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Zenonia, Swiftkey X headline day 9 of the Android Market sale
There's two days to go before the Android Market returns to normal, as we enter into day 9 of its sale to celebrate the download of the ten billionth app. Only one, Swiftkey X, has come back for a second helping of the sale. Of the eleven apps being featured today, a healthy eight are games: Sleepy Jack, Icebreaker Hockey, Deer Hunter 3D, MX Moto, Guns 'n' Glory, Tank Riders, Zenonia and Collapse. Rounding out the selection you'll find ezPDF Reader -- which obviously needs no introduction -- and Toddler Tapping Zoo for the young 'uns. One day left, and then we'll just have to cross our fingers and wait to see what happens when the Android Market hits twenty billion. As always, check out the source link to see the options.
Android Market's big sale hits Day 8, sense of deja vu increases
Is the Android Market running out of apps to offer its sales-hungry users? Several of today's downloads have already seen their prices snipped at some point last week -- at least you now have a second chance to grab them. To ameliorate the disappointment of the slightly samey selection, the little green one's pushed the boat out to 12 different apps. Instant Heart Rate Pro could be worth a ten cent investment, if only for some medical showboating. But is it too much to ask for a cut-price Shadowgun before the end? C'mon Google, give us an early Christmas miracle.
Android Market's sixth sale day wants to fill your phone with games -- and a bedtime story
Another day, another selection of pocket change-priced apps. Highlights from today's offering include the return of Endomondo Sports Tracker to the sale shelves, swashbuckling adventure BackStab HD and SimCity Deluxe. It's a game-centric selection for this lazy Sunday, rounded out by Backbreaker Football, Captain America and Jenga. You can fill up your pretend basket at the Android Market link below. Four more days to go.
Android NFC app makes Facebook friendships a touch easier
Imagine yourself in the awkwardly staged situation you see above: you're in a club that's filled exclusively with girls. One's jumping around, shaking her hair, but you're desperately trying to recite the address of your Facebook page to her above the din. It's not working. Fortunately, Add Friend is here to ameliorate these tricky first social steps through the magic of Near Field Communication. Granted, it's still unlikely that: a) you'll both be carrying NFC-capable Android phones and b) have already downloaded and registered this particular app. Putting those issues aside, you and your future BFF / SO will both need to have the app running and then bring your smartphones together in a loving embrace, and letting the near-field magic transmit your Facebook details across. And remember, for any accidental adds that don't work out, the unfriend option will always be there for you.
Facebook for Android refresh, dedicated Places app on the way?
Now that the folks in Palo Alto have finally churned out that long-awaited iPad app, they'll be focusing on other things, we'd surmise. Apparently, high on the to-do list is a refresh of Android's Facebook app. Code-named "Katana," the version 1.8 release candidate (see up top, or the gallery below) shows off updated navigation, menu and search functionality. There's a seemingly standalone "Nearby" application icon present as well -- perhaps a Gowalla-esque Places app mirroring its recent Messenger offering? Keep in mind, nothing is final until ol' Zucks gives his seal of approval, so what you see here is only what the app may look like when it hits the Marketplace. Until it drops, go ahead and pull back that curtain. %Gallery-141105%
Google catalogs brings all of your holiday perusing to your Android tablet
Looking for a way to stay up to date on your favorite retailers this holiday season without amassing a mountain of soon-to-be trash? Google has announced Catalogs, an app that keeps all of your favorite look books current and in one place. The tablet application is now available for Android slates and the iPad, giving you another option when shopping from the couch. You'll be able to curate product collages that can be shared (we'd presume via Google+) with whomever you see fit. Content is pulled from over 125 brands spanning more than 400 digital catalog issues -- so you should be able to find enough to fill out that wish list. If you're looking to give it a spin, hit the source link below to download the app. Update: Well folks, while the Google Catalogs app is new for Android, the iPad verson's been around for a couple months now. [Thanks, TUAW]
Show off your smartphone photog skills with Sony Ericsson's vscreens
Have you been jonesin' to show off those Epic 4G Touch camera skills on a bit bigger screen? Sony Ericsson has you covered with vscreens, a website / app combo that gets your trip to Everest on your flatscreen to secure bragging rights. Once you install the app from the Android Market, point your internet browsing screen -- PC, Google TV and PS3 included -- to the vscreens website. From there, you simply scan the QR code that appears on your display and presto, you're showing off that trip to the Adirondacks like it's your job, sans cables or Bluetooth. If you're looking to give it a spin, you'll find all you need via the links below. And pretty soon, you'll be able to showcase those Galaxy Nexus panoramas at your next dinner party. Pretty sweet, huh?
