Category: Android

Editor’s Note:  This post is concerning a feature in Android N.  As this new version of Android is still in development, the features described in this post could change between the time of the writing and when it is released to the public in the summer of 2016.

One of the exciting changes that appears to be coming in Android N is the way that apps are optimized after a system level update.  The change means that you will be able to access apps on your device faster than you currently can with Marshmallow, albeit with them running a bit slower.  The change means that when you update your device with an update to Android itself, you should be able to use your phone much faster than you can today with Lollipop or Marshmallow.

If you have a Nexus 5 or a Nexus 6 and have rooted it, depending on the app you used, your phone could be vulnerable to an elevated privledges in the Linux kernel of Android and the Google team have released a patch to address the issue.  To be very clear folks, this only impacts you if you have a rooted device and used a particular rooting tool to make it happen.  In the security bulletin on the subject, Google does not release the exact name of the tool that creates the problem but has been able to repeat the issue on these two devices – thus the update.

Shazam has rolled out an update to their app for Android that has an interesting tie to Google Play Music.  With this update, when you are having the app listen to the music that is playing around you, it will provide you a link to purchase that song from within Google Play Music.  This complements the ability the app already has to buy music through Amazon Music and other services but it appears now that Google is the path they want you to go.

Good news for those of you have a Samsung Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge on the T-Mobile network.  The March security update for Android is coming your way starting today via an OTA update.  The update is small, sub-50MB, so it won’t take you long to download it although a restart is required of your phone during the update process.  Once it is completed, you will be on the latest-and-greatest Marshmallow build.  The versions you are looking for is G930TUVS2APB8 for both devices and T-Mobile is saying everyone will have it between now and March 25th.

Google has released an update to the OnHub app for Android that brings you historical data on your network connection testing.  The update you are looking for is version jetstream-BV10057_RC0007 for those keeping score at home & who like Google Version Naming Bingo and it is available now in the Google Play Store.  The OTA is also rolling out so you should have the update soon if not already.

If you read my review of OnHub, you know that you can do some testing of your network connectivity within the app to give you an idea of what your download and uploads speeds are through your ISP.  The idea is to see how close you are getting to what you are paying for through your provider.  This particular part of the app I was critical of in my review because the results were wildly inaccurate.  That, it seems, has been resolved in this update as well.

The 2016 Formula One season kicks off this weekend in Melbourne, Australia in what promises to be an interesting season.  Mercedes has dominated F1 the last couple of years but all eyes are on Ferrari as they look potent in pre-season testing while Williams, Force India and Red Bull scrap to stay in the hunt each weekend.  And don’t forget that in 2016 there is a new F1 team from America:  HaaS F1.  Whether you are an old fan like me or new to the sport, the Official F1 app for Android is a must-have app.  Regardless if you use the free version of the app or get the extra benefits of the premium monthly service, there is a wealth of information about the teams, drivers, and news from around the paddock with the premium service bringing some great live action and radio at each race.  Overall it is a solid app but there are a few things that could stand a bit of improvement. Here is my review.