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Sabtu, 18 Oktober 2014

Hands-on: Android 5.0 Lollipop new apps and features [VIDEO]




Phandroid





Hands-on: Android 5.0 Lollipop new apps and features [VIDEO]



Android 5.0 Lollipop DSC07203


Earlier this afternoon, Google released the final Android L Developer and although it’s not the “final” stable version we’ll see rolling out to Nexus devices in the coming weeks, it does give us a pretty damn good idea of what to expect. Of course, we couldn’t resist the lure of Lollipop and the Material Design therein, so once again, we flashed the system image onto our trusty old Nexus 5.



We were surprised to find a while lot has changed from the previous L Preview, with loads more polish and features than last time around. To understand exactly what we’re talking about you’re going to have to see for yourself. Check out our fairly lengthy hands on video above or full written portion down below.


New Setup Wizard app


Android 5.0 Lollipop Setup app 1


Android’s Setup Wizard app is usually one of the more tedious parts about the OS. You’ll simply sign into your Google account, opt in or out for a few things and you’re on your way to pure mobile bliss. If you happened to be using the same device (whether or a replacement or coming off a fresh factory reset), sometimes all your previously downloaded apps will begin downloading from Google Play Store — other times they wont. It’s always been a hit or miss and there was no real way to actually manage what was being restored. You just signed in and hoped for the best. Well, Android 5.0 Lollipop looks to change all that with the new and improved Setup Wizard.


Android 5.0 Lollipop Setup 2


Setting up a new phone is a lot easier thanks to the new Tap & Go feature which will import your account information from one device to another over Bluetooth connection. Simple tap the two NFC enabled Android devices together and you’re on your way (see video). Of course, the old method of simply typing in your Google user name and password manually still exists, but it’s not nearly as fun.


Also new is a real-life restore utility that allows you to choose a device you’d like to restore from (any device still linked to your Play Store account) and the ability to select all or individual apps from that device as well. It’s been a long time coming and whether you upgrade once in a blue moon or you’re constantly flashing new ROMs, just about everyone can appreciate Lollipop’s latest feature. Thank you, Google. Thank you.


76% more polish, animations, and Material


Android 5.0 Lollipop lockscreen homescreen


Whereas the last Android L Developer Preview was a barebones Android L experience, this newest Android 5.0 Lollipop Developer Preview is now much more polished, bringing 76% more Material animations (we calculated it). The lock screen now has some sleek new animations when accessing the phone and camera shortcuts, the notification area finally has a “dismiss all” button, the launcher folders and app drawer have Google Search like circular animations when opening, and even the recent apps area has gotten some sprucing up with a now persistent Google Search widget. Oh, and recent apps are no longer wiped after a reboot, which is pretty darn nice.


New Settings: Battery saver, Screen pinning, Trusted devices, Priority notifications


Android 5.0 Lollipop Settings app


In the new Lollipop Preview, the Settings app is also getting a little bit of love, sectioned off with a more card-like UI for 4 categories: wireless & networks, device, personal, and system. There’s also a host of incredibly useful new settings. Let’s take a look.


Android 5.0 Lollipop Interruptions settings


In a setting called “Interruptions,” Google has added the ability to assign which type of notifications you would like to interrupt you — all, priority, or none — and for how long (also accessible in the volume slider). You can even set specific days and times when you’d like to turn off notifications (during the work day, or evening hours), allowing only priority interruptions and/or calls from starred contacts, or anyone in your contacts.


While alarms and event reminders are by default “priority” notifications, keep in mind Android 5.0 allows other 3rd party apps to set their own priority level and you can even do this yourself in the new “App notifications” setting.


Android 5.0 Lollipop Smart lock


Lollipop gets even better with “trusted devices,” a feature we’ve seen OEMs implement in their own versions of Android (like Motorola). Essentially this allows users to bypass lock screen security when connected to specific “trusted” Bluetooth devices like a smartwatch, Bluetooth speakers, or car stereo. When no longer connected to these trusted devices, your phone will activate it’s lock screen security again.


Google actually ups the ante in Lollipop by not only allowing trusted Bluetooth devices, but trusted faces (face unlock) and trusted NFC tags as well. This could prove useful if you stick an NFC tag in a vehicle dock for easy access The provides an NFC tag example Google provides for trusted NFC tags is perhaps one you stuck onto a vehicle dock or whatnot. Whether you use it or not, there’s nothing wrong with extra options and the fact that this will come standard in all devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop — love it.


