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The Nike+ FuelBand app not coming to Android anytime soon, dedicated to iOS
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Apple, Cell Phones, Wearables, Google, Software
The Nike+ FuelBand is one of the most popular fitness gadgets out there (although the verdict is still out on if fitness gadgets actually improve our health,) but there's been a complaint from Android users since it's release regarding the lack of an app for Android-powered smartphones. Despite waiting patiently for about a year, it turns out, a FuelBand app isn't even on the radar for Nike.
@mkoyerp Right now, we're focused on iOS and web. We're not working on an Android App.
— Nike Support (@NikeSupport) February 10, 2013
To deliver the best experience for all Nike+ FuelBand users, we are focusing on the FuelBand experience across iOS and nikeplus.com, where you can sync your activity, set new goals, and connect with friends. At this time, we are not working on an Android version of the mobile app.
In other words, the company is committed to having the FuelBand work perfectly within the iOS ecosystem, and doesn't have time right now to worry about the fragmented Android mess. Of course, the FuelBand doesn't require a smartphone at all, so Android users (and anyone else) can use it, they just need to sync over USB to their computer rather than over Bluetooth like you can do with an iPhone.
Read More 
| Giz
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Bitcasa Brings infinite cloud storage to Android, Windows 8, and Windows Phone
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Cell Phones, PC / Laptop, Software, Storage
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Bitcasa brings its unlimited cloud storage from the desktop to the mobile-verse today, with Android and Windows Phone 8 users getting first dibs. An iOS and Mac version are promised in early January, however, so you won't feel left out in the cold for too long.
The apps for Android and Windows 8 stream media through its native player with two-way file access so you can access your files from your Surface. Android users can also link their camera app to Bitcasa, so each photo they take is automatically saved to the cloud.
Read More | Google Play Store
Google Play Books for Androids Adds New ‘Read Aloud’ Feature
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Google, Software
The new version of Google Play Books for Android has a new feature that reads books to users on its own. The feature is titled, obviously, "read aloud," and works with most books without the need for the book to come with a "read aloud" enabled feature.
You'll also find a new pinch-to-zoom feature, as well as double-tap-to-zoom. Further, the app now makes recommendations on other books you might find enjoyable after you finish reading one book. Though, if you're like me, you prefer to soak in the totality of a one book world before even thinking about diving into another.
Read More | Google Play
Google and Developers Discount App Prices through Thanksgiving Weekend
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Google, Hot Deals, Software
For techies, the Black Friday deals are just beginning. Google and other app creators are looking to extend the Black Friday madness into the Thanksgiving weekend, with deals on a wide range of apps and media.
Android apps are especially discounted, with apps like SwiftKey 3, Shadowgun, and Documents To Go among the cheapest, but there's no shortage of deals in categories across the board. You'll also find some nice deals on books, movies and music, from Diana Krall to Kendrick Lamar. Head on over to Google Play to check out all the deals on the apps you wish you had.
Read More | Google Play
Google Wallet now works with all credit and debit cards, adds remote wipe feature
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cell Phones, Google, Software
In our opinion, the one big factor that limited the appeal of Google Wallet was the fact that it has only been compatible with CitiBank MasterCard. Not exactly something that the masses have in their wallets. Today, that changes, as Google has announced that Wallet is now compatible with all Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover debit and credit cards. That's progress!
Also added is a remote wipe feature that allows users to disable Google Wallet remotely, blocking usage of the app with that device and clearing off card and transaction data as well.
You can now use Google Wallet to pay at over 200,000 locations across the US. You can download the new update today from Google Play.
Read More | Google Play
Instagram now available for Android
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Google, Software
Today marks the released of what may, quite possibly, be the most anticipated iOS-only app to hit Android, as Instagram has finally arrived on the Google side of the fence.
Instagram is the massively popular photo-sharing social network that's garnered over 25 million users, and up until this point, it's only been available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users. That changes today. Instagram for Android works on any Android device running version 2.2 or higher, as long as they support OpenGL ES 2. Similar to the iOS version, you can share your Instagram posts to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Foursquare. Soon, Flickr will be an option as well.
You can download Instagram for Android right now from Google Play, completely free.
Facebook Messenger joins the group messaging fray with iOS and Android apps
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Social Networking, New Apps, Free Apps
Facebook has just released a new Android and iOS app called Facebook Messenger, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Basically, Facebook has taken its messaging system, used their Beluga team to simplify it a bit, and pushed it out as an independent app. You can message your contacts without using up SMS (similar to things like BBM, Google+ Huddle, iMessage, GroupMe, Fast Society, and plenty of others,) and you can also create group messages on the fly as well. People will see these messages show up in the Messenger app, their Facebook inbox, or by SMS if they don't have the app installed. You can also share your GPS location and attach images to the message conversations as well. If you've used Beluga or Facebook, then you know how to use this.
You can grab it now from the App Store and Android Market.
How good (or bad) are apps for Android tablets?
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Google, Handhelds, Software
The following is a column sent to us by Skip Ferderber. We though it hit home on a lot of points, and decided to republish it with his permission:
Let’s start with a popular tech-talk premise especially among Apple iPad afficionados: Among the reasons Android tablets come up short is because there are only a handful of apps specifically optimized for them.
If there’s no big bucket of optimized Honeycomb apps, then it’s too soon to get an Android tablet ... not when you can get an iPad with more than 100,000 tablet-optimized apps.
The tech blogosphere (including yours truly) reported early on that only 10 apps were specifically redesigned to take advantage of the Honeycomb operating system, the Android software specifically engineered for a new generation of powerful tablets with heavy-duty processing power and bright high-resolution screens such as the Motorola Xoom and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. A March Wired article reported it had found only 50 Honeycomb-optimized apps.
Well, hold on there, buckaroos.
What happens when non-optimized apps — the same apps you use on your Android smartphone — are run on a Honeycomb tablet? What’s the user experience like? Can you live with it? I decided to find out.
Click to continue reading How good (or bad) are apps for Android tablets?
Angry Birds Seasons brings the Easter goodness
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Games, App Updates, $0.99
Rovio on Monday launched an Easter version of Angry Birds Seasons, available now for iOS, Android, Symbian, and Palm devices.
"Spring is upon us and the time is ripe for some chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies! So shed the winter gear and get in—Easter Eggs have never been this delicious!" Rovio said in its update notice. "If you think St. Patrick's Day was a blast, well, you ain't seen nothing yet! This episode will again prove that Angry Birds is the most generous update giver of them all!"
The Easter update includes 15 new springtime levels. Rovio also promised that it "will soon launch the biggest alternate reality game with Angry Birds ever—be prepared to seek for clues around the world to discover the secrets hidden in Angry Birds Seasons!"
Angry Birds Seasons is available for $0.99 on the App Store and free from Android app stores and the Ovi Store. Players who have already downloaded Angry Birds Seasons will get the Easter version as a free upgrade.
Activision snubs Facebook and App markets
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Cell Phones, Corporate News, Video Games
While other developers and publishers are diving into the burgeoning Facebook and smartphone App markets, Activision would rather not waste their time.
“We don’t view the App Store as a really big opportunity for dedicated games,” said Kotick at the Reuters’ Global Media Summit.
Bold words from Activision, but then again, Call of Duty: Black Ops did rake in enough money to run a small country - $650 million in its first five days.
“It’s a different question assessing it as a business opportunity,” said Kotick. “Right now we don’t see an opportunity for us to participate in that market.”
One can only wonder how much longer their Call of Duty and World of Warcraft cash cows can be milked before they have to start looking into newer ways to generate revenue amongst a shifting gaming community.
Read More | Finger Gaming
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