Android - News

SwiftKey is half price for a limited time only

@hecatae — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:29:09 +0000

SwiftKey is the number one selling app in 38 countries with over 100,000 5 star reviews, winner of Webby Award & Global Mobile Award for Innovation, a Fast Company Top 10 Most Innovative Mobile Business and the only true multi-lingual keyboard where users can type in up to three languages simultaneously.

Both Swiftkey Keyboard and Swiftkey Tablet Keyboard are currently half price for a limited time only.

This is probably the first application I install on a new device, simply because no other keyboard comes close to working out what I'm typing.

£1.49 is a real bargain, especially for the tablet version!

Head on over to Google Play to buy!

Ovivo Mobile update ad-supported mobile service with more texts and data

@Zarch1972 — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:51:01 +0000

Ovivo Mobile, the MVNO that charges no monthly fee, instead using ad revenue to support their service, have updated their main price plan with increased text and data allowances.

The plan, called OVIVO Phone Freedom, previously offered 150 minutes and 150 texts per month in addition to 400MB of data... both texts and data have been bumped giving you 200 texts and 500MB! Ovivo to Ovivo calls and texts are still free after your credit is exhausted. Ovivo Mobile uses the Vodafone network.

Both Ovivo and Samba, our two preferred FREE data plans or choice were detailed in our initial article Mobile Broadband on a budget (or FREE)

A data only plan is still available (OVIVO Data Freedom), offering 500MB of data each month completely free.

The signup process is still the same - the SIM card is free when topping up with an initial £15 of credit.

All existing and activated customers will see the new allowances take effect the next time your free allowance resets.

Via: Ovivo Mobile

Sonic the Hedgehog 1 speeds onto Android

@flibblesan — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:19:14 +0000

Sonic fans rejoice! The game that started it all is now available for your Android device! Utilising the Retro Engine created by Christian Whitehead, the game gives Android users a faithful reproduction of the legendary platform game.

The app is very nicely polished with a cool intro sequence that leads into a special launcher complete with lovely 3D box art. The launcher also manages your save games so you can easily record your progress - something the original game never provided. The launcher has a few special settings which allow you to change the box art between Japanese, US and EU versions with the nice touch of changing the cartridge shape depending on the box art region. Sonic purists won't like the addition of 'Spin Dash' from later Sonic games but it can be toggled on or off and it does make the game a little easier for first time players.

Extra features like time-trials and extra characters give players a bit more compared to the original experience. Now you can compete against your friends in Green Hill speedruns just like on GamesMaster back in the day!

Visuals are original-styled. Blocky, colourful, retro. Those wanting a remastered experience would be better off with Sonic 4 but for those like me that grew up playing Sonic all those years ago then the original is the best.

The app is priced at a respectable £2.35 on the Play Store which is well worth the money. The amount of work and polish that has gone in to this app makes it more than just a straight up port.

Ready to play? Grab Sonic 1 on the Google Play Store!

Recon Jet expands HUD technology from goggles to glasses

@paulobrien — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:58:03 +0000

Recon Instruments, creators of the Android based 'Mod Live' head up display used in a range of ski goggles, have announced 'Jet', their forthcoming product that brings the same technology to glasses.

Demonstrated at Google I/O in an early form, Recon Jet builds on the previous HUD product by adding a faster processor, improved screen, enhanced connectivity (Wi-Fi, ANT+, Bluetooth and GPS are now supported) as well as an all important HD camera / microphone (there's a speaker too). Despite packing in a ton of tech, the combined weight of the optics and the HUD is just 60 grams.

Being based on Android, Recon are actively encouraging developers to utilise the provided SDK to write apps to run directly on the deivice - live activity tracking, video streaming, web and smartphone connectivity and even Facebook integration are already being demonstrated but there's great potential for really innovative uses.

Style wise the device looks quite different to Google glass - a natural competitor, more like a pair of Oakleys with a chunky plastic HUD on. You might not necessarily be wearing them around town, but for sports use they could be awesome. I have a set of the Ski Goggles and they're are excellent.

Polarized optics make for ultra clear vision and patented gaze detection technology means the HUD only turns on when you need it. Like Glass, functions are controlled by a touch sensor but, as with the Mod Live HUD, a Bluetooth glove-friendly sensor is also included.

Pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed.

[Via: Anroid Police]

Download the Android Studio early access preview

@paulobrien — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:05:13 +0000

Yesterday at Google I/O, Google announced 'Android Studio', a new IDE for Android development based on the community release of IntelliJ by JetBrains, a very well respected piece of software. The early access preview release of Android Studio is available for download now for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Currently at version 0.1 (yes, it's a REALLY early access preview), the download includes the Android Studio early access preview itself, all the Android SDK Tools to design, test, debug, and profile your app, the latest Android platform to compile your app and the latest Android system image to run your app in the emulator.

