mobile

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Top 10 Android app updates this week: WordPress, SwiftKey

Welcome back to our weekly Top 10 Android App Updates column, where we take a look at the most frequently-upgraded apps for the week. I’ve found that one of the best ways to discover useful apps is to find the ones that are actually being updated by the developers rather than selecting the apps with the most installs. As in the past, we’re going to filter out minor updates for the super-popular apps that have over 10 million installs, but I’ll make exceptions for apps that have had significant updates. I hope you enjoy this weekly feature and that you discover some apps that end up being useful.

Amazon for Tablets – Version 5.50

Amazon for Tablets

What’s new in this version:

A fun new way to set aside items – press and hold on any product image and swipe downwards. You’ll find items that you’re interested in at the bottom of your screen so they’re accessible to you throughout the app.
Launch of Prime Fresh grocery delivery, an exciting new Prime Program.
Improvements to search, including a new refinement menu and new list and grid views.
Ability to turn ad personalization on or off.

BBM – Version 2.1

BBM

What’s new in this version:

Add more fun to your BBM chats with the introduction of stickers available in the new BBM Shop.
Increased file transfer size (16MB) lets you share higher quality photos, bigger files and longer videos.
Picture sharing in multi-person chats makes it easy to send a pic to a group of people so you can all talk about it together.
Other bug fixes and performance improvements.

AllCast – Version 1.0.9.3

Allcast

What’s new in this version:

Crash fixes.
Performance Fixes.
Redeem code support.

Rdio – Version 2.8.13

Rdio

What’s new in this version:

Playlist Editing. Now, you can update your playlists from any mobile device. Add, remove, and rearrange tracks; add and edit playlist artwork; change visibility settings and more. Available for Android 3.0 and higher.

VUDU – Version 1.5.0

Vudu

What’s new in this version:

Chromecast support! Start casting the latest TV Shows & Movies on Google Chromecast with your Android device.
Support for tablets at all screen pixel densities and mobile phones with xhdpi or higher screen density (>320dpi).
App and bug fixes.

SwiftKey – Version 4.4.5

SwiftKey Keyboard

What’s new in this version:

Added the ability to personalize from Evernote notes and Google+ public posts.
Fixing several forced closes/crashes.

Crackle – Version 4.1.0

Crackle

What’s new in this version:

Chromecast support: Cast Movies, Shows and Original Series to your TV.

Google Play Newsstand – Version 3.2

Google Play Newsstand

What’s new in this version:

See headlines on your Home screen with the Newsstand widget.
Scan more headlines quickly with mini cards (Menu > Mini cards).
Organize magazine issues (where available) by publication date.
Translate news sources instantly.
Support for RTL languages.

WordPress – Version 2.7

WordPress

What’s new in this version:

Refresh button has been replaced by a pull to refresh gesture.
Stats have been optimized to load and scroll faster than ever before.
Posts and Pages now support infinite scroll.
Media upgrades let you see content faster and scroll more smoothly.
Better post editor, uses less of your device’s memory when adding media to a post.

Facebook Messenger – Version 4.0

Facebook Messenger

What’s new in this version:

Groups: Now you can create groups for the people you message most. Name them, set group photos and keep them all in one place.
Forwarding: Want to send a message or photo to someone who isn’t in the conversation? Just tap to forward it on.
Conversation Shortcuts: Create a shortcut so that you can get to any conversation right from your home screen.
Free Calls: Talk as long as you want and stay in touch wherever you are. (Calls are free over Wi-Fi. Otherwise, standard data charges apply).

Engadget giveaway: win a V.I.O. Stream Battery System HD camera!

We can't help you with the lights or the action, but the professional video folks at V.I.O. will provide the camera for one lucky Engadget reader this week. We have one V.I.O. Stream Battery System, which is a seriously rugged little POV shooter capable of capturing and streaming 1080p HD video using the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). It's waterproof, dustproof and shockproof (earning it an IP67 environmental standard rating), so it can handle all the extreme action you want to throw at it. And the battery add-on, which is included in this model, lets you roam free and capture footage for up to two and a half hours on a charge without any wired entanglements. Whether its documenting base jumps, birthday parties or kickstarting a budding film career, this HD video camera is up to the task. All you need to do is head on down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this V.I.O. Stream Battery System.

