Google Maps Real Time Traffic Data Expanded Worldwide, Adds 130 U.S. Cities

First we got offline maps, then indoor maps and walking directions for museums. Now Google Maps gets even better with expanded traffic coverage worldwide. The capitals of Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama have been added, and a whopping 130 US cities will also be receiving traffic information and estimated travel times. So if you live in Kalamazoo, Michigan or Tuscaloosa, Alabama, welcome to the party!
In addition, Google has improved and expanded coverage in Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Hit the source link for a complete list of all cities covered.

View the original article here

Read More

Online Nandroid Backup allows Nandroid backups without booting into recovery

If you’re an avid Android “rooter” and “ROM flasher,” then I’m sure the Nandroid backup feature that custom recoveries offer has been your best friend. It’s essential to perform a Nandroid backup before you wipe and flash your newly desired ROM in case something goes wrong and you need to restore your phone into a previously working state.

If you’re not familiar with how a traditional Nandroid backup works, you are required to turn the phone off and boot into the recovery to perform the procedure. A typical Nandroid backup takes about 4-6 minutes, thus your phone would be nonoperational for that period of time. An XDA developer by the name of ameer1234567890
found that troublesome as he would constantly miss important calls and texts from his family and took it upon himself in creating  away to perform a Nandroid backup without having to boot into recovery. Online Nandroid Backup allows the user to perform a Nandroid backup without the need to turn your phone off, thus you won’t miss important calls or texts.
Using the program is actually fairly simple and easy to follow:

Requirements
1. Rooted android phone
2. A terminal emulator installed on phone
3. Busybox
4. A working CWM based recovery installed
5. Some patience

Installation
1. Download and copy zip file to SD card
2. Reboot into recovery
3. Choose install zip from SD card, select zip and flash .
4. Reboot!

Usage
1. Open terminal emulator
2. Type su to obtain root
3. Type onandroid
4. Wait and watch

While this is a wonderful idea, I would still personally recommend performing a Nandroid backup the old fashioned way (through recovery), simply because this is still new and bugs may be present. Either way, this is a great tool and I commend the developer for creating something that is useful for many.

You can head over to the source link for further instructions and download links if you’re interested in giving this a shot!

View the original article here

Read More

ESPN Fantasy Football App Gets 2012 Season Update

If you’re a fan of fantasy football, particularly of the ESPN variety, the official ESPN Fantasy Football app has just been updated for the 2012 season. The app contains everything you need to manage your league, as the list of features from the Play Store page shows:

• Team Management: Start/bench players, add, drop, and claim players off waivers, propose, accept or reject trades with other managers
• Fantasy Cast Live Scoring and Stats: Real-time scoring and detailed information for all your matchups.
• Personalized Push Notifications for injuries, substitutions, and scoring updates.
• Fantasy News, Videos and Tweets from ESPN’s fantasy analysts.
• View and post messages to your league’s message board

Grab the app for free (ad supported) from the Play Store link or QR code below.

Play Store Download Link

View the original article here

Read More

Toshiba Thrive Gets Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich Ahead of Schedule

The original Toshiba Thrive 10-inch tablet was expected to get an update to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich sometime this fall, but a tasty surprise showed up today for Thrive owners. A post on Toshiba’s Thrive forums confirms that ICS is indeed now rolling out, significantly ahead of schedule. Even though Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is the flavor of the month, it’s nice to see Toshiba pushing forward quicker than expected.

Not much of a changelog was posted:

Release 4.0.4 Highlights:

• Improved video and audio performance
• Improved camera functions
• Improved signal strength and connectivity

If you own a Thrive, check for the over-the-air update on your tablet by tapping Apps
, Service Station, then Check for Updates and let us know how it goes!

