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Saturday, April 5, 2014

5 Best Android Icon Packs (2014)

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Undeniably one of the best features of Android is the amount of customisation available to users. It allows users to customise all sorts of stuff such as the keyboard, the launcher and even apps.
Another point of customisation are the icons. Android allows users to easily apply replacement icons if they don’t like the default icons provided by app developers. It’s a great way to add a level of consistency across icons and a great way to add a bit of style.

Flatee



I don’t know if it’s the simplicity of Flatee, but it is the current icon pack holding down my home screen. The 800+ icons are round, flat (of course), and somehow modern, yet vibrant in colors and design. There is no long shadow, but you do get a subtle dimensional aspect to the bottom of each icon that gives it a bit of depth.There are 9 wallpapers included with the pack, a simple dashboard app for applying the icons, and support on Nova and Apex launchers.
Play Link ($1.49)

Peek


Peek may not have the 1,000+ icons that some of the others on here can lay claim to, but what a great start this little 100 icon pack is off to. The icons are about as simple as it gets, yet show a light transparency with imagery from each app in the background. You have to look close to see the detail, but once you do, I think you’ll appreciate it. Talk about a cool effect, right?
Since it only sits about 100 icons right now, you aren’t going to find every single icon you’ll need. My suggestion would be to give it a shot, and then just sit back and wait for the full thing to be released, assuming that happens. Oh, it’s also free.

Lumos 


Lumos icon pack by +Kovdev features over 1500+ hand-crafted, squarish icons with curved corners. The icons have a flat matte look with a long shadow to the bottom right. Lumos icon pack also includes a cloud based wallpaper gallery, category based icon picker, custom docks, and a multi-featured dashboard application.

Play Link  ($1.99)

Vibe




If you were looking for an icon pack with dimension, some incredibly vibrant colors, and a squared-off frame, Vibe is all you. With over 1,350 icons, 10 of the best wallpapers I’ve seen in a while, and weekly updates from the developer, I’d say that this is an icon pack that could last you through a season or two.
Vibe works with all of the big launchers like Nova, Apex, Action, Next, Go, and more. It also comes with a handy dashboard app for quick applying or wallpaper downloading.
Play Link ($0.99)
Belle UI Icon Pack

Belle UI Icon Pack is well, really pretty! It’s super clean looking and bright, offering over 950 icons for all your favorite apps, plus it’s compatible with most launchers and is completely free. Though there isn’t a wallpaper included, the style of each Vector graphics-created icon goes well with the look of all of these launchers.
Compatible Launchers : Apex, Nova, ADW , Holo (Plus) , Action , GO...

Friday, April 4, 2014

Leaked Gmail for Android screenshots tip revamped UI

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Google is reportedly testing an overhauled design for its Gmail for Android app, if a bunch of leaked screenshots is to be believed. Reports also point to similar changes coming to a variety of Google apps.
Geek site has posted some purported screenshots of the Gmail's Android app that shows new features such as new tabs, snooze button and the option to pin messages.

The leaked screenshots from Gmail app show new tabs for finance, purchase and travel, which will join the already available tab options (forums, promotional, social and updates).
Notably, Google introduced the tabbed interface to Gmail in 2013 that received the slider menu featuring the category folders with colour coded 'smart labels' (forums, promotional, social and updates). The leaked screenshots of the Gmail Android app indicate that the search engine giant might be pushing an update on the lines of its tabbed interface.

Further, the rumoured upcoming update of Gmail is said to bring a new 'snoozing' feature that will offer users an option to mark an email as unread, even after reading it. The feature is expected to bring option to delay an email for a set of time, much like snoozing the alarm clock.
In addition, Google in an attempt to show the priority mails on top is said to be likely to introduce pinning emails option, which the Geek report claims can replace the star-based system in the current version.
The leaked screenshots also point to a slightly update to the current tabbed interface of Gmail for Android, not radically different. 9to5google in a report has cited sources that claimed that Google is 

also considering changes for its Gmail for iOS app, as well as various other Google apps.
The broad sweeping changes expected to come to the range of Google apps will reportedly focus on full page display of content, removing menus and other layout modifications. The report further claims that gesture and voice commands will swap some of the functionalities of the Gmail app. "It's like full screen email where they highlight one email at a time and you sort of cycle through them by snoozing them, archiving them away or deleting," elaborated the source.

Earlier, Google rolled out an update for Google Keep, Google Play Newsstand and Google Play Movies & TV with some minor tweaks.
Google, in March, started using encrypted Gmail service to thwart snooping.

New Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update Details

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Three new Android 4.4.3 KitKat update details have emerged today, teasing Nexus 7, Nexus 5 and HTC One Google Play Edition users ahead of the eventual Android 4.4.3 KitKat release.
Over the past two weeks, it has become clear that Google is working on a brand new version of Android 4.4 KitKat to replace the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update that first started rolling out in November. Leaks suggest that the update will be called Android 4.4.3 KitKat and that it will fix up a number of the issues that are currently plaguing Nexus users.
The Android 4.4.3 KitKat update has been all but confirmed for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 and rumors suggest that an Android 4.4.3 KitKat release could come sometime within the next week. Nexus users, especially those who have been dealing with Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems since last year are on edge.

New details have surfaced today thanks to the original Android 4.4.3 update leakster.LlabTooFeR, an ROM developer and known HTC insider shares three new Android 4.4.3 KitKat update details that tease users ahead of its release.

He claims that there is a brand new Android 4.4.3 KitKat build in the works. The build is called KTU84D which means that it’s newer than the KTU83 build that we saw emerge a short time ago. It’s a sign that Google is making progress with the update and that Android 4.4.3 KitKat is inching closer to its public release.
Speaking on the Android 4.4.3 KitKat release, he says that it will “probably” come sometime in April. In March, he claimed that the update would land by mid-April. A specific release date still isn’t known.
Finally, he says that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update will emerge for the HTC One Google Play Edition. This points to a release across Google Play Edition devices though that remains unconfirmed at this point.
Android 4.4.3 KitKat is shaping up to be a crucial update for Nexus users and perhaps, users on other devices as well. The update is reportedly coming with three dozen fixes or so that are aimed at stabilizing the Android 4.4 KitKat software ahead of Google’s next big software update, rumored to be Android 4.5.
The update is supposedly going to come with a fix for unstable data connections, improved camera focus (this is probably what LlabTooFeR was referring to in an earlier leak), a fix for random reboot issues, a fix for missed call LED problems, VPN fixes, and more. While the change log isn’t final until Google makes it final, it’s clear that the update is going to be a massive bug fixer for Nexus users. The unofficial change log can be seen right here.
Google probably won’t confirm the Android 4.4.3 KitKat well ahead of time which means that Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and other users will have to rely on leaks to track the update’s progress.

Facebook Messenger gets a new update introduces free Wi-Fi calling

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A new Facebook Messenger update is rolling out today bringing several new features to the table including the ability to create groups for those you message the most, forwarding of messages or photos to other contacts, and much more.
Probably the biggest change is that you can now make free calls over Wi-Fi. The option is also usable while on a data connection, though it isn’t necessarily recommended unless you have an unlimited data plan.
Here’s the full change-log highlighting what to expect in the latest update:
  • Groups: Now you can create groups for the people you message most. Name them, set group photos and keep them all in one place
  • Forwarding: Want to send a message or photo to someone who isn’t in the conversation? Just tap to forward it on
  • Conversation Shortcuts: Create a shortcut so that you can get to any conversation right from your home screen
  • Free Calls: Talk as long as you want and stay in touch wherever you are. (Calls are free over Wi-Fi. Otherwise, standard data charges apply).

The update is available now directly through Google Play. While Facebook Messenger isn’t exactly the best messaging platform around by any means, some of today’s additions could certainly make it at least a bit more useful.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

HTC debuts new HTC One M8

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After months of rumors and leaks that revealed almost everything there is to know about HTC’s new flagship smartphone, the HTC One (M8) is finally official. The vendor unveiled its sleek new hero phone during a press conference on Tuesday, taking the wraps off of what may very well be the most impressive smartphone that has ever been made.

 The HTC One M8's screen has jumped to 5-inches (up from 4.7-inches), but it retains its 1920 x 1080 resolution, dropping the PPI down to 440 (down from 469). We also see the expected virtual navigation keys, replacing the capacitive keys that previous resided down by the logo.

The biggest new feature is what HTC has branded as "Motion Launch," the ability to lock and unlock the device with a double tap on the screen or activate it with a single swipe. The phone will also auto-answer calls whenever you lift it up to your ear.


 Internally, the phone is powered by a Snapdragon 801 2.3GHz quad-core processor. It comes with 32GB of internal memory along with support for up to a 128GB microSD card. The phone also comes with 50GB of Google Drive storage for two years.

