APK BRO™ - Download APK Android Apps: 02/11/16

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Question of the Day: How can HTC Win You Over?

Today’s question we are going to keep simpler than ever. Instead of talking about how sad of story HTC has been over the past few years, with miss upon miss in the high-end flagship realm, I really just want to know how (or if) they can win you back over.

In the end, HTC is one of the few manufacturers who really seems to want to do right by customers. They offer free screen replacement programs, unlockable bootloaders, have really toned down their Sense skin, and are making promises to update devices faster than anyone outside of Google. HTC wants you back, they really do.

Are you loving what you have heard about the HTC One M10? Will that phone do it? Do you need something more? Maybe something that doesn’t resemble an iPhone? What can HTC do to win you over?

#TBT: Android 3.0 “Honeycomb” Preview Video

Ah, yes, Honeycomb. It was short lived, but when it launched on the Motorola XOOM tablet, we probably all thought it was the bee’s knees.

Share your fond memories of Honeycomb below, if you have any.

Vevo Launches Revamped, Personally Curated Android App

Vevo, the one stop shop for millennials to get their fix of the latest from Justin Bieber and Katy Perry, released an updated Android application this morning. Inside, users will find a sleek UI, updated with a more personal discovery method for music you might enjoy.

Upon opening the updated app, users will select artists they enjoy and want to discover more music from. This same idea has been used countless times, so it should seem very similar. Once done, you can still find and watch thousands of music videos, all in high definition.

On top of the new features, users will still have the ability to create playlists and share music they really enjoy.

These changes are already live on Google Play, so head on over to check them out.

Play Link

Via: Vevo

HTC One M10 May Use the Same 12MP Camera as the Nexus 6P, but With OIS

When Google announced the Nexus 6P and 5X at an event in San Francisco back in September of last year, they talked a lot about the camera that they put inside of each, calling it the “best all-around” they had ever used. One of the major focuses was on the fact that the camera was capturing 1.55 micron pixels, which meant that it could capture more light on bigger pixels and thus the reason optical image stabilization (OIS) was left out. However, during that event to announce each phone, they wouldn’t come right out and specify the model of the camera, but we knew at the time that it was a 12.3MP Sony sensor that Google claimed was originally built for point-and-shoot cameras. Shortly after the festivities, we learned that they were using the Sony IMX377.

I bring all of this up because according to a long-standing HTC leaker, it may be the same sensor that HTC uses in the upcoming One M10 or “Perfume.”

In a Tweet posted this morning, @LlabTooFeR suggests that HTC is going with a main camera on the One M10 that is a 12MP Sony IMX377 that captures 1.55 micron pixels, has laser autofocus, phase detection autofocus, and optical image stabilization.

Previous rumors hinted at HTC using a 12MP shooter, though they plan to brand it with their UltraPixel marketing term. But in reality, it makes sense for HTC to use Sony’s sensor that is also in the 6P and 5X. After all, the HTC One M7 and M8 both used 4MP or UltraPixel cameras that captured 2 micron pixels. HTC, one could argue, pioneered the idea of capturing more light with bigger pixels in smartphones a few years ago, they just sort of failed in their implementation, because photos at a 4MP resolution are simply too small for most uses. With Sony creating a 12MP shooter that does exactly that only at a larger resolution, why not take advantage of it?

Is this good or bad news, you may be asking? I would consider it to be good news. Google’s Nexus 6P (and 5X) takes fantastic photos. Take a look at our 6P and 5X camera bonanza and see for yourselves. If HTC can fine-tune this beast for their own hardware, we could be in for a treat and see HTC fix a problem area that has plagued their flagships for a good three years in a row.

We are supposedly going to find out by early May.

Via: @LlabTooFeR [2]

Samsung Gear S2 Update Adds New Watch Face, Apps, Emoji in Keyboard, More

An update is rolling out to the Samsung Gear S2 this week, one that weighs in at around 91MB. The update arrives as software version R720XXU2BPA4, includes new apps for World Clock, ESPN, and News Briefing, but also adds new Mendini watch faces, search function in Contacts, screen time out setting, unread indicator, emoji entering from within the keyboard, and an alert when Bluetooth has been disconnected.

