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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Google Hangouts updating to v2.4 on Android

hangouts drops xmpp support


Google is pushing out a small update to the Hangouts app on Android. Hangouts v2.4 is rolling out now bringing with it bug fixes and a handy Google Voice tie-in UI improvement.


If you do not already have Hangouts, head on in to the Google Play Store to get your free copy. Be sure to grab the Hangouts Dialer as well, if you wish to use the app to make calls.


Google Hangouts Update v2.4


Truth is, Google has not yet updated the What’s New section for Hangouts in the Google Play Store, leaving us to dig for any changes. It is safe to bet that there are some bug fixes and performance improvements in the background. What we are seeing up front is the inclusion of your Google Voice calling credits in the top right of the main screen, with a handy little button that fires you over to the Voice website to add to your balance.


Let me take this moment to remind you to slide open that left hand menu and look at the Invites section. I just did, and found that I have missed hundreds of messages, including many from friends and from readers of Android Authority wishing to touch base. I have a few apologies to make, I hope that you do not as well.


As mentioned, head on into the Google Play Store to grab your copy of Hangouts, otherwise, the update hit my devices a little over an hour ago, your update will be along shortly.


While we wait for Google to update us on what’s new, have you found anything we’ve missed? How are you liking the new calling and messaging services of Hangouts?






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Samsung to Release Note 4 Developer Edition on Verizon

Tmo_T_blk_600x600_xlarge Samsung has a special off-contract Note 4 coming to Verizon for only $662.53. The device is the Developer Edition and features an unlockable bootloader for quickly loading ROMs onto your device. Unfortunately, since the phone is only available off contract, it’s very likely that it won’t develop the large following of other unlockable devices like the Nexus line.


Interestingly enough, the Note 4 Developer Edition is about $20 cheaper than the Nexus 6, so the stylus and cheaper price may sway some users to purchase the Samsung phablet. If you’re interested in the Note 4 DE, keep on the lookout and be sure to snatch it up as soon as it’s released so it doesn’t sell out on you.


Source: Samsung


Via: Phandroid




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Firebase, a cloud database company, joins Google’s Cloud Platform team

firebase_logo Google has announced that they’ve acquired a new cloud database company, Firebase. The Firebase team will join Google’s Cloud Platform developers in an effort to make development for mobile devices even easier.


Firebase exists to allow developers easy ways to keep data synced between mobile applications and web sites and apps, which can be a pretty tricky and difficult task otherwise. By bringing this technology under Google’s cloud platform fold, it should help speed up development for mobile apps as it gives developers one less thing to worry about.


For current Firebase developers, improvements should come to the service soon. For Google Cloud Platform customers, the improvements should kick in immediately.


source: Google Cloud Platform




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Solar eclipse and police activity cards now showing up in Google Now

Google_Now_Launcher_02


Good news for heavy Google Now users; you’re getting two new types of cards in your automatic information feed. Google has added in support for police activity as well as solar eclipses. The police activity is pretty useful, as it shows nearby criminal activity which can give you a heads up on areas or roads to avoid.


The solar eclipse card is pretty weird, but it gives you information on ways you can safely view the eclipse, so that’s pretty cool. Not life changing, but a cool feature regardless.


Fortunately, these cards won’t require an update to the Google Now app (as long as you’re already on the latest version) since the info comes from Google. Keep an eye out and let us know if you see either of them on your device.


source: Reddit


via: 9 to 5 Google




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TalkAndroid Daily Dose for October 22, 2014

TalkAndroid_Daily_Dose


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!!


Guides


How to lock any app on your phone or tablet for guests and kids in Android Lollipop


Accessories


Moto 360 Wireless Charging Dock now in stock and ready to ship from Google Play


Android Wear


Microsoft wants you to use Bing Torque instead of saying “OK Google” on your Android Wear smartwatch


Apps


Google introduces ‘Inbox’, an alternative to Gmail that works for you


Microsoft Garage launches two Android apps for your lock screen and travels


Google Earth for Android gets updated 3D rendering engine


Nova Launcher update brings more Lollipop flavor to your homescreen


Carriers


T-Mobile launches annual Postseason sale


HTC One (M8) for Verizon now receiving software update with Eye Experience, Android 4.4.4


Gaming


Rovio takes flight with new RETRY game


Humble Bundle’s spooky Halloween deal is now live


Google


Google introduces ‘Inbox’, an alternative to Gmail that works for you


Phones


HTC One (M8) for Verizon now receiving software update with Eye Experience, Android 4.4.4


Huawei hosting contest to launch the Honor 6 in Europe


LG G3 now receiving major stability update


Just how big is the Nexus 6?