To differentiate itself from much of the competition, the new HTC One has two rear-facing cameras, its "Duo Cameras." The company has chosen not to give the phone's camera a resolution bump, instead sticking with 4 "UltraPixels." The strong low light performance returns, as do the speedy camera shots, but don't go in expecting to use this camera in situations where 2688 x 1520 isn't enough. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, has risen to 5MP.

The two cameras allow users to refocus shots after they've been taken, and with the two cameras working together, users are able to highlight a target while blurring the background. The phone can also use depth information to apply other background effects. HTC is opening its camera API to third-party developers.

 The HTC One M8 has a larger battery (2600mAh versus 2300mAh) that the company claims will provide 40% longer battery life. This can be extended further when combined with the phone's new power save mode.

One area where the HTC One trumps the competition is sound, and the new model looks posed to do the same. The device retains its two front-facing BoomSound speakers. HTC reports that the M8 should be 25% louder.
The handset's distinctive metal unibody returns, though HTC has added some variation. In addition to the standard silver model and alternative colors, a darker model offers a brushed metal look that changes how the texture looks.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Angry Birds Epic : a Turn-Based RPG ?

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After a kart racing spin off and another mystery title named Angry Birds Stella, Rovio has added yet another game and genre to its Angry Birds lineup with Angry Birds Epic.

Although still largely under wraps, early information for the game reveals it will take the form of an adventure RPG. 





According to Kotaku, the game will feature a turn-based battle system and 'extensive' crafting, typical to the RPG genre. A lone screenshot appears to show a team of birds facing off against a pack of pigs in a battle, with bars indicating their health.
A teaser image on Angry Birds Nest describes players' ability to "craft amazing battle-winning weapons like a wooden sword, frying pan or stick thingy with a sponge on top".
Players will also apparently level up their characters, armor and weapons as they win battles, and use potions to enhance their abilities.
There will be a "fantasy Piggy Island" to explore, and player classes including Mage and Knight birds. The game will be soft-launched in Canada and New Zealand this month for testing, ahead of a global launch later in 2014.



 - This comes after the firm teased the new game with a short teaser trailer :


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

HTC One 2014 detailed and specs

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The HTC All New One (2014), codenamed M8, is getting to be the worst kept secret in recent times. It's been leak after leak, the last one describing why there are two cameras on the back. There was also a lengthy video of it.
Now we've got our hands on the complete and detailed specs of the smartphone. We also acquired what appears to be a sales guide depicting the key features of the HTC One (2014) and how the company's representative plan on marketing them.

The HTC One (2014) will measure 146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35, making it a little thicker than its main rivals. Weight is set at 160g.
The screen will indeed be a 5" 1080p unit. The processor is quoted to be a quad-core 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 801, while the battery capacity will be 2,600 mAh. The SIM is said to be of the nano variety (like on the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s, Moto X, etc.) and there will be a microSD card slot to compliment the preloaded 16 GB of storage (10GB of which will b e user available).
There's no word on the camera resolution yet but the rest of the specs appear the same as last year's model - 1/3.0" size, f/2.0 aperture, 2µm pixel size, etc. suggesting the resolution could again be 4 MP. According to the guide the video capture is still 1080p and not 4K. There will also be a rapid improvement in the front-facing camera which will now pack 5MP sensor.


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Everything.Me Updates

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Following a beta program with the pre-release version of its software, EverythingMe Launcher is now available for everyone in the U.S., U.K., Spain and Germany. Building on the recent trend of homescreen replacements that dynamically change based on a multitude of factors, EverythingMe Launcher aims to personalize your phone.

 The new version of Everything.me wants to proactively show you information and apps you need when you need them. For example, you'll see your commonly used work apps when you arrive at the office, and before you head home for the night, you'll see the apps you use on the commute home, or the weather outside so you'll know whether to put your jacket on or carry it over your arm. The update also adds a "nearby" folder, which is surfaced when you're somewhere new that Everything.me doesn't know—and it'll pre-populate with information you'll need, like maps, nearby businesses, and so on.
EverythingMe Launcher is also offering universal search that covers your device, contacts, apps and the web all from one search box — type "news" for example and you'll be shown an RSS news reader app and then further links to places like CNN, The guardian or Forbes on the web.
This technology is certainly popular right now on mobile devices, and for good reason, many people are looking for a new way to have their phones do the hard work for them. EverythingMe as a company has gained some major recognition for this tech, and is even partnered with Mozilla for features on its Firefox .

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