If you own the Gear S2, feel free to open the Samsung Gear app to initiate the process. If you aren’t prompted right away, head into Settings>About Gear>Update Gear software and tap on Update now.

Not only will you receive the update for the watch, but you may see an update to the Gear app as well.

Go get ’em.

Cheers Saleh!

Google+ 7.2.0 Update Brings Faster Web Browsing, Search History

Still rocking Google+? If so, a big update is rolling out for the Android app, one which includes 29 bug fixes, addressed accessibility issues, and a strengthened web browsing experience.

As detailed by Googler Luke Wroblewski, the app now utilizes Chrome custom tabs to preload web sites when they are linked to inside of a Google+ post. This allows web sites to load much faster. Not only will speeds be increased, but other features like saved passwords, autofill, and Tap to Search are also available in custom tabs.

Additional features listed in the changelog include search history and autocomplete, as well as the ability to tap on a “bottom bar” to scroll to the top of Collections, Communities, and Notifications.

What’s New

29 bugs fixed
10 accessibility issues addressed
Faster and safer browsing of Web sites (info below)
Search history and autocomplete
Tap on the bottom bar to scroll to the top of Collections, Communities, and Notifications

Play Link

Via: +Luke Wroblewski

Kanye West is Streaming Yeezy Season 3 and His New Album on TIDAL Right Now

Kanye West is an interesting character, one could say. He offends a lot of people. Says really ridiculous sh*t. Changes albums titles far too often. And is, maybe surprisingly, pretty damn successful outside of hip hop (mostly in fashion and shoes). Today, he’s showing all sides of him with the reveal of his Yeezy Season 3 clothing line, but also by letting the public hear his new album, “The Life of Pablo,” for the first time. Hate him or love him, he’s hard to ignore.

Unfortunately, you can only watch and listen to any of this on TIDAL, the music service that is by musicians, for musicians, or something. Jay-Z owns it – at least I think he still does – and the point of it (at least this is how we’re being sold on it) is to push higher-quality streaming audio over other streaming services. It’s also supposed to make us feel bad for musicians who have already made hundreds of millions of dollars in their careers.

Anyways, if you care about Kanye West happenings, like his clothing line or new album, you can sign-up for TIDAL and see it all right now. I’ve got it up and running on my Moto X Pure Edition right now, though the stream is struggling. Actually, the stream seems more stable on my phone than computer.

TIDAL offers a free trial, but will then charge you $9.99 per month. My plan, since I have no use for TIDAL, is to cancel via Paypal the minute this thing wraps up. Yep.

UPDATE 1:40PM: It has started, finally.

Play Link

Google Also Said to be Working on a Stand-Alone VR Headset

Earlier in the week, Financial Times reported that Google was working on a new virtual reality (VR) headset that would be comparable to Samsung’s Gear VR. In other words, it would be an upgraded unit over their current Cardboard apparatus that is used for low-end levels of VR fun. In a new report from the Wall Street Journal, Google is said to not only be making that new, “more advanced” version of Cardboard, but they are working on a stand-alone VR headset as well, one that won’t require a computer, smartphone, or game console to function. Say what?

As you are probably aware, Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR both rely on a smartphone in order to present a VR experience. Each device is quite different, but the principle is the same – you slide a compatible smartphone into the unit, attach or press it to your head so that your eyes can see into it, and begin to enjoy. If Google is going to make a stand-alone version, we’re talking about an all-in-one VR and computing experience.

Details of this stand-alone unit are (obviously) scarce, but the WSJ reports that it should feature a screen, high-powered processors, and outward-facing cameras. Google may also have chosen to use chips or sensors from a company called Movidius, who specializes in using cameras to track the motion of your head. When asked for comment, Movidius would only admit that it works with “many” companies on VR.

Today’s report claims that one source wouldn’t be shocked to see the unit arrive this year, while another says it’s still too early in development for a date. They even went on to suggest that Google “could decide not to release it.”

As for the new Cardboard, sources suggest that Google may bring it to Google I/O in May. That wouldn’t be a surprise, especially knowing that both reports surrounding the unit have said that Google is working on building some form of VR into Android. Google I/O is when new versions of Android are first shown as previews, so a new VR experience built-in should be accompanied by hardware, one would think.

