Android News: November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Android Community Weekly Wrap-Up for November 30, 2013

This was a holiday week for those in the US market, and as we often see, that meant a sort of slow down for news and other announcements. While the week overall was on the slower side in terms of device and update news, there were a few goodies that popped up this week. Notably, Motorola was once again in the limelight with the earlier than expected US release of the Moto G.

For those who missed it, Motorola surprised everyone back on the 26th when they released the GSM variant of the Moto G. The handset arrived with support for T-Mobile and AT&T and perhaps more important — at the expected price point, which begins at $179 for the 8GB model. The one catch with this early release, the Moto G will arrive with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean as opposed to Android 4.4 Kit Kat. Though, Motorola has already said the Kit Kat update is planned for early 2014.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2: What to Expect After Android 4.3

All eyes are currently on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update, an update that continues to roll out in the United States and around the world, bringing Samsung KNOX and Galaxy Gear support along with it. However, we have our eye to the future and here, we want to take a look at what Galaxy Note 2 users should expect after the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update rolls out.

Back in July, Google announced Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, an update that brought some incremental upgrades and enhancements to Nexus owners. At the time, many flagship devices hadn’t even been updated to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, leaving many to wonder how the future would play out.

LG G2 to get the Android KitKat update in Q1, 2014

The LG G2 received favorable reviews from critics as well as customers. Now that Google has announced the Android 4.4 KitKat update, naturally everyone who bought one is wondering when will they be receiving the update.

According to Mobile Syrup who contacted the Canadian division of LG, the company will be providing the Android 4.4 build to all the carriers in Q1, 2014, near the end of March. From then onwards it depends upon the carriers how quickly they start rolling out the updates. Those are using unlocked version of the handset can probably expect to receive the update a bit sooner.

The LG G2 is currently one of the best Android smartphones available on the market with top of the line specifications across the board. The software has been criticized for being over the top due to the many features LG tends to add in its phones. Although the KitKat update likely won't be fixing that problem, you would get all of the under the hood improvements that Google has introduced. Too bad there is going to be a long wait for it.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Android devices to see first 64-bit CPUs in 2014

Apple was first to offer a mobile device featuring a 64-bit CPU, but speculation says Android makers will soon follow suit. According to a report from Digitimes, chipmakers including Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Broadcom are expected to introduce CPUs with 64-bit architecture that could make their way into smartphones and tablets sometime during the first half of 2014.

The chip designs will be based off of ARM blueprints for their Cortex-A57 and Cortex-A53 silicon, which would closely match the design of Apple’s A7 processor. Apple’s CPU ranked among the top chipsets in recent benchmarks.

64-bit processing has up until recently remained relegated to the more robust PC systems we normally find on our desktops. But bringing 64-bit chips to mobile devices is only half of the equation. 64-bit native builds of Android would be required to take full advantage of the added benefits of 64-bit processing, and apps and games would need to be updated to match. While Apple launched a version of iOS 7 tailored to the architecture with the release of the iPhone 5S, developers have been slow to bring their wares up to speed.

Android 4.4 KitKat review: Incremental but crunchier

New Delhi: An operating system version named after a candy bar I grew up eating (and still occasionally do), Android 4.4 KitKat, is the biggest Android release since Android 4.1 appeared about a-year-and-a-half ago.

I had to wait a little before the OTA could make its way to my Nexus 4 but and appeared almost at the same time as the Nexus 5's review unit (you can read out first impressions of the Nexus 5 here). The upgrade process from Jelly Bean 4.3 to KitKat 4.4 didn't take too long.

ALSO SEE Google brings Android 4.4 KitKat's 'OK Google' feature to Chrome desktop browser

The first change while powering on the phone is that on KitKat it takes a little longer to boot than on Jelly Bean 4.2. As the phone turns on, four spinning circles in blue, red, green and yellow (the Google colours) displays on the screen while the OS loads.

NEW ANALYSIS: More Than Seven Out Of Ten Smartphones In People's Hands Globally Are Android Devices

For the first time, BI Intelligence has estimated the total global installed base of smartphones, broken out by operating system.

