Google Translate supports offline translation.

Google Translate is one of those apps that I do not use heavily, being bi-lingual. But it did prove itself useful at times. However, it was utterly useless when no data connection was available, thus rendering Google Translate frustrating. That has changed now with the update that was published to Google Play that brings offline mode to Google Translate. All that is required is to download the language packs you need to do translation on the go with or without internet and not get lost in translation. Of course, Google Play, loke any other Google apps for Android, is free. 

Facebook and 500px app updated.

Facebook app for Android got a little bump today that lets you change your profile picture within the app. I thought this was a built-in feature. Users can also hide stories and report spam in news feed and start a new group message with fewer taps. And there are no bug fixes and performance enhancement. Download Facebook on Google Play.

500px also got a few updates labeled as the "biggest update for Android is here". The new features are:

Flow - Your automagically curated photo experience, based on your friends' actions (available on phones only).

Find friends - find and follow your friends from Twitter and Facebook with the new friend Finder.

Download 500px

Manage new "Gmails" right from the notification center.

With the update published today in Google Play, owners of Android devices running version 4.1 or higher will be able to manage new emails in the notification center without the need to open the Gmail app. Productivity obsessed will like this feature. 

While this feature applies only to Android 4.1 and up, owners of Android 4.0 and up are getting faster and offline search plus bug fixes and improvements. Android 2.2 and up gets new labels API for third party developers.

The update should be waiting for your action in the notification are on your device. If not, download from Google Play.

HTC explains how to create an all-metal phone.

With the HTC One, HTC prides itself of being the first to make an all-metal phone. Other phone manufacturers attempt at that failed - looking at you Apple. The video below explains how it was done. Check it out.

Contacts+ - Your free all-in-one contacts manager.

Basically, Contacts Plus is more than just a simple contact manager. The free app lets you pull data from Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, LinkedIn, Foursquare and have them all in one place. Your friends who have a presence on any of those networks will have their data in Contacts Plus so you can interact with them in one place. A bit like the People hub for Windows Phone. I'm using Contacts Plus in place of the stock Android contact manager. I recommend this app. It is very efficient in that you won't have to move in and out of several apps to stay in touch with your friends.

Download: Google Play.

Features:
★ Beautiful contacts design
★ Integrated Dialer, Call log and Messages list (swipe left/right)
★ Light / Dark themes
★ Groups & favorites contacts display
★ Grid / List contacts view
★ Smart contacts prioritization by Frequency or sort by A-Z / Recents
★ Send FREE & regular text messages to your contacts from one place
★ View contacts messages history (thread) in their profiles
★ Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin & Foursquare integrated in your contacts
★ Navigate to your contacts addresses from their profiles
★ Auto pictures and birthdays sync with Facebook, including cover photos
★ Auto pictures sync with Google+
★ Merge duplicate contacts (supports most devices)
★ Contacts widget
★ Birthdays reminders
★ Fast T9 & Gesture search by names, numbers, emails and company
★ Quick call - press & hold a contact pic to call from your main contacts screen
★ Speed dial!

Google celebrates first Play store birthday with freebies and discounts.

To mark the first year of existence of the Play Store, Google is offering plenty of free and discounted apps, books and movies. The offerings will differ depending on your location. You may not see the movies or books if these services are not available in your region. These offers are time-limited, so waste no time and head over to the store after watching the video below and help yourself with the goodies. Happy Birthday Play Store.



Source: Play Store

Evernote releases security update after service is hacked.

Evernote has released a security update after its services has been hacked on February 28. The hackers were able to access usernames, email addresses and encrypted passwords. The company, however, was prompt to reassure users that no contents were accessed. And it did not stop there.

All Evernote users will be forced to change their passwords. "While our password encryption measures are robust, we are taking additional steps to ensure that your personal data remains secure.", Evernote posted on its blog. Users accessing the service online, on computers and mobile devices will be required to change their passwords.

Evernote also published an update for Android devices that "addresses a security issue that requires you to reset your password." Of course, I strongly recommend you download this update.

Source: Evernote blog

Download: Google Play Store

 

Official eBay app supports custom ringtones and "Quiet times"

The official eBay app for Android got an update yesterday that lets users personalize eBay notifications with custom ringtones. Also included is the ability to set "quiet times", a feature that will silence the notifications during work time or at night and help you focus on what is important during those times.

What's in this version:

v2.1.2
✓ Personalize your eBay notifications with custom ringtones!
✓ Silence notification sounds while sleeping or at work with the 'Quiet times' setting.
✓ The new streamlined checkout flow makes paying for your items faster and easier than ever.
✓ Bug fixes and performance enhancements.
Note: Notifications are now being delivered via Google Cloud Messaging. This requires you to give a new permission before it can be installed.

Download: Google Play Store

New HTC One - First look.

Yesterday HTC introduced its new flagship phone, the HTC One, during two events in New York and London. The new device sports a 4.7inch  1080p screen and is powered by a 1.7GHz dual core Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM, 32/64 GB of internal storage. All that supported by a 2300mAH battery.
Software-wise, the device home screen seems to inspire itself from Windows Phone live tile interface. It also looks a lot like the Flipboard app, a popular magazine-like newsreader. The device also boasts an Ultrapixel camera that "redefines how people capture, relive and share their most precious moments. HTC Zoe gives people the ability to shoot high-res photos that come to life in three-second snippets. These Zoes, photos and videos are then displayed in a unique way that brings the gallery to life and transforms the traditional photo gallery of still images into a motion gallery of memories. It also automatically creates integrated highlight films from each event comprised of Zoes, photos and videos set to music with professionally designed cuts, transitions and effects. These highlight videos can be remixed or set to different themes, and can be easily shared on social networks, email and other services."
HTC brings the sound experience to a new level on the HTC One with BoomSound. With its two front facing stereo speakers "with a dedicated amplifier and an amazing full HD display that immerses people in music, videos, games and the YouTube™ clips they love. Beats Audio™ integration is enabled across the entire experience for rich, authentic sound whether you’re listening to your favorite music, watching a YouTube video or playing a game."

Learn more about the HTC One in the video and press release after the break.

Tips: Force Android 4.2.2 update onto your Galaxy Nexus.

Android 4.2.2 System Update

It has been a few days now that Google started delivering Android 4.2.2 over-the-air to its series of Nexus devices; phones and tablets. If you own one of those and haven't got the update yet, there is a way you can force your device to download it from Google servers. I did that today on a Galaxy Nexus and it worked. The update file size is 44Mb and will require WiFi to download. The steps below may be different on the other Nexus devices.

1. From the home screen, swipe down and tap to open Settings. Select Apps under the Device group.
2. Swipe from right to left until you reach All.
3. Scroll about half screen down and tap Google Services Framework.
4. Tap Clear data and OK.
5. Tap Force stop and OK.
6. Tap Agree if the Location Consent message box appears.
7. Tap the Back button twice.
8. Scroll down to About phone. 
9. Tap Check now.

If no update is found, try again later using the same steps.