Flying high above Vegas with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ drone

There's been a lot of killer gear here at NAB, from Sony's Alpha A7s to theBlackmagic URSA. But of all the gadgets that debuted in Vegas this week, I'm most obsessed with DJI's Phantom 2 Vision+ drone. This year's version represents a significant boost over 2013's model, due to one brilliant feature: a three-axis gimbal. The flying craft sports an integrated 1080p camera that can shoot solid stills and video alike, but the gimbal adds serious stabilization, keeping footage impossibly still, whether you're flying at 30MPH, caught in a gust of wind or simply hovering above the ground. The built-in GPS and compass keep the device on track at all times, letting you focus not on staying aloft, but on getting the shot.

HTC expects to break records with One M8

More than 1,000 people turn out for HTC’s ‘biggest ever’ UK handset launch event

HTC says it expects sales of its new One M8 smartphone to become its biggest selling device of all time – hailing it as the best smartphone on the planet.

The Taiwanese manufacturer unveiled the device, the follow up to last year’s HTC One, at the London Olympia last week in front of more than 1,000 industry and media guests.

The event, labelled its biggest ever in the UK, was hosted by HTC co-founder and chair Cher Wang (pictured centre), who was making her first public appearance for HTC on British soil.

Wang, who was introduced on stage by EMEA president Philip Blair (pictured left), revealed the HTC One, launched exactly a year ago, had gone on to be HTC’s top selling handset – estimated at around seven million, five million of which were in the first month – and award-winning device in its 17-year history.

“The HTC One was the best selling phone in HTC’s history,” said Wang. “Almost an entire year later people are still calling it the best smartphone on the market and it was recently named the smartphone of the year by the GSMA at the Mobile World Congress.

“The customer response really inspired us and gave us the desire to make the best even better. With the HTC One M8, the best phone in the world has got even better.”

Harsh lessons

During a pre-briefing to the event, HTC’s vice president of the UK, Nordic and partner markets Peter Frølund told Mobile News he expects the One M8 to go on and surpass the success of its predecessor.

He claimed the manufacturer had learned lessons from last year’s bodged launch of the HTC One, which experienced a number of delays, blamed on component shortages.

HTC is understood to have seen a significant number of pre-orders cancelled as a result of the delays and Samsung announcing its Galaxy S4 smartphone during the hold-up – an error which it insists won’t be repeated.

“We believe the new HTC One M8 will outsell the HTC One,” said Frølund. “A year on, we are better equipped and lessons have been learned.

“The supply chain issues have all been fixed and we have a better and more focused marketing strategy. We are confident we are now on consumers’ radars this year whereas we may not have been last year.”

Thoughts from the analysts…

Julian Jest (pictured right)

Research analyst, Informa Telecoms

Although the One was showered with awards, the latest of which came at the 2014 Mobile World Congress, HTC was unable to avoid a poor financial performance in 2013. HTC is in danger of history repeating itself in 2014 with the One M8 and must avoid relying solely on the good looks of the new phone. It is better placed this time around to succeed and appears to have addressed the distribution issues that plagued the One.

However, the device’s good looks will be crucial in attracting the attention of consumers. While the design of the One M8 is similar to that of the One, the result, in my opinion, is more aesthetically pleasing. This has primarily been achieved by extending the aluminium back casing to wrap around the sides of the device, which has the added benefit of allowing for the inclusion of a microSD card slot and also making the device comfortable to hold. HTC needs to be proactive in engaging with mobile operators and handset retailers to ensure that sales assistants are adequately trained on how to demonstrate the technology.

Rob Kerr

Mobile expert at uSwitch.com

This is yet another solid offering from the Taiwanese mobile maker.

It has the competitive advantage of being in people’s hands ahead of other 2014 flagship phones, as it can be purchased from today with no delay between unveiling and going on sale.

HTC’s new offering is just as good-looking as the HTC One – which was a firm favourite amongst pundits and those in the know. In fact, it looks near-identical to its older sibling, still with an Apple-esque design, only now with a larger five-inch screen, and a more rounded rear.

Coupled with a twin-lens camera that captures pictures at great depth, it allows refocusing on different subjects way after the shot has been taken, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Time will tell if this handset is a game-changer, and if it is enough to capture the attention of buyers that have long been loyal to Apple or Samsung. Possibly holding it back is the lack of 4K video recording.

