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Motorola introduces ‘Test Drive’ feature for select few to test future software updates before release

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by Sean Stewart on
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Right on the heels of the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update on the DROID RAZR M today, Motorola has introduced a feature they’re calling ‘Test Drive.’ This feature will allow a select group of registered users to have access to the latest software and provide feedback before it goes public. There’s no mention of how or when those users will be selected however. Tenure maybe? The first group of “a few hundred consumers” that get to be a part of this new feature will be when Android 4.2 begins to roll out. This no doubt will be a pretty sweet, distinguished group of folks, so we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

source:  Motorola Blog

Nexus 10 Possibly Available At Walmart Prior To Nov. 13th Release? Sure Seems So

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by Roy Alugbue on
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It’s only a matter of days before customers and Android fanatics alike can order what will be the most coveted reference tablet in the game, but it appears that some lucky customers at an unspecified Walmart may be able to grab the tablet sooner than the rest of us. As seen in the screenshot above, a customer stumbled upon what appeared to be a placeholder tag for the Nexus 10 32GB tablet and more importantly— it actually appeared to be in stock! Sadly though, the photo was taken late in the evening and there were no store associates to verify if the in-stock listing was accurate or not. Still, you can’t help but be excited at the prospect of owning the coolest tablet available before all your friends do.

We’ll be sure to stay on top of this story and confirm its accuracy, but in the meantime— if you live near a Walmart and have some extra time and/or money, feel free to check out the store and see if they too have the tablet in stock. Oh and be sure to let us know of your findings if you do hear of anything.

source: Brief Mobile

 

Google’s Barra shares some amazing Photo Spheres

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by Jeff Causey on
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Google’s Vice President for Android Product Management, Hugo Barra, shared some Photo Spheres from some of his friends today. The images come from Barra himself along with Evan Rapoport, Sascha Haeberling, Sacha Arnoud, and Lockey McGrath, all taken with the new LG Nexus 4. Locations are from around the world and include both inside and outside shots. » Read the rest

Android 4.2 Core Apps Now Available In One File For The Galaxy Nexus

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by Roy Alugbue on
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As most Android users wait for the anticipated Android 4.2 update to hit their devices, Galaxy Nexus users will get to enjoy some of the major improvements found in core apps thanks to some leaked Android 4.2 apps. The boys at AndroidSpin managed to score a collection of GAPPs which includes the 4.2 versions of Gmail, Maps, Talk, Calendar, Clock, Photo Sphere, the latest keyboard and much more. All Galaxy Nexus users will need to do is grab and flash the zip files that are available for download using any recovery method— just like you would flash a normal ROM. One thing to note is that Google Wallet does comes as a separate .apk, so users will need to grab that separate file and sideload it if they are interested in utilizing the app as well.

More details and download links can be found at the source links below.

 

source: AndroidSpin | GAPPs | Google Wallet

Photo Sphere does tiny planet version of Android HQ

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by Jeff Causey on
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Since Google announced the updated version of Jelly Bean last week, taking it to Android 4.2, folks have been working to get access to the new camera app to use on other Android versions. Much of the desire is driven by the new Photo Sphere function. Photo Sphere is the function that extends the panorama photo feature of the camera to extend to a full 360 degrees on one plane and users can stitch in photos above and below that plane. The effect is to create a virtual sphere letting users pan around a photo sphere looking in all directions, very similar to what you can do with Street View. In fact, users can upload their photo sphere shots to Google Maps to enhance the database for other users. » Read the rest

LG Rumored To Sell Nexus 4 At A Significantly Higher Cost Than What Is Found In The Play Store

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by Roy Alugbue on
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While it’s exciting that Google is selling the Nexus 4 through its Play Store for as little as $299 here in the US and parts of Europe, it looks like those in other parts of the world may not be so lucky to grab the device for such a low price. According to Androidos, there are reports coming in from Europe indicating that LG will be selling the Nexus 4 directly for as much as €599 or $768 USD in countries like Italy. Additional reports indicate similar pricing for other markets including Spain and India, which will likely see the device priced at INR 34K or 35K (roughly $650 USD). The increased pricing is beginning to have a major negative effect as well: LG’s supposed pricing structure seems to have a ripple effect as several retailers such as Phone House will not sell the phone due to the high pricing, which potentially means less availability for many Android fans abroad.

There’s no official word yet from LG and/or Google regarding this, but as soon as we grab further details, we’ll be sure to share it with you all.

source: Androidos

Android 4.2 clock and keyboard apps available for flashing

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by Jeff Causey on
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Earlier this week, after Google announced Android 4.2, an update to Jelly Bean, some sources managed to obtain standalone apk files for the 4.2 keyboard. The keyboard from 4.2 is sought after due to the inclusion of “Gesture Typing,” which allows users to glide their finger over the keyboard in a Swype-like fashion. Google asked sources to take down links to the apk files as the software was not yet ready for versions other than 4.2. » Read the rest

How to enable hidden developer settings on Android 4.2

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by Rudy Rivapalacio on
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Like Mitt Romney’s move to the center, Google continues its move to make Android more appealing to mainstream consumers. Google has hidden the Developer Settings menu in Android 4.2. Access to these settings is essential for developers and the relatively small percentage of power users looking to try out the latest Android advancements ahead of schedule (Android Sphere for the GNex anyone?) or jump on a popular custom ROM like CyanogenMod. For most smartphone users, however, it’s a menu they’ll likely never access… on purpose.

Android Central has discovered a relatively easy way to bring the menu back.  Go to ”About phone” and tap the “Build number” line seven times. You’ll restore the Developer Settings menu and will get an extra life the next time you play Super Mario Brothers.

Source: Android Central

 

Security Features a big part of Android 4.2

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by Sean Stewart on
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Amongst the many other additions that will be part of Android 4.2, it looks like keeping your device secure will be a priority as well. I know we don’t like the idea of malware on our Android devices, but the fact is, it’s out there. Google is looking to combat that in 4.2 by offering the option of scanning an application before it’s fully installed. Once the app is scanned, if it finds something suspicious within the app, it’ll then prompt you and inform you as such and give you the option to continue. Additionally, the scanner will block the installation completely if the fingerprint matches existing malware.

Google isn’t forcing this however. This is an opt-in type of setup and option. I think it’s a good start by Google offering this option. Our devices these days are worth quite a bit of change and hold some valuable information on them, so keeping everything on the up and up is definitely on the top of my list when talking about my mobile device.

 

source: Android Central

Android 4.2 Camera app with Photo Sphere now available for Galaxy Nexus

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by Colton Kaiser on
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Introduced on Monday, Android 4.2 brings a slew of new enhancements and features that rectify the minor jump in the version number. One of the most–if not the most–heavily touted features is Google’s entirely redesigned Camera and Gallery interface. The new build brings with it an intuitive options ring that pops up wherever you place your finger, allowing you to easily control the focus and various user settings. Also new is Photo Sphere, which has the ability to capture 360-degree images, similar to Google Maps Street View.

You may be thinking, “all this is great, except I don’t have a Nexus 4.” This may be true, but if you have a Galaxy Nexus, the entire new app has been ripped from Android 4.2, and  packaged into a nice .apk for easy installation. Hit the break for download links.

Downloads
Download Link 1
Download Link 2

Source: Android Police

 

 

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