For a while now, speculations have been circulating about launching the much-awaited Blackberry Messenger (BBM) apps for Android and for iOS. Many rumors have pointed out that a version will hit the respective App Stores by the end of September. This date range could be accurate, as the application was submitted in iTunes Store a few weeks back

We’ve also reported that Blackberry scheduled an event on September 18th in Malaysia, where the applications may be announced. Also, at first it was thought that the event was taking place in Malaysia only, but Blackberry has since distributed additional invites for events on the same day in India and France as well.
Blackberry Messenger is a messaging application that is exclusively available on Blackberry devices, though versions for other platforms were announced earlier this year, without an official ETA. Blackberry for Android is already available for beta testers in Blackberry Beta Zone, and we’ve seen a Blackberry executive who shared some insights about the expected launch of BBM at a launch event in India – the end of September.
Will we see BBM for other operating systems on September 18th? Or is it the rumored Blackberry Z30? We’ll find out soon.

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Google has bought ne'er-do-well mobile app Bump in a bizarre move worth $40m.Bump The File Sharing app is similar with bluetooth and GPS.

The concept seemed sound enough - bump two phones together to pass data from one phone to another. Sound familiar? It should, because it's the same concept behind near field communications (NFC) in mobile handsets. However, the forerunner of NFC technology used by Bump works on a mixture of Bluetooth and GPS, meaning that best results are achieved if the following criteria are met:

1. Both parties have the app and have it configured.
2. Both parties have Bluetooth on, or better still have previously paired handsets.
3. Both parties have GPS on and clear line of sight to GPS satellites.
4. The wind is blowing the right way.
5. There is an "R" in the month.

 

 That wasn't surprising, as despite attracting corporate investment Bump never really caught on, meaning that finding another Bump user at the appropriate time was nearly impossible.
So what does Google plan to do with the Bump technology? Well, nothing initially, and service is expected to carry on as usual for the moment.
Clues might be found in the blog post announcement of Google's acquisition from Bump co-founder and MD David Lieb, who said, "We strive to create experiences that feel like magic, enabled behind the scene with innovations in math, data processing, and algorithms." Or then again, maybe not.

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Google is ready for their 2013 "Big" event in October which features Android 4.4 KitKat, next-generation Nexus 5 and expanded Chrome OS.

Android 4.4 KitKat
October 14 is the speculated official release date of Android 4.4 KitKat - major Android software upgrade - which will optimise all Android phones and tablets, old and new models alike. Google and Nestle made an agreement that will define Android 4.4 integrity similar to KitKat chocolate bars which are sweet, smooth, beautiful and addictive. Here are features pointed out by their Web site which includes:
-          Updated, refreshed and revamped user interface 
  Enhancement of the battery life
Wider global coverage among network carriers and network modes
-          Optimisation among old Android phones and tablets
-          Lightweight system and better performance
Meanwhile, here are some features collected by sources:
-          Firmware available for older phones
-          Fragmentation changes via screen re-sizing
-          Miracast updates
-          New Gallery Visualisation
-          New APIs regarding animations
-          Palette colour themes instead of the default blue Android
-          New Notifications Widgets
Android fans can expect add-ons from Android Jelly Bean such as Google Now, Project Butter, Actionable Notifications, Quick Settings, Bluetooth Smart, OpenGL ES 3.0, Daydream and more.

Next-Generation Nexus Smartphone
Thin body, narrow bezel, latest OS and upgrade camera technology are just some of what the Nexus  will offer consumers soon. The next-generation Nexus smartphone is also expected to be released on October 14, 2013 - same time with Android 4.4. It would be the first to run the latest major Android version which will be pushed later on to other Nexus owners before the year ends.
LG is probably the chosen manufacturer after the success of Nexus 4 and will impart similar G2 designs on Next Nexus . Some of the technical features include:
-          Android 4.4 KitKat OS version
-          5.0 inches of screen display with full HD resolution
-          2.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor
-          2 GB of RAM
-          13 MP camera with Optical Image Stabilisation
-          LTE connectivity
-          Bluetooth Smart aka Low Energy
-          2300 mAh battery unit

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Chirp, the clever app that lets you share pictures and more using ‘digital birdsong’, hits Android 

 

Chirp, an app that lets you share links and photos using short bursts of  ”digital birdsong”, has launched on Android.

