Google opens applications for Project Ara developer boards, judges your technical expertise

Now is your chance, if you are a proven dev and have a magnificent project in mind, to snap up a Project Ara developer board. Google is taking applications now over on the Project Ara website. The developer boards in question are designed to facilitate the development of Ara modules and are subject to some strong hardware evaluation agreements.

Again, this is an application process – anyone is welcome to apply, but only a select few will be provided the board. The stronger your technical experience and module concept, the better your chances of being chosen for development. Also, there is nothing saying individuals have different chances than schools or businesses, so don’t be afraid to head on in there if you think you can bring something unique to the Project Ara world.

We have been following Project Ara closely for some time now. The concept of a smartphone that can be customized to each users’ tastes is exciting, leading us to dream about what we would each build. The replaceable modules of the Project Ara smartphone will allow users to swap out pieces like batteries, cameras, processors, storage, Bluetooth and other connectivity radios and so much more.

This opportunity for a developer board will allow people like you and I to make further modules a reality. Perhaps you envision a module that holds a thermometer, barometer, altimeter and more to facilitate mountain climbing. Maybe you re-design the module for health professionals with a portable heart rate monitor, glucose measure and more to treat patients. There are obvious limits here, it is just a smartphone after all, but it will be very exciting to see what developers like you can come up with.

There you have it, Project Ara is a smartphone whose specs are still to be determined. The modules built by the developers applying for this very dev board will help pave the way for our future dream machines. Applications are open now until the end of the day July 17th, with round two starting July 18th. If approved, your dev board could be in hand by the end of the month. Hit the Project Ara website for all the details.

If you are applying, I suspect you’ll keep your ideas a secret, if not, what module would you like most to see built?

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Picture Password Lockscreen Plus v3.5 Apk

Picture Password Lockscreen allows you to unlock your phone by drawing gestures such as points, lines, and circles on your chosen images. It frees users from the traditional and less secure unlock methods because there are close to an infinite number of combination of gestures. It provides an effective layer of protection against the two […]

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The Amazing Spider-Man 2 v1.1.0ad (Offline) Apk

Become the Amazing Spider-Man in this open-world 3D adventure full of crime-fighting, web-slinging, and non-stop action as you face the web-slinger’s greatest challenge yet! New York is under threat from a city-wide crime spree and only our hero Spider-Man can stop it! Standing in his way are Venom, the Green Goblin, Electro and other nefarious […]

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Toy Defense 4: Sci-Fi v1.1.1 Apk

Tremble! Robots are going to seize power over the universe! Feel the spirit of the ultimate space adventures and experience the most decisive battles with aliens in the new thrilling tower defense game Toy Defense 4: Sci-Fi! Discover unknown cosmic worlds in the latest entry in the action/strategy Toy Defense game series, gained more than […]

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Solar System Explorer HD Pro v2.6.11 Apk

Solar System Explorer will take you on an interactive 3D trip through our solar system. Featuring more than 35 planets, moons, asteroids and the spacecraft that have visited them, you’ll have a chance to see a different side of our little corner of the galaxy! Features exclusive to this full edition: ★★★ High resolution 3D […]

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Flux – CM11 Theme v3.1.0 Apk

For the new Theme Engine only! Flux is designed with pixel perfect precision to give your phone a completely new modern look and feel! With high quality graphics and full of features, you will enjoy using your phone! Flux theme is compatible with CM11/PA (and every other rom with the new Theme Engine included) and […]

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SoundHound ∞ v6.1.3 Apk

SoundHound recognizes music playing around you. Tap the SoundHound button to instantly identify songs and see lyrics, share, buy or explore more from artists you know and love or have just discovered. You can even search for by singing or humming into SoundHound. SoundHound is the only App in the world that can give you […]

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Theme Crystal Black Flat HD v11 Apk

New theme ADW Nova, Apex, Crystal Black Flat HD Customize your Phone with the most beatiful theme HD, change your boring cell in the most beautiful Android. Try it, you will not regret!! This is the best Theme Pack for GO Launcher EX. Also compatible with Go Locker, Apex Launcher, Nova Launcher, ADW, Holo and […]

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Link2SD Plus v3.5.2 Apk

Link2SD is an application manager that makes it easy for Android 2.0+ users to move applications to the SD card, to clean all cache files of the apps. It enables you to manage your apps and storage easily. It also provides native app to SD (app2sd) features on Android 2.2 and higher. It can move […]

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Root Explorer (File Manager) v3.1.9 Apk

Root Explorer is the ultimate file manager for root users. Access the whole of android’s file system (including the elusive data folder!). Features include multiple tabs, Google Drive, Box, Dropbox and network (SMB) support, SQLite database viewer, Text Editor, create and extract zip or tar/gzip files, extract rar archives, multi-select, execute scripts, search, remount, permissions, […]

