Posts Tagged the Android
Basis fitness tracker app arrives for Android users
The Basis fitness tracker app was originally announced back in January. At that time the app was expected to arrive in March and while that time has since come and go, some good news has arrived for Android users. The ‘Basis Fitness & Sleep Tracker’ app has arrived in the Google Play Store. And as a bit of a silver lining for those who still like to complete with iOS users, this is a case where the Android app has arrived first.
That aside, the app is available for free but you will need the Basis hardware to get any use from the app. Compatibility includes Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (and later) and for now the support will be limited to a select few Samsung devices. The list includes the GALAXY S 4 as well as the Galaxy S II and S III and the Note and Note II.
The Basis hardware will track your daily habits and includes data on your step count, heart rate, calories, sleep and more. The nice part about the app is Basis users will no longer need to use a computer to sync the data. Not to mention, with the regular syncing on the Android app, you will get in-app notifications on your progress throughout the day.
Of course, those in-app notifications also include nudges for those who may be slipping a little bit. Otherwise, the Basis is priced at $199 and while generally available for purchase from the mybasis.com website, they are currently listed as being out of stock.
All said and done, it looks like Android users now have another fitness tracker available with direct syncing. We hope to see the device support expand, but given the current use of Bluetooth to sync, the Basis compatible handsets were sort of expected. Well, that is at least when comparing to the list of devices currently supported by the Fitbit.
SOURCE: Basis, Google Play Store
Andy Rubin says it’s the right time to start a new chapter within Google
Though he is stepping down from his position as head of Google’s Android Mobile Operating System, Andy Rubin, has something to say about his future with the company. Andy stated in a letter to Android Partners that he is “an entrepreneur at heart and now is the right time for me to start a new chapter within Google.”
Earlier today Larry Page used the term “moonshots” in his post announcing Andy’s departure from the Android team, which could only mean he is heading to Google X Lab (GXL). Lets hope Andy is hinting that “new chapter” is indeed GXL.
Hit the break for the entire letter.
He wrote:
Dear friends,
In November of 2007 we announced the Open Handset Alliance with 34 founding members. Today, I’m grateful to the over 85 OHA members who have helped us build Android and drive innovation at such an incredible pace. The Android ecosystem has seen tremendous growth since the launch of the very first Android device in October 2008. The volume and variety of Android devices exceeds even my most optimistic expectations – over 750 million compatible devices and counting!
At its core, Android has always been about openness – the idea that a thousand brains are better than one. Just as the ecosystem has grown, so has our team at Google. I am incredibly proud of the phenomenal group of people that spend their days (and nights) building the Android platform and services. Just look at last year…a lean yet incredibly ambitious team released Jellybean with Google Now, launched Google Play in many languages and countries and collaborated with several partners to build three new Nexus devices to help drive innovation in the ecosystem.
Today, the success of Android combined with the strength of our management team, gives me the confidence to step away from Android and hand over the reins. Going forward, Sundar Pichai will lead Android, in addition to his existing work with Chrome and Apps. Hiroshi Lockheimer – who many of you already know well – plus the rest of the Android leadership team will work closely with all of our partners to advance Android and prepare the platform for new products and services yet to be imagined.
As for me, I am an entrepreneur at heart and now is the right time for me to start a new chapter within Google. I am amazed by what we have accomplished from those early days (not so long ago!), and remain passionate about the power of a simple idea and a shared goal – an open source platform freely available to everyone – to transform computing for people everywhere.
Thank you for your support,
- andy
This is an exciting time for GXL, and having Andy, and his innovative mind, on the team is going to take them to new heights for sure.
For those of you that don’t know, GXL is where products are rigorously tested. Most of the products being tested are kept secret and on a strict “need to know” level. Some great projects that have come out of GXL are Project Glass and self driving cars. The latest innovation, announced by the division head, Astro Teller, is an upcoming “moonshot” product that will be release at an unspecified time in the near future. You can read more about it here.
Fingers crossed that the hints Larry and Andy are throwing around inherently lead to Andy’s addition to team GXL!
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Come comment on this article: Andy Rubin says it’s the right time to start a new chapter within Google
Andy Rubin says it’s the right time to start a new chapter within Google
Though he is stepping down from his position as head of Google’s Android Mobile Operating System, Andy Rubin, has something to say about his future with the company. Andy stated in a letter to Android Partners that he is “an entrepreneur at heart and now is the right time for me to start a new chapter within Google.”
Earlier today Larry Page used the term “moonshots” in his post announcing Andy’s departure from the Android team, which could only mean he is heading to Google X Lab (GXL). Lets hope Andy is hinting that “new chapter” is indeed GXL.
Hit the break for the entire letter.
He wrote:
Dear friends,
In November of 2007 we announced the Open Handset Alliance with 34 founding members. Today, I’m grateful to the over 85 OHA members who have helped us build Android and drive innovation at such an incredible pace. The Android ecosystem has seen tremendous growth since the launch of the very first Android device in October 2008. The volume and variety of Android devices exceeds even my most optimistic expectations – over 750 million compatible devices and counting!
At its core, Android has always been about openness – the idea that a thousand brains are better than one. Just as the ecosystem has grown, so has our team at Google. I am incredibly proud of the phenomenal group of people that spend their days (and nights) building the Android platform and services. Just look at last year…a lean yet incredibly ambitious team released Jellybean with Google Now, launched Google Play in many languages and countries and collaborated with several partners to build three new Nexus devices to help drive innovation in the ecosystem.
