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Action Launcher 3 launches with new Quicktheme feature

As promised, or forewarned, Chris Lacy's Action Launcher 3 has just been pushed to Google Play Store. Claimed to be more than just a simple "Action Launcher 2 with Material Design", this version is said to be a complete re-write and re-design, but still with the core features that have drawn users to it. It is, however, not without controversy, especially surrounding the new and perhaps slightly confusing pricing scheme that have also drawn a bit of ire against the developer.



Despite claiming to be more than just about looks, one of the most striking changes to Action Launcher 3 is indeed its looks. Aside from adopting the Material Design guidelines, one of the highlights of this release is Quicktheme. This feature dynamically changes the color scheme of Action Launcher depending on the wallpaper you are actually using to better match the overall look of screen. It even works with Muzei's dynamically changing wallpapers, dynamically also changing the colors for each new one. Of course, users can override that behavior and set their own preferred colors.


Other than that, you get all the same features that you might have loved about Action Launcher. This includes Covers, which lets you assign actions or a folder of icons on a single app shortcut, swiping to reveal the hidden feature and tapping to simply take you to the app itself. There's also Shutters, which is almost the same but lets you embed widgets instead of folders. Unfortunately, there are some features that actually didn't make it to this release, and might actually never be ported. One of these is 1-swipe and it's accompanying feature, Quickpage. These are unlikely to return given how much Android has changed underneath.




While those might be some pretty nice changes, it might not be enough to sway some users who have been rather disillusioned about Lacy's announcement of pricing changes. That said, the developer listened to the comments a bit and clarified the pricing scheme a bit. Moving forward, the free version, with IAP, of Action Launcher will only be available as Action Launcher 3. Those who want to use Action Launcher 2 will have to make a $3.99 purchase for the Action Launcher Pro app (unless they already purchased it before). Given the changes and some missing features above, there might be some who will prefer to stay on that version.


SOURCE: +Chris Lacy (1), (2)





Sony Xperia TX Also Gets Unofficial CyanogenMod 12 Build

xperia tx

The Sony Xperia TX is the slightly taller and thinner sibling of the late 2012 flagship device from Sony, the Xperia T, albeit lesser known. And like the Xperia T and the rest of the 2012 lineup, the Xperia TX was unfortunately given the no-go on any future updates after Jelly Bean 4.3. But as seen with unofficial Android 5.0 builds popping up for Xperia devices of similar age, such as the Xperia S and Ion, aftermarket developers always have these things covered, and the Xperia TX is no exception.


Android 5.0 on the Xperia TX comes in the form of an unofficial CyanogenMod 12 build courtesy of XDA Senior Member updateing, however it is still in a highly experimental state. This means that it may well be quite unstable in usage, with some features missing, and you may experience failures to boot up the device. On the other hand, features which are functional include:



  • NFC

  • Bluetooth

  • Google Apps

  • GPS

  • Camera

  • Calls


Despite the instability of the ROM, fixes for bugs are continuously being sought, and this progress as well as remedies for bugs can be seen and are provided in the forum post.


If you would like to check this out, head over to the Xperia TX CM 12 thread for more details.


The post Sony Xperia TX Also Gets Unofficial CyanogenMod 12 Build appeared first on xda-developers.


Crowdfunding site IndieGogo now has an Android app

Crowdfunding over the years has become a truly valid source of investment for products, music, movies, etc that normally might have a hard time seeing the light of day. IndieGoGo has been one of those websites at the forefront of this kind of service, and now, they have an Android app, all the better to follow your favorite projects and discover new ones as well.



While the iOS app has been in existence since July this year, it took its sweet time to finally arrive on the Android platform. But at least now, you'll be able to keep track of all the projects you've funded or are keeping a close eye on, whether it's a new gadget, an independent movie, or an artist's new album. You will also be able to find new campaigns from recommendations by the app, based on what you've previously funded or followed.


The search function on the app is pretty nifty as you can explore it either by category or by date of project expiration. And if you feel like sharing a particular campaign to your friends or on your social networks, the sharing option is pretty easy to follow (as all apps normally should have). You can also explore all the campaign perks that you'll be able to joy, in case you're still dillly dallying on whether to support the project or not.


You can download the IndieGoGo app from the Google Play Store for free. Of course funding projects will entail credit card details, but just like other crowdfunded projects and sites, you will only be billed once the project is successful and completed, depending on the project's settings.


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YouTube app updated with Material Design and Offline feature

Search and watch videos on YouTube now with a new feel and whenever you want. Google has updated the YouTube app which allows you to watch videos offline where there is little to no internet connection and has also worked in the new Material Design. The offline feature is only available in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines as for now. Google is working on updating their other apps as well to fit into the new Material design.


Material Design sounds fancy, and it is. It's Android's new facelift with solid vivid colors, shadow textures, more animations, and more things that suggest new look and depth. With the new YouTube update, you can now search videos with filters like you do on the desktop version like: duration, HD, or closed caption.