Android 5.0 Lollipop Battery saver


We already saw the battery saving feature in the previous L Preview, but for this new build, the notification and navigation bars now turn orange when activated. This lets the user know that 1. it’s not meant to be used all the time, 2. performance may suffer as a result of slower CPU, and 3. you should probably charge the phone soon.


When enabled, it can be turned off easily via the notification tray so you wont have to go fumbling around in the settings app again.


Hidden Easter Egg


Android 5.0 Lollipop hidden game Easter Egg


Every major Android release, Google “hides” an fun little Easter Egg inside the Settings app (About phone > Android version). For Android 5.0 Lollipop, Google went all out, including a full on Flappy Bird clone inside the OS. Pressing the version number 5 times activates phase 1 of the Easter Egg, while tapping on the lollipop image then long pressing it fires up the game. We have to say, it’s pretty much spot on with equal pull-your-hair-out difficulty as the original. It’s not something Google had to do, but we more than appreciate the gesture.


Android 5.0 Lollipop DSC07199


This was just a quick list of some of the new stuff we’ve noticed since diving into the new Android 5.0 Developer Preview and is by no means exhaustive. We’ll continue digging up new stuff in the coming days but in the meantime, if you’ve noticed anything new or have a favorite new feature of your own, feel free to shout it out down below. Cheers.








15 Lollipop songs to blast in celebration of Android 5.0 [VIDEOS]




Phandroid





15 Lollipop songs to blast in celebration of Android 5.0 [VIDEOS]



We assumed it all along but Google has finally bestowed the “Lollipop” name upon Android 5.0. Following that up with the Nexus 6, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player, Android fever is in full force. What better way to celebrate than with Lollipop themed jams while you dig into Android 5.0?


Go forth, make playlists, create ringtones, and share your Lollipop love with the world (and in the comments).


15) Alexandra Stan – Lollipop “Param Pam Pam”(2011)


14) Maejor Ali ft. Juicy J, Justin Bieber – Lolly (2013)


13) Dada ft Sandy Rivera & Trix – Lollipop (2007)


12) BIGBANG & 2NE1 – Lollipop M/V


11) MIKA – Lollipop (2009)


10) Aqua – Lollipop (Candyman)


9) Pawan Singh – Kamariya Kare Lapa Lap Lollipop Lagelu


8) Lil Wayne – Lollipop



7) Framing Hanley – Lollipop


6) Millie Small – My Boy Lollipop (1956)


5) Leslie Gore – Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows (1963)


4) Burl Ives – The Lollipop Tree (1950)


3) Bad Manners – My Girl Lollipop (1982)


2) The Lollipop Guild – Wizard of Oz


1) The Chordettes – Lollipop (1958)


And finally… what will inevitably become the Android 5.0 Lollipop theme song, replayed over and over until Android M comes out.


BONUS

The Chordettes may have made the Lollipop song famous, but they didn’t create it. That credit goes to Ronald & Ruby who debuted the song in 1958.


Ronald & Ruby


And let us just leave you with this…



This all begs the question… which Lollipop song is best?













Android Wallpaper: Fall Colors




Phandroid





Android Wallpaper: Fall Colors



fall wallpaper


See past editions of Android Wallpaper


If you’ve looked out a window lately you’ve probably noticed some new colors (depending on where you live). The leaves are changing to warm colors, and then falling to the ground to create a crinkly carpet. If you live in an area that features these changes you know how beautiful it can be, which makes it the perfect theme for this week’s wallpaper!


If you’d like to enjoy the fall colors on your device we have 6 HD wallpapers that will look great on your homescreen. To get one of these wallpapers on your phone, tablet, or even PC, simply tap or click on the image to see it at full resolution. Then long press or right-click to save the image. Let us know which one is your favorite, and be sure to share a screenshot if you use one of these wallpapers! Enjoy, and have a great weekend!


Push new Android Wallpaper to your Android device with our Pushbullet channel.


Orange


Pumpkins


Vermont Foliage


Leaves


Fall Path


Gourds








Nexus Player sold out… but not on eBay (update: it hasn’t cleared FCC)




Phandroid





Nexus Player sold out… but not on eBay (update: it hasn’t cleared FCC)



It’s not surprising that the $99 Nexus Player – the first official Android TV device – sold out in its first day. The price point makes it affordable for a wide audience, it has the “Nexus” allure, and it’s the type of thing early adopters dream about. Even limiting the Nexus Player to 2 per customer, they sold out well before 24 hours.


