Google Updates Play Games SDK With Real Time Multiplayer For Cross-Platform C++ SDK, Dev Console Improvements, And More

Successful products like the Ouya, nVidia's Shield line, and numerous gamepads have proven that gaming on Android has gone mainstream. Developers have been jumping at the opportunity to build games that work across many of the different operating systems; and thanks to the Cross-Platform SDK, they're able to integrate most of the Play Games services into their products on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Until now, this SDK has lagged behind the SDKs for Android and iOS on one specific feature: real-time multiplayer support.

Google Updates Play Games SDK With Real Time Multiplayer For Cross-Platform C++ SDK, Dev Console Improvements, And More was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Verizon makes the HTC Desire 612 official, free with a 2-year agreement

Having after already gotten a glimpse at the HTC Desire 612 last week, it seems Verizon is finally to make the device official. Packing a 4.7-inch “HD” display and HTC’s trademarked BoomSound stereo front facing speakers, the HTC Desire 612 will officially be arriving on Big Red this October 9th for free (with a 2-year agreement). What’s more is the phone will be fully compatible with Verizon’s XLTE network for a boost in data speeds.

Like a souped up version of the HTC Desire 610 (which recently launched on AT&T), the Desire 612 comes equipped with an 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front facing camera, 2,040mAh battery, and running on Android 4.4 KitKat. Yeah, everything is a little bit vague at the moment, but we expect to learn some of the finer hardware details once the phone launches this Thursday.

[Verizon]

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Nexus 5’s battery draining camera bug will finally be fixed in Android L

Thought to have been addressed in Android 4.4.3, the Nexus 5’s nasty “mm-qcamera-daemon” bug back in Android 4.4.2 appears to be alive and well in current Android builds.

Originally highlighted in Google’s issue tracker back in March, the bug made short work of batteries after causing CPU usage to skyrocket. Like many, we had hoped the patches in Android 4.4.3 would have completely squashed the bug, but as it turns out, it’s still very much present in a few Nexus 5s.

Once again, Google has chimed in on the issue (60058), officially marking the issue as fixed (internally anyway). They’re promising all will be made well in the next major Android release for the Nexus 5 (Android L), but only as it relates to the Nexus 5. Devices like the Moto G or Samsung Galaxy S5 will still require an update from their respective OEMs to fix the problem, wherever it may arise.

The good news is we’re expecting Android L to officially roll out later this month, so it shouldn’t be much longer. Special shout out to the guy on Google Issue Tracker who tried to get pry a solid release date “for the next major Android release” from Google. Can’t blame you for trying.

[Google Issue Tracker]

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HTC confirms it will not be unveiling a smartwatch at its event tomorrow

We’ve known for a while now that HTC is gearing up to launch its first ever smartwatch. Recent rumors pointed towards the much-anticipated wearable being unveiled at the company’s ‘Double Exposure’ event tomorrow in New York.

However, Jason Mackenzie, President of HTC USA, put paid to that notion by announcing the wearable the company has been developing for the past few months isn’t ready for public use, just yet.

“When we come to market with our product we want to make sure the product has a strong point of view and there is a really compelling reason to strap it on your wrist. We think the strategy we were working on will get us there, but we want to take our time and get it right. We honestly don’t think anyone has gotten it right.”

So as it stands we can only assume that HTC is planning to announce either the long-awaited Desire Eye smartphone, its upcoming GoPro competitor or both at tomorrow’s conference. We’d love to know what you think the manufacturer is preparing to showcase, so be sure to drop us a line in the comments section below.

Source: Re/Code

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Google updates stable build of Chrome OS to include Media Transfer Protocol

Earlier today Google updated their lesser-known operating system Chrome OS to include native support for Media Transfer Protocol, allowing users to hypothetically transfer files between their Chromebook and any relatively modern Android-powered device with just a USB cable. I say hypothetically since for now write operations are not supported, which means you can’t create folders, add media or rename files. The feature has been in beta since earlier this year but has now been rolled into the stable version of Chrome OS.

After connecting your device to the Chromebook, the Chrome file manager should open automatically allowing you to manage your device without the need for the cloud. The update also includes bug fixes, touch screen enhancements and security updates. Head to Settings > About to update to Chrome OS 38.0.2125.101 today and let us know in the comments how MTP is working for you.

Source: Chrome Releases

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Tuesday App And Game Sales: The Room Two, Minuum Keyboard, Fist Of Awesome, And More

We usually like to wait for a few more deals to build up before burdening you with yet another thing to read, but there are a few discounts that just appeared you should know about before they're gone. These are usually short-lived sales, so get your wallet ready.

Apps

Minuum Keyboard – $1.99 from $3.99

OfficeSuite Professional 7 – $0.99 from $14.99 (Amazon)

Games

FIST OF AWESOME – $0.99 from $3.99

The Room Two – $0.99 from $2.99

Color Switch – Free from $0.99 (Amazon)

Tuesday App And Game Sales: The Room Two, Minuum Keyboard, Fist Of Awesome, And More was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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8tracks Playlist Radio App Gets Chromecast Support In Latest Update

For anyone looking for another means of streaming music to their Android device without having to use an app with a UI that would make a Nexus cry, 8tracks is worth a look. The interface keeps things simple, which these days means it's pretty white. Existing users will be pleased to know that following the latest update, 8tracks now comes with Chromecast support. As long as your connected TV or monitor is on, you will see the familiar icon in the action bar at launch.

8tracks Playlist Radio App Gets Chromecast Support In Latest Update was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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