Author: Jack Holt

I’m very particular when it comes to the launchers that I use. I’ve been perfectly content in my Nova Launcher set up for over a year now. It looks like this is going to change however, as Chris Lacy released an update for Action Launcher today with a killer new feature.  In this update, the Covers feature is taken a step further. Covers brought you your most accessed destinations quickly with the swipe of a finger and Action Launcher’s new Shutter feature looks to do the same with widgets.  For example you can slide your finger up on the Gmail icon and it displays the Gmail widget, giving you quick access to your email. Chrome gives you quick access to your bookmarks (see below). Most apps with widgets have this ability and I particularly liked being able to skip tracks in the Play Music App right from the icon.

If you’re looking for a new launcher to try, I can’t recommend Action Launcher enough. Not only is it fast, clean, and polished it will make using widgets cool again. Even if HTC’s Director of User Experience, Drew Bamford thinks otherwise. This Shutter feature alone makes it well worth the $3.99 you’ll pay for the pro version. If you’re skeptical though, you can check out Chris Lacy’s video run through of it below.  Otherwise you can scroll past that to get your QR code and download link. I don’t know about you guys, but it looks like Nova’s getting put up on the shelf for a while as I have a new launcher to play with.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Play Store Link

source: Chris Lacy – Google+

Come comment on this article: Action Launcher Makes Widgets Cool Again With Shutter Feature

Google has been working hard at bringing public transportation information to its Google Maps app over the past year. They’ve expanded coverage for New York’s Subway (MTA) system while adding information for Salt Lake City and Washington D.C. Those in New York will now see departure times for seven of the subway lines.  If you’re in Salt Lake City you’ll be able to see the bus and tram (UTA) schedule updated in real time. People who use D.C.’s Metrorail will be able to see live service alerts. These alerts include scheduled track work as well as unplanned delays straight from Metrorail’s Control Center. So if you live or travel in these areas make sure you download Google Maps as you’ll be able to take advantage of this real time updating travel information.

source: Google Lat Long Blog

Come comment on this article: Live Transit Information Added for Washington D.C. and Salt Lake City in Google Maps

If you’re a user of Amazon Prime and own a Google TV then you’ll be excited for this next tidbit. Amazon Prime content is now viewable on Google TV’s PrimeTime TV guide. This new feature comes on top of other bug fixes. The other feature that it has now is a subscription selector that makes it easier to customize your subscriptions. Netflix, HBOGO and Amazon Prime will show up as “free” if you’re subscribe to those services. So if you have a Google TV, Amazon Prime and use PrimeTime you’ll be able to access your content easier. Happy viewing!

source: Google Play Store

Come comment on this article: Amazon Prime Content Comes to Google TV’s PrimeTime

François Beaufort has been doing a great job giving us a sneak peek at upcoming features to Google Chrome. They’ve ranged from Google Now notifications on the desktop to the high class Chrome Pixel. Of course these peeks were never official in capacity. Well that’s going to change as Mr. Beaufort took to his Google+ account to announce that Google has snatched him up.

With being hired, it appears that he will be giving us in-depth looks at behind the scenes action and making announcements officially. It’s a brilliant move by Google as it curbs leaks being made and it brings one of the biggest Chrome supporters to the team. It’s bad news for us though as we may see leaks on upcoming features drop to a trickle.

source: Google+
via: The Verge

Come comment on this article: King of Chrome Leaks François Beaufort Hired by Google

Google received a big win today in the patent department regarding Google Glass. Patent 20130070338 is probably the most important patent for the Search Giant’s wearable tech. What makes it so important is the fact that it details everything regarding the eye piece. You know, the part that the whole Project Glass is centered around. The claim details how the HUD will work and interact with the user. That’s just one out of 28 claims though.  If you have some free time you can read the full technical document that encompasses all 28 claims here.

I’m sure the folks at Mountain View are sleeping easier knowing that Glass is protected. No one can come after them for patent infringement. It’s a safe bet that Google will waste no time going forward with the project considering that it took the Patent Office over a year to process and accept the patent. Even with the Explorer Edition just passing through the FCC, this win should certainly put some pep into Google’s step.

source: Patent Bolt

Come comment on this article: Google Glass Gets Eye-Piece Patent

Are you the proud owner of the DROID RAZR or RAZR MAXX? Did you update to Android 4.1.2 when it became available earlier in the month? Is it working perfectly? Well if that’s the case, you’re one of the lucky ones. It appears that a growing group of people are having issues with the Jelly Bean update. A tipster told Phone Arena that Verizon has received numerous complaints on the matter. People are having issues with dropped phone calls, widgets not updating, and apps not working at all.