View the original article here

Read More

Holo Launcher HD Brings Jelly Bean-Based Launcher To Ice Cream Sandwich Devices

Mobint (of Holo Launcher fame) has developed the brand-spanking new Holo Launcher HD for Android 4.0+ devices. While the launcher brings a delicious stock feel to your Android device— it also is modeled after the newly released Jelly Bean OS. The launcher is also fully customizable with the ability to do things like add additional homescreens (up to 9), a nifty scrollable dock and for those of you who splurge on Holo Launcher Plus— some cool desktop gestures and even icon packs if that strikes your fancy.
Again, if you’re on an Android 4.0+ device, but hate those pesky Android skins, be sure to give the new launcher a try. You can find the Play Store link and QR code once you hit past the break.

Play Store

View the original article here

Read More

Motorola And Verizon Send Out Questionaires To Select Verizon FIOS Customers, Tries To Gauge Feedback Of New Toy On The Way

It’s no secret that Verizon has major intentions to bring its FIOS service to Android devices. We first had a glimpse of this notion when Verizon announced its FIOS app for smartphones and tablets. Then we saw the always Verizon-friendly brand Motorola try to sneak out an Android TV tablet for TV rooms. Now there is actual proof indicating a WiFi-only tablet is on the way for Verizon FIOS subscribers. Apparently FIOS subscribers were sent a survey recently which sought some opinions and feedback of a new device which “may be available in the future”.  This device will feature Android 2.3 (sighs)– while allowing users to run a full assortment of apps and of course the ability to stream certain channels. All in all, all signs point to the Corvair finally becoming a reality.

Of course Motorola and Verizon are still trying to see how people feel about the device and whether it’s necessary or not. My guess is that many (if not all) subscribers wouldn’t mind having a new toy to play with. Let’s hope we see this thing sooner than later.

View the original article here

Read More

How to easily bypass Android liveness check [Video]

As much as I love Android, I’ve always felt the face unlock feature that was introduced in Ice Cream Sandwich is more of a gimmick than anything. While it’s cool to show off to non-Android users, it isn’t practical and can be bypassed rather easily if one were to try. In my opinion, using the pattern or pin unlock system provides a faster and safer way to lock your phone from others.
In Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, Google developers attempted to make the face unlock feature more secure by adding a “liveness check
” feature. The problem with face unlock was that one could easily use a picture of the person to unlock the phone. With liveness check enabled, the owner is required to blink for the phone to unlock. This adds another element into the security of face unlock which fixes the issue of simply using ones picture.
Of course, it never takes too long before people figure out a way to bypass that as well. The YouTube video below, uploaded by idaka82
, shows a group of guys quickly showing you how to do just that. They simply took a picture and hastily photo-shopped his eyes so that it looks like he’s blinking. Then by transitioning the original and edited photo simultaneously, it gives the effect it’s blinking.
Needless to say, while it can be done rather quickly, it does take a bit of effort. Nonetheless, I’ll always suggest Android users to stick with the pattern or pin unlock system if you wish to secure your phone.
You can head over to the video after the break!

View the original article here

Read More

NFC could be the next big security exploit

Everyone is looking for something to put fear into people and the latest is NFC. Security researcher Charlie Miller recently showed flaws in the way Android (and MeeGo) handles NFC. He designed an NFC tag that was able to execute malicious code on a device. Obviously this tag could be place anywhere like a point-of-sale terminal.
The issue is not NFC in general, but more of the software implementation. The Android Beam specification allows NFC to automatically launch the web browser which allows for a wide range of web-based exploits. A lot of the browser bugs that were in older versions of Android have been fixed, but early Ice Cream Sandwich builds still have a lot of security holes related to the WebKit-based stock browser. A simple fix to this would be a pop up notifying the user that NFC is trying to open the browser and to either give or deny permission.
Older Android phones are still an issue in that Miller was able to hijack the application daemon that controls NFC functions in Android 2.3, in a sense bypassing the browser. Thankfully there really isn’t too many devices on Android 2.3 that have NFC. Miller used a Nexus S to demonstrate.
So there you have it folks. Is this the next big scare? I would assume Google will make software fixes accordingly, but the bottomline is that for anyone to exploit your phone (or tablet) with this method, they have to be really close to you.

