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Facebook Messenger’s new ‘Photo Magic’ feature automates sharing shots of your friends instantly

Stephen Hall Nov 9 2015 - 12:43 pm PT

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A new feature in Facebook Messenger is now rolling out that scans photos added to your camera roll in search of your Facebook friends, and suggests that you send them to the people it finds. It’s a pretty nifty feature, if you feel comfortable with Facebook looking at every single photo you take on your device and constantly processing data on the friends you’re hanging out with…
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• Apps & Updates
• Android
• Apps and Updates
• Google Play
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Google launches official DoubleClick for Publishers Android app

Cam Bunton Nov 9 2015 - 6:25 am PT

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Google has finally launched an Android app for its DoubleClick for Publishers customers. This way, those who use the service to serve or sell ads will be able to keep on top of their performance without being tied to a desktop. If you are a DoubleClick for Publishers user, you’ll be able to monitor network performance by measuring several key metrics, including impressions, clicks, click ratios and CPM as well as individual advertisement performance.

All in all, it’s a pretty simple app, but potentially very useful to DFP customers. The description itself says nothing but the following:

Provides a high-level overview of a DFP network’s performance. The data is displayed in a series of cards, which contain information associated with what’s happening in your DFP network.

As you’d expect, it’s a free download from the Play Store. It’s compatible with any Android device running 4.0.3 or later.

• Apps & Updates
• Android
• Apps and Updates
• Google Play Store
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• iOS

Fallout 4 companion app ‘Pip-Boy’ now available for Android and iOS

Stephen Hall Nov 5 2015 - 6:56 am PT

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The much-anticipated Fallout 4 from Bethesda is just around the corner (it’s scheduled to hit stores on November 10), and of course a companion app chock full of mini games and cross-platform interaction with the full game is now available. Even though the majority of the app’s functionality doesn’t even work without the full game (which, obviously, isn’t out yet), this app is already pulling almost unanimous positive reviews on the Play Store.

With Fallout Pip-Boy, your Android or iPhone (yes, it’s also available on Apple’s platform),can interact with Fallout 4 on your Xbox One, PlayStation 4 or PC. Even when you aren’t near your game system, Pip-Boy keeps track of your character’s status on the go. Among other things, the app lets you see your stats, inventory, map, and radio. There’s also a bunch of mini games (your holotape games) that are at your disposal, that you can play right from within the app.

The app is free on the Google Play Store, and you can grab it on the iOS App Store as well. Oh, and if you’re in the fewer than 1% of mobile phone users that rocks Windows Mobile, there’s surprisingly an app available for you too (although it doesn’t seem to be available yet)

There are a couple more Fallout 4-related apps available on the Play Store, as well, including the C.H.A.T. app that you we told you about earlier this week and the Fallout Shelter mobile game.

• Apps & Updates
• Android
• Apps and Updates
• Google Play Store
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Makers of ‘Zero Reflex’ offering $10k to the first person to complete it

Stephen Hall Nov 5 2015 - 6:34 am PT

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A new game called Zero Flex, a “psychedelic evader,” has hit the Google Play Store — which, alone, might not be newsworthy. There are hundreds of games that come out on the Play Store every day. But what’s different about this one is that its developers are claiming that the first person to legitimately complete the game will receive $10,000. That’s one way to promote your new game in an overcrowded sea of mediocre games.

I downloaded the game, and I can’t get more than 15 seconds in. This reminds me a lot of Super Hexagon, but far harder. Without in-app purchases (which, yes, the app does offer), I can’t see how this would be possible for even the most hard-core of gamers.

Considering the not-so-walled garden of Android and the possibility that an iPhone might be jailbroken, Exordium Games has made it clear in the contest rules that you must complete the game legitimately without any hacks. The game has 60 challenges, and if you manage to get through them, you’ll be given the option to contact Adminde.

You can read the full rules of the contest over at Exordium Games’ website, and yes, it’s also available on the iPhone via the App Store, as well as on PC via Steam.

• Apps & Updates
• Android
• Google
• update
• Google Maps
• iOS

Google Maps on iOS will now give spoken traffic alerts as you drive

Chance Miller Nov 4 2015 - 7:56 pm PT

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Google today has rolled out an update its Maps application on iOS, bringing with it a pair of new features. The update bumps the app to version 4.12.0 and includes support for adding missing businesses to the app’s database and spoken traffic alerts.