The offline feature only applies to certain videos, but much of those videos are popular YouTube content in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. A new “offline” icon would appear on the video, where you would tap that to view for later when you don't have connection. The video is saved to watch later for up to 48 hours. You can now plan ahead of time when you know there's low/no internet connection in certain places.


youtube-offline

YouTube is changing - and the change is good. Android users must be excited as they have been rolling out the latest Android Lollipop, new Material Design, and now new user interface Google apps. Alongside India, Indonesia, and the Philippines have been the first ones to experience the new offline feature. As stated by Google, the offline feature is just a start. What's in store for us in the future? What would make YouTube “that much better”?


youtube-materialui-1 youtube-materialui-2 youtube-materialui-3 youtube-materialui-4


SOURCE: Google

DOWNLOAD: Play Store





Google Fit update adds 100 more activities for tracking

As 2014 is about to draw to a close, one inescapable fact is that this was the year when the wearables truly came into their own, particularly the smartwatches and the fitness trackers that helped mobile people try to add a bit of health consciousness in their lives. Google Fit is the tech giant's own effort to get into the market by turning your Android Wear and your Android smartphones into fitness centers.



The latest update to the app now adds over 100 more activities that you can input to be able to track your fitness activities. So aside from the usual cycling, running, walking, eating activities previously supported, you can now record skiing, skating, biathlon, volleyball, circuit training, boxing, cricket, dancing, kite surfing, etc. The only thing is that you would have to manually enter your information as it will not be automatically tracked by your wearable.


Another new thing from this update is the experimental step tracking feature which means that even if your smartwatch or fitness band gets disconnected from your paired smartphone, it will still continue to monitor your steps so that you will not lose count. The algorithm has also been fixed to better monitor all your fitness activities, including the new ones.


You can update your Google Fit app through the Google Play Store. However, as usual, Google is rolling it out slowly so you might not still be part of the ones who've already received the update. But if you already have it, congratulations and goodluck in your fitness goals this holiday season.





Remember Everything with Calendar Events Notifier

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The calendar application has and will continue to be one of the most important tools on our mobile devices. Android’s developers quickly implemented the calendar application in a very early version of the OS, and since then, the application has seen some major updates. That said, it still serves one main function: organizing your life.


In the first party Google Android calendar, you can set a reminder for upcoming events. Unfortunately, it’s rather easy to miss notifications and skip events because our mobile phones and tablets are usually hidden deep inside our bags, and it’s often easy to forget about an important event.


XDA Recognized Developer bartito identified the problem and created an application that captures your calendar app notification and repeats it until you disable the notification. The app is fully compatible with the Android Wear, which makes it an even better solution for all of you who keep forgetting appointments.


Calendar Events Notifier is normally a paid application. But before you’ll decide to close this tab, please note that developer has made it free for all XDA users. To unlock the hidden features, follow the instruction provided in the opening post of the thread.


Apps like Calendar Events Notifier can save you from missing an important call, wedding anniversary or birthday of your beloved. To get it, head over to the Calendar Events Notifier application thread to learn more.


The post Remember Everything with Calendar Events Notifier appeared first on xda-developers.


Amazon app axed from Play Store, returns as shopping-only app

If you praised the Amazon overlords for pooling almost all their retail offers, both physical and digital, into a single Android app, you might start hurling profanities at this latest development. Though you might be hurling them at the wrong people. Amazon's revamped Appstore was apparently removed from Google Play Store because Google subtly changed one of its criteria for allowing apps on Google Play Store. Now the Amazon app has returned, sans the ability to buy apps and games.



Last October, Amazon acknowledged, though it seemed only in passing, that its app on Google Play Store now also allowed users to buy apps directly within it, a functionality previously only found in a separate Android Appstore app that you will have to manually download and install from Amazon (unless you're already using a Kindle Fire or Fire Phone, in which case this probably shouldn't matter to you). But suddenly the app disappeared from Play Store listings. Some say Google kicked it out, Amazon says it pulled it out itself.


Whoever did it, the reason was a change in Google's "Developer Distribution Agreement", the contract that stipulates which apps will be allowed on Google Play Store. Previously there was a part there that said that an app's primary and sole goal should not be to distribute apps and games on Android devices outside of Market (previous name of Google Play Store). This clearly forbids any direct competitor to Google Play Store, though it doesn't specify if it should be selling or just distributing apps. Now the Agreement is more generic, covering apps that distribute apps and game even just as a sideline. Obviously, this covers the new Amazon app.


And so the new, now old, Amazon app with Appstore inside has been replaced with the old, now new, Amazon app dedicated solely for shopping. The Amazon app with apps and games, however, can still be downloaded from Google Play Store via a direct link. You just won't be able to search for it. You can also download the Amazon Appstore directly from Amazon as well.


This development is rather intriguing and perhaps a bit worrying to some extent. On one hand, it's only reasonable to expect that Google doesn't want any competition from its Play Store, which is actually also a way to enforce security (by discouraging installing apps from third party sources). On the other hand, Google is perhaps casting too wide a net just to get Amazon's new app out, potentially affecting even small apps that try not to outdo Google, but offer more convenience and even a bit of security (downloading from a single app rather than from random web links) for apps that aren't or can't be available from Google Play Store.


VIA: SlashGear


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