Today, the success of Android combined with the strength of our management team, gives me the confidence to step away from Android and hand over the reins. Going forward, Sundar Pichai will lead Android, in addition to his existing work with Chrome and Apps. Hiroshi Lockheimer – who many of you already know well – plus the rest of the Android leadership team will work closely with all of our partners to advance Android and prepare the platform for new products and services yet to be imagined.
As for me, I am an entrepreneur at heart and now is the right time for me to start a new chapter within Google. I am amazed by what we have accomplished from those early days (not so long ago!), and remain passionate about the power of a simple idea and a shared goal – an open source platform freely available to everyone – to transform computing for people everywhere.
Thank you for your support,
- andy
This is an exciting time for GXL, and having Andy, and his innovative mind, on the team is going to take them to new heights for sure.
For those of you that don’t know, GXL is where products are rigorously tested. Most of the products being tested are kept secret and on a strict “need to know” level. Some great projects that have come out of GXL are Project Glass and self driving cars. The latest innovation, announced by the division head, Astro Teller, is an upcoming “moonshot” product that will be release at an unspecified time in the near future. You can read more about it here.
Fingers crossed that the hints Larry and Andy are throwing around inherently lead to Andy’s addition to team GXL!
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Come comment on this article: Andy Rubin says it’s the right time to start a new chapter within Google
Andy Rubin says it’s the right time to start a new chapter within Google
Though he is stepping down from his position as head of Google’s Android Mobile Operating System, Andy Rubin, has something to say about his future with the company. Andy stated in a letter to Android Partners that he is “an entrepreneur at heart and now is the right time for me to start a new chapter within Google.”
Earlier today Larry Page used the term “moonshots” in his post announcing Andy’s departure from the Android team, which could only mean he is heading to Google X Lab (GXL). Lets hope Andy is hinting that “new chapter” is indeed GXL.
Hit the break for the entire letter.
He wrote:
Dear friends,
In November of 2007 we announced the Open Handset Alliance with 34 founding members. Today, I’m grateful to the over 85 OHA members who have helped us build Android and drive innovation at such an incredible pace. The Android ecosystem has seen tremendous growth since the launch of the very first Android device in October 2008. The volume and variety of Android devices exceeds even my most optimistic expectations – over 750 million compatible devices and counting!
At its core, Android has always been about openness – the idea that a thousand brains are better than one. Just as the ecosystem has grown, so has our team at Google. I am incredibly proud of the phenomenal group of people that spend their days (and nights) building the Android platform and services. Just look at last year…a lean yet incredibly ambitious team released Jellybean with Google Now, launched Google Play in many languages and countries and collaborated with several partners to build three new Nexus devices to help drive innovation in the ecosystem.
Today, the success of Android combined with the strength of our management team, gives me the confidence to step away from Android and hand over the reins. Going forward, Sundar Pichai will lead Android, in addition to his existing work with Chrome and Apps. Hiroshi Lockheimer – who many of you already know well – plus the rest of the Android leadership team will work closely with all of our partners to advance Android and prepare the platform for new products and services yet to be imagined.
As for me, I am an entrepreneur at heart and now is the right time for me to start a new chapter within Google. I am amazed by what we have accomplished from those early days (not so long ago!), and remain passionate about the power of a simple idea and a shared goal – an open source platform freely available to everyone – to transform computing for people everywhere.
Thank you for your support,
- andy
This is an exciting time for GXL, and having Andy, and his innovative mind, on the team is going to take them to new heights for sure.
For those of you that don’t know, GXL is where products are rigorously tested. Most of the products being tested are kept secret and on a strict “need to know” level. Some great projects that have come out of GXL are Project Glass and self driving cars. The latest innovation, announced by the division head, Astro Teller, is an upcoming “moonshot” product that will be release at an unspecified time in the near future. You can read more about it here.
Fingers crossed that the hints Larry and Andy are throwing around inherently lead to Andy’s addition to team GXL!
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Come comment on this article: Andy Rubin says it’s the right time to start a new chapter within Google
Andy Rubin’s heart lies with entrepreneurship
It was a bit of a stunner for us all to read the news that the “godfather of Android” Andy Rubin would be leaving the Android team to assume other things within the ranks of Google. The shake-up didn’t leave us with much doubt about Android’s future or any trouble within the walls of the Mountain View fortress — after all, Android is doing better than ever with 750,000,000 activations and reports that Android tablets will overtake iOS any day now.
Indeed, Rubin reaffirmed those thoughts with a letter to the various Android partners Google deals with, otherwise known as members of the Open Handset Alliance. These members consist of the very OEMs and carriers that have helped pushed Android to where it is today. In the letter, Rubin reminded everyone that his heart is with entrepreneurship — in other words, he likes a good project.
His stint with Danger to bring the legendary Sidekick OS to prominence didn’t go undocumented, and he has been with Android since the very beginning. Rubin’s track record is unmatched by many, and this is another way to say he’s bored. He wants something new to build and grow. He’s the proverbial nanny who only makes $5 an hour to take care of a crying, defecating baby, but does it out of the love of giving a baby nourishment and guidance and raising them into a fine young lad.