Installed base data refers to devices actually in people's hands at the time, in contrast to many market share numbers that look at how many new smartphones sold in a given quarter ran operating systems like Google's Android or Apple's iOS.

Our analysis shows that out of the world's 1.5 billion currently active smartphones:

Kobo Arc 10HD review: a handsome 10-inch Android tablet that could be just what you're looking for

The Kobo Arc 10HD is an Android tablet with good hardware specs, an incredible 300 ppi display, a great price tag, and full access to the Google Play app store. Here's our review of the device that hasn't quite got the attention it deserves. See also The 14 best tablets of 2013.

Kobo Arc 10HD review: Design and build quality

It's hard to fault the Kobo Arc 10HD in the looks department, it's understated, dark and incredibly stylish. It features an edge to edge glass front with an acceptable and symmetrical amount of bezel - the discreet placement of the power and volume buttons is well thought out too. Take a look at Best Android tablets 2013.

The Arc 10 HD looks like a budget version of the Sony Tablet Z, and we use the term "budget" only because the Kobo is a bit on the chunky side.

Twisted iOS hit 'Badland' now on Android

The dark and beautiful Badland was one of our favorite mobile games when it hit iOS earlier this year (we even named it a Best New App), and now Android gamers can finally see what the hype is about. Developer Frogmind had previously announced its Android intentions back in August, and today the game is finally available through Google Play. As with the iOS version, you'll be controlling a tiny, floating black blob simply by tapping it to make it temporarily go higher. Your only real go is to stay alive — avoiding the plentiful, dangerous objects found along the way. It's intuitive yet challenging, and the dark atmosphere really helps sell the whole experience. Grab it from Google Play at the source link below.

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AT&T Galaxy S4′s Android 4.3 upgrade resumes rolling out; Galaxy Gear update going out, too

AT&T was one of the first carriers to get Android 4.3 for the Samsung Galaxy S4, which meant it was also the first carrier to notice a big issue with the OTA upgrade. The carrier had to suspend rollouts until Samsung got the issue fixed, but they’re starting to roll it back out now that things are all keen and peachy. This upgrade will bring the premium suite features all other 4.3 Samsung devices have gotten, including improved camera features, Samsung Knox security and more.

Alongside all that is also Samsung Galaxy Gear smart watch compatibility. It’s worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy Gear is also getting an upgrade that will improve Smart Relay functionality (seeing a notification on the watch and opening the corresponding notification on your device), as well as the ability to view full notifications for all apps without having to defer to your device. AT&T has all the details about what you need to get the upgrade right here, so be sure to check that link out in case you need a bit of help.

FIFA launches official apps for iOS and Android

With the 2014 World Cup Final Draw only days away, FIFA has launched official apps for both iOS and Android. Available now, the app provides live score updates for "85 of the world’s top leagues" (including MLS in the United States) according to FIFA. Thankfully it offers news, standings, statistics, and photos / video for even more teams: in total, 197 leagues across the globe are included. Users can expect news on "hundreds of competitions, thousands of goals and over a million minutes of football every single week," FIFA says. In-depth tournament coverage and the latest FIFA Coca-Cola World Rankings are also part of the official app. Naturally the upcoming World Cup in Brazil is a huge focus, and FIFA says you'll be able to stream the Final Draw live on December 6th. The official FIFA app — not to be confused with the wildly popular game — can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.

Lost your Android phone? Here’s how to track down and retrieve it k

Sometimes you lose your phone. You freak out. You start interrogating your friends in dark rooms and cutting the bottoms out of wicker chairs, but things don’t need to be that way. If only there was a way to find your smart phone once it became lost. Oh wait, there is. Some of these methods can also be used to track people, but please don’t do that unless they’re your kids. Seriously. We have enough tracking going on by companies and governments. In any case though, here are the best ways to track an Android phone or tablet.

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Nokia Software Revived by Jolla in Challenge to Android

Jolla Oy, a Finnish smartphone maker founded by former Nokia Oyj engineers, is stepping up its challenge to Apple Inc. and Google Inc. after its first handsets were snapped up by consumers looking for change.

The company sold out the first production batches as customers preordered tens of thousands of its debut product, with the first 450 units being delivered to users at an event in Helsinki yesterday.

