Category: Android

BLU over the weekend announced that Android Lollipop will be coming to a wide range of their devices over the course of this summer.  In a post on Google+, the Florida based company posted that they will have the latest version for their devices in the May and July time frame depending on the device.  The news is good for those who have the devices, especially those on the mid to lower end where Lollipop upgrades from many OEMs are coming few and far between if ever.

While they carry a wide range of Android tablets already, AT&T has decided to enter the fray properly with their own device.  The carrier announced yesterday that starting May 12th online and May 15th in stores, they will be offering the Trek HD 4G tablet in their stores.  The Lollipop based tablet will be available for $49.99 on a two year contract or $10 per month on the 20 month installment plan.  The non-contact price is $199.99 which for the specs is about where it should be price.  The move is a bit of a surprise but goal of the carrier is to provide a premium device without the premium price.

For those of you who have a Motorola Moto X 2013 edition, rejoice.  Lollipop is coming your way.  Android Central has confirmed with Motorola’s David Schuster that the phone will be receiving the latest build of Android in a matter of weeks.  It is good news for those who have the popular device, especially in light of other manufactures not updating their 2013-era devices.

While a specific date was not provided on when the update will hit the Moto X 2013, it should be just a matter of weeks.

While every Android phone will come with a SMS app, there are plenty of alternative apps available in the Google Play Store.  One of those is from Google themselves, the Google Messenger app.  It is a solid alternative to native text apps, giving you both SMS and MMS capability in a clean, simple UI that is quite colorful at the same time.  I’ve been using the app for a couple of weeks now on my BLU VIVO IV phone and after trying several others, it has become my default texting app.  Here are my thoughts and review of the app which is free in the store.

Google Messenger for Android – Free – Download Now

The Expedia app for Android has receive a major update that brings several new features including the ability to plan and book events on your trips.  The new version 4.0 for those keeping score at home, also brings improved car rental filters and the ability to sign up and earn Expedia+ points.  If you use Expedia then this update is certainly one you need to get updated to on your phone.

Expedia for Android – Free – Download Now

Earlier this week I posted that Nexus 9 owners were teased with an update to Lollipop 5.0.2 and how it was a bit silly that other Nexus devices were seeing the 5.1.1 update like the older Nexus 7.  Well it seems that Google has been on the ball behind the scenes – or has been shamed at least – getting the 5.1 update ready.  It is dropping today and you should see the update on your device via an over-the-air update.