So, as is typical with such cases, we’re now seeing the Nexus Player on eBay for $150:


Screen Shot 2014-10-18 at 8.49.04 AM


The seller of the listing above actually seems quite reputable, with a 99.8% feedback score and 168 positive reviews in the past month (2 neutral, 0 negative). Then again, he’s not the only one selling it.


My first question: who is buying it? The Nexus Player doesn’t even ship until mid November and the likelihood that Google puts it back up for sale again is very good. Why jump the gun when you’ll likely save $50 and get it sooner directly from the source? And since there is a 2 unit limit, how do these sellers have unlimited devices to sell? That seems a bit fishy.


Nevertheless, if you’re looking to buy the Nexus Player right now, you’re met with the below dreaded message. Were you able to buy the Nexus Player before it sold out? Hit up the Nexus Player Forum on AndroidForums.com!


Screen Shot 2014-10-18 at 8.47.24 AM


UPDATE: We’re now being pointed to the bottom of the Nexus Player page to a quote that says the following:


This device has not been approved by the Federal Communications Commission.

It is not for sale until approval of the FCC has been obtained.


That seems like a rather large detail to overlook before initially putting it on sale for the first time… don’t ya think? Could that mid November shipment date be in jeopardy? Or is the NexP just about to make good with FCC folk and this is a mere technicality?








Jumat, 17 Oktober 2014

The Nexus 6 price debate, Android Lollipop on other devices, and more [From the Forums]




Phandroid





The Nexus 6 price debate, Android Lollipop on other devices, and more [From the Forums]



fromtheforums


It’s all Nexus this week (and a little bit of Lollipop and Note 4) over at AndroidForums.com. It’s no surprise these devices have everyone talking, and our new forums dedicated to the Nexus 6, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player are poised to become prime resources for future owners. Here is what’s on the minds of the masses.


Who pre-ordered the Nexus 9?


nexus-9-iggy


After it was finally unveiled officially on Wednesday, the Nexus 9 went up for pre-order today and we’re itching to find out who bit the bullet. The latest Google tablet will be built by HTC and is the first to run Android Lollipop. Are you an early adopter? Head on over to our new Nexus 9 forums to join the discussion, drop some knowledge, and chat with other soon-to-be owners.


Nexus 6 a little too rich for your blood?


nexus-6-domino


Is the $649 price tag of the Nexus 6 more than you expected? Will you still be buying? What if it sells at carrier subsidy for as low as $49? The high cost of owning the Nexus 6 has been a point of complaint for many potential buyers following the handset’s official unveiling. Here’s what else everyone is talking about:



Find all that and more over at our Nexus 6 forums.


Android Lollipop on other devices


Nexus Family 6 9 Player


Maybe you count yourself among those perfectly happy with their current Android device and not at all interested in picking up the Nexus 6 or Nexus 9. This week’s announcements were still cause for excitement with the official unveiling of Android 5.0 Lollipop. But when will it come to your device? That’s what everyone from Moto X owners to Nexus 5 holdouts are wondering. What about Android 5.0 on the LG G2? Ranting about it on the forum won’t make it happen any faster, but, hey, at least it will pass some time.


Don’t forget: Galaxy Note 4 now available


note-4-android-robots-phandroid


Lost in all this Nexus madness is the fact that the Galaxy Note 4 has gone on sale today. Did you pick yours up? First you will want to read our list of things every new owner should do. Then be sure to stop by our Galaxy Note 4 forums for all the, news, tips and tricks, accessory info and more. If you remain undecided, check out our rather thorough review for the lowdown on Samsung’s latest.


And more…



Come back next week for even more gems from Android Forums. In the mean time, register for an account if you haven’t already and take a spin around the place for yourself. You’ll never know what conversation you might stumble into, and it could just wind up here in From the Forums next week.








Leaked Samsung Gear S details reveal it will have its own plan on Sprint




Phandroid





Leaked Samsung Gear S details reveal it will have its own plan on Sprint



gear s info (1)


Whether you’re surprised that the Samsung Gear S, a standalone smart watch, would require a separate line of service depends on what you thought Samsung was promising. Trusted sources close to the matter have revealed to Phandroid that the Samsung Gear S will have a special plan on Sprint, and likely any other carrier it heads to once it launches.


