DIY Chrome App Builder launches on the Chrome Web Store

Google has launched a unique little tool on the Chrome Web Store that will allow you to quickly create apps for Chrome OS. That may sound a little simpler than it actually is, which is true; all the tool actually does is package up a web link into an easy set of files that can be uploaded as a Chrome app. You’ll still have to have some kind of web page or web app, and that takes more than a little know-how.

With that being said, the Chrome App Builder is very useful in certain circumstances. Since it creates a self-contained window with only four buttons (home, back, forward, and refresh), it’s ideal for an environment where you only need or want access to one specific site or app, and you don’t want there to be an easy way to navigate away from it. Think along the lines of the little computers you see in stores sometimes that only let you browse that company’s website.

The only drawback here is that for the app to go into that “kiosk” mode where you can’t navigate anywhere else, it’ll have to be installed on Chrome OS. The apps still work on Chrome browsers, Windows, OS X, and Linux, but you’ll lose that locked-in mode, for better or worse. It’s definitely not something everyone will rush out to download, but you can still get some use out of it if you know what you’re doing.

If you want to play around with it and build some Chrome apps for yourself, hit the link below.

source: OMG Chrome

Chrome App Builder Link

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Soak Test Invites Going out for Unlocked Moto X (2013) – Lollipop, perhaps?

Motorola started their Lollipop roll out pretty quickly. But after rolling it out to the Moto X (2014) and a few of the Moto G (2014) models, it’s slowed down quite a bit. Owners of the original Moto X were beginning to wonder if they’d ever get their update to Lollipop. We had heard from Motorola that the X8 Mobile Computing System was making things a bit difficult for Motorola to get the update out the door. But it looks like it might be starting to roll out in the next few weeks.

It appears that Motorola is about to begin a soak test for the Moto X (2013) unlocked right now. As usual, we don’t know much about what this update entails, but we’ve got our fingers crossed that it’s the Lollipop update that everyone’s been waiting on. With soak tests, users usually get about 2-3 days to respond to the email from Motorola then the update starts rolling out within a few days of that. After a couple of days of testing, if there are no major issues, then update should start rolling out almost immediately afterwards. Sometimes, Motorola will skip the testing and just send out soak test emails then send out the OTA. So it could be even sooner.

Android 5.0 Lollipop is a huge update, and you’ll definitely notice the change on the Moto X, considering it is a stock Android device. I’d highly suggest you keep with the Moto Display, instead of Android’s version. As Moto Display does an amazing job of that. As always, if you’re having issues with an update, try a factory reset and see if that solves your problems.

If you’re one with the Moto X (2013) Unlocked and are part of the Motorola Feedback Network, you might get this email. If you did, be sure to respond to the email so you can get into the soak test. Responding doesn’t automatically mean you are going to be chosen though. How many of you are excited to get Android 5.0 on your Moto X (2013)? Be sure to let us know in the comments down below.

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Android Game News Weekly March 13th: Stick Cricket 2, Sick Bricks, Trivia Crack, And More!

Stick Cricket 2 Is Out Now For Android

If you’ve always enjoyed the sport of cricket then now’s your chance to become a major cricket star in Stick Cricket 2. There are 90 levels to master and complete and plenty of outfits, gear, and other cool stuff to unlock. The game has some pretty cool looking graphics and you can even track your stats and sync your data across devices in case you play on more than one device.

Sick Bricks Offers Up LEGO Inspired Action

Sick Bricks will have you playing as a rather blocky looking character called Jack Justice, and as you probably guessed, Jack is the hero in this story trying to save Sick City from evil. Sick Bricks actually looks like it offers up a wide array of things to do with 10 unique environments to play through, and 100 enemy hideouts you’ll need to enter so you can battle against your enemies.

Stars Wagon Is A Space Themed Arcade Shooter Out Now

Stars Wagon is a side-scrolling arcade shooter with elements of Galaga and Asteroids, filled with 14 levels of deep space mayhem and plenty of things to shoot. Gamers can enjoy three single player modes including story, survival, and challenge.

