Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you all.

I first want to say a big thank you to all the regular readers of this blog. I really appreciate. I started it six years ago and the readership has always been on the rise. Thanks for that. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to you all. Have fun and enjoy the moment.

Google Drive now supports spreadsheet editing on smartphone.

The latest update to Google Drive for Android and iOS now supports spreadsheet editing in new native editor. Users can also create new spreadsheets on a device. Google Docs also gets new capabilities with Copy/Paste maintaining formatting.

See the change log below:
1. Edit Google spreadsheets in new native editor
2. Edit contents of tables in Google Docs editor
3. Formatting is maintained when copy/pasting within Google Docs
4. Single tap to enter edit mode in Google Docs editor
5. Add a shortcut to Drive files/folders to your homescreen for quick access
6. Send Link now supports copying link to clipboard

Download Google Drive.

Outlook.com app for Android released.

25 million active users for Outlook.com so far. A third of which are Gmail users. That's probably what prompted Microsoft to release a new mail client for Android. But wait, is it really a new release? I haven't downloaded the new version yet, so I'm still using the old Hotmail.com client. Take a look at the screen shot. Notice anything? It doesn't look like a new Outlook.com client to me but more of a right-click > Rename of the old Hotmail client; same interface, same layout but with the Outlook.com tab. I doubt Microsoft will convince Gmail users to make the switch with this app.

Download Outlook.com app

Astro File Manager for Android now supports Skydrive.

Astro File Manager is one of those apps that keeps getting better and better with time. As its name implies, this powerful app let you manage files on your Android and also include a backup/restore engine. But it has more to offer. Now with the cloud being the tech world new darling, Astro File Manager was quick to include seamless cloud integration in its binaries. Initially, Dropbox and Google Drive were supported, but yesterday Metago, the developer, added support for Skydrive. 

Now users will be able to seamlessly move or copy files between clouds from within one app. Open the Google cloud service you want in Astro, choose the file you want to move/copy then choose the other cloud service, say Skydrive, to paste the file. Simple. This integration makes managing your clouds efficient.

Astro File Manager is available free on Google Play Store. 

Flipboard for Android now supports audio content.

Flipboard has rolled out an update for supported Android devices that lets you listen to audio contents within the app and into your newsfeed. According to the change log, "now you have a soundtrack for your Flipboard. Listen to segments from NPR Fresh Air, PRI’s The World, and lots more great audio content". Flipboard is my news reader of choice on my Galaxy Nexus and if you haven't try it yet, let me give you two reasons why you should. One, it is free and second, you flip through your news like reading a magazine. It's really cool.

Change log:
- Now you have a soundtrack for your Flipboard. Listen to segments from NPR Fresh Air, PRI’s The World, and lots more great audio content.
- Discover, like and share music from your friends on SoundCloud.
- Bug fixes and performance improvements.

Download: Play Store

Google Calendar for Android is now an app of its own for non-Nexus devices.

My first Android device was the Nexus One and ever since I had it, I never thought of getting any other Android phone that wasn't a Nexus. I skipped the Nexus S and got the Galaxy Nexus. Today I realized how things are different in the Nexus world compared to the other Android phones out there. Of course, the Nexus devices are stock Android and get updates faster than the others. The others very often do not get more than one update or none at all. But the differences is not limited to updates. 
Today I found out that the Calendar app on my Gnux, which is a stand-alone app does not have the same status on other devices. The other phones's Calendar were still built into the OS. That has changed now that Google has posted a new Calendar app to the Play Store for the other devices running Android 4.0 or later. For once, these other devices will have extra features not yet available on the Nexus:

• Snooze events directly from a notification if you’re not quite ready and want to be reminded later.
• Use predefined messages to send quick "I'll be late" updates to your event participants directly from the notifications or the event itself (of course, you can always write your own).
• Pinch to zoom in and out of a day.
• Set a home time zone to help you manage your time better when traveling.

Download Google Calendar on Play Store.

Source: Official Android Blog

Google schedules Android event on October 29.

According to Engadget, Google will hold an Android event on October 29, the very same day Microsoft will have it's launch event of Windows Phone 8. The fact that Google chose that same day is just a long term planned coincidence. Nothing else. Google's invite mentions that it is an Android event and and has no more details. Engadget assumes  that Google will show off the next generation of Nexus device made by LG. The event will be live-streamed at youtube.com/Android.

Adobe Reader updated with Cloud file storage.

The latest update to Adobe now lets you share documents between all your devices through Acrobat.com, Adobe's new free Cloud storage service for Android devices. While a welcome addition, it's of course not a revolution. So your documents will be available anywhere, anytime. Unless Adobe's server goes down.

