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Pimp Your Xperia with Impressive Animations

Unlike Apple’s iOS or Microsoft’s Windows Phone, Android gives users tons of customization options. Almost every element of the user interface can be changed through third party applications, Xposed Framework modules, or simply through reverse engineering. Additionally, many OEMs also apply their own custom UIs in order to make their devices seem unique.

One OEM with quite a lot in terms of skin customization is Sony. Animations and fancy transitions are just a small part of Sony’s UI tweaks. If you feel that there could be more, XDA Senior Member kalel2012 prepared a guide that shows you how to add an animated background to the pulldown notification and system settings.

The provided method uses Apktool and any available notepad app. If you are using Windows, you should consider using Notepad++. The process of adding these animations is very simple, as kalel2012 provided all resources required in the process. If you’re planning to add them to your current Sony ROM, you need to edit just a few lines in SystemUI.

The guide can be used if your device is running the official or modded Sony firmware in the version 4.4. If you’re looking to get into some device customization, head over to the Animated Background System And Puldown Notification thread to learn more.

The post Pimp Your Xperia with Impressive Animations appeared first on xda-developers.

Android Wear update makes quick actions quicker

The point of having a smartwatch, at least in theory, is that you can get to important notifications and actions faster than you would if you had to whip out your smartphone first. Of course, that becomes moot when you have to swipe through half a dozen screens just to get to the parts that you want or the settings that you need. Android Wear's latest update tries to address that by putting important or recent actions just a swipe or tap away from your current screen.

Just tap on your watch face and see the most recently used actions you've performed right at the top of the list. This is based on the presumption that you are most likely to repeat those actions than start a new one. Swipe down from the top of the screen and you get quick access to commonly used settings. And in case you accidentally dismissed a card, a simple swipe right then and there will bring it back, much like Chrome's undo close tab feature.

These are just some of the changes coming to Android Wear that have been introduced based on user feedback. The latest update pools together the previous new features we've also seen, like increasing outdoor readability via the new Sunlight Mode or turning the screen off and automatically switching to vibrate when you're in a dark room thanks to the new Theater Mode. On the companion app side, you also get a more detailed look at your smartwatch's battery and storage usage, similar to how Android presents its own stats.

Together with the new Watch Face API and designs, Android Wear early adopters are definitely in for a treat this week. The updates start rolling out today, so don't panic if you don't receive that notification immediately. And for those still on the edge about getting one, there are now at least six official Android Wear smartwatches to choose from, including the LG G Watch, the round LG G Watch R, the Samsung Gear Live, the Moto 360, the Sony SmartWatch 3, and the ASUS ZenWatch, all with their particular quirks and appeal.

Listen to Music Phone-Free with Android Wear

Google's latest update for its Android Wear software features one very useful upgrade: The option to listen to music from your smartwatch, no phone required. It's a bonus for travelers, joggers and anyone else who doesn't want to carry their mobile with them at all times. Here's how to set it up.

Asphalt Overdrive gets new cars, new storyline

A few months back, Gameloft released the Asphalt Overdrive spinoff with an 80’s California feel. Developer Gameloft is quick to update the game with two news cars, new storyline and a whole new infinite joyride race.

Asphalt Overdrive now features two new cars that must be unlocked: a white Lykan Hypersport and a blue Renault Alpine. We're no auto experts but the two cars run fast and look really nice. Feel free to use the new cars or any of the models available in the selection.

Gameloft added a new gameplay mode too. You can now enjoy a Joyride Race game if you don't want to drive like crazy and try to beat other racers. With the new racing mode, you can drive and stop only until you're tired and bored cruising through the streets and highways of Southern California.

Asphalt Overdrive's storyline has also been updated. Additional stories have been added so it's like getting a new storyline. The only way for you to find out what those new stories are about is to download the game and see for yourself.

Download Asphalt Overdrive from the Google Play Store

Ubisoft, DotEmu to bring Heroes of Might and Magic III to Android

Strategy games will always be in demand as long as the developers keep the gamers interested with new things. Another way to capture the geeks' attention is to bring old games to a mobile platform like Android. Recently, Ubisoft partnered with game porting specialist DotEmu to bring Heroes of Might and Magic III to Android. The new version will boast of HD graphics for a better viewing and gaming experience.

An Ubisoft-DotEmu partnership brings the turn-based strategy game to Android. The original game which was released in 1999 will have better graphics after 15 years. Gameplay and storyline will be the same so those who know the game or used to play it can still expect 48 skirmish maps and seven campaign scenarios. It's a multiplayer game so be prepared to convince your family and friends to play with you. If not, you can rely on your cyberfriends to finish the game with you.

According to Ubisoft, an updated PC version will also be released. It will feature a multiplayer mode through Steam and a map editor. We know the Heroes of Might and Magic III will be ready for Android tablets but no mention if this will be available on Android phones as well.

No information on pricing but game will be available for download from the Google Play Store on January 29, 2015.

VIA: Droid Gamers

Acer outs Liquid Jade S, with 64-bit ‘true’ octa-core proc

The Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers continue their assault on the smartphone market with better specs for their phones at lower-than-flagship prices. Acer is one of those manufacturers, coming out with the Liquid Jade S, a new smartphone with ‘true’ octa-core processing as its main weapon.

That weapon is provided by the MediaTek MT6752M 1.5GHz eight-core processor, which sits under the hood of the Acer Liquid Jade S. They are hyping this as “true” octa-core processing because it’s not making use of the big.LITTLE architecture that most new octa-core processors like to use (using 4 high performance cores partnered with 4 lower speed cores for better energy management). We’d like to see the battery performance on the Liquid Jade S, as the big.LITTLE architecture is there to prevent the proc from being a battery hog, so jury’s out on that specific feature.

After that, you have the now-standard 2GB of RAM plus 16GB of internal storage. The Liquid Jade S also has a 5-inch 1280x720 HD screen, which if you can see from the images takes from other sleek designs of minimizing the bezel area – making the device look more premium. It’s also got a large aperture (f1.8) 13MP rear camera partnered with a 5MP front shooter. The phone has a dual SIM feature – as with all phones launching from this region – one is LTE-capable while the other is for 2G only. All of this runs under Android 4.4.4 Kitkat – no news on whether a Lollipop upgrade is on the horizon, but it should be, right?

acer_liquid_jade_s_6

The Liquid Jade S comes in three colors – white, purple (which looks like black in the pics, honestly), and red. There is also that bit about the DTS speakers at the back, although we don’t know how that will perform. Acer has expressly mentioned that the device is targeted at a more female market priced at around USD$225.

VIA: Eprice

Power Bank Comparison and Options – XDA TV

There are so many Power Banks out there. However, they are not all the same. Some sacrifice weight for capacity. Others do the opposite. Some come with two ports and some come with more, while others come with less. Some are just batteries with a case around it, but others have some unique features.

In this episode of XDA TV, Producer TK reviews and discusses various options. He reviews the Lepow U-Stone 12000mAh Power Bank, the Lepow ADD Power System, the PowerAdd Apollo 2, the OLALA 10000mAh Power Bank and the RadioShack 3000mAh Slim Power Bank. Check out this video to learn your power options.

Be sure to check out other great XDA TV Videos