apps

311 'apps' stories May 2011 - April 2014

Frontback now available for Android

Mark Hearn Apr 16 2014 - 11:07 am PT

In what might sound like a throwback to 2009, a popular iOS app just made the jump to Android. After a nine month run on Apple’s mobile platform, Frontback is now available to download from the Play Store. Since you’re probably not familiar with this fairly popular camera app, allow us to bring you up to speed. As suggested by its name, Frontback uses a device’s front and rear-facing cameras to snap two pictures at the same time.

In addition to capturing subjects and selfies, the app lets you add short captions to your photos and share them across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and Frontback’s in-house feed. Sure, a similar feature is pre-installed on most Samsung smartphones, but now everyone can join in on the fun.

Google Play still tops App Store in downloads, slowly narrowing revenue gap

Jonathan Kizer Apr 16 2014 - 9:36 am PT

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The Play Store continues to hold a growing advantage over Apple’s App Store in terms of sheer downloads, according to the most recent App Annie report (via TechCrunch). More importantly, Google’s mobile app store is slowly narrowing the revenue gap that exists between the two platforms. While Google passed Apple’s App Store in terms of downloads last year, a major gap remained in the revenue that both platforms generated for developers. While Android still lags behind iOS in this department, it seems that the two are slowly reaching parity. Last year’s indexed revenue for the Play Store was ranked at about 40; as the above chart shows, it’s climbed to be just above 50.

Google Play led the iOS App Store in downloads by approximately 45% in Q1 2014, up from 35% in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the iOS App Store maintained its comfortable advantage in revenue, leading Google Play by 85%. However, Google Play continued to narrow this revenue gap. The gains for Google Play come as Android devices extended their lead in worldwide device installed base.

Google Play saw revenue growth in the United States, which helped it to close the gap. Additionally, Android saw strong download growth around the world. iOS continued its growth in the US, as well as in China — traditionally a stronghold for Android device, albeit devices without access to the Play Store. Apple’s platform also saw strong growth in Vietnam and South Africa, among other smaller countries.

The takeaway? Both ecosystems are strong, and getting stronger.

Plex media server app for Android temporarily $0.99 at Amazon, down from $5

Apr 2 2014 - 6:40 am PT

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From 9to5Toys.com:

The Amazon Appstore for Android has dropped the price of Plex, the popular media server software, down to just $0.99. As a pricing comparison, it carries a list price of $4.99, which both Google Play and the iTunes App Store are currently charging. It could be a coincidence, but it’s worth noting that this discounted rate popped up on the Amazon App Store on the same day its set to unveil its long-awaited streaming media player. Plex recently added Chromecast support for all iOS and Android users. There’s no word on when this promotion will end so get downloading!

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Galaxy S5 apps leaked online ahead of phone’s April release, work on other devices

Mike Beasley Mar 13 2014 - 3:12 pm PT

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Even though the phone won’t be released until next month, some of the Galaxy S5’s apps have been leaked online and can be installed on current Samsung devices, according to Android Police. The apps leaked include S Note, S Health, S Translator, the hardware managers for both the Galaxy Gear and the Gear Fit, Samsung Watch ON, and for all you math enthusiasts, the Calculator app.

The apps can be downloaded from the XDA thread where they were leaked, though it seems that some of them (specifically S Health) aren’t actually functional on older devices. Installing some of these packages will require a rooted phone so that old versions of the apps can be removed and replaced by the updated versions.

Instagram for Android now twice as fast and half the size with refreshed design

Zac Hall Mar 11 2014 - 10:48 am PT

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Instagram announced today it that it has not only refreshed the design of its Android app, but that it has cut the overall size of the app in half while making the profile screen load twice as fast. According to Instagram, the new design makes more considerations for how it presents photos with devices with smaller screens in mind as well as button placement with larger displays in mind.

Instagram 5.1 is available today on the Google Play Store.

Google celebrates 2nd anniversary of Play Store with discounts on apps, music, and more

Mike Beasley Mar 4 2014 - 5:25 pm PT

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When Android first hit smartphones, it shipped with the Android Market, a storefront for downloading apps. Two years ago, however, Google decided to replace the Market with the new, revamped Google Play Store. The new store would house all of Google’s offerings, from music and videos to books and Android apps. You can even buy a new phone through the store these days.

Now, to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the launch, Google is giving users discounts and sales on movies, music, apps, and more store-wide. A special page has been setup that will list the various discounts you’ll be able to take advantage of during the sale.

The promotion isn’t yet running in the United States, but should be available soon.