Trivia Crack Gets Updated To Version 2.0 With New Features

If you love trivia you may have already heard of Trivia Crack. It was just recently updated to version 2.0 which brings in a slight visual overhaul, new language support, and the ability to extend your lives by an unlimited amount if you feel the need. There are other improvements too, those are just the most notable.

AD2460 Is A Space Browser Game You Can Play On Mobile

There are plenty of space games to play on Android, but AD2460 is unique in that it can actually save you some storage since this is an HTML5 browser game you can play on your device. It’s a space-based RTS game with plenty of action, space battles(of course)and requires a good strategic mind if you plan to beat others. This game requires a monthly fee to play. You can login and create accounts at the main website.

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Top New Android Games Of The Week – March 13th Edition

Quite a few games released onto Android this week, and here we’re going to cover the top games to hit the Play Store to give you something to fill up those free hours during the weekend.

Land Air Sea Warfare Brings RTS Battles To Android

If you love real-time strategy games, Land Air Sea Warfare is one you should give a look. You can build over 100 types of units to defend your base, and maps are randomized to offer you seemingly unlimited replay value.

Rovio Releases Angry Birds Stella Pop!

Angry Birds Stella Pop! is the next Angry Birds themed game from Rovio, although it doesn’t follow the typical physics-based gameplay we know from the regular Angry Birds games. Instead, this casual title has you popping bubbles and piggies and attempting to solve some of the many puzzles within the game.

QuestRun Is A Japanese Inspired RPG Roguelike

QuestRun is not like other RPG’s as it really focuses more on the JRPG style battle system without most of the actual storyline. Rest assured though, there is some story to be enjoyed. There are more than 60 monsters to battle against and 15 different characters with which to take up arms.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Brings Comic Action To Android

If you like superheroes, especially from Marvel Comics, and you love LEGOS, you’ll absolutely love this game. You can play as 91 different characters in all and work to save the universe from impending doom.

Dungeon Hunter 5

Dungeon Hunter 5 is the latest installment in the action RPG franchise from Gameloft, with tons of hack and slash action, epic loot, PvP battles, and more. You can even collect minions to place in your own dungeon and raid the dungeons of others for gold.

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Code In Android 5.1 App Reveals Connection Between Unannounced Google VPN Service And "Nova" Carrier Project

We've heard a number of rumors about Google launching its own Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), codenamed Nova. According to reports, the service will source wireless service from Sprint and T-Mobile, but it will rely on Wi-Fi networks to bear most of the weight of both data and voice services (though VoIP). While the details of this plan still aren't clear, another piece of the puzzle just emerged that indicates Google is going to offer its own virtual private network (VPN) service, and it may be targeted specifically at Nova subscribers.

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You can now buy the DROID Turbo in Sapphire Blue Ballistic Nylon from Verizon

NVIDIA’s New SHIELD Android TV Console Seems To Have Passed Through The FCC

NVIDIA announced their all new SHIELD device earlier this month during GDC 2015, the SHIELD Android TV console. This impressive little unit is slated for a launch sometime in May, and attempts to offer something in the Android TV space that is completely unlike most other units. It’s running on Android TV software, so there’s access to the Play Store as well as a ton of music, movies, and tv shows accessible on the big screen or monitor you’d have it hooked up to just like other devices. The difference with SHIELD from other Android TV units is that this is also technically a gaming console that packs in the capabilities to play streaming games through NVIDIA Grid, as well as Android games and download and play AAA titles that can be stored right on the SHIELD itself, including Crysis 3 as shown off at the GDC demo.

The NVIDIA SHIELD looks to have just recently passed through the FCC(the FCC document only lists what NVIDIA is calling the Complex Set-Top Box)which means it’s likely being fitted for approval and on its way to launching here in the U.S. This is good news as the FCC has to overview the device and make sure that it passes their standards before it can be sold, and the FCC is usually one of if not the last place regulation wise that devices like this need to hit before it goes on sale.

