The Nexus 10 Book Cover went on sale just a few short days ago and the moment that it did, my bank account was $30 lighter. It shipped Friday and I spammed the refresh button on the UPS tracking site constantly. Anyway, it got here yesterday afternoon and like a kid on Christmas I ripped open the package and squealed a scream of glee. So here it is: a review of the Nexus 10 Book Cover.
Those of you that own a Nexus 10 will be happy to know that official flip covers are finally available in the Google Play Store. You have your choice of Scarlet or Dark Grey, and they will run you $29.99 plus tax and shipping. Orders will take about 3 to 5 days to hit your doorstep so hit the source link to get started.
source: Google Play
To kick off the big Play Store redesign, Google has launched a little contest to raise awareness about your favorite things in the Play Store. Simply tweet one of your favorite items, it’s link in the Play Store, and the hashtag #favoritethings. You’ll have to be following the Play Store’s Twitter account, obviously, and there’s a separate page where you’ll need to submit your proof to enter the contest, but it’s a pretty simple way to grab some cool prizes.
What prizes are there, exactly? Ten Nexus 10s, seven Nexus 7s, and four Nexus 4s, as well as a hundred $10 Play Store gift cards. Now, before you start tweeting off everything you love about the Play Store (and inevitably losing a few Twitter followers in the process) each person is only allowed one entry, so make sure to pick that one thing that you really consider your favorite. Just don’t take too long to decide, as the contest ends on the 24th. Hit the break below to check out the full rules for the contest.
source: Google
Google’s recently stepped up their advertising game to try to draw some attention to their Nexus lineup, and the latest really hits home. The small story focuses on a couple trying to decide how to handle having their first child, and it goes through the beginning expecting stages all the way through the couple trying to decide on a name. The video of course showcases the cool things the Nexus 10 can do in a relateable way, like multi-user support for both parents’ schedule, and Google Now for making that tough naming decision.
It’s definitely a memorable commercial that’s bound to drum up a bit of interest for the 10-inch tab. Hopefully we’ll see a few more showcasing the other features Google stuffed into their devices. Hit the break below to check out the commercial for yourself. » Read the rest
A couple of days ago Canonical announced Ubuntu for Tablets with a promise to release a developer preview on February 21st and the developer has delivered on the promise as the developer preview is now ready to be downloaded. Canonical says that the developer preview is intended for development and evaluation purposes and those who flash the images to their Nexus devices shouldn’t expect all of the bugs to be out nor all the bells and whistles of the retail version to be present. You can download the image for your device and find the instructions for how to flash the software to your device at the source links below. Let us know in the comments if you’ve flashed Ubuntu for your Nexus device and what your experience has been like so far.
Canonical has lifted the curtain off of Ubuntu for tablets. What separates this OS from others is the ability to change subtle things about the UI depending on the device. Features include new side stage multi-tasking, which allows for simultaneous usage of tablet apps and smartphone apps and full encryption and multi-user logins which have always been at Ubuntu’s core. Paired with Ubuntu’s newest HUD (heads up display), Canonical has released a very clean and elegant UI that is sure to be on many tablets to come.
We already know that Canonical will bring the Ubuntu preview for Nexus phones February 21st, but now it appears that the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets will get a little taste of the Ubuntu action as well. Click the break to see the press release along with the debut video showcasing Ubuntu for tablets. » Read the rest
After rolling out Android 4.2.2 updates over the last few days to users, Google has now posted their factory images for the latest version on their developer’s site. The factory images are available for the:
The factory images are especially useful for anyone who has been rooting their device, trying out some ROMs, or other similar activities and find themselves needing a “reset” back to stock. The new images give them a path to do that. Another group that may find some immediate benefit are those who did not receive or opted not to install the update that was being pushed out over the last few days. Now they can install Android 4.2.2 from scratch.
If you need the latest files, hit the source link for downloads and instructions.
source: Google Developers
We already posted the download link and instructions to install Android 4.2.2 (JDQ39) on the takju Galaxy Nexus and the nakasi WiFi-only Nexus 7, and now it’s time for the mantaray Nexus 10 (All Nexus 10s).
In order to do the update, your device needs to be running build JOP40D. If you already have a custom recovery, you can just download the Zip file {linked below), copy it to your device, and flash. If you’re running the stock recovery, then download the Zip file (linked below), but leave it on your computer and follow these instructions:
You will need the latest version of adb in order to proceed. Just download the latest Android SDK to make sure you’re up to date.
Download mantaray build JDQ39 for the Nexus 10 from Google’s servers. **This is ONLY for the the Nexus10!!
Owners of Nexus devices will be happy to know that the latest version of Android Jelly Bean is now rolling. We have reports that Android 4.2.2 (build JDQ39) is now hitting the GSM Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 7. We don’t have a changelog yet, but we are certain it will contain fixes for Bluetooth streaming, among other things. We haven’t heard word on the Nexus 4 or the Nexus 10 officially receiving the update, but they can’t be too far behind. Make sure to hit your Settings/About Phone (or Tablet)/System Updates to see if you can pull it manually before the automatic over-the-air update takes place. Let us know if you received your update and what device(s) you have.
Update: Looks like Nexus 10 owners are seeing the update as well.
Cheers Steve
One of the real hidden gems in the ROM community has just been updated to become one of the best apps imaginable. For those of you not familiar, Paranoid distinguishes itself from other custom ROMs because of its “Hybrid Engine”, which allows users to select both dpi and layout on a for each app available on a device—- meaning that instead of users being forced to modify the look of the device UI, users can instead optimize various apps to what works best for each one. While the concept of the app is certainly cool, everyone knows that there is always room for improvement and the developers have certainly delivered. The new Paranoid Android build includes the release of the PIE control system which allows users to disable onscreen buttons and instead, utilize a swipe gesture to access various common functions— giving users some extra screen & display to use. Oh and for you Nexus 4 users: there is a special screen calibration feature available which allows users to greatly optimize the display and allowing for all that content to be displayed with some extra pop.
As of now, this ROM looks like it’s only meant for Nexus users— so if you’re an owner of the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 or Nexus 10— the new ROM is ready and waiting to be used by you today. Hit the break to check out one (or all) of the source links to get additional info and grab yourselves the ROM— but be sure check out a few of the videos highlighting Paranoid’s neat features first.