Android reverb

A new version of the Google News mobile website has arrived for Android and iOS devices. Rolling out over the next few days, the mobile experience gets a UI punch-up that falls more closely in line with the desktop browser version. As is often the case, the United States will be the first market to see the changes. To get the new-look Google News website simply point your Chrome browser to news.google.com!

• Improved overall look-and-feel making it easier to read and track separate stories.


• Ability to customize the webapp to suit your taste by changing the theme from light to dark, the font size and opting for a larger “story card” with more information per story at your fingertips (from the Settings menu, at top right).


• Simplified navigation to any section within News; just click on the Google News icon (top left) to see a list of available sections (including any custom sections you created).


• Easier integration with Google Feedback located in the menu at the top right.

Additionally we have ensured that some favorite desktop features have been included such as:

• A weather gadget in the Local section.


• The popular “Editors Picks” option.


• Social posts from Google + related to the story are included in the article cluster.

Google News

The post Google News mobile website updated for Android smartphones appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Google Play Music allows you to play any music file on your Android device without having to look around in your Android directories for it. Unfortunately, the Play Music app did not have the ability to Play Music on a Micro-SD Card, and for people with little internal storage on their device, this was a big problem. Luckily, the new Google Play Music update fixes this problem. The update description states that the Micro-SD Cards are compatible with devices running Android 4.4 KitKat, and still experimental with devices not compatible with KitKat or devices that have yet to update to KitKat.

Putting the obvious aside, you will need a device capable of a Micro SD Card for this to work, and not all devices have the SD card slot. Also, if you aren’t using KitKat, it might not work, or it may work but with some bugs.

Of course the lack of being able to use an SD Card may not seem like a huge problem – you always have internal storage right? Unfortunately, the standard Android device comes with a 16 GB maximum, and most of the storage is taken up by formatting and the OS, on top of that is app and other media, which is why Micro-SD has become a growing option, and this update really helps with that.

The update has officially become public, so wait for it to ask for permission, or just keep hitting that refresh button on the Play Store until it shows up. If you don’t already have Google Play Music, be sure to hit the download link below.

The post Google Play Music update includes SD support appeared first on AndroidGuys.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen any carrier or OEM break out a QWERTY Android, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead. Nope, T-Mobile and LG look to be readying a new 5-row sliding QWERTY known as the Optimus F3Q.

A new photo leaked by @evleaks shows us the upcoming device will feature at least 4G LTE connectivity, NFC, and a custom LG user interface. Given that the hardware in the standard Optimus F3 are mid-range at best, we might now expect much power out of this one. Still, that may not matter to those who prefer the comforts of a physical keyboard.

LG Optimus F3Q, for T-Mobile USA pic.twitter.com/Lysho2CFJs

— @evleaks (@evleaks) December 6, 2013

It’s not clear when the Optimus F3Q might arrive; however, we could see it sooner rather than later.

The post T-Mobile’s LG Optimus F3Q leaks with 5-row QWERTY appeared first on AndroidGuys.

If you’re looking for a new, quicker way to navigate your Android device, look no further.

The stock launcher on Android devices isn’t for everyone: a few pages with apps/widgets, an app drawer, and that’s generally about it. That’s mainly what Action Launcher is looking to improve upon.

Chris Lacy, developer of the launcher, has taken his application to a whole new level with the new version. Introduced to the beta testers a few months ago, some notable features were added. Along with the normal additions to the launcher like Shutters and Quickdrawer, version 2.0 brings 1-Swipe and Quickpage, explained in the video below.

In celebration of the release of version 2.0, the pro version is 50% in the Play Store (now only $1.99)! Previously, the app was only available for $3.99, so we’d say this is a pretty good deal. However, if you’d like to test it out before making the plunge, download the free version, here. For those of you who have already paid for Action Launcher, you’ll now need to download the free version and use the paid application as an unlock key.

If you haven’t had a chance to try Action Launcher for yourself, we definitely urge you to do so!