Highlights include...

Gradle-based build support.
Android-specific refactoring and quick fixes.
Lint tools to catch performance, usability, version compatibility and other problems.
ProGuard and app-signing capabilities.
Template-based wizards to create common Android designs and components.
A rich layout editor that allows you to drag-and-drop UI components, preview layouts on multiple screen configurations, and much more.

I've had a play and while performance is a bit sketchy in places, it's a very solid start and I suspect it'll become a lot of developer's IDE of choice over Eclipse as it matures.

If you're an existing Eclipse user you should have a read of the migrating from Eclipse guide. Everyone should check out the Android Studio Tips and Tricks!

Head on over to the Android Studio page to download and let us know what you think!

Cheap and cheerful: HTC One car mount / tablet headrest mount

@paulobrien — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:59:13 +0000

Just a quick post to draw attention to a couple of cheap and cheerful accessories from one of our sponsors, CompleteFoneSolutions / iWantMore.

The first is a car mount for the HTC One. I generally use a Brodit mount in the car for my One, but I keep a cheap mount for use in hire cars and the like. This mount is an incredible £2.25 and is surprisingly sturdy and well fitting. Pretty cool!

The next accessory is a headrest tablet mount... bought to pacify the little one on long journeys. Again, it's surprisingly well made and a snip at £3!

One other accessory worth of note is the 2100mAh charger plug. It provides 2 USB ports, a 1500mAh one and a 600mAh one for a bargain £3.95.

If you're looking to buy (or browse for more bargains!), head on over to CompleteFoneSolutions.

Google Play Books updated to allow your own PDF and ePub uploads

@Zarch1972 — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:25:52 +0000

This news appeared to slide in under the radar at I/O, but Google have updated their Play Books service to allow you to upload upto 1,000 of you own files to your library. File formats are currently limited to ePub and PDF with a maximum allowed size of 50mb per file. Playback can then be via browser or either Android and iOS Play Books apps.

I've tried both file formats in a quick test and it seems pretty good. Both ePub and PDF seem to render fine, even PDF's with lots of images.

The service also appears to scan your Google Drive for valid files and add those to your library too.

Supported file types and sizes

Currently, only EPUB and PDF files can be uploaded
Up to 1,000 files can be uploaded to your account
Files can be up to 50 MB in size
Certain types of content (e.g., audio, video) may not be supported
DRM-protected files are not supported

Head over to your Google Play Books account for full details

ZTE announces the Grand X2 IN

@flibblesan — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:08:49 +0000

Unless you happen to be Google then today is possibly the worse day to announce a new product. ZTE decided to be brave and show their new device to the world at the MedPI conference in Monaco - the Grand X2 IN.

An Intel Atom Z2580 processor clocked at 2GHz powers the device, backed up with a 4.5 inch 1280x720 HD display & an 8MP camera.

1GB of memory & 8GB storage seem rather poor in the days of 2GB RAM / 16GB storage devices but the device at least ships with Android 4.2.

Unfortunately ZTE won't be shipping this device until the 3rd quarter of 2013 so it could be outdated before it even arrives. I can't help thinking that ZTE really need to bring devices to market much quicker than they are currently doing.

Source: TheNextWeb
Image Credit: STR/AFP/GettyImages

Google I/O 2013 key announcements

@paulobrien — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:06:02 +0000

This post is tracking the key announcements from Google I/O 2013. Check back for updates! This post is being maintained by Simon aka @flibblesan from the MoDaCo team.

900m Android activations!

New Google Play Services. Always up top date on all devices, independent of manufacturer or operator

Three new location APIs
- Fused Location Provider - Faster, more accurate location with low power mode that uses less than 1% battery per hour
- Geofencing - Up to 100 simultaneous geofences per app
- Activity Recognition - Uses accelerometer data to figure out what activity the user is doing. Walking, cycling, driving etc

Cross-Platform single sign-on with Google+

Google Cloud Messaging updates
- Google Cloud Messaging now part of Google Play Services
- Now supports persistent connections from servers to Google. Upstream messaging too
- Notifications sync between devices!

