TalkAndroid Daily Dose for October 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

Skype launches new video messaging app called Skype Qik

Dropbox usernames and passwords leak online, Denies responsibility and says passwords expired

Carriers

Verizon to launch Motorola Droid Turbo at an event on October 28th

New image and details for Verizon’s DROID TURBO surface

Verizon soak test for Droid Ultra, Maxx and Mini brings VoLTE

Google

Google teases Android L in latest YouTube video

Google Shopping Express shortens name and launches in three more cities with more retailers

Teenagers use voice commands most often and really want to order pizza

Phones

Verizon to launch Motorola Droid Turbo at an event on October 28th

New image and details for Verizon’s DROID TURBO surface

Verizon soak test for Droid Ultra, Maxx and Mini brings VoLTE

Google releases animated ads showing off the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9

First official Nexus 6 press render leaked courtesy of @evleaks

New details emerge about OPPO N3 camera

Tablets

Lenovo to launch tablets under Motorola’s name once acquisition completes

Google releases animated ads showing off the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9

Second source claims Google to launch Nexus 9 running Android L on October 15th

Updates

Google developer posts Android L screenshot, hints at “Lollipop”

Google teases Android L in latest YouTube video

Samsung set to roll out Android 4.4.4 update to 9 models of the Galaxy range

Verizon soak test for Droid Ultra, Maxx and Mini brings VoLTE

Miscellaneous

Samsung and Facebook strengthening relationship, but what’s in store?

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Google Classroom Gets New Features and Enhancements For Teachers and Students

If you’re a college student like me, than you are familiar with the online classroom Blackboard. The online tool is used by professors to connect with students outside of class by posting assignments and grades. Earlier this year, Google announced similar program called Google Classroom. With Google Classroom, teachers can use the platform as a way to plan lessons, assignments, and work alongside their students in real-time. The platform launched in August, just in time for the start of the school year. Announced by the search giant themselves on their Google For Education site, the company is rolling out new features that will enhance the experience of Google Classroom. The new features give teacher improved controls that they can utilize while teaching their class.

Starting October 14th, Google Classroom will receive five new improvements that will help the platform run more smoothly and be easier for teachers to use. The first new feature that is being introduced is the Google Groups integration. Google’s announcement states that the, “Ability to pre-populate classes using existing Google Groups. If your school uses tools like School Directory Sync, admins can sync class rosters from the student information system (SIS) into Groups.” In addition, students will now have the option to mark assignments as “Done.” Also, an Export all grades feature has been added that will let teachers download grades for all assignments at one time. This will make it easier to export assignments to any gradebook. Following the new student capabilities, teachers can now sort students by first or last name. Also, teachers controls get an even bigger enhancement with the ability to set permissions on whether students can post or comment.

These new features and enhancements will be available to all Google Classroom users through the company’s Google Apps For Education. If you just so happen to be a student that has a class through the Google Classroom platform, let us know your thoughts on these new features. Do you think Google could have done more to the platform, or do these newly added features and enhancements make the experience much better? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below.

The post Google Classroom Gets New Features and Enhancements For Teachers and Students appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.

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Google researches discover POODLE, an exploit targeting Open SSL 3.0

Posted on Google’s Online Security Blog, three Google researches have published a report detailing a nasty online security bug they’re calling POODLE (“Padding Oracle On Downgraded Legacy Encryption”). This POODLE attack targets a specific vulnerability in Open SSL 3.0 which, for the most part, hasn’t been used in over a decade. Even so, it’s still widely supported and is the reason Google is urging all system admins to discontinue support for the protocol.

Also known as Poodlebleed, the attack is similar to the Heartbleed exploit we saw causing a panic around the net earlier this year and allows for hackers to potentially intercept and replace data being sent/received during a “secure” HTTPS session. By publishing the exploit Google not only gives sysadmins a head start in patching everything up, but at the same time, provides all sorts nefarious characters around the net with everything the need to exploit the newly discovered vulnerability. For more info on POODLE, check out Google’s PDF here (download).

For instructions on preventing this SSLV3 fallback in Chrome and Firefox, check out the researcher’s blog post here.

[ImperialViolet.org | via The Verge]

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New image and details for Verizon’s DROID TURBO surface

The line of leaks surrounding the Motorola DROID TURBO from Verizon got a little longer today with another image and details about the device surfacing. You may recall the name of the new device is rooted in a desire for the smartphone to charge quickly and it appears Motorola may have succeeded. Despite having a large 3,900mAh battery that should last two days, users should be able to juice up the device for eight hours of use with only 15 minutes of charging.