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Notification Toggle Premium v3.1.1 Apk

Notification Toggle creates notifications in the Android status bar to let you quickly switch WiFi, Bluetooth, Silent mode, Screen rotation and Flight mode on and off or to adjust the screen brigthness (and many more…) You can also add shortcut to your own apps into the notification bar! In the settings, you can choose which […]

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TalkAndroid Daily Dose for July 14, 2014

With hectic schedules, it can be hard to keep track of everything in your news feed. That’s why we created the TalkAndroid Daily Dose. This is where we recap the day’s hottest stories so you can get yourself up to speed in quick fashion. Happy reading!!

Apps

120 Sports takes its online network to Android with new app

Popcorn Time gets a boost with Chromecast support and quicker downloads

Carriers

Sprint rolling out update to LG G3 and G Flex to activate WiFi Calling

Verizon’s LG G3 has a removable battery

Verizon Edge now allows tablets to be paid over time

Android 4.4.4 changelog for Motorola DROID line (2013) gets posted

Chromebooks

Microsoft planning on launching ultra-cheap laptops to compete with Chromebooks

Chromecast

Popcorn Time gets a boost with Chromecast support and quicker downloads

Gaming

NVIDIA is working on a new gaming console

Google

Relive Google I/O in under 2 minutes

Jumping Ship: Google Glass lead creator ditching for Amazon

Hardware

MediaTek reportedly ready with 4G, QHD octa-core processor

Phones

HTC One (M7) gets a taste of Android L

Verizon’s LG G3 has a removable battery

Sprint rolling out update to LG G3 and G Flex to activate WiFi Calling

Android 4.4.4 changelog for Motorola DROID line (2013) gets posted

Samsung’s premium metal phone could be the Galaxy Alpha

Samsung’s SM-G850 appears in benchmark database

Smartwatches

Turn your Sony SmartWatch 2 or SmartBand into a game controller with “Aces of the Luftwaffe”

Updates

HTC One (M7) gets a taste of Android L

Android 4.4.4 changelog for Motorola DROID line (2013) gets posted

Miscellaneous

Samsung suspends business with factory in question in midst of child labor allegations

New Console OS wants to bring Android to the desktop

Come comment on this article: TalkAndroid Daily Dose for July 14, 2014

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Relive Google I/O in under 2 minutes

Google I/O was only 2 full days, but it was jam packed with probably more stuff than any of the previous years. We are all very busy and can’t always find the time to watch the entire keynote or many of the sessions that happened over the course of the 2 days. Well here’s Google to the rescue with a short video highlighting all the important stuff. When I say short, I mean short. We are talking 1 minute and 42 seconds to be exact. I think we can all find that much time, so hit the break to watch the video. And if you need to catch up on any news from Google I/O, click here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Come comment on this article: Relive Google I/O in under 2 minutes

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Android 4.4.4 changelog for Motorola DROID line (2013) gets posted

Over the weekend, an Android 4.4.4 soak test was launched with some Motorola handsets. Now, the company has posted the changelog for the Android 4.4.4 update regarding the DROID Ultra, MAXX, and Mini.

The core of the update, which is the latest version of Android that is available for now, improves stability and security. But Motorola has done its job by making improvements in other areas aside from what Google has added. The Camera app’s quality has been improved with better performance in low light conditions and more realistic flash color. The video component of the Camera app has gained a pause button while recording. Bluetooth connectivity is now more stable, too. Even Verizon’s apps have been updated and Isis mobile wallet has been added to increase the bloatware. Finally, the Motorola Alert app is compatible.

Did you receive the Android 4.4.4 update? Let us know how it is in the comments.

Source: Motorola

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Android Game News Weekly 07/14/14: Plague Inc., Leo’s Fortune, Lost Toys, Endless Skater

Plague Inc. Gets Planet Of The Apes Update

Plague Inc. is a game about strategy and infection simulation, where you have to try and spread a virus throughout the entire world. This is perfect because that’s exactly how the new Planet of The Apes movie develops, with the apes rising to power and taking over earth as a result of a virus that gets spread throughout mankind. Plague Inc.’s newest update partners with the movie studio and ties in some Planet of The Apes background, tasking you with infecting the whole planet like before, but this time the end goal is for the apes to take over and completely rise to power. Miniclip is appropriately calling this the simian flu update, and if you think you have what it takes to infect the world and bring out your inner ape, make sure to hit the update button from the Play Store link. Plague Inc. is free to download.