As such, you’ll need a plan to tie it to and you have one of two options for achieving that:



  • a special $10 per month “connected device” plan that gives you 1,000 minutes, 1,000 messages and 100MB of data

  • a $10 add-on to a Family Share Pack plan that shares data, minutes and messages with all other devices


The leaked document was also careful to note that the Gear S won’t pull from its own allotment of text, minutes and data while in Bluetooth mode and paired with a smartphone as everything would be going through the smartphone’s line at that point. Sounds par for the course for a standalone smart watch so all we need is an actual arrival date (something we hope to hear about very soon now that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is out of the door).











Nexus 6 pops up on Google Play in 32GB and 64GB flavors starting at $649



Discuss Nexus 6 at AndroidForums.com!


nexus 6 google play


Google has just updated Google Play with some nice landing spots for the Nexus 6 phablet announced this past Wednesday. The device comes in two colors — Midnight Blue and Cloud White — and in 16GB or 32GB flavoring. As Motorola confirmed, the device begins at $649.99 for an unlocked 16GB model, and we now know that you’ll need to add $50 more if you want double the storage.


It’s worth noting that there is one SKU for the entirety of North America, so you’ll be able to order one without fear of it being incompatible with your network of choice. There will be a separate SKU for everyone not in America that should go up on those respective versions of Google Play in due time.


Of course, folks not looking to pay that $649 off-contract price can wait for pricing and availability details directly from the carriers. We know the device is headed to all 5 major US carriers this go-round, and we imagine there will be some installment payment plans and contract-based options for helping make this purchase a bit more affordable.


Google originally didn’t commit to a specific day for pre-sales and shipping of the Nexus 6 so there’s no clue when that glorious buy button will light up. The best estimate they could give us for pre-sales is late October, though, while the device is being stamped with a “November 2014″ shipping window. We’ll be sure to update you guys once pre-sales begin.


[Google Play]








Nexus 6 pops up on Google Play in 32GB and 64GB flavors starting at $649, but you can’t order it yet




Phandroid





Nexus 6 pops up on Google Play in 32GB and 64GB flavors starting at $649, but you can’t order it yet



Discuss Nexus 6 at AndroidForums.com!


nexus 6 google play


Google has just updated Google Play with some nice landing spots for the Nexus 6 phablet announced this past Wednesday. The device comes in two colors — Midnight Blue and Cloud White — and in 16GB or 32GB flavoring. As Motorola confirmed, the device begins at $649.99 for an unlocked 16GB model, and we now know that you’ll need to add $50 more if you want double the storage.


It’s worth noting that there is one SKU for the entirety of North America, so you’ll be able to order one without fear of it being incompatible with your network of choice. There will be a separate SKU for everyone not in America that should go up on those respective versions of Google Play in due time.


Of course, folks not looking to pay that $649 off-contract price can wait for pricing and availability details directly from the carriers. We know the device is headed to all 5 major US carriers this go-round, and we imagine there will be some installment payment plans and contract-based options for helping make this purchase a bit more affordable.


Google originally didn’t commit to a specific day for pre-sales and shipping of the Nexus 6 so there’s no clue when that glorious buy button will light up. The best estimate they could give us for pre-sales is late October, though, while the device is being stamped with a “November 2014″ shipping window. We’ll be sure to update you guys once pre-sales begin.


[Google Play]











GamePad for Nexus Player on Play Store for $39.99



We feel your pain: the Nexus Player finally hits the Google Play Store, you dash to your browser to pop it in your cart and purchase, but you’re met with the dreaded “We are out of inventory. Please check back soon.” Or, if you’re from across the pond, you might be told your geographical area isn’t becoming of a Nexus Player user.


But then up popped a Nexus Player accessory – the GamePad for Nexus Player – on the Play Store for only $39.99!


Screen Shot 2014-10-17 at 2.00.36 PM


Shucks! Also out of inventory! But wait… WE’RE IN!!!! Bought our limit of two, got our purchase confirmation, and unfortunately cannot order any more.


Screen Shot 2014-10-17 at 2.03.56 PM


Were you able to buy a Nexus Player? How about a Gamepad for Nexus Player? Head on over to the Nexus Player Forums and see who else was able to get in on the action!


 











Mobile Roar 66: All things Nexus, boring Apple events, and more!




This week Google dropped a NEXUS BOMB on the mobile tech world. Three new devices were announced: the Nexus 6, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player. We were also treated to Android Lollipop, and a big new marketing campaign for Android. Apple was also in the news this week with a very boring iPad event full of terrible Dad jokes. All of that, plus tons of viewer questions, in this week’s episode! Thanks for watching/listening!


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Wins/Fails



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MR show 66