Externally, the device appears to most closely resemble the DROID MAXX from last year. Red and black versions will be available and the back panel will have a distinctive pattern thanks to Kevlar reinforcement. Although not certified as water resistant, the DROID TURBO should be able to survive “everyday spills and 20 minutes in a downpour.”

Other hardware includes a 2.7 GHz Snapdragon 805 processor, 32GB of internal memory, 3GB of RAM, and a display that measures 5.2-inches with a quad HD resolution resulting in 565 ppi. The smartphone will come with a 21MP camera and will be capable of recording 4K video.

It appears the DROID TURBO will ship with Android KitKat 4.4, although sources did not specifically include operating system information in the leaked marketing materials. Despite being a Verizon exclusive, it appears buyers will have to wait 1-3 months for support for Wireless Calling 1.0 to be available on the device. The DROID TURBO is also slated to get a variety of Moto X type features like Moto Voice, Moto Actions and others along with some Droid model line specific apps and features like Zap Zone for local sharing.

The DROID TURBO is shaping up to be a high-end phone for Verizon and at least from a specs standpoint, able to hold its own against anything else on the market.

Anyone out there planning to check out the DROID TURBO when it is released later this month?

source: Android Central

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FitBit Has Two More Wearables On The Way With The FitBit Charge And Charge HR

There are plenty of wearables out on the market and FitBit is one of the first wearables we saw hit the scene. Although they already have a selection of different wearables available they appear to be in development of a brand new device called the Fitbit Charge. The tiny wrist worn device has just hit the FCC recently for approval where the documents for the filing were found. Of course it’ll contain the attributes of most wearables, which means the ability to wear outside in the elements as well as fitness tracking capabilities thanks to a pedometer.

What’s interesting is that the USPTO filing shows that the FitBit Charge will also carry the ability to display call notifications, which means there’s going to be at least a small display, and it’s said to also give the user the weather forecast, and we could imagine maybe weather notifications as well, something that will come in handy for those that are out and about exercising as they might have a need to know what the upcoming weather might be like in the middle of a run our outing. The addition of heart rate sensor will also allow the user to track and display their heart rate at any given time, and should you need navigation just in case you forgot how to get back from your exercise route.

The Charge also seems to come in an additional model, called the FitBit Charge HR, and although there is no exact time frame for a release date or an idea of U.S. based cost, engadget points out that a Russian retailer lists the devices for 7500 and 9000 rubles. While little details are known about either model at this point, the Charge HR is said to have a continuous heart rate monitoring via PurePulse. Have you ever used a FitBit wearable device for your fitness tracking needs before? If so how did you like it and will you be looking to upgrade to these two models if the price is right and availability fits within your timeframe of picking up a new device?

The post FitBit Has Two More Wearables On The Way With The FitBit Charge And Charge HR appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.

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Google Glass Will Soon Get Notification Sync To Bring All Your Android Notifications Straight To Your Eye

Google Glass is inviting users to "stay connected to your favorite phone apps with notification sync on Glass." The new feature, as you might have guessed by now, grants Google's MyGlass app notification access, relaying all your Android notifications up to your eyeball for quick and easy viewing/interaction. Previously, only apps compatible with Glass (like Gmail and Hangouts) could send up notifications.

The Glass team says the new feature (which the team admits you "may have already seen" on Android Wear) will come in an update to the MyGlass app that will come tomorrow (an already jam-packed day from the looks of it), and posted a quick tutorial video to show what the setup process is like.

Google Glass Will Soon Get Notification Sync To Bring All Your Android Notifications Straight To Your Eye was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Google Glass gets Android Wear-like Notification Sync, update rolls out this week

During Google I/O, Google promised some kinda of Android Wear-like functionality would also be headed to their geeky, somewhat more controversial wearable, Google Glass. As Glass Explorers ourselves, we were excited at the prospect of receiving all our phone’s notifications on our headsets — not just specific Google Glass compatible Glassware (apps).

Today, the Glass team is announcing a new update headed out this week that brings “Notification Sync” to Google Glass headsets. Like Android Wear, notifications will now be displayed directly on your Google Glass headset, with very little setup required. In fact, all you need to do is update to the newest version of the MyGlass companion app for Android or iOS (launching tomorrow), and you’ll have all your smartphone notifications delivered to your face.

For a video of how to set everything up, and to see Notification Sync in action, check out the video below.