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New leaked docs show NSA collects personal data from smartphone apps

Jordan Kahn Jan 27 2014 - 11:49 am PT

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New documents leaked by Edward Snowden and reported by The New York Times, The Guardian and ProPublica detail how the NSA and its British counterpart can collect users’ personal data through smartphone apps. The reports specifically mention popular apps like Angry Birds, Twitter, Google Maps and Facebook and claim the NSA is capable of intercepting information ranging from location, age, and sex of users to address books, buddy lists, phone logs, geographic data and more:
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Fewer than 0.01 percent of mobile apps will be financially successful by 2018, predicts Gartner

Ben Lovejoy Jan 14 2014 - 4:29 am PT

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If developers are finding it difficult to make money from apps today, things are only going to get tougher, according to a forecast by Gartner (via TechCrunch). Looking at the period through to 2018, Gartner predicts that fewer than one in 10,000 apps will be considered financially successful by their developers.

“The vast number of mobile apps may imply that mobile is a new revenue stream that will bring riches to many,” said Ken Dulaney, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner. “However, our analysis shows that most mobile applications are not generating profits.”

While this may not necessarily be a bad thing for major brands, who Gartner note may use apps to build brand recognition and product awareness, small developers have a much harder time getting their apps noticed, as consumers increasingly turn to recommendations and advertising to make their selections.

Gartner predicts that by 2017, 94.5 percent of apps will be free or freemium, suggesting that advertising and in-app purchases will become an increasingly important source of income. The company also expects browser-based apps to grow in popularity as the HTML5 standard matures.

What’s your favorite Chrome, Android, Google app of 2013?

David Beren Dec 5 2013 - 9:26 am PT

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As December continues to tick away and as we look back at 2013, I’m about to cleanse my smartphones (plural) and kick out all the apps I haven’t touched in months. There’s little question that this year has been chalk-full of all-star apps and even some duds. It’s tough to narrow down all my favorites of the year especially when you factor in some app updates that made at least one or two of my favorite apps jump from the second or third page right up to my first page of apps.

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Twitter announces upcoming Android app update with new search filters (update: available now)

Sarah Guarino Nov 19 2013 - 2:30 pm PT

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Update: the new version is available now.

Today Twitter has announced they will be updating their official app for Android, making it easier to discover what is happening on the microblogging network. The update adds new search filters that allow you to quickly navigate to specific people and Tweets. The filters also allow you to toggle between all relevant Tweets and only the most popular “top Tweets.”

Filters will also allow you to filter by different media types, such as photos and videos. There’s also an option to see Tweets only from the people you follow. The update includes includes a new timeline in the Discover tab that makes it easier to see what’s currently trending. This trending timeline will show topics that are associated with nearby events and TV shows.

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Twitter rolling out Android alpha program, only allowing current beta users access

David Beren Nov 8 2013 - 6:11 am PT

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Twitter is sending out notifications to current members of its Android Experiment Google Group inviting them to take part in a new alpha program. For the moment, the alpha program is only open to members of its current beta group which opened up in August of this year.

Beta users have been using early versions of Twitter since August often receiving buggy versions of an app that changes frequently. The note sent to users invites them to try the Twitter app at the earliest of stages providing “an opportunity to provide direct feedback and collaborate with us via a forum, so you can take a more active role in testing out bugs.”

Twitter highlights that it is only accepting users from inside the beta program: “We’ll be accepting requests to join on a first come, first served basis, and we’re turning first to you and other members of the Android Experiment Program.”

So, Android Twitter app beta testing people’s, have you checked for an invite?

via TheNextWeb

Swiftkey updates user favorite keyboard software, introduces “layouts for living”

David Beren Nov 6 2013 - 5:02 am PT

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Oh hi new Swiftkey update, the Android keyboard that I love so much I’d download it twice. The developer just alerted customers that a new version of the software is now available on the Play Store and “rethinks how you interact with your keyboard.” The newly update keyboard software introduces “Layouts for living” which allows you to “undock” Swiftkey “from your screen, resize it and present it in a compact, split thumb-typing or regular style.”

The company hopes the new features will allow you to get more from your mobile devices, “regardless of the context you’re typing in.” The new edition is now available to download in Google Play and is a free update for existing users. The new version gives you access to three keyboard layouts, all of which can be resized, and undocked and positioned where you choose on your screen.

