Google Voice users having problems sending MMS messages
Google just recently enabled MMS support for North American Google Voice users, but it looks like the service is already seeing its first hiccup. Many users are reporting being unable to send any MMS messages, and Google has acknowledged that its a problem on the official support site. Fortunately, SMS messages seem like they’re okay, so if you’re solely using a GV number, you’re not totally up the creek until this gets fixed.
Hopefully Google will get the problem sorted out sooner rather than later, but if you want to keep up with the progress, you can find the thread below.
source: Google Forums
via: Phandroid
Come comment on this article: Google Voice users having problems sending MMS messages
Google’s fifth Science Fair rewards teens for saving the environment
Google’s Science Fair competition regularly leads to clever inventions from teens, and this year’s event (the fifth ever) is giving junior pioneers an extra incentive to strive for a prize. On top of familiar rewards, including $100,000 in scholarships and trips to the Galapagos or Virgin Galactic’s spaceport, there’s a Community Impact Award that honors efforts tackling environmental or health issues — kids who clean up the planet or save a life may get special recognition. Teachers will also get their due through a new Inspiring Educator award. Young creators have until May 18th to submit their finished projects to Google, and you’ll hear about the winners at a finalist event starting on September 19th.
Source: Google Official Blog
Google’s fifth Science Fair rewards teens for saving the environment
Google’s Science Fair competition regularly leads to clever inventions from teens, and this year’s event (the fifth ever) is giving junior pioneers an extra incentive to strive for a prize. On top of familiar rewards, including $100,000 in scholarships and trips to the Galapagos or Virgin Galactic’s spaceport, there’s a Community Impact Award that honors efforts tackling environmental or health issues — kids who clean up the planet or save a life may get special recognition. Teachers will also get their due through a new Inspiring Educator award. Young creators have until May 18th to submit their finished projects to Google, and you’ll hear about the winners at a finalist event starting on September 19th.
Source: Google Official Blog
Google adds 12 additional countries to its list of supported Play Store Merchants
Google has today broadened the international availability of its Play Store Merchant accounts by adding 12 new countries to the mix. Developers in Bahrain, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Honduras, Jamaica, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Panama all now have the ability to apply for a Merchant account.
For those unaware, Merchant accounts are designed exclusively for developers to enable them to receive payment for premium apps through Google Play. Prior to today’s announcement, developers in the above twelve locations were only able to list apps for free.
So, if you’re a developer based in one of the newly-supported countries and want to register for one of these accounts — hit the source link below.
Source: Google
Come comment on this article: Google adds 12 additional countries to its list of supported Play Store Merchants
Google could offer a Google+ extension called Tablescape soon, a place for sharing foodographs
I know many of you like taking pictures of your food and sharing them because I see them regularly on Twitter and Google+. If you’re one of those people, you will be happy to know that Google might soon offer something just for you called Tablescape. It’s a place for sharing foodographs.
It appears to be some sort of extension to Google+, similar to the Photos app. What I mean is that it would be a separate app on your mobile device, but it will actually be part of Google+ just like Photos is.
As you can see from the images, Tablescape looks a lot like Google+ so I am wondering how it will work. Will all food posts just automatically congregate to the Tablescape app? How is really different than just sharing a picture of your pork chops the current way on Google+?
I guess we will have to wait and see. In fact, we might never find out. It’s being tested right now among Googlers, but that doesn’t mean that it will ever get released.
source: Androide Libre
via: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Google could offer a Google+ extension called Tablescape soon, a place for sharing foodographs
Developers in 12 new countries can now sell apps in the Google Play Store
Although Android app developers from all around the globe are able to upload their apps into the Google Play Store, less than half of those are actually able to charge for their apps, or collect in-app payments. Still below half, Google has increased the number of available paid app countries by 12, including Jamaica, Estonia and Panama.
The Google Play Store offers developers a few different account types that developers can apply for. The basic Developer Registration, as previously mentioned, is open to app creators in just over one hundred and fifty countries. This account type allows developers to upload free apps only, with no in-app purchases, leaving devs to find an income elsewhere for their hard work, usually with advertising.
Merchant Registration is where money comes into play. Devs must meet a specific list of Google account requirements, and their country of residence must have come to agreement with Google over taxes and such. Once all criteria is met, paid apps and in-app purchases are made available to the developer. This is the account type now open to a dozen new countries.