Android 4.4 KitKat’s Project Svelte: what it is and why you should care

Earlier this week Google revealed the driving force behind the Android 4.4 Kitkat release and its name is ‘Project Svelte’. We take a look at what this curiously named initiative is, how it was developed and whether – as some are claiming – it could lead to the end of fragmentation on Android.

What is Project Svelte?

The key is in the name. Svelte is Google’s attempt to cut the fat from Android allowing it to run faster and more smoothly on lower range handsets. It comes after Google’s admission that initiatives like ‘Project Butter’ (introduced in Android 4.1) made the operating system a silky user experience, but at the expense of upping the hardware requirements significantly.

"The first thing that I was working on was Project Butter to make the system smoother," explained Google Head of Engineering Dave Burke in an interview with ReadWrite. "The thing is, butter puts on weight. So then I did Project Svelte to lose weight. So now my contribution to Android is basically zero."

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Android 4.4 KitKat now seeding to Korean LG G2

We have some good news for the LG G2 users. The Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Korean unit has been finalized and is already seeding to the the smartphone in its home market. If you live in Korea and you own an LG G2, the new firmware is already waiting for you to get it. You just need to use the official LG Update Tool on your computer instead of the over-the-air service on your phone.

In the beginning of November we also saw a leaked roadmap of the French carrier SFR. It showed us the SFR users with LG G2 will be getting Android KitKat in November or December this year. There is still nothing official though, but December is upon us, so we guess the SFR G2 owners will get to experience the latest Android build soon enough.

Google’s Android 4.4 Update Seems To Hurt Video Playback Performance On Nexus 7

Google's Android 4.4 KitKat update is rolling out to Nexus devices globally, and I was eager to get it on my Nexus 7 tablet. Turns out, it's possible I should've left well enough alone. Immediately after updating (via official, OTA channels), I noticed performance seemed to suffer, and now a study conducted by Finnish mobile video and touch testing firmOptoFidelity adds some solid data to back up my observations.

OptoFidelity compared performance of HD video playback, both 720p and 1080p at both 30 and 60 fps on the Nexus 7 from 2012, and the Nexus 7 from 2013, before and after an upgrade to KitKat. The results show dramatically better performance on Android 4.3, before both tablets made the jump to Google's latest mobile OS. Frighteningly, the Nexus 7 from 2013 couldn't even play any 60fps video after the update.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Android 4.4 KitKat Update Rolls Out for Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and more Sony Devices

The Android 4.4 KitKat update is now available for several Sony devices including the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia T and Xperia V.

A group of developers known as the FreeXperia team released unofficial KitKat builds of CyanogenMod 11 for all of these Sony Xperia devices this week. They are also working on upgrades for the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra.

The official CyanogenMod 11 build is still not available. These unofficial versions are potentially unreliable at this time so they should be downloaded and installed with caution.

Various reports from XDA members state that the latest build for the Xperia Z is working efficiently. All those installing these ROMs should possess a good amount of technical knowledge.

Nexus 4 Android 4.4 KitKat Update: Bugs And How To Fix it

Android has been troublesome for the last few weeks with Google experiencing delay with the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Nexus 4 and Samsung suffering from severe issues with its Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy S3 that led further to an update delay altogether.

The Android 4.4 KitKat OTA update has finally started rolling out to Nexus 4. While most of the users already have it, some have started to report major issues with the update. Although most problems are not major and make the device unusable, these truly made the Android experience an unpleasant one.

Nexus 4 owners have reported to experience issues with the lockscreen while they swipe to the right side to open the camera. Some users had problems removing a widget from the home screen, which gets stuck at "X Remove."

Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat Update Release Date: What Not To Expect

After the roll out of the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update a few weeks ago, Samsung Galaxy S3 users have been anticipating an update, not to the current one but to the newer Android 4.4 KitKat.

Here is a rundown of what not to expect to the latest Android candy bar update: the Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat.

In September, two important announcements were made. First, Google revealed the Android 4.4 KitKat update which replaces the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. This packs some features which include a new dialer, new immersion mode and a lot more. Apart from its own Nexus, Google did not make any announcement about the roll out of the update to other Android devices.

