Do a little and Change a lot, with One Today by Google

A few weeks ago Google launched an app that seeks to capture the scaling power of mobile apps and the Play Store to combine it with charitable donations.  The app, named One Today has a simple premise; once a day you'll be shown a worthy cause presented by a nonprofit and can make the choice to give a $1 donation to said cause.  All of your donation goes directly to the cause (minus a 1.9% credit card fee).  These donations are fully tax deductible with your confirmation emails serving as donation receipts.  Also when you click the give button the app marks it as a pledge rather than a charge. A balance of each pledge is kept and the app will periodically notify you and request you approve payment.  And as a added bonus for those who would like to contribute a bit more. The app allows you to encourage your friends to donate and pledge to match their donations dollar for dollar (to a limit).

Right now you need an invitation to participate. And the app is limited to US users at this time, which are really the only drawbacks.  Well that and the fact that it's an Android only app at this time. It will be interesting to see if Apple allows the app in the App Store. As the company has a history of not allowing charitable donations through the App Store. Something it has been criticized about several times. You can request an invite from the site listed below or from directly within the app.  So what do you think? Are you going to jump on board to Do a little and Change a lot?


To learn more or request an invite, visit http://www.google.com/onetoday/

Click to download

Scan to download

[via The verge]

T-mobile takes new approach to wireless with Simple Choice

Today T-Mobile President and CEO John Legere took to the stage at a event in Manhattan to make a few announcements.  One of the biggest announcements was a seemingly new approach to business of being a wireless carrier. With the announcement of the Simple Choice plan T-Mobile is trying to take a more modern and 'simple' approach.

Following along with the announcement were a series of tweets describing the mindset T-mobile has as they make this move towards Simple Choice.  From what I can gather based on these tweets. Customers can look forward to No Overages, Anytime Upgrades, No annual contracts and Lowest out-of-pocket cost at activation .

 If you couple that with T-mobile's new "pay off" approach to it's newly announced devices this may be exactly what it takes for T-mobile to draw costumers away from competitors AT&T and Verizon both of which hit a fair bit harder in the wallet region. Ideally you'll walk into a store and get whatever phone you want for $99 down and pay off the price of the phone over the course of two years. (so no contract but still kind of a contract)

Here from the man himself in the video below.

Check out whats new at T-mobile.

What is Facebook build 141046?

I like many others today noticed a download in progress in my phones notification bar. I was immediately curious about the currently running download that I couldn't remember starting. Upon viewing the notification I became even more curious and a bit skeptical,  "Facebook (build 141046)"  This isn't the typical wording you'd see on a app update or download and lets not forget the previously mentioned but very important part about not starting this download! Automatic updates are turned off on all apps on my device and a quick check confirmed what I assumed, this wasn't an update from the Play Store.   So I did what most (I'd hope) would do and started doing a little searching.

I came a across a few threads on other Android sites and realized this was indeed something that others were seeing on several devices. Some users reported having noticed the download hanging in their notification area for hours and were seeking ways to clear the notification. A tip from some was to open download manger and 'Force  Stop'  the app.  This worked but the download would reappear later.  Turning on wifi seemingly allowed the download to complete and then you are given the option to install this new build.

As I said I'm a bit skeptic at this point, so I declined to install if it's an official update then fine I'll have a change to install later. Better safe than sorry.  But the real problem was the issue pictured above. Why would Facebook need to download files to or from my device without me knowing? After declining the install I a different notification about the downloaded update being ready to install started to appear.

I'm a little less inclined to think this is some form of malware and rather just a poorly instituted update from Facebook at this point. Facebook has a history of neglecting user privacy and settings when it rolls out updates. This download of which by the way seems to bypass user settings to only allow downloads while on wifi or to not allow auto updates to apps. But as I mentioned this isn't an update from the Play Store so it apparently doesn't have play nice with user settings. 

Basically this unprompted and self-downloading update, that didn't come from the Play Store, wants me to install it and give permission for future self installing updates that I won't know about.... I can't without any further info say that's it's malware but even if it's authentic I don't want it.

Android 4.2.2 rolling out to Nexus devices

Android 4.2.2 is rolling out to Nexus devices right now.  This is a incremental update to JellyBean  (4.2.) so nothing major here, just the usual bug fixes and performance improvements.  No real bells and whistles to speak of, most of this update will function behind the scenes. That combined with the fact that only a handful of devices are running 4.2 Jellybean this update isn't anything for most users to get excited about.  Here's a run down of  what we know about 4.2.2. so far. 

