Google teases Android L in latest YouTube video

Google has just published a short, “Sweeeeet” video on its official YouTube channel teasing the release of the next big update of its mobile operating system. Although the specific dessert name is still tightly under wraps, the search engine giant did confirm that “L” will be “Android 5.0″ and gave us the names of a few contenders who auditioned for the role — Lemon Meringue Pie, Lava Cake, Lady Finger, Lemon Drop and Oreo. But, of course, they’re wasn’t a Lollipop in sight.

Hit the break below for the full teaser.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What do you think the next build of Android will be called? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below.

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Meet the Devs – Kyle Denney

Welcome back to our Meet the Devs segment! In this piece we take a little time to get to know the people who really make Android what it is today and that is the app developers. In this week’s developer interview, we are talking to Kyle Denney.

Name: Kyle Denney

Developer Name: KDenney

Country: USA

Website: N/A

Google + Profile/Page: N/A

How many people on your team? 1

Apps

Staple List

Helptual Ultimate

Tell us about your company

I am a developer who is passionate about coding. I started coding Android apps about a month ago and believe my app offers great features that other shopping apps do not. It is more than just a hobby for me, however, this is something I do consistently. I am not afraid to try new things and tackle tough problems. I would love to get my name out there and see what new opportunities approach my horizon.

What level of experience do you have with coding and development?

I have been developing for about 4 years now. I was laid off during the recession and had starting coding small Visual Basic applications for Rolls-Royce and the day I was laid off I told my then supervisor that I was going to go back to school and get my degree. I did that and have never looked back. I have done everything from VB.Net and C# Windows forms apps and ASP.Net websites to PHP and MySQL sites and services. Android is something I wanted to see if I could learn how to do in the same way I taught myself database and app development on other platforms. Here I am years later and not afraid of a challenge.

What languages do you know? How and where did you learn them?

I taught myself Visual Basic for Applications using Microsoft Excel to track paperwork for Rolls-Royce. I then quickly picked up VB.Net and have used most web based languages such as HTML5, Javascript, CSS2.1/3, JQuery, Bootstrap, PHP and many database’s including MySQL, SQL Server 2005-2012 and Oracle. I learned the .Net languages in school primarily and some of the web based tools like Javascript and HTML5 but I have been doing web-development for a few years now professionally. I also created a website called Helptual where I sell a remote servicing tool written in VB.Net and the site is in PHP and MySQL. I created everything from the ground up and the same is true for this Java/XML based app called Staple List.

What level of experience do you have with design?

I took some design classes in school and have used PhotoShop, GIMP and other high-level programs.

What apps have you made?

I have created Staple List in Android Java/XML and my own company called Helptual which is written VB.Net.

How do you monetize your apps?

Currently my Android app is available for purchase at .99 cents. I would like to eventually add ads to the program if needed.

Do you consider yourself successful?

I would consider myself striving to be successful. I am willing to learn, willing to grow and willing to try new things. I have had ups and downs trying new things but I have learned great things over the last several years. I will not give up when faced with hard problems with tough solutions.

How difficult is it to make money as a developer?

Extremely difficult. Most of the time we see people via the news that land in sweet spots but those people often are in the right place at the right time with the right idea – they are not a dime a dozen. Most of us are indie based just trying to pay the bills and enjoy it while doing so.

What can Android do to improve?

I think Android has to improve documentation and examples on the development side – with videos and things along those lines. Along the lines of the OS itself I would say UI design is needed to ensure smoothness and cleanness. In today’s world users want an app that looks great and a piece of tech that works well as much as they want something that looks and feels great.

Why did you choose Android? Do you develop for other platforms? What are the differences between them?

I chose Android because it is prolific in terms of phone development. I knew a little Java from school but not to this level and thought to myself I want to learn how phone development works so I took a month and learned it and in learning it came Staple List. My wife and I need a way to allow me to get items on the go with ease so I developed the app to sustain that need. I could have developed for Microsoft’s phone platform but chose Android because it was a new medium for me and I like learning new things.

What are your thoughts on iOS and Windows 8?