Read More

Sprint Galaxy Nexus Gets Software Update Rolling Out Starting Today, And No… The Update Doesn’t Include Jelly Bean

The Sprint Galaxy Nexus smartphone is looking to get just a little bit better with an incoming software version L700.FG01 update that’s set to roll out starting today. Before you ask—- no the update doesn’t include Android 4.1 just yet, but does include the ability to modify the device’s received signal strength indicator (RSSI), add support for Sprint TV and Wi-Fi and LTE settings will now default to being turned on.
While the update will roll out starting today, it may take several additional days before it reaches all Sprint Galaxy Nexus owners, so sit tight and relax if you don’t see it right away.

Source: TechnoBuffalo

Read More

ASUS updating Padfone to Android 4.0.4; Improved camera software and bug fixes

ASUS has updated their Padfone to software version 9.20.1.22. While it doesn’t bring the device to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, it does bring it to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. The update brings several bug fixes and optimizations in the power consumption and camera department.  Support for 64GB SD cards will also implemented along with a new Super Note function with handwriting recognition.
ASUS will be pushing the update via OTA, although you can also pull the update directly from the ASUS’ website. If you own a Padfone and wish to update it yourself, then head over to the source link!

source: ASUS

Read More

Motorola Xoom WiFi Soak Test Confirms What We Already Knew: Update Includes Android 4.1.1 And All That Buttery Goodness

Well friends, the unofficial Nexus Google Developer tablet has just become a whole lot smoother and buttery. How, you ask? You all remember how we told you about a certain colorful, yet buttery test run that was imminent for certain Motorola Xoom owners? Well the test run has begun and according to our sources, the new update is being pushed to owners of the device which confirms what we already knew, Jelly Bean is officially on the Xoom WiFi. The update includes the latest Jelly Bean version (Android version 4.1.1) and the software build for the Xoom update is known as JRO03H— while coming in at a moderate 79MB in size. While it might be too early to call, our source confirms Android 4.1 does have a slightly tweaked appearance like new fonts in addition to the smoother transitions in the UI. It looks like Jelly Bean has gotten a new lease on life with the 79MB update! No word yet on when the formal release will be pushed, but it looks like it won’t be too long before other Xoom owners get that Jelly Bean lovin’.

Source: TalkAndroid

Read More

Samsung Rolls Out New Update For International Version Of The Galaxy S III, Quietly Removes Local Search Function In The Process

Hot off the heels of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus fiasco, it seems as if Apple has indirectly had its way again, this time seen in a recent OTA update for the international version of the Samsung Galaxy S III (I9300 model). Following suit of the Stateside models from carriers like AT&T and Sprint, reports are coming in that Samsung is pushing out an update which includes the new software version is known as XXBLG6, while the baseband included is identified as XXLG6 for the international model. In addition, OTA on the smartphone identifies itself as a “stability update”, but reports indicate the update also removes local (on device) search functions within the phone’s built-in Google Search app. It’s a bummer, I know.
While the update seems to have removed one of the most underrated functions seen in the Galaxy S III, there is no doubt the dev community will be working on a mod or hack to bring the feature back. Still, it is a major, major disappointment for the few people who did take advantage of the cool feature.
The 27MB update is available now through OTA or Kies Desktop software so I9300 users can grab it anytime now. Or of course— you can just hold off on it and you know, keep the local search feature for a little while longer.

Source: XDA

Read More

Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi Soak Test To Begin Tonight: Jelly Bean Incoming?

We already knew about the upcoming Motorola Xoom soak test and now we have confirmation that it will begin very soon… possibly as soon as tonight. Members of the Motorola Feedback Network are receiving emails that pretty much state that it’s coming any time now. Though the email does not specifically state this is the Jelly Bean update, our sources tell us that it is. Of course, that should not be a surprise to anyone considering the Xoom is pretty much a Nexus device (without the Nexus name) getting updates directly from Google.

