APK BRO™ - Download APK Android Apps: 02/04/16

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Marshmallow Update Available for T-Mobile LG G4 Through LG-Bridge Desktop Software

According to multiple users on reddit, a Marshmallow update for the LG G4 on T-Mobile is available for downloading through LG’s desktop software called Bridge. For those looking to simply do the update via OTA, it does not appear to be quite ready for rollout. However, using LG-Bridge seems easy enough, so if you need Marshmallow in a hurry, you can now do so.

Labeled as version H81120I, the notes on the update are rather scarce from T-Mobile, although, users should expect to see all of the usual Android 6.0 features, such as Doze, improved permissions for applications and much more.

Thanks to a user on reddit, anyone who has not yet used LG-Bridge software can view a complete set of instructions on how to get this update up and running. The process seems rather straightforward, at least in terms of using PC software to update your smartphone.

Follow the via links below to get yourself started, G4 owners.

Via: reddit [2]

This Promo Codes App is a Sweet Way to Get Paid Apps for Free

How’s this for a sweet idea? Thanks to the introduction of promo codes for paid apps on Google Play, a new app, appropriately named Promo Codes, gives users one chance a day to receive a promo code good for redemption on a paid app in Google Play. Let’s explain a bit how this works.

Each day, an app will be featured on Promo Codes. Inside of the app, a user can hit “I’m Feeling Lucky.” At that time, you will either win a promo code to download that featured app for free, or you won’t win. If you don’t win, you will be redirected to that app’s page on Google Play so you can check it out anyway. You can then buy it if you so choose. If you do win, the promo code is copied to your device’s clipboard, then on Google Play, you can redeem that code by pasting it into the redemption portion of the purchasing process.

So, what apps can you win? As of right now, the list is relatively short, but as more developers choose to take part, the list will grow. Right now, there is the chance to win Nova Launcher Prime, Franco Kernel Updater, Focus, Cinnamon, Today Calendar Pro, Relay for Reddit Pro, and others.

I went ahead and downloaded the app myself, just to see what the fuss was about, and wouldn’t you know, I won a promo code for Today Calendar Pro. If you want the chance to win a few free apps, this is a no-brainer.

Grab it by following the Google Play link below.

Play Link

Question of the Day: What Do You Like About Your Android Wear Watch?

Within the next couple of weeks, Google will push a sizable update to Android Wear watches that introduces more voice messaging options, additional gesture controls, and speaker support for devices with external speakers. The update is the latest in an attempt to add on functionality to wrist-worn computers and hopefully sell you and I on why we need them. That right there, brings us to today’s question.

What do you like about your Android Wear watch?

In the past, I’ve talked about my frustrating experiences with them, but many of you own and enjoy a smartwatch. Some are still using the original Moto 360 and loving every minute of it. Rather than listen to me complain about their lack of need for existence other than to further distract humans from real social interaction, I’d love for an entire post to be about what it is that makes smartwatches good.

What are you using them the most for? How have they made your life better or easier? What is it about your Android Wear device that keeps it on your wrist every day? Was there a specific moment or feature or use that made you say, “OK, I need this in my life”?

Comcast May Purchase Wireless Spectrum in Upcoming FCC Auction

Stated by Comcast executives during an earnings call that took place yesterday, the company will be filing with the FCC to be part of its upcoming spectrum auction, scheduled for March 29. At that time, the FCC will transfer spectrum licenses in the 600MHz range from broadcast TV to wireless service. “If the price is right,” said Comcast CFO Mike Cavanagh, the company would like to purchase wireless spectrum licenses.

While the idea of Comcast getting into the wireless carrier game sounds like something from the darkest part of your nightmares, Comcast’s CEO Brian Roberts states that a licensing would really only be justified if the company can do something “creative” in the future with the spectrum.

Our definition of broadband is totally different today than it was five years ago for what you get as a consumer, and I think that goes back into whether we can do something creative in the future, whether that’s involving spectrum or Wi-Fi or some of the existing relationships we’ve got.

For wireless-first companies, such as T-Mobile, the prospect of purchasing low-band spectrum is rather important, as it gives them an opportunity to improve their network and compete against the likes of Verizon and AT&T.

By no means did Comcast state that they will throw down any amount to purchase the licenses, but it is an interesting notion that Comcast may want a piece of the wireless pie. With AT&T offering DirecTV packages alongside wireless packages now, Comcast could possibly be thinking along the same lines. However, during the earnings call, no specific intent was shown.