Beautiful Platformer Leo’s Fortune Comes To Android

Leo’s Fortune was a platformer that released first on iOS, and last week it finally got launched in the Play Store. Google demoed this game at Google I/O back in June, and to our surprise it actually didn’t take long for the game’s development studio to release it to Android gamers everywhere. We half expected this to release with the official launch of Android TV whenever that may be, but thankfully that isn’t the case. If you want to help the fuzzy little fur ball search for and get back all of his stolen gold, drop $4.99 and Leo’s Fortune can be yours.

Lost Toys Is A Stunning And Challenging 3D Puzzle Game

When it comes to puzzle games, titles of this magnitude are hard to ignore. Lost Toys takes stunningly real 3D graphics and a pairs them with goals of strategic thinking to work your way through each and every puzzle that the game has to offer. Lost Toys has you spin and rotate the different pieces of the discarded mixed up toys that are lost and forgotten from childhood, so that you might form them into the correct shape to complete the toy. There are 4 chapters and 32 levels total to complete, and two play modes with standard and unlimited so you can either play through the story or simply solve puzzles to your hearts content. Lost Toys can be picked up for $2.99 in the Play Store.

Transworld Endless Skater Lets Your Bring Out Your Inner Wood Pusher

It’s not Tony Hawk, but that’s just fine if you have been waiting for a decent skating game, for free mind you, to drop in the Play Store. Endless Skater is not your open world skate game which is a little disappointing, but for free it is actually pretty fun. The levels are endless, as you could probably tell, so pick your favorite out of the five real pro skaters and perform tons of tricks from the traditional kickflip to a 720 crossbone. String together multiple tricks for insane combos and rack up your score. You can upgrade your skaters stats to learn more tricks and better your performance. The main goal is to take your skater of choice and land them a photo spot for the cover of Transworld magazine. Can you take your skater to new heights? Transworld Endless Skater is free to play and does have some IAP, but they don’t seem to be too game impacting.

The post Android Game News Weekly 07/14/14: Plague Inc., Leo’s Fortune, Lost Toys, Endless Skater appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.

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Motorola DROID Mini, Ultra and Maxx now getting Android 4.4.4

Android 4.4.4 has been making its way to devices across the world for almost a month, and now it’s time for the latest devices in the Motorola DROID lineup to join the party. The Motorola DROID Mini, Ultra and Maxx Android 4.4.4 change logs are now live in Verizon’s website.

These change logs going live usually means an update is ready to roll. You can expect your OTA update notifications to start popping up very soon, if they haven’t already. Changes across the whole portfolio will be few, as expected, but we do get some interesting additions.

Android 4.4.4 improvements

• Stability, framework and security improvements


• Bluetooth connectivity has been improved


• Improved camera picture quality


• Improved photos in fluorescent lighting


• Enhanced dynamic range


• Ability to pause video recording


• Offers pause/resume button on the viewfinder


• The latest versions of VZ Cloud and Visual Voicemail have been added.


• ISIS Wallet Mobile app has been added

This is not a huge update, but it does bring more than we expected. The original Android 4.4.4 update has less changes. Of course, this is because Verizon has added its small changes, as well. We may consider those bloatware, but they are here to stay.

Also, all three devices do get the same changes and improvements, so no need to worry about a thing. Software version 21.11.21 will be here soon, so stay tuned to your notification bar or go check for new updates. Don’t forget to let us know if the update has shown up for you! We would love to see how well it is working for you, or if it comes with any issues.

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New Verizon Survey Asks Important Questions About Bloatware

Verizon has been sending out surveys to their customers recently that revolve around bloatware. Thanks to Droid Life we now have a guide to how these questions could and SHOULD be answered if you receive this survey. Sometime during the last week, a reader of Droid Life shared a survey that was received that asked very important questions in regards to bloatware on his LG G2. Bloatware is any app that is pre-installed on your device, most of the time this comes in the form of unwanted apps. For example, you get your new LG phone from almost any carrier, but for the sake of this survey-Verizon. Bloatware can also be pre-installed by OEMs and this happens on almost every device but for the sake of this survey-LG.

The apps that come pre-installed are meant to be there to enhance the user experience by the standards of whoever added them to the device-either the carrier or the manufacturer. If the app isn’t there to enhance the user experience, it’s more than likely there because the company who added it to the device is getting paid to add them. Essentially this is a form of advertising, that you have no choice but to deal with, no pop-up blockers here. One of the reasons these apps have been called bloatware, is due to the fact that they are not essential to the overall performance of the device. Instead, they just take up space and are, for the most part, hard to delete. The average user of any Android device may not know how to disable them, and if they do, most likely find the process to be too much of a hassle. While there are workarounds, and ways to hide the apps from your app drawer, they’re still on your device, and carriers have even made some of these apps even harder to hide.