While the hope is that Big Red will hopefully push an update out soon to fix these issues, they aren’t commenting. We’ll keep you up to speed as the story develops. What about you readers out there that own either of these phones? Are you having issues with Android 4.1.2? Let us know in the comments below.

source: Phone Arena

Come comment on this article: Android 4.1.2 Update Causing Problems for Motorola DROID RAZR/RAZR MAXX Users

For those of you in the US that are itching to get your hands on the newest tablets from Archos; you’re in luck. The GamePad, 97 Titanium and 80 Titanium tablets are breaking US soil through various retailers. The tablets that made their debut at CES this year will be available through Adorama, Amazon, B&H Photo, Brandsmart, Beach Camera, Hastings, and J&R.

Both the 97 Titanium and 80 Titanium tablets will house a 1.6GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, dual cameras, 8GB of storage and both will run Android 4.1. The differences between the two are  what display each will have and pricing. The 97 will run a 2048×1536 9.7-inch display where the 80 will come with an 8-inch 1024×768 display. They’ll both come in under $300 with the 97 coming in at $249 and the 80 at $169.

If you don’t remember, we were able to get some hands on time with both the Titanium series and the GamePad. Unlike the other two tablets, the GamePad has dedicated gaming buttons that are mappable. It comes with a 7-inch 1024×600 display and powered by a 1.6GHz A9 dual-core processor. It will have 1GB of RAM, 4-core GPU and will also run Android 4.1. It’s priced at $179.

As you can see Archos has priced these tablets to move and while the GamePad may not be set to take on Nvidia’s Project Shield, it should peak the interest of mobile gamers out there. If you’re interested in finding out more about these tablets you can check out the source links below.

sources: Archos Titanium, Archos GamePad

Come comment on this article: Archos Releases GamePad, 97 and 80 Titanium Tablets in US

Word around the rumor mill has Amazon pegged as creating a 7-inch Kindle Fire model that would sell for $99. If rumors are true, it would carry the same TI processor as its predecessor and come with a 1280×800 display. With Amazon slashing prices on its current models, one can expect to see a new version coming soon. While a sub-$100 seems to be a bit on the low side, Amazon has been known for its cheaper tablets with its forked version of Android.

While it may not entice those looking for a more robust tablet like the Nexus 7, it would certainly appeal to those who don’t want to spend a lot. This would make an enticing entry in a market flooded with tablets from unknown manufacturers found at your local pharmacy or Bed, Bath & Beyond stores. IDC Research Director on tablets, Tom Mainelli, believes this to be a reasonable move. He was quoted to say:

“The infrastructure is definitely in place for Amazon to go even lower. If they can sell the product at roughly what it costs to build, that fits their long-term vision to make money selling you content on that device. It’s entirely possible – physically possible – to create a device that costs $99, particularly at the scale that Amazon would do it.”

With TI getting out of the chip game, Amazon could potentially buy up the remaining stock for a bargain, which could help them in achieving a cheaper Kindle Fire. With Amazon shipping 4.8 million Kindle Fires in the the 4th quarter of 2011, and roughly the same in 2012, they’ve moved a decent amount of tablets. This $99 tablet could give them the opportunity to move even more, however, Amazon isn’t saying anything. We’ll just have to wait and see.

source: TechCrunch

Come comment on this article: Is Amazon Working on a $99 7-Inch Kindle Fire HD? Rumors Say Yes

We knew that the Galaxy S 4 would have two different versions coming out. One will house the new Exynos Octa-core processor and the other will carry the quad-core Snapdragon 600 series. While some expected, and others hoped, that the UK would see the Exynos version, that appears to not be the case. According to Samsung the UK will see the Snapdragon variety. When questioned by various UK blogs they were quoted to say:

“Samsung Galaxy S4 is equipped with a 1.9GHz Quad-core AP or a 1.6GHz Octa-core AP. The selection of AP varies by markets … In the UK, the Galaxy S4 will be available as a 4G device with a 1.9GHz Quad Core Processor.”

