iOS version last week. A Jawbone rep later said that the Android app would, in fact, include most of these features, with the exception of custom reminders.
Android 4.4.2 for the T-Mobile Galaxy S4 and Many More! – Device Updates
Alright friends, time to see if you got an update headed your way. Pretty much all the updates are Android 4.4.2 related, and you T-Mobile Galaxy S4 and Note 3 users should be you are finally getting it. If you haven’t gotten you update yet, don’t worry, these update rollouts take time. Just be glad that they are coming.
Device Updates
T-Mobile Galaxy S4 gets Android 4.4.2
Android 4.4.2 for the HTC Butterfly S
Huawei Ascend P6 gets Android 4.4.2
KitKat hits the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 3
Android 4.4.2 rolls out to the Sprint Moto X
Pebble App Store goes live for Android
Pebble owners rejoice, since the Pebble App Store is now live on the Google Play Store and is packed full of great Apps for the smartwatch.
Key Features of the Pebble App Store (require Android 4.0 or newer):
– Browse, find, and install watchapps and watchfaces for Pebble.
– Discover new and most popular watchapps by category: notifications, fitness, daily use, tools & utilities, remotes, and games.
– Watchapp locker: conveniently store your favorite Pebble watchapps when not in use.
– Receive notifications when software updates for Pebble are ready to install.
– Supports Pebble watchapps built with SDK 2.0, including the new JavaScript API.
– Troubleshoot issues and make suggestions right from the app.
Previously sideloading Apps onto your Pebble smartwatch was a complicated process that involved downloading them from third-party websites and manually uploading them to the Pebble. The new App Store now acts as a central verified repository for all the add-ons available for your smartwatch, that can be installed with a simple click.
Pebble claims the reason for the delay in bringing the Android version of the Pebble App Store to consumers over the iOS version was the complexity of developing apps compatible for those found in the Google Play Store, combined with the small development team that Pebble can utilise.
Regardless, the Pebble App Store is live and is full of goodness to get your Pebble smartwatch stuck into.
The post Pebble App Store goes live for Android appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google to Release Android SDK for Wearable Devices in Two Weeks
Speaking at this year’s South by Southwest conference, Google executive Sundar Pichai announced today that the company will be releasing an Android software development kit (SDK) for wearable devices in two weeks, reports The Wall Street Journal.
The news comes ahead of Google’s I/O developer’s conference in June, where the company is likely to unveil its own smart watch developed in collaboration with electronics manufacturer LG.
Google executive Sundar Pichai told the South by Southwest conference Sunday that the company plans to release in two weeks a software development kit based on Android for makers of wearable devices, such as smartwatches.
Pichai stated that Google is releasing its Android SDK for wearables ahead of actual devices in order to gather “plenty of feedback,” as the company’s smartwatch will likely be the first device to run its new software. The Wall Street Journal also reported in February that the new mobile operating system will integrate the company’s Google Now voice assistant and search feature.
Apple is widely rumored to be working on its own “iWatch” smart watch that could be revealed in the fall, which is said to carry a “full” version of iOS that emphasizes biometrics and integration with other iOS devices. According to the most recent reports, the device will include advanced sensors to track a variety of health metrics such as a user’s blood pressure, hydration, heart rate and more. Other rumors have suggested that Apple is developing “Healthbook“, an iOS 8 app that would help the iWatch monitor and track health statistics like weight, heart rate, calories and step counts in conjunction with the iPhone.
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Android lead says wearable developer tools coming in two weeks (updated)
We’ve got very few details at the moment, but Sundar Pichai is preparing to lead the Android charge into the wearable space. He announced that the company will launch a new wearable SDK for Android at SXSW Interactive. The tools will be available to download in roughly two weeks time and will expand the efforts to put Google’s mobile OS on smart watches or fitness bands. Pichai definitely didn’t limit Android to those two particular implementations, however. He focused heavily on expanding developers’ ability to harvest data from sensors of any kind… so long as they’re mounted on your body. He even suggested a future where your jacket is loaded with sensors and powered by Android.