As of right now there is only the general May time frame for launch as stated above, but when consumers are able to get their hands on this Android TV unit it will cost them $199 to do so, and optional accessories like the anodized aluminum stand. That kind of cash will get buyers an Android TV device capable of playing console games as well as Android games, all powered by NVIDIA’s first ever mobile super chip, the Tegra X1 which was shown off back at CES 2015. It also comes with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, as well as ethernet support, two USB 3.0 connections, Bluetooth, Wifi, etc. and it’s even capable of playing 4K video, which is the only Android TV device with this ability at this time.

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Microsoft Reported To Not Be Investing In Cyanogen As Current Funding Round Nears Completion

Back towards the end of January, a very interesting rumor started to emerge. In short, the suggestion was Microsoft were preparing to invest in Cyanogen. At the time, this sparked instant speculation and sent the rumor mill into overdrive. The idea behind the two companies coming together (in any sense) was being seen as a significant move. Not to mention, one which was being assumed as a joint maneuver against Google. Cyanogen had been reported to of wanted to offer a more Google-free android operating system and it was thought Microsoft might see a benefit in such a concept.

That said, the rumors of the two companies collaborating were slightly overblown, to say the least. It was being reported that Microsoft was planning on investing in Cyanogen. Although, the investment was being noted as a ‘minor investment’ and was not exactly the one-to-one type of transaction many may have thought it to be. Instead, the investment was part of the fundraising round which Cyanogen are currently undertaking. As such, a number of companies are expected to be part of the overall investment, with Microsoft simply being one of them.

Well, the latest news on this story comes from Bloomberg (source link below) who is now currently reporting that Microsoft have decided not to invest in Cyanogen, in the current fundraising attempt. There is no confirmation on this from either Microsoft or Cyanogen and instead, Bloomberg report being informed by a source ‘familiar with the matter’, who is confirming Microsoft’s change of mind. That said, the same sources are also suggesting that regardless of whether Microsoft invest in Cyanogen, they are still interested in some form of a commercial deal with Cyanogen. This is said to be with a focus on incorporating their software on Cyanogen powered devices in the future. In terms of the actual funding round, the report also suggests that Cyanogen are close to securing $110 million in funding from investors, which could value the company in excess of $500 million. Are you surprised Microsoft are reportedly changing their minds on investing in Cyanogen? Do you think devices running Cyanogen OS should come running with Microsoft apps? Let us know

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Xiaomi Mi Note Review

Sony Walkman App Receiving Update With Improved Android Wear Functions

Not that long ago it was being reported that Sony were planning on axing the Walkman branding from Sony devices. The news was that Sony devices going forward and running on the latest software would come with a much more generic named ‘Music’ app as the default music player on Sony mobile devices. The ending of Walkman branding will be essentially the end of an era for Sony device owners, due to the iconic nature of the Walkman branding. That said, the Walkman app has not gone anywhere yet and for all the Sony users out there who are still using the app, it looks like Sony have just sent out an update for it.

The new update brings the app from version 8.5.A.2.10 to the new 8.5.A.3.2 and weighs in at 14.1 MB. Most of the changes on offer with this update will be of the more basic nature, including the typical bug fixes, performance improvements and small visual enhancements. That said, there is one interesting feature which is being noted as included in the update. One which will be especially notable if you are an Android Wear user too.

The new feature allows for a much better syncing between your Android Wear device and your Walkman app. With the update, Android Wear owners will be able to view songs in your synchronized playlist on your Android Wear device. Not to mention, the update also now allows for the ability to start any song on your playlist from your Android Wear device. On a side note, reports are suggesting that Spotify compatibility might be available soon as users are noting Spotify being noted as showing up in the settings list after the update. Although this has yet to be confirmed and some users in other regions are not seeing the Spotify listing. So do not be surprised if it does show up on your device. The update is presently in the rolling out phase and as such you should have either seen it landing already or will be seeing it land soon enough. Let us know if you have seen the update land and what you think of the newly added Wear features.