The post Action Launcher 2.0 comes out of beta, introduced with free version appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Google+ has added a pair of new features to its photo and image sharing features, just in time for the winter. Effective immediately, any pictures you upload to Google+ with snow or lights, you’ll get an Autoawesome version of the photos. They’re fairly simple little tweaks, but pretty sweet nonetheless. It appears, from our first photos that it does not add or twinkle the colored lights but rather just a flicker to the white spots.

If anything, these just breathe new life into your ordinary winter and holiday shots.

• Twinkle: upload a new photo of something that sparkles (like a Christmas tree or a chandelier), and we’ll gift you a version with lights that actually twinkle.


• Snow: upload a new photo with snow to Google+, and we’ll gift you a version with snow that’s actually falling.

Consider these a .gif(t) to you from Google!

You are uploading your photos to Google+ as a place to back everything up, right? You’d better be. What are you going to do if that phone goes missing or ends up broken?

The post Google+ new Autoawesome feature adds twinkles and snow to your winter photos appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Google is expected to soon issue an Android 4.4.1 update to address the camera performance of the Nexus 5.

According to The Verge, the details will include faster launching, faster autofocus, and improvements in low-light conditions. Additionally, the white balance will get a punch-up as will contrasts. Reportedly, the Android 4.4.1 update is the first of several releases aimed at addressing the native camera on Android devices.

Recent leaks suggest that future Android smartphones will be able to work with RAW image files.

The Verge

The post Android 4.4.1 coming to improve camera experience for Nexus 5 appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Thanks for shopping! Moto X is sold out at it’s promo price today. At noon ET on Mon 12/9, register for your unique code while supplies last

— Motorola Mobility (@Motorola) December 4, 2013

You guys must really want that $350 contract-free Moto X smartphone. According to Motorola, the allotted devices for today’s 2-day promotion are already gone. Indeed, it took less than four minutes for them to go through their stock. If you are still among those looking to pick one up, check back on Monday, December 9.

The post Motorola sells through allotted Moto X’s in under 4 minutes appeared first on AndroidGuys.

The Galaxy S5 could be among nearly one half dozen Samsung smartphones released in early 2014

Samsung may introduce up to five smartphones in the first quarter of 2014, including the Galaxy S5. At least so say Korea’s ETNews. While the site has been known to get things wrong on occasion, the rumor does fall in live with other recent chatter.

Reportedly, the Galaxy S5 will be here by the end of March, some months ahead of the usual arrival time. Also on the cards, a so-called Galaxy Note 3 Lite, which could show up at Mobile World Congress in February. It’s also possible that a Galaxy Grand Lite might debut; a Galaxy Gear successor is rumored for early 2014.

Keep in mind that not all devices announced by Samsung will make it to the United States. Some, such as the dual-SIM smartphones, are often left in very specific markets. With that said, we could be a few short months from seeing a whole new batch of Samsung smartphones.

ETNews (translate)

The post Samsung may release up to five phones in Q1 2014 appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Motorola will sell the unlocked smartphone for $349 over two additional days

Motorola is sorry that you had to miss out on the $150 discount for the Moto X on Cyber Monday. So sorry, in fact, that CEO Dennis Woodside penned a statement acknowledging issues and promising to make things right.

If you visited the Motorola website yesterday in hopes of procuring an unlocked Moto X for only $349 then you likely ran into a problem. Thanks to traffic and high demand, the Moto X was nowhere near as available as Motorola had hoped.

So, to atone for the problems, Motorola will be selling the Moto X with its $150 discount on Wednesday, December 3 as well as Monday, December 9.

We will double the quantity of phones available, while supplies last, to allow as many people as possible to take advantage of the promotion. We’re also extending the 30% off offer on accessories to these two days.

Props to Motorola for the transparency and willingness to go an extra step to offer the deal.

Motorola

The post Motorola apologizes for Cyber Monday snags, announces two more days of discounted Moto X appeared first on AndroidGuys.

KitKat is already making its presence felt however Jelly Bean rules the roost

The Jelly Bean versions of Android (4.1-4.3) account for 54.5 percent of the platform, according to the latest Developer Dashboard figures. Statistics collected in the 7-day period ending on December 2 show Jelly Bean holding strong as the most popular version of Android, followed by Ice Cream Sandwich (v4.0.3-4.0.4) at 18.6 percent.