•  Prompted to allow the connection when connecting via adb to a computer for the first time,  This small security enhancement will help keep your bootloader locked device safe if you lose it. 
• App download notifications now shows time remaining.
• Quick settings have been enhanced. Users can now long press on the Wifi and Bluetooth icons to toggle the setting. 
• New sounds for wireless charging initiation and low battery alert. 
• Vibration for notifications is longer in duration
• New Gallery app animation allows faster loading.

[via Androidcentral]

Samsung ships 100 million Galaxy S devices

Samsung has announced that is has shipped a 100 million units of it's Galaxy S line Android phones worldwide.  Samsung made this announcement via Flickr. With this came the news that their Galaxy S3 is selling about 190,000 units per day.  Samsung has been a powerhouse in the android market ever since launching the original Galaxy S in March 2010. I'm sure Samsung has plenty to come in 2013


[via Flickr]

Browse Safely with Link Buster

If you spend any time on Twitter or Facebook you probably run across your share of  link spam in one form or another. And you may have even fallen prey to some.  By link spam we mean that obviously unusual post from your friend or individual that includes a shortened link of some kind. For example "I just made a ton of money just for completing this survey....(shortened link here)"  

This sort of spam/phishing can run rampant on social networks as individuals click links that have come from people they know and trust, who themselves received the link from someone they knew in one form or another. Accounts get compromised and more links go out to everyone in your contacts list, continuing the spread.  If you're lucky you end up simply passing along a dirty link and having to change your password. If you're unlucky, that link you clicked can begin a download of software that can do much more damage than simply annoying your friends.

  

At this point some of you are deciding that this just isn't something you'd fall for.  But anyone can make a mistake especially if someone helps you make it. What about html links elsewhere on the net that lead to sites other than what the link describes. For example. http://twitter.com/androidinspect  if you click that it takes you to our facebook page rather than the twitter but it could lead anywhere I want it to. Unless you hovered you might not catch that.

The issue being that  most of us know that you can get a peek at where a link is taking you by hovering over it and looking down at the status bar. (At least I hope you guys know that.) But on a mobile device there really isn't a "hover" equivalent. In fact since you're dealing with a touchscreen you can inadvertently click one of these "dirty links" just by navigating the site.  Not to mention some of the bugs and exploits that have been affecting android phones that visit malicious links. 

As far as your mobile concerns android has got you covered. Link Buster is an app that can open any link you click much like an alternate browser. Install if from the Google Play Store (link below) and when you see a link you're not sure about simply open it in Link Buster instead of your Browser.

After the link is open in Link Buster the full URL of the link is revealed along with the Web of Trust rating. The Web of Trust crowd sources is information from users just like us. It has a good reputation.

Having Link Buster appear as an option on every link you click may be a bit annoying for users not used to having multiple browser installed without a default set. But a moment of inconvenience wagered against never having to worry about a suspicious link is worth it in my opinion.

Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 live in Google Play Store

There has been a barrage of Nexus related news today, following the announcement from Google. And even though the live event was canceled due to concerns of Hurricane Sandy; there is plenty of Nexus goodness to share.  Some of which includes new devices, launch carriers, android 4.2 and app updates.

For  starters the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 have all gotten launch dates. And are live in the Google Play Store. Unsurprisingly the Galaxy Nexus and all it's accessories have been removed from the store.

The Nexus 4 by LG: lands on November 13th for $299 (8GB) or $349(16GB) and is slated to be available from T-mobile at $199 on two year contract.  The Nexus 4 features a 4.7 inch 1280 x 768 IPS display, a 1.5GHz quad-core snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB RAM,  8 megapixel camera and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera. And a etched layered glass backing. Along with this comes compatibility with Google's Wireless Charging Orb. And last but not least is the fact that the new Nexus will be totting Android 4.2

The already released Nexus 7 (16GB) is now back in stock $199 and the 32GB versions will be available in the Google Play Store November 13th. $249 - $299   Featuring a 7 inch 1280x800 HD display, NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-crore processor 1.2MP front-facing camera, 1GB RAM, 4325 mAh battery, Micro USB. 

The Nexus 10 by Samsung lands November 13th with the 16GB at $399 and the  32GB version at $499.

The 10 inch tablet will feature a Dual-core Cortex A15 CPU, 2GB RAM, Quad-core Mali T604 GPU, 5MP rear camera and 1.9MP front-facing camera, 9000 mAh battery, front facing speakers, Micro USB, Micro HDMI, two NFC chips, MIMO Wifi, Pogo pins and last but not least Android 4.2. Which many users will be pleased to know features multiple user support.

Check out the new Nexus devices on the Google Play Store.

See all the new Nexus devices in action in the video below. 

