Google releases Android 5.0.2 for Nexus 7 (2012) tablet

It’s worth remembering that only weeks ago, Google released its first patch to Android 5.0 (which was 5.0.1) for the Nexus 5 and then the more current Nexus 6. We thought that was going to be it for a while, but just recently Google released its second patch 5.0.2 for the 2012 version of the Nexus 7 tablet, skipping the first patch altogether for a more current build.

Of course, the new patch incorporates all of the improvements from the first one, and includes some new improvements. Most of the new adjustments will be for kernel and startup scripts – these to give a boost to the processor and maintain a higher performance rate. That’s good news for all Nexus 7 users.

There’s also a bugfix for an issue with the tablet’s AlarmManager process, which is the element that wakes your device when apps need to perform their scheduled tasks. Some people have experienced issues with the process since upgrading to Android Lollipop.

The build code is “LRX22G” and is now posted for download at the usual download page for images of Nexus devices -- check the source link below. The patch should also be rolling out OTA as well, so you should check your notifications if you own a 2012 Nexus 7 (WiFi only) device. No indications yet if the patch will roll out to the 3G units of the same model.

SOURCE: Google Dev

Story Timeline

• Android 5.0.1 OTA for 2013 Nexus 7 (WiFi), Nexus 10 are here


• Android 5.0.1 images go live for Nexus 6, Nexus 4, no Nexus 5


• Android 5.0.1 lands on Nexus 5, T-Mobile pushes to Nexus 6 too

Our Favorite Android, iOS, and Windows Phone Apps of the Week

Hello all you lovers of smartphone apps and happy holidays. Many of us are ready to travel to relatives abroad or even wait out Christmas alone. Whatever the circumstance, if you have a smartphone—presents came early. We have great apps this week including ways to give your Lumia smartphone touchless superpowers and an even simpler way to do your taxes. It is the best apps of the week. Get ready for some downloadin'.

Read more...

Now Gesture Tweaks Replaces Google Now with Custom Action

On most modern Android devices with software navigation keys, swiping up from the bottom of the screen launches Google Now. And for those devices with hardware navigation buttons, long pressing on the home button accomplishes the same task. With no native settings in Android to change the action to anything else, these convenient gestures remain untouched and unused on many devices. So until Google finally realizes that not everyone cares for or uses Google Now–at least not enough to warrant a dedicated shortcut–it looks like we have to turn to third party apps to remedy the issue. This is where Now Gesture Tweaks comes in.

Developed by XDA Senior Member SpadaBoss, Now Gesture Tweaks is an app that allows you to customize the action activated when swiping up from the navigation bar or long pressing on the hardware home button. Although the app comes as a free version and a paid version, the free version packs the essential functionalities sure to be useful for many people. These free functions include launching a picker which displays all your apps from which you can choose to launch an app from, and launching a custom app. The functions in the paid functions include numerous other shortcuts such as opening a camera and toggling settings.

So, if you own an Android device and would rather see this shortcut be used for something else other than launching Google Now, head over to the Now Gesture Tweaks application thread for more details.

The post Now Gesture Tweaks Replaces Google Now with Custom Action appeared first on xda-developers.

ToqAN Fixes Android 5.0 Notification Bug on Qualcomm Toq

The Qualcomm Toq is probably one of the lesser known smartwatches on the market right now. This can probably be attributed to the fact that device was a proof-of-concept device built by Qualcomm that was meant to encourage other OEMs to take up Mirasol displays for their own smartwatches, and that it was available for sale in only limited quantities. Its standout feature, as you may have guessed, is its Mirasol display, which is comparable to e-ink displays on wearables such as the Pebble. If you were lucky enough to snatch one up when they were on sale and have updated to Android 5.0 recently, you may have encountered an issue relating to notifications not being displayed properly. And if this is the case, Toq Alternative Notifications (ToqAN) has got you covered.

Developed by XDA Forum Member alaintxu, ToqAN is an app which seeks to allow Android 5.0 notifications to be sent properly to the Toq. This is necessary as in the wake of the official Toq app not being maintained and updated by Qualcomm anymore, any bugs which arise due to recent Lollipop updates won’t be fixed by Qualcomm. And one of these bugs include all the notification text being sent in the title section. With this app installed, notifications will be received properly on the Toq. It does require you however, to first go through a couple preparatory steps, such as pairing the device and checking a few checkboxes, a process which is explained in the post.