DoubleTwist releases new version for Android faithful, shows off premium EQ
If you've been getting bored with that stale version of DoubleTwist you're sporting, get ready for a breath of fresh air. The company has announced the next major version of its music player now awaits Android faithul in the Marketplace -- and will hit the Amazon Appstore later in the week. New features include a new grid view for album art, premium EQ (if you're running Android 2.3 or higher), an AirSync storage location option and a new playback screen which enables sliding to see previous / upcoming tracks. If you're still not impressed, DoubleTwist promises another update in December that will be similar in stature. Take a look after the break for a few more screen shots, should you need more convincing and get ready to show off all of those Ben Folds album covers.
Pure Music looks to give Spotify a run for its money, but only in the UK
If you're looking to save a little coin on your Adele streaming habits, Pure Music may be worth a look. Beginning in December, you can have millions of songs at your fingertips for £4.99 (about $8) a month -- but only in the UK. Music on-demand, internet radio and other programs will be available for your laptop, iOS device or one of the company's many WiFi capable devices, all for a monthly sum that's slightly cheaper than Spotify. Should you make use of the Tag bookmarking system on one of Pure's radios, you'll be able to access those highlighted tracks on your smartphone or computer as well. Don't worry Android faithful, an app tailored for you is in the works. Need a peek at the fine print? No worries, just hit the source link below and read away.
Netflix Android app adds support for Honeycomb tablets, extends reach to Canada and Latin America
Honeycomb tablet owners have already been able to use Netflix unofficially thanks to some .APKs that have been floating about, but the company has now finally updated the app with some official support for Android 3.x tablets beyond those that shipped with it pre-installed. What's more, the latest version of the app also brings with it support for Netflix users in Canada and Latin America, who can likewise enjoy some some streaming video on both their Android phones and tablets without the need for a workaround. Hit the Android Market link below to send the app straight to your device.
Motorola intros Elite Sliver and Elite Flip Bluetooth headsets with NFC pairing (video)
Bluetooth headsets are normally the province of businesspeople so important they can't spare the energy to hold a phone to their ears or, perhaps, folks who just want to play CIA agent. If you find yourself in either category, Motorola's newest offerings will put what passes for a smile on your serious businessperson face. The outfit just took the wraps off two Elite series headsets, both equipped with NFC pairing, so one tap 'twixt phone and earpiece will have you ready to simultaneously drive and talk. You'll also get integration with My Motospeak, now capable of dictating text messages as well as hearing them read to you, HD-Audio, CrystalTalk noise cancellation and a roaming distance of 300 feet. While the Flip looks the part of your typical earpiece, the Sliver (above left) has decidedly more futuristic digs. Both will be available on October 24th with the Flip costing $100 and the Sliver fetching an extra $30 for its avant-garde design.We've got PR after the break along with a demo video -- because who doesn't love watching cartoon characters explain how NFC works?
Crestron debuts free, paid mobile apps for Android devices
It's taken some time, but Crestron has finally rolled out an official version of its home automation remote control software for Android. Crestron's iOS efforts have been around and there was also an unofficial solution available from former Sling founder Blake Krikorian, but now users can choose between the free Crestron Mobile app and $100 Crestron Mobile Pro app. Judging by its iOS counterpart, the Pro version adds a number of control options including pre-set scenes and more. Of course, if you're rocking one of the company's setups then we figure you pay someone to explain this stuff to you who can probably break it down in more detail. Hit the link below to download or check out the press release after the break.
Minecraft Pocket Edition rolls out to non-Xperia Play Android devices
Well, it was fun while it lasted, but Xperia Play users can no longer claim Minecraft Pocket Edition as their own. An updated version of the app has hit the Android Market today, bringing with it support for a range of additional devices running Android 2.1 or higher -- although it's still said to be "Xperia Play optimized." Same $6.99 price tag as before, but there is a free demo version available if you're still not sure about the whole Minecraft phenomenon.
Microsoft adding new features to Hotmail over 'the coming weeks,' releases an Android app
When we heard Microsoft was holding a press event called "Give Hotmail a Second Look," we wondered if a full-on redesign was in store. The answer happens to be a resounding "no," but the software giant is rolling out a raft of new features to its 365 million-some-odd users. This includes an Android app with two-way email, contact and calendar syncing (!), along with a slew of updates to Hotmail's web interface. First up, you can now automatically categorize incoming mail as newsletters, and then either trash 'em or sweep them to a folder. Additionally, an "Unsubscribe" feature lets you do just that, with Hotmail handling the dirty work of blocking future newsletters from that sender, as well as asking the company to kindly stop spamming you. Moving along, flagged messages will now sit at the top of the inbox so that they don't get lost in the morass of incoming mail. If you like, you can program Hotmail to automatically flag messages with a particular subject line, from a certain sender, et cetera. Meanwhile, "Scheduled Cleanup" automatically deletes messages after a certain number of days have passed -- a good way to cut through that pile of unused Groupon alerts. Other updates include the ability to manage and edit folders and apply categories to individual emails -- all inline. And, last but not least, you'll now see so-called Instant Actions (e.g., "delete," "flag") when you hover over messages. We've got a few screenshots below, and you can also hit the source link for some extra details, straight from the horse's mouth. Update: We've added a few screenshots for the Android app! %Gallery-135606% %Gallery-135695%
Flickr unveils Android app, introduces real-time Photo Session feature (video)
The Android community may be awaiting its very own Instagram app, but at least Flickr has now stepped up to fill the void. Yesterday, the photo-sharing service unveiled its very first Android app, along with a new social feature known as Photo Session. Available for free on the Android Market, the app allows users to snap, filter and upload their photos directly to Facebook, Twitter or Flickr, all from the comfort of their own handset. It also features an array of camera functions like flash, ratio selection, and shutter focus, along with ten high-quality filters. Photo Session, meanwhile, allows you to browse through images with your friends in real-time. All you have to do is round up your online comrades, start a session and begin flipping through a photostream. Every time you move on to the next image, your friends will, too, effectively turning any browsing affair into a collective, Don Draper-like slide show. For more details, check out the source links below, or trot past the break for a video run-down of Photo Session.
