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Android apps will update while you're using them
Getting locked out of an app while it updates is probably the very definition of a first world problem, but Google is addressing it anyway. The company is introducing a new API for Android that will allow users to continue using apps while an update downloads in the background -- or boot them out of the app when it's a critical update.
Google makes a few changes to its Drive apps on iOS and Android
You know that thing where you try and get as much work done as you can before the end of the year? Tie up loose ends so that you can start the new year with a clean slate? That seems to be the mindset over at Google: After adding Office-file conversion in Gmail, the company has issued a handful of miscellaneous updates to its Drive apps for both iOS and Android. Basically, the sort of stuff they had probably been meaning to get around to for a while, but didn't until now. In any case, here's what's on tap. If you're an Android user, you'll find that you can now search for files from within the Google search app, even by using the "OK Google" voice command. Essentially, then, you can get to your files without actually having to open the Drive app first.
Microsoft announces updates for Windows 8 built-in apps, just in time for October 26th launch
All signs point toward the impending general availability of Windows 8, what with the upcoming OS launch event, the Surface RT finally hitting the FCC, and Paul Allen letting the world knows what he thinks of it. In light of this, the Redmond company has announced a final update push to the built-in apps you'll find in Windows 8. The Bing update will be first out the gate tomorrow -- it promises richer search results for local content -- with the rest rolling out through October 26th. Also of note is Music, which touts "expanded music services" as an update (Xbox Music, anyone?). If you're itching to know what built-in apps will be updated, you can get the full and extensive list after the break.
Dropbox iOS app update adds sharing to Facebook and Twitter, tacks on AirPrint for good measure
On the heels of the preview of its Jelly Bean-flavored Android app, Dropbox has updated its iOS software for mobile devices as well. This time around, the cloud storage outfit threw in sharing directly to Facebook and Twitter. Simply select your social media outlet of choice from the menu and proceed to type the appropriate message. A link to the file will then get comfortable on your timeline once you post the update. If you need to keep matters a bit more private, you can include the info in a Facebook message as well. For those looking to print directly from their cloud libraries, AirPrint support is also included in this version (1.5.5). If you haven't snagged the update just yet, the iTunes link below will lend a hand with said task.
ooVoo updates its iOS and Android apps to support four-way video calls
First ooVoo opened up four-way video chats on Facebook, and now the video calling service is doing the same for its Android and iOS apps. The company just updates both applications so that you can view up to four video streams at once, though you can carry on text chats with as many as 12 people. That's true of both platforms, though the Android version is admittedly getting a few more changes. The newest version of the app brings deeper integration with Google services, plugging into the native Android address book to show missed calls, as well as a list of which friends are available to chat. To that end, Android users get not just the app, but also a widget that displays these tidbits at a glance. Rounding out the list of improvements, the updates introduce push notifications as well as the ability to text chat in the middle of a video call. %Gallery-162942%
Evernote updates Android app with new tablet UI, swipe navigation
Evernote is incrementally adding functionality to its Android app, most recently bringing a new swipe-friendly interface with an update this May. Today the app steps up to version 4.1, and it includes a new UI for tablets that matches the interface on phones, complete with a streamlined list view and swipe interactions, such as for making the note list full-screen. Both phone and tablet users can now create sub-lists, and Evernote included the requisite bug fixes and performance tweaks as well. Check out the latest version for yourself by nabbing the free download on Google Play.
ooVoo opens up 12-way chat on Facebook and the iPad, gives other apps a facelift
If there's some video chat corollary to Moore's Law, ooVoo is adhering to it. Almost a year to the day after announcing six-way calls, the company is expanding its offerings to include 12-way chats on both Facebook and ooVoo's iPad app. It would seem that on FB, at least, that means true 12-way, face-to-face conversations -- an obvious one-up to Facebook's native video calling app, which is powered by Skype. On the iPad, however, that 12-way claim comes with a substantial quid pro quo: while you can partake in chat with 12 people at once, you can only view up to four people's streams at a time. Moving on, folks using ooVoo on Android or the iPhone will notice some UI tweaks starting today, while people plugged into the desktop version will be treated to a more drastic overhaul. Rounding out the list of newsy bits, the ability to record and upload video chats to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter is now free. You can get your update on now at ooVoo.com, the Apple App Store or Google Play, and we've got one last screen shot after the break to help illustrate what's on tap.
Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow
Everyone's favorite VoIP service, Skype, has rolled out a fresh update to its iPhone / iPod Touch and iPad clients. First off, the Microsoft-owned outfit added a revamped login screen to both iOS applications, and now offers the ability to move your vid preview around the screen -- much like FaceTime does. To go along with the new pair of features, Skype's changelog also notes the app will now automatically restart after a sudden crash, while other undisclosed enhancements were made to improve the overall UI, stability and accessibility. Of note, Skype v4 requires folks to be running iOS 4.3 or later. So, those of you keeping that Cupertino OS current can hit either of the iTunes links below to get the goods, or grab it from the App Store on your device.
Nest Thermostat update adds 10-day history, helps send chilly air through the home
There's a first for everything, including Engadget stories about software updates for thermostats. If we're going to suddenly start getting granular in our coverage of home automation products, though, we may as well start with the Nest, a device slick enough to make us use "thermostat" and "sexy' in the same sentence. Now that it's been out on the market for about five months, the company's issuing a software update that introduces a couple new features. For starters, particularly fastidious users can now access a detailed 10-day history, showing precisely when and for how long their heating and cooling systems kicked in, as well as the reason for that shift (e.g., you manually changed the temperature, were away). Though you can't view all that data on the device's small, circular screen, you can look it up online or through Nest's iOS and Android apps. Next up is Airwave, a feature that uses your fan to distribute chilled air through the home after your air conditioner has turned off (you know, instead of letting one room get intensely, unnecessarily cold). According to Nest, that feature turns on automatically when the temperature is high and the humidity low, though we're hazy on the algorithm being used there. Rounding out the list, Nest has made certain settings easier to access, and the hardware itself will ship with redesigned connectors that purport to work well even without wall anchors. Save for that last bit, current owners can enjoy all these tweaks via a free software update -- fully automated, 'o course.
Twitter for BlackBerry 3.0 brings easier photo-uploading, automatic link-shortening, BBM integration
Listen up, you BlackBerry users, you: RIM's just released a new version of its Twitter app, and though the list of new features is hardly earth-shaking, they should all be welcome additions to those of you who've been making do with version 2.0. On board we've got automatic link-shortening, for starters, along with BlackBerry Messenger integration (read: the ability to link your Twitter account with BBM). So far so good, right? You can also upload photos to pic.twitter.com directly from your device's camera, or as you're composing tweets. Finally, Twitter says it's made it easier to share websites from within the browser. So long as you've got BlackBerry 5 installed as your OS, you can get your download on at the link below. Still haven't upgraded from 4.6? Sorry, folks, you're stuck with version 2.0.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Help me skip my app update
Dear Aunt TUAW, The latest update for Quickpick has removed a bunch of features -- particularly that "Actions cannot be launched directly from the Notification Center any more." Well, crap. Do I update and lose features I want, or never use "update all" again? *sigh* Your loving nephew, Tim Dear Tim, There are ways around upgrades, but they aren't convenient or fun, or very manageable over the long-term. Basically, you can copy the original IPA (iOS application archive file) from the Mobile Applications folder in your iTunes library to keep on-hand for reversion. To revert, you delete the app on your devices and in the library, and then copy the original IPA back, then sync. That's a pain, especially if the app had had any important data stored in its Documents folder. (If you accidentally upgraded, the original IPA is moved to the trash, you can recover it there.) The other way -- just as painful -- is to update individual apps rather than the more convenient "update all," fixing your app at the current release. As you point out in your email, you lose any new features the app might offer in the future as well. This is simply one of those can't-really-win-scenarios and Auntie sympathizes with your plight. Hugs, Auntie T.
The Incident update includes iPhone as iPad controller
I'm a sucker for retro 8-bit games, and the addicting iPhone/iPad game The Incident is no exception. Its interface is simplistic, but gameplay is fast and fun. What's more, it's a universal app that costs only $1.99 -- a bargain! The app has just recently undergone a significant update, including a new "Endless Night" mode, additional objects and music, and new balloon power-ups/downs. But the neatest addition to the app is the ability to use your iPad as the gameplay screen and an iPhone as the controller! I gave the game a go in controller-mode, and it was surprisingly responsive. Tilt the phone to move Mr. Soloway to the left and right, tap the screen to jump -- that's all the controls you need, and they work flawlessly. Thankfully they made it difficult to accidentally tap out of controller mode, requiring you to use a slider to deactivate. Of course, you need both an iPad and iPhone to try the new controller feature. If you have both, definitely give it a try. Hopefully we'll see a lot more games give this feature a go in the future.