Having just released the version 1.0 of the app, Alaintxu does plan to incorporate more features into ToqAN in the future, including support for different languages, different notifications for specific apps, and a whitelist among others. So, if you own a Qualcomm Toq and have a device running Lollipop, checkout the ToqAN application thread for more details.

The post ToqAN Fixes Android 5.0 Notification Bug on Qualcomm Toq appeared first on xda-developers.

How to Root and Unlock the Google Nexus 6 on a Mac – XDA TV

In the past, XDA Developer TV Producer droidmodd3rx has shown you how to root and unlock the bootloader on a Nexus device. This process used the WugFresh Toolkit to Unlock than Relock and Unroot and Root. That required a PC. People have asked if there is a way to do that with a Mac computer. Just because you use a Mac doesn’t mean you can’t root all the things.

Following up from last week, Droidmodd3rx presents instructions on how to root and unlock the bootloader of your Google Nexus 6 using tools from the XDA Developers Forums. The process is painless and pretty easy. So, take a moment and check this video out.

Be sure to check out other great XDA TV Videos

• How to Root Android Wear 5.0.1 Lollipop Devices – XDA TV


• Micromax Takes OnePlus to Court! Android Wear Receives Lollipop – XDA TV


• Lean Mean Battery Power Saving App Review


• USB Desktop Charger Roundup – XDA TV


• Battery History with More Details – XDA TV

Check out droidmodd3rx’s YouTube Channel.

The post How to Root and Unlock the Google Nexus 6 on a Mac – XDA TV appeared first on xda-developers.

Set Up Your MediaTek Device with Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

As can be seen with the use of MediaTek chips in Android One devices such as the Micromax Canvas A1 and phones from Meizu and Lenovo such as the MX4 and Vibe X2 respectively, devices with MediaTek processors are aplenty in the Android market. Despite a stigma of not being developer friendly or adhering to GPLv2 requirements, recent strides have been made by MediaTek to change this reputation, evidenced by their sponsorship of XDA:DevCon ’14, and releasing the full kernel source for Android One devices. Such progress is comforting for owners of MediaTek devices, both old and new. But if you’re a new owner and don’t know where to start, this essential beginner’s guide may be what you’re looking for.

Written by XDA Senior Member carliv, this tutorial is written specifically with the beginner in the mind, teaching you all the essentials you need to know to get started with a MediaTek device. This includes:

• Rooting the phone


• Making a NVRAM backup


• Making a backup of the stock ROM


• Generating and flashing a custom CWM


• Getting a root file explorer

Handy screenshots, which are quite detailed, accompany each step of the tutorial, providing a visual guidance. Additionally, the tutorial requires you to be in possession of a couple of tools which are listed and linked in the post.

This guide is a must for any new owner of a MediaTek device. If you would like to find out more, visit the MediaTek beginner’s guide thread for more information.

The post Set Up Your MediaTek Device with Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide appeared first on xda-developers.

Bring Back the Old School with the NES30 Bluetooth Controller [DEALS]

In today’s modern age of mobile technology, with thousands of Android devices on the market and most of the world having super powered devices in their pockets, it’s fun to think back on simpler times. Before gaming became mobile, before it became 3D even, when you couldn’t wait to get home from school every day to sit in front of your box-behemoth of a TV and play your beloved NES. Those were the days, eh?

Well, now you can combine that nostalgic old school gaming joy with the Android device you love and use every day. The NES30 by 8Bitdo is a very well reviewed bluetooth controller that’s designed with the classic NES controller in mind, the difference being the two additional action buttons and two shoulder buttons to make the device more compatible with a variety of games. Of course, it also connects via bluetooth (which didn’t exist in 1985) or USB to Android and iOS devices, Nintendo Wii, Mac and PC. But we’re talking D-Pad baby - no joysticks on this guy!

With an MSRP and Amazon price of $40, we’ve got it for just $29.99 (with free shipping!) at the Android Community Deals store - that’s 25% off for you “numbers guys.” The controller also supports multiplayer gaming, so pick up a couple of them if you plan on playing with a friend. The controller’s rechargeable battery lasts for 20+ hours on a single charge, giving you plenty of time to get your game on. Throw it back like it’s Thursday - get the NES30 Controller from AC Deals!

Android Community Deals is brought to you in cooperation with StackSocial. Generated revenue helps fund this site. Deals are curated by StackSocial and are not representative of the opinions of the Android Community staff.