Google Play Game Services
- Cloud save, Game data sync
- Achievements and leaderboards API
- Game Service APIs also launcher on iOS and web
- Multiplayer matching API

Android Studio - based on the community edition of intelliJ

Five new features for Developer Console
- 1. Optimisation tips. Analyses your app, looks at Play store performance and provides tips on improvements
- 2. App Translation Service. Professional, automatic translations for app localisation right inside the Developer Console
- 3. Usage Metrics & Referral Tracking
- 4. Revenue Graphs
- 5. Beta Testing & Staged Rollouts

Google Play Improvements
- 'Designed for Tablets' section
- Google Play website to be updated
- All Play Apps to be updated

Google Play Music changes
- All Access - Subscription Service
- Radio Feature
- personalised recommendations
- $9.99 per month in the US. 30 day free trial available
- US now. Other countries soon

Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition!
- Available from Google in the US on T-Mobile or AT&T.
- Prompt updates
- Bootloader unlocked
- June 26th for $649

Google Chrome
- WebGL support
- New mobile web APIs
- Java-Script Speed Improvements
- WebP images. Smaller than JPG, supports animation
- Google Checkout sync in Chrome

End of 2012, half of mobile traffic was video

YouTube to support VP9

Multi device multi screen

Google Plus
- New Stream, new hangouts, new photos
- Better feed. Better on big screens
- Automatic hash tags using image recognition
- Hangouts Android App

Google Cloud updates

Automatic 'best photo' chooser

Google Search
- It's the end of Search as we know it
- Enhanced knowledge search graph
- Adding Polish, Turkish, Simplified and Traditional Chinese
- Will anticipate the next question
- Asking Google like you would ask a friend
- (if you had any)
- Conversational search coming to everything

Next version of Google Maps preview

Duo Mobile protects your services with two factor authentication

@paulobrien — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:38:50 +0000

Do you have a Wordpress installation? Use a box via SSH? Have a home grown web app you'd like to add two-factor authentication to? Use Dropbox or Google and want to use two-factor auth? Duo Mobile from Duo Security is the answer to all these scenarios.

Duo Mobile works with Duo Security's online two-factor authentication service to make logins more secure. The application generates passcodes for login and crucially can receive push notifications for quick, easy, one-tap authentication. You can use Duo Mobile to manage two-factor authentication for other application and web services that make use of passcodes.

Using the app couldn't be easier. For services that already support 2 factor authentication via an app such as Dropbox or Google, you simply enable the service online, scan the provided barcode in the Duo Mobile app and you're ready to go. For Wordpress, you install the Duo Security plugin on your site and work through their very simple instructions to activate. Likewise for SSH integration, an excellent guide takes you through setting up the service on your server. Finally, if you have your own web app where you'd like to implement two-factor authentication, a comprehensive web SDK is provided.

So how well does it work? Brilliantly! I imagine a lot of people will use the service for Wordpress and it's a great example of a very smooth implementation. After installation you log in to your account as normal and you'll be prompted to choose a Duo Push device to use, or alternatively you can authenticate via SMS or phone call. If you select 'Duo Push' and hit 'Log In', your device instantly alerts you of the impending auth request (via the power of push messaging!), hit 'Approve' and you're in. Excellent!

Another excellent feature of the Duo Security service is the price - FREE for a personal account! The personal account allows you to have up to 10 users with unlimited integrations, includes all the available services and also includes 1000 telephony credits (used for SMS / phone auth).

All in all, if you want to beef up the security of your online services, it's well worth a look. Head on over to the Duo Security website to get started.

Developers: Become a PlayStation Mobile developer for free

@paulobrien — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:53:57 +0000

In my Xperia Z review I called the PlayStation Mobile lineup an embarrassment. It looks like Sony might be ready to do something about it, as they are currently waiving the £65 fee to become a registered PSM developer.

As detailed on the PlayStation blog, becoming a PlayStation Mobile publisher will allow you to publish your games (developed in C#) to PlayStation Vita as well as PlayStation-certified mobile devices device, free of charge.

Everything you need to know about developing for PSM can be found on the PSM Dev Portal. Enough to tempt developers over or is the sticking point something else? Time will tell!

Gamepop - a subscription based take on the Android games console

@paulobrien — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:43:46 +0000

Bluestacks, purveyors of the Android runtime environment for Mac / PC of the same name, have announced GamePop, a subscription based Android games console for release later this year.

Priced at $6.99 a month with no up front cost for those who pre-order this month (with a likely minimum 12 month contract), Gamepop will offer 500 games on your TV via a custom box running a custom UI. After the pre-order phase the console will be priced at $100.

BlueStacks has already signed deals with popular game development houses such as Glu and Halfbrick - they are also actively encouraging other games developers to sign up. Developers will earn a share of the subscription fee based on the usage level of their game, as well as any potential in-app purchases.

This does raise an interest question - for in app purchases in the convention sense to be possible, Google Play needs to be on the device - it needs to be Google approved. It's not clear whether this will be the case but with Google's new games framework widely expected at I/O, it is arguably going to be a must have.

Head on over to the Gamepop website to learn more, pre-order, or register as a game developer. I have pre-ordered one... are you tempted?

