Category: Android

Google Maps Update Bringing Improved Navigation

Over the course of the past few weeks it seems every team within Google has been pushing out updates to their respective apps. Google Maps is no exception. Last week we saw a minor update roll out, version 9.13 for those keeping score at home, and it looks like version 9.14 is just around the digital corner.

The updates to Google Maps 9.14 really focus on the navigation user experience when you first look for a location and the inclusion of Popular Times. Popular times provides you a chart of when a business tends to be the most busy. It is something Google has been working on for a while now and it is slowly rolling out across their services.

Google Maps for Android – Free – Download Now

The new Navigation UI is certainly something you will notice and I think likely will appreciate.

Android Wear Launched for iOS

Google has officially launched Android Wear for iOS, bringing the option of Android based smartwatches to iPhone users.  The release was announced on the official Google Blog and for those who have an iPhone running iOS 8.2 or higher, you now can sync your LG Watch Urbane with your iPhone and get all the features and functionality that you can on an Android phone.  It’s a big move for Google and it gives iOS users an alternative to the AppleWatch.

Interestingly, the integration of Android Wear and iOS is currently only available on the LG Watch Urbane which means that users of other devices won’t be able to sync up with an iPhone.  Google states in the post that further watches will support iOS.

Google Launches Google On for Android Ahead of OnHub Release

The Google OnHub, the Wi-Fi access point that has some amazing specs, is hitting shelves today and to mark the occasion, Google has released the Google On for Android app in the Play Store.  The Google On app allows you to configure and control your OnHub right from your Android Phone or tablet and acts as the primary gateway to the device.  Google’s vision for OnHub is to make Wi-Fi less painful at home than it has been in the past.  Part of that vision is a single app that allows for easy access and configuration.  That’s Google On.

Google On for Android – Free – Download Now

Chromebook Versus Tablet & Keyboard: No Real Loser – or Winner

Over the course of the past few weeks I have been using an Asus C670 Chromebook. I will admit that when I got the C670, I was expecting to not really like it. After all, why would I want another laptop device when I have my Galaxy Tab 4 8″ tablet and an iClever Bluetooth Keyboard (in the process of being reviewed)?

The answer frankly surprised me. I can see where and why I would want to use both in my day-to-day and I suspect that there are others out there who could as well. Ultimately I don’t think there is a clear cut winner or loser when it comes to Chromebook versus Android tablet. I think each have a strong use case.

OpenTable Update Brings In-App Profile Management

I am a big user of OpenTable and have been for a long time.  It’s a great way to make a restaurant reservation whether you are at home or on the road.  One of my biggest complaints however is the lack of profile management in the app for Android (or iOS for that matter).  Anytime I want to change my email address or password I would have to log into the OpenTable website to change them.  Thankfully that is no longer the case.

OpenTable for Android was updated today to version 5.0.0.1398 for those keeping score at home and the big news with this update is the ability to update your profile from within the app.  No longer do you have to go to the site to make these changes and the update is available for both Android phones and tablets.

OpenTable for Android – Free – Download Now

Cyanogen 12.1 for OnePlus Now Has Boxer Calendar

Earlier today the Cyanogen 12.1 build was released for OnePlus One owners. The update brings Lollipop 5.1.1 to the device along with several other changes unique to Cyanogen. One of those changes is the inclusion of the new Boxer Calendar app as the default calendar app.

For those who aren’t familiar with Boxer, they have for a long time produced arguably one of the better email apps for Android and recently released the Boxer Calendar app to complement it. The two apps interact well with each other and should provide a solid email and calendar solution for many users.  For those who don’t have Boxer Calendar and are looking for a good calendar solution for your Android phone or tablet, you can get it in the Google Play Store.

Boxer Calendar for Android – Free – Download Now

YouTube Launches YouTube Gaming

As the growth of online gaming has grown, so has the way people learn and consume gameplay.  Twitch has taken off over the past 18 months and now Google is getting into the gameplay watching fray.  Today they launched YouTube Gaming, an app and web portal dedicated to streaming video, videos and live chats to help gamers with over 25,000 different game titles.  YouTube Gaming has a dedicated page for every game, making finding content much easier as you look to watch or chat about a particular game.  The app and the service are both free and it leverages the power of YouTube.

YouTube Gaming for Android – Free – Download Now

Lollipop 5.1.1 Rolls Out to OnePlus One via Cyanogen 12.1

OnePlus One owners, Lollipop 5.1.1 is finally rolling out.  The Cyanogen 12.1 update, which is based on Lollipop 5.1.1 is starting to roll out via an over-the-air update.  The update is a rolling update so it may not be there for your phone just yet (I know my OnePlus One hasn’t seen it yet) so be patient.  It will be coming to you over the course of the next few days.

There are a lot of improvements, fixes and changes in Lollipop 5.1.1 that OnePlus One owners will benefit from and of course this will put you on the latest update of Lollipop which isn’t such a bad thing.

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