The three new keyboard layouts:

Compact: On many larger phones it can be difficult to enter text and hold the phone with just one hand. This new feature reduces the width of the keyboard and allows for easier typing with one hand or gesture typing using SwiftKey Flow. It also frees up more of the screen estate on tablets. You can switch it from the left or right side of the screen
Thumb: For those who like typing on tablets in landscape or wide phones, the keyboard can be split into two areas, enabling fast, comfortable typing with both thumbs. Undock it from the base of the screen for even more flexibility
Full: The traditional full-width keyboard is still available and users with tablets can opt for an extended layout that is similar to the presentation of a physical keyboard. This layout has left and right cursor keys and the backspace is positioned above the enter key, making it easier to type with two hands when not holding your tablet]

As well as the new layouts, SwiftKey 4.3 also includes:

Choose from 5 sizes to get your keyboard the perfect size for you
Undock your keyboard and position it where you choose on your screen
Rearranged and optimized secondary (123) and tertiary (symbols) layout, based on extensive user testing
A new theme: previously SwiftKey and SwiftKey Tablet had two different themes called “Dark”. Both are now available on phones and tablets, with the tablet “Dark” renamed as “Forest”
Extended layout for tablets, including left and right cursor keys
All 4 cursor keys (up, down, left, right) are now available on the secondary (123) layout on tablets – phone users can still choose to have cursor keys on the main layout
10-inch tablets can choose to have a central numpad in the thumb layout in landscape
Combined phone and tablet app to give a seamless experience across all device sizes

Google to track mobile app usage via Mobile Meter app

Ben Lovejoy Oct 15 2013 - 6:09 am PT

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Image: digitallifeplus.com

Google has confirmed it’s working on a Mobile Meter app for both Android and iOS to allow it to monitor how smartphone owners use mobile apps. But no need for any privacy panicking: the app will be available only to those who have opted in to Google’s Screenwise paid market research panel, reports Engadget.

The Mobile Meter apps will replace an older method that allowed panelists to participate, helping Google measure media consumption across all screens but with more accurate results on mobile. Both the Android and iOS apps will be submitted to their relevant app stores in the near future, although only panelists will be able to actually use them …
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Google investigating “Package File Invalid” error preventing Google Play updates/downloads

Jordan Kahn Aug 13 2013 - 12:46 pm PT

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It seems an increasing number of users have been experiencing the old “Package File Invalid” error when attempting to update or download apps from Google Play. While it’s not the first time users have experienced the issue, it does appear that more and more users in recent days have been unable to workaround the issue in order to update and download apps. Good news if you’ve been having the problem, AndroidCentral points us to a Google support thread that confirms the company is investigating the errors:

We’ve received reports that some users are getting “Package File Invalid” while trying to download or update apps.

We’re currently investigating a permanent solution, and there are no workarounds at this time.

We’ll continue to update this page with developments, so check back soon.

U.S. Government proposes new privacy ‘rules’ for apps

Ben Lovejoy Jul 26 2013 - 7:35 am PT

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Image: technotin.com

App developers may soon be asked to tell us what data they collect, and how it is used, under a set of government proposals released today (via TNW).

The US government’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration today issued its first draft of what will be a mobile apps code of conduct intended to better protect consumers and their privacy. If made final, policy states that publishers must provide consumers with “short-form” notices in multiple languages informing them of how their data is being used […]

Just so that there’s no doubt about what “data” means, the government entity specifically says it includes biometrics, browser history, phone or text log, contacts, financial info, health, medical, or therapy info, location, and user files …

There is rather more doubt, however, about how effective the proposals might prove …
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Google Play now featuring some of the best designed Android apps

Chance Miller Jul 4 2013 - 7:30 am PT

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In a blog post on the official Android Developers site, Google has announced a new section on the Play Store dedicated to showcasing some of the best looking Android apps. The keys to having your app featured, according to Google, are smooth transitions, crisp typography, a clear layout, and subtle design touches.

Attention to detail makes an app truly beautiful: transitions are fast and clear, layout and typography are crisp and meaningful, and design touches that delight you in surprising ways are sprinkled throughout. Today, we’re publishing a new Beautiful Design collection on Google Play, which highlights 11 beautiful apps with these kinds of masterfully crafted design details.

Included in the collection are the following apps:

Pattern – An app for discovering wallpapers
Pocket – A service that lets you save articles for reading later
Eye in Sky Weather – A weather app
Grand St. – A service that aggregates beautifully designed hardware
Pinterest, Expedia Hotels, Flipboard, New York Times, Timer, and TED
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Amazon launches ‘Login with Amazon’ sign-in service for Android, iOS & web

Jordan Kahn May 29 2013 - 7:55 am PT

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Amazon is announcing today the roll out of a new service called “Login with Amazon” t0 allow developers to easily offer an Amazon sign-in option in their apps, games, and websites. Amazon says in a trial with Zappos.com customers chose to sign in using the Login with Amazon service about 40 percent of the time, while a trial with Woot found customers using Amazon sign in “had the highest rate of order conversion”:

“Login with Amazon enables app developers and website owners to leverage Amazon’s trusted sign-in solution, allowing them to focus on providing a great experience for their customers,” said Michael Carr, Amazon Vice President, eCommerce Services. “Amazon customers now have a hassle-free way to quickly and securely sign-in to apps, games and websites, without having to remember yet another password.”

