News

Sync Forms in Chrome Beta for Android

March 6, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

Just after updating the iOS versions of its Chrome browser, Google is back to pumping out more features in the beta version of its Android browser forward by adding in autofill, password sync and speed boosting technology.

It only works for those who are currently running both the beta version of Chrome on their desktop as well as Android device. For early adopters, however, it has been another effort in making the mobile browsing experience similar to using a computer.

For those who fee like being experimental Google is also using its data compression technology for a faster experience. To turn it on, type chrome://flags in to the browser’s Omnibox. Then, check the box for the setting titled, “Enable Data Compression Proxy.”

Google claims this can speed up browsing by up to 50 percent. I can’t speak to the specifics of the data, but my experience was that it was very rapid when surfing through a large number of sites, both on HSPA+ and over WiFi.

As always, the beta version can be on the buggy side, so proceed with caution and be willing to keep other browsers on standby. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, App Updates, News, Posts

ESPN Bracket Bound Feeds March Madness

March 4, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

Anyone who is a dedicated or casual fan of college basketball should grab the 2013 edition of Bracket Bound. While it had a few too many bugs for my taste, it offers a great resource for staying on top of the season as we head towards the NCAA tournament.

For maximum performance log in with your ESPN credentials or via Facebook. I had to restart the app to get my ESPN account to take and had similar difficulties getting Facebook Connect to work on my Nexus 4. Once this works, any of your favorite schools saved elsewhere with your ESPN account will appear within the application. You can then

Bracket Bound 2013 also includes access to the Tournament Challenge, which is a pick-em style event for those who want to test their college tournament prediction skills.

By default push alerts will notify you of important game scores and down-to-the wire events. It may be overkill for some, but I appreciated the updates on a recent Saturday to how the Top 25 were faring against the competition.

My only lament is that it took all season for ESPN to update a dedicated college basketball app. While the college football app was ready for the entire season, college basketball again only seemed to pick up interest as the tournament approaches. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, App Updates, New Apps, News, Posts, Reviews, Sports Tagged With: ESPN

ClassDojo for Android Launches

February 27, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

Classroom behavior management app ClassDojo has arrived in Google Play. Like its iOS counterpart it allows teachers to award points or demerits based on a customized list of student behaviors.

By all accounts it should work across a wide range of Android devices. It does not have a native tablet version, but should work fine on smaller devices, such as the Nexus 7.

ClassDojo for Android is a very stable and solid release, allowing me to easily award the little monsters, complete with the same sounds found in the desktop and iOS versions. If you want the app to stay silent, simply turn off the sounds in the settings.

The main screen lists your classes – just tap on the one you want to use. The search bar can be used to find any of your classes faster is there is a larger list.

Also, like many Jelly Bean apps just slide to the right from the left edge to pull up the sidebar menu. Other options include sharing the app with others or changing how student names are sorted. There is no ability to edit or begin a new class – those must be handled from the desktop view. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, Education, New Apps, News, Reviews Tagged With: ClassDojo, education apps

SnipSnap for Android in the Works

February 26, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

The popular digital coupon-sharing app SnipSnap is coming to Android. I have been testing the beta for a couple of weeks, which has made me eager for a final, polished version.

It was one of the few apps I missed when moving from iOS to Android. For those unfamiliar with it, SnipSnap digitizes paper coupons, eliminating the need to carry most of them out shopping. While not all grocery stores or other retailers have jumped on board with scanning your phone, a number of larger retailers have done so. This makes redeeming coupons just as easy as paying for that Starbucks drink by showing your phone.

SnipSnap has also evolved into a coupon-sharing social network, with users able to share deals and connect with social networks. SnipSnap CEO Ted Mann said the social community has grown exponentially with a large amount of sharing happening.

“People are snipping and sharing coupons like mad. The idea of a coupon community has really taken off,” he said.

The iOS version of SnipSnap also exhibits deep integration with Apple’s Passbook feature, which helps alert users with location awareness. The app pings you with coupon reminders when entering specific stores. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, New Apps, News, Reviews, Shopping

WeVideo Launches Beta Android App

February 25, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

Online video creation tool WeVideo is using Mobile World Congress to debut its Android app.

The beta version emulates some of the basic features found in the desktop tool, providing a simple-to-use interface for video novices. It does not have the extensive polish of more established video editing apps, but this is an impressive debut for a tool with large ambitions.

WeVideo has the potential to become the app of choice for Chromebook users, as it has built what it calls a “full featured” subscription option for those who want to do more extensive video editing in the cloud.

