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Google is giving Chromecast owners $6 in Play Store credit
Do you own a Chromecast? Well, Google just gave you $6 to spend in the Play Store on movies, music and more. All you have to do is head over to the Chromecast Offers page and connect to your personal dongle. From there, you'll be able to see the available offers, and one of those should be the aforementioned sum. Just don't say the folks in Mountain View never gave you anything.
Google Play update makes it easier to manage payment info on mobile
You'd think that after rolling out so many design updates, Google would take a breather for a bit. After all, aside from some Nexus devices, not everyone has Lollipop just yet. No matter: Mountain View has another new version of the Play Store up its sleeve. As Android Police notes, it brings a full-height navigation drawer and some new shadow effects for those running the latest version of Google's mobile OS. In addition to that, there's also a new My Account page with your order history. AP says that this tab not only lists stuff you've bought recently, but makes changing payment preferences a bit easier too. Can't wait for the update to hit your device? Click over to the source where you can download and sideload it for yourself.
Google is cracking down on bad Android TV apps
Google has never approved Play Store apps like Apple does, but now says it'll review Android TV apps "for usability... and other quality guidelines." That's a big departure from its previous policy -- Google only pulled apps retroactively from Play if there was an issue. But as Android Police pointed out, it will now test apps to ensure they work on a D-pad or Gamepad, which implies some may not have played well with those controllers. The timing also coincides with the launch of the Nexus Player, meaning Mountain View may be trying to avoid a Google TV-like debacle with Android TV. If you're concerned about further app Orwellism, there's no sign it'll do the same for the rest of the Android ecosystem.
Android's new flatter design is taking over the Play Store app soon
Google may have already given Android's Play Store a big makeover this summer, but it's not done yet -- there's another revamp coming this year. Android Police has posted shots of a pre-release Play Store 5.0 update that's very clearly guided by Google's Material Design concept. While it's not quite as dramatic an overhaul as what we saw a few months ago, it's still a pretty noticeable change. Swaths of bright, solid color are everywhere, and there's even more of an emphasis on title pictures. You should get some extra function to go with this form, too; code buried in the update hints that you'll get to restore apps on a per-device basis, making it much easier to recreate your setup from an old phone. It's not certain just when the new Play Store will go live, but it's reasonable to presume that you'll see it around the same time as the similarly-styled Android L update.
Google Glass lands in the Play Store next to phones and smartwatches
Itching to strap on a $1,500 face computer so you can follow directions floating in front of your head? Well, Google just made it a little easier to claim a head-mounted display of your own -- it quietly added Google Glass to the Play Store the other day, and the search giant seems intent on making it sound, well, cool. To hear the Mountain View spinmasters put it, Glass Explorers aren't just the people who need to try tech before the teeming millions. No no, they're "bold and inspiring," folks who "make move and marvel through Glass." This isn't the first time that Google has tried to broaden Glass' reach -- they opened up the Explorer program to all comers in the US back in May, but it insisted at the time that it was still very much a "beta" product. Between then and now we've seen a slightly tweaked version of Glass launch and a few software updates go live -- none of those changes seem terribly earth-shaking, but it sure is interesting to see Google stop treating Glass like a special little flower that isn't ready for public consumption.
Google pulls Gaza-themed Android app from Play Store following outcry
Google regularly screens Android apps in the Play Store, but it's usually focused on blocking malware and scams rather than the substance of the apps themselves. Today, though, it took the rare step of policing content by removing Bomb Gaza, a game that made light of the current conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. A spokesman would only tell Reuters that it pulls apps which "violate [the company's] policies," but the forced exit came not long after outrage from Play Store users who felt that the game trivialized very real casualties. Most likely, Google took the title down due to terms of service that forbid hate speech and abusive material; users can flag apps they find offensive, so it wouldn't have taken much to prompt action. While the move isn't completely surprising as a result, it's a reminder that Google will clamp down when software is virtually tailor-made for antagonizing entire cultures.
Google Play gets a section for offline games
In an ideal world, your smartphone and tablet would always be online (and you'd still have an unlimited data plan), but that's just not the case. Problem is, some Android games require a connection even after you've completed your download, but others do not. It's that latter list that Google's breaking out into its own section in Play, called "Offline Games." There you'll find Asphalt 8, Dots, Jetpack Joyride, Assassin's Creed Pirates and a few others -- 54 games in all. That's a shockingly slim selection, so this list is hardly all-inclusive, but if you're in the market for a game to play on your next flight or subway ride, it's a good place to start.