RIM details Android compatibility, apps written with NDK see Canadian visas declined
While you're undoubtedly aware that the PlayBook will gain the ability to run Android apps at some point, RIM's come clean with specifics as to which ones will run on the biggest BlackBerry. According to Thinq, engineers from the Canuck company confirmed that the upcoming compatibility layer will not support apps written with the NDK -- you know, wares written in C instead of the typical one-two Java / Dalvik punch. Also on the chopping block are those that incorporate Google Maps, in-app billing or Mountain View's text-to-speech engine. Similarly, live wallpaper and applications that use VoIP or have more than one activity linked to the launcher are also on the outs. It's been decreed then: don't expect a fantastical bevy of apps to make the jump sans elbow grease, which if we're honest, is about right given the other news out of Waterloo.
a-JAYS One+ earbuds bring in-line remote, Swedish flair to your smartphone experience
JAYS has been dishing out slick looking audio gear for years, but before now it only offered models with inline remotes compatible with iDevices. Good thing the new a-JAYS One+ has arrived to bring some fashion forward 'phones to a bevy of handsets and give Klipsch some competition. The One+ still has tangle-free flat cables, sleek looks, and the matte-black finish you know and love, but it can now control devices from HTC, Samsung, BlackBerry and LG with its one-button inline remote. This is truly an egalitarian set of earbuds, as it works whether your phone's running iOS, Windows Mobile, or Android. Plus, there's a free JAYS Headset Control Android app that brings voice, volume and track controls to your little green bot. It'll be available sometime in Q4 of this year for $50, so get ready for its arrival.
Citrix's GoToMeeting app now freely available for Android, comes pre-loaded on Droid Bionic
Motorola and Citrix have already teamed up to pre-load the latter company's GoToMeeting and Citrix Receiver apps on the Droid 3, and they're now back doing the same with the long-awaited Droid Bionic. The good news for everyone else this time around is that Citrix has also decided to release GoToMeeting as a free app on Android Market. Granted, GoToMeeting may not be quite as exciting as the latest augmented reality app or a mobile version of Minecraft, but it is a fairly significant piece of the enterprise puzzle, which Motorola in particular seems to be targeting heavily these days. Hit the link below to try it out for yourself (provided your phone makes the grade), and head on past the break for the full press release.
Vonage launches Android app for free international calling, still no service to Brodo Asogi
Just in time for Tante Lulu's birthday in Gstaad, Vonage launched its Extensions app for free long-distance calling from your Android phone. With a quick download, homesick relatives can tap into their existing Vonage VoIP service from a Google-powered phone to call globally without racking up terribly expensive additional mobile charges. The catch? It requires a VoIP international calling plan before you can start dialing friends worldwide. Also, pricing is subject to your existing calling plan and it doesn't support messaging like some other similar apps, including Fring and Viber. For existing Vonage users, it's certainly a sweet added feature, leaving you no excuse but to call Auntie Lulu. [Thanks, Val]
Jawbone announces Icon HD headset with improved audio, 'Nerd' adapter for making PC-based VoIP calls
It's been the better part of a year since we've seen a new Jawbone headset, and in that time the outfit's clearly been focusing less on brainstorming cutesy names for its Bluetooth earpieces and more on tweaking the sound quality. The company just announced the Icon HD, whose wideband speaker is 25 percent larger than the original Icon's, and which lets you pause and play songs and podcasts by pressing a button on the headset. The real story, though, isn't the Icon HD, but The Nerd, a questionably named add-on that plugs into your computer's USB port, allowing the headset to field VoIP calls from PCs and Macs, in addition to ones coming through to your cellphone. The hook here -- aside from the added functionality -- is that it's a plug-n-play device that doesn't require any software installation. It's almost as if -- wait for it -- a nerd took the reins and set up wireless VoIP calling for you. The pair's on sale as a bundle for $139, and will hit brick-and-mortar stores soon. In other news, Jawbone's Companion for Android app, which displays headsets' battery life among other vitals, is now out of the testing phase and ready for general consumption. Full PR after the break.