I think iOS is smooth in terms of use but too rigid on what they don’t allow you to do. Windows 8 is great for Power Users wanting the benefits of Windows 7 with some improvements. I have that OS on my main desktop PC and enjoy using it. I think Microsoft, like years ago, is ahead of time – sometimes to its detriment. They know the direction of the world but their execution is lacking. Thats where they currently are.

What do you think of the Android design guidelines?

I think they are easy to follow and therefore it is easy for someone like myself to jump right in and get an app out the door quickly which is great.

What are your favorite apps?

I enjoy apps that look great. Flipboard is a great app that is easy to use. I also like the Bible by Tecarta app. It is an interesting reading app that has features for searching and ease of use that many readers could use to enhance search-ability.

What has been your experience been like working with Google?

So far so good. They are easy to comply with.

What does the future of development look like?

I think eventually the medium won’t matter. I think most companies are gong to go the way Microsoft tried and is struggling which is developing one language and one structure so that anyone can develop anything on any tech medium with ease of use. So you won’t have to know a ton of information ahead of time in terms of different languages and tech.

What tips do you have for aspiring developers?

Keep trying. I have tried and failed and tried and failed but my failures have helped me network and have helped me learn new tech and new languages. I have and will continue to have struggles. Openly acknowledge those struggles and realize they will come. Embrace them and realize that you can gain something even from the tough times if you keep your eyes open and ears to the ground. Anything can become an opportunity.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I have been working very hard over the years trying to learn new things. I want to impact someone and help someone. It is my desire to succeed at what I do and I am willing to put in the hard work if someone is willing to invest in me.

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We want to thank Kyle for chatting with us in this week’s developer interview! If you’re a developer and this looks like something you’d like to do, check out our Meet the Devs form! We look forward to hearing from you.

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Skype Launches Video Messaging App Called Skype Qik

If you use video chat on your smartphone or tablet, or your PC for that matter, chances are that you’re familiar with Skype. You should be, as they pretty much pioneered video chat on a mainstream level. They weren’t the first app to see video chat on Android, that title goes to Qik instant video, which at the time was a T-Mobile exclusive which came out after the HTC MyTouch was released. Skype ended up purchasing Qik for around the price of $100 million back in 2011, so it’s not too much of a surprise to see them putting that technology to good use.

Skype also has their own video chat app on Android and has for quite some time, so Skype Qik shouldn’t strike anyone as a replacement or competition for Skype. On the contrary, it’s actually a completely separate app used for a totally different thing. Skype’s new Qik app is like a quick video message sharing app, quite like the way you can use Snapchat to send little video clips to friends and family members. Skype really hits the nail on the head with their description, saying simply that Skype Qik is the best thing from Skype… since Skype.

If you like a video message that someone sends you then you can promptly send them a smiley or other emoji to show you how you felt about the clip, or how you appreciated the message that was meant to bring a smile to your face. Likewise, your friends and family in your private messaging groups can do the same. Unlike some of the other messaging apps out there that are similar to this one, Skype mentions that video clips and messages can be saved if the person you sent them to is able to save the media before you delete them. Given the recent issues with Snapsaved, we’d recommend to keep that in mind. If you’re not really worried about having to delete them and you just don’t want to have to manage the messages in your conversation, Skype also mentions that after two weeks, the messages are deleted from the conversation automatically. The app is free, and if you’re interested in giving it a go you can grab the download from the Play Store source link below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Firefox Stable Hits v33 With Chromecast/Roku Support, Automatic Data Clearing, And More

Chrome got you down in the dumps? Why not try Firefox? It's like Chrome, but developed by the fine people at Mozilla, who also make... um... okay, the point is Mozilla makes Firefox, and it's a good browser. Now it's even better with v33 rolling out to the stable version with support for casting to Chromecast or Roku, better private data management, and more.

Here's the full changelog from v33 of Firefox.

Firefox Stable Hits v33 With Chromecast/Roku Support, Automatic Data Clearing, And More was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Sonos Opens Up Global Availability Of The Boost Hub For A Stronger Signal

Sonos today has opened up availability for their Sonos Boost hub, which for those who are unaware is a tiny little device that allows for even greater wireless range for the wireless speaker system from Sonos. The idea of the Boost is to strengthen the wireless signal in the home for those who have a Sonos speaker system already set up, something that Sonos points out is not only required if you’re using the Sonos setup for surround sound for other components like TV’s, but will also help to ensure that all the sound is perfectly in sync as it should be.