Don’t Buy a Cheap Black Friday Android Tablet

The holiday season and Black Fridayshopping is almost here. We’ll be seeing deal after deal surface and sell-out over the next month or so, but there’s a few “deals” that must absolutely be avoided at any and all costs.

When it comes to buying a tablet there’s a few things you all need to know. What are these deals that you must avoid? All the “Android Tablet” and “Google Android OS” tablets that will be appearing over and over again. If you see a “Google Android” tablet for $49, or even $79, it’s in your best interest to completely ignore these “deals” and keep on walking or shopping. If it’s under $100 you probably shouldn’t buy it. We all love holiday shopping and the Black Friday craze, but don’t get stuck with a worthless Android tablet paperweight this year.

Want Android and Firefox OS in one phone? Geeksphone has something lined up for you

The Geeksphone Revolution promises an intriguingly versatile device, but it’s not all good news — Geeksphone has had to inform those who pre-ordered its current theoretical flagship, the Peak+, that the device has been cancelled due to supply chain problems.

Spain’s Geeksphone is a scrappy little manufacturer that started off making Android handsets for open-source cognoscenti before becoming the first creator of Firefox OS developer devices. On Thursday it announced it will be bringing both of those worlds together with a smartphone called the Revolution that will run either operating system — or both, if you’re an “advanced user”.

Switching from iPhone to Android? Switch off iMessage

Google’s executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, wrote a much derided 900-word guide to switching from iPhone to Android the other day. I should have read it more closely, because in there – aside from the slightly eccentric suggestion that you email your photos from one phone to the other – is a very useful nugget of information about iMessage.

I made the switch from the iPhone 4s to an HTC One at the weekend, and while the transition has been remarkably smoothly, one thing I didn’t notice until I switched my iPhone back on last night was that I’d been missing out on text messages, because I neglected to switch off iMessage on my old handset.

iMessage, for those who are unaware, is Apple’s SMS alternative, which redirects text/photo messages sent between iPhone users over the internet, rather than via the regular SMS channels. Consequently, messages from other iPhone users don’t arrive on your Android handset – even if they’re replying to an SMS message you’ve sent them.

Google Ejects Android ROM-Maker Cyanogen’s Installer App From Play — Citing Developer T&C Violations

Well that didn't take long. Google has asked Cyanogen Inc. to remove its alternative Android ROM installer app from the Play store.

Cyanogen raised $7 million from Benchmark Capital back in September to turn its geek-beloved aftermarket version of Android into a mainstream flavour of the platform - with the ultimate aim of using an Android variant to compete with standard Android (and iOS) for consumers' attention.

To kick off its mainstream market targeting effort, Cyanogen released an installer app for its CyanogenMod earlier this month - to make it easier for less tech savvy Android users to flash the ROM on their devices.

Nokia targets low-end Android competitors with two new Asha smartphones

Nokia has started shipping two new low-end touch-screen phones running its own Asha software platform. It hopes they will allow it to compete more effectively with cheap Android-based products.

The Asha 503 is available in countries such as France, Italy, the UK and Portugal. Other countries are expected to follow in the coming weeks. Nokia will announce more specific dates later locally, it said. The main markets for the Asha 502 will be India, the Middle East and Africa.

The Asha 503 3G phone is the new flagship model of the family and will cost US$99 before taxes and subsidies. It has a 5-megapixel camera and a 3-inch screen protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 2.

The dual-SIM Asha 502 has the same screen size and camera resolution as the 503, but no 3G, which helps make it $10 cheaper.

Android 4.4 KitKat “Project Svelte” could end Android fragmentation

Project Svelte allows Android 4.4 KitKat to run on older hardware that is usually associated with entry-level smartphones, and could be the way forward so that all Android devices are on the same OS page.

During an interview with ReadWrite, Google’s Head of Engineering Dave Burke revealed that Project Svelte was achieved using a specially created Google Nexus 4 with only two processors, 512MB of RAM and a qHD resolution display.

ANALYSIS: Android 4.4 KitKat’s Project Svelte: what it is and why you should care
This special Nexus 4 was used to get Android KitKat to work with entry-level specs and actualy get it working properly.