Since these apps are just taking up space that could be used for things users actually want, bloatware has been deemed “evil” by Droid Life, and we think many of you agree. Which is why, if you get this survey, you should take the opportunity to tell Verizon exactly how you feel, as an Android user, a Verizon customer, and as a person who is just fed up with bloatware. So below is a gallery, that shows the question of the survey that are the most important out of all 20 questions.

The post New Verizon Survey Asks Important Questions About Bloatware appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.

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Radio Shack Is Giving Five Lucky People A Chance To Win An LG G3

Remember Radio Shack? You know.. “The Shack!”, yeah that place. It used to be the cool place to go for tech geeks to check out all things electronic. In the last decade or so they had started to sell mobile phones from major wireless carriers like Sprint, Verizon and AT&T. It’s ironic that I’m mentioning those three carriers because together with Radio Shack, they’re offering the chance for some lucky individuals to win some cool new phones. If you’re a lucky winner, you get to a pick a phone from the carrier of your choice. You don’t actually get to pick which phone you want but you do get the opportunity to pick which carrier it’s for. The phone that Radio Shack and those carriers are giving away? The brand new LG G3!

There are five LG G3 devices that Radio Shack is giving away, and you don’t have to do much for your chance to enter either. As with most contests like these you’ll have to be involved with social media, and by involved we simply mean have a Twitter account as that is where the contest takes place. You can probably guess the next step in this contest of sheer skill. That’s right, you’ll be tweeting stuff. Not a tweeter? Then you might want to become one for the short time that you have to enter the contest, which as one would have it, goes from now until Wednesday morning at 10 a.m.PST.

Get your tweets in before then and you’ll be entered for your chance to win one of the five LG G3′s they’re giving away and you get to pick your carrier. It’s a real downer about the lack of a T-mobile version but that’s life eh? For your entry to be valid you must tweet @RadioShack and include the hashtag #WinAG3. That is all there is to it and if lady luck is smiling on you by the time they pick the winners, then you’ll be outfitted with a sleek brand new device from LG. It should go without saying due to the carrier choices of the G3 that Radio Shack is giving away, but this contest is only open to U.S. residents. Tired of using whatever old device you have in your hands and in need of an upgrade? You know what to do.

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Calcoid Brings Sexy Back To The Android World Of Scientific Calculators

Calculators are an extremely functional piece of history, although by today’s standards most people might be more familiar with using one of their potentially many mobile devices and a paired application to get their calculator needs. Even scientific calculators have made their way into the digital spotlight and taken refuge among other apps on mobile platforms like Android. Is this the end of days for true scientific calculators in their physical form or will they forever live on with a small margin of the population that still has a need(and perhaps a need for nostalgia)for the physical piece of hardware that can help to navigate the ways of numbers.

Whatever your need is for a calculator these days whether it’s to help you ace a test or simply to add up your total at the grocery store, calculators have remained and to some degree always will remain a somewhat nerdy yet needed existence. They don’t look particularly attractive and certainly not “Sexy” like we might describe some of today’s more modern electronics that we can find sitting around our own homes, however that seems to be taking a turn in the other direction with a new calculator app from Americos Technologies. Calcoid, a new scientific calculator app for your Android device wants to bring sexy back to calculators in a big way. To bring it back though wouldn’t they have once had to have it in the first place? That’s a debate for another time.

Calcoid takes the otherwise boring and unchanged scientific calculator and adds in that fresh and clean Android Kit Kat-esque style with tons of colors. Admittedly you get the standard Calcoid signature color background with the free version of the app which is also supported by ads, or you can pick up the paid version, Calcoid Plus for $0.99 and get all the color backgrounds that are available for the one time fee, and completely ad free. All your scientific functions that you’d expect are here, like degrees and radians, logarithms, percentages, exponential, trigonometric functions, you name it. All with a sleek and stylish background color of your choice(unless you go free). If you’re in need of a new calculator and aren’t happy with the standard simple calculator that Android provides built in, give Calcoid a look and see if it fits your needs.

The post Calcoid Brings Sexy Back To The Android World Of Scientific Calculators appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.

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Verizon And Motorola Begin Rolling Out Android 4.4.4 To The Droid Maxx, Droid Ultra, And Droid Mini

Motorola hasn't forgotten about those devices that aren't part of the "Moto" family. The Droid Maxx, Droid Ultra, and Droid Mini on Verizon are getting the Android 4.4.4 update starting today. Even the Moto X hasn't been given the go ahead yet.

The update (version 21.11.21) to will include a number of improvements over 4.4.2, which you can see below.

• Camera: Improved camera image quality including better consistency of exposure, more realistic flash coloring, improved photos in low light conditions using front camera.

Verizon And Motorola Begin Rolling Out Android 4.4.4 To The Droid Maxx, Droid Ultra, And Droid Mini was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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