The latter of the two is the far more interesting addition of this update. Spoken traffic alerts mean that Google Maps will now alert you about upcoming traffic congestion and traffic incidents as you use the Navigation feature of the app. It does so via voice so you aren’t distracted while you drive. Traffic descriptions provide the same information, but in both text and verbal forms before you start to move.

Google Maps version 4.12.0 is available via the App Store now for free. The full changelog can be seen below:

• Apps & Updates
• Android
• Apps and Updates
• Google Play
• Google Drive
• update

Drive for Android adds sharing notifications, access to shared files without a Google account

Jordan Kahn Nov 4 2015 - 12:07 pm PT

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Google Drive updates arriving today include new features for the Android app including sharing notifications and the ability to share with people without a Google account.

As part of its Drive mobile app updates today, both users of the iOS and Android apps can now enable notifications for when files are shared with them. Not only is it a notification, but it also acts as a quick links to jump right into the file or folder. And in addition, Google notes that “If a file/folder owner has notifications turned on and someone requests access to their content, the owner will be notified of the request instantly on their mobile device so they can quickly grant access.”

And while the Google Drive iOS app is getting what Google describes as a new consistent sharing experience (essentially bringing it up to par with Android), Android users are getting the ability to share with people without a Google account:

Until now, a Google Account was needed to view shared files on an Android device. Now, people can do this without a Google Account just like they can on the web.

The updated Google Drive app for Android is available now.

• Apps & Updates
• Android
• Apps and Updates
• Google Play
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• SoundCloud

SoundCloud releases first app for creators with ‘Pulse’ for Android

Jordan Kahn Nov 2 2015 - 7:51 am PT

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SoundCloud, the music sharing and discovery community popular with independent musicians, is today releasing its first ever app specifically for creators with the release of SoundCloud Pulse for Android.
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• Apps & Updates
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• Apps and Updates
• Google Play
• Google Play Games
• sharing

Google Play Games app adds gameplay recording & sharing features

Jordan Kahn Oct 28 2015 - 10:27 am PT

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After adding gameplay recording features to mobile apps alongside its new YouTube Gaming platform launch earlier this month, Google is today updating its Google Play Games app for Android with similar features.

The update will allow users of the Play Games app to quickly hop into gameplay recording with the ability to share their own commentary simultaneously using their device’s front facing camera and microphone.

It’s simple. In the Play Games app, select any game you want to play, then tap the record button. You can capture your gameplay in 720p or 480p, and choose to add video of yourself and commentary via your device’s front facing camera and microphone. When you’re done recording, you can quickly edit and upload your video to YouTube.

Google notes that the feature should come in handy for some of the content creators contributing to the roughly 144 billion minutes of gaming videos and live streams viewed on YouTube each month.

The updated Google Play Games app for Android is rolling out to users in the US and UK starting this week with users in other countries getting access in the near future.

• Apps & Updates
• Android
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• Skype

Skype for Android adds video message filters, improvements to conversations & contacts

Jordan Kahn Oct 28 2015 - 9:07 am PT

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Skype is rolling out an update for its Android app today that introduces new video filters not unlike competitive video chat services.

The new filters can be applied to video messages with various effects to choose from, and you’ll also find some Halloween themed emoticons and filters to celebrate the occasion this month:

Get started by tapping the filter wand at the bottom left of the video message window. Choose a filter to see it in action then, when you’re ready, hit the record button. Add balloons to your video message to celebrate any occasion. If you’re feeling goofy, change the appearance of your face to make it look rounder or longer – we love this one! Or, if you’re sending a video message showing off your Halloween costume, add some ghosts or use the negative filter to set a spooky mood.

And lastly, Android users get a few welcomed improvements to conversations and contacts in the update, including:

• Quickly send photos and files to the entire group by tapping on the corresponding icon in the group chat media bar.

• Want to chat with a friend who isn’t in Skype? Invite your friends to join Skype from the contacts tab.

The updated Skype for Android app is available on Google Play now.

