If you were to randomly wake me up one day and tell me that today is Android’s (and the T-Mobile G1 that held the honors of being the very first Android device) 5th birthday. Has it really only been 5 years?
 A lot has changed, folks, and Android is no longer an infant.
It’s grown into a fine, stable and beautiful mobile operating system that is used to power not just phones, but tablets, set-top boxes, watches, televisions, cars, cameras, home appliances and more. It’s everywhere and on everything, and it came that far in just 5 years.
We’re not sure if Android could have ever grown into the powerhouse it is today without Google, the company that took a chance on Andy Rubin’s big dream. While the original godfather of Android is no longer with that particular team, we’ll never forget his contribution to the mobile world.

Android is still striving without Rubin, though. It’s because of its maturation that Rubin was finally able to let go of the reigns and let the awesome team that has been built around Android continue the movement. It started with one device, and now has been activated on more than a billion worldwide (and that number is growing every single day). Here’s to many, many more.

One billion activated phones since then, and Android is a completely different—and damned mature—animal. From its humble beginnings on an OK phone, Android has branched out to cameras, watches, even refrigerators. And there's no end in sight. 

more »

 

Many smartphone users are eagerly awaiting the next version of Google's Android OS officially called KitKat. Since the company announced Android 4.4 KitKat, there have been speculations on the features and the UI that the new OS will bring in. Now, has leaked images which it claims provide first look of the new OS.

 

 The alleged screenshots provided by a user show a revamped phone dialer and messaging apps on KitKat. The phone dialler appears to sport a lighter colour scheme in comparison to the dark one in Jelly Bean. There is also a new keyboard design and the status bar too seems to have lighter colour scheme for the icons, which seems to be varying depending on the application that is in use that time.

The messaging app too seems to have undergone a change with the icon on the main menu resembling a Google+ icon. The main app has seen its controls get shifted to the top right instead of the bottom setup that is there in the current Android version.

Tech junkies are speculating that there will be significant changes in the 4.4 version. However, the alleged screenshots don't show any functionality changes.

Android 4.4 Kitkat is expected to be released in October along with Nexus 5. Rumours also suggest that the updated version of Nexus 10 too would sport the new OS.
 

more »

week’s top 5 Free Android launchers are:
if you are unfamiliar with launchers, they are third-party applications that install over your stock Android home screen to give you a different look and feel. They bring boundless customization options to the table in an effort to spice up the sometimes basé home screen.

91 Launcher (free): Aside from the 91 built-in themes (hence the name) this launcher provides wallpapers, new page transitions, and quick drawer transitions. It has the typical widgets pre-installed like the clock and weather, but it also offers extended widget options like a flashlight and one-key garbage cleanup.

Buzz Launcher (free): One of the more stylish launchers on the list, Buzz Launcher’s biggest feature is the sharing, creation, and application of home screens. There are over 80,000 screens to choose from and one-touch upload for your own creations, and it is compatible with other customization apps.

Everything Home (free): Do not be put off by the fact that Everything Home is still in beta: this is the freshest new face on the block. If you type in sushi, your phone will instantly display relevant locations, apps, and themes. This same seamless adaptation applies to everything, even James Bond.

Go Launcher EX (free): This Android launcher has been around since the beginning and is currently the choice of over 100 million users. Enjoy buttery screen transitions, the 15 perfected widgets, and the over 10,000 built-in theme customization options.

Launcher 8 (free): Launcher 8 turns your Android home screen into the dynamic interface showcased on Windows-powered devices. You can add the live tiles like a Windows phone, but you can breathe life into the typical blue background by theming it woody style, or adding widgets as tiles.

more »

Google's Quickoffice apps for iOS and Android, that let users view and edit Microsoft Office files, are now free to anyone with a Google account.


Google is trying to make it easier for everyone to work together, even those who "haven't gone Google yet."
The company on Thursday announced that its Quickoffice mobile app, for viewing and editing Microsoft Office files, is now free to anyone with a Google account. Previously, the app was only free to Google Apps for Business subscribers -- everyone else had to shell out $14.99 for the pro version or $19.99 for the pro HD version.
As a bonus, Google is offering an extra 10GB of Google Drive storage for the next two years to anyone who signs up their Google account for the new Quickoffice app by September 26.