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Remember Qik? It’s been repurposed as Skype Qik, a hipper, cooler, all-video group messaging app

It’s hard to believe Skype launched nearly 11 years ago and since then, they’ve grown to become a sort of household name when it comes video calls over the internet. But really, not much has changed since then. Want to video chat with someone face-to-face in real time? Skype is great for that. But in our busy day-to-day lives, not too many people have the time or energy to stop everything they’re doing and carry on a lengthy conversation (a reason why less people are making actual phone calls, choosing instead to send short, thought out SMS messages or IMs).

Skype knows this and rather than completely overhaul their current app — which could alienate your mom, grandma, and cousins — they’ve introducing a completely new one. Well, sorta. It’s called Skype Qik and if that name sounds familiar, it’s a repurposed version of the Qik app you may remember coming pre-installed on old Android devices back in the day. As you probably guessed, video is has a lot to do with the new Qik, allowing users to send short video messages back and forth, the same way you would a text message. In fact, there’s no real way to send actual text — it’s all video.

The app uses your phone number to confirm the identity of you and others (similar to WhatsApp), and taking videos is quick and easy. Just pull down form the main conversation view and press record. You can chat privately, or amongst a group and sent messages can always be deleted if need be. In the event you can’t respond right away, you can send “reaction videos” you’ve already pre-recorded (called Qik Fliks) and sent messages are automatically deleted after 2 weeks to keep things “fresh.”

As the mobile apps industry moves forward and we’re seeing hip new apps like Snapchat or WhatsApp become the go-to communication method for younger users, it’s clear Skype had to do something. And while there are a vast plethora of apps and messaging clients that allow you to send short video messages (Glyde, Hangouts for iOS), none of them have such a familiar brand name as Skype backing them. It’ll be interesting to see if the all new Skype Qik sinks or swims.

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Google teases Android L in latest YouTube video

Google has just published a short, “Sweeeeet” video on its official YouTube channel teasing the release of the next big update of its mobile operating system. Although the specific dessert name is still tightly under wraps, the search engine giant did confirm that “L” will be “Android 5.0″ and gave us the names of a few contenders who auditioned for the role — Lemon Meringue Pie, Lava Cake, Lady Finger, Lemon Drop and Oreo. But, of course, they’re wasn’t a Lollipop in sight.

Hit the break below for the full teaser.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What do you think the next build of Android will be called? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below.

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Meet the Devs – Kyle Denney

Welcome back to our Meet the Devs segment! In this piece we take a little time to get to know the people who really make Android what it is today and that is the app developers. In this week’s developer interview, we are talking to Kyle Denney.

Name: Kyle Denney

Developer Name: KDenney

Country: USA

Website: N/A

Google + Profile/Page: N/A

How many people on your team? 1

Apps

Staple List

Helptual Ultimate

Tell us about your company

I am a developer who is passionate about coding. I started coding Android apps about a month ago and believe my app offers great features that other shopping apps do not. It is more than just a hobby for me, however, this is something I do consistently. I am not afraid to try new things and tackle tough problems. I would love to get my name out there and see what new opportunities approach my horizon.

What level of experience do you have with coding and development?

I have been developing for about 4 years now. I was laid off during the recession and had starting coding small Visual Basic applications for Rolls-Royce and the day I was laid off I told my then supervisor that I was going to go back to school and get my degree. I did that and have never looked back. I have done everything from VB.Net and C# Windows forms apps and ASP.Net websites to PHP and MySQL sites and services. Android is something I wanted to see if I could learn how to do in the same way I taught myself database and app development on other platforms. Here I am years later and not afraid of a challenge.

What languages do you know? How and where did you learn them?

I taught myself Visual Basic for Applications using Microsoft Excel to track paperwork for Rolls-Royce. I then quickly picked up VB.Net and have used most web based languages such as HTML5, Javascript, CSS2.1/3, JQuery, Bootstrap, PHP and many database’s including MySQL, SQL Server 2005-2012 and Oracle. I learned the .Net languages in school primarily and some of the web based tools like Javascript and HTML5 but I have been doing web-development for a few years now professionally. I also created a website called Helptual where I sell a remote servicing tool written in VB.Net and the site is in PHP and MySQL. I created everything from the ground up and the same is true for this Java/XML based app called Staple List.

What level of experience do you have with design?

I took some design classes in school and have used PhotoShop, GIMP and other high-level programs.

What apps have you made?

I have created Staple List in Android Java/XML and my own company called Helptual which is written VB.Net.

How do you monetize your apps?

Currently my Android app is available for purchase at .99 cents. I would like to eventually add ads to the program if needed.

Do you consider yourself successful?

