Google Now Launcher for Nexus and GPE devices released.

The most anticipated launcher for Android has finally made its way to Google Store and is available as a free download for Nexus devices and Google Play Edition devices. Up until now, the Launcher was officially only available for the Nexus 5. I say officially because the apk was quickly made available for download by the Android community. The Launcher was also baked into the CyanogenMod ROM. I was running it on my Galaxy Nexus.

The Google Now Launcher is free for download on the store with these key features:

• Google Now on your home screen - it's easier than ever to get just the right information at just the right time.
• Just say "Ok Google" - when you're on your home screen, just say "Ok Google" to trigger voice input. Then say your search query. Or tell your phone what to do, like send a text message, get directions, or play a song (available in the US, UK, and Canada).
• Faster search - tap the search box and you can enter your query immediately.
• Easy access to your favorite Google products and services, like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps.
• Larger viewing area - the status and navigation bars are now translucent, so your wallpaper pops from every pixel, and is even visible when you expand your apps drawer (when supported by device).
• Intuitive wallpaper picker - select any image that's stored on your device, or in the cloud. Position and preview your wallpaper before you set it.

Source: Google play Store

Microsoft renames SkyDrive to OneDrive and adds new features.

Today Microsoft has released the re-branded SkyDrive app which is now known as OneDrive. The change in name was driven by the loss in court of a trademark claim by a British company. Microsoft did not appeal the verdict and decided instead to rename its cloud storage service.

There is more than just a change of name though. See the change log for the new features Microsoft added to OneDrive.

What's new on Android 4.0+:

• Automatically upload photos and videos to OneDrive using Camera backup

• Improved support for working with Office Mobile for Android and OneNote, including editing Office documents

• Larger thumbnails and nicer photo views

• Bug fixes and performance improvements

Update SkyDrive to OneDrive in Google Store.

Skype WiFi finally lets you sign in with your Microsoft account.

Before this update, Skype WiFi did not support signing in with a Microsoft account. Unlike Skype itself which got this feature almost immediately after the company got acquired by Microsoft. I found this annoying since I switched to using my Microsoft account with Skype and after some time of use, I forgot what my Skype account ID and password was. So I couldn't get into Skype WiFi last year during a trip to Europe. You can imagine the frustration. All this will change now that Skype has added support for Microsoft accounts to Skype WiFi.

What is Skype WiFi? It's a free software that works with Android and iOS that lets you connect to Skype WiFi enabled hotspot around the world and use your Skype credit to call your loved ones. Skype has over 1 million hotspot.

Reduce your data roaming costs when you’re abroad: 
• Use Skype WiFi to connect to WiFi hotspots at hotels, airports, train stations, bars and restaurants – available at over 1 million hotspots worldwide. 
• Just one tap to connect – then browse the internet, check email, use Skype, check Facebook, update Twitter, upload photos, download music or ebooks. 
• Only pay for the time you’re connected - there are no limits on the amount of data you can upload or download.

Download Skype WiFi free in Google Play Store.