While most of you may not notice the difference in your day to day use of it, it certainly does deflate the “my phone can beat up your phone” argument. For those of you across the pond, does it affect you decision to buy the device? Sound off below.

source: Eurodroid

Come comment on this article: UK to See Quad-Core Galaxy S 4 Instead of Octa-Core Version

Just like other Google apps (and Android has a whole) the Play Store has been going through a constant metamorphosis. The last major makeover for the Play Store was back in July of 2011 with subsequent tweaks since. It appears that it will be seeing another major facelift here soon. The folks over at Droid-Life gave everyone a taste of what’s to come with Google Play 4.0.  As you’ll see from the images the UI has been redesigned with a more holo-esque theme in mind. The shift gives the Play Store a cleaner and more appealing look. Images are more prominent and eye-catching while text is used sparingly.

We have no idea when we’ll see this new version. Maybe we’ll see it unveiled at Google I/O this year, but we may see it sooner as the Play Store updates have always been independent of the big OS announcements. Either way its an update to look forward to as it brings some much needed polish to an app we constantly use.

source: Droid-Life

Come comment on this article: Google Play Store Version 4.0 Gets Leaked and Previewed

It looks like the possible successor to the MediaPad Lite made its leaked debut earlier on Twitter thanks to DLNA and @evleaks. The new tablet from Huawei will come in two versions. The first one will sport a quad-core Cortex A9 processor running at 1.2 GHz, with the second one carrying a quad-core Cortex A9 processor running at 1.5 GHz. Both tablets will feature a 7-inch 1024×600 display with Wi-Fi, DLNA support, as well as HDMI output. They’ll come with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. There’s no telling on when and where this tablet will arrive so keep it locked here.

source: @evleaks

Come comment on this article: Upcoming Huawei MediaPad 7 Vogue Press Render and Specs Leaked

AT&T is looking to bring its RootMetric-awarded “fastest 4G LTE network” to a few new areas in the Southern US. The new areas that will see these new speeds are Cleveland, Tennessee and Augusta, Georgia, as well as other areas in the middle of Georgia including the city of Macon. While it’s nowhere near the coverage that Verizon has it’s good to see AT&T expanding its coverage. This is perfect timing especially if you’re considering the newly announced Galaxy S IV from Samsung.

Come comment on this article: AT&T Expands 4G LTE Coverage, Brings Coverage to Cleveland, TN and Augusta, GA

A week ago we told you that Rovio would be bringing “The Croods” to a mobile screen near you. The makers of Angry Birds proved that they were up for the task of bringing featured films to the super small screen with Angry Birds: Rio. Unlike Rio, there will be no angry birds to the rescue this time. Instead, you will see more Sim-City style game that will include the ability to:

● Trap & tame 10 evolutionarily mixed- up creatures! You’ve never seen anything like the Girelephant or Molarbear! Think you can catch them all?
● Create wacky inventions with Grug to open and explore new areas!
● Decorate your pre-historic world with the latest in caveman fashion accessories!
● Meet your favorite characters from the feature animation film from DreamWorks Animation!

If this seems like a game that’s up your alley you can hit the break to find your Play Store link and QR Code. Be warned though that even though you can play the game for free they have an IAP system for those premium goodies. Enjoy!

Play Store Link

Come comment on this article: Rovio’s “The Croods” Now Available in the Play Store

I have had my fair share of tablets over the years in both the 7-inch and 10-inch varieties. With each tablet purchase, I discovered that I had a growing list apps of that I couldn’t live without. Over the years that number has increased, and while I could go through each app and its purpose, I narrowed the list down to the ten apps I use almost daily. At the touch of a fingertip they provide access to my friends, social networks, work, and news. Hit the break to see what they are.

10. – DashClock Widget – (Play Store Link) This app is amazing. The kicker is that it only works with Android 4.2 and up. What makes this app so amazing is that I can look at my notifications straight from my lock screen. I can check Google Voice, Falcon Pro, as well as Gmail without unlocking my tablet. What’s even better is that more extensions are being added all the time. If you’re using the Nexus 10 or have a 4.2 ROM installed, than you need to download this app.