That’s Andy’s forte, his specialty, and his knack, so to speak. His rumored departure to the Google X team definitely fits that bill. The letter is, among all things, reassuring of the strength of Android and gives no one anything to worry about. Android is fine, folks, but it’s time for another 12 rounds with the next big innovation in tech for Andy Rubin. Read the full letter below.
In November of 2007 we announced the Open Handset Alliance with 34 founding members. Today, I’m grateful to the over 85 OHA members who have helped us build Android and drive innovation at such an incredible pace. The Android ecosystem has seen tremendous growth since the launch of the very first Android device in October 2008. The volume and variety of Android devices exceeds even my most optimistic expectations — over 750 million compatible devices and counting!
At its core, Android has always been about openness — the idea that a thousand brains are better than one. Just as the ecosystem has grown, so has our team at Google. I am incredibly proud of the phenomenal group of people that spend their days (and nights) building the Android platform and services. Just look at last year…a lean yet incredibly ambitious team released Jellybean with Google Now, launched Google Play in many languages and countries and collaborated with several partners to build three new Nexus devices to help drive innovation in the ecosystem.
Today, the success of Android combined with the strength of our management team, gives me the confidence to step away from Android and hand over the reins. Going forward, Sundar Pichai will lead Android, in addition to his existing work with Chrome and Apps. Hiroshi Lockheimer — who many of you already know well — plus the rest of the Android leadership team will work closely with all of our partners to advance Android and prepare the platform for new products and services yet to be imagined.
As for me, I am an entrepreneur at heart and now is the right time for me to start a new chapter within Google. I am amazed by what we have accomplished from those early days (not so long ago!), and remain passionate about the power of a simple idea and a shared goal — an open source platform freely available to everyone — to transform computing for people everywhere.
Thank you for your support,
- andy
[via The Wall Street Journal]
Andy Rubin reminds us he is an ‘entrepreneur at heart’ in a letter to Android partners
In a letter obtained by the Wall Street Journal, Andy Rubin takes some time to talk to Android partners about the growth of Android, and why he feels it is the right time to step away and leave things in the capable hands of Sundar Pichai.
Tucked in amongst the praise for the Android team and and remarks about Android's astonishing growth, Rubin lets everyone know he has always been "an entrepreneur at heart" and is ready to start a new chapter at Google.
We've no idea what that new chapter might be, but we're pretty sure it will be awesome — we expect no less from the father of Android. The full text of the letter is after the break.
Source: Wall Street Journal
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Humble Bundle with Android 5 Has Landed
Humble Bundle, which was formerly known as Humble Indie Bundle, is a collection usually made up of games that are bundled together and distributed online. What’s unique about this is that the price of the bundle is determined by the purchaser. You choose how much you are willing to pay and how to divide your payment among the game developers, foundation and more.
Today sees the release of a new offer called Humble Bundle with Android 5. This bundle includes six games that are available for the Android, Windows, Mac and Linux. The titles available are Beat Hazard Ultra, Dynamite Jack, Solar 2, and NightSky HD. If you pay more than the average price then you will also get Super Hexagon and Dungeon Defenders. These games will normally cost you $110.
Aside from the games you will also have access to their soundtracks which comes in FLAC or MP3.
This offer won’t last long as it will only be live for two weeks so better act now.
Here’s a description of the games included in this bundle.
Beat Hazard Ultra
- This is an arcade shooter that is powered by music from the game or from your personal playlist. You will need to avoid enemy ships hurling towards you as well as blast them.
Dynamite Jack
- You play as Jack whose goal is to escape the Anathema mines. Helping you in this task is your flashlight and an unlimited supply of bombs. As much as possible you have to avoid your enemies such as the guards and scientists.
Solar 2
- A game recommended for tablets. You start out as a small asteroid and merge with other asteroids. As you grow bigger you will soon transform into a planet and ultimately into a black hole.
NightSky HD
- This is a physics puzzle game where you need to guide your ball using pinball flippers in an exciting environment.
via humblebundle
Android Distribution Numbers Updated for March, Jelly Bean Slowly Rises as the Rest Fall
Hey, our least favorite time of the month – Android distribution numbers update! Over a 14-day period that ended on March 4, the Android team has come to the conclusion that 16.5% of Android users are now running Jelly Bean (Android 4.1+). The rest of the numbers look like this – Ice Cream Sandwich (28.6%), [...]
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Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy S3 receiving Android 4.1.2 update now
The Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 is receiving its update to software version VRBMB1, a day after the change log for the latest build was posted online. The Android 4.1.2 update weighs in at 150MB and is currently being pushed over the air to owners of the handset.
Expected changes include keyboard and Bluetooth enhancements, the ability to use the camera while placing a call, and a manual refresh on the lock screen stock ticker. All small beans in the grand scheme of things, but users can also expect a number of bug fixes and performance tweaks. You can check for the update under the “About phone” section of the system settings if it hasn’t automatically reached your handset already.
[Thanks, Chris!]
Video: First Look at Android 4.2.2 on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus
With the Android 4.2.2 update dropping tonight for the Galaxy Nexus LTE, we thought it was the perfect time to do a recap of some of the new features that came after 4.1. We know that not all of you jumped on to 4.2 ROMs as soon as they were released and instead stuck with [...]