[via Google Blog]

Verizon Selling Your Personal Data: Opt Out

News has come out recently that  the Big Red cellular carrier Verizon is selling off the personal data of it's subscribers. An extra slap in the face to users who arguably already pay some of the highest phone bills on average in the US.

"We're able to view just everything that they do," Bill Diggins, U.S. chief for the Verizon Wireless


News of this action by Verizon has brought up question as to whether Big Red is in violation of wiretap laws.
Verizon is able to monitor app usage, browsing activities, geological location, and more. Verizon recently began sharing this information with third-parties. This information also includes basics like; age, gender, and location along with specifics like if a user is a sport enthusiast or pet owner and what Android or iOS apps are being used in what area as well as your social networking accounts.

"And that's really where data is going today. Data is the new oil."

Most cellular subscribers, particularly smart phone users have probably at one point or another accepted that their carrier can see their information. That just goes hand in hand with operating on 'their' network. Although having it all laid out and finding that they can see every individual website you visit and every app that you download  and are sharing that information with third-parties is another thing?

Wiretap laws make this sort of thing illegal right? Well that is unless you offer those being tapped an opt-out. This is the legal loophole that lets Verizon and other companies do this.  I'm not a Verizon subscriber so I'm unaware at this time if customers were notified that they could opt-out or if they were notified about Verizon's "Precision Market Insights" to begin with. But for those wanting to OPT-OUT click the following link.  http://www.verizonwireless.com/myprivacy


It's worth noting that opting out only stops them from selling this information not from collecting it.  Are you bothered by Verizon having this information? Let us know in the comments.


[CNET]

Android 4.1.2 OTA update rolling out.

Jean-Baptiste Qeru, Google's chief release engineer; announced today that  Android 4.1.2 was being released to the Android Open Source Project.  The update is 31.3MB in size and includes bug fixes, performance and stability improvements as well as landscape mode in the launcher. 

So far the update is live and rolling out to Nexus 7 devices with signs that the Galaxy Nexus and Xoom will be next up to receive the update.  All of this is of particular interest due to increasing plausible rumors of a new Nexus device coming in late October. A device spotted running 4.1.2.

(via AndroidPolice)

Android End of Summer Sale

Google is having a End of Summer sale and a lot of hit apps and games are on sale for only $0.99.
There are 18 app included in this sale and most are games.  No word on when this sale ends so if you see something you like grab it while you can.

Google Play Store

Amazon Unveils Kindle Fire HD tablets

At today's live Amazon event the Kindle Fire HD line was unveiled.  The Kindle HD Fire 7-inch, Kindle Fire 8.9-inch and a Kindle Fire HD 4G LTE version.   The Fire HD has a new laminated touch  sensor with no air gap giving us 25% less glare than the previous version.  Two WiFi antennas give the device additional signal strength.  A new feature; Whispersync Voice seamlessly transitions from audiobook to text while you read. X-Ray for movies will allow users to look up info on actors starring in the film they are viewing  via IMDB. Tap a persons face and it will bring up their profile.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7-inch
$199 - shipping Sep 14th.
7-inch 1280 x 800 touchscreen
TI OMAP 4460 processor
16GB / 32GB storage
802.11n 5 Ghz MIMO WiFi antenna
7.6 x 5.4 0.4 inches
11 hours batter life

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 - inch
starts at $299-$499  for LTE/32GB shipping November 20
8.9 -inch 1920 x1200 touchscreen at254 PPI
TI OMAP 4470 processor and imagination SGX554 graphics engine
16 GB / 32 GB / 64 GB 
9.4 x 7.31 x 0.34 inches
802.11n 5 Ghz MIMO Wi-Fi antenna

You can preorder the Kindle Fire devices now. 

NBC helps you gear up for the Olympics with two new apps.

Just in case you somehow managed to be unaware the start of the London 2012 Olympics is only a couple weeks away. This major international event will feature the top athletes from over 200 nations. And for the first time every event will be broadcast over the internet.

And thanks to NBC and Adobe we have a pair of apps to help us keep track of our favorite athletes and watch live events. The NBC Olympics Live Extra app will stream 3,500 hours of live video and 302 medal competitions. While the NBC Olympics app will  list stats, results, athlete profiles and include social interaction. As someone who in the past has tried in vain to keep up with all the Olympic on-goings, I'm glad to see these apps released.


NBC Olympics Live Extra

The Live Extra app will be your place to keep track of events and watch them live. 3,500 hours of programming, 32 sports, awarding of 302 medals and event rewinds.  And it gets better, "Live Extra will provide concurrent streams of select sports, such as gymnastics (each apparatus), track and field (each event), and tennis (up to five courts.)"  So during these events instead of being stuck on one main view that moves from event to event, viewers can select which streams dedicated to individual events such as long jump and javelin.  