What's in this version:

• Store and access documents in the cloud with Acrobat.com
• Fill out and submit online forms from Adobe FormsCentral
• Forms support for Validation, Formatting, and Calculation
• Calculations using Form Field Hierarchies
• Select and mark up vertical and Asian text
• View rights managed documents with dynamic watermarks

Read more on Adobe's blog. 

App updates: Astro File Manager, Street View on Google Maps, The Verge & Google Play Music.

It's nice to see apps being regularly updated with features to make them cool and enhance their usability. Today, I have four apps with updates on my Galaxy Nexus. Check out what's new below.

• Astro FileManager/Browser
  - Side swipe to get to different locations fast
  - Manage files on Google Drive & DropBox from Astro
  - Search files by type regardless of location
  
• Google Play Music
  - Minor fixes
  
• Street View on Google Maps
  - Bug Fixes
  
• The Verge
  - Completely new Holo UI redesign
  - New Navigation
  - Forum access
  - Bug Fixes

These apps are available free in Google Play Store and may not necessarily work in your region.

Press Release: HTC announces the HTC One X+ with Jelly Bean and Sense 4+.

2012 — HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today unveiled the HTC One™ X+, a refreshed version of its award winning HTC One™ X smartphone, running the HTC Sense™ 4+ experience on Android™ Jelly Bean. The HTC One™ X+ combines the iconic design, amazing camera and authentic audio experience of the HTC One series, with increased performance, longer battery life and expanded internal storage.

"We are taking the HTC One™ X to a new level with the introduction of the new HTC One™ X+," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. "Our customers will have super-fast browsing, an even better camera and more immersive entertainment with Beats Audio™."

Performance, Endurance and Storage
Featuring a 1.7 GHz quad-core NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 AP37 processor and 64GB of internal storage, the HTC One™ X+ LTE version is up to 67% faster than the HTC One™ X LTE, making the HTC One™ X+ the best rated Android phone on the market. Developed to be lightning fast, the HTC One™ X+ enables quicker web browsing, fluid gaming and graphic rendering, and speedy downloads, providing effortless usage on the go.

In addition to its increased performance speeds, the HTC One™ X+ introduces extended performance with the inclusion of a 2100 mAh battery, giving you up to 50% (6 hours) more talk time, and longer to browse the web and enjoy your favorite music and videosii .

Imaging, Music and Movies
Combining the amazing camera capabilities of its predecessoriii with a series of intelligent features, powered by Sense™ 4+, the HTC One™ X+ has been designed to deliver the most premium mobile experience. The newly launched Self Portrait mode on the front camera helps you capture high quality photos by intuitively detecting the human face at various angles and applying subtle enhancements to skin and eyes. Sightseeing mode makes sure you'll always be ready to capture the moment - one touch of the power button bypasses the lock screen and launches directly into the camera. Two new views in Gallery display images and videos and group them according to where and when they were taken.

Exclusively available on HTC smartphones, Beats Audio™ provides authentic, studio-quality sound that delivers the most immersive sound experience with an enhanced audio profile, crisper vocals and detailed high notes for your music, games, movies and videos. Making it easier to listen to music out loud, and through Sense™ 4+, the HTC One™ X+ introduces a new Tap and Go function, which allows you to connect the phone and your music to Beats speakers' when you tap them. To disconnect, it is just another quick tap.

Spectacular Sound with Beats Audio™
Exclusively available on HTC smartphones, Beats Audio™ provides authentic, studio-quality sound that delivers the spirit of the original recording. The Windows Phone 8X by HTC featuring Beats Audio™ also offers a unique audio amplifier powering the 3.5mm audio jack and the speaker, boosting the audio signal for even better sound no matter if you're listening to music, playing a game or watching a video.

Providing exclusive access to thousands of movies through HTC Watch 2.0, the HTC One™ X+ will appeal to both the avid film fan and the casual movie-goer. Combined with the introduction of video hub, another benefit of Sense™ 4+, for the first time you will be able to put all your video entertainment in a single place.

Easy Set Up
A new feature in the HTC One™ X+ is HTC Get Started, a new web service that guides the user painlessly through the set-up and personalisation process from a desktop web browser. Designed to enhance the experience of setting up a phone for the first time, this feature ensures that users will get the most out of their new phone from the beginning. With the touch of a button, users' phone will reflect the settings and apps that were chosen on the Web. Visit start.htc.com for more details.