Rather than sending pictures via messages, emails, social networks or storage services like Dropbox, Chirp lets you send links to webpages, pictures and other content to multiple people at once, provided they also have the Chirp app installed and open.
Interestingly, it also means that Chirp can receive data via sound too from almost any source, like a PA system, for example.
To mark the release, Chirp has partnered with Topshop for London Fashion Week and will be revealing exclusive images ‘Chirped’ from speakers hung in the trees of Regents Park for VIP guests at Topshop’s fashion show.

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Google Announced the next version of the Android to be Android 4.4 KitKat .We are expecting to come with a lots of enhaced feature in it.

10. Improved security
Despite its popularity, security is still a core problem for the Android platform. This is primarily down to the Google Play store being a infiltrated with apps containing malware malware, but isn’t the only cause.

Most recently, Bluebox Security discovered a “Master Key” flaw, which means that 99 per cent of devices vulnerable (900 million) can be hacked. A patch is being rolled out as we speak, it’s another major sign that Google needs to do more to ensure its devices are safer.

9. Performance profiles

We would like to see Google step up and offer a variety of modes built into Android, especially for its Nexus range. These will allow the user to save battery overnight, turn up performance when carrying using the device for gaming/multimedia and settings for in between.

8. Visual voicemail 

A native app would be useful to people who are frequently in meetings as they can quickly check whether a voicemail they have received is urgent.

7. Ability to turn off OEM skins on any device

 It would be good if Google built-in a master switch into Android, giving users the choice to switch off these OEM skins without having to root devices. 

6.Find my Droid

With the firm’s extensive mapping service, and GPS included into handset, it shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for Google to build this functionality into the heart of the OS.

5.Revamped messaging 

This is the feature which has been talked about extensively, due to information leaking. It will be interesting to see to how Google goes about tackling messaging in a world where apps such as Whatsapp dominate.

4.Offline maps and better control over location settings

Google already offers comprehensive guidance through its Maps and Navigation apps, but it does crunch through battery when in use.This feature would be welcome on Android so you don’t have all your apps sending off data. Of course it would help to save battery life too.

3.Improved battery life and performance

There are whispers that Google will upgrade the framework of Android to the Linux 3.8 Kernel. What does this mean for regular users? 
In short, such an upgrade should make Android less memory hungry. Devices should become more efficient as they gobble up less RAM for tasks and inturn this should result in improved battery life.

2. Enhanced multitasking

Android has been at the forefront of mobile computing when it comes to features such as multitasking. Users are able to run multiple apps at the same time and flick between them.It would be great to see Google take the initiative and make a multitasking feature like this standard across all high-end handsets.

1.Complete Android backup

Although it is possible to sync key features such as contacts and apps with a Gmail account – a full blown native backup is lacking from Android handsets.we hope Google will introduce something similar to this with Android KitKat.

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 Yet Another series of must have apps or you can download this season.

Dots for Android

Already a hit for iOS, Dots came to Android and Kindle Fire this week. Since its launch on iOS in May, the app has been downloaded more than 5 million times, and played more than 1 billion.

Yahoo Weather for Android

Yahoo’s beautiful weather app for iOS finally made its way to Android this week. The app incorporates images from Flickr into its weather forecast, showing you what a “cloudy day in New York” actually looks like. The app also includes 10-day and 24-hour temperature forecasts, interactive radar, satellite, heat and wind maps and animated sunrise and sunset times.

Gigwalk for Android

Gigwalk brought its mobile job service to Android this week. The app lets users pick up small jobs around their city that can often be completed on the phone itself. For instance, someone might be paid $5 to photograph a local business for a mapping company, or $10 to check the display of a particular product at their local grocery store.