To view most of the content you will need to log in through your cable or satellite provider. There is no additional cost. Once you do can browse the sports tab and favorite any sport that you want to be alerted about. The app will remind you of every individual event that airs of that sport. Or for a more specific listing you can click the schedule tab and get a detailed listing of each individual event with times and dates. From there you can select to be reminded about those events. In the favorites tab you



NBC Olympics

The NBC Olympic app is pretty straight forward. It functions as a companion app to the Live Extra app. Providing Olympic news, stats, results, athlete profiles and more. This app will function greatly to help users add a little more substance to the events they watch. Events that will contain many athletes that may be completely unknown to some viewers.

The apps are available for iPhone, iPad, iPod and some Android devices.
All that being said I'm seeing a lot of users comment on other articles about the apps not being compatible with their android devices. I can confirm that only one of my three devices is compatible.  Leaving my Galaxy Nexus my only way of enjoying these apps. And on top of needing a cable login the apps appear to be U.S. only. Hopefully with some timely updates these apps will be made functional on more devices, in time for the Olympic games.

Download NBC Olympics Live Extra from Google Play store. 

Download NBC Olympics from Google Play store.

Deal Alert: T-mobile Galaxy S III for $199.99

If you've been wanting to get your hands on a Samsung Galaxy S III perhaps Wirefly's latest deal is just what you've been waiting for.  Wirefly is selling the device at $199.99, $80 cheaper than T-mobile. And even better, this deal effective for new purchases and upgrades.




[Wirefly]

Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) Highlights from Google I/O 2012

Just a few days ago the 5th Google I/O kicked off. Android developers and engineers took to the stage to bring us the latest and greatest on all things android. Most importantly of which is the latest version of Android. 4.1 aka Jelly Bean. But before we dive right into the features of the latest Android build lets Take have a run through of some of the highlights from the day 1, Google I/O keynote.


Momentum:

• 400 Million total activations to date.  
• 1 Million android devices activated every day.
• "That's about 12 new devices every second every day."

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean:

Project Butter- 

• vysnc - For consistent framrates, everything runs in lockstep against a 16 millisecond vsync heartbeat. 
• triple buffering - added to the graphics pipeline for more consistent rendering, making everything smoother.
• touch responsiveness - reduces touch latency, synchronicity with vsync timing and anticipating where your fingers will be at the time of the screen refresh.  After inactivity applies a CPU input boost at the next touch event to avoid latency. 

Improved Homescreens - Widgets dynamically resize and respond to icons and available space on homescreens. Making managing your homescreen easier than ever. 

New Google Search experience. - offline voice typing, predictive keyboard

Input Languages - 18 new input languages

Accessibility - gestures and integrated brail support.

Camera - On the fly video and photo viewing. Swipe to view photos you just took while in the camera app. 

Android Beam - now includes photos and video. Simple Bluetooth pairing, just tap together.

Voice search - Powered by the Google Knowledge Graph. Now speaks back to you. And understand natural speech. 

Notifications - 

Actionable notifications -  No longer need to launch the app to deal with each notification. Return missed calls straight from the notification tray, +1 posts from Google +, comment on foursquare post All straight from the tray.  You can also

Expandable - notifications now can be expanded to show more information and content. 

Google now

"Smart phones are only as smart as you tell them to be. They rely on you to do everything. You have to enter a search query, type in a street address and ask for traffic in a particular area....Google now  gets you just the right information at just the right time."  Using search history, location history and your calendar to do this automatically. 

Traffic -  Learns your daily commute and can give you a faster route when you're in traffic. 

Public Transit - When you're near a bus stop or on a platform in a subway Google now can tell you when the next bus or train will arrive.

Places - Google now will show you places of interest as you walk.  And highlight notable info about places you enter.

Next Appointment - Helping you get where you need to be on time.  When you have a calendar event Google now will tell you when to leave based on where you need to be and how long it will take to get there based on local traffic information and how you plan to travel.  

Flights - Keeps you up-to-date on the status of your flight. Notifies you of any delays. When traveling provides interactive cards for conversion and translation.

Sports - based on your search info will keep up-to-date with real-time news and scores on your favorite teams. 

Google Play

• 600K apps and games with 20 Billion installs. 
• Worlds larest EBook collection with over 4 million tittles. 
• Apps are available in 190 countries with 50% of app revenue coming from in-app billing. 
• App Encryption
• Smart app updates - deliver only parts of the apk that have changed. 
• Movies now available for sale.
• Tv shows now available per episode or by season. 
• Magazines coming to google play. Including premium publications via subscriptions or single issue. 
• Added support for 20+ additional languages.