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The cloud storage app Google Drive has been updated for Android devices, bringing with it several performance improvements along with improvements to the built-in PDF viewer.  The update, version 2.2.182.17.35 for those keeping score at home, is available now for all Android devices.

Google has indicated in the release notes that this update to Google Drive brings performance and interface improvements.  In my testing of this update this morning, the update appears to have solved some lagging performance.  I have not noted any interface improvements but it could simply be that Google is referring to these performance improvements of the interface and not changes to the interface itself.  Regardless, it does appear that the update makes the app a bit more snappy in performance on my BLU VIVO IV.

Google Drive for Android – Free – Download Now

Google has announced on their Product Forums blog that the Lollipop 5.1.1 update has begun rolling out to Android Wear devices today.  The update is obtained via an over-the-air (OTA) update and brings a wide range of improvements and features to these devices.  The four devices that will be receiving the update are the LG Watch Urbane, Moto 360, Sony Smartwatch 3 and the Samsung Gear Live.

Earlier today I posted that Microsoft had released a preview of their Office apps for Android Phone today. The new Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps are stand alone individual apps that are far superior to the old Office Mobile and are in line with the path that the company is making for Office across all device platforms. I’ve spent a fair amount of time today with each of them and wanted to provide some quick feedback on them to everyone who is on the fence about downloading them. First I’m going to take a look at Word for Android Phone and I’ll post similar quick looks for Excel and PowerPoint later on in the week.

Word for Android Phone is really impressive and if you have used it on your Android tablet you are going to find the experience very similar – exactly what Microsoft is trying to achieve.  Within the app you can create and edit documents on devices with screens 10.1″ or smaller but to get all the benefits of it, you really need an Office 365 account.  An Office 365 Personal account is $69.99 and available from the Microsoft Store or you can go with Office 365 Home where you can install the Office apps on up to 5 PCs or Macs along with mobile devices.

This is one that I personally take a lot of satisfaction in seeing. After indicating they were not going to update MLB At Bat for Windows Phone for the 2015 season, Major League Baseball has reversed course and has just released an updated version for the season.  We are 2 months into the season but I’m not going to complain. It is here and it is great.

Back in April before the start of the baseball season, MLB said they would not be updating the app for Windows Phone.  I was plenty critical of it as a baseball fan and Windows Phone fan.

@MLB shame you have left out us #WindowsPhone users. We too want to be able to follow our favorite teams on the go @Rockies

— Clinton Fitch (@ClintonFitch) April 5, 2015

At the time, it was the latest in a long string of apps that support for Windows Phone had been dropped (Bank of America, I’m STILL looking at you) and while I appreciated that Universal apps would be coming in Windows 10, it was frustrating as a baseball fan.  Now, it seems, all is right with the world.

MLB At Bat for Windows Phone – Free (In-App Purchases) – Download Now