Samsung launches budget-friendly Galaxy Core Max in China


Samsung using Sony’s IMX240 camera sensor for the Galaxy Note 4


Smartwatches


Microsoft wants you to use Bing Torque instead of saying “OK Google” on your Android Wear smartwatch


Moto 360 Wireless Charging Dock now in stock and ready to ship from Google Play


Tablets


Samsung and Barnes & Noble announce 10.1-inch version of the Galaxy Tab 4 Nook


Updates


HTC One (M8) for Verizon now receiving software update with Eye Experience, Android 4.4.4


LG G3 now receiving major stability update




Come comment on this article: TalkAndroid Daily Dose for October 22, 2014







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Sprint HTC One M8 and E8 now receiving international WiFi calling update

HTC One M8 DSC06660


Yesterday, the HTC One M8 on T-Mobile received an update to Android 4.4.4 with the all new EYE Experience camera app and as promised, earlier today the Verizon model followed suit. Still trailing behind is the Sprint HTC One M8 and HTC One E8, 2 models that are seeing an update today — but not to the EYE Experience + Android 4.4.4.


Instead, these 2 devices — which differ only in build materials and camera hardware — are getting an update to enable Sprint’s international WiFi calling (a previous update introduced WiFi calling for the states) which enables free calling when connected to WiFi to, from, and between the US, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The One M8 gets software build 3.30.651.2, while the One E8 gets 1.22.651.1. Here’s the full list of goodies from the changelog:



  • Google Security Patch

  • GPS Enhancements

  • International Wi-Fi Calling

  • ItsOn Integration

  • Accessibility Improvements

  • Sprint Zone Updates (HTC One E8)


You should find the update hitting your Ones starting today and rolling out over the next few days. For those that don’t feel like waiting, you can pull the update by jumping into your Settings > About phone > Software updates. Although HTC hasn’t said as much, we expect Android 4.4.4 with the EYE Experience will arrive soon after. Sit tight.






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EYE Experience update now rolling out to Verizon and T-Mobile HTC One M8

htc-one-m8-launch-aa-14-of-27 resized


Along with its recently announced Desire EYE, HTC is beginning to release the EYE Experience to One M8 owners in the United States. As promised, the update has come swiftly after the announcement, now making its way to Verizon and T-Mobile users.


While Verizon’s update has just started pushing out today, T-Mobile’s update began yesterday. Not only will the update bring Android 4.4.4 KitKat, users will also see all of the EYE Experience camera enhancements. For those of you new to the EYE Experience, some of the additions include screen sharing, Split Capture, Voice Selfie, Crop-Me-In mode, along with improved face tracking with more people in the room. Be sure to check out our original announcement post for more in-depth details on what to expect.


Though the update may be live, it could take a few days to get to your device. Have you received the EYE Experience update to your One M8? How are you liking the new camera features?






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Motorola DROID Turbo leaked in the flesh ahead of its Oct 28th unveiling

Motorola DROID Turbo AndroidSpin leak


The Motorola DROID Turbo has probably leaked more times than Motorola or Verizon would have liked Even though we still have a little more than 5 days until Verizon’s DroidDoes site fully reveals the beastly Android device, the folks at AndroidSpin are giving us an early look at the phone in the flesh.


Despite being an eyesore, it’s not too different from the variety of leaks we’ve already seen, but does once again confirm a few of the phone’s insane specs like a 2560×1440 resolution display, and 3GB of RAM. October 28th all will be revealed, but we have a feeling this isn’t the last we’ve seen of the DROID Turbo.