Source: Android

Read More

Verizon Galaxy S III To Receive Update to VRLG1, Removes Unified Search and Updates Kernel

If you are a Verizon subscriber and own a Samsung Galaxy S III, you may be receiving an update soon. This is meant to update the kernel and to dumb down the search capabilities of the device. As we have already seen, Samsung has been pushing the same update to both the Sprint and AT&T Galaxy S III.
When we talk about “dumbing down search capabilities” this is what you should expect. Currently, when you search via the search bar, it returns results from the web, apps, contacts, etc. all in a unified manner. However, with the current Apple Vs. Samsung debacle, search results will be limited to the web with no localized results.
If you are having any issues with your S III and get a replacement, your new device will already have been updated to I535VRLG1. The same is expected for those who go out and purchase one today. However, for those of you who jumped on the sale during launch week, we haven’t heard any news of the OTA hitting, but will update you as soon as we know!

Source: TalkAndroid

Read More

LG Spectrum’s Ice Cream Sandwich Update Ready To Go, Awaiting Verizon’s Approval

A little less than two months ago we reported of an Ice Cream Sandwich build that leaked for the Verizon LG Spectrum. Now it seems as if the official ICS update is just around the corner. According to an LG rep over at LG’s support forum, ICS for the Spectrum is very close:
Keep an eye on our “Company Updates” which shows up on the home page
It’s getting very close…can’t wait to get the official word to post it! I think we’re just waiting on Verizon to set a FOTA schedule.
Needless to say, the wait shouldn’t be that much longer my friends. Any LG Spectrum owners still out there?

Source: TalkAndroid

Read More

Jelly Bean For the Nexus S Arrives In Pakistan, Grab the Download Now

Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean for the Nexus S has finally arrived for our friends over in Pakistan! This is great news as the 114mb update could possibly be released to the rest of the world soon. According to an XDA member, Nexus S owners in Pakistan should be able to download the update over the air. If you’re not into waiting, you can also download and apply the JRO03E update directly from the download link below.

JRO03E Download

Source: TalkAndroid

Read More

Sky’s Now TV Launches on Android, Brings Streaming Movies to Folks in the UK

Here’s some cool news for you UK readers, and only you UK readers. NOW TV’s streaming movie service is now available for Android devices and will allow you to stream movies whenever and wherever you want. If you have the “Sky Movie Pass” you can stream unlimited movies all day long and there is even a nifty “Play to Play” option for those of you who are afraid of commitments. Speaking of commitments, you can sign up right now for a free 30-day trial to see if this is something you can get down with. Pretty sweet, huh?
The Now TV app is now available in Google Play and brings access to a boat-load of great movie titles.  Hit either of the links below to get started.

 Google Play Download

Source: TalkAndroid

Read More

Update To Google Play Music Brings Improved UI, Playing Queue, and More

You may want to check your app updates because Google Play Music just got an awesome new update. This new version comes with a bunch of new improvements and features such as:
Now Playing queue that allows for queuing and reordering of currently playing music.
New UI for navigation with transport controls on the action bar.
New large album art view on Recent.
Playlist art is now constructed from album art of songs in the playlist.
Now Playing widget has album art and support for thumbs up.
Harder, better, faster, stronger.
I’m already loving this new version. The improved UI makes for a cleaner look, the playlist art is a nice new addition, and I’m especially loving the new queuing features. This is definitely much better than previous versions of Google music. Grab the updated version through either of the links below.

Google Play Store

Source: TalkAndroid

Read More

XBMC Is Alive And Kicking, Gives An Idea Of How It Looks When Running On A Nexus Q

Remember how we told you about how XBMC was on its way a few days ago? Well it’s already here— albeit in an early form. CyanogenMod developer Jason Parker used his skills to develop a working port of the app for the Nexus Q and other Android-based set-top boxes, as well as most smartphones. From what we can tell, the interface looks like its centered around arrow keys

Read More

Nexus 7 Got a Small OTA Update To Build JRO03D

A little surprise was waiting for me on my Google I/O Nexus 7 tablet today. Looks like the tablet is getting a very small 859kb over-the-air update that brings the build number up to JRO03D. I haven’t noticed anything new with this update except for a slightly more verbose About screen, which now shows the FCC ID, IC and model number.

Read More