Amazon is making the service available free of charge to devs and has SDKs for both Android and iOS available to download through its new login.amazon.com website.

Google Drive offline now lets you create & edit drawings, automatically access Docs, Sheets & Slides

Jordan Kahn Apr 25 2013 - 12:28 pm PT

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On top of rolling out some new features to Google Drive earlier this morning including profile pictures and one-click group chat, Google also just announced some new additions to Drive’s offline mode.

When using Google Drive in offline mode, users will no longer have to worry about what files have been made available offline. Google will now automatically make Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides available offline as long as you have enough storage. Users will also now be able to create and edit drawings in offline mode.

The new offline features will be available to users in the coming days alongside the new group-chat and profile pictures features.

Google uses its Android scale to increase charitable giving with One Today app

Seth Weintraub Apr 18 2013 - 7:59 pm PT

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Google is heading toward 1 Billion Android users and two million in the next few years. Imagine if Google could harness a few tenths of a percent of that to give to charity. That’s the idea behind the One Today project. It’s a social giving project which is invite only at the moment but one ramped would seem to have a powerful affect on giving, if Google can get people involved.
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Pebble Watch SDK goes live, new watch faces and apps to come

Alex Allegro Apr 12 2013 - 12:52 pm PT

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Pebble, the E-Ink smart-watch for iPhones and Android devices which raised over 10 million dollars on Kickstarter is about to get a lot of new features. Today, Pebble announced that the watch SDK is being released today. The SDK will allow developers to create custom watch faces, alerts and new apps.

At the moment, there’s less than 10 available watch faces and only one app, but expect those numbers to grow dramatically now that developers can get their hands on a public SDK.
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Google confirms redesigned Google Play Store, begins rolling out

Alex Allegro Apr 9 2013 - 8:39 am PT

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An updated Google Play with an image-centric design will be rolling out to all Android devices running Froyo (2.2) and up over the next few weeks, the Official Android blog confirmed. The redesign focuses on connecting ‘similarly themed’ content so apps, songs, and movies of the same genre are grouped rather than scattered everywhere.

Perhaps it’s too soon to state this with any certainty — surely this update has been in the works for some time now — but we may already be seeing the influence of Facebook Home on app design, at least as it pertains to the use of larger imagery and simplified interface. Something to keep an eye on at the very least.

Motorola offering $50 Google Play app credit with purchase of a new phone

Alex Allegro Feb 21 2013 - 10:30 am PT

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With so much mobile competition, companies are always trying to get you to buy their phone, today, Motorola has decided to join in on the fun. In an announcement made online, Motorola is offering a $50 dollar Google Play gift card to use on anything available in the app store. You’ll only get the gift card though if you purchase one of the eligible phones Motorola is promoting such as the Droid Razr Maxx or HD. The sale ends on March 4th, so if you want in on the deal you’ll have to act fast. The full list of phones is available below.

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Google integrates Drive-enabled third-party apps into Google Drive

Jordan Kahn Feb 8 2013 - 7:19 am PT

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Google announced today on the Google Developers Blog that it would now allow users to add Drive-enabled Chrome web apps to the Create menu in Google Drive. While users could previously select from one of Google’s own apps such as Google Docs or Sheets, a new “Connect more apps” button will now allow users to install apps from the Chrome Web Store’s Drive collection of apps. Once an app is installed, users will then be able to launch the app from the Create menu and open Drive files directly in the app (as highlighted in the image below):

Ring in the New Year with the official New Year’s Eve Ball countdown app (and keep those resolutions too!)

Élyse Betters Dec 31 2012 - 1:59 pm PT

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The countdown is on.

It’s New Year’s Eve and folks are either getting ready to go out and party or assembling a junk food fest to sit on the couch and gorge the night away, but it’s guaranteed that almost everyone will have their eyes locked on Time Square’s Ball when the clock strikes midnight. Instead of watching this year’s countdown on television, however, just use an Android smartphone.

The Times Square Official New Year’s Eve Ball App is the official app to celebrate New Year’s Eve live from New York City, as the app’s description indicates, and it’s free. The main features include the ability to watch the co-hosted official show live, opening ceremonies, musical performances, celebrity appearances, hourly countdowns, and the midnight Ball Drop.

Check it out:

Times Square Official New Year’s Eve Ball App – 2013 | Free

Users can also submit images and then vote on friends’ photos to possibly be selected for display on the Toshiba Vision Screen beneath the New Year’s Eve Ball, and they have access to tidbits related to history, news, weather, photos, map, and event schedule. The app also offers New Year’s Eve eCards and the ability to customize the Toshiba Countdown Clock with a personal photo and time zone.

Get more apps below.

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