Chrome for Android update makes websites more like apps

Google is pushing out a new update for its Android Chrome app to make mobile websites act more like native apps. As a result, individual websites should be able to keep visitors coming back for more without investing in a full-fledged application.

The biggest part of the update is the addition of push notifications, which let you sign-up for specific websites to ping you with news throughout the day. Google is starting with a handful of launch partners, including Product Hunt, Pinterest, FanSided, eBay and Facebook. Apple already offers something similar with Safari, though its browser-based push notifications only work on OS X-powered devices.

Google’s update also includes an easier way to add a website to your homescreen. If Chrome notices that you visit a site regularly you’ll see the option to “Add to homescreen.” Then the next time you want to check-in you can just tap the icon instead of navigating through your browser. This isn’t exactly a new feature, but before now you’d have to jump into the Chrome app’s settings to do the same thing.

Everything announced Monday is available now for developers who want to dig in. Hopefully we’ll see plenty of websites adopt the new features soon, though they should already show up for Google’s handful of launch partners.

Android Wear update brings Wi-Fi support, always-on apps

The rumored update to Android Wear that was supposed to bring with it Wi-Fi support has now been made official by Google. It will be rolling out to all existing smartwatches running the wearable platform, starting with the new LG Watch Urbane. The new software should have reached all devices within the next few weeks.

Wi-Fi support isn't everything that's new here. Apps now get the ability to be always-on and keep your watch's display on all the time. Previously such functionality was limited to the screen that shows you what time it is.

From this point on, however, developers can take advantage of this feature, so their apps stay visible for as long as needed. Interestingly, the screen of the watch will only be full color when you're actively looking at it, in a bid to save power.

Moving on, gesture support is now built into Android Wear. So you can flick your wrist to scroll through your notifications. Apps and contacts are just a touch away from the watch face - you only need to tap the screen and you'll be able to start apps and send messages at once.

And if you want to send an emoji, you simply have to draw it on your smartwatch. Google will recognize it and send it along to your intended recipient.

As for the Wi-Fi functionality, this means watches that have the necessary hardware will work with your smartphone even when the two aren't paired via Bluetooth. Your watch only needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network with Internet access, and your handset needs to have an active data connection - and all your notifications will keep showing up on your wrist.

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AT&T's Samsung Galaxy Note 4 receives Lollipop update

Following a few previous rollouts across the world, AT&T's version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is now in the process of receiving its update to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

The carrier has posted the relevant documentation on its website, and the official rollout start has happened today. The update comes in at around 1.2GB, so it may take a while to fully download. That's also why you can only grab it via Wi-Fi.

Aside from the Android system version bump, and all the features that Lollipop brings with it, the new software features some stability improvements, and two service additions - Find My Mobile and Reactivation lock.

Otherwise, we're looking at the same Samsung TouchWiz-infused Lollipop interface that we've seen in the company's other updates recently. After applying the update, you'll be on Android 5.0.1 and build number LRX22C.N910AUCU1COC2.

As always, keep in mind that the rollout is probably staggered, so it might take a few days until it reaches your particular device. If you're feeling impatient, you can always manually check for it by going to Settings > About device > Software update.

Source | Via

Leaked roadmap shows Meizu's plans for Lollipop updates

A purported leaked roadmap showing Meizu's plans for updating its devices to Android Lollipop has surfaced in China today. And it's all good news if you own a flagship device made by the Chinese company.

According to this leak, Meizu plans to bring the latest version of Android to at least five of its handsets, namely the MX4 Pro (pictured to the left),MX4, MX3, MX2, and M1. This is quite something, when you consider that the MX2 was released back in 2012.

Regarding the affordable M1, keep in mind that this designation could refer to the M1 series, meaning both the M1 and the M1 Note - since they were outed within weeks of each other.

As for the actual schedule, the MX4 Pro and MX4 could be blessed with Lollipop around April 28. The MX3 and MX2 should get their taste in May, while M1 owners will have to wait until June for their treat.

Obviously this isn't official, so things might still change. On one hand, it's good to see phones from 2012 running the latest version of Android, yet on the other hand by June Lollipop will have been out for around eight months already - so maybe in the future Meizu can also work on how fast it delivers such updates.

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Galaxy Tab S 10.5 gets Android 5.0.2, France is first

Samsung has started rolling out the Lollipop update for the Galaxy Tab S 10.5, which was released back in July last year. The update comes in the form of Android 5.0.2, and is currently only available in France.

The over the air update is currently only rolling out for the Wi-Fi model of the device, with model number SM-T800. It carries a build date of March 17, 2015, and bumps the firmware version to T800XXU1BOCC.

Users of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 in France can check for the update by heading to Menu -> Settings ->About device -> Software update on their device. The update can also be installed through Samsung’s Kies software utility.

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Photos show Oppo bezelless display in the flesh

Just a few hours ago, we received an exclusive tip about Oppo's new display technology which visually eliminated the display bezel. It does so by the use of clever light diffraction, which makes it seems like the display panel extends further sideways than it actually does.

The information we received earlier was of a filed patent and today we found a couple of live photos that seems to show the clever new display technology in an actual device. Now, as far as we can tell, the two shots look real enough and the promised visual effect is definitely there. The accompanying text talks about a 5.5-inch screen size and also mentions that the technology is similar the one used in theSharp Aquos Crystal.

Looking closer at the first shot, the one in "mid-swipe", it does seem that the numbers and symbols are slightly distorted once they reach the edge of the display, where the illusion takes place. This might simply be due to the change in surface angle or maybe the photo is slightly out of focus. There are some concerns around the technology and how it affects image quality and clarity toward the edges, but it is too early to comment on the matter and the photos are not really enough to go by.

Hopefully, the new technology will allow the manufacturing of edge-to edge screen devices in a cost-efficient manner, so we can see such screens on mid-rangers and even budget phones in the future. As we mentioned in the previous article, the patent is already granted and should be available online within three to six months, so it would be fair to assume, that we might start seeing it employed in actual devices after that.

The unit in both photos looks pretty generic and mostly resembles the Oppo R5, as far as the company's current lineup goes. This, of course, might simply be a coincidence, but it could also signify that the R-lineup will be the first to receive a model with the new screen technology.

What do you think of the photos? Do you think they might contain "traces of Photoshop" and are you excited about what Oppo is developing in general?

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Google fixed Android 5.1 memory leak, no timeline for update

Google’s Android team is constantly working on tweaking the OS. When Android 5.0.1 Lollipop was initially seeded out to devices, many users jumped with joy. However, few could notice some issues.

The search giant's Android Open Source Code issue tracker forums heated with memory leak reports from the early Lollipop builds. Basically, devices with Android 5.1 on board would experience app crashes, launcher issues, and overall poor experience.

The reason for the above niggles was a memory leak happening in the background. The Android team has quietly fixed the issue internally, though Google remains uncertain about the potential time when the patch will be released to the public.

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source:gsmarena.com