Wrapping up, Roberts said, “It’s a free option, if you will, to get a paddle and see what the values are and how much capacity. It’s not clear exactly what’s for sale and all that has to be determined, but you have to make this decision now and so we’re making it.”

Via: Arstechnica

Snapseed Update Adds a Couple of Automatic Features, SD Card Installs

Google’s Snapseed, a quality photo editing app that was added to Google’s line-up back in 2012 via acquisition, received an update this week that tries to simplify your photo edits by automatically adjusting or placing items. It’s also much more stable and shoul make saving items a muhc more reliable process.

In terms of the automatic actions, the update allows for Lens Blur to automatically detect a face and center around it. Snapseed now also attempts to auto-straighten when there is a horizon in a photo. Google added in the ability to install the app to external SD cards as well.

The update is live on Google Play.

WHAT’S NEW

Lens Blur: automatic face detection and blur placement
Auto-Straighten: automatically adjust to the horizon
Improved in-filter help
Ability to install Snapseed on external SD card

Play Link

Via: +Snapseed

Multi-Account Support Reappears in Latest Instagram Beta Update

Inside of the newest update for the Instagram beta app straight from Google Play, multi-account support has reappeared. For Android users, this is big news, as this feature first appeared in November of last year, then quickly vanished without a trace. According to Latergramme, the iOS version is also sporadically offering multi-account support, which means we could be close to an official release of this feature in the near future.

If you are in the beta, head over to Google Play and update your Instagram app. To see if you have access to the feature, go into the settings menu, then scroll down to see an option for “Add Account.” If you have a secondary IG account, enter in the credentials, then you are all set.

For a detailed walkthrough of multi-account support on Instagram, watch the below video we posted in November when it first appeared.

Go update that beta if you are signed up.

Play Link

Latest Textra SMS Update is All About the Emoji

Inside the latest update to Textra SMS, now available on Google Play, users will find a wide variety of features specifically catered to fans of emoji. For folks on Kit Kat and Lollipop, you will now have access to over 1600 different emoji, which should be enough for expressing your feelings through an icon. Additionally, skin tone emoji are included, allowing folks to move away from yellow-colored faces entirely.

Also included is the ability to select which set of emoji you want to use. For example, if you are on a Samsung device and don’t care for the OEM’s emoji selection, you can choose between the standard Android emoji or your system’s emoji. A new style, called Emoji One, is also included for your usage. For those who use emoji on Twitter, a new set of emoji are available for tweeting, too.

Check out the complete changelog below, then hit up the Google Play link to grab the update.

What’s New

World First: For Android style emoji we now provide all the latest (1600+) emojis even on older KitKat & Lollipop phones
World First: For Android style emoji we have added diversity (skin tone) emojis
For phones that have manufacturer (e.g. Samsung) styled emoji, you can now choose to use the latest Android emojis instead
Added a new style called Emoji One
For Twitter style emojis we now support all the latest emojis.
Bug fixes

Play Link

AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge Hit FCC

Once Samsung announce the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge in Barcelona on February 21, the world will be anxiously awaiting their arrival for purchase at local retailers and carriers. Early reports suggest that March 11 could be the day that Samsung’s new flagships arrive in stores, but before that happens, we need to see pieces fall into place – like each stop off at the FCC for approval. Today, that happened.

According to FCC documents for Samsung devices under model numbers SM-G930 and SM-G935, we should be all set for launch. As a reminder, the Galaxy S7 is SM-G930 and the S7 Edge is SM-G935. The FCC IDs for each are A3LSMG930US and A3LSMG935US, respectively.

The documents show us the general shape of each, along with the fact that each will have an FCC ID planted on their lower backsides. Why Samsung didn’t go the software FCC ID route is beyond me, but they didn’t.

The documents are giving us confirmation on device models as well, showing specific model numbers for each carrier variant. The different carrier numbers are as follows: SM-G930A (AT&T), SM-G930V (Verizon), SM-G930P (Sprint), SM-G930T (T-Mobile), and SM-G930R4 (US Cellular).

The filing for each is for a general Galaxy S7/S7 Edge model of A3LSMG930US/A3LSMG935US, with each carrier model included. I don’t know if that means we are looking at a single Galaxy S7/S7 Edge unit that works universally everywhere, but that carriers will choose to limit, or what. The nice thing is, we have all of the information for all carrier variants together.

