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Evernote for Android adds speech-to-text and custom widgets in latest update
If you've been putting Evernote through its paces on your Android device, a new update adds a few more bells and whistles. First, the outfit has integrated speech-to-text transcription to go alongside its existing audio notes feature. Don't worry, the original audio is also attached to each note and the new tool can be disabled for sound-only reminders. This feature only works with Android 4.0 tech and "certain other devices" though.Are those standard widgets just not doing the trick? An update to the Evernote Widget app should do the trick. Now, you can customize color, buttons and exactly which notes appear in the large widget. There's also a single function widget that rests on the home screen just like a regular ol' app icon does. Finally, a new Quick Snapshot function enables blazing fast captures that are added to your account and automatically titled. Catch all that? Good. Hit the source link below for all the details before hoping over to Google Play to download the goods.
Good Technology debuts 'first secure browser' for enterprise Android deployments
Good Technology is touting the latest addition to its Good Mobile Access (GMA) Android software suite, a secure browser. The company's GMA offering gives corporate foot soldiers armed with a smartphone access to secure intranet resources without having to initiate a VPN session -- while simultaneously allowing IT folks to manage mobile ingress. By bringing a browser into the fold, Good's software will allow employees to access databases, resources and collaboration tools without ever having to leave the safe confines of GMA's sandbox. The software maker is targeting outfits with a bring-your-own-device policy in place (and war chests large enough to install the necessary back-end infrastructure). If you're interested in learning more, the full release awaits your review after the break.
Mobile Miscellany: week of March 19th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, we've spotted the Lumia 610 in two new colors, and the open source community received new goodies from the likes of HTC, Qualcomm and Samsung. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of March 19th, 2012.
Google Voice gets an ICS update, brings visual voicemail to the missed call log
To date, it seems that Mountain View has employed a loose definition of the term "integrated," neglecting to offer such Google Voice features as a unified messaging inbox, or an option to access voicemails without switching back to the dedicated app. Well we have some good news for those of you that haven't completely abandoned voice-based communication. The latest GV update adds a special topping to that Ice Cream Sandwich (sorry, Gingerbread men), letting you launch visual voicemails directly from your Android call log -- and bringing Voice integration a step closer to actually being integrated. You'll also have the power to slow down a message to jot down a callback number, or speed it up to get to the juicy stuff, like a callback number. Full details are at the source link below, or on your very own ICS handset after a quick trip to Play.
Fitbit for Android helps track your I/O
The fitness fanatics from Fitbit are looking to aid and abet the Android-loving, calorie-counting masses. The company has announced the release of its self-titled Android application, which will assist users in tracking their health and dietary goals. Through manual entry, or with the assistance of a wireless sensor, Fitbit tracks your daily activity and creates a dynamic nutrition plan to help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals. What's more, the app and service keep a log of your progress allowing users to feel shame track their progress. The app is available via Google Play for the always attractive price of $0. Have yourself a download... and a quick jog.
Android study finds privacy and security risks related to in-app advertising
Android has certainly taken heat for malware-related bits in the past. Now, a recent study by computer scientists at North Carolina State University reveals that over half of the 100,000 apps from the Android Market Google Play include so-called ad libraries, which are essentially handed out by Google or third-party devs to retrieve ads from servers and launch them on your phone. Of these, 297 were classified as "aggressive," as they're allowed to run code from a remote server. Furthermore, Dr. Jiang along with his squad of researchers found that more than 48,000 of the apps put to the test could track location via GPS, while other accessed info could range from call logs, contact numbers, to the apps list on your device. It's unclear if this also applies to Android slates, though this particular study conducted only included handsets.