09. LilyPad HD – (Play Store Link) LilyPad is a great little social app because it floats over your home screen, which allows you to chat with your friends while using your tablet to do other things. Unlike the beta version this app supports multiple clients. MSN, Facebook, AIM, Yahoo, they’re all there. The free version only supports Google Talk, but a one time purchase of $2.99 makes the rest of them available as well as gets rid of ads. This is a must have if you’re always chatting with friends and family. If you’re worried that it’ll get in the way, you shouldn’t. because it minimizes to almost nothing and is easily accessible through the Notification Bar.

08. Nova Launcher – (Play Store Link) This is probably one of the first apps that I install with each tablet. It takes the stock Android launcher and adds many bells and whistles. It allows for bigger folders, multiple scroll effects, widgets in the dock, and so on. While there are others out there, Nova has proved itself with great performance and customization. The Prime version has more transitions as well as unread counts and swipe gestures. While many would be happy with the standard interface that their tablet gives, this one is my go to for a more stock experience with the added benefits of customization.

07. Google Voice – (Play Store Link) I love this app because not only does it sync my voicemail, but it allows me to send and receive messages from my tablet. It’s a great way to send messages to other friend’s devices in an SMS fashion. Plus if you’re like me and flash different ROMS constantly, it’s a good way of keeping those messages backed up and synced across multiple devices. I know some people who use that solely as the way to communicate foregoing their phone’s SMS app altogether.

06. Drive – (Play Store Link) Given that we here at TalkAndroid use Drive for all our writing needs it’s important to have. What makes it great is just like Google Voice, everything is in the cloud and can be seen across multiple devices. I can create and edit documents, work on spreadsheets as well as work on presentations right from my tablet. Hook up a Bluetooth keyboard and I have a perfect laptop replacement for writing. While it does have its limitations, Google is slowly making strides to improve the overall experience. Here’s hoping that their acquisition of Quickoffice makes the mobile office experience even better.

05. Netflix – (Play Store Link) While I also use Hulu Plus, Netflix can’t be beat for the library it has. Most of the shows that I’ve watched over the years are there. The movie selection could be better, but it’s getting there. The quality isn’t bad, and for the most part, shows and movies stream in HD quality. It’s a perfect way to kill some time while traveling or waiting for a class to start.

04. Chrome – (Play Store Link) While not on par with its desktop counterpart, Chrome for Android has come a long way from our initial review. While I touted it for being a well developed piece of software, it has come a long way. Since our review, it has added tons of features as well as sprouted off a beta version. The speed of the app is still a factor, but I can look past the few extra seconds for the ability to sync across devices. It’s handy for if I’m reading or researching something on my desktop or other device, and I have to leave, I can quickly open the same page on any of my other devices.

03. Kii Keyboard – (Play Store Link) With a plethora of keyboards out there to choose from, it’s hard to distinguish yourself from the pack. With apps like Swiftkey and Swype always in the spotlight, sometimes it’s hard to notice others. Kii Keyboard is such a keyboard. Built upon the Android 4.2 keyboard, it has everything you’d expect. It has next word prediction as well as gesture (Swype) typing. It supports themes like Go Keyboard and offers the ability to split the keyboard for easier thumb typing. I can’t think of a keyboard that I would recommend more.

02. TalkAndroid – (Play Store Link) No this isn’t just a plug for you to get our app but it doesn’t hurt. I came across the app before I started writing for TalkAndroid and I was very impressed. The app was created following Android Design Principles and the quality shows. You can easily navigate through each section and find what you’re looking for. Articles are easy to read and posting comments is a breeze. It’s a great way to keep up with us here at TalkAndroid without the need of a web browser.

01. Tablified – (Play Store Link) I have to say that the number one app to have for any tablet is Tablified. If you’re like me then you have probably been frustrated from time to time with the lack of a dedicated tablet section in the Play Store. While Google has made attempts at correcting this, Tablified takes the process out of the process. If you get any app out of this entire list, this is the one to get. It’s an entire database of Tablet specific apps presented in a very polished manner. So rather than wonder if the app you’re wanting is optimized for your tablet, use Tablified, and know that all you’re getting is apps optimized for the larger screen. The ad free version is on sale right now for $1.99 so if you haven’t yet…. Go get it!

Honorable Mention – Carbon Back Up (Play Store Link) – A recently developed app by Koush, CyanogenMod and ClockworkMod developer, Carbon Back Up is a great way to backup and sync data across multiple devices. I haven’t used it enough to give it a full review but from what I have used of it, I had to mention it. You can backup Messaging (SMS) data, launcher data, as well as data from any app you use. The great aspect for this is that you can sync the data on any of your devices. I tested it out when I switched from the G Note 10.1 to the Nexus 10. It saved my game progress from Simpsons Tapped Out so I was able to continue where I left off on the Nexus 10. This works for root and non-root users alike, and if you’re curious about using it, we have a handy guide for you to look at.

