For those of you who like to hack and crack your phones, there is good news! Members of the XDA Developers forums have reported a successful Bootloader unlock on the AT&T version of the HTC One. According to sources, the same methods used on the International version to root and install ClockWorkMod will also work on the US version. » Read the rest
It’s certainly long overdue, but Motorola has finally started the initial rollout of the coveted Jelly Bean update to the DROID Bionic smartphone. The update will bring the software build to 98.72.22.XT875 and the Android software to version 4.1.2. Owners of the device will be treated to the usual JB goodies like Project Butter, Google Now and a smoother UI. Additionally, Motorola/Verizon have tossed in Visual Voicemail and an enhanced mobile hotspot capability.
While the initial rollout is official, Verizon will start pushing out the update in phases from Monday, so owners will need to be patient for just a wee bit.
source: Verizon Wireless
Microsoft has finally released a Tablet version of its ever popular Xbox SmartGlass Android app. The app is compatible with Tablets with screen sizes 7″ and larger, and is available for immediate download on the Google Play Store. Hit the break below for the download link.
As is the case with the Xbox SmartGlass smartphone app, Tablet user’s will be able to:
• Navigate their Xbox 360 with swipe and tap
• Use a phone’s keyboard to type to a user’s Xbox 360
• Browse the Internet on an Xbox 360 with full keyboard and zooming
• Play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and stop videos and music on an Xbox 360
• Search the full Xbox catalog of music, video, and games
• Enjoy rich, interactive experiences from select game and entertainment content creators
• Track and compare your achievements with your Xbox friends
• Change up user’s 3D avatars
• Message Xbox friends
• Edit Xbox profiles » Read the rest
App developers are finding more and more ways to take advantage of Widgets in Android. As any Android fan knows, Widgets are one of the major benefits of using Android over iOS. Widgets give us the ability to preview apps without having to open them time-and-time again (wipe the drool from your chins Apple fanboys [and girls]).
As awesome as Widgets are, developers continue to strive to make them that much better. Applay, headed up by XDA Senior Member liorry, has done just that with its “Overlays” app. Overlays enables users to “take any existing widget and effectively pin it on top of any currently running application.” Hit the break for a gallery of images and download links for both the paid for and free versions of the app. » Read the rest
Not to be outdone by the competition, Tumblr rolled out their newly redesigned Android app today on the Google Play Store. The latest iteration brings with it some pretty amazing updates. The app, which is available immediately for download, has an all new “post anything” screen that lets users post:
Advanced controls will also enable users to save drafts, queue posts, and customize tweets. Hit the break for a screenshot of the new “post anything” screen. » Read the rest
OUYA has done a great job of listening to early adopters of their developer consoles, and has worked rigorously to address issues and concerns that have been reported. According to OUYA, they have fixed identified issues for their upcoming June roll out. Their promise to consumers, to “continue to obsess over quality and performance“.
Some of the overall improvements to the final product include both hardware and software improvements. Here is a list OUYA has for each:
HARDWARE
Problem: Battery Covers on front of unit fell off easily during shipping.
Fix: Add additional magnets to cover plats to improve security.
SOFTWARE
Problem: Current software iteration has a few key components issues, such as lack of storage, complicated installation processes, and a lack of controller support for video players.
Fix: Added numerous software fixes, to include options not necessarily addressed by developers, such as:
ES File Explorer has been on my phone for a long time. I love using it to manipulate and move files to and from various folders and the like. My only complaint was that the UI seemed a bit outdated and didn’t fit with the Holo style that the later versions of Android brought to the table. The devs must have read my mind though because they posted a test build of the newest version of the file manager sporting a new Holo-style theme. While it is marked for testing purposes, the app appears to be pretty solid. I have yet to see a hiccup in the short time that I’ve used it.
For those that are interested in tinkering with the app, you can download it or read up on it from the source link below. I’ve included a gallery past the break so that you can see the new UI in action. It should hit the Play Store sometime soon barring any major bugs. As far as I can tell though, it’s pretty close to a final product.
Humble Mobile Bundle has done it again! Above and beyond the games we previously reported for the Humble Mobile Bundle with Android 5, they have gone and added another 3 games. As was the case last time, the additional games will not cost a penny if you have already purchased the bundle, and will cost a mere $5.57 (at the time of this post) for new purchases. This price will get you the original six bundle games, Contre Jour, Anomaly Korea, Plants vs. Zombies, Bladeslinger, The Rooma and Metal Slug 3, coupled with the additional 3 new games:
The number of Android devices running Jelly Bean is on the rise. Last month we reported Gingerbread down by 1.4%, and Jelly Bean up by 3.2%. Just one month later we are happy to report a significant increase in devices running Jelly Bean of 8.5%, and decrease in devices running Gingerbread of 4.4%. Here are the latest stats:
This decrease in devices running Gingerbread is a great sign. With devices like the HTC One X, X+, XL, X+ USA, Droid DNA, Butterfly, Incredible 4G LTE, and EVO 4G LTE all receiving the Jelly Bean update, and the latest slew of devices being released with it straight out of the box, we should see another significant jump in devices running it by this time next month.
Source: Android Developers
If you have been sitting in the wings watching the GSIII and GS4 come and go, you are probably feeling a little “left behind”. If you are still stuck in your two year contract and have fallen a bit behind the power curve of late, fear not, a refreshing new update to your old trusty handset should be just what the Doctor ordered.
Sprint announced yesterday that Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is on its way! I know this has been a long wait for those of you who have had your GSII since its release in 2011, but your wait is finally over. As you probably know, and have severely drooled over time-and-time again, the new update will bring with it: