Chrome Beta for Android updated with Translation.

Two days ago I posted about new features ported from Chrome Beta to the official Chrome Browser for Android. With that done, Google wasted no time to publish new features to Chrome Beta for early adopters to try. This time it's Translation that finds its way to Chrome beta. You should already be familiar with Google Translation on a PC. It works just the same on the phone. Translation will prompt you to translate any web site you visit if the language is different from the phone default language. 

Check out the change log for other features:

• Google Translate: When you come across a page written in a language that isn't in the same language as your phone or tablet, look for the translation bar
• Fullscreen on tablets: Simply scroll the page to dismiss the toolbar
• Support for fullscreen API 
• New graph showing your estimated bandwidth savings when you use the experimental data compression feature
• Mobile friendly error pages

Download the update in Google Play Store.

Chrome for Android gets full-screen and simplified search.

About a month ago, Google added full screen browsing to Chrome Beta for Android. As stated in this post dated April 11, Search was simplified "so that queries remain visible in the omnibox to make it easy to edit". Fast forward to today and these features have been ported to the official Chrome Browser for Android devices. 

In case you're not aware, there are currently two versions of Chrome in Google Play Store: a beta version and the official version. The former lets users experiment with new functionalities and send feedback. These features usually appear in the official version bug free about a month later. 

If you want to beta test new features before anyone else, download Chrome Beta. Get the official Chrome Browser for Android here.

What's in this version:

• Fullscreen on phones - Scroll to hide the toolbar
• Simplified search - View and refine your query directly in the omnibox
• Tab history on tablets - Long press the browser’s back button to view your tab history
• Several stability improvements

Circle gets reduce app size and bug fixes.

Circle, the social app that lets you build your local social network by locating friends in your neighborhood or city was updated yesterday with the following:

-- Reduced application size substantially, saving you space and data.
-- Improved LinkedIn connect
-- Fixed bug regarding location fetching
-- Enhanced message notifications
-- Other minor bug fixes

Download: Google Play Store

Iconic "This is CNN" becomes an optional feature in CNN app for Android.

In a previous update, CNN included the iconic "This is CNN" on startup. A feature that certainly is cool, but annoying if you want to have a quick glance at the app without anyone else noticing. However iconic and melodic is James Earl Jones voice, it is not welcomed in meetings or any place where the voice will disrupt whatever is going on around you and you become the center of all attention. CNN has published an update that enables users to silence Mr. Jones when you feel the need to. Check out the change log below.

What's in this version:

*The CNN app now supports Nexus 7 devices
*The iconic ‘This is CNN’ welcome greeting is an optional feature that you can switch on and off through the User Settings. It will now play only after you enable it.
*CNN widgets are now more stable. To utilize the latest version, delete your current widget and reinstall after updating your app.
*Receive quicker breaking news alerts to your phone
*Browse photo galleries related to today’s news
*Minor bug fixes

Source: Google Play Store

Thursday app updates: Flipboard, Contacts+, WeChat, avast! Mobile.

Flipboard

What's in this version:

-Collect and save content into your own magazines, tap the “+” button to begin
-Your magazines are public, but can be made private
-Integrated Android share: add content from the Gallery & other apps to your magazines
-Bookmarklet to add items to your magazines from a browser
-Get notifications when people like, comment or subscribe to your magazines
-Share magazines via email or social networks
-Personalized recommendations for more to read
-Search is now front & center, with improved results

Contacts +

What's in this version:

- Google+ sync
- Google+ tab which displays your contacts’ Google+ info
- Bug fixes & translations updates

WeChat

What's in this version:

• Chat with friends in a Live Chat session
• Invite your friends to a WeChat group chat via QR code
• Backup and restore your chat history

avast! Mobile

What's in this version:

• Added option to disable automatic saving of the Activity Log to SD card
• Improved File Shield to reduce CPU, memory and battery consumption
• SMS block offer is now available on all Android versions
• Fixed UI issues on some Sony Ericsson devices

Source: Google Play Store.

Bad Piggies gets 15 new levels, suction cup and boxing glove.

You wake up in the morning and the first thing that comes to your mind is food. Well that is if you're a pig made by Rovio. The pigs wake up a beautiful morning, they are hungry and life is not easy for them. We are well aware of that after all these sequels of the Angry Birds franchise. Fortunately the pigs have 15 new levels "to track down some elusive chocolate cake!". To help in their quest against hunger, our green friends have new suction cup gadget to climb walls and a new spring-loaded boxing glove. Fun stuff for chasing chocolate cake.

Bad Piggies is available free on the Google Play Store.

Angry Birds Friends released, gets social and competitive.

Yes this is another release of Angry Birds by Rovio. Sounds like the Franchise is still a cash cow. While the game itself hasn't changed much, Rovio has made the game more social. Players will be able to challenge their friends on Facebook and automatically update their scores. 

Features:
- Tournaments with new levels every week!
- Challenge your Facebook friends for bronze, silver, and gold trophies!
- Brag, send gifts, and invite your Facebook friends to play!
- Four classic power-ups, plus one exclusive to Angry Birds Friends on mobile!
- Daily rewards!
- Free bird-coins just for completing the tutorial!
- Syncs automatically with your game on Facebook!

Angry Birds Friends is free in the Play Store.

Chrome Beta, Google Goggles & Twitter updated.

Chrome Beta has been updated to 27.0.1453.74. I challenge you to mentally keep track of the version numbering :-)

• 225243: Links opened from other applications that do redirects do not load
• 232878: Video play icon not aligned properly on nbcnews.com
• 235755: Fullscreen tab cropped in tab switcher
• Crash fixes

Known Issues:

• Embedded videos may be jittery on ICS devices
• Typed character gets deleted sometimes on password fields

Check the blog post for more details.

Google Goggles got a simplified user interface. But more interestingly, the app now starts in capture mode. Which makes sense for an app which primary purpose is to initiate a search that's within the camera's focus. The update also fixes an image rotation issue on some phones and some minor crashes.

Twitter finally shows you the global trend near you and around the world. I say finally because other Twitter clients have had this feature for a while. It's never too late to follow the trend. Here's the list of features:

• See what's happening near you or around the world by viewing Trends in hundreds of locations.
• Get quick access to account switching and settings via the menu button.
• Enjoy a smoother experience thanks to bug fixes and other improvements.

Astraware Casino gets HD version and new graphics.

I'm not a fan of casino games, be it virtual or real life, but if you are, you might be tempted by Astraware Casino HD. The popular title packs 12 games in one for you to enjoy and test your luck on the go. The latest version of the Astraware Casino has received a makeover and a new HD version with improved graphics. Best of all, it is free.

Astraware Casino includes:
♣ Blackjack
♠ 3 Card Poker
♣ Texas Hold 'Em Poker Limit
♠ Roulette
♣ Craps
♠ Video Poker - Jacks or Better
♣ Slots
♠ Baccarat
♣ Video Derby
♠ Video Keno
♣ Texas Hold 'Em Poker No Limit*
♠ Video Poker - Deuces Wild*

Download your free copy on Google Play Store.