Google have just released their original Android keyboard on to the Play Store, the keyboard that comes with Nexus devices.

I’ve always been a huge fan of the original Android keyboard that comes with the Nexus, it’s amazing on the Nexus 7. Swiftkey and other keyboard replacements don’t seem to do it for me. So it’s great to see Google giving any Android user the ability to have a pure Android keyboard experience.

The Google Keyboard also has Gesture Typing which is very similar to Swype, where you swipe over letters quickly to form a word. It’s very good at predicting the words you’re trying to type and automatically provides spaces.

The keyboard is only supported on devices running Android 4.0 or above.

Google Keyboard

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Google Keyboard Now Available On Play Store
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Vine has at last come to Android, after launching first on iOS. The app allows you to shoot, share and watch looping videos – they’re basically just like GIF’s but with sound.

Vine already has 13 million users, which is amazing growth for an app which is only a few months old. Users have come with some amazing content and it just shows the creativity some people have.

It links directly with your Twitter account so you can easily sign-in without much hassle.

The app won’t be as up to date as the iOS version but they have promised to keep them in sync over the coming weeks.

Vine for Android

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Vine Comes to Android
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Kingdom Rush, one of the most popular tower defence games on the iPad has come over to Android. I’ve covered Kingdom Rush before on the site and went as far to say it was the best tower defence game I’d ever played on the iPad. The graphics, the levels and overall quality of the game is amazing.

It’s great to see the game come over to Android. I highly recommend it to anyone who is into tower defence type games, you won’t regret it.

Kingdom Rush – £1.30

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Kingdom Rush Comes To Android | Download
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

If you’ve been a user of Google’s products, you’ll probably know of all the chat services they had. They had so many it was so hard to keep track and it was a mess. Google have now sorted out this issue by releasing Google+ Hangouts.

Hangouts now unifies everything, putting everything under one umbrella. It allows you to have one-on-one or group conversations involving photos, emoji, videos and calls – all for free.

Hangouts is completely cross platform, it works on Android, iOS and the web. Messages stay in sync between all devices, so if you read a message on one device, it’ll show as being read on another.

This is Google’s attack on services like Apple’s iMessage and WhatsApp. But Google beat iMessage by being multi-platform and it beats WhatsApp by being free so Hangouts is probably the best free messaging and calling service available right now. All you need is an internet connection.

Google Hangouts for Android | iOS | Chrome

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Google Hangouts Released for iOS, Android & Web
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

At the end of March, Flipboard rolled out a huge update to their iOS app which allowed users to create curate articles into their own magazine on Flipboard. The feature was a huge hit and now the app has some amazing curated magazines which have thousands of subscribers.

All the updates they added to the iOS version have now at last come over to Android. Now Android users will be able to curate their own magazines. The search functionality and general browsing experience has been improved massively, everything is much faster providing you have a fast enough internet connection.

Flipboard for Android

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Flipboard for Android Updated To Now Have Curated Magazines
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

I love covering small, niche and well designed apps and Flib is one of them. Flib is a very powerful conversion app which is absolutely gorgeous. It can convert angle, area, base, data, energy, length, mass, power, pressure, speed, temperature, time and volume. It’s very simply designed and you can choose from 12 different colours. The user experience isn’t the best, it could do with some gestures, but it works and that’s what counts. It fits Android phones and tablets.

Flib – Free

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Flib – Powerful Conversion App for Android
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Instagram has just updated its mobile app to include a new feature they’re calling “Photos of You” – really it’s just a tagging feature. Who knows why they’re trying to give it a name but this new feature allows you to now tag other Instagram members to your pictures. Who knows why this wasn’t included from day one, nearly all picture services allow tagging.

The new tagging functionality is very well put together though. You can tap anywhere on the photo, search through the people you follow and tag them to the pic.

A new tab will now appear on your profile, tapping on this will show the pictures you are tagged in.

Anyone else can also tag you in a photo, fortunately you get the ability to approve a picture before it shows up on your profile – no embarrassing pictures.

The new update is available on both iOS and Android.

Make sure to follow me on Instagram too – UltraLinx

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Instagram Updated With New Tagging Feature
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

One of my all time favourite Android apps has now got an update, making it even more powerful. AirDroid is easily one of my most recommended apps for the Android platform, it’s just all round awesome. The 5 star rating out of 111k reviews says it all really on the Play Store.

For those who don’t know AirDroid, it’s an app which allows you to control a lot of parts of your phone from your web browser. Such as the ability to transfer files, install/delete apps, take screenshots and many other things.

AirDroid 2 adds some notable new features.

• You can now launch AirDroid without even touching your Android device like before, where you had to launch the app.
• You can access your device anywhere now, providing it’s connected to the internet at least.
• You can locate your phone if you lost it and even lock or wipe it remotely.
• There is a camera remote function, allowing you to control the camera.

The are some other bug fixes and enhancements to the SMS experience.