He also promised when the SDK is available that the company will offer its “vision” of how it sees the market developing. Pichai said it will be quite sometime before Google announces any specific products, however. There will be an extensive period of collecting developer feedback from the SDK before moving forward with other plans
Obviously Google is trying to get Android into as many devices as possible. Moving into the wearable space only makes sense. It has made various efforts on TV front and at CES announced a partnership with a number of car manufacturers to get the little green bot inside your dashboard as well. Hopefully we’ll get see the rumored fruits of LG and Google’s efforts before the end of the year, and learn whether or not Mountain View got its money’s worth when it purchased WIMM Labs.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Software, Mobile, Google
Samsung announces security-minded Cloud Print apps for Android and iOS
Does anyone actually cable up to a printer anymore? Not if they’re kitted out with Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, or Sammy’s new alternative: Samsung Cloud Print. The service will launch with an Android app in June, followed by an iOS version in the second half of the year and possibly a Smart TV app at some point too, and all the apps will come with a number of promises about security. Users will have their data encrypted between their device and their inkjet, and those who also use Samsung’s freshly updated Knox service are promised “enhanced security” through a level integration between Knox and Cloud Print. Finally, the Android app will also support NFC pairing, allowing a compatible mobile device to be connected to “as many as 20 printers with just a few simple taps” — although that currently only applies to Samsung’s small range of NFC-enabled Xpress-branded printers.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Samsung
Oppo’s Find 7 smartphone poses for glamor shots, two weeks early
So much for surprises. Oppo has been trying to maintain an aura of mystery around the launch of the Find 7 on March 19th, but the design lovers at Red Dot have spoiled things by showing off the smartphone in their product gallery, nearly two weeks ahead of time. While we’ve had some idea of what the Find 7 will look like, it’s now clear that the 5.5-inch device will have a more upscale look than the Find 5 with a seamless front and a “breath light” at the bottom for notifications. What you don’t see, however, is that rumored 50-megapixel camera — the handset shown here comes with a relatively ordinary 13-megapixel shooter. Nokia isn’t likely in danger of losing its camera resolution supremacy, then. Even so, we doubt that many prospective Find 7 owners will complain given the Quad HD screen and other top-tier specs.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Via: Liliputing, Android Community
Source: Red Dot 21
Daily Roundup: Samsung’s Milk Music, a stun gun-equipped drone and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Hands-on with Samsung’s Milk Music internet radio service
Samsung’s getting its own piece of the internet radio pie with Milk. Milk Music, to be exact. The company’s new adless music service brings a unique, Slacker-powered way to explore online radio. The catch? It’s only available for Galaxy devices.
Punching sharks with an Oculus Rift and Leap Motion controller
By combining an Oculus Rift, Leap Motion controller and a little know-how, folks at Chaotic Moon studios developed SharkPunch. A game where you… punch sharks. And though it may be humorous, the company sees big potential for 3D-immersive tech in the education industry.
Hewlett Packard unveils the $170 HP 8 tablet
Two weeks after Mobile World Congress, Hewlett Packard quietly released its $170 HP 8 tablet: an 8-inch budget tablet with a (relatively) low res display and mediocre internals. Though, if screen size isn’t an issue, you might consider last year’s similarly-priced Slate 7.
This drone packs 80,000 volts of stun power
Drones can deliver pizza, dance in synchronous fashion, and now they can electrocute people too. Dubbed the Chaotic Unmanned Personal Intercept Drone, or CUPID for short, this aircraft can deliver 80,000 volts of stopping power directly into your skin.
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Filed under: Misc
Pebble’s smartwatch appstore finally comes to Android
iOS users had a bit of a head start in receiving access to the new Pebble appstore. Thankfully, the Android crowd won’t have to wait for this feature any longer, since what’s known as Pebble 2.0 is, at long last, available on Google’s platform. Sure, it took weeks and weeks of testing, but Pebble promises it was all for the best and expects its smartwatch owners to be delighted by the changes. Aside from the long-awaited appstore, this Pebble for Android update also features a completely redesigned interface (pretty similar to the one found on iOS), a new locker for apps and notification improvements. You’ve waited long enough, though — so go on, grab the update and deck out your Pebble some more.
Filed under: Misc, Peripherals, Software, Mobile
Via: Droid Life
Source: Google Play
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