I am being treated to a preview of the full suite courtesy of WeVideo. My impressions will be available in a later, more extensive, review.

Installing the beta on an Android device is pretty easy, even if you have not yet done this before (note: it currently only works on a Samsung Galaxy Note, Note II, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Nexus or LG Nexus 4). Head to the Launchpad site which hosts the WeVideo apk (Android Package file). Be sure your device is set to install non-Google Play applications. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, New Apps, News, Posts, Reviews, Video Editing Tagged With: Android, video editing

Plants vs. Zombies for iOS is Free (For Now)

February 21, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

plants-vs-zombies

Considering that this is probably a temporary promotion, be sure to grab Plants vs. Zombies for free on your iOS device. This is one of the original strong games that debuted when the iPad launched. I spent a considerable amount of time loitering at my local Best Buy playing the game before deciding to purchase my own iPad.

For anyone unfamiliar with the game, players must use a variety of plant life to defend against an invasion of (mostly) slow zombies. The strategy involves upgrading plants and weaponry as the zombies become faster and more adept at dodging the defenses. [Read more...]

Filed Under: App Updates, iPad, iPhone, News

SwiftKey 4 Launches for Android

February 20, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

swiftkey flow through space

Fans of SwiftKey can rejoice. SwiftKey 4 is now available, bringing the gesture-based Flow system and other improvements to the excellent Android keyboard.

The latest version of SwiftKey is the culmination of several iterations of Flow user feedback and other improvements to the well-regarded SwiftKey system.

After using the Beta for several weeks I have found the Flow predictions to continuously improve to the point where it could be the default for some users. How much to use Flow depends on typing style. I found that Flow worked best for text messages or other short communication that did not involve a considerable amount of specific terminology. Even if the gesture-based style is not your preferred method, there are other behind-the-scenes improvements that keep SwiftKey the top keyboard for Android phones and tablets.

Along with Flow, SwiftKey 4 has a variety of other improvements designed to keep the keyboard in its position as the top paid app in Google Play. The number of supported languages is up to 60, including Javanese and Susanese.

There is also a nice improvement to the correction system, enabling users to tap on a word and quickly get two suggestions. The cursor also quickly moves to the end of the word. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, New Apps, News, Posts

RPC:S-5:AEC-0 Error and Other Android Weirdness

February 19, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

Here is a solution that may be vexing those who recently scored the newest Jelly Bean update.

After upgrading to Android 4.2.2 on my Nexus 4 I suddenly was unable to download apps from Google Play. I was getting an unusual, Windows XP-style error message (RPS:S-5:AEC-0) that was equally annoying and confusing.

After searching through a number of forums I found a fix, which is also detailed in this silent YouTube video. The first step is to remove your primary Google account. Android will slightly flip out but there is no reason to worry – when you re-enable it later all of your data will be back where it is supposed to be. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, News, Posts

Google Now Widget Disappoints

February 14, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

Google Now is one of the strongest components of the current version of Android. The read-your-mind service now includes a home screen widget which brings forth some of the information previously only available when launching the application.

The widget can expand to fill one’s screen or be reduced down to the 4×1 size. It provides quick updates on weather, stocks, traffic, or sports information. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, App Updates, New Apps, News, Posts, Productivity, Reviews

Chrome Beta for Android Update Squashes Bugs

February 1, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

Chrome Beta for Android received its fourth update in the last two weeks, with Google clearly committed to a rapid development cycle. Version 25.0.1362.64 brings a number of bug fixes and stability improvements. Through my use I found this update to Chrome Beta helped with some of the flashing screens and other wonky behavior experienced since it first debuted.

The update began rolling out Friday. If you have not received it, then head to Google Play and check the “My Apps” list to be prompted for the download. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, App Updates, News

Google+, Google Play Music Updates Boost Utility

January 31, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

One of the advantages I found when switching my primary device to Android was the pace of development in native system apps. That was on display with some nice updates for Google Play Music and Google+.

Google+ page managers get some very welcome additional options in version 3.5, such as more moderation capabilites for community managers, improved notifications and access to the clipboard for sharing content. Page owners can now promote, review, or ban members from a community. they also can remove or restore posts that were marked for review. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, App Updates, Jelly Bean, News

The Weather Channel iPad App Test Ends

January 30, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

The Weather Channel “test” icon is no more. The most recent version of the application (3.5.1) fixed a rather unusual bug that had been introduced with the 3.5 update. The word “TEST” was inserted into the home screen app icon.

