VLC preview app for Android TV now available

Probably one of the most popular video players on both the desktop and mobile platforms is VLC because it can play almost anything. With Android TV slowly gaining traction in the smart TV platform market (although it still has a long way to go), it isn't really surprising that the open source cross-platform multimedia player will eventually make its way there. The developers have released a preview version of the app, and despite the bugs and all, it looks pretty promising.

Ever since Google announced Android TV at last year's Google I/O, fans of both the platform and VLC have probably been waiting for this eventuality. VLC's open source platform lets developers catch up with almost all the different video formats that are out there and this will be a boon for Android TV which will primarily be used to watch movies, TV shows, and other kinds of videos. The folks over at Gigaom kindly gave us a peek at them playing around with the preview app, and basically, everything seems to be working for both audio and video files.

But of course this is still in the preview stage, there are still some things that need to be worked out. For instance, it still can't access storage drives through the network, at least not yet. It will probably eventually do so, knowing these guys. But some cool things that it can do, aside from most of the features from the regular Android version, is integration with the interface and voice search of Android TV.

Geoffrey Metais, the developer of VLC, is definitely looking for feedback from early adapters, given that the Nexus Player is not easily available in France. If you want to try it out on your Android TV, you can download the preview APK here and sideload onto your device.

SOURCE: Gigaom

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Drunk Locker blocks apps for you while you’re inebriated

There is nothing worse than waking up from a night of partying with a raging hangover, then checking your smartphone and finding out you have tons of notifications because you posted some pretty incriminating photos and messages on your social media accounts (that selfie while throwing up is pretty epic). Intoxicated blocker apps (yes, they're a thing apparently) are available for you to avoid that, and one of those available is the Drunk Locker App.

We all know that part of a drunken night out is the eventual "trying to stop myself from posting bitter feelings about my ex" or the "avoiding taking pictures of the group when we're so obviously drunk". But sometimes, just forcing yourself to do them is not that effective. You need an actual app that will stop you from making a fool of yourself. Drunk Locker is ready to help by blocking certain social networking apps which you will not be able to access at a certain pre-set period of time. Just make sure you're not drunk already when you try to set up Drunk Locker on your smartphone or else it might lose its purpose.

Apps included in the stuff you can block are social networks Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Vine, and messaging apps like Snapchat, FB Messenger, WhatsApp, and now Tinder, Skype, and LINE. Your phone's built-in SMS isn't included but the developer says they plan to add even more apps, including 3rd party SMS alternatives like Text Pro and Text Apps. If you have any other apps in mind, you can also message the developers and they will look into adding them in the next update.

Now of course blocking those apps does not really ensure responsible drinking (it may even encourage the opposite) so you shouldn't look to apps like these to regulate your alcohol intake. But for a first step (at least social media wise), you can download Drunk Locker App to make sure you have no social media regrets the morning after. It's available for free on the Google Play Store.

Project Ara configurator app makes it easy to design your own phone

We have talked quite a bit about the Google Project Ara device around here. Earlier this week we offered up a hands on with the device showing you how you can snap modules together to design your own smartphone with the capabilities you want. One of the things we didn’t go into great detail about was how you configure and program those modules to work.

We are back with a hands on look at the Project Ara Configurator App. This is the software that controls the modules to make the device you piece together work. The point of the app is to allow you to configure your device before you go out and plunk down the money to get an idea what it will be like.

After you buy the Project Ara components, the app will also allow you to tweak the smartphone with new modules down the road. This modular nature that allows you to swap processors, cameras, displays, speakers, and other components is what Project Ara is all about.

Project Ara's Configurator app isn't available to download just yet. It will launch after this year when the hardware is closer to launch. You can check out the video to see how the configurator app works in the flesh until it launches.

SOURCE: SlashGear

TWRP 2.8.4 update improves Android Wear support

When it comes to Android custom recoveries, two of the most popular names are ClockworkMod Recover (CWM) and the Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP). The latter has become a crowd favorite for its more frequent updates and addition of graphical user interfaces. The latest 2.8.4 version, which builds on the major 2.8 release launched last September, tightens up some of the new MTP support features, gives more GUI functionality, and improves the integration with smartwatches.

Android Wear devices are relatively new, but naturally they have already been cracked open and modded as early as last year. One of if not the earliest recoveries available in that space is TWRP. But while it does have a graphical interface for navigation, the rather minuscule screen of a smartwatch doesn't exactly make it comfortable to use. Starting with this latest version, however, smartwatch owners will be able to make use of the device's power button, which almost all smartwatches have, in place of tapping the Back button.

Other major new features include the ability to flash boot and recovery images right from the GUI using the new Find Images button. And now you can easily copy those images to the storage root directory thanks to improved MTP support. For those with encrypted devices (like, say, the new Nexus devices), TWRP also improved theme handling in those scenarios.