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Wear Battery Stats From The Maker Of Wear Mini Launcher Tracks Your Watch's Battery Life

ww Android includes tools to follow the state of your battery, but not Android Wear. Seems like an oversight on Google's part, but developers are trying to fill in the gaps. The first such app showed up just recently, but now there's a new Wear battery tracker from the developer of the fantastic Wear Mini Launcher. Wear Battery Stats can be used on the phone or watch to see how the battery has been doing and identify potential issues.





Wear Battery Stats From The Maker Of Wear Mini Launcher Tracks Your Watch's Battery Life was written by the awesome team at Android Police.












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Google Wallet’s upcoming ad campaign looks to spread the word about rival Apple Pay service for Android

GoogleWallet Nexus S


By now, much of the world has heard all about Apple Pay, Apple’s newly launched NFC-based mobile payment service. It’s not too unlike Google Wallet, another NFC mobile payments system Android users have been enjoying for the past 3 years now and despite being as easy to use as Apple Pay, has failed to hit the mainstream. But Google’s not mad. In statement from Sherice Torres, Google’s director of marketing for commerce, she says:



“We got into mobile payments because one of Google’s main goals was to expand the use of Wallet to replace cash. Anything that that encourages people to try to use their phones is good.”




It doesn’t help that Google hasn’t really advertised Wallet much (nowhere near where Apple has with Apple Pay). Outside of the initial George Costanza wallet video, you’d be hard pressed to find a single ad talking about Google Wallet. But that will soon change.


Now that Apple Pay’s 220,000+ retail supporters will already have NFC-based credit card systems in their stores, Google will ride its momentum by spreading the word about Google Wallet with a new ad campaign launching later this year. Although specifics about the ad campaign weren’t mentioned, we’re guessing Google will take the opportunity to educate Android users in the fact that Google Wallet can also be used at all the same places as Apple Pay. And while Apple Pay is limited to specific credit card issuers, Google Wallet is compatible with all bank and credit cards.


It’s exactly as we said in a post a few weeks ago — now that Apple Pay is spearheading NFC payments, you’ll finally be able to use Google Wallet in a lot more places.




[Mashable]






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LG G3 now receiving major stability update

LG_G3_Fromt_On_Screen_Buttons_LG_Logo_TA


LG is in the process of pushing out a relatively major over-the-air stability update to all unlocked variants of its flagship smartphone, the G3, currently located in India, Thailand and a bunch of European countries. Sadly, this upgrade doesn’t bring much in terms of added functionality, such as Android 5.0 Lollipop, but it does include a handful of ‘system stability improvements,’ which are geared towards making a user’s experience better when using the device.


Hit the break for the full changelog.




Enhancements:



  • Valuepack upgrade

  • Apps

  • Google patch



If you own an unlocked variant of the LG G3 and have not yet received the OTA update, you can head into “Settings,” then “About Device,” and select “Check for Updates” to manually scan for the upgrade. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a push notification on your handset prompting you to download and install the update.




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Humble Bundle’s spooky Halloween deal is now live

Humble Bundle Halloween


The folks over at Humble Bundle have just launched another “pay what you want” deal, this time with the Halloween season very much in mind. The new “Mo-Boo!-ile Bundle” contains six spooky games together with a free bonus one entitled “The Spookening”.



Whilst users can pay any price they want to get their hands on the latest Humble Bundle deal, they will have to beat the average price of $2.82 to gain access to all six games. If they choose to give a donation lower than the medium, they will only get access to the following three titles: Rebuild, Oscura: Second Shadow and Containment: The Zombie Puzzler.


The full list of games included in “Mo-Boo!-ile Bundle” can be seen below:



  • Rebuild

  • Oscura: Second Shadow

  • Containment: The Zombie Puzzler

  • Five Nights at Freddy’s

  • Dead Effect

  • The Walking Dead: Assault


If you wish to download the Humble Bundle application for Android — click the download link below. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code.


qr code


Play Store Download Link




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17 best Android strategy games

Android Strategy Games

Strategy games have translated to touch screens better than most gaming genres. Game developers have noticed this and now you can find a metric ton of strategy games in the Google Play Store. Which ones are the best? That’s the question we set out to find out. Here are the best Android strategy games.