Google's new, image-rich Play Store for Android is rolling out now
It looks like you won't have to wait long at all to check out Google's visually rich Play Store revamp -- it's rolling out now. The refresh doesn't appear any different on the surface, but a quick dive shows very different product pages that are clearly inspired by the company's multi-layered Material Design philosophy. Cover art plays a much larger role, and details like rating overviews and genres have been moved into easy-to-read icons. You might not like everything about the new storefront -- there's considerably more scrolling involved, for one thing. On the whole, though, it's both prettier and easier to understand at a glance. The revamp should reach your device within days, but Android Police has an installer if you just can't wait to see what's new.
Google's Play Store is getting a big, visually intensive makeover
Many would argue that the Google Play Store for Android is useful in its current form, but pretty? Not so much. However, there are now signs that it's going to be much better-looking -- if not necessarily more functional. Android Police has obtained a wealth of screenshots hinting at a big Play Store revamp that borrows more than a few pages from the company's new Material Design handbook. Extra-large artwork is everywhere, and there are now a slew of icons that make it clear what you'll be getting, such as mature content. The layout isn't perfect; there's a lot of scrolling, for example, and some of the sharing features appear to be buried at the bottom. With that said, the new storefront is billed as a work in progress with no definite release date. It wouldn't be out of the question to see a few tweaks before the store reaches your mobile device of choice.
Google kicks off Chromecast offers program with £5 of free Play credit
With Google's Chromecast streaming dongle now fully settled in the UK, the great provider (of search results) has kicked off a promotional program rewarding new and old customers alike. You'll find the offer highlighted in the Play store, where (browser) window shoppers are being tempted with "£4.99 credit towards a movie rental." The truth is, however, that you can spend your free fiver on anything available on Play, like music, books or Android apps. Furthermore, anyone with a Chromecast purchased in the UK is eligible, regardless of when you bought it. The only catch really is you must redeem the credit online by mid-July and spend it before the same time next year. It would appear this is just the first freebie in an ongoing offers program, so don't be surprised to see others in the future that sweeten the deal for newcomers, as well as thank old hands for their patronage.
Google Play Store update adds finer security control for app purchases
Making it smoother for you to buy up all the in-app items you need (or making it harder for your kids to do the same), Google's latest update to the Play Store is adding a new "Require password" settings option, as well as a more eye-catching in-app purchase reminder when applicable apps are downloaded. These security changes might well be in response to a recently filed class action lawsuit against Google Play, and the ability for children to really ring up those in-app purchases within a 30-minute window. In the company's defense, however, the default setting requires users to input their password for every app and in-app item. Apple recently added an in-app purchase nag warning inside its iOS 7.1 update, noting that once the password has been entered, users won't have to re-enter it for 15 minutes. Google's store update also adds the ability to batch-install apps (ready for that upgrade), although it's curiously dropped the batch-uninstall function. The fight against bloatware might take a little longer next time.
Google brings KitKat keyboard, Hangouts with SMS to Play Store
Google has put a huge emphasis on bringing many of its branded Android apps and services to the Play Store for more users to enjoy without requiring a pure Android device, and two more of them are beginning to roll out today. First up is the new Hangouts app with integrated SMS that the company promised last week, since Google fortunately appears to have overdelivered on the "coming weeks" timeframe. In addition to the much-hyped SMS and MMS integration, it also adds support for animated GIFs, device status (such as your current mood) and the ability to share your location in your conversations. Additionally, the app for the stock Android keyboard has received an update to version 2.0, which bestows upon it many of the enhancements Nexus 5 users have already experienced; the downside is that Emoji, one of the biggest features added to the KitKat keyboard, will only be available to users with the new OS installed on their device. This admittedly won't do many people much good at the moment, but at least it'll be there waiting for you once more smartphones and tablets get the new version of Android. There are still some benefits to getting the new keyboard if you're still on Jelly Bean, such as space-aware gesture typing, rationalized punctuation that varies with your particular screen size (whether it be a smartphone or tablet) and more. We've got the download links below if your'e ready to update.
Bluetooth certification hints LTE Nexus 4 may live alongside the Nexus 5
While Google and LG look set to launch the Nexus 5 in the coming days, new evidence hints that the pair could be making plans to extend the life of its predecessor. A new filing at the Bluetooth SIG has revealed a listing for LG's E960 handset, otherwise known as the Nexus 4, which quietly gained certification with LTE support onboard. Interestingly, it also highlights the same model number as the original model that received Bluetooth 4.0 certification earlier in year, suggesting that LTE chip hiding inside the Nexus 4 could finally be put to good use, almost a year after the device hit the Play Store. While the listing doesn't provide conclusive evidence of either company's plans, we've heard rumors that the Nexus 4 and $349 Nexus 5 may see a future by each other's side, making for a very compelling Google smartphone lineup in the future.