TWRP 2.8.4 is now available for all supported devices. For smartwatches, that means the Moto 360 and the LG G Watch. A new addition to the TWRP family is the OPPO N3, whose recovery image has finally appeared on the TWRP site.

VIA: Android Police

SOURCE: TWRP

Story Timeline

• OnePlus One plus TWRP equals possibilities


• TWRP descends on LG G Watch, Samsung Gear Live


• TWRP comes out with version 2.8, brings native MTP support

Xiaomi unveils Mi Box Mini and Mi Headphones

Xiaomi has rolled out a couple slick new devices for fans of streaming content and audio. The first of the new devices is the Mi Box Mini and it is the smallest set-top box we have seen in a long time. The device is so small that it sticks out of the outlet with nothing that actually sits on the TV or entertainment center.

It’s so small you really can't call it a set top box; it's more like a streaming video plug. The Mi Box Mini is a quarter of the size of the normal Mi Box. Despite its small stature, it has a 1.3GHz quad core Cortex-A7, 1GB of RAM, and 4GB of storage. It supports 1080p streaming and has Dolby and DTS audio. It also supports 2.4G and 5G dual band WiFi in the tiny enclosure.

The Mi Headphones are made of high quality materials that look very expensive and are aimed directly at users who want premium devices. The headphones use a silver plated straight cable to decrease impedance and interference. The diaphragms are 50mm beryllium units.

Xiaomi says that the speakers in the headphones are 25% larger than you typically find. The ear covers can be replaced and swapped to customize the comfort of the headphones. The Mi Box Mini sells for 199RMB in China, or about $32 in the US. The headphones are 499RMB, which is about $80. Both will be available in China on January 20 and there is no word on if they will be offered outside China.

SOURCE: SlashGear

Google Maps update: shareable maps, search and improvements

Google Maps is one of those products that people eagerly await for updates, especially those who rely on the app when driving or traveling to unfamiliar areas (we're looking at you, people who don't like asking for directions). The newest features added to the navigation app will mostly benefit those who are meeting other people at a certain place or if you're tired of explaining how to get to your place.

Now you can share navigation directions from Google Maps to any app of your choosing. As soon as you find the directions or navigation options on the app, simply choose to share the directions through the usual share menu of Android devices, whether it's through messaging apps, email, or even social networks. If you also have Google Glass connected to your device, you can also send it through there.

The change log on the app's page also includes the ability to filter your searches for restaurants according to cuisine type. So if you're looking for a nice Indian restaurant in a neigbhourhood that is famous for its culinary delights, it's now easier to find one (that is, if you prefer using Google Maps for your restaurant searches). When looking for addresses on Google Maps, your Google contacts' addresses will also now show up in the options.

There are also new permissions with the update, including Bluetooth settings access. You can also now run Google Maps on startup of your device. Google is slowly rolling out the updates, so if you don't have it yet, wait patiently until you can post on your Facebook page the Google Map directions to your party venue (if you want everyone to show up, that is).

VIA: Android Police

Story Timeline

• Google Maps update: Hindi language, improves notifications


• Google Maps makeover: Material Design, better travel features


• Google Maps' voice navigation updated with highway guidance for some European countries

Updated Google Now Launcher brings Material Design to KitKat, Jelly Bean

Most of the Android devices today still run KitKat and Jelly Bean or even the older versions of the mobile platform. Only a small percentage run Android 5.0 Lollipop but not all phone manufacturers and carriers are ready to release the latest software update yet. Jelly Bean and KitKat users are missing out on a lot of Lollipop features and Material Design but good thing Google is bringing some elements to the latest Google Now Launcher.

The updated Google Now Launcher app now shows some Material Design elements, at least, for KitKat and Jelly Bean devices. The Google app launcher button has been redesigned and now includes some new animations like when closing or opening apps. A quick access to settings and accounts on Google Now were also enhanced. Of course, just like any app updates, this brings reliability and speed improvements as well.

The Google Now Launcher app for Android allows faster searching on the web or mobile device. It also allows voice control to search and do other stuff. As with most Google services, you can receive more personalized results based on your location. The app lets you know of the information you really need to start your day like weather or traffic updates.

Material Design elements may be limited on the Jelly Bean and KitKat but at least the two mobile OS got a bit of this new thing from Android. At the rate Android 5.0 update is rolling out to different smartphones and tablets, it might take a while before the Lollipop will run the show around the world. For now, KitKat and Jelly Bean users must be thankful for some Material Design lovin' they can get.

Download Google app from the Google Play Store

Story Timeline

• Apex Launcher updated with material design


• FolderSync updated, now supports Android 5.0 Material Design


• Minima brings live Material Design wallpapers to your phone