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Latest Google Chrome for Android Beta features data compression for quicker web browsing

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by Jared Peters on
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Not too long ago we heard about a web data compression feature Google was testing out. It was only available to Android 4.2 users, however, so not many of us got a chance to play with it. After some digging around in the source code for the latest Chrome browser, it turns out that Google has somewhat implemented the data compression feature into Chrome for anyone to try out.

It’s a little tricky to get to the setting, as there’s no actual UI for turning it on yet. In Chrome, type chrome://flags in the address bar, and from there you’ll be able to switch the flag on to start data compression. All HTTP websites you visit will then be sent to Google’s proxy server to be intelligently compressed and optimized for Chrome, then sent to your smartphone, speeding up the web loading process as well as consuming less data. Pretty handy trick if you’re dealing with a data cap from your carrier.

Hopefully we’ll see this feature make it into the stable release of Chrome before long.

source: Google Developers Blog

Mozilla releases Firefox 19, adds built-in PDF viewer

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by Colton Kaiser on
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Firefox for Android has finally received a hefty update from the folks at Mozilla today, bringing massive improvements like a built-in PDF viewer to the third-party browser. The new build, version 19, also brings native support for themes, allowing Android users to customize a large portion of their browsing experience.

While most enhancements have been made to the mobile version, desktop users will also notice a few improvements like speed improvements and lower hardware requirements. Be sure to hit the download link after the break to get in on the action. » Read the rest

Firefox for Android gets update to include new Reader Mode, performance and security enhancements

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by Jeff Causey on
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Long-time Firefox users who enjoy both the desktop and mobile versions will be pleased to know Mozilla is working to keep the mobile version’s updates consistent with the desktop version. Mozilla was not the fastest developer in bringing their web browser to Android devices, but now that they have it available, they certainly seem to be moving ahead at full speed in supporting it and trying to keep it up-to-date. Yesterday they released an update to bring it up to version 16, which puts it slightly ahead of the desktop version which saw version 16 released today and updates have not yet rolled out to all users. » Read the rest

Firefox browser for Android updated, Brings native UI for tablets and much needed speed

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by Macky Evangelista on
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One of Android’s most popular 3rd party browsers has recently been updated and brings in some much needed speed along with a native UI for tablets. Here’s some of what you can expect:

  • Native UI for tablets, including faster startup and a beautiful new Awesome Bar!
  • Desktop sites can now be requested from the menu
  • Even better tabs experience – now includes swipe to close
  • Find in page implemented
  • Support for SPDY networking protocol v3
  • Bookmarks and history can now be imported from the stock browser in the Settings

The update definitely brings a better overall experience for tablet users. Panning and interacting through pages should give you a better overall experience. The update is now live and ready for consumers. Have you guys tried this new update yet? If so, tell us your experience with it!

QR code and download link will be available after the break.

» Read the rest

Google weather searches get interactive on Android tablets

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by Jeff Causey on
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A few weeks after updating the way Google handles weather searches on Android, Google announced similar functionality for tablet devices. Users can simply type in “weather” in their browser or on the Google search page. At the top of the results page, an interactive weather “report” will display, strongly influenced by the Google Now service available in Jelly Bean. » Read the rest

Mozilla tweets and teases about something BIG coming to Firefox for Android

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by Jeff Causey on
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Earlier today, Twitter followers of the @Firefox account were teased with the following announcement regarding Firefox for Android:

‪#Firefox‬ for ‪#Android‬. Something BIG is coming your way next week.

A link included in the tweet took readers to the graphic at the top of this story showing the Android robot peeking out from behind a mobile device filled with the Firefox logo on the screen.

What could this BIG news be? Reaction to the tease appears to be subdued.  Mozilla fans will likely be on the lookout next week at Google I/O and we will be on scene in case details on this BIG development emerge.  We will keep an eye open for further news and report as more information is available.  As a long-time Firefox user, I am hopeful Mozilla is able to make a big splash and generate some buzz around their browser on the Android platform.

source: @Firefox

Chrome for Android To Lose Beta Label In A Matter Of Weeks

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by Ed Caggiani on
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Google Chrome for Android Beta has been out for only a couple of months but has already proven to be a very capable browser. Recent updates have added the ability to view the desktop versions of web sites as well as adding bookmarks to the browser’s home tab, not to mention the usual round of bug squashing. Senior Vice President of Chrome and Apps Sundar Pichai had the following to say in an interview.