The list of countries whose residents can now apply for Merchant Registrations today adds the following:
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In all, seventy four countries can now upload paid apps and apps with in-app payments into the Google Play Store. Luckily, the list of countries that can purchase said apps is much larger. But you likely already knew that.
Head on over to Google’s Supported locations page for developer accounts to see what you are allowed to develop in your country.
Do you think Google’s developer requirements are fair?
NBC is streaming live to iOS and Android, but not ‘Everywhere’
ABC was the first big network first out of the gate with a 24/7 live streaming app, but CBS and now NBC are close behind with their own versions. NBC rolled out “TV Everywhere” streaming on its website in December, and tonight it’s pushed upgrades on Android and iOS that bring the network channel directly to mobile screens — but only if you have a participating cable or satellite provider’s login. Even that’s not enough, unfortunately, since it’s only available in areas where NBC owns the local station. Where I live the affiliate (WDIV) is owned by someone else, so the feature is not available until the two parties work out some kind of arrangement.
There is, however, an expanded video on-demand library including a new classic section stocked with The A-Team, Miami Vice, Knight Rider and a few others to go along with full episodes and clips of currently airing stuff (all the ones we watched had ads inserted, FYI). The apps work on tablets and phones for either platform with streaming over WiFi or mobile connections, and on iOS it has support for AirPlay (there’s nothing about Chromecast, yet). We’re checking with NBC about any other features, but for now you can check the App Store and Google Play to download them.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, Apple, Google
Source: iTunes, Google Play
Google Play Music finally equips iPads with its tunes
Even if you prefer iOS, Google Play Music is still a solid option for getting your personal library and access to streaming all in one place. That is, until Apple reveals its plans for Beats Music. While we wait for that announcement, though, Mountain View’s tune-minded app does double duty nicely, and now it properly outfits the iPad. The new version comes with a fresh coat of Material Design, of course, but you’ll still have to contend with Google’s rather frustrating method for uploading files. If you haven’t already been prompted to update, the latest is now available over at iTunes.
Via: The Verge
Source: iTunes
Google concerned with Xiaomi’s ability to compete with apps and services
When it comes to apps and services competing with Google and Android, there is not very much. Even historically the same can be said as no hardware manufacturer of Android devices has successfully built a strong user base for its own apps and services. At one point, Samsung was viewed as a threat but nothing ever became truly dangerous for Google. Consumers with Samsung devices turned away from what Samsung put on the table and stuck with what Google has offered. Another company from Asia, however, may hold the key to disrupting Google’s dominance in mobile software.
There are several concerned Google employees that are part of the Android team, according to The Information, due to the rise of Xiaomi. The Chinese company is expanding outside of China and into markets such as India. With the expansion comes more exposure for Xiaomi apps and services. In China, much of Google’s software is either limited or blocked; therefore, Xiaomi already has an advantage in its home country. Getting ahead in places like India means that Xiaomi can push its own software before Google gets there and competes. The folks in Mountain View do have Android One, but that has yet to really gain momentum.
Source: The Information
Via: Business Insider
Come comment on this article: Google concerned with Xiaomi’s ability to compete with apps and services
Google is launching Android One devices in the Philippines next
The pursuit to getting the world connected to the internet is moving along slowly but steadily for companies like Google. Keeping that momentum going, Google has just announced a couple new Android One powered devices, destined for the Philippines.
We recently took a shot or two at Android One in our Friday Debate Podcast, our general approach was that the devices did not offer enough bang for the buck vs some of the competition out there right now. As true as they may or may not be, Cherry Mobile and MyPhone will each have a new Android One device on store shelves in the coming weeks.
The Cherry One and the MyPhone Uno will be Android 5.1 Lollipop powered devices, with dual SIM and microSD card slots. Front and rear facing cameras will help users keep up with all the social trends and Google is happy to point out the battery saving and data saving features of Lollipop as benefits to users in the parts of the world, like the Philippines, that do not have power and data readily available for all.
Check out Google’s Asia Pacific focused blog post for all the details, including the fact that the Philippines is the sixth country to launch Android One devices. With more to come.
To all of our readers in the Philippines, are you excited for Android One, or do you already rock something a little bigger and better?
AIVAnet 