Kainy remote desktop app brings PC games to Android (video)
Watching Skyrim run smooth and sweet on a Tegra 3 slate did a lot to re-kindle our excitement for remote gaming on mobile devices. Hoping to cash in on that buzz, a $5 app called "Kainy" has appeared on Google Play that promises to bring PC games to Android handsets at up to 60fps with customizable control interfaces, 100 preset templates and accelerometer control. The demo video after the break is full of fast cuts that make it hard to judge performance, and user reviews suggest Kainy may prioritize lag-reduction over resolution with some ugly results, but then these are still early days. One thing is for sure: picking an Android device for its processor grunt will make a lot of sense in 2012.[Thanks, Drew]
Google Earth for Android and iOS reaches version 6.2, supports custom KML overlays and more
Good news for fans of the iOS and Android ports of Google Earth: the apps are getting updated to version 6.2, which brings more customizable experience with it. Just like the browser and desktop variants, Keyhole Markup Language files are now accessible, meaning you'll be able to open up information overlays you find on websites, or from the app itself now that Google Earth Gallery's been added. Better yet, Android users will be pleased to know that their even gets baked-in screenshot functionality, while both versions feature "improvements in navigation." Although the iOS version will get released sometime soon, those of you running Google's goods can download the update from Google Play right now to get exploring. As per usual, make your way over to the source link below for all the details.
Google hastily updates Play Store, fixes broken Market on Motorola devices
Motorola Droid RAZR fans were left out in the cold when Google decided to pull the wraps off its revamped content hub. The new Play Store app didn't seem to bond too well with Motorola's Blur OS skin, leaving phones scanning desperately for a non-existent Android Market and trapping users out of the app version of the store. Google's got on it quickly though, with a new Google Play update out now, righting what was once wrong. According to Droid Life, wiping the new hub's application data in settings should coax the update out instantly. And you'd think the two would talk about these things.
SetCPU gets an ICS-like overhaul, makes overclocking easier to do
Rooting has gotten a bit easier in Android land as of late, what with certain OEM's getting officially on board with unlock tools. For those who can claim O.G. residence in this underbelly of Rubin's mobile kingdom, however, a premium app known as SetCPU should ring a familiar bell. That Google Play application, useful for overclocking processors, has recently gotten a face lift, aligning its design more closely with Ice Cream Sandwich's visual flair while nixing the previously complicated interface and its dense jargon-y fluff in the process. Included in this version 2.3.0 update is a new frequency slider, governor menu for adjusting processor scaling, added support for multi-core devices and a slew of bug fixes. Sadly, phones sporting Eclair and below have been dropped, but chin up, you can always head to HTC Dev to pursue that Dream.
Google plans unified gaming hub for Play, cross-platform titles a possibility
In other non-spotlight stealing tech news, Google's set to chop off some of its gaming arms in favor of a sole download hub as early as next year. Plans for this streamlined service were announced by Punit Soni, group product manager for Google+, at this year's Game Developer's Conference. According to VentureBeat, the company's virtual storefronts, which encompass the likes of Chrome, Android and Google+, will all be tied into a single Google Play-hosted destination that should ease game development, potentially making titles accessible cross-platform. In addition to the creation of this one-stop shop, features such as Native Client, Hangouts and a simplified payment system will also reportedly be integrated into the unnamed site. No immediate changes are on deck for this service overhaul, so it'll be a bit before we can see how this "One Google" vision pans out.
Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video)
The Android Market has morphed significantly since its inception, which now allows users to purchase books, music and rent movies, all from within a hub that was originally designed for just apps. To recognize this fundamental shift -- and emphasize the availability of content for sale -- Google is launching a new platform known as Google Play. The move hints at a strategy shift from just Android to the cloud as a whole, and establishes an umbrella brand for the diverse content sold by Google. For example, its Books, Music and Videos apps will now become Play Books, Play Music and Play Movies, while the Android Market itself will take on the moniker of Play Store. Users of Android 2.2 (and above) should notice the software update within the next few days, although other than the new name, initial changes should be minimal. We're also to be on the lookout for a new "Play" tab within the top toolbar of Google's website. To mark the occasion, the company has announced a promotional "Seven Days to Play" sale, which will tease would-be shoppers with discounted apps, books, movies and music throughout the week. For an additional peek at what's in store, you'll find the gallery below and a video after the break.%Gallery-149774%