I would consider myself striving to be successful. I am willing to learn, willing to grow and willing to try new things. I have had ups and downs trying new things but I have learned great things over the last several years. I will not give up when faced with hard problems with tough solutions.

How difficult is it to make money as a developer?

Extremely difficult. Most of the time we see people via the news that land in sweet spots but those people often are in the right place at the right time with the right idea – they are not a dime a dozen. Most of us are indie based just trying to pay the bills and enjoy it while doing so.

What can Android do to improve?

I think Android has to improve documentation and examples on the development side – with videos and things along those lines. Along the lines of the OS itself I would say UI design is needed to ensure smoothness and cleanness. In today’s world users want an app that looks great and a piece of tech that works well as much as they want something that looks and feels great.

Why did you choose Android? Do you develop for other platforms? What are the differences between them?

I chose Android because it is prolific in terms of phone development. I knew a little Java from school but not to this level and thought to myself I want to learn how phone development works so I took a month and learned it and in learning it came Staple List. My wife and I need a way to allow me to get items on the go with ease so I developed the app to sustain that need. I could have developed for Microsoft’s phone platform but chose Android because it was a new medium for me and I like learning new things.

What are your thoughts on iOS and Windows 8?

I think iOS is smooth in terms of use but too rigid on what they don’t allow you to do. Windows 8 is great for Power Users wanting the benefits of Windows 7 with some improvements. I have that OS on my main desktop PC and enjoy using it. I think Microsoft, like years ago, is ahead of time – sometimes to its detriment. They know the direction of the world but their execution is lacking. Thats where they currently are.

What do you think of the Android design guidelines?

I think they are easy to follow and therefore it is easy for someone like myself to jump right in and get an app out the door quickly which is great.

What are your favorite apps?

I enjoy apps that look great. Flipboard is a great app that is easy to use. I also like the Bible by Tecarta app. It is an interesting reading app that has features for searching and ease of use that many readers could use to enhance search-ability.

What has been your experience been like working with Google?

So far so good. They are easy to comply with.

What does the future of development look like?

I think eventually the medium won’t matter. I think most companies are gong to go the way Microsoft tried and is struggling which is developing one language and one structure so that anyone can develop anything on any tech medium with ease of use. So you won’t have to know a ton of information ahead of time in terms of different languages and tech.

What tips do you have for aspiring developers?

Keep trying. I have tried and failed and tried and failed but my failures have helped me network and have helped me learn new tech and new languages. I have and will continue to have struggles. Openly acknowledge those struggles and realize they will come. Embrace them and realize that you can gain something even from the tough times if you keep your eyes open and ears to the ground. Anything can become an opportunity.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I have been working very hard over the years trying to learn new things. I want to impact someone and help someone. It is my desire to succeed at what I do and I am willing to put in the hard work if someone is willing to invest in me.

---

We want to thank Kyle for chatting with us in this week’s developer interview! If you’re a developer and this looks like something you’d like to do, check out our Meet the Devs form! We look forward to hearing from you.

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Skype Launches Video Messaging App Called Skype Qik

If you use video chat on your smartphone or tablet, or your PC for that matter, chances are that you’re familiar with Skype. You should be, as they pretty much pioneered video chat on a mainstream level. They weren’t the first app to see video chat on Android, that title goes to Qik instant video, which at the time was a T-Mobile exclusive which came out after the HTC MyTouch was released. Skype ended up purchasing Qik for around the price of $100 million back in 2011, so it’s not too much of a surprise to see them putting that technology to good use.

Skype also has their own video chat app on Android and has for quite some time, so Skype Qik shouldn’t strike anyone as a replacement or competition for Skype. On the contrary, it’s actually a completely separate app used for a totally different thing. Skype’s new Qik app is like a quick video message sharing app, quite like the way you can use Snapchat to send little video clips to friends and family members. Skype really hits the nail on the head with their description, saying simply that Skype Qik is the best thing from Skype… since Skype.

If you like a video message that someone sends you then you can promptly send them a smiley or other emoji to show you how you felt about the clip, or how you appreciated the message that was meant to bring a smile to your face. Likewise, your friends and family in your private messaging groups can do the same. Unlike some of the other messaging apps out there that are similar to this one, Skype mentions that video clips and messages can be saved if the person you sent them to is able to save the media before you delete them. Given the recent issues with Snapsaved, we’d recommend to keep that in mind. If you’re not really worried about having to delete them and you just don’t want to have to manage the messages in your conversation, Skype also mentions that after two weeks, the messages are deleted from the conversation automatically. The app is free, and if you’re interested in giving it a go you can grab the download from the Play Store source link below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Firefox Stable Hits v33 With Chromecast/Roku Support, Automatic Data Clearing, And More

Chrome got you down in the dumps? Why not try Firefox? It's like Chrome, but developed by the fine people at Mozilla, who also make... um... okay, the point is Mozilla makes Firefox, and it's a good browser. Now it's even better with v33 rolling out to the stable version with support for casting to Chromecast or Roku, better private data management, and more.