And that’s it. These are the ten tablet apps that I can’t live without and neither should you. There are many other apps out there that I use. but these are the first ten to get downloaded. What about you folks? What are the tablet apps that you can’t live without?

Come comment on this article: The 10 Android Tablet Apps You Shouldn’t Live Without

Google continues to celebrate the 1st birthday of the Play Store in a week long bonanza of savings and deals. From $0.99 movie rentals to various in-game deals, Google is showering us in savings. So without further hesitation, hit the break to check out the various deals in each department. Keep it locked here as we continue to bring the highlights of this birthday bash to you. Enjoy!

• TV Shows
• Magazines
• $0.99 Movie Rentals
• In-Game Specials
• Popular Books for $5
• Album Discounts
• Discounted Movies

Come comment on this article: Google Play Brings More Deals as the Birthday Celebration Continues

Samsung has always been one for adding a bit of colorful flare to its devices. Be it the Galaxy S III in Pebble Blue; the Note II in Pink; or the Note 10.1 in Garnet Red, Samsung loves to give us choices. Well it appears that the Korean Giant’s newest addition to the family, the recently announced Note 8.0 will be seeing multiple colors as well. As a leaked press shot suggests (below) the tablet will not just come in white but will also be available in a Charcoal Black color. 

This rumored color addition does appear to add some weight to the idea that Samsung is abandoning its short-lived, influenced-by-nature color scheme. Although that isn’t to say that down the road we’ll see different color options added. We won’t know until for sure until after the Note 8.0 debuts in the second quarter of this year. Stay tuned!

Source: PhoneArena

Come comment on this article: Charcoal Black Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 Photo Leaked

What would the internet be without hackers hacking things? Not a day goes by where some hacker somewhere is attempting to access secure or private information. Well it looks like the Evernote Operation’s and Security team discovered they they were at the receiving end of suspicious computer activities. Although personal content nor payment information looks to be affected the investigation does show that Evernote user information (usernames, email addresses associated with Evernote accounts and encrypted passwords) were obtained. While this is worrisome in itself, files containing said user information is encrypted. However rather than rely on just that the Evernote team is playing it safe and requiring that you head on over to evernote.com to reset your password. In the process they also would like to remind everyone the importance of keeping your password secure:

“There are also several important steps that you can take to ensure that your data on any site, including Evernote, is secure:

• Avoid using simple passwords based on dictionary words
• Never use the same password on multiple sites or services
• Never click on ‘reset password’ requests in emails — instead go directly to the service.”

So if you’re a Evernote user then head on over to their web site to change your password. Hit the source link below to read the full post. It’s great to see a company be proactive about their security.  I don’t know about you, but I’m going to go reset my password right now.

Source: Evernote

Come comment on this article: Hackers Access Evernote Secure Areas. Evernote Team Issues Service Wide Password Reset

Back when I was a kid Toy Story was my favorite movie. Mostly because it appealed to something I then often thought about; my toys coming to life when no one was around. To this day it’s proved a timeless classic with millions of toys, two sequels and multiple videogames. Just the other day even, Disney/PIXAR released Toy Story: Smash It! into the Play Store for your gaming pleasure. They’re not stopping there as they bring an interactive live wallpaper into the mix. Toy Story: Andy’s Room promises to visually brighten your day while also entertaining you with activities involving your favorite Toy Story characters. As if being entertaining weren’t enough Disney/Pixar also brings the following with this wallpaper:

• Encounter popular Toy Story characters: Unlock and interact with 5 characters from Toy Story including Woody, Buzz, Rex, Hamm, and the Aliens!
• Collect points to unlock new characters with fun mini games: Catch falling army men, and hit the bullseye on the dart board to earn valuable points!
• Hang out in Andy’s room from day till night: Play from sunrise to sunset, and watch the room change throughout the day according to your local time!
• Customize your own cork board: Write fun messages and reminders on the cork board in Andy’s Room!

If you’re looking for a Toy Story nostalgia fix hit the break for a link to the Play Store download. Enjoy!

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