The image was listed there for several days prior to it being repaired by the newest iteration of The Weather Channel iPad app.

The test message inadvertently arrived with what was to be a substantial update, which included statewide flu levels, an improvement to breaking news, more images and an improved video section.

The update also notified users that the animated weather images are going away. As of this version, however, they are still available.

Should other bugs arise, or for those who just want to reach out to the development team, The Weather Channel asks for feedback at feedback.weather.com.

The full changelog for The Weather Channel 3.5.1 from the App Store:

We corrected the app icon “test:” graphic on the home screen. We apologize for any inconvenience!

Filed Under: App Updates, iPhone, News

Press 1.1 Improves Elegant Android RSS App

January 19, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

Press, the best RSS reader for Android, is out with an update which enhances what is already a great reading experience. The new version makes the performance quicker and adds some features that will be helpful for power users who want to blast through a large number of articles.

Unsatisfied with the current state of RSS readers on Android, developers Jordan Beck and Jay Ohms created an app that demonstrates how design is quickly improving on Android. It is another sign that since Jelly Bean many Android developers are stepping up their game to make the platform rival iOS when it comes to polish and beauty. To navigate through articles, users can swipe forward and back to quickly view an article and return to the list. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, App Updates, News, News, Reviews

The Weather Channel for iPad Adds ‘Test’ Message

January 15, 2013 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

The Weather Channel for iPad received an interesting addition to its app icon today. Version 3.5 installed several new features and bug fixes, yet it also added the word “Test” to the app icon.

The rest of the app appears to function as normal. The update promised additional Flu information, a better news section and visual improvements. However, it nixes the visual weather background, citing the need for “performance improvements.”

[Read more...]

Filed Under: App Updates, iPad, News Tagged With: iPad, weather apps

Orc Vengeance Update Improves Controls

December 20, 2012 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

One of the best games of the year has a significant new improvement to its control scheme. Orc: Vengeance, my favorite game to hit iOS in 2012, now has a virtual control stick and on-screen button layout that greatly improves the gaming experience. I found one can quickly attack enemies and maneuver through the game with much greater ease.

I find it more natural to play with the joystick, as the previous method of tapping where you wanted to go to become a little tiring over time. The new controls are positions so one can easily hold the iPad with two hands, much like a game controller. [Read more...]

Filed Under: App Updates, iPad, News, Reviews, RPG Tagged With: games, iOS, iPad

Applorer Finds Free Android Games

December 18, 2012 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

While iOS gamers have Game Center and other third-party gaming community apps, the scene has been far more scarce on Android. Applorer wants to change this, churning out an update to its free game recommendation app.

Applorer wants to harness the power of your group of friends to find more games, using a player’s history, reviews, and what other friends have spent time playing.

The interface certainly takes inspiration from Google+, with friends added to circles and creative use of white space. Slide from the left to reveal groups. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, Games, New Apps, News, Posts, Reviews

Facebook for Android Gets Faster with Code Rewrite

December 15, 2012 by Derek Walter 1 Comment

Facebook for Android finally has some parity with its iOS counterpart. The recent update to version 2.0 for Android devices vastly improves the app’s speed and performance, which until now had been desperately behind Apple’s mobile platform.

The focus of the effort is one area: speed.

After using it over the weekend I can say it is a much more pleasant experience than I previously had on Android with Facebook. The iOS version still trumps it with more features, but for now the speed improvement is welcome.

Menus appear almost instantaneously. Some of the more improved graphical touches are here, such as pop out menus for comments and a more animated “Like” button.

Also, when opening the menu on the left the new sections load almost instantly. A notification bar appears at the top of the application to inform you about new stories added to the stream.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Android, App Updates, Jelly Bean, News

Google Maps for iPhone Review

December 13, 2012 by Derek Walter Leave a Comment

It has been the unending question ever since iOS 6 launched: when will a Google Maps for iPhone app arrive?

The question was finally answered late Wednesday when Google Maps for iPhone went live in the App Store. As many of the late-night reviews have noted, it looks great. The entire package is better than the former Apple created, Google-powered version of Maps that existed previously.

The interface makes use of white space and a minimalist font for a modern look. It shares the same design aesthetic as the new Gmail and the Google search app.

In many ways it is superior to the old Google Maps experience on the iPhone. There are sharper details and the capability to sync information with your Google account. Star an item, save a trip, or track location history while entering your Google account details. [Read more...]

Filed Under: New Apps, News, Posts Tagged With: Google Maps