[Via: VentureBeat]

HP announces SlateBook x2 Android convertible

@paulobrien — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:32:22 +0000

HP have announced the SlateBook x2, an Android convertible device (think Asus Transformer), packing a Tegra 4 processor, 10.1" 1920x1080 screen, 64GB of onboard storage and Android 4.2.2.

Like the Transformer, the x2 has a battery both in the main slate part of the device and the keyboard, which should lead to stellar battery life. 'Snow White' or 'Smoke Silver' colours are available. Can you guess which i'd go for?

The x2 will be available from August in the US priced at $479.99 (global pricing / availability TBC) - head on over to the HP site to learn more.

I think it looks fantastic and the specs sound good. Part of me wishes the screen as a little bigger (12"?) so I could use it as a Chromebook replacement though. Thoughts?

Cydia Substrate released for Android

@paulobrien — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:20:18 +0000

Custom ROMs are one of Android's great strengths, but it's also nice to have the ability to modify a device without compromising the upgradability / stability of a stock ROM. This has become a reality of late with the release of the Xposed framework and now famed iOS developer Saurik, of Cydia fame, has released Cydia Substrate for Android, which offers similar functionality.

Requiring root access (like Xposed), Cydia Substrate allows developers to create 'substrate extensions' that are then loaded into processes that they wish to modify. Developers use a provided API to make changes in memory as required, modifying both Java AND native code to their heart's content.

Substrate itself is installed via the Play Store, but as it makes changes to your device, you should definitely back up first. There is a nice 'bypass' mode built in whereby holding the volume-up button on your device will disable Substrate.

Extensive documentation on how to create modules is available at CydiaSubstrate website with clear code examples.

I look forward to seeing how Substrate develops and the cool modules we're sure to see going forward!

Finally, if you're interested to learn about the differences between Xposed and Substrate, Saurik has a post discussing the two online.

Google I/O 2013 Keynote Liveblog

@paulobrien — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:56:11 +0000

Google's I/O 2013 Keynote kicks off a 9PM locally, 5PM UK time. We have the video stream here, together with a liveblog of our thoughts. Come watch along and post your thoughts in the comments!

To view the full liveblog (rather than just the latest posts), you can also use this page.

@paulobrien said:

Google I/O kicks off tomorrow, here's how to follow along

@paulobrien — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:42:43 +0000

Google I/O, Google's annual developer conference, kicks off at 9am PDT tomorrow (5pm UK time) with an epic 3 hour keynote. Here's our guide to following along.

MoDaCo

It goes without saying that we'll be following what happens at I/O and letting you know what's new and exciting as it happens with our own thoughts on any announcements. Keep an eye on the site or follow @modaco and @paulobrien on Twitter.

We'll also be liveblogging our thoughts during the keynote.

Livestreams

Google will be livestreaming the keynote and technical sessions on the I/O live page, after which they'll be posted to the Google Developers live page.

YouTube

Google have said that they'll be posting session videos on their YouTube channel as soon as possible after they complete.

Google Developers on G+

Google Developers on Google+ will be posting major announcements as they happen.

BBM coming to Android and iOS this summer

@paulobrien — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:19:53 +0000

BlackBerry Messenger, AKA BBM, once the service that brought users to the platform in droves... is coming to Android and iOS this summer after many years or rumours to that effect.

The release, which will be a free download and 'fully featured', will support iOS devices running iOS 6 upwards and Android devices with Ice Cream Sandwich or above. There's no mention of Windows Phone support (burrrrrrrn....) as yet.

The messaging landscape has changed massively of late and if rumours of Google's babel / hangout service are true (we'll find out soon enough), then BlackBerry really could have a fight on their hands.

What do you think? A great move or are BBM's glory days behind it?

[Via: The Verge]

How to enable multi-user support on your Nexus 4 (+ other 4.2 devices?)

@paulobrien — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:51:55 +0000

Multi-user support in Android 4.2 is really cool, but it's only available on tablets. Courtesy of the MoDaCo Toolkit however, you can also enable it on your Nexus 4 (and quite possibly other 4.2 based phones).

The pre-requisites are straightforward - your phone needs to be rooted, you need to install the Xposed Framework and you need to install and enable the MoDaCo Toolkit Xposed module.

Once you've done that, load up the MoDaCo Toolkit and click the 'Google Nexus (all)' section. Click 'Show users on power menu', reboot your device and you're done. Easy eh?

Now that multi user support is enabled, you need to know how to add and switch users. You can add users via the 'Users' menu that now appears in 'Settings'.

You can switch users by pressing and holding the power button and selecting the name of the user you want to switch to. Simple!

Now, I know this works on the Nexus 4, but if you try it on another 4.2 device, please do let me know how you get on!