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Virgin Media brings its TV Anywhere service to UK Android devices

It took a while, but Virgin Media has finally brought its TV Anywhere service to Android. Already available on the iPhone and iPad for more than a year, the app comes to Android smartphones and tablets with nine new UK TV channels including Alibi, Dave, Drama, Good Food, Home, Really, Watch, Yesterday and CBS Reality. That takes the total number of mobile channels up to 67, with up to 90 available online. Virgin Media boasts it now offers more choice than rival service Sky Go, but like it's competitor, some might be frustrated by the patchy support for Android devices. Although you'll find support for Samsung's Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note, HTC One, Sony Xperia Tablet Z and Google's Nexus tablets, you might experience issues if your device is running Android 4.4 KitKat. While you won't be able to install it on your Nexus 5 just yet, Virgin says more Android devices will join the line-up "in the very near future."

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Android KitKat: It’s not so sweet for Nexus 4

NEW DELHI: After waiting several weeks, most of the Nexus 4 users have received an update for their phones that installs Android 4.4 aka KitKat on their devices. But these users are finding that the KitKat experience differs significantly on their phones compared to what Nexus 5 users get even though Nexus 4 is just one-year-old device and is supposed to run the 'pure' version of Android.

In terms of user interface, KitKat offers several small but useful improvements over Android Jelly Bean. Nexus 5, which is the launch device for KitKat, features a transparent notification and navigation bars. Also, the app drawer on the phone has translucent effect, through which a user can see the default wallpaper in the background.

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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

OmniROM drops Android 4.4 Kit Kat based nightly release

There are plenty of third party ROMs available for Android users to pick and choose from. Some are better known than others and some have been around for longer, and while we often look towards Cyanogen and Paranoid Android as highlights here, there is another, newer option with OmniROM. The OmniROM team, which is made up of a few well known Android developers have released a Kit Kat based ROM with support for 15 devices.

Keeping in mind, these ROMs are considered nightlies. Or in other words, those choosing to go this route may not have a perfect experience and may run into a bug or two. We suspect those following the available ROMs already know the potential with that, so here is the list of supported devices.

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Xolo to Rollout Android v4.4 KitKat OS Update to Q700 around January 2014: Report

Indigenous smartphone maker, Xolo has reportedly revealed that the company would release the latest the KitKat OS update to its popular handset Q700 in a couple of months time.

Every Tuesday, Xolo hosts a public discussion forum for its fans on Facebook, titled 'Tech Tuesday.' During this routine discussion yesterday (on 26 November), a Q700 owner, Raghav Royal Aggarwal posed a question asking the time line for the new OS update, in reply to which a company tech executive confirmed that the v4.4 KitKat OS update would be rolled out to the Q700 in one to one and half month's time, bringing a cheer among the brand's loyal fans.

Moto G: Google's KitKat bruiser could knock out, bury Landfill Android

Analysis Two weeks ago Motorola launched a cheap-as-chips Android phone that by common consent, isn't actually nasty. Quite rightly, the new Motorola Moto G has shot to the top of the picks of smartphones in the sub-£150 price point. In fact, you can pick one up without contract from Amazon for £135.

Android has been this cheap before. In fact, in China, Android handsets can be bought for $30 - but Android has never really been cheap and not nasty. Here at El Reg, we've been calling it "Landfill Android" (after "Landfill Indie"), by which phrase we define cheap handsets tricked out with meagre processors, meagre battery and sub-par screen. Naturally, such handsets were abandoned by their manufacturers as soon as they left the factory (hence "Landfill"). Stutter and lag were guaranteed. So the phrase caught on because everyone really knew it to be true. Well, no more: the Moto G proves cheap doesn't have to be nasty.

Galaxy S2 I9100G Gets Android 4.4 KitKat with CyanogenMod 11 ROM [How to Install]

Galaxy S2 I9100G users are in for a special treat as they can enjoy the first ever Android 4.4 KitKat update, thanks to the release of CyanogenMod 11 ROM by XDA Recognised Developer, Wayland_ACE. The custom ROM has been constantly developed and tweaked in the last few days to obtain a stable and fully-functional firmware.

Samsung is far from releasing any official KitKat update for older devices and hence the release of custom Android 4.4 based CyanogenMod 11 ROM gains precedence. Most of the basic features have been reportedly tested to be working fine with the latest version of ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery (v6.0.4.5) installed.