PSA: BBM for iOS rollout underway, Android version acting a little shy
It's been something of a mixed week for BlackBerry, but it's good news for those with an affinity for its BBM service (but an allegiance to other phones.) If you're over on the Apple side of the fence, it looks like rollout has begun, with BBM showing up on iTunes in New Zealand, with more territories sure to follow. Meanwhile, Android was set to land on the Play store at around 7am ET, but has yet to break cover. We'll keep an eye out, and update this post once it's live. Or, like many others, keep refreshing the source link until it shows up!
Google tightens Android app rules for device interference and in-game purchases
Google occasionally updates its Play Store rules to weed out inconsistent or shady behavior in Android apps, and we're witnessing one of its larger clean-ups today. The company's new guidelines more explicitly ban device interference: titles in the Play Store can't modify settings or other apps without permission, and they can't install bookmarks or icons that pitch a third-party service. Google is also adamant that any in-game purchases of virtual goods must go through its billing system. As usual, new apps have to follow these guidelines right away, while developers with existing apps have a 30-day grace period to make any changes. The policies won't necessarily stop rogue code from sneaking into the Play Store, but Google can at least say that it gave fair warning.
Google's One Today donation app exits pilot mode as more charities are invited to sign up
Right around a month ago, Google opened up the flood gates and let any US-based Android user download its One Today app -- a program that makes it wildly simple to donate a dollar (or more, of course) to a different charity each day. Now, Google is officially releasing the entire project from pilot mode, inviting the masses to both download the app (still US-only, unfortunately) and get their charities into the 'Google for Nonprofits' database. Signing up for One Today is completely free, and Google has provided resources for those looking to get their charity authorized for inclusion. Be aware, however, that Google charges a 1.9 percent processing fee when taking in payments; in other words, each $10 donated translates to $9.81 in usable funds for charities. The real kicker, we're surmising, is the social tie-in. The more people who donate and then share to various social networks, the more likely their friends and peers are to follow suit. And, ideally, we all join to solve all of the world's problems.
Google Glass may get Play Store access soon
Third-party apps have begun trickling out for Glass, but if Google expects thousands of add-ons to make their way to the public, it's going to need a searchable database of available downloads. And that structure could very well come in the form of a Glass-optimized Play Store. Android and Me noticed a "Google Glass 1" entry pop up in the device field following Mountain View's Play refresh that hit the web last night. It's not possible to push apps directly to the wearable at the moment -- the Glass option is not currently live -- but it's entirely possible that the device could be selectable in the near future. Take a closer look in the screenshot at the source link below.
Google's One Today Android app now open to all US-based philanthropists
"Do a little. Change a lot." That's the motto behind One Today -- a Google-built app that launched a few months ago to those who requested an invite. Now, however, it's free to download for all Android users in the United States, enabling those who do to donate a dollar per day (or more, of course) to an ever-changing list of nonprofit organizations. Each day a new project will be showcased, replete with details on what it's about, who it's helping and how it's operated. Naturally, you'll be able to make your donations public on Google+, and you can keep a log of your charitable givings within the app itself -- ideal for tax writeoffs. There's still no word on when it'll go global, but statesiders can hit the source link to begin their download.
Samsung Galaxy S 4 Google Play edition: what's different?
Several days ago we received a Samsung Galaxy S 4 Google Play edition to play with and shared our first impressions. This week we take a closer look at what's different between this handset and its TouchWiz-equipped cousins by scrutinizing the benchmarks, battery life and camera performance. Samsung pleasantly surprised us at Google I/O when it announced a Galaxy S 4 running stock Android. HTC then joined the party with its own unskinned superphone, the One. This Galaxy S 4, which landed in the Play store on June 26th for $649 contract-free, is identical to T-Mobile's 16GB model and shares the same specs. So, what does stock Android bring to this flagship? How does it compare to the TouchWiz versions? Is anything left behind? Finally, is this Google Play edition worth the extra cash? Hit the break to find out. %Gallery-192351%
HTC One Google Play edition: what's different?
Last week we got our hands on the HTC One Google Play edition and shared our first impressions. Today we dig a little deeper into how this superphone differs from its Sense 5-equipped siblings, with a focus on benchmarks, battery life and camera performance. As you'll recall, Samsung introduced a Galaxy S 4 running stock Android at Google I/O and HTC quickly followed suit by announcing an unskinned version of its own flagship, the One. The handset, which went on sale in the Play store on June 26th for $599 unsubsidized, is based on AT&T's 32GB model and features identical specs. As such, it also comes with the same limitations. So, what's the HTC One like with stock Android? Is it better than the devices running Sense 5? What do you give up and, most importantly, is it worth spending the premium for this Google Play edition? Find out after the break.