Disney Infinity: Action!

Disney Infinity: Action! lets you create video clips starring your favorite characters from Disney’s upcoming Infinity console experience. The app uses augmented reality to bring the characters into your environment. Users get instant access to a clip in which Mr. Incredible appears to burst through the wall, and additional scenes — for a total of 30 — can be purchased within the app using coins earned from interacting with characters in the game portion of the app.

Nextdoor

 

 

Nextdoor, the social network designed specifically for neighborhoods, rolled out its Android app on Wednesday. The app connects neighbors, so they can easily discover what’s happening in town; that way, they can participate in activities such as organizing a neighborhood crime watch, helping find a lost pet or getting a suggestion for a repairman.

PayPal

PayPal updated its mobile app this week, allowing users to find nearby stores and restaurants that accept PayPal, as well as the ability to order ahead from restaurants. Around 1,000 restaurants will offer the service, with more expected to participate in the future.

GoPro

 

GoPro updated its app for iOS and Android this week. The new version of the app adds the ability to view photos and play back videos, as well as copy photos and videos to a GoPro album on your device.
The app already provides full control over all of your GoPro camera’s functions, as well as a live preview of your video, so you can frame it appropriately.

Zagat

 Zagat‘s app got a facelift this week, and now sports a brand new look.

The app's latest version also ditches the need for a Google+ sign-in, and adds restaurant menus, new articles and videos, as well as lists to help you plan an adventure. 

Are You Looking For More Apps Try the Last List Series and enjoy downloading 

9 Apps you should not have missed !

 
Think we left one off the list? Let us know in the comments.

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1. CalenGoo

CalenGoo integrates with Google Calendar and displays events in the same colors you’ve chosen on Google Calendar. Plus, it recognizes visible and hidden calendars.
Compatible with iOS and Android, the app lets you make changes to your calendar, even when you’re not connected to the Internet, and then syncs when you are.
The app also allows you to invite people to events, and integrates with Google Tasks for creating task lists.

2. Pocket Informant

Pocket Informant is a calendar and task management app for Android. The app's pre-made filters help you quickly find different tasks, and its built-in templates help to create different types of events and tasks. Its configurable interface — with over 100 different options — customize the app to meet your needs.

3. Week Calendar

Week Calendar gives you a quick overview of all your appointments for the week. Color-code individual events, link contacts to specific events, and share events with others via email.

4. Touch Calendar

Touch Calendar takes a different approach than some other apps out there — the entire calendar is viewable from a zoomable, scrollable interface, rather than several different calendar views. For instance, if you’re looking at a month view, you would simply zoom in to see by week.
The full version of the app also includes a widget to view your calendar from your phone's home screen.

5.Countdown Calendar

 Do you remember all of your life events that have been and are yet to come? Know how much time had passed since the end of school, institute or what's left to learn? How much time passed from your first meeting with his wife or the husband? How many seconds, minutes and hours you will not smoke or are on a diet? Know when it will be the birthday of friends and relatives to the alert? This application will be a vital tool in your business.
Now you can capture all of your life's achievements and victories!

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Google Earth for Android app now lets you rediscover all of your geotagged Google+ photos

If you’re the type of person who travels a lot and captures all of your photos with a smartphone, tablet, or other device with geotagging capabilities, the latest update to the Google Earth for Android app should pique your curiosity.

 
In short, it’s now possible to view geocoded Google+ photos directly within the app. Sign in with your existing Google account and tap the Earth logo in the top left-hand corner to bring up the sidebar. At the bottom, under ‘More Maps’, a new selection should appear for Google+ photos.
Small thumbnail previews will now appear on top of Google Earth’s existing satellite imagery. Tap on them once and the app will launch a full-screen slideshow detailing everything saved in that Google+ photo album or location. It’s a whimsical experience and a lovely way to peruse old travel photos.

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