Gingerbread has dropped to 24.1 percent of the Android pie and continues its slow trajectory into the sunset. The newest version of Android, 4.4 KitKat, has already made its presence felt and now owns 1.1 percent of the makeup.

Indeed, the latest release of Android will likely grow quickly as devices such as the Moto X are already seeing their respective software updates. Other handset makers are already promising the KitKat in the near term so things could move quicker than normal.

This data reflects devices running the latest Google Play Store app, which is compatible with Android 2.2 and higher. Each snapshot of data represents all the devices that visited the Google Play Store in the prior 7 days.

Android

The post Jelly Bean accounts for 54.5% of Android builds as KitKat makes appearance appeared first on AndroidGuys.

After the surprise of sideloading the Google Play Music APK on Google Glass actually working, Google has finally gotten around to releasing Play Music for Glass users.

The announcement came from Stephen Lau, who has mentioned a few different times on Google+ he was involved in bringing music to Glass Explorers.

Explorers can visit their Glass page and find the option to install Play Music in the Glassware section, or by using the MyGlass app on an Android device.

In the few minutes I have experimented with it, I have to say it doesn’t run as smooth as the sideloaded APK did. Hopefully the release is to blame and the kinks will be worked out here shortly.

The post Google Play Music is officially available for Glass Explorers appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Free smartphones, tablet discounts, and free activations make up the carrier’s specials for Cyber Monday

Verizon Wireless’s Cyber Monday deals, in case you haven’t seen yet, include a number of Android smartphones at no cost. Yes, you have to sign the standard two-year service agreement, but it’s not going to get cheaper for these devices. Among those listed on the carrier’s website are the LG G2 (black or white), Droid 4, Droid Razr HD, and Galaxy S III Mini. The Galaxy Note 2 is only $49.99 with a plan; tablets are $100 off and include free activations!

Verizon

The post Verizon Cyber Monday deals include free phones from Samsung, LG, and Motorola appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Looking to pick up a Samsung Chromebook but don’t wanna spend too much money? Hurry up and swing by Amazon where the retailer is offering the 11.6-inch model for only $199.99, a savings of around $50 off the normal cost. Indeed, the $199 sticker price is well worth it; we’re big fans of the Chromebook in our review.

Hardware details:

• 11.6 inches Display


• Samsung Exynos 5250 Dual Core Processor


• 2 GB DDR3L RAM 16 GB Solid State Drive


• 2 USB Ports: 1 USB 3.0 + 1 USB 2.0, HDMI Port


• Built-in dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n

The post Samsung Chromebook 20% OFF for next few hours appeared first on AndroidGuys.

HTC One Max was released recently by HTC as their new flagship device, and also as a competitor of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. To be honest, both devices are great and if you end up with either of them, I am sure you wouldn’t be disappointed. Although having a choice in color is a great option, no? We have seen the HTC One in Red, Blue, White and Black, and we would like to the see the same love for the HTC One Max, and it seems its going to happen as a screenshot is leaked which is hinting towards a HTC One Max in red color.

Taiwanese carrier Far EasTone used a picture of ‘red’ HTC One Max in their promotional poster, and as we have seen both HTC One and One mini in red, we might see the One Max in red color as well. Samsung today released three new colors for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, so to keep the competition strong, HTC should make some moves.

Would you prefer a One Max in red? Tell us about it in the comment box below.

Source: GSMArena

The post Red HTC One Max shows up in a promotional poster appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Motorola’s discounted Moto X is apparently in high demand. So high, in fact, that the handset maker has seen its website taken down due to high traffic. Swing by their website today to pick up the Moto X and you may run into a little pop-up advising to check back later. In the interim, be sure to follow Motorola on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

Our website is down due to traffic & we’re working quickly to restore it. Watch here for updates & for when our Cyber Monday deal starts.