Availability
The HTC One™ X+ will be available in Europe and North Asia from October and in South Asia from November 2012. North America will make a separate announcement regarding availability of the HTC One™ X+. The Android Jelly Bean with HTC Sense™ 4+ update is scheduled to begin rolling out for the HTC One™ S and HTC One™ X from October.

Day 5: 75% off top apps in Play Store. Last day.

This should be the last day of the $0.25 offerings in the Play Store. Your last chance to buy great apps at 75% off. Check out today's list below:

1. The Dark Knight Rises
2. Haunted House HD
3. Smart tools
4. Nova Launcher Prime
5. Great Big War Game
6. Scramble With Friends
7. Kids Numbers And Math
8. Guns'n'Glory WW2 Premium
9. Gravity Guy
10. Air Control
11. SPY Mouse

Play Store

Day 4: 75% off top apps in Play Store.

I assume you're aware of what I'm talking about by now. A new bunch of cool apps and games are available at $0.25 today in Google Play Store. Check out the screenshot below. Happy purchase/download.

1. Madden NFL 12
2. Where's My Perry
3. Camera Zoom FX
4. Endomondo Sports Tracker PRO
5. Ski Safari
6. Cut the rope
7. Order & Chaos Online
8. Pool Break Pro
9. Dr. Seuss's Sleep Book
10. Farm Invasion USA Premium
11. RealCalc Plus
12. Broken Sword: Director's Cut

Visit Play Store to purchase and download.

Day 3: Top apps 75% off.

To celebrate the 25 billion app downloads, Google is offering top apps at $0.25 during five days. These apps change every day. Below is the list of today's  apps worth $0.25:
Amazing Alex
TuneIn Radio Pro
Temple Run: Brave
HD Widgets
Picsay Pro - Photo Editor
Monsters Ate My Condo
Flick Golf!
EzPDF Reader ODF Annotate Form
Kids ABC Letters
Rebuild
ZombieSmash
MSecure - Password Manager
Mass Effect Infiltrator
Dragon Fly! Full

For details, go to HTTPS://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_celebrate_25_billion

Today's top apps worth $0.25 in Play Store.

Yesterday I blogged about the 25 billion download milestone in Play Store. To celebrate this, Google is offering top apps at $0.25 during five days. These apps change every day. Below is the list of today's  apps worth $0.25:
Cut the rope
Sketchbook Mobile
Flick Nations Rugby
Dungeon Village
Color & Draw for Kids HD
DoubleTwist Alarm Clock
Paper Camera
FIFA 12
Mini Motor Racing
World of Goo
The Going to bed Book
Shark Dash
Color & Draw for kids

For details, go to HTTPS://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_celebrate_25_billion

Rovio's Bad Piggies - Help guide the pigs to steal the Birds' eggs.

Call it Angry Birds in reverse if you want, Bad Piggies is Rovio's Angry birds from the pigs' point of view. Instead of chasing you will actually guide them to the eggs using some sort of devices you will build yourself. So you'll get your pigs crawling, flying, and rolling towards their obsession. Some 60 levels are available plus 30 more after you unlock 30 additional levels with 3 stars.

Bad piggies is available free in the Play Store.

Top apps for $.25 on Google Play Store for 5 days.

To celebrate the 25 billion downloads on the Play Store, Google is having a five day sales where just $0.25 will get you top apps like Angry birds premium, OfficeSuite Pro 6 +, Draw Something, Ocean HD etc. Don't get frustrated if today's set of apps doesn't excite you, the set will change everyday during the 5 day sales.

Checkout today's sale on the Play Store: HTTPS://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_celebrate_25_billion

Facebook Messenger gets new UI.

It was about time. The previous UI was, simply put, horrible. The update to Facebook Messenger app now offers a true conversational UI with bubbles that make it easier to follow a conversation. Add to that the ability to check who is online by swiping to the list of friends and instantly start new conversations. It is also possible to pin your best buddy or people with whom you engage into a lot of chat with to the top of your friends' list. Cool stuff for Facebook Messenger users.

What's new in this version:

- Swipe left anywhere in the app to quickly see who's available and send a message
- Add friends you message most to the top of your Favorites
- Try texting with Messenger (currently only available on some phones)
- New design for conversations
- Improved speed and reliability- Bug fixes 

The update is available on Play Store.

Twitter for Android gets Flipboard-like update.

I do not use the official Twitter app on my devices, but those of you out there who do, Twitter has released an update that brings header photos to your profile. A bit like Flipboard, you will be able to swipe through pictures at the top of the screen. The pictures can be either yours or your friends'. While the updates do bring some sense of modernity to the app, I'll stick to Flipboard. In case you're interested, check out the list of updates to the app:

Twitter for Android 3.4
- New profiles with header photos
- Photo streams on profiles and events
- Pinch-to-zoom on photos
- Search suggestions for people, topics and hashtags
- Improved protected account management including the ability to accept or deny follower requests
- Other improvements, polish, and fixes

Check out the notification bar on your device or Play store to download the update.

Chrome for Android gets more secure.

As we use our devices more and more to stay connected, it is also utterly important that we stay secure while doing our business online. So, if you use Google Chrome on your Android phone, I strongly recommend that you install this update. This new version also include other interesting features:

This version update includes a number of security and stability improvements. Additional highlights-Location preference now integrated to system level Google apps location setting.-Youtube videos controls now work in full screen mode; videos continue playing after a screen lock/unlock-Fixes to make third-party IMEs work better with Chrome

Download Google Chrome on Play store.

SkyDrive for Android now available.

While we have still to see more apps from Google for Windows Phone, Microsoft has published another one to the Play Store that will let Android lovers use SkyDrive. The app ensures that users can save their files to the cloud for easy access on any device anywhere where internet is available.

The app is similar in design with the apps for Windows Phone and iOS. "In building the new SkyDrive app for Android, we wanted to ensure we kept the same intuitive design of all SkyDrive experiences while also making use of Android design patterns and conventional interactions, so this feels natural for people with Android phones.", writes Mike Torres in a blog post on the Windows Team blog.

Skydrive for Android works on Android devices with Gingerbread (Android 2.3) and above. However it was designed to work best with Android 4.0 and Jelly Bean.

Here are the main features of SkyDrive for Android:

• Access your SkyDrive—documents, photos, and other files, plus the files other people have shared with you.
• View recently used documents.
• Choose multiple photos or videos to upload from your phone.
• Share your files and photos—send a link in email or in another app.
• Open your SkyDrive files from other Android apps.
• Easily manage your files—delete or create new folders.

SkyDrive is avaliable free on Play Store.

Pigs hijack Mars Curiosity rover with NASA's complicity.

In order to reach the masses about the Mars Curiosity rover mission, NASA has teamed up with Rovio for the latter's latest update to Angry birds Space. 20 new levels have been added with the red planet as background with the pigs having taken control of the rover in their quest for eggs. The update also introduces  the astronaut pig.

Players will have to dodge Martian volcanoes and fire asteroids. Uncover three hidden rovers and landers will give users access to bonus levels and learn more about the Curiosity mission on Mars.

Download the update on Play Store.

avast! Mobile Security update auto-corrects mistyped URLs.

avast! Mobile Security is now updated to version 2.0 with the following features added:


• Web-based control for Anti-Theft
• Network Meter
• SiteCorrect - autocorrect of mistyped URLs
• Scanning of incoming messages
• Real-time protection (on-exec scanning) of apps
• Improved user interface for tablets
• avast! Widget
• The shield control UI to fine-tune on-access security setup
• Grayscale notification icon configurable from settings

If you do not have a antivirus software installed on your phone yet, I advise you download avast. There are other solutions on Play Store, but I like Avast for the slew of features it offers. Don't wait for disaster to strike, get avast for free on Play Store.

Google+ update lets you join Hangouts on the go.

Fans of Google social network will be happy to learn that they can now join hangouts on their mobile phones. Before the update, it was only possible to join Hangouts on a computer. 


What's in this version:
- Teens can now create and join Hangouts from mobile
- Join Hangouts on Air from mobile
- Floating timestamp in photos view
- Shortcuts for post creation
- Ability to report abuse in Events

Download link

All about android on official Google Android blog.

Following users request, Google Mobile team has put up a blog dedicated entirely to news about Android. Initially, news about Google's mobile OS would appear on the various corporate blogs, making it difficult for fans to follow up. From now on, fans will be able to setup their favorite readers to point to just one blog for anything about Android from Google.
The link to the blog is: http://officialandroid.blogspot.com/

Posted from my Galaxy Nexus powered by Jelly Bean.

Official Google Blog: Ramadan traditions with a digital twist

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/ramadan-traditions-with-digital-twist.html?m=1

The Verge releases its app for Android.

The folks of The Verge have indeed released an news app for Android phones to Google Play. Founded by Joshua Topolsky, former editor-in-chief of Engadget, The Verge is a great source of information as the site broadly covers the tech industry. The mobile app is great for reading on the go, but there is at least one annoying thing with it: It's locked in portrait mode. That's the first striking omission in the app. Probably there are others that will popup as I use it more. 


The app does what it's been designed for and that is to provide great content at your finger tips. Get your free copy on Google Play.