My initial reaction to this news of a stand-alone VR unit is, damn, how expensive and heavy is that going to be? If this is an all-in-one device, it needs to house everything, from the screen, cameras, and processor, to storage (or is a cloud computing device?) and the actual housing for all of that. As this article from the WSJ points it, this could potentially be a first of its kind approach to VR. My brain reads that as “A really expensive approach to VR.”

After that, I can’t help but wonder how you are going to get content to it if it isn’t requiring a smartphone or PC or console? Or are we talking about it utilizing a wireless connection to one of those three? Either way, it needs a content platform in order to exist, so how can it not rely on some form of one of those types of devices? Someone feel free to fill me in here.

Do you need Google to become a major VR player?

Via: Wall Street Journal

GTA: Liberty City Stories Hits Google Play, Currently Priced at $3.99

Rockstar published GTA: Liberty City Stories this morning onto Google Play, bringing mobile gamers a chance to experience the same great game, but this time, on Android.

In the game’s description, Rockstar explains that the studio has streamlined and shortened missions to deliver a better mobile experience, while better graphics and touchscreen controls have been also been integrated.

If you have not played the game before, Liberty City Stories follows the plot of Toni Cipriani, a former wise guy for the Leone family. With Liberty City spiraling out of control thanks to drug trafficking and corrupt politicians, it’s up to Toni to destroy anyone who stands in his way of bringing Liberty City completely under Leone family control.

For a limited time, the game is listed at 40% off, so if you want to go in on a bit of GTA madness, now would be the time to pick it up.

Play Link ($3.99)

Instagram Soon to Bring View Counter for Videos

Over the coming weeks, users of Instagram will begin to see view counts on videos, providing exact feedback to those who upload videos how many people are watching the content.

When the change takes place, view counts can be seen on the bottom section of an upload, right where “likes” used to be. Those who either upload the video or view the video can still see exactly who likes the video by clicking on the counter.

Instagram states that view counts are one of the many ways videos are going to get better in 2016, hinting that more goodies could be in store for Instagram fans.

Play Link

Via: Instagram

Evleaks: One M10 Release Set for Week of May 9, HTC “Watch” Late March

According to Evan Blass, aka evleaks, HTC’s upcoming One M10 flagship device is scheduled to launch in the US the week of May 9. This is the first solid date that we have heard regarding the One M10, with the only other intel suggesting that HTC was holding off until after MWC to unveil the phone.

In addition to a possible release date for the One M10, Blass states that HTC may also intend to launch a “watch” before the month of April. Unfortunately, no other details were provided, so anything else would be complete speculation. Interesting enough, this is not the first time the company has been rumored to launch a smartwatch. All the way back in July of 2014, HTC released a “behind the scenes” video, which briefly showed off a designer working on what appeared to be a smartwatch. Given that it is 2016, and no watch ever came to fruition, we figured HTC had ditched those plans.

We know that HTC has been working in the fitness wearable game alongside Under Armour, but this could be the first actual attempt from HTC to launch an Android Wear device, putting themselves up against the likes of Motorola, Huawei, and LG.

So far, we have one credible image of the One M10 floating around. As we get closer to an unveiling, it is a safe assumption that more leaks will take place.

Is it possible that HTC is working on an Android Wear device? Would you be interested in it?

Via: @evleaks

Snapdragon Wear is Qualcomm’s New Longer Lasting Wearable Chip, LG Promises to Use It

Qualcomm is ready to power the next generation of wearables with their new Snapdragon Wear platform and Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset. Through a press release this morning, the San Diego based company announced that their new 2100 chipset will help manufacturers release wearables (like smartwatches) with “sleek designs, long battery life, smart sensing, and always-connected experiences.”

The Snapdragon Wear 2100 will arrive in two versions – tethered (Bluetooth and WiFi) and connected (4G LTE and 3G). That means we’ll not only see WiFi-only models, but those powered by wireless radios as well, to give you connectivity without a phone nearby.