— Motorola Mobility (@Motorola) December 2, 2013

What’s the big deal, some of you are asking? Motorola has shaved $150 off the cost of the Moto X for Cyber Monday, including the Developer Editions and unlocked models.

Motorola

The post High demand for discounted Moto X brings site down appeared first on AndroidGuys.

A lesser-powered Samsung Galaxy Note 3 may be introduced in February, according to reports

Samsung may introduce a lesser-powered Galaxy Note 3 may arrive at Mobile World Congress in early 2014, according to SamMobile. Reportedly, there are two versions of the device being tested, one with a display at 5.49-inches and the other at 5.7-inches.

The SM-N7505 should be offered in black and white color options and will likely feature an 8-megapixel rear camera and LCD display. Adjusting these specifications alone would bring the price down for Samsung; there is no large-screen experience available without the premium pricing. Yes, we do have the Galaxy Mega, but that’s nearly a year old now.

According to the source of this rumor, the Galaxy Note 3 Lite would go on sale in either February or March of next year.

SamMobile

The post Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Lite rumored for Mobile World Congress appeared first on AndroidGuys.

In addition to the bundle of nine games being offered at no cost today, Amazon is discounting hundreds of Android apps and games. While some are being cut in half (50%) others are getting slashed by 90% OFF or more! In the words of The King, “that’s crazy seeyick”.

Effective today you can find a bunch of deals, including the following:

• OfficeSuite Pro from $14.99 to $.99 (93% OFF)


• Wheel of Fortune from $2.99 to $.99 (including a holiday update that is only available to Android customers via the Amazon Appstore for a limited time) (67% OFF)


• Tablet Talk from $2.99 to $.99 (67% OFF)

The post Amazon discounting games up to 90% for Black Friday weekend appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Total value of bundle equates to roughly $19 in free Android games

Amazon, to no surprise, is going pretty big with Black Friday deals this year. Today sees the online retailer offering no less than 9 games free of charge, including popular titles such as Angry Birds Space and Fruit Ninja. Sure, you’re thinking, some of these games are already free. Not so fast, these are ad-free versions of the games and each normally runs a buck or more. Should you download all of these and take advantage of the full package you’ll earn nearly $19 in free games.

• Fruit Ninja


• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Run


• Bloons TD 5


• Angry Birds Space HD (Kindle Tablet Edition)


• Quell


• Sonic The Hedgehog


• Angry Birds Space (Ad-Free)


• Battle Bears Fortress


• Hambo

The post Amazon offering 9 free games including Sonic, Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Bloons TD 5 appeared first on AndroidGuys.

The makers of the popular game Candy Crush Saga are back with another sure-fire hit

King.com, the developers behind wildly popular game Candy Crush Saga, are back with with their latest game, Papa Pear Saga. Dropping in the Google Play Store today, the game features more than 100 levels of bouncing and boinging action. Indeed, it works seamlessly with your Facebook account and features leaderboards, unlockable items, power ups, and more. If you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time as you fall into a turkey-induced coma, give Papa Pear Saga a try!

• Pearfect graphics that will have you bouncing for joy


• Easy and fun to play, but a challenge to fully master


• Over 100 amazing levels


• Leaderboards for you and your friends


• Items to unlock by completing levels


• Boosters and Power ups to help with those challenging levels


• Seamless synchronization with the Facebook version

The post King.com debuts latest mobile game, Papa Pear Saga appeared first on AndroidGuys.

Ready for a bit of crazy talk from Motorola? No, not that crazy talk, but the talk of marking down the Moto X by $150 on Cyber Monday.

By doing a little bit of heavy lifting using a calculator, I’ve figured the 16GB Moto X will set you back $349, with the 32GB Moto X coming in at $399. This pricing matches the Nexus 5, but it includes the Moto Maker and Developer Edition handsets. Something the Nexus 5 doesn’t have.

This is a killer deal any way you slice it. Motorola stated it will have more information about the fire sale in the coming days. But it also has already started setting the expectation that stock will be very limited for the Cyber Monday deal.

The post Motorola marking the Moto X down $150 on Cyber Monday appeared first on AndroidGuys.