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Nyrius Smart Outlet debuts on Kickstarter, automating everything for an easy smart home

Simplifying the smart home experience while keeping equipment affordable is what Nyrius seems to be aiming for with its new Smart Outlet. The device, which plugs into any existing outlet, converts items in the home into connected devices that are manageable from a phone or tablet. With the Nyrius Smart Outlet app working alongside the hardware, users can perform various functions with connected devices. The Nyrius Smart Outlet app gives users the ability to turn on/off connected devices, schedule operating times, and turn on a proximity sensor.

You can find out more about the Nyrius Smart Outlet by heading to its Kickstarter page. There, you can also back the project for a limited release next month. The full release, for those who do not back the project, is scheduled for May.

We will be reviewing the Nyrius Smart Outlet closer to its full release.

Nyrius® Smart Outlet Converts Existing Electronics into Manageable Smart Home Devices in One Simple Solution

NIAGRA FALLS, ON – March 12, 2015 – Nyrius’ Smart Outlet, available now on Kickstarter, instantly transforms any outlet into a Bluetooth-enabled one, creating a smart home at the palm of your hand. The Smart Outlet allows users to easily control their electronics or small appliances such as coffee makers, lamps, space heaters, stereo systems and more via any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.

The plug-and-play Smart Outlet is simple to connect. Simply plug the Smart Outlet into any home outlet, connect any electronic or small appliance, and control it wirelessly via the sleek and intuitive Nyrius Smart Outlet App. The user-friendly app allows users to control and manage a number of operations including:

• Turn Connected Devices On & Off: Users can easily turn electronics or small appliances on or off via the app in order to save energy and reduce costs.


• Schedule Electronics: Via the app, users can create a custom timer on the app. Just choose a custom name for the plugged-in electronic or small appliance and pick a time frame and days of the week of when you want the outlet to be activated. For example, users can easily program their coffee maker to turn on every morning when they wake up or their lights to turn off on the way out of the door every morning.


• Proximity Control: Proximity control can detect when your room is no longer occupied and will automatically turn your appliances off.

Nyrius is offering the first 50 backers that pledge $40 CAD ($31.76 US) to become an early adopter and a beta tester of the Smart Outlet. Backers who make this pledge will be able to test the product before anyone else, provide feedback and make a difference in the final development of the product.

Additional information and pledge levels can be found on Nyrius’ Kickstarter page.

The Nyrius Smart Outlet is expected to ship to all backers and be fully available for purchase in May 2015.

For more information on the Smart Outlet and all of Nyrius’ innovative products, “like” Facebook.com/Nyrius and follow @Nyrius.

About Nyrius®:

Nyrius® is a North American-based company that focuses on higher-end lifestyle electronics and gadgets. Established in 2003 and based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, it markets to both USA and Canada. Nyrius® products are sold through various distribution channels, which include mass merchants, electronic retailers, warehouse clubs, home improvement retailers, office supply retailers, direct response television, mail order catalogues, direct, online retailers, and through distributors worldwide. Nyrius® products are stylish, cutting edge, and lifestyle improving. A fundamental part of our mission is to design products of exceptional quality while also reducing our carbon footprint. NYRIUS® products can be found on www.Nyrius.com.

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YouTube now supports 360-degree video on desktop and mobile

Walkman update allows users to view songs in a playlist on Android Wear

The Walkman application received a new update today that moves the build from 8.5.A.2.10 to 8.5.A.3.2. While there are visual improvements to the app, the key part of the update is the ability for Android Wear users to view songs within a synced playlist and start playback from any song in a playlist. Some users are reporting seeing other things as well.

Users are reporting that Spotify is listed as a usable service in the settings portion of the app and is a likely precursor to the Spotify powered Playstation Music coming at the end of the month. For those of you who want the update it’s 14.1MB.

Let us know if you know if you find anything else.

source: Xperia Blog

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GoneMAD Music Player Goes 2.0 With Material Design And Over 1,000 New Themes

The GoneMAD music player has recently (stop me if you've heard this one before) gone mad for material design in its big jump to version 2.0. The app isn't the glossiest or prettiest of the bunch, but it's a fresh upgrade that has spent the better part of a year in development.

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The material theme provided out of the box is kind of basic, but the developers have seen fit to throw in over 1,000 themes to choose from.

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