• Apps & Updates
• Android
• Apps and Updates
• Google Play
• PC
• free to play

Popular MMORPG ‘Pocket MapleStory’ gets a worldwide release on Android

Jordan Kahn Oct 27 2015 - 7:18 am PT

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Developer of the popular PC game MapleStory has long had a mobile version of the game, Pocket MapleStory, but up until now there has only been a Korean version and a soft launch in select countries. Today the game officially comes to all users worldwide with a localized version for English players.

The mobile version of the game packs in the full side-scrolling MMORPG desktop experience including all 1,500 different quests, real-time online multiplayer functionality, and rich, colorful environments.

Available now, the side-scrolling action that fans have adored for more than 10 years on the PC now gives players the chance to explore the vast and colorful universe of Maple World on mobile devices. Pocket MapleStory has already garnered more than seven million downloads in Asia and has been the number one free game on both the App Store and Google Play in Korea and Taiwan. The game had also ranked first and second in free game category on the App Store in China and Japan respectively… In honor of the worldwide launch, there will be two launch events for fans to earn additional in-game rewards.

Android users are getting the game first with a release on Google Play for free, but with in-app purchases available for items and character customizations.

Developer NEXON Korea noted in its press release that the game already has “more than seven million downloads in Asia and has been the number one free game on both the App Store and Google Play in Korea and Taiwan.” The game is yet to get a worldwide release on iOS, but it will come to all users on the platform later this year.

Pocket MapleStory is available for Android users now on Google Play.

• Apps & Updates
• Android
• Google Play
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• first-person shooter
• FPS

Glu’s ‘Sniper X’ first-person shooter stars Jason Statham for its latest celebrity tie-in

Jordan Kahn Oct 22 2015 - 12:01 pm PT

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App publisher Glu today announced its latest game for Android, which is also its latest celebrity partnership with actor Jason Statham starring as the game’s main playable character. The free game is a first-person shooter that some players will notice bears a similarity and seems to borrow from some of Glu’s past FPS games including the Contract Killer series.

“As Glu’s first male celebrity partner, Jason Statham’s over 55 million social followers add a new demographic to the company’s celebrity gaming platform,” said Niccolo de Masi, Glu Chairman and CEO. “Mr. Statham’s creative input throughout the game’s development has ensured a unique and authentic action-adventure experience his fans will enjoy worldwide.”

As part of Statham’s elite paramilitary team SPEAR, players work side-by-side to dismantle terrorists and rogue states that conventional forces can’t touch. Enemies of freedom can run, but they can’t hide from Sniper X!

The celebrity tie-in, featuring Statham’s name, likeness, and voice, follows Glu’s successful “Kim Kardashian: Hollywood” game that reports last year said was on pace to take in around $200 million.

Sniper X with Jason Statham is available on Google Play now for Android smartphones and tablets. The game is free to download but includes in-app purchases for in-game items, which is also the approach Glu took for the successful Kim Kardashian game.

Official trailer from Glu below:

[youtube=https://youtu.be/AYkwjYuly2U]

• Apps & Updates
• Android
• Google Chrome
• beta
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Chrome 47 beta brings splash screens for Android web apps, notification management for desktop, more

Jordan Kahn Oct 22 2015 - 8:13 am PT

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Google is releasing the beta of Chrome 47 today that introduces as number of new features across platforms including new splash screens for Android web apps, improved management for push notifications on the desktop, enhanced multitasking and more.

For the new splash screens, developers will be able to take advantage of splash screens when their web apps are launched from an icon saved on the homescreen. Google points out that  “apps can take a few seconds to load” and presenting a nice looking splash screen will “allow apps to show something meaningful to users as the app loads, improving perceived performance” for users.

In addition, Chrome 47 beta brings an improved push notification experience for desktop users on Mac, Linux, Chrome OS and Windows by introducing auto dismissing notifications:

“Sites such as social media or email can generate a large number of push notifications that take up screen space and aren’t particularly relevant unless viewed soon after posting. The new version of Chrome now allows developers to configure automatic dismissal of desktop notifications, improving the experience for these kinds of notifications. Sites can set NotificationOptions.requireInteraction to indicate the notification should remain onscreen until the user dismisses it.”

And lastly, the 47 beta release brings what Google refers to as “Cooperative multitasking with requestIdleCallback()”, something developers can take advantage of to improve performance by allowing apps to run during “idle time” when resources aren’t being used by other tasks.

Google has more info on the release here.