Essentially if you have Sonos speakers hooked up to your TV for a home theater setup, the Sonos Boost or Sonos Bridge is needed for sound to match up flawlessly with the picture on the TV. Sonos also points out that the Boost hub has three internal antennas that help to neutralize any interference that could come from other consumer electronics that might also cause dropouts or disconnection from the speakers, which is something you definitely don’t want if you’re enjoying a good movie or TV show, or playing games that are heavily invested with audio dialogue that plays a major role in the story. Sonos has made the Boost hub available for $99, which isn’t too bad for the benefit of making your wireless speaker signal stronger.

If you’re already heavily invested with Sonos, it might be worth your time to check out the Boost hub as it boasts up to 50% greater range according to Sonos. It’s also worth noting that any extra range can help improve the experience that Sonos can give due to having multiple speakers placed throughout the home, or if you have to stash the router in a particularly hairy spot. Since the Sonos Boost hub plugs directly into your Wireless router, it’s ensured to get the best connection to it, and from there will just “boost” the signal to the Sonos speakers connected to your system, hence the name. You can grab these from Sonos.com, Best Buy’s website, and even on Amazon. Do you use Sonos speakers? If so could you find the benefit of having the Boost?

The post Sonos Opens Up Global Availability Of The Boost Hub For A Stronger Signal appeared first on AndroidHeadlines.com |.

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Featured Review: Anker Astro Pro 2 20,000mAh External Battery Charger

I’ve reviewed quite a few battery packs in the last two years, since I’ve been here with Android Headlines. But I must say, I’ve never used one that had this much battery power inside. Anker was kind enough to send along their second generation Astro Pro 2 battery pack. It’s a pretty big battery pack, which is expected given how much capacity it holds. I typically carry around a 15,000mAh battery pack from Limefuel and a couple 10,000mAh battery packs from TYLT when I’m traveling. But that’s about to change.

The Anker Astro Pro 2 is a pretty big battery pack, but it doesn’t weigh as much as you’d think. It’s also pretty thin, which is amazing. It has a brushed aluminum finish, so it looks really nice. We’ve got an LED display on the right side which shows you the percentage of battery left, as well as the bars, like a typical flip phone would. On the right side, we’ve got a power button. Which you’ll need to press that when you plug devices in. On the top we’ve got 3 USB ports which use IQ Technology, as well as a DC Output and a DC input. There’s nothing on the left side or the bottom. So what is IQ Technology? Well according to Anker “PowerIQ technology maximizes compatibility with Android, Apple or other devices by enabling charge speeds of up to 3 amps overall or 3 amps per port.”. Now I don’t have a way to really test how much output is being sent out into the devices I have plugged in, but I can say this, I charged my LG G3, as well as the ZTE ZMAX and my Sony RX100M3 from it, and it charged them all pretty quickly. Even faster then their cables that came with those particular devices.

I’ve been using the Anker Astro Pro 2 battery pack for about a week now, and really like it. It’s a bit more expensive than most of the other battery packs out there right now, but given it’s also one of the largest, that would explain a lot. Their PowerIQ Technology is actually pretty cool and something I really like. As it pushes as much power to your device as it can without damaging it. Which I think is really important. This technology is in a number of other products of theirs like the 5-Port Desktop Charger, which I just received today and will be working on a full review real soon!

It’s currently on sale through Amazon for just $79.99, which you can pick up from the link down below.

Anker 2nd Generation Astro Pro 2 – 20,000mAh External Battery Charger (Amazon)

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Botanicula Is A Charming New Point-And-Click Adventure From The Makers Of Machinarium

Machinarium has been around for a few years on virtually every platform, but now we're finally getting something new from Amanita Design. Botanicula shares a gameplay and art style with Machinarium, but it's a completely new adventure about five tree-dwelling friends who must save the last seed from their home tree, which has become infested with nasty parasites.

Botanicula is a point-and-click adventure game with tons of puzzles and bonuses to unlock.

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