Source: The Verge

Rovio strikes back with Amazing Alex

Amazing Alex is the new game developed by the guys behind the Angry Birds. Will this game the same level of stardom as the Angry Birds? Check it out and let me know.


"Amazing Alex has a set of 35 fully interactive objects just waiting to be set in motion. Fans can set the objects up to bounce, pop, ricochet, bash, and crash into each other and create an elaborate Rube Goldberg device! With a houseful of toys to play with, there’s more than one right answer. Fans can share their most creative solutions with friends and see what they came up with. With 100 challenging levels across four fun-filled locations, there’s a whole world of creations to explore!"


There are two versions available on Google Play. One free with ads and the other is cheap without ads of course.


Check out the video:

SoftMaker Office Mobile 2012 for Android reaches RC status.

SoftMaker is the developer of an Office app that rules all the other office app for android. Before you react to this, it's my personal opinion. I've been following the evolution of the app for some time now. Today they announced the release of the Release Candidate of the app that is free to download in the links below. Note that the app is universal. Meaning that it will work on a smartphone and tablet powered by Android.

The apps are not in Google Play yet. Use the links below to download:
TextMaker - Equivalent to Microsoft Word
PlanMaker - Equivalent to Microsoft Excel
Presentations - Equivalent to Microsoft Powerpoint

Enjoy.

Update: I have been following SoftMaker since they developed an Office app for Windows Mobile.

Twitter updates lets you see more than just 140 characters.

The new update to Twitter does not just contain the usual bug fixes and performance improvements as is usually the case. Version 3.3 of the official Twitter client for Android has some very interesting additions.
The first one is expanded tweets. This feature lets you see more than just the 140 character limit of a tweet. For example, this new version lets you see a preview of links found in your tweets, view images, play video etc. It's not just about any tweet though. In fact, only tweets from Twitter partners will expand to display these features. The expanded tweet is being gradually rolled out.
The second noteworthy addition is the ability to choose to receive notifications among the people you follow anytime they tweet and retweet. You have to into their profile on your device to enable this feature for the people you want to receive instant notification.
Get the update via Play Store on your device or here:

Take part in the Olympics Games on your Android device.

Samsung today released an app that will make you feel like you're part of the London Olympics Games. The Samsung: Take part 2012 app features games, latest news about your favorite sport. David Beckham will even show you the top 10 British attractions for those who will be lucky enough to be there.

Here's what the app has to offer:

Play in glorious 3D either 100m Sprint, 110m hurdles, 100m freestyle swimming or double-trap shooting.

- Play our Penalty Kicks or Archery games in breathtaking Augmented Reality, with HD graphics for those with the latest GALAXY phones.

- Challenge your friends to any of the games!

- View global & individual leaderboards for all the games as you compete to reach the top

Take a Tour of the Olympic Games Venues

- View the inside of the sites in 360° 3D

Get the latest news

- All the latest news from the Olympic Games

- Filter by your favourite sport

Learn About Britain

- Check out David Beckham’s top 10 British attractions, so you know what to check out when you head to the Games

Daily Opinion Poll

- Every day of the Olympic Games, we will be asking you for you to take part and vote

- See how your picks compare with our other players around the world

GALAXY S III

- Take a tour of the new GALAXY S III, Samsung’s Olympic Games Phone.

The app is 122mb in size, so make sure you connect to wifi spot to download.

Download link: Google Play

 

Posted with Blogsy

Google Maps update lets you save maps for offline viewing.

Google has published a very interesting and useful update to its Maps app for Android that lets you save maps to your device for offline viewing. This is a treat that will help you save money, especially if you travel. All you need to do is connect to a WiFi spot, start Maps on your phone. Tap the context menu at the far right of the menu bar and select Make available offline. Navigate to the location you want on the map. While you do so, notice that the app gives you the estimated size of the map you're about to download. I had Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, in file 0.1MB file. Tap Done and the map is downloaded to your phone for viewing at your convenience. Enjoy.

Download Maps on Google Play.

Fast Firefox mobile for Android released.

Firefox browser has finally found its way to Android 4 today and is available as a free download on Google Play. I now have three browsers on my Galaxy Nexus. At first sight, I can say that Firefox does load faster than Google Chrome and is visually more appealing. No need for a scientific approach to determine that. It works really well as stated in the release note. Check it out after the break.

Updated Facebook Messenger gets in-app notifications and more.

The latest update to Facebook Messenger contains some very interesting features including the ability to switch between conversations with in-app notifications. They show up whenever a friend sends a message in another conversation. Additionally, you may easily add friends of your friends to conversations. Not sure why I'd want to do that. Friends of my friends are not necessarily my friends. But it seems that Facebook wants you to friend about anyone on the planet.