Age of Civilization Android strategy gamesAge of Civilizations


[Price: $2.29]

Age of Civilizations is a turn-based strategy game with no in app purchases. It also pulls out all the stops on add on content such as Google Play Games services, offline play, and a bunch of scenarios including both World Wars. The way it works is you issue commands before the start of every round and then those actions get completed. What you can do is limited by your Movement Points. Overall, it’s kind of like the classic board game Risk so fans of that should enjoy this title quite a bit. You can also do things like form alliances and sign peace treaties.



Android strategy games age of civilization




anomaly 2 Android strategy gamesAnomaly 2


[Price: $4.99]

Anomaly 2 is a tower offense and tower defense hybrid game that includes intense game play and decent graphics. That includes PhysX integration and support for the Tegra K1 (if you have any of those devices). There is an online multiplayer mode where someone plays tower offense and the other plays tower defense which is a unique game play feature you won’t find in many other places. It’s also one of the few strategy games on this list to have a decent story line. There are also no in app purchases!

Get it on Google Play






Android strategy games autumn dynastyAutumn Dynasty – RTS


[Price: $4.99]

The first thing you’ll notice about Autumn Dynasty is its unique graphics. All of the graphics are done in the style of traditional Chinese painting which adds a bit of an authentic feel to the game play. You “paint” your orders by manually circling troops and targets to tell them what to do. It’s a real-time strategy and the idea is that you have to take up the sword and prevent civil war. It’s $4.99 and there are no in app purchases in this title.

Get it on Google Play






Android strategy games - Battlestation First ContactBattlestation – First Contact


[Price: Free with in app purchases]

In this lighter, but addictive strategy game, you control a battle station. Using troops, upgrades, weapons, and other implements of destruction, you must defend your battle station from an alien invasion. The first level of the game is free to play but you much purchase the rest of the game via an in app purchase. It features quick, intense game play that provides a solid experience for a freemium title.

Get it on Google Play






Boom Beach Android strategy gamesBoom Beach


[Price: Free with in app purchases]

Boom Beach is a free (with in app purchases) strategy game from the super popular Supercell developers. In this game, you must load up boats with troops and storm the beaches of your opponents which can be both offline and online. There is a campaign mode where you must defeat the Blackguard and free the island natives from their reign of terror. You can upgrade your own base along with your troops to give yourself a better chance at defense and attacking. It’s a fairly simple game with a strong social aspect and it’s great for casual players.

Get it on Google Play






clash of clans android strategy gamesClash of Clans


[Price: Free with in app purcahses]

Supercell’s more popular title is Clash of Clans. In this game you must build up a defense to defend against raids from other players and then raid other players. It’s almost entirely a social game as the campaign mode falls into the background almost immediately after you begin playing. You can join clans with other players and give each other troops and engage in clan wars against other (usually similarly leveled) clans. It’s been cloned a bunch of times and still remains the most popular free strategy game on Android.

Get it on Google Play






Android strategy games eufloria hdEufloria HD


[Price: $4.99]

Eufloria HD is a different kind of strategy game. Instead of focusing on an intense battle between two entities, this title focuses on conquering asteroids in space and then using their resources to kind of terraform them. It’s known as an ambient strategy game because it’s actually more relaxing than anything and the muted colors and easy game play kind of lend themselves to that experience as well. It’s $4.99 and there are no in app purchases which, frankly, only serves to strengthen the relaxing atmosphere of this title.

Get it on Google Play






frozen synapse Android strategy gamesFrozen Synapse


[Price: $2.99]

Frozen Synapse a fairly intense tactical combat game where you must clear levels by controlling your troops and killing the bad guys. There is an array of weapons you can use and a lot of the game focuses on breach-and-clear style tactics. There are over 50 single player missions and five online multiplayer modes. There are also no in app purchases which is great news if you don’t like those. This game won’t work on older tablets due to resolution constraints but if you have something fairly new then you’ll be okay.

Get it on Google Play






great little war game 2 Android strategy gamesGreat Little War Game 1 and 2


[Price: $2.49 and $2.99]

The Great Little War Game series has been popular and highly rated for quite some time now. The premise in both games is roughly the same. Both games are checkerboard-style, turn-based strategy games. You move troops along a board and once you get within range, you can shoot at them. There are different strategies thanks to terrain and troops but overall this is more geared toward the casual gamer than the serious one. They’re inexpensive and they also come in free version if you want to try those out first!