White Huawei Ascend P2 to be stocked by Phones 4U

@flibblesan — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:30:09 +0000

Leading UK mobile phone retailer Phones 4U have announced that they will be the exclusive retailer for the white Huawei Ascend P2, which is coming this June.

This is already shaping up to be a big seller for Huawei thanks to the 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, 4.7 inch 720p display & Android 4.1 Jelly Bean the device comes with so it's nice to see it being picked up by a UK retailer like Phones 4U, which hopefully means it'll be available on most networks & potentially unlocked. No doubt our resident lover of white Android devices will be first through the door to purchase his very own device as soon as they become available!

If you fancy sticking your name down to obtain one of these devices then Phones 4U have a website set up where you can register your interest. Head on over to Phones 4U for more information.

Are you buying one or thinking of buying one? Let us know your thoughts below!

Archos announce the ChefPad

@paulobrien — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:05:16 +0000

Archos have announced the ChefPad, a (slightly) kitchen orientated tablet device.

The kitchen specific features on the device seem to be limited to a silicon case with stand and a 'Chef App' (which itself seems to be a front end to apps downloadable from the Play Store). Archos do tout 'front and back cameras for sharing your latest culinary creations as well as video chatting whilst cooking' too but, well, i'm not sure about that one. Oh, they're only 2 Megapixel cameras front and back, so don't get too excited about the quality of the food pics!

Kitchen features aside, the ChefPad is distinctly run of the mill last-generation with a 9.7" 1024 x 768 screen, Android 4.1, RK3066 dual core CPU, 1GB RAM and 8GB storage.

The ChefPad is set to launch in June priced at £149.99... to be honest it's hard to imagine the ChefPad really setting the world on fire. Thoughts?

Get blasting with Smart IR Remote for HTC One / Samsung Galaxy S4

@paulobrien — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:49:02 +0000

Do you want to make use of the IR blaster in your HTC One / Samsung Galaxy S4, but the stock app doesn't do it for you? Well, 'Color Tiger' have a solution for you. At a price.

Coming in at a slightly eye watering £6.42 for either device, Smart IR Remote allows you to create and customize an unlimited number of remotes which can control an unlimited number of devices. In addition, a number of smart features such as auto-mute on call or dynamic volume (adjust the TV volume down in loud scenes and up in quiet ones) are included.

Smart Remote can control your TV, Set Top Box, Lights, Projectors, etc... basically anything that has an Infrared Receiver can be controlled by Smart Remote with the correct remote codes. One feature that does seem to be missing is remote learning - the app relies on a code database, which is a shame.

The other bad news is that despite the hefty price tag, there is no lite / trial version, so that 15 minute refund window is all you get.

Ready to give it a try? Download from the Play Store for HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4 and let us know how you get on!

Developers: You can ALL now reply to Play Store comments

@paulobrien — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:40:33 +0000

After testing with a limited number of Play Store developers, Google have switched on Play Store comment reply functionality for all developers.

The change is incredibly valuable - without this ability it has been impossible for developers to correct erroneous reviews or to provide extended support to a user experiencing problems.

So, if you have an app in the Play Store, head on over to your Developer Console to start engaging with your users!

[Via: Android-Developers]

Your free 15 GB from Google is now shared between Drive, Gmail, and Google+ Photos

@Zarch1972 — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:43:43 +0000

Previously, your free space from Google was segmented and ring-fenced between their various services, but that is all changing as you will be given 15gb to do what you want with. So instead of having 10 GB for Gmail and another 5 GB for Drive and Google+ Photos, you'll now get 15 GB of unified storage for free to use as you like between Drive, Gmail, and Google+ Photos.

Google are also making changes to the paid storage tiering by removing the 25gb for $2.49/month option with 100gb for $4.99/month now being the cheapest available.

Head over to the Google Drive blog for a full rundown of the changes.

[Via: Google Drive Blog]

3D printing saves your Nexus 4 from Orb slippage

@paulobrien — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:21:51 +0000

Have you managed to get your hands on the overpriced, under-supplied Nexus 4 charging Orb? Does your device fall off? Well, there's an overpriced, 3D printed solution to that!

OK, maybe that's a bit facetious... but the Orb is a little expensive at $60, it is under-supplied (heck, it's not officially available at all in the UK) and, as with pretty much any surface, the Nexus 4 does have a habit of falling off it for no apparently reason.

Thankfully (?), an enterprising Etsy seller with a 3D printer has the solution... for another $24. The Nexus 4 Charging Orb Cradle is 3D printed to order in a variety of colours and is specifically designed to hold your Nexus 4 in place and prevent it from slipping. The design file is available to download from Thingiverse if you happen to have access to a 3D printer of your own.