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Twitter kills TweetDeck for Android, shuts down Facebook integration
We have some sad news today from the folks at Twitter regarding the highly popular Android, iOS, and desktop client TweetDeck. After acquiring the company in 2011 and basically letting the Android app go completely neglected, Twitter today confirmed they’ll be killing the awesome app all together. They’ll remove it from the Play Store, deactivate Facebook integration, and soon remove its access completely.
I’m slowly starting to not like all of these changes and choices by Twitter. We all know the 100,000 token limit on Android apps has made many developers completely abandon their awesome 3rd party clients – which are much better than Twitter’s own – and now one of the oldest and most popular is getting pulled completely.
Falcon Pro has been struggling with the token limit. TweetLanes abandoned ship because of the limit, and that’s just the beginning. Now what is still one of my favorite Twitter apps is being shut down. Their web-based version of TweetDeck will get all of their support and attention, while the rest are completely tossed in the garbage. Stating the AIR, Android, and iOS versions will all be discontinued.
“They will be removed from their respective app stores in early May and will stop functioning shortly thereafter. We’ll also discontinue support for our Facebook integration.”
Twitter will be keeping up with their Web and Chrome app of TweetDeck and that is all. So much for enjoying multi-column, extremely clean, and user friendly TweetDeck (or TweakDeck for that matter) on Android because it will be removed in May from the Google Play Store, and then stop working “shortly thereafter.” Twitter bought the company back in 2011 and haven’t updated the Android app since, so we had a feeling this was coming, but it’s still sad to see an awesome app get shut down.
So aside from Falcon Pro, what’s your go-to Twitter app on Android?
[via TweetDeck]
Story Timeline
- Tweetdeck for Android now has more users than on Macs
- Twitter buys Tweetdeck for up to $50 mill
- Twitter for Android updated with Instagram-like filters and cropping
- Google+ passes Twitter as Google heads for Facebook’s top spot
- Carbon for Twitter finally launches in the Play Store [Hands-on]
- Twitter app updated with improved search and discovery
- Tweet Lanes Twitter app goes open source
- Falcon Pro Twitter app price increased to $132.13
Facebook Messenger now offers free voice calling for Android, as long as you’re in Canada
The Facebook Messenger app for Android was updated today, bringing feee VoIP calling to users in Canada. This mirrors the way things were done on the iOS app, which saw support for folks in the U.S. about two weeks after it debuted in Canada. While there's no guarantee the Android app will follow the same roll-out schedule, we're going to assume that it will cross the border soon.
In addition to the new VoIP calling, the app allows group conversations to be viewed in the sidebar, and allows them to be searched by name and friends. Hit the Google Play link to update.
Via: Cnet
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Twitter Will Kill TweetDeck Android App (And Air App, And Facebook Integration) In May, Stops Caring If You Think They’re Evil
It’s a widely-known fact that Google’s unofficial motto when it comes to potential monopolies, privacy violations, and other slightly gray areas of technological ethics is “don’t be evil.” Lately it seems like Twitter is taking the opposite approach. The latest victim of their incredibly frustrating corporate policy is TweetDeck, the once-loved power app for Twitter that was by the service itself in 2011. In a rambling post on the official TweetDeck website, the developers mentioned that they are ending support for the Android version (as well as the iPhone and Adobe Air versions, and Facebook integration) in May.
The reason for TweetDeck’s less-than-graceful exit from the mobile world is obvious: Twitter would rather you use their official app.
- Twitter Closes TweetDeck Deal For More Than $40 Million
- Report: Twitter In Talks To Buy TweetDeck For $50 Million
- [Report] Twitter Purchases TweetDeck For Between $40 and $50 Million
- Tweetdeck For Android, Privately Demoed At Google I/O, Is Coming "In The Next Few Weeks" – Will It Be The Best Twitter/Social App For Android? [Post Google I/O Coverage]
Twitter Will Kill TweetDeck Android App (And Air App, And Facebook Integration) In May, Stops Caring If You Think They’re Evil was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
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HTC One S-ness: Android 4.2.2 Liquid Smooth 1.5 for the HTC One S
Alright HTC One S brothers and sisters. Time to take a look at another awesome ROM for our beloved phone. I was very excited when I saw that a Liquid Smooth ROM has been ported over to the One S. Even more excited to see that it was Android 4.2.2. This was the first stable Android 4.2.2 ROM to be ported over, and now a slew of them have made their way to the threads.
Here we take a look at Liquid Smooth 1.5. Truly a nice, fluid, and awesome ROM. Everything is in working order, including the camera. Some of the Android 4.2 ROMs were having video camera problems, but Liquid Smooth seemed to have fixed that issue. After an update, I started having little problems with my gallery opening up, as well as my Root Explorer app not working. The gallery would be empty, and root explorer would just force close. This ROM has the app “Kernel Tuner” built within it, which is nice for some added help in making the ROM better than it already is. After the update though, Kernel Tuner started crashing. Other than those little bugs, I really enjoyed this ROM. Check out my video review of it below, and the XDA thread is down below for you to click on as well.
Android 4.2.2 code – with full binaries – now pushing to Android Open Source Project
Google open-source guru Jean-Baptiste Queru has announced on the Android Building group that the Android 4.2.2 source code will shortly begin pushing to AOSP — the Android Open-Source Project. The build number is the same as what's now being pushed to Nexus devices – JDQ39 — and the tag is android-4.2.2_r1.