The other features lets you see who's available when you start new conversation, share bigger photos, tap for full screen and pinch to zoom.

Other improvements:
- Faster app loading, navigating and sending
- More reliable push notifications
- Bug fixes.

Check out Google Play on your phone to get the update.

More details on Google Play.

Official Wimbledon 2012 app released.

It's that time of the year again where all eyes will be on Wimbledon 2012 tennis championships which starts on the 25th June to the 8th of July. The All England Lawn Tennis Club released an app for Android that will let you access the following features:
- Live scores
- Results
- Schedule of play
- Draws
- News
- Player profiles
- On demand video previews, highlights, features, interviews and golden moments
- Photos
- Live @ Wimbledon Radio - 3 channels: Daily coverage of the Championships and two channels dedicated to Centre Court and No.1 Court commentary of live match play.
- Find it - lets spectators locate facilities around the grounds at Wimbledon.


Of course the app is free to download. Wimbledon 2012 is certainly useful for those lucky enough to attend the championships as well as to those who cannot make it and can nonetheless follow the tournament on the go.


Download Wimbledon 2012 on Google Play.

Softmaker Office Mobile for Android reaches final beta.

Softmaker for Android is now out of beta. I just got an email saying that the final beta build is available as a free download for beta users. The latter can just use the product key they used when they registered to participate in the beta program.

According to the email I got "the final beta comes with improved, configurable toolbars, improved import/export of plain-text files, XLSM file support, and improvements to Dropbox and Evernote support".

The app is not yet available on Google play.

Download the final beta here.

 

Flipboard for Android out of beta; adds google+ and YouTube.

Flipboard, the now popular magazine app, is now available on Google Play. The app has been in beta mode and downloadable outside Google Play until a few days ago. The finished product now let's users access their Google Plus stream and YouTube videos.

If you haven't downloaded Flipboard yet, head over to Google play to get it. I almost forgot, Flipboard is free. Enjoy.

 

 

Google Chrome Beta updated.

Yesterday Google pushed a OTA update for Google Chrome Beta for Android. If you haven't installed it yet, go into My Apps in Google Play to do so. This update focuses more on stability and performance improvements. The log also mentions a minor reorganization of Settings options.

Learn more on Google Chrome blog.

Sync Manager for HTC One Series now available.

HTC has released a new Sync Manager software for it's series of HTC One devices: One X, One XL, One S, One V. Sync Manager is a free app for your computer that lets you sync and backup your contacts, calendar, pictures, bookmarks and documents from your phone to your computer. HTC Sync Manager will be handy to those who do not yet entrust their data to the Cloud. Note that this version of HTC Sync Manager works with the One series only. You can download another version for other HTC devices here.


Learn more about Sync Manager.

HTC publishes Android 4.0 update timeline.

HTC published the list of 17 devices that will be upgraded to Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich by August 2012. If you own one of the devices listed below, check out the time table below. Not all HTC devices will be upgraded though. Devices with 512MB ROM or less like the HTC ChaCha, Salsa Wildfire S, Explorer will not be upgraded to Android 4.0. Tablets also will remain on Honeycomb.


Check out the HTC's schedule list:


Device Schedule
DROID Incredible 2 by HTC  To be determined (by the end of August)
HTC Amaze 4G                  May-June
HTC Desire S                  June-July
HTC Desire HD                  July-August
HTC EVO 3D                          June-July
HTC EVO 4G+                  May-June
HTC EVO Design 4G          June-July
HTC Incredible S                  June-July
HTC Sensation                  March-June
HTC Sensation 4G          March-June
HTC Sensation XE          March-June
HTC Sensation XL          April-June
HTC Rezound                  June-July
HTC Rhyme                          June-July
HTC Thunderbolt                  July-August
HTC Velocity 4G                  March-June
HTC Vivid                          March-June


Source: HTC

Seesmic update brings enlarged photos in tweet & Facebook.

Seesmic posted another update today. Since I use it for Twitter only, I'll post the new features verbatim.

. Fixes to the Facebook login issue.
. Enlarged photos in Tweet and Facebook post details.
. Configure to hide/show avatars.
. Configure to show in absolute time.

Twitter only:
. View a favorite/star icon in timeline.
. View if "the user does (or does not) follow you" in profile details.
. #Hashtags are now included when replying.

Facebook only
. View a list of who "liked" a post.

Widget
. Disable/enable auto scrolling in the widget.

Download the update on Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.seesmic

Samsung Cares for Android.