Quickoffice for iOS and Android lets users create, view, and edit Microsoft Office Excel, Word, and PowerPoint files on their mobile devices. The app is also integrated with Google Drive so files can be stored and accessed across devices.
Google added a few new features to the app as well, including the ability to create ZIP folders and view charts in PowerPoint and Excel. Google said people already using Quickoffice for Google Apps for Business can update to the new app.
Google acquired Quickoffice in June 2012 and has been expanding its availability ever since. While the company is clearly investing resources in the software, its long-term goals still appear aimed at transitioning people to using its Web-based productivity tools.
"Converting old files to Google Docs, Sheets and Slides is still the easiest way to share and work together, and we're working every day to make the files you convert look better," Alan Warren, engineering VP of Google Drive, wrote in a blog post.

more »

Google has removed apps from the Play store for a number of reasons, the most common being that they violate the company's policy. Once an app is removed, however, all hope isn't lost.

 

Here's how to do it:

Setting up your device

From your smartphone or tablet running Android 4.0 or higher, go to Settings, scroll down to Security, and select Unknown sources. Selecting this option will allow you to install apps outside of the Google Play store. Depending on your device, you can also choose to be warned before installing harmful apps. This can be enabled by selecting the Verify apps option in the Security settings. 

On devices running an earlier version of Android, go to Settings, open the Applications option, select Unknown sources, and click OK on the popup alert.

Downloading an app

The next step will be finding an Android package file, also known as an APK, which is the way Android apps are distributed and installed. This is where some people usually run into trouble. Never, and I mean ever, use sideloading as a way to pirate applications; doing so will likely result in your Android device getting a virus. You should only download APK files from trusted developers and companies.

For example, Grooveshark, a free online music streaming service, previously had an app in the Play store. After a dispute with Google, however, the app was removed. Grooveshark now offers the app on its Web site for users to sideload. 

The process

You can either download the APK file on your mobile device or on your computer, although the latter is a little more difficult. To get started, download an APK file using either Google Chrome or the stock Android browser. Next, go to your app drawer and click Downloads; here you will find the file you just downloaded. Open the file and install the app. 

If you downloaded the APK file on your computer, the process is slightly different. You must connect your Android device to the PC and enable USB mass-storage mode. The next step is to drag and drop the file onto your device. Then, using a file manager, such as Astro or ES File Explorer, you can locate the file on your device and install it.

Remember to be careful when downloading apps outside of official Android marketplaces like Google Play and Amazon's Appstore.

more »

 

Dots

 One of the new hottest mobile games, Dots follows the Candy Crush formula of matching three or more objects together. This deceptively simple-looking game asks players to remove as many dots as possible by connecting them with lines or by forming a square. Be forewarned, it will have you hooked in minutes.

It is available in both the Apple App and Google Play stores. 

10000000 (Ten Million)

If Candy Crush's plot isn't enough to hold your attention, 10000000 might meet your narrative needs. As you slide lines to create combos, your character avoids obstacles, unlocks treasure chests and fights monsters. It’s a puzzle game and dungeon crawler all wrapped up in one.

It is available in both the Apple App and Google Play stores. 

Color Zen

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and tranquil puzzle game, look no further than Color Zen. The game invites players to sit back, enjoy some calming music, and tap colored shapes together to make them explode across the screen. With bright colors and classic designs, this game proves that simplicity is beauty.

It is available in both the Apple App and Google Play stores. 

 Puzzle and Dragons

A mix of the puzzle and RPG genres, Puzzle and Dragons lets you fight mythical monsters by matching rows of colorful orbs. You can collect monsters, form a team and even raise baby dragons to go to battle as you play. With fantastic art design and challenging gameplay, what’s not to love about this app?

It is available in both the Apple App and Google Play stores. 

Can You Escape

 

The premise is simple: you must attempt to escape the room you’re placed in. With clues, keys, and puzzles littered around the 3D area, the goal is to find all the necessary items to break out of your fully furnished prison and head to the next one. Can You Escape is sure to sharpen your puzzling-solving skills, just don't try and use them to escape from buildings in real life.

It is available in both the Apple App and Google Play stores. 

  Bejeweled Blitz

 

The classic Bejeweled was one of the first games to use the match three style to take the Internet by storm, so it’s no surprise one of its many offshoots is worthy to download. Much like Candy Crush, you can link the game to your Facebook and challenge your friends or play offline to beat your own personal best.

It is available in both the Apple App and Google Play stores. 



Have a favorite game that didn't make the list? Leave recommendations for fun and addicting smartphone games in the comments below.

more »

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.

more »

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.

more »