In addition, proprietary bits for all supported devices have been published online, and Android 4.2.2 factory images are also available from Google's developer site. Significantly, JBQ points out the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 (all variants) now have a full set of proprietary binaries available online, bringing full AOSP support to these devices.
Good news for those wanting to roll their own Android, as well as anyone looking forward to Android 4.2.2 ROMs for other devices. Download info for the Nexus binaries can be found at the link below.
More: Google Developers
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Photosphere Installer: An easy way to flash Photosphere on rooted devices
Yes, that's my LG Optimus Black, and yes, it is running Photosphere. It's the same Photosphere that distant relation the Nexus 4 is running too, not the LG version found on the Optimus G Pro. Where there's a will, there's usually a way in Android, and Photosphere is one of the headline new features in Android 4.2. We love it, as I'm sure many others do, and thanks to an app available in Google Play, rooted users can have it without any more effort than downloading and opening any other Android app.
Root access with Busybox and Android 4.1 are the only requirements. Since CM10 counts as Android 4.1, anyone running this or other Jelly Bean based custom ROM's should be fine. Upon opening the installer app for the first time, you're presented with the two steps to installation — downloading the files and then installing them. That simple. A nice touch though is the ability to backup/restore a camera, and you can tell the app to either keep or remove the actual camera app on the device. Once installed, a quick reboot later and you're presented with the Android 4.2 camera app complete with Photosphere, and the Android 4.2 Gallery app required to view them.
Update: The dev just pinged us to say that an update has pushed out that should address a number of bugfixes.
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Android 101: Adding your own custom sounds to Android events
The first thing most people do when getting a new phone is change the ringtone. Depending on which Android device you own, your options for different alarms, notifications, and ringtones will vary. Perhaps you aren’t happy with the sounds that came preinstalled on your phone, or you’ve been using the stock sounds and are ready for a change. You’ve got some ringtones on your computer, and want to use them on your phone. How do you get the files from your computer, to your phone? Do you have to put them in any specific place for them to be selectable in the Android menu, and will they be listed in the same place as the sounds that came with your phone? Does it matter what kind of sound files you use? You can find the answers to these questions, and more, after the break.
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How to: Quickly Kill Off or Switch to Recently Used Apps [Beginners' Guide]
When the Android team first unveiled Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), one of the flagship features shown off was a new way to quickly switch between recently used apps or remove those same apps from running. On stock Android devices, or devices that use on-screen navigation keys, the button to access this new app switcher [...]
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Common Basic Android Terminal Commands Every Android Phone Owner Should Know (Part 1 of 2)
For most if not all Android and tablet users, the fact that they can plug in their tablets and Android phones to their computers and interact with them is a huge plus. Apart from instances where such device owners have broken something and need to fix it, there are a number of grounds why advanced Android users would want to communicate with their devices. In order for this to be possible for users, there are a number of tools and few commands that each user needs to equip him or herself with so as to be able to perform such functions. Granted this article will not be the end all be all account of adb (Android Debug Bridge) commands, however there are at the very least 10 elementary commands every Android users should equip themselves with if they want to get down and dirty with command lines.
Android terminal command tools are fairly simple to get acquainted with. For Linux and Mac users, all you need to do is install the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) as indicated in the Android Developers website. It is quite simple and Android users do not have to worry about issues such as Driver complications that arise like Windows users have to. For those of you who are Windows users however it is both simultaneously a little easier and harder to get things set up. The tools themselves make up the easy part where all one has to do is download the following file http://cdn.androidcentral.com/sites/androidcentral.com/files/uploads/tools/android-tools.zip. Once you have done this you need to open the zip file and click on the Android tools folder. You may choose to drag this folder to somewhere easy for you to access for convenience or leave it where it is, this step is basically up to you. Next step involves you visiting your devices manufacturing page so as to access the “adb “(Android Debug Bridge) and “fastboot” installation drivers for Windows.
The Android Debug Bridge (adb) and Fastboot drivers allow android users to communicate with their device via a computer. If you run in to complications when trying to install the necessary tools simply visit a forum as they are a great place to get help from others who have tried and succeeded. Now that we have covered the basics on how to access and install the Android Software Development Kit for both Android and Windows device owners the next step required in enabling you to communicate with your device is enabling USB debugging on your device. If you need help finding it going through your device manual should be able to offer assistance. Once done plug your device in to your computer using the USB cord after which you’ll be all set to getting familiar with following ten Android commands lines:
1. The Android Debug Bridge Devices Command
The Android Debug Bridge (adb) devices command can be put down as one of the most important command lines of the lot since it is the command line that is used in ensuring that your Android device and computer are communicating. It is for this reason that the adb device command appears first on the list.
For those of you who are pros at tinkering with the operating systems on your PC (Personal Computer) then you would probably want to add the directory with Android tools to your path. For those of you who are rookies in this area then no need to worry, all you have to do is start up the command console or terminal and point it to the folder that has the tools in it. This will be the platform tools folder from the fully installed Android Software Development Kit (SDK) or the file downloaded earlier from http://cdn.androidcentral.com/sites/androidcentral.com/files/uploads/tools/android-tools.zip for Windows users. Windows users are luck here in the sense that they have a simple short cut that can be accessed by hitting Shift on the keyboard and right clicking on the folder so as to open a console in the right place. Linux and Mac Users have to install an extension for their file manager in order to perform the same “default short cut” function as discussed above for Windows or navigate there once the terminal is open.