Ben Wood (pictured right)

CCS Insight analyst

HTC learnt some tough lessons in 2013 but it does appear to have addressed these with the launch of this new device. The HTC One M8 is a make or break device, and despite the fact that last year’s HTC One was widely considered the best smartphone of 2013, the company failed to capitalise on the positive reviews and convert this to strong sales numbers.

A key goal for HTC will be to capture consumers upgrading from a Samsung Galaxy S3. Launching the HTC One M8 with immediate availability means it hits the shops ahead of new devices from arch rivals including Samsung and Sony. Luring only a small proportion of these customers would be a significant step in the right direction.

HTC is taking a big gamble sticking with its UltraPixel camera. It caused confusion last year as consumers made comparisons with other phone cameras that had much higher megapixel counts. It will be hoping the “Duo camera” is differentiated enough to help it stand out from the crowd.

Although HTC’s marketing budget pales in comparison to Samsung’s, its campaign is significantly more focused than last year’s launch. This will prove essential as HTC tries to highlight it’s key features. While HTC still has a mountain to climb as it tries to recover its position in the smartphone market, early indications are encouraging. However, there is no room for complacency.

Daniel Gleeson

IHS Mobile analyst

HTC is hoping to build on the well-received HTC One with its new flagship smartphone, which shares more than just a name with its predecessor. The new One M8 also shares the same industrial design as the previous model and many of the key features such as dual front facing speakers and infra-red blaster.

It is keen to point out that the old One was the most awarded smartphone last year. It takes particular pride in its design language; retaining this for its new flagship. This underscores HTC’s problems. Despite delivering arguably the best smartphone of last year, shipments still dropped 28 per cent to 22 million while the smartphone market overall boomed to over one billion devices. This is down from a peak of 45 million in 2011. The problems for HTC do not lie in its product. The main issues revolve around marketing, brand awareness and missing the boat on many new industry trends.

HTC concentrated on the high end of the market in 2012 but as it and every other manufacturer discovered this segment of the market is reaching saturation. The new HTC One is a great device but HTC’s future depends just as much on the mid-tier HTC Desire 816 announced at MWC.

Samsung adds Galaxy Ace Style to portfolio

Device aimed at social media users will follow the release of the manufacturer’s flagship Galaxy S5 smartphone

evice aimed at social media users will follow the release of the manufacturer’s flagship Galaxy S5 smartphone

Samsung has added to its smartphone portfolio with the announcement of the Galaxy Ace Style, which it said is aimed at young social networkers.

The device is powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and runs the Android 4.4 KitKat operating system. It has a four-inch touchscreen, 4GB of internal memory that can be expanded to 64GB with a microSD card and Samsung’s UI, TouchWiz 2014.

Also included is a five megapixel rear and VGA front camera, with pictures instantly sharable on social networks. The handset also comes pre-loaded with Samsung’s instant messaging product, ChatON.

The Galaxy Ace Style will be available in ‘cream white’ and dark grey from this month, with UK availability confirmed in due course.

LAVA introduces midrange Iris Pro 20 smartphone

New Delhi's LAVA has just outed its new Iris Pro 20 smartphone, which fits a 4.7" screen in a slender 7.7mm body that weighs in at just 112 grams.

The Iris Pro 20 comes in behind the company's recently-launched Iris Pro 30 flagship, which sports largely the same specs with the notable difference that its 4.7-inch screen sports 720p resolution, while the Iris Pro 20 manages just qHD (960x540 pixels).Otherwise, the Pro 20 is virtually the same device: a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, 4GB of internal storage, 1GB RAM, 2,000mAh battery, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It even comes with the same dual-SIM support as its elder.Unfortunately, the front-facing camera has been downgraded to VGA - likely to cut down on costs - but the 8MP primary camera still comes with dual-LED flash, and should provide largely the same quality.We got a look at the Iris Pro 30 last month, not long after its release, and the device impressed us with its design with the exception of the fingerprint-prone back panel. The software had its share of bugs, and the performance was laggy at times. You can check out our full review here - the Iris Pro 20 should provide largely the same impressions, except for the inferior screen resolution.

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