Don't let yourself be fooled by the title of this post. In fact, Samsung posted an app to Google Play that serves as a support hub. While there's only an app for Android for the time being, both Windows Phone and Android users will be able to use the app for online support. Samsung Cares provide how-to videos, FAQs, troubleshooting guides. So yes you'll find answers to issues for Android, Windows Phone and Samsung tablets. What that means is that Windows Phone users must have an Android device to access support for their phones.

The app does offer useful info for all devices branded Samsung, ranging from smartphones, TVs, home appliances, computers. Android and Windows Phone are listed under the Mobile category. If your issues are not listed in the app, you will be able to directly call a phone number based in the US. The design is great, but unfortunately it does not support landscape mode. So it's kind of difficult to read the entire title of the video or FAQ title.

Anyway, the app can be downloaded free using the link below. For Windows Phone users, I suggest you wait for a Windows Phone version of the app or buy a Android.

Overall it's nice that Samsung cares for its customers. Can't wait for the iOS version. Lol.


https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samsung.cares

Evernote 4.0 for Android released with redesigned UI & loads of features.

Evernote 4.0 is the latest major update of the app on Android platform. The app now boasts a new intuitive user interface and powerful features.

New Home Screen
First thing users will notice is the new Home screen. The latter is very user friendly; the home screen now displays big buttons that take you directly into notebooks, tags and places. If Location services are enabled on your device, Evernote will assign to each note that you create to your location and you'll be able to sort/group your notes by location.

Single View
Note and Notebook list has also been revamped so they can be viewed in a single view. No need to sync back and forth between your own notes and those shared with you by others.

Contextual Action Bars
Evernote 4.0 also includes new contextual action bars that appear at the bottom of the screen. If you're viewing a note, the bar will display such tools as Edit, Share or Tag.

Easy Reading
Reading a note should not take its toll on your eyes. With that in mind, the new Evernote will hide all the navigation tools as you start reading a note and go into full-screen mode. Tap the screen to go back into editing mode. With devices getting bigger screens, this feature makes reading a pleasure.

Read more on Evernote Blog

Watch Evernote 4.0 in action

Download Evernote 4.0 on Google Play

SoftMaker Office Mobile for Android reaches Beta 3 with support for Evernote.

If you missed the previous beta of SotMaker's Office for Android, just go here to download the third beta of the app which comes with three applications: TextMaker, PlanMaker and SoftMaker Presentations. By following the above link, you'll get a free product key. If you already have the previous beta, just download the new release using these links:


TextMaker


PlanMaker


SoftMaker Presentations


According to SoftMaker's changelog, this third beta supports Evernote and some bug fixes. I haven't tried it yet  to learn more about the Evernote support. I will past back about this later.

Skype update brings start up speed and restyled messaging.

Skype latest update to its Android app some nice features. Three are actually list in the change log. Skype for Android now starts faster. I confirm that there is indeed a change in speed at start up. The second new feature is support for rotation on more devices. The change log does not specify the devices which will benefit this feature. The last change is a matter of taste. The instant messaging view has been restyled. Get the update to see for yourself.


If you haven't got Skype on your phone yet, download it on Google Play. 

Expansys-USA sells Galaxy Nexus and ships worldwide.

The online retailer, Expansys USA is also selling the Galaxy Nexus. Remember yesterday I blogged about Google selling the device on Google Play in the U.S. only. Now you have an alternative through Expansys, which not only sells the device at the same $399 as Google, but also ships worldwide.
For my fellow Mauritians reading this post, this is still a great deal. Add up shipping and customs tax you're still far below the price tag of about $800 imposed by Orange if you were to buy it locally. 
Anyway, recall that email you sent to your neglected American friend yesterday and order the Galaxy Nexus here.

Google sells Galaxy Nexus for $399 directly in Google Play.

$399 is a big deal. Like it did with the Nexus One, Google has opened a new device section in Google Play where it's selling it's flagship device, the Galaxy Nexus or Nexus three as I like to call it. Of course the device is unlocked. Unfortunately, Google is selling it in the United States only. But there is a glimmer of hope for the rest of us though as per the blog post of Google's blog:


"First available in the U.S., Galaxy Nexus costs $399 and arrives at your door unlocked...".


If you really crave for this super Google phone, either you get back in touch with that American friend you long neglected or patiently wait for Google to make the phone available worldwide.


Source: Google blog

Share your thoughts on Google+ via SMS.

It is now possible to share your thoughts on Google+ via SMS. At least for the countries listed in the link below. Sorry, Mauritius is not among them.