Get it on Google Play






Kingdom Rush Frontiers Android strategy gamesKingdom Rush and Kingdom Rush Frontiers


[Price: $0.99 with in app purchases and $1.99 with in app purchases (respectively)]

The Kingdom Rush series is another highly touted and popular tower defense series. The first one has a 4.6 rating in the Play Store and the other has a 4.7. Those are very impressive marks. They’re known for their fast, addictive game play and their goofy but fun choices in towers and troops. Alongside that are 70 achievements, 18 tower abilities, 40 enemies, 11 heroes, and three difficulty modes. The games themselves are a little short but you can still have a lot of fun.

Get it on Google Play






out there Android strategy gamesOut There


[Price: $3.99]

Out There is a survival strategy game where you must gather resources and interact with alien life forms in order to survive. Like most strategy games you must travel, collect resources, and build updates to improve your changes of survival. You must combat some aliens while you befriend others while you slowly learn each of their languages. It’s a pretty unique game with three different endings and it even builds a slightly different galaxy each time you start a new game.

Get it on Google Play






plague inc Android strategy gamesPlague Inc


[Price: Free with in app purchases]

Plague Inc is an intensely fun and popular game that has managed to keep a 4.5 rating in the Google Play Store. The premise of the game is quite simple. You must develop the next wave of super diseases to wipe out the planet. There are a variety of diseases to choose from and each one can be upgraded and modified to do more things. Despite its popularity and age, the developers are still adding new content as well. It’s a great freemium title.

Get it on Google Play






plants vs zombies 2 android strategy gamesPlants vs Zombies 2


[Price: Free with in app purchases]

Plants vs Zombies 2 is arguably the most casual strategy game of any on this list. In this checkerboard, tower defense-style game, you must create weaponized plants to defend your yard from the zombie hoard. By using a combination of plants, you can achieve victory in each level. The developers have been adding new content since the game came out and that just adds to its value. If you don’t like this version, you can always try the original Plants vs Zombies which is $1.14.

Get it on Google Play






rymdkapsel Android strategy gamesrymdkapsel


[Price: $3.99]

The phrase “Great graphics don’t necessarily mean great games” applies to a game like rymdkapsel. Despite the simplistic (albeit colorful) graphics, this game is intense and fun. In this title, you focus on building the best base you possibly can by building units and generating resources. You must also defend from wave after wave of attacks. The price is $3.99 and the game does only contain a single level so if you’re a thrifty app buyer, you may not like that. Otherwise, rymdkapsel is worth some consideration.

Get it on Google Play






skulls of the shogun Android strategy gamesSkulls of the Shogun


[Price: $4.99]

Skulls of the Shogun is a turn-based strategy game with a quick pace and fun, cartoon-ish graphics. It contains 24 levels, 4 magical animal monks, 4 gods, 6 generals, and all sorts of other content to enjoy. There are also two forms of multiplayer. There’s a pass-and-play style multiplayer and an online multiplayer available where you send moves much like a chess game. It hasn’t gained the popularity of some of these other titles and it really should.

Get it on Google Play

Android strategy games skulls of the shogun




star command Android strategy gamesStar Command


[Price: $2.99]

This title was actually originally funded on Kickstarter which is where most of its early popularity stemmed from. In this game you build your own ship, explore the universe, prevent aliens from invading your ship, and blow up a lot of stuff. The graphics are old school which provides a charming retro feel to the game. Some people have complained about the lack of updates because the game only gets an update about once every six months but most people seem to enjoy it.

Get it on Google Play






xcom android strategy gamesXCOM Enemy Unknown


[Price: $9.99]

Those looking for console quality titles need to look no further than XCOM Enemy Unknown. In this combat strategy game you must train your allies, upgrade and research new tech, and save the planet from aliens. The strategy comes in combat as you must move your characters around to best take advantage of cover while you flank and kill your enemies. It’s a deep game with a lot of content and great graphics. Of course, with a console level comes a console level price tag which some people may not be happy about.

Get it on Google Play






Wrap up


If we missed any great Android strategy games, by all means please let us know in the comments!






from Android Authority http://ift.tt/10oZcJV

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