Overall it’s brilliant as always and I recommend downloading it if you have an Android device.

AirDroid 2 – FREE

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Airdroid 2 Released on Google Play Store
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Wunderlist have just released their much awaited update which they have been working on for months.

Wunderlist pro brings a new paid subscription. The main app is free to use, but the pro version allows you to work with others in a team.

The pro versions allows you to delegate tasks, add unlimited subtasks, gives you more backgrounds and the ability to attach files. It costs $5 a month or $50 a year. However I don’t know if the additional features are worth the paid subscription, they seem pretty limited.

I’ve got to say though that the service is beautiful. I’ve used some other to-do list and collaboration services before, but I don’t think any of them are as pretty as Wunderlist.

Wunderlist

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Wunderlist Pro Released, Looks Beautiful
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

When I used to be an Android user, there used to be one keyboard I’d always go to and recommend to everyone – Swype. It completely changed the way I typed and I supported the keyboard massively. It makes typing on Android phones a hell of a lot faster, and can be used with just one finger – no having to hold the phone in both hands and use both thumbs. I actually became pretty accustomed to the swiping and overtime was able to swipe words without even looking at the screen.

Swype was pretty difficult to get hold of though because it wasn’t available on the Google Play Store. After years of development, the keyboard is now available on Google Play. There is a trial version and a paid version. The paid version is a mere 65p, a lot cheaper than other keyboards.

I definitely recommend trying out the trial, see if you like it and then upgrade to the paid version.

I personally wouldn’t recommend the keyboard on any screen where your thumb can’t reach over to the other side – like on tablets. It’s useless on my Nexus 7, but thankfully the stock Nexus 7 keyboard is awesome.

Swype

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Swype for Android Now Available On The Google Play Store
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

If you’ve been trying to install Facebook Home on your device only to find out your device is unsupported, this method can help you get past that.

Paul O’Brien from Modaco has posted method which enables you to install Facebook home on any device.

You need to uninstall your existing Facebook, Messenger and Home applications (necessary because the patched versions are re-signed), then install the patched Facebook main app (katana) - DOWNLOAD (ROMraid), the patched Messenger app (orca) - DOWNLOAD (ROMraid) and the patched Home app - DOWNLOAD (ROMraid). Sign in and in the Facebook application’s ‘Settings’ menu the Facebook Home option should appear for you!

So go ahead and try it if you really want to give Facebook Home ago. Though I’m not for one to have Facebook take over my device, I do love the Chatheads feature from the Messenger app.

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - How To Install Facebook Home On Unsupported Devices | APK Downloads
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

If you didn’t know already, Facebook released their Facebook Home today – the launcher and lockscreen replacement for Android users who just can’t get enough of Facebook.

Unfortunately, Facebook Home is limited to a very select number of devices, them mainly being the high end Android devices. This is because it runs smoother on those devices, with their powerful CPU’s and large amounts of RAM. Facebook want to keep the experience as fluid as possible so are limiting it to those devices.

But if you’re device isn’t supported and you want to give it a try, you can hit the download links below. Please do be aware that the app may or may not work on your device, don’t expect it to if it doesn’t show up on the Play Store on your device.

Download Facebook Home APK – Mirror 1 | Mirror 2 | Mirror 3

UPDATE – 13/04/2013

If you’ve tried to install Facebook Home using the APK links above and are given the “your device is unsupported”, try this method.

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Facebook Home APK Download | Android
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Facebook Home has at last officially launched on to the Play Store. After some leaks and the update of the Messenger app which included the Chatheads feature, Facebook Home is now available for download.

If you didn’t know already, Facebook Home is a mixture of apps and features which replace your launcher and lockscreen. Your homescreen and lockscreen are now combined to show off updates from your Facebook news feed.

There is a catch though. Facebook Home is only available for a very select amount of devices, mainly high end Android phones. Facebook say it’s also not ready for Android tablets, but from the leaked APK’s that we published earlier this week, I was able to get it fully working on my Nexus 7. So maybe Facebook are just refining the tablet experience.

Facebook Home for Android

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Facebook Home Now On The Google Play Store | Android
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

With Facebook Home to launch today, Facebook have updated their Messenger app to now support Chatheads. After some very quick usage I’m actually liking it, a lot. I’m not a huge Facebook fan, but I do use the chat system to talk to a lot of friends. With something like Chatheads I can easily open a conversation without ever having to leave the current app I’m in. And like in the Facebook demo, you can move the Chatheads icon around the screen so it never gets in the way. You can of course remove it completely if you wanted to.

A feature like this just shows how iOS is lagging behind in terms of multi-tasking. Only Android is able to run apps on top of each other and Facebook have utilised that unique feature very well.

All we’re waiting for now is the actual Facebook Home launcher to be released.

Facebook Messenger

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Facebook Messenger Updated To Support Chatheads
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

And just like that the APK for the latest version of the Google Play Store has been made available for download. If you can’t wait for it to update automatically on your Android device and are eager to get hold of it now, just hit the download link below. You should be able to download and install directly from your Android device.