Click on the link to learn more and hope that Mauritius will join that list too.

http://googleindia.blogspot.in/2012/04/g-sms.html?m=1

Chrome beta for Android Updated.

An update for Chrome for Android has been published to Google Play for phones and tablets running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The update supports 31 more languages. Since Chrome for Android is a Beta, Google has been listening to feedback from users and added the following features:

• You can now request the desktop version of a website, in case you would rather not view the mobile version.
• You can now add bookmarks as shortcuts on your home screen, so you can get to your favorite sites faster.
• Choose your favorite apps to handle links opened in Chrome.
• Have a proxy setup for Wi-Fi access? You can now use Chrome with the system proxy configured in Android settings.

Install Chrome for Android Beta from Google Play.

Source: http://chrome.blogspot.com/2012/04/chrome-for-android-update.html

Google+ updated to support hashtags & improved sharing.

Seems like Mountain View is in an update frenzy these days. After Google Current and Google Goggles, it is now to Google+ to receive an update that brings support for hashtags. But most importantly, the app got an improved sharing support from third party apps. As usual, Google also made some bug fixes and performance improvements.


Download Google+ on Google Play 

Google Goggles updated.

Google Goggles was updated to version 1.8 and the changelog lists the following new features:

• In Continuous Mode, the recognized objects that you tap on are now saved to your Search history.
• Barcode recognition in Continuous Mode is now twice as fast.

Don't know what Google Goggles is? Simply put, it lets you use your camera to capture an image of an object and make a search on the internet and return relevant results. You may, for example, scan the barcode of a book and get product information online. Google Goggles can do more. Check out the list of features below:

Features:

- Scan barcodes using Goggles to get product information

- Scan QR codes using Goggles to extract information

- Recognize famous landmarks

- Translate by taking a picture of foreign language text

- Add Contacts by scanning business cards or QR codes

- Scan text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

- Recognize paintings, books, dvd, cds, and just about any 2D image

- Solve Sudoku puzzles

If you do not use Goggles yet, download it for free on Google Play, else check out your notification bar on your phone.

Google Currents opens itself to the world.

Released in December last year in the U.S. only, Google Currents is now available internationally for Android and iOS devices. The updated version now supports 38 languages and integrates Google Translate so you can automatically translate the magazine you're reading by just pressing the globe icon.

"With our new dynamic sync feature, you’ll always have fresh content to read. As you open each edition, new content is dynamically delivered, using a minimum of your phone or tablet's battery, bandwidth and storage. Those of you who travel on planes and trains can choose which editions you would like fully packaged for offline reading, including images."


Google Currents is available free for download on Google Play and the App Store.


Source: Google Mobile Blog

SoftMaker Office Mobile 2012 beta for Android available.

I blogged about the upcoming release of SoftMaker Office Mobile Beta last month. Less than a month later, the beta version of the product is available for free download on SoftMaker's website. Don't look for it on Google Play, you won't find it. SoftMaker Office 2012 Mobile consist of three separate products in the form of  apk files:

• TextMaker 2012
• PlanMaker 2012
• SoftMaker Presentations 2012

Chrome 19 Beta: Access your tabs everywhere.

Google has announced that they will soon deploy Chrome 19 Beta. This new version includes a functionality that's really cool. Basically, you start a browsing session on a computer at work or home. You now have to attend a meeting at another location and on the way there you would like to go back to that website you visited on your computer. The problem is that you don't remember the URL. With Chrome 19 beta, it's not a problem as these links will be available to you an another computer and phone.

"With a click, you can find and open the tab with your directions and be on your way. The tab’s back and forward navigation history is also included, so you can pick up browsing right where you left off. If you use Chrome for Android Beta, the tab will also be available on your phone, right there in your pocket when you hit the road.".


Read more here

Adobe reader update brings comments, ink, forms to Android and iOS.

Adobe released a major update for its reader software on Android, iPads, iPhones and ipods. Among the functionalities that are noteworthy are form filling, comments etc.

Sticky Notes

It is now possible to create sticky note comments and place them anywhere on the document. The notes can then be edited and moved to another location on the document.

Text Markups

The update also supports creation, modification, and deletion of text markup annotations including highlights, strikeouts and underlines.

Free-hand drawing tool

Free hand annotation is one cool feature that will enable you to scribble on your phone and tablet. 

Other listed features include:

- Ink Signature

- Acrobat forms

- Adobe EchoSign Integration

- PDF links

- Document security

- Search files in File Browser

- Thumbnails in File Browser

Read more @ http://blogs.adobe.com/readermobile/

Google Play download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adobe.reader

iTunes download link: iTunes.apple.com/us/app/adobe-reader/id469337564