Titanium Backup Updated To Support Android Runtime (ART) In KitKat

For a lot of users, Titanium Backup is one of the first Android apps they install on a new device or ROM. So it's no surprise that a few of them were dismayed when they tried to do so on the Nexus 5 (or one of a growing number of updated Android 4.4 devices) with the fancy new Android Runtime enabled, and found that Titanium would crash. The developer has updated the app to 6.1.4.1 in short order, and it should now run in both ART and Dalvik.

If you haven't heard, ART is a new way for Android to run apps and cut down on compiler overhead, making them faster and more efficient. Unfortunately the process means that plenty of apps will need to be adjusted to be compatible with the new experimental runtime. For more information on ART and its benefits and drawbacks, check out our comprehensive introduction post.

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Nexus 4 & Nexus 7: What Not to Expect After Android 4.4 KitKat

The Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 Android 4.4 KitKat updates are both still rolling out, which means that most Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 users still have their eyes on Google’s most recent update. However, once the smoke settles, users will start looking toward the future, wondering about what might becoming in 2014, after the Android 4.4 KitKat update.

Back in September, Google announced Android 4.4 KitKat, an update that came just a few months after the arrival of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in late July. The update, which originally was called Key Lime Pie, was and is an incremental upgrade from Jelly Bean, adding new features and tweaks to the solid foundation left behind by its predecessor.

YouTube for Android code hints at upcoming 'Music Pass' streaming service

Last month, Billboard reported that YouTube would launch a subscription music service of its own, and now some details found within the YouTube Android app appear to back up that rumor. Android Police took a look at the code within the YouTube app and found hints pointing to a Music Pass service that would offer unlimited streaming, offline syncing, background playback, and "no ads on millions of songs." Those certainly sound like essential parts of any premium subscription music service to us, though it's still not at all clear why Google would need to launch another music service after releasing Google Play All Access earlier this year.

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Verizon HTC One Android 4.3 Release Becomes More Clear

With the upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat starting for a very select few HTC One owners, most regular users with a device from Verizon are still waiting for Android 4.3 Jelly Bean to arrive on the handset. As you all know, we’ve been following the HTC One upgrade path and today more details have been revealed for those on Verizon.

Users on AT&T and T-Mobile have been enjoying Android 4.3 on the HTC One for a few weeks, which has left many Verizon customers frustrated, but we have good news. The update to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for the Verizon HTC One is set to arrive in the second week of December. Meaning, within the next two weeks, as long as all goes as planned. The details were confirmed today by HTC over on Twitter.

Moto G review: The best budget Android smartphone, despite the poor camera and lack of LTE

On paper, the Moto G defies all expectations for what an entry-level smartphone should look like. An attractive design, a bright 720p touchscreen and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, all for $179.

It just doesn’t add up. Somewhere, there needs to be a compromise.

The idea of a mid-range Android handset coupled with a low-end price tag is awfully compelling. While the Nexus 5 (our review) offers sublime value as a high-end, off-contract handset, it has its quirks and is still too expensive for most first-time smartphone buyers. The Moto G, meanwhile, could be for everyone. A device that your parents and grandparents would buy. The cheap smartphone that passes the time until your next upgrade. The back-up handset for when you drop your daily driver in the kitchen sink.

[New Game] After Making Its Android Debut In Humble Mobile Bundle 3, Ridiculous Fishing Enters The Play Store For $2.99

The popular - and absolutely absurd - Ridiculous Fishing made its Android debut as part of the current Humble Mobile Bundle just last week, and now it's available in the Play Store. If you've been looking forward to getting your hands on this addictive, tilt-controlled, vaguely-fishing game but have no interest in the other titles offered in the bundle, this is a cheaper way to do so.

Many of the games we see enter the Play Store are just plain weird, but few can hold a candle to the premise behind Ridiculous Fishing. In this title, players drop a lure into the water and use tilt controls to avoid fish for as long as possible. Then, once it's deep underwater and a fish takes a bite, you use the same controls to get as many seafaring critters caught on the line as you can. Once the lure reaches the surface, all of the fish are launched into the air, and you must shoot them before they fall back down and escape. This earns you money, which in turn will get you goodies that make it easier to catch and kill more of the scaly animals lurking below.