“We launched beta 2. We addressed a few things. Mainly right now, I’m driven by bug quality and stability. We are triaging, tracking, and trying to make it very stable. It is in a matter of weeks.“

Chrome for Android is only available for devices running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a relative rarity in the Android ecosystem, but it has gotten very high marks by users of the platform. Check out our own review of the browser.

source: cnet

Android Browser Now Most Popular Mobile Browser

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by Ed Caggiani on
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With all the options Android users have for browsers, from Firefox to Dolphin to Chrome, it’s still not that surprising that the most used is the stock Android browser that comes pre-installed on most Android devices. But how does it stack up over all mobile browsers on all platforms? Apparently, very well, according to the latest statistics report from analytics firm StatCounter.

The Android browser has finally taken the lead over its competitors this month with a 22.67% share, and is now the top mobile browser in the world. Opera comes in a close second at 21.7%, followed by Apple’s 21.06%. This is a 2.47% increase over last year, when the Android browser ended up at 20.2%. Opera dropped from last year’s 24.22%, while Apple’s Safari browser increased from December’s 18.41%.

Nokia came in next at 11.24%, followed by Blackberry at 6.53%, but each is generally trending downward, the latter’s chart looking like a good hill to sled down. Check out the chart after the break.

» Read the rest

Guide: How to Get the Chrome Browser to Work On Custom ICS ROMs

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by Stacy Bruce on
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Last week we reported that the most recent Chrome Beta update broke compatibility for some custom Android 4.0 ROMs. The update proved to be beneficial on devices that are running stock ICS so I wanted to figure out a way to get it up and running on my rooted Galaxy Tab 10.1 running a CM9 kang. Apparently some of the custom ROMs have a build.id and display.id that reflect an Android version other than ICS even though they actually run Android 4.0. There is a simple workaround for this and I will give you a quick walk-through in the video below. Basically you will just need to make sure your build.id and display.id read IML74K.

If the thought of editing your build.prop file sounds daunting to you, maybe you should just wait until the developer updates the ROM in the future. If this sounds like something you can handle then check out the video and let us know in the comments if it worked and what ROM you are running. By the way, anything you do to your device is at your own risk, myself or Talk Android will not be held responsible for any problems you may encounter. Happy hacking! :-D

Video after the break.  » Read the rest

[Update] Chrome for Android Receives Update, Custom ROM Users Beware

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by Stacy Bruce on
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Chrome Beta for Android received an update this morning and was brought up to version 0.16. When we first noticed the update this morning there was no changelog and here it is 8 hours later and still nothing. I was hoping to be able to give you guys some kind of idea what to officially expect but without a changelog I have to go off of what I noticed throughout the day’s use and multiple reader reports.

There are no new features or additions to be found, but I noticed much faster navigation between bookmarks and open tabs. Another thing myself and a few readers noticed is that it breaks compatibility with some custom ICS ROMs. My Galaxy Tab 10.1 that’s  running a CM9 kang lost Chrome compatibility all together. Even though the device is running Android 4.0.3, Chrome tells me that my device needs ICS in order to be compatible. On the other hand, my Galaxy Nexus is running Code Named Droid and I haven’t seen any problems at all. I guess it all depends on if you are rooted and what custom ROM you are running. You may want to back a backup in case you need to fall back to the previous version.

For those of you who have a stock version of ICS, I highly recommend grabbing the update and you can do so through the links below. I am sure you too will notice the vast speed improvements, but if you find anything new let us know in the comments!

Update: Google finally posted a change log and they are also aware that users want the ability to switch between mobile and desktop views. We can probably expect that feature to be included in the next update. For those who lost custom ROM compatibility (i.e. CM9) there is a workaround if you are comfortable messing with your build.prop. The problem lies within the ROMs build ID + fingerprint because some of them use a Gingerbread instead of ICS. You can change the build.prop from “Gingerbread” to “IML47K” and you should be up and running again.

The official changelog is as follows:

  • Android Beam support – now beam URLs from Chrome to other devices with NFC.
  • Support for additional countries
  • Compatibility checks to ensure system prerequisites for Chrome are met
  • Essential bug fixes

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