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Google Play Newsstand gets a widget, adds mini view for easy reading
The idea behind a magazine or a newspaper is that you will actually sit down and read it -- but if you only have time to glance at a few headlines, the latest update to Google Play Newsstand is for you. The content aggregator now features a "mini card" view that compresses each story down to just its headline, expanding to the full story only when tapped. A new widget offers truncated versions of the latest stories too, allowing users to click through a limited set of stories from their device's home screen. The update also adds new organization features for magazines, additional language support, a smattering of bug fixes and the ability to translate foreign news sources instantly. It's hardly a visual overhaul, but the the update is certainly a no-brainer for the Google Play news junkie.
Google Play Newsstand merges Currents, magazines and newspapers on Android today, iOS in 2014
Google is not particularly great at keeping secrets. Its Nexus devices always leak and peeks at code are constantly revealing features before they're announced. So, it's no surprise that, exactly one month after we reported references to a Google Play Newsstand popping up, Mountain View is taking the wraps off the new content hub. Like its Apple counterpart, it will play home (get it?) to both newspaper and magazine subscriptions, and it'll even pull in articles from sites and blogs you choose to follow (like this one, we hope). And, even though you'll be able to have your New York Times subscription delivered through Newsstand, you're not forced to use it. The stand alone Times app will continue to be available directly from your home screen. Articles viewed through the new Newsstand app will be specifically formatted for your tablet or phone, complete with images, audio or video inline. And they'll be available offline so you can can catch up on your news, even if you happen to be on one of the few flights left in the US without WiFi. And, if you come across something particularly interesting, but don't have the time right now for a 4,000 word expose on how Facebook uses your personal data, you can mark it to read later.
Play Magazines receives UI overhaul to match Music and Books apps
It was only a matter of time before Google got around to cleaning up the clumsy 3D interface of its Play Magazines app. With both Books and Music already sporting a spiffy new design, we're happy to report that its periodicals portal is now just as flat and user-friendly. Like its recently updated brethren, Play Magazines makes itself easily identifiable through color alone -- in this case a robust purple. If you're looking for some exciting new features, however, you're bound to be disappointed. Play Magazines is still pretty barebones. There's no bookmarking, highlighting, copy and pasting... basically all you can do is download an issue and read it, either as plain text or in its original layout. But hey, at least selecting which magazine to read is easier and less offensive to our aesthetic sensibilities.
Google Play Magazines offers free digital versions to print subscribers
Google Play's magazine subscriptions have always, sadly, existed separate from a publications print offerings. Meaning, even if you already had the paper edition of Beer Advocate delivered to your home, you still had to cough up for the digital version. That's finally changed, however, which should make many magazine hounds quite happy. Now when you select a new periodical, you'll be offered the standard monthly and yearly subscription options, along with the new "free for print subscribers." You'll need to verify your subscription before Google will allow you to download issues, but that's one less barrier to entry for those looking to dip their toes in the digital magazine pool. For a bit more info check out the source link.