As for the stats and improvements, the Wear 2100 is 30% smaller than the Snapdragon 400, which has become the standard wearable chipset for Android Wear devices. The new 2100 uses 25% lower power than the 400, as well, so you should be able to kill a day and then some depending on a watch’s battery capacity. The 2100 will also include smarter sensors and a next-gen LTE modem, plus low power WiFi and Bluetooth.

So far, LG has confirmed plans to use the Snapdragon Wear 2100 in future products “later this year.”

Qualcomm says that “Snapdragon Wear 2100 and other products” within the Snapdragon Wear platform “are available today,” though they must be referring to those running Snapdragon 400 chips. Because as far as I know, a Snapdragon Wear 2100 powered device does not currently exist.

Via: Qualcomm

Report: Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge Pre-Orders Live February 21, Comes With Free Gear VR

According to a report from Android World, the same day that Samsung intends to unveil the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge at MWC on February 21, the company will also open up a pre-order for the devices.

Not only could folks be able to pre-order the device, but Samsung is throwing in an additional incentive to purchase the phone. Claimed by a source, Samsung will include a free Gear VR headset with the pre-order of a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge. According to the report, this pre-order special will be available February 21 through March 10.

Also claimed by the source, Samsung intends to launch three colors of the phones in a 32GB model. This was specifically stated to be for the Netherlands, not necessarily North America. The source gave no specifics on the colors, though, it might be safe to assume they are Black, White, and Silver.

If Samsung does in fact launch a pre-order for either device on February 21, will you be picking one up? Still waiting to see if the device is worth it?

Via: Android World

Samsung Gear S2 Classic in Rose Gold and Platinum Arrive in the US Tomorrow for $449

The Samsung Gear S2 Classic in Rose Gold and Platinum will hit US stores starting tomorrow, February 12, for $449.99, according to Samsung. The companies announced US availability this morning, stating that you’ll be able to buy each from retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Macy’s, and Samsung.com.

This higher-end version of the S2 Classic was originally announced at CES, where we gave you a quick photo tour. It then launched in China a few weeks later and is now ready for the US.

As a recap, the Gear S2 Classic is every bit a member of the Gear S2 family, except that it carries a more traditional timepiece aesthetic, hence the “Classic” moniker. These two new models are finished in either 18K rose gold or platinum, which is why you are paying a $100 premium over the original Gear S2 Classic.

These devices also feature Samsung’s fun-to-use and quite innovative rotating bezel, Tizen operating system, and beautiful 1.2-inch circular Super AMOLED display. They include 1.0GHz dual-core processors, 512MB RAM, 4GB internal storage, IP68 dust and water resistance, WiFi, NFC (for mobile payments at some point), wireless charging, and a 250mAh battery that can last a good two days.

Via: Samsung

Alto’s Adventure Now Available for Android Devices

Without any further ado, Alto’s Adventure is now live on Google Play for all Android folk to download. This game, which became a very popular title on iOS, brings a lighthearted coolness that only llamas and snowboarding down the side of a mountain can provide.

You play as a resident in a small mountain village. After your llamas escape, you are tasked with bringing them back. As you board down the mountain, you collect llamas and coins for points. These points can be turned in at the local trader for “cool” items.

When boarding, you will come across many jumps to do backflips and rails to grind. The more tricks you perform and land, the faster and further down you will go. Overall, the gameplay is simplistic, but coupled with relaxing tunes and great looking graphics, it is no wonder this game became so popular among iPhone users.

The game is free to download on Google Play, but does offer IAPs. Go grab it.

Play Link

Moto 360 (1st Gen) Marshmallow Update Seems to be Widely Rolling Out

Yesterday, we shared with you the release notes for the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update that is scheduled to arrive on all Moto 360 variants within the next few weeks. Today, those may come in handy, as the update seems to be pretty widely rolling out to the Moto 360 (1st gen). Why we aren’t seeing it also hit the 2nd gen and Sport models is beyond me, but such is life some times. It’ll get here.

The update is indeed Android 6.0.1, to be exact, and should contain new goodness like additional language support, Doze mode, screen dimming, controls over app permissions, manual date and time setting, Bluetooth headset audio improvements, and a bunch of new wrist gestures.

Let us know if you are seeing the update!