Once you establish that you are in the right folder the next thing you need to do is key “adb devices” (minus the “” marks) in the command prompt. Doing so will result in you receiving a serial number. If you do not however get a serial number then you need to counter check if you are in the right folder and that you have USB debugging switched on. If you are using windows you need to check if the device driver installed correctly. Once you have this done you can then progress to mastering other commands.
2. The Android Debug Bridge Push Command
The Android Debug Bridge Push (adb) Command can typically be described as a terminal command used by device owners who wish to programmatically move a file on to their Android device. In order to perform such a function Android device owners need to be familiar with a number of parameters mainly the full path of the file they wish to push and the full path of the place the wish to place it.
Let’s have a look at a small illustration in order to get a better understand of this terminal command. Assume you have a song (sunshine) from a music album and wish to place it in your devices Music Folder. You will need to copy the song’s mp3 file on to the Android tools folder so as to avoid having to key in a long path to your desktop, then head back to the command line and key in “adb push sunshine.mp3/sdcard/Music/” and the file will copy to your device right in the Music Folder. If you chose to not place the file in your tools folder then you would have been forced to key in the full path i.e. C:\Users\James\Desktop\sunshine.mp3. Both approaches to moving files work but it is simpler to just drop the file in your tools folder and save yourself the typing.
Android Debug Bridge Push Command users also need to indicate the full path on their devices where they wish to place their files. The popular Google Play Android explorer application is useful when it comes to find this. It is important for Windows users to remember that when on Android they should be careful to use forward slashes (i.e. –/) when switch folders since it is Linux.
3. The Android Debug Bridge Pull Command
Though simple deductive reasoning it is easy for anyone to deduce that if adb push command works by means of sending files to an Android device then the adb pull command does the opposite i.e. gets messages out of such a device. This Android Debug Pull Command functions in more or less the same manner in which the adb push command does. Users need to know the path of they wish to pull off as well as the path the wish to place the pulled file. You may choose to leave the destination path blank which means that file will be automatically dropped in to the tools folder making things simpler for you. Doing this the hard way will require you to key in both the path you wish to pull the file off e.g. “/sdcard/Music/sunshinemp3” and the file you wish to place it on/ the destination e.g. “C:\Users\James\Desktop”. Once more the simpler approach would be to simple drop the file in the tools folder by failing to provide a destination i.e. “adb pull/sdcard/Music/sunshinemp3”. Don’t forget to use forward slashes if you are an Android device user.
4. The Android Debug Bridge Reboot Command
For those of you who are not sure, the Android Debug Bridge Reboot Command is exactly what you think it is i.e. a means to reboot a device from the command line. Running this terminal command line is simple in the sense that all one needs to do is key in “adb reboot” and hit enter. Now before I know some of us out there are thinking “hey, why can’t I just push the button!” Well the main thing you need to realize is that such commands can be scripted and as such devices if required can reboot in the middle of a script – a great transition to terminal command number five.
5. The Android Debug Bridge Reboot – Bootloader and Reboot Recovery Commands
So, not only is it possible for you to reboot your device through terminal commands, it is also possible for users to specify that their devices reboot to the bootloader. This function comes in handy particularly for those people who have a wide range of devices that they can never seem to remember and for those that button combinations that are touchy. A few devices on the market such as the LG Optimus Black do not have an alternative means in which to boot to the bootloader without the application of this command. Using this command is fairly simple, all you need to do is key in “adb reboot-bootloader” and then hit enter. Once more being able to use this terminal command in a script is priceless.
Though most devices on the market today can also boot directly to the recovery with the “adbreboot recovery” (it is important to note that there is not “–“hyphen in this) some cannot. It does not hurt to try this command line out.
To be continued on part 2
Android 4.2.1 update for international Galaxy S3 leaks
Frequent firmware leaker SamMobile has just released what it believes is a build of the Android 4.2.1 update for the international (i9300) Samsung Galaxy SIII (S3). What we're looking at here is someone testing the new firmware — Android 4.2.1 JOP40D — that has chosen to give a system dump for others to try. It looks like many of the new features such as lockscreen widgets and Daydream are included, but this is certainly not final firmware.
SamMobile has re-packaged this firmware into an ODIN Flashable file that other users with the device can try out if they wish. There are of course risks involved, above and beyond the binary counter being increased and the device reporting as "modified" when running the firmware. If you're interested, you can give it a look at the source link below.
Source: SamMobile
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Finding the Right Android ROM
Your android device is like your girlfriend or boyfriend. It can serve you pretty decently and ensure that you are almost never bored. However, unlike girlfriends/boyfriends you do not have to deal with all the strenuous effort of understanding them. If you do not like what they have to offer (the android device) you can just root it and install a new ROM. Yeah, if we could do that to the people we are in a relationship with things would be so simple. Although rooting your device is quite simple, replacing the ROM can be very hectic due to all the options that are available out there. You need to such and find one that specifically fits with who you are. Here’s how to go about it.