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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas coming to iOS, Android and Windows Phone in December

Grand Theft Auto is a seminal franchise in gaming, appealing to those well beyond the enclosed community of typical fans. GTA V, which was released on PS3 and Xbox 360 earlier this year, broke records not only in its category, but across the entertainment genre in general.

Today, Rockstar Games announced that its last major PS2 and OG Xbox release, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, is coming to mobile devices with an upgraded engine that includes “newly remastered graphics including dynamic and detailed shadows, greater draw distance, an enriched color palette, plus enhanced character and car models.”

Ad network opens backdoor security holes in Android apps, researchers say

A third-party advertising library called InMobi, used by many Android applications, opens a potential backdoor into mobile devices.

Attackers who are in a position to intercept traffic coming from an app that uses InMobi can inject JavaScript commands into that traffic and force the app to make phone calls, send text messages to premium-rate numbers, create calendar events, access the photo gallery and post on social networks on the user's behalf, according to researchers from security firm FireEye.

The problem stems from InMobi's use of an Android API (application programming interface) feature called addJavascriptInterface that can be used to expose a Java object's methods to content loaded in a WebView, a window that displays Web pages.

Nokia Software Revived in Challenge to Android as Jolla Debuts

Jolla Oy, a Finnish smartphone maker founded by former Nokia Oyj (NOK1V) engineers, is stepping up its challenge to Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Google Inc. after the first batches of its handset were snapped up by consumers looking for change.

The company sold out the first production batches as customers preordered tens of thousands of its debut product, with the first 450 units being delivered to users at an event in Helsinki today.

Rather than trying to compete solely in the hardware business, Helsinki-based Jolla is seeking to take on systems such as Google’s Android in providing device manufacturers with software, for which profit margins are typically higher. Its first own device is intended as a reference product, to show what the company’s operating system is capable of.

Android head talks Project Svelte and how Android 4.4 KitKat is the leanest Android version yet

Back during Google IO 2012, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean was officially unveiled unto the world. Major firmware versions always bring their share of new features, it was a little something Google called Project Butter that got us the most excited. Addressing Android less than consistent frame rates, Project Butter looked to finally make the Android UI as silky and smooth as ~~iOS~~ butter.

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s safe to say we all know firsthand how consuming excessive amounts of butter can put on the pounds. I guess something similar began to happen in Android. In an interview with ReadWrite, Android’s head of engineering, Dave Burke — the man behind Project Butter — talked about his latest contribution to Google’s mobile OS: Project Svelte.

Samsung Galaxy S3: What to Expect After Android 4.3

Right now, the attention of Samsung Galaxy S3 owners is fixated on the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update that continues to roll out in the United States, and elsewhere. However, there are plenty of Samsung Galaxy S3 owners who likely have an eye on the future, an eye on what comes after its Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. Here, we take a look at our expectations.

All the way back in November of last year, Samsung debuted the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update, a piece of software that introduced some new features, enhancements and fixes to Android users. Shortly after its debut on the Nexus 4, the software emerge for Google’s Nexus devices including the Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus. Companies like Samsung remained mum on their plans for Android 4.2 but many users, especially owners of new devices like the Galaxy Note 2, just assumed that they would be getting the update in 2013.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Samsung Drops Android 4.4 Kernel Source For The Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition – Is It About To Start Raining KitKat?

We just saw HTC post its KitKat open source files for the Google Play Edition One, and now here's Samsung doing the same thing for the GPe Galaxy S4. Although, its open source website is a lot less attractive. What's with that, Samsung? At any rate, you can grab the kernel source right now at the link below.

The download is 399MB and contains all the open source bits of the updated ROM. It's not a full system image or anything like that. It's mainly developers who will be interested in what this ZIP file contains. We haven't heard any sort of announcement from Samsung that its GPe ROM has been submitted to Google, but Samsung isn't as up-front with such things.

Still, getting the kernel source means the OTA must be almost ready to go out. It's probably too soon to start mashing the update button, but you can still do it if it makes you feel better.

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