Note: As you’ll see in the comments, your phone does not need to be running Marshmallow in order to receive Marshmallow on your watch.

Cheers Thomas, James, Alex, @zippyzapparo, and everyone else!

AT&T Will Give You a Month of Free GoPhone Service for Switching Over

Still haven’t made the jump to prepaid or AT&T’s surprisingly value-friendly GoPhone service? Starting February 15, if you sign-up for GoPhone, AT&T will give you a second month of service for free. Depending on the plan you sign-up for, that could be a $60 savings.

AT&T says that the process is simple and only requires that you switch your number over to GoPhone and then fund a $45 or $60 plan. As AT&T also points out in today’s announcement, their GoPhone service requires “no annual contract, no credit check, and runs on AT&T’s nationwide 4G LTE network.”

As a reminder, if you sign-up for autopay, AT&T slashes $5 off your bill each month. For example, I pay for the $60 plan, but really only pay $55 each month for 5GB of 4G LTE data, plus unlimited talk and text. The $45 plan could drop to $40 per month with autopay, plus it has 2GB of high-speed data. AT&T also seems to continue to bump up the data bucket every so often without raising the price.

You can sign-up for AT&T GoPhone here.

The offer ends on March 31.

Via: AT&T

Here is the LG G5 in Hand, Which LG Hilariously Refers to as “Rumored”

Last night, because that’s when LG likes to announce details about its upcoming flagship phone, we got to see our first look at the LG G5 in hand. The appearance came via announcement for the G5’s new Touch-Enabled Quick Cover, a cover that has a mesh front panel that allows for interaction.

The Quick Cover will be available at some point after the phone is announced, likely along with a handful of other accessories. The cover, thanks to that mesh outer, enables a user to accept or decline calls and snooze their alarms over and over again without having to pick up the phone and open it. See that picture above? Oooooh, mesh.

Anyways, because Quick Covers are covers, we care more about LG’s hilarious press release and the fact that we can see a fake human hand holding the G5. We also have another shot of the phone below, though it of course, has a cover on it.

In terms of size, without knowing how big that fake hand is, it’s hard to tell how big the phone truly is. With that said, it certainly doesn’t look like a tank of a phone. In the past couple of years, LG has settled into a 5.5-inch display sweet spot, with shrinking bezels, curvature to cases, and a pretty damn good in-hand feel. This phone appears to be no different.

As for the hilarious press release, you can view it below, but it’s filled with “Here is a case for a smartphone that does not officially exist.” Seriously. LG speaks to the G5 as the “yet-to-be-announced” phone and phone “that does not officially exist” and “rumored LG G5.” You can’t make this stuff up. Have they not seen the handful of their own teasers and social media posts that all call this phone the LG G5 and mention that February 21 is LG G5 Day. Silly. So silly.

INTRODUCING TOUCH-ENABLED QUICK COVER FOR YET-TO-BE-ANNOUNCED LG G5

Introducing a Case for a Smartphone That Does Not Officially Exist

SEOUL, Feb. 11, 2016 ― LG Electronics (LG) took the wraps off a new version of its Quick Cover case, designed specifically for LG’s next generation flagship smartphone, LG G5, which does not yet exist. Known as a company ahead of the times, LG took this characterization to heart by revealing the existence of the accessory before the actual product.

The latest LG Quick Cover offers the advantages of previous Quick Covers but with even more features. The touch function, recently introduced on the K10’s Quick Cover View, is now available on the G5 Quick Cover’s semitransparent mesh cover. It enables users to take calls and control alarm settings without opening the case for the ultimate in convenience.

Users of the case can check the time, date and notifications on the Always-on Display of the yet unseen LG G5 even with the cover closed. LG also incorporated a unique film with a glossy metallic finish to enhance the smooth and luxurious look and feel of the cover for maximum consistency with the speculative LG G5.

The Quick Cover for LG G5 will be on display at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain from February 22-25. Visitors to MWC are encouraged to stop by LG’s booth in Hall 3 of Fira Gran Via to see the LG Quick Cover and the rumored LG G5 for themselves.

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

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Cheers Thomas, James, Alex, @zippyzapparo, and everyone else!

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