So, what is a ROM? Android ROMs are basically modified versions of the android OS software. Just like your PC runs on Windows 8 so does your tablet or smartphone run on an OS software. Now, this software is there to hold together everything that your device has from Angry Birds to Messaging. Beyond that they basically make your device more appealing and add myriads of beneficial features.
The entire thing can seem like gibberish but do not fret. There are dozens of apps that can be used to help you change your ROM. They range from ROM Manager to Pimp my ROM. However, this post is not here to let you know that there are apps for doing so but to give you the step by step methods used to do so.
Here is what you need to know before you go chasing after random ROMs because a friend told you it was amazing. There are three major types of ROMs out there for you to pick from. Ones that offer future versions of the Android software, ROMs that give your device new features, and ROMs that focus on the speed and stability of your device. Of course there are other versions but these three are basically what you need to look out for.
Future versions; Imagine having the ability to put the W16engine from a Bugatti Veyron and stuffing it into that Beetle that you were never really proud of dragging around. Yes, that’s what the future version allows you to do. When the Android 2.2 Froyo was out almost all ROM developers dove right into syncing their developments with the system because, well, it was the newest. That means that all versions of ROM from that point onwards will use future versions. However, most developers wait until the source code is available so they can base their ROMs on Froyo. Downside, I know. Another disadvantage is that they are the least stable due to the fact that not all the kinks have been dealt with.
New features; This category is really interesting. Imagine being able to control the music on your device while the screen is locked, or making a call while using the browser. All these things are possible with this category of ROMs. Note that these features are built-in as opposed to having to download an app that lets you do them on a device that’s yet to be rooted. You can still get this features at the moment through the Android Market so think wisely before getting this type of ROM.
Speed and stability; You need to understand that these ROMs are ONLY built for speed and stability. Do not rush to get one that has other features plus speed and stability because you’re probably being ripped off. Unfortunately (yes, all positives have negatives), they are a bit slow on giving you the new features. But that won’t be why you will be trying to get this ROM, is it?
How does one find and install new ROMs? Well, it’s a good thing you are reading this post because I am here with all the answers.
Before I can give you the nitty gritties you should have already rooted your device. If that is already done then you should be able to follow the steps perfectly.
If that is done then what you should have is a recovery image. This is basically the fundamental system of the android device. It’s accessed when you boot your device while holding down on two external buttons which of course depends on you device. You need to search through Google for this one e.g. Galaxy Tab Recovery Mode.
The first step here is to install an app that will give your device the ability to do so. We would recommend ROM Manager. Once you have opened the app just press down on the Flash ClockworkMod at the top of the main menu to confirm your phone’s model. A progress bar will let you know how things are going and once it’s done you can download and install a new ROM.
What about finding one that’s right for you? Well, before I came along that would have been a bitch. Luckily, all my dreary hours online let me find the Unlockr that offers infinite number of ROMs each specifically designed for a particular device. While you’re on the site just click on the model of your phone and you are good to go. On top of that ROM Manager also offers ROMs for download so you can easily check them out. The ones they offer are the most popular but the app does not let you know which category they belong to. To find that out go to the Unlockr and search for it in their database. From there on out it all about you and your fearlessness. Trial and error all the way. You can still download one and store it in your SD card for future installment.
Installment is pretty much a non-issue. If you are doing as I say then you should have ROM Manager. With that installation is pretty simple. Once it has downloaded you should first back-up your existing ROM. I cannot emphasize enough how important that is. If things get real you can always fall back on your old ROM. What you need to do is “Wipe Data and Cache” if you are moving from one android version to a more improved one. But the work to be done will be more than enough to fill your plate if you were using a Froyo system. That’s because you’ll have to reinstall all your apps, rearrange the homescreen, and configure all your settings. If a problem persists you can keep restoring from your back up and going at it again.
From here it’s all up to what you want to do. Rage out if you like what you got. Check out all the features and capabilities that your device should have depending on the category you went for. Have fun.
TestFlight reaches Android in beta, gives app developers a safety net
You may not know about TestFlight if you’re used to running apps rather than building them, but odds are that you know its effects when over 300,000 iOS apps have reached testers that hopefully caught bugs in advance. That makes the launch of a private Android beta something of an event, as it gives developers the same simple feedback and provisioning for pre-release apps. Coders who split their time between both Android and iOS also get a truly cross-platform management console as part of the expansion. There’s no set date for when the beta expires, but TestFlight eventually plans to offer its utility directly through the Google Play Store — and might just keep the Android app train rolling smoothly.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile
Via: TechCrunch
Source: TestFlight (1), (2)
Google Lists FULL Jelly Bean Changelog Since the Release of Android 4.1
The Android operating system has become quite the platform over the last couple of years. It only seems like yesterday when I was walking around town with my Nexus S, running Gingerbread, thinking I was the bee’s knees. Fast forward to 2013 and here we are, Jelly Bean in hand, speculating on what we can expect to [...]
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Diabetes UK Tracker app out now for Android users
Diabetes UK, the umbrella charity organising funding care and research into diabetes over here, has converted its popular iOS tracker app to Android. It’s free, with the Android version of the Diabetes UK Tracker updated to allow users to export their stats and figures in CSV format for use elsewhere, plus there are additional health checklist features and a generally sharper design.
