Category: Android

Like other social networking apps, Instagram is now making an effort to show you trending topics and other dynamic content quickly and easily.  The new features, available only in the US, come as part of an update to the app for Android and allows you to see this new content in the completely revamped Explore tab of the app.  The new 7.0.0 version for those keeping score at home, sports an entirely new Explore tab where you will see trending tags and places.  This content is dynamically updated to give you a real-time look at what’s happening nearby. And while it is for US users of Instagram, this content is updated globally no matter where you happen to be in the world.

Instagram for Android – Free – Download Now

AT&T customers here in the US have a new update to the myAT&T for Android app that brings several new features to them.  The update, version 4.5 for those keeping score at home, brings the ability for account holders to create custom notifications within the app when you are approaching your data limit each month. It can be configured for individual plans as well as family plans and makes you full aware of when you are approaching your monthly allowance.  It’s a great way to stay on top of your bill before it is too late.

myAT&T for Android – Free (Must be an AT&T customer) – Download Now

Microsoft’s continual update of their apps for Android continues and the big news today is concerning OneDrive.  The cloud-based storage app OneDrive for Android has been updated to version 3.2 for those keeping score at home and now has the ability to cast your photos and files to your television via Chromecast.  It is a sign that Microsoft’s commitment to Android remains strong but also another app in the ever-growing Play Store that supports Chromecast.

OneDrive for Android – Free – Download Now

I’ll start this post with both a confession and admission for the sake of full disclosure.  I’m a big fan of OnePlus.  I have been carrying the OnePlus One now as my primary phone for over a month and it is without question one of the best smartphones I have ever used or reviewed in my 15 years of writing such pieces.  The design works. The OS works.  The camera is awesome.  It is overall just a great device.  So I write this from a slight fanboy perspective but I also write it from a business professional.  My day job has me continually reviewing business plans, product roadmaps and talking to companies who what to have an alliance with mine.  It’s a full time job, trust me.

So it is with this dual vision that I write this post about the critical need by OnePlus of having their follow up device, the OnePlus 2, be a success.  The Chinese company can’t simply have a “similar success” nor can they have some of the distractions they had with the release of the OnePlus One – namely the much maligned invitation system. No, to be considered a top player in the Android phone space, the OnePlus 2 has to be a critical and public success with a capital BIG. It’s easier said that done and clearly the OnePlus team is very much focused on making sure their second release is does not suffer from a Sophomore Jinx.

There are three reasons in my view why the OnePlus 2 has to be a big winner for the company: Proving the success of the OnePlus One was not a “one-hit wonder”, long term financial viability of the company and third, to be considered a major and serious player in an already crowded Android market.  Can they pull it off?  If the OnePlus One is any indicator then the answer is a resounding yes.  But history does not always repeat – in fact, rarely does it.

For those who have the AT&T version of the Nexus 6, it’s a good Wednesday morning for you.  The Lollipop 5.1.1 update is starting to roll out from the US carrier, following in the footsteps of Sprint and US Cellular who have already released the update (see my article on why I think Android Lollipop updates are broken and this delay is a good example).  The update is coming via an over-the-air (OTA) update and is 81MB in size according to the AT&T site. Interestingly, the site also points out that the OTA update will slowly ramp up over the course of the week.  That means if you check for an update on your Nexus 6 and don’t see it, try again later as it may just not be to you yet.

The collage making app Layout from Instagram has been updated today, bringing with it the ability to access your photos from your Google+ or Dropbox account.  The app is a relatively new photography app that allows you to put together a photo collage and share it on Instagram.  The latest version, build 1.1.1 for those keeping score at home, leverages your Instagram account so there is no separate sign up required.  The app is also free.

Layout from Instagram – Free – Download Now