Weirdly though, the homepage of the app doesn’t seem to be working for me and I think it’s because I’m in the UK. The UK version might not be ready yet. Though the rest of the app works perfectly. It actually looks bloody brilliant when in use.

Download Google Play Store 4.0 APK

via

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Download New Google Play Store 4.0 Right Now | APK Download
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Google has at last announced it’s new redesign of the Play Store which was leaked not too long ago.

Instead of the current magazine style layout, Google has gone for a card view and follows their Holo style – I don’t know what took them so long to be honest.

It’s rolling out now to devices with Android 2.2 and above. Not everyone will get it right away though, it’ll be rolling out gradually so expect it in the coming weeks.

source

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Google Play Store Redesign Is Now Official
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Sony is to at last introduce DualShock 3 controller capability to its Xperia line of phones. With all of them running Android, it’s pretty easy to add the software needed to get the controllers working on the phones. This means users will be able to play Android games on their phone with their DualShock 3 controller.

The device to get the DualShock 3 capability will be the Sony Xperia SP. The option to connect will be in the settings menu. You connect the controller to the phone via USB, they’ll pair up, then you can start playing wirelessly. No rooting or hacking needed.

With phones becoming ever more powerful and amazing Android games being released regularly, it’s a good move by Sony to introduce this capability. Let’s hope the just released Xperia Z gets this feature very soon.

If you own an iPad or iPhone you might want to check out this post – How To Connect Your PS3 Controller To Your iPad or iPhone

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Sony To Include DualShock 3 Support In Future Android Devices
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Well that didn’t take long. Facebook Home has already been leaked on to the internet, with them being pulled from a HTC First device. It was meant to be officially released via the Play Store this Friday the 12th.

Modaco though has already got a copy of it. It doesn’t consist of one APK however, it consists of three. Those being the main Facebook app (katana), the messenger app which integrates into your SMS (orca) and the home/launcher app (shell).

It is pre-release, so try it out at your own risk. Reports have said it’s a little buggy but it mostly works. It’s just a great way to find out what Facebook has in store for Android users.

Requirements for the apps is having a 1280×768 screen. You’ll also need to uninstall all your current Facebook apps.

Download APK’s – Katana | Orca | Shell

UPDATE: Even though Facebook said the tablet version wouldn’t be ready, it looks like it runs nicely on the Nexus 7 after trying it out on my own one.

UPDATE 2: It looks like Facebook has just killed the party! It looks like they’ve switched off the ability to use Facebook Home. You can still install it, but no content will show up anymore, you’ll only get blank screens.

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - Facebook Home APK’s Leaked, Download Them Now
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Most of the Reddit clients for Android are absolutely rubbish, very ugly and contain ads. RedReader is a new Reddit client which hopes to change all that.

RedReader has just been released today and the developer hopes to make it one of the best, if not, the best Reddit client for Android. It uses the Holo UI theme and he promises to keep it open source and ad free.

After a little use, I must say it’s very good for an initial release. The app is pretty fluid and includes an array of features, but there are some major features the developer is still working on.

It supports both phones and tablets. On my Nexus 7 it looks brilliant and fits a lot of content on the 1280×720 screen. It supports dual pane on tablets but isn’t recommended on the Nexus 7 due to the screen being only 7 inches. But you can forcefully enable it – very useful and I like it, even if it does look a bit odd sometimes.

You can change the theme too if you don’t like the default red. Included themes are green, blue, grey and a night mode.

If you’re worried about NSFW content, it gives you the option to hide any of it.

I’m pretty impressed by this BETA version of the app and it looks like so are many others. It’s already rated at four and a half stars on the Play store. Hopefully with time it’ll become very feature filled and maybe even the best Reddit client for Android.

RedReader BETA for Android – FREE

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - RedReader BETA for Android – A Brilliant Reddit Client
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.

Along with the Facebook Home announcement, HTC were there to announce the HTC First – essentially an Android device with Facebook Home pre-loaded on to it. It might as well be the Facebook phone.

The phone features a 4.3-inch screen, a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera, runs Android 4.1 Jellybean, a dual-core processor and has 4G LTE capability. There isn’t much else interesting about the device, although I think it’s actually pretty great looking – very minimalistic design.

It’ll be coming in four different colours, matte black, white, red and pale blue.

Unfortunately the device is only available in the US. It’ll be exclusive to AT&T. Who knows if HTC will release it, or a similar model, anywhere else in the world. But with the popularity of the Samsung Galaxy devices, especially in the UK, I’m sure many will try out Facebook Home anyway.

UPDATE: The HTC First will actually be coming to the UK and will be exclusive to EE.

Facebook show off the device in their Facebook Home promo video, check it out below.

Original Article on UltraLinx Website - HTC First
Follow UltraLinx on - Facebook | Twitter.