It kinda ruins the aesthetics a bit though...

Xperia Z owners - grab your free £22 Sony Entertainment credit

@paulobrien — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:05:50 +0000

Are you a Sony Xperia Z owner? Then make sure you grab your free £22 credit to spend on the Sony Entertainment Network!

The free credit can be used for renting or buying the latest movies and TV shows from Video Unlimited, downloading games from PlayStation Mobile (good luck finding something worth having), accessing PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita to download the latest games and exclusives or, if you love your tunes, adding two more months of Music Unlimited.

To get your credit...

Install the Xperia Privilege app from the Play Store.
Open the application and select the entertainment offer.
Enter your email address and you’ll be sent a voucher code.
Tap on the Music Unlimited or Video Unlimited apps on your Xperia Z.
Log in to your existing Sony Entertainment Network Account or sign up to create a new account.
Click on Settings and chose ‘Redeem codes’.
Enter your voucher code.

That's it, you're done! Let us know if you get your credit OK and what you spend it on.

Action Launcher Pro - i've made the switch

@paulobrien — Sat, 11 May 2013 10:38:05 +0000

Action Launcher Pro, the launcher replacement from TweetLanes developer Chris Lacy, has been tempting me away from Nova, my staple, for a while... but this week I finally made the switch.

When it comes to launcher replacements, there's often not a lot of variety. Many of them are based on the AOSP launcher code and bolt a whole load of features on top. The two most popular replacement launchers, Apex and Nova, are great examples of this. While they do provide a lot of additional functionality, they're not really different.

That is definitely not a complaint you could level at Action Launcher and it turns out to be both a weakness and a strength. A weakness because, when you first start using it, it feels a bit strange, unfamiliar... and it's all too easy to switch back to what you know. I have to confess that when I first bought the application, that's exactly what I did. After the latest major update however, I persevered... and I love it!

Whereas most launchers have a central, bottom button to open the app drawer, Action Launcher does not. Instead it has a button at the top left, which opens the drawer out from the left hand side. In reality you probably won't use that button, as sweeping from the left edge of the screen also opens the drawer. In there you'll find all your apps listed in an alphabetical scrolling list. That sounds like it'd be unmanageable if you have a lot of apps - my concern too - but i've discovered that i'm using the 'quick access' letters on the right of the drawer to go to 'about the right place' for the app i'm looking for and it's actually quicker for me to use than a regular launcher. A sweep right switches to widgets and both apps and widgets can be dragged from here to the desktop.

The desktop itself can have between 1 and 5 panes, with a grid resizable up to 5x5 and also offers the option to hide app labels. A dock area (which can be switched off) can hold up to 6 icons. Screen margins can also be adjusted to get a look and feel you're happy with.

Action Launcher Pro doesn't have a persistent search bar in the regular sense, but in the action bar at the top of the screen you do get a search button (which then displays a search box configurable to use any of your searchable sources) as well as a direct link to the Play Store and a menu button the provides access to desktop lock / unlock, system settings, the system app management page and the Action Launcher Pro settings.

It's all nicely done, but there are 2 signature features that will win you over.

The first feature is Covers. Like other launchers, Action Launcher Pro supports folders, which can contain a number of applications. As normal, the folder preview will show the icons inside and clicking will open the folder for you to choose an app. A little menu button on the folder however will give you the option to 'make cover'. If you select this, you'll notice the folder icon changes to the icon of the first item in the folder, with a small square indicating that it's a cover. Then, clicking the folder will open the first app while sweeping up will reveal the folder contents for you to choose something different. Brilliant!

The second signature feature is Shutters. While Action Launcher Pro of course supports widgets, shutters allows you to sweep up on an application icon and have the application's widget appear in a temporary 'floating window'. It works well and gives you an unusual alternative view of an app's widget. I have to confess I find this less useful personally that covers, but then I am not really a big widget user generally.

So that's all the good points, what about the bad? To be honest, there aren't any real show stoppers.. more power-user niggles. I'd like to be able to have groups in the app drawer (for apps, games, etc. rather than just apps and widgets), i'd like more grid sizes available (particularly on tablets) and i'd like to be able to resize the shutters - but the biggest problem the application has is that there is no trial version available. Sure, you can trust that you can try it before the excessively small 15 minute window is up, but I know this puts a lot of users off.

Action Launcher Pro is a great app that is getting regular updates that make it better and better, so if you haven't given it a go yet, as you can see, it comes highly recommended. But just don't dismiss it straight away because it's 'different'... you'll be missing out.

Ready to download? Head on over to the Play Store.

an aside: the live wallpaper used in these screenshots is Paperland Pro.

