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.

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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.

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Xiaomi 64-bit smartphone spotted at TENAA, AnTuTu

Chinese smartphone manufacturers will look to build on their considerable growth in 2014 with solid upgrades to their flagship and best-selling models. One of those is China-based OEM Xiaomi, who recently released the Mi 4 LTE just this month. Already, benchmarking outfit AnTuTu has caught a new Xiaomi device that would probably the Chinese outfit’s first 2015 release – and it’s a 64-bit phone.

Codenamed “Xiaomi 2014811”, this looks to be Xiaomi’s first 64-bit smartphone. AnTuTu list the specs like so – a 4.7-inch 720p HD display, a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor which runs four cores at 1.2Ghz, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage.

There’s also an 8MP/2MPcamera combo, a 2,200mAh battery, all running on Android 4.4.4 Kitkat. Xiaomi is most likely thinking that 64-bit processing will be a big thing in 2015, and this will be to make sure they keep up with the competition.

Rumors say that this could possibly be the RedMi 2, but we’ll all have to wait a bit before the phone gets launched most likely in January. Until then, hold your judgment please.

SOURCE: Antutu / TENAA

Story Timeline

• Chinese OEM Xiaomi might make US market debut in 2015


• India bans Xiaomi sales and imports for patent infringement


• Xiaomi sales ban in India partially lifted

Rugged Rovers lets you test and design your own space rover

Space travel and exploration is something that will never fail to fascinate humans, regardless if NASA discontinued their space program. And if you're one of those who are pretty much interested in that kind of thing, getting to design your own space rover would be a dream come true. You can actually do that now with a new Android game, even if it's just virtual.

Rugged Rover is actually brought to you by the folks from the Science Museum in South Kensington in England, so you know there's a degree of legitimacy to it. The premise is simple enough in that you get to design your very own all-terrain space rover and it comes complete with all the drawing and designing tools you'll need, including movable motors and resizable wheels. It will also give you tips on how to solve several rover-related problems. Even neater, you get to see the designs of Abbie Hutty, the real-life designer of the Mars rover.

But what makes this game even more exciting is that you get to test out your designed rover on a Mars-inspired spacescape. You'll get to see if the jet hover and speed boost you put in can actually survive that kind of terrain and the obstacles that come along with it. And when it fails, as it will eventually of course, you get to go back to the literal drawing board and fix your design so it will perform better when you test it again.

While you can play the game on your mobile device, the museum also issues an invitation to visit them and play it on their big screen with your friends. If you can go to the UK, then that should be a stop on your itinerary. Rugged Rovers is available to download for free from the Google Play Store, and no in-app purchases are needed.

GTA: Chinatown Wars now out on Android, finally

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, a diminutive mobile version of the global console and PC gaming phenomenon, was originally developed for the Nintendo DS platform in 2009. Consequently, it was ported for iOS and has been there for a few years now. Finally and officially, after four years, the game is finally available for Android.

The users play a character called Huang Lee, tasked to deliver an ancient sword to his Uncle Kenny, after his father’s murder. The sword will mark his family’s control of the Triads of Liberty City. After the first few cut-scenes, you realize things aren’t going so well for Huang, who is first robbed and then left to die. Then begins your normal tale of revenge in “the most dangerous and morally bankrupt city in the world.”

The storyline is replete with side-missions, mini-games and hidden collectibles. If you’re thinking GTA: Chinatown Wars is a weak version of the GTA console games, you’ll be in for a surprise – it’s as complete as any GTA experience you’ll find.

The app will support Android TV devices, to satisfy your hankering to play it on a bigger screen – you’ll probably want to. GTA: Chinatown Wars debuted at the Google Play Store last week and you can download it for USD$2.99. Hit the source link for that.

DOWNLOAD: Google Play Store

Story Timeline

• GTA: Vice City returns to the Google Play Store


• Amazon Fire TV adds GTA Trilogy, TWD Season 2 to roster


• A different kind of gift: Xbox One, GTA V [DEALS]

Best Xposed Mods of 2014 – XDA TV

The story of the Xposed Framework has been somewhat of a roller coaster. In the beginning of 2014, everyone was excited and making great modules for the framework. Then, Lollipop came around, and Xposed Framework hasn’t yet been updated to be compatible. That said, not everyone is running Lollipop yet, and the framework may one day see compatibility on newer OS builds. In honor of this fantastic framework with almost limitless modification possibilities, we would like to look back over the past year and talk about our favorite modules.

In this episode of XDA Xposed Tuesday, XDA TV Producer TK remembers five Xposed Modules that really stand out from the crowd. These Modules are Wanam Kit, Complete Action Plus, SideControl, Clean Your Notify Clean, and Root Cloak. Also, please comment on what you’d like to see in Xposed Tuesday’s place. And of course, check out this Xposed Tuesday video.

Be sure to check out other great XDA TV Videos

• XDA Xposed Tuesday: Wanam Kit AOSP Mods – XDA Developer TV


• XDA Xposed Tuesday: Complete Action Plus – XDA Developer TV


• XDA Xposed Tuesday: SideControl with Xposed – XDA Developer TV


• XDA Xposed Tuesday: Clean Your Notification Panel – XDA Developer TV


• XDA Xposed Tuesday: Root Cloak – XDA Developer TV

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Disney’s fun and safe game Club Penguin

Like all games, we can get addicted pretty quick. The concept/layout of a game keeps us coming back for more and that’s what Disney’s Club Penguin is doing for the kids. The game is for all ages but seems to gear much more towards kids. Think of it like a kids’ portal with a collection of games. Within these mini games you find yourself collecting virtual coins. You can personalize your penguin and keep it up to date with the latest fashion trend or decorate your igloo with the newest furniture.

The game keeps you coming back for more and could keep your kids occupied. As the aim of the game is to obviously have fun, there is the aspect of chasing in-game content and that concept would keep you playing till you collect all the items. In game content can also be purchased using real money. The game provides an opportunity for kids to increase their motor skills, creativity, teamwork, problem solving and money management. Kids can meet and chat with other kids throughout the world and find a sense of belonging. Through that experience, children can learn how to develop social skills.

The Disney game has a strong commitment to online safety which provides secure log-in, filtered chat, live moderators, and the ability to report players. Sounds safe as it is hosted through Disney. Parents have the option to set play timers, manage membership status and more. This way parents are aware and can monitor how the children play the game.

Although this game is free to play, be aware that there is an option to join the Club Penguin membership. The membership would let you access specialized in-game content and exclusive features. Prices vary depending on your subscription: 1 Month = $7.99, 3 Month= $19.99, 6 Month = $39.99. All purchases will be charged to your Google Play account.

DOWNLOAD: Play Store