Here's the full changelog from v33 of Firefox.

Firefox Stable Hits v33 With Chromecast/Roku Support, Automatic Data Clearing, And More was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Sonos Opens Up Global Availability Of The Boost Hub For A Stronger Signal

Sonos today has opened up availability for their Sonos Boost hub, which for those who are unaware is a tiny little device that allows for even greater wireless range for the wireless speaker system from Sonos. The idea of the Boost is to strengthen the wireless signal in the home for those who have a Sonos speaker system already set up, something that Sonos points out is not only required if you’re using the Sonos setup for surround sound for other components like TV’s, but will also help to ensure that all the sound is perfectly in sync as it should be.

Essentially if you have Sonos speakers hooked up to your TV for a home theater setup, the Sonos Boost or Sonos Bridge is needed for sound to match up flawlessly with the picture on the TV. Sonos also points out that the Boost hub has three internal antennas that help to neutralize any interference that could come from other consumer electronics that might also cause dropouts or disconnection from the speakers, which is something you definitely don’t want if you’re enjoying a good movie or TV show, or playing games that are heavily invested with audio dialogue that plays a major role in the story. Sonos has made the Boost hub available for $99, which isn’t too bad for the benefit of making your wireless speaker signal stronger.

If you’re already heavily invested with Sonos, it might be worth your time to check out the Boost hub as it boasts up to 50% greater range according to Sonos. It’s also worth noting that any extra range can help improve the experience that Sonos can give due to having multiple speakers placed throughout the home, or if you have to stash the router in a particularly hairy spot. Since the Sonos Boost hub plugs directly into your Wireless router, it’s ensured to get the best connection to it, and from there will just “boost” the signal to the Sonos speakers connected to your system, hence the name. You can grab these from Sonos.com, Best Buy’s website, and even on Amazon. Do you use Sonos speakers? If so could you find the benefit of having the Boost?

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Featured Review: Anker Astro Pro 2 20,000mAh External Battery Charger

I’ve reviewed quite a few battery packs in the last two years, since I’ve been here with Android Headlines. But I must say, I’ve never used one that had this much battery power inside. Anker was kind enough to send along their second generation Astro Pro 2 battery pack. It’s a pretty big battery pack, which is expected given how much capacity it holds. I typically carry around a 15,000mAh battery pack from Limefuel and a couple 10,000mAh battery packs from TYLT when I’m traveling. But that’s about to change.

The Anker Astro Pro 2 is a pretty big battery pack, but it doesn’t weigh as much as you’d think. It’s also pretty thin, which is amazing. It has a brushed aluminum finish, so it looks really nice. We’ve got an LED display on the right side which shows you the percentage of battery left, as well as the bars, like a typical flip phone would. On the right side, we’ve got a power button. Which you’ll need to press that when you plug devices in. On the top we’ve got 3 USB ports which use IQ Technology, as well as a DC Output and a DC input. There’s nothing on the left side or the bottom. So what is IQ Technology? Well according to Anker “PowerIQ technology maximizes compatibility with Android, Apple or other devices by enabling charge speeds of up to 3 amps overall or 3 amps per port.”. Now I don’t have a way to really test how much output is being sent out into the devices I have plugged in, but I can say this, I charged my LG G3, as well as the ZTE ZMAX and my Sony RX100M3 from it, and it charged them all pretty quickly. Even faster then their cables that came with those particular devices.

I’ve been using the Anker Astro Pro 2 battery pack for about a week now, and really like it. It’s a bit more expensive than most of the other battery packs out there right now, but given it’s also one of the largest, that would explain a lot. Their PowerIQ Technology is actually pretty cool and something I really like. As it pushes as much power to your device as it can without damaging it. Which I think is really important. This technology is in a number of other products of theirs like the 5-Port Desktop Charger, which I just received today and will be working on a full review real soon!

It’s currently on sale through Amazon for just $79.99, which you can pick up from the link down below.

Anker 2nd Generation Astro Pro 2 – 20,000mAh External Battery Charger (Amazon)

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