For example, here is a look at the supported LTE bands, for those curious. The documents included show LTE band 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 30, and 41. I don’t know where AT&T’s band 17 is, as it doesn’t appear in any document at this time.

The rest of the documents don’t offer any other details that we didn’t already know or expect. With that said, there is a test report that mentions a micro SD card and a battery model that we are looking into at the moment.

If you feel like diving through some FCC docs, we have links below.

Via: FCC [2] | TimesNews

Instagram Intros 60 Second Ads Just in Time for Super Bowl 50

Bing Updated for Android, Includes Gas Prices and Price Comparisons

The Bing app for Android is receiving an update this week, bringing with it a few familiar features you may already be using through Google Search and Google Maps. However, if you do use Bing, you can now benefit from price comparisons on products from Amazon, Target, and other online retailers, as well as gas prices powered by GasBuddy.

When searching for products to do a price comparison, Bing will pull info from sources such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart to make sure you are getting the best deal. To start a comparison, the Bing app’s search menu will show a barcode scanner with a camera icon. Select that, snap a shot of the product’s barcode, then get to comparing. As long as those products are sold through those retailers, they will be there. As you should already know, a feature similar to this has long been available through Google Search, with Google pulling information from eBay, too.

The second part of the update, which may be rather useful if downloading a dedicated app or using Google Maps or Google Search takes too long, is the ability to search local gasoline prices. Powered by GasBuddy, when you want to find the cheapest gas around you, simply search for gas. Results will appears for stations, and when one is selected, you can choose to navigate to it.

This update is available now on Google Play.

Play Link

Via: Bing

Android Wear Update Incoming: Will Introduce New Gestures, Speaker Support, More

An update for Android Wear was announced this morning by Google and will start to rollout to all watches over the “next few weeks.” The update will introduce expanded functionality to items like voice actions and gestures, but will also activate the speaker that has been hidden for months inside of select devices.

Back in March of last year, Google first introduced gestures to Android Wear that allowed you to flip between cards without touching a thing. In this update, new gestures will allow you to pull down the settings shade, open the app menu, return to home, cancel actions before they complete, and perform other actions on cards. Details of these gestures were first revealed in November.

As for new voice action support, Google is giving you more options for sending messages with your voice through apps like Hangouts, Nextplus, Telegram, Viber, WeChat, and WhatsApp. All you’ll need to say is, “OK, Google, send a Hangouts message to Kellen: Let’s get beer now.” and it’ll send that message to me through Hangouts.

Finally, because some Android Wear watches were built with hidden speakers in them that you didn’t know about, this update makes those active. With an active speaker, you get the power to make and take calls from your watch when connected over to Bluetooth to your phone, plus you can listen to audio/video messages.

The current watches on the market with speakers are the Huawei Watch and ASUS ZenWatch 2.

Again, the update should hit all Android Wear devices within the next few weeks.

Via: Android Blog

Amazon Echo Gains Spotify Support

Amazon Echo, the cylindrical speaker tube that some of us have in our kitchens to keep time on Shake’N Bake chicken, now works with Spotify. If you are a Spotify Premium subscriber and own an Echo, you can tell it to play any playlist, artist, or genre in Spotify’s catalog. Also, Echo also supports Spotify Connect, which means you can jump from your Echo listening experience to the Spotify app without missing a beat.

“Hey, Alexa, play Taylor Swift on Spotify.” Nope.

The Amazon Echo is currently available from Amazon for $179.

Via: Amazon

#TBT: Android Timeline to the Nexus One

Memories.

Brought up on yesterday’s episode 100 of the DL Show.

Verizon Ups Data on Prepaid Plans to Bases of 2GB and 5GB

This morning, Verizon announced that its prepaid plans are getting more data without a price hike, a move that seems to be a common occurrence with US wireless carriers as of late. Both AT&T and T-Mobile upped their buckets within the past month while keeping their prices the same. This change lines Verizon’s offerings up with what AT&T just did.

With Verizon prepaid, your options are now $45 for 2GB of data or $60 for 5GB of data per month. Those numbers are up from 1GB and 3GB, respectively. Keep in mind that you can get even more data through Verizon by signing up for auto-pay each month. If you schedule automatic payments with Big Red’s prepaid, they’ll toss in an extra 1GB of bonus data per month. With auto-pay, you then jump those plans to 3GB for $45 and 6Gb for $60.

You can sign-up for Verizon prepaid here.

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Thursday, February 4, 2016

Via: reddit [2]

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