The charity says the iOS version of its app has been downloaded over 30,000 times since launch way back in 2011. Here’s the new Android one in action:
May make the neverending, thankless chore of managing it a little bit easier. Try it out via the Google Play listing here if you’re a member of its target demographic.
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Device Updates Feb. 11th – Feb. 18th: Android 4.2.2 for Nexus. Sprint Galaxy S III Small Update
Alright Android friends. It is time to see if your device has received, or is going to receive an update. Not much this week. Biggest update of course is the Android 4.2.2 update that has hit Nexus devices. So check out the video, and make sure you hit the LIKE button.
Device Updates
Android 4.2.2 rolling out
Manually install Android 4.2.2
Android 4.2.2 shows time left on apps
Galaxy Note starts getting Android 4.1.2
Minor OTA shows up for Sprint Galaxy S III
PushBullet Now Has An API, Will Hopefully Result In More And Smarter Pushing
PushBullet is a pretty clever but simple service that allows you to push text, links, files, and various other information from Chrome to your Android phone or tablet. Think of it like Chrome to Phone on steroids. We recently recovered the Android app’s update to version 8, which allowed friends (other Google accounts) to push to your device.
Yesterday, the developer of PushBullet announced that an official API was being released, which should add all sorts of versatility to the already very-useful service. I, for one, would love a way to integrate PushBullet into the Windows shell, so I could right click anywhere on anything and push away.
- PushBullet Updated To Version 8 With Device Sharing: ‘Friends Let Friends Push’
- PSA: How To Push Links To Your Froyo Phone With Chrome Or Firefox
- Chrome For Android Beta Updated To 0.16.4301.233, Works With Custom ROMs Once Again
- Google Releases Chrome Beta Channel For Android
PushBullet Now Has An API, Will Hopefully Result In More And Smarter Pushing was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
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Weather Channel for Android gets tablet optimization, precise weather warnings
The Weather Channel has dwelt mostly on its iOS apps as of late, but don’t worry — it’s lavishing attention on forecast-minded Android users today. As of version 4.0, the Android app is optimized for tablets and gives a better heads-up for the conditions ahead from your Nexus 7. Other tweaks are more for feature parity, including precisely-timed warnings for significant weather changes, faster radar maps and higher-detail forecasts. Favorites also help with Android-specific widgets. Should you need to know more about the rain or snow than a Google Now card can deliver, the Weather Channel revamp is ready at the source.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile
Source: Google Play
Clipper Plus Updated To v2.1, Now Has Cross-Device Sync
If you’ve been looking for a good clipboard management tool for Android, there’s no better time to take a look at Clipper. The app just updated to v2.1, which brings a pretty incredible feature: cross-device syncing. This means you can copy text from one device, and paste it on another. That’s just badass.
Of course, there are potential security worries with a feature of this nature – like passwords, for example. Personally, I copy passwords from KeePassDroid quite frequently, and I know Artem uses LastPass to do the same thing. Understandably, this is the type of information that no one wants shared across multiple devices through the cloud.
- Dropbox Now Allows Easy Public Sharing Of Any Folder, Even From The Android App
- Tip: Drive’s Latest Update Adds Global ‘Copy To Clipboard’ Option In The Share Menu
- Keep Your Clipboard History A Long-Press Away With ClipStore And Button Shortcut
- LogMeIn Launches Cubby Cloud Storage Beta With 5GB of Space, Unlimited Sync And Android App
Clipper Plus Updated To v2.1, Now Has Cross-Device Sync was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
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SugarSync 2.0 completed, offers drag-and-drop sharing and a new Android app
SugarSync 2.0 has been in the oven for awhile, having gone into beta last year, but it’s now fully baked. The finished version offers the promised extra-simple sharing and syncing, with drag-and-drop transfers to the cloud, contacts and Dropbox-style public links. A virtual drive and cloud search simply things, too. Both desktop and web apps get more of a consistent look, and the Android app has been given its promised overhaul both for the new features as well as to offer uploads and syncing from an SD card. Android, Mac and Windows users can update at their leisure; iOS users will have to wait a few weeks, although both new and old versions can coexist until everyone is on the same page.
Filed under: Cellphones, Storage, Internet, Software, Mobile
Via: SugarSync Blog
Source: SugarSync, Google Play
[New App] Market Helper Lets You Download Incompatible Apps Without Changing The Build.prop (Root Only)
One of the more annoying things about the Android app ecosystem is that there are loads of apps and games that are needlessly restricted to one device or another. If you care to get down and dirty, you can edit the build.prop file on rooted devices to make your device appear to be something other than what it is. Market Helper gets you the same results, but it doesn’t touch the build-prop and it’s easy to revert to your original profile. For obvious reasons, this app is not in Google Play. It is, however, just a sideload away.
Market Helper is a very new app, and it only has a handful of profiles.
- Good News – The Android Market Can Now Be Installed On Amazon’s Kindle Fire
- [Update: Official Recovery] Here’s How To Root The Nexus 4
- Small OTA Update (Build IMM76I) Rolling Out To The Unlocked GSM Galaxy Nexus (Yakju), Reportedly Fixes Dropped Signal Issues
- HTC EVO Shift 4G Joins The Permanent Root Club
[New App] Market Helper Lets You Download Incompatible Apps Without Changing The Build.prop (Root Only) was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
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