Huawei Ascend P2 set for June launch

@flibblesan — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:23:50 +0000

Huawei have announced that the Ascend P2 will see a UK launch this June on "various network operators".

The device comes with a great looking 4.5inch 1280x720 HD display backed up with a 1.5GHz Quad-core Huawei K3V2 processor. It'll be interesting to see if the chip stands up to its claims and how it compares against other chips in the marketplace. The 13MP HD camera should provide some fantastic photos with it's HDR support.

Connectivity options are well covered with the device supporting Ultrafast 3G as well as 4G LTE for future network upgrades. WiFi is also well catered with support for 802.11n as well as older standards.

The phone will ship with Android 4.1.2 and Huawei's EmotionUI customisations which are some of the cleanest looking customisations I've seen on any devices. Huawei offer a wide range of options to change the themes, icons, transition effects and more - something other manufacturers don't offer. Users that prefer a stock experience will be pleased to know that the EmotionUI can easily be switched off by simply installing an alternative launcher app.

Huawei haven't announced any pricing for the phone as yet but hopefully we will soon find out which networks will be carrying the device and other details soon.

Three have released the following video for the device:

Official press release:

Quote

Huawei Ascend P2 smartphone coming to the UK in June

Huawei’s most powerful smartphone yet, the Ascend P2, launching in UK
Enables maximum internet speeds available from your network provider

London, UK, May 10, 2013: Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today announces its superfast Ascend P2 smartphone will be available in the UK in June. The Ascend P2 is the most highly-specified and high profile smartphone Huawei has so far announced for the UK market. It will be attended by an ATL marketing campaign in print, digital and outdoormedia.

It follows last year’s Ascend P1 and P1 LTE smartphones in Huawei’s fashion-led P-series of devices, and features an elegant ultra-slim 8.4mm frame, a large 4.7-inch LCD ‘infinity’ screen protected by second-generation Corning Gorilla® Glass, and a considerable engine room which allows users to enjoy the very fastest speeds available from their network providers.

Huawei Device UK and Ireland Executive Vice President Mark Mitchinson said: “The Ascend P2 offers exceptional design, power and functionality at the higher end of the market. With it, UK customers can enjoy the maximum network speeds available from their network operators, right now and in the future. The Ascend P2 is built to enable next-generation 4G speeds so users can keep pace with the very latest technologies from their network providers and access and uploadmobile content as fast as possible.”

Speed and durability
The Ascend P2 is the first smartphone to launch in the UK compatible with ‘Category 4 LTE’ networks, which enable a faster 4G mobile internet experience and will be introduced variously in the UK by network operators. The Ascend P2 also ensures customers get the very fastest mobile internet speeds from their network providers now.

The Ascend P2 draws power from a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and a large 2420mAh battery, which is itself augmented by Huawei’s own power-saving technologies. These include Huawei’s unique Quick Power Control (QPC) and Automated Discontinuous Reception (ADRX), which reduce power consumption and charging time and combine to give power efficiencies of up to 30%.

One-click camera
The Ascend P2 provides optimal photo and video featuresincluding a 13 megapixel BSI rear-facing camera with HDR, and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera to support self-portrait and video shooting. A dedicated camera key on the side of the phone also allows instant access to picture taking so you never miss a thing – one-click to activate the camera from stand-by, and two to take the shot.

The Ascend P2 also incorporates a number of Huawei innovations. Its ‘magic touch’ feature provides enhanced screen responsiveness even with gloves, and instant keyword translation and Wikipedia searches can now be done on a single window with ‘smart reading’.

Huawei’s proprietary ‘swift sharing’ supports uploads and downloads two to three times faster than other smartphones in a Wi-Fi environment.

The Ascend P2 also features Huawei’s Emotion UI, its easy to use and customize interface that runs on top of the Android 4.1 operating system. Its UniHome function combines home panels with the main menu, while Huawei’s patent-pending Me Widget better utilises screen real-estate by combining all the information and functions you need in a single, customisable widget.

Availability
The Ascend P2 will be available from UK retailers on various network operators in black and white in June. Details of availability and pricing will be announced in due course.

This article has been updated since first publication.

Carmageddon has ARRIVED on Android

@paulobrien — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:55:37 +0000

Carmageddon, the fantastically politically incorrect drive-em-up, has ARRIVED on Android, a little earlier than expected. As promised, there is a free 'promo' version for a limited time!

Priced at £1.49 for the paid version, the game, which requires Android 2.3.4 or later, is true to the original, 'where pedestrians (and cows!) equal points, and your opponents are a bunch of crazies in a twisted mix of automotive killing machines.'

Quote

The game features anarchic drive-wherever-you-like gameplay and over-the-top surreal comedy violence. It’s the racing game where racing is for wimps.

Now the same Mac & PC classic that was BANNED AROUND THE WORLD is back and available on Android phones and tablets!

Carmageddon features real-world environments that have been turned into killing fields, where the locals stay out on the streets at their peril. As well as using your car as a weapon, every level is sprinkled generously with power-ups that have a vast variety of mad effects, adding a whole extra level of craziness to the proceedings. In every event you have the option to “play it your way”… Waste all your opponents, kill every pedestrian, or (perish the thought) complete all the laps. Oh and watch out – the cops in their super-tough armoured patrol vehicles are lurking, and if they catch you being bad they’ll be down on you like several tons of cold pork!

Features include...

• 28 dangerously deranged Opponents
• 11 wildly exhilarating Environments
• Career Mode featuring 36 satisfyingly violent Levels
• Race and Wreck opponents to unlock 30 playable cars!
• Multiple control methods: digital, analogue (mix ‘n’ match), tilt
• Edit your control layout in game to your preferences
• Comprehensive Action Replay System
• Environment maps and other special effects
• Enhanced pre-lit environments
• Buckets of gibs
• Tons of laughs

The download has just landed so i'll be giving it a good play tonight and i'll let you know what I think. I look forward to hearing your thoughts too!

MoDaCo Toolkit 19 is now available

@paulobrien — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:33:04 +0000

Version 19 of the MoDaCo Toolkit is now available featuring 3 new modules, together with a new version of Xposed for enhanced HTC One and Galaxy S4 support.

The new release adds the following modules:

HTC One: Match battery image to %
HTC One: Rename Flashlight to Torch
Play Store: Lower case wishlist menu (for @le3ky!)

in addition to those already included...

Amazon MP3 - Force US locale - use this if cloud player is not yet available in your country. Clear data on Amazon MP3 after enabling.
Facebook: Force Home Compatibility: Facebook will detect your device as Facebook Home compatible
Google: Disable Wallet checks - remove region and root checks from Google Wallet
Google: Force Play Store to 720P - your device will appear as a 720P device to the store, useful if apps are missing on your 1080P device
Google: Prevent app disabling - apps from outside your region (e.g. Wallet, Sound Search) will not be disabled on startup
Google / Asus Nexus 7: Show Camera icon in launcher
HTC One: Don't disable ADB - ADB WILL NOT be disabled on boot if the device has a secure lockscreen configuration. DANGER: This is a potential security risk - handle with care!
HTC One: Enable button options - the button options item will appear in settings, allowing you to configure the back button long press as menu
HTC One: Hide Kid Mode on power menu - this removes the Kid Mode option on the menu displayed when you long press the power button
HTC One: Show Blinkfeed icon in launcher
SlingPlayer: Disable legacy hardware warning - remove the warning when connecting to older Slingboxes
System: Allow all rotations - rotation will be allowed in all directions, even upside down!
System: Device properties - a number of device properties (normally read from build.prop) can be changed on the fly. BOARD, BRAND, DEVICE, MODEL and PRODUCT are included initially. Want others? Let me know!
System: Disable forward lock: Apps will not be able to install to /mnt/asec, instead installing to /data/app. NOTE: May cause issues on some Samsung devices.
System: Enable app buttons - the disable and notification options will be enabled for system apps.
System: Force software menu - The software menu button will be displayed even if you have a hardware menu button.
System: Hide battery meter - hide the battery meter, useful if you're using a third party app in the notification bar like Battery Widget Reborn (now also supports the HTC One!)
Trackball Alert: Easy download link
Wireless: Enable NFC when screen is off - NFC works when the screen is off, useful for NFC launch tasks.
Wireless: Enable VPN with Face Lock - VPN (Credential Storage) will be available with Face Lock security.

The new release requires an update to Xposed Framework 2.1.4, which is a hotfix to fix resource replacement support for the HTC One as well as a bootloop fix for the Galaxy S4!

Head on over to the MoDaCo Toolkit topic to download, or if you have a previous version installed, simply launched the MoDaCo Toolkit settings application to initiate a background update check.

Finally, don't forget that for a limited time you can get MoDaCo Toolkit Pro free - see this post for more details.

Enjoy!

P

CyanogenMod 10.1 Release Candidate 1 released

@paulobrien — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:35:18 +0000

CyanogenMod 10.1, based on Android 4.2.2, has reached Release Candidate 1 status!

Announced on the CyanogenMod blog, the RC1 build represents what is likely to be the last milestone build before the full 10.1.0 release.

Head on over to the download page to see if your device is supported and download a build (or perhaps download an nightly if it's not yet fully supported). Don't forget you'll need to download a GApps package too to get your full Google-enhanced experience back.

Let us know which device you are flashing CM on and what you think of the CM 10.1 release!