Google creating a tool to port Chrome apps to Android and iOS

Google creating a tool to port Chrome apps to Android and iOS

Google’s been shepherding web applications to the desktop as packaged Chrome apps (think the browser-based Google Keep) for a while now, and it turns out the search titan is building a tool to help them go mobile. The Next Web noticed that Googler Michal Mocny has been hard at work on a project dubbed Mobile Chrome Apps that’s been hosted on Github since May. The repository’s description reveals the code is a toolkit for porting Chrome packaged apps to ones that will run on Android and iOS by using Apache Cordova (formerly known as PhoneGap). Though the applications will retain their HTML, CSS and Javascript innards, they’ll look like native apps and can even be submitted to their respective app stores. While the software is publicly available, it’s not expected to be in beta form until January. Ready to lunge into development anyway? Venture to the source and hack away.

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Via: The Next Web

Source: Mobile Chrome Apps (Github)

Google creating a tool to port Chrome apps to Android and iOS

Google’s been shepherding web applications to the desktop as packaged Chrome apps (think the browser-based Google Keep) for a while now, and it turns out the search titan is building a tool to help them go mobile. The Next Web noticed that Googler Michal Mocny has been hard at work on a project dubbed Mobile Chrome Apps that’s been hosted on Github since May. The repository’s description reveals the code is a toolkit for porting Chrome packaged apps to ones that will run on Android and iOS by using Apache Cordova (formerly known as PhoneGap). Though the applications will retain their HTML, CSS and Javascript innards, they’ll look like native apps and can even be submitted to their respective app stores. While the software is publicly available, it’s not expected to be in beta form until January. Ready to lunge into development anyway? Venture to the source and hack away.

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Via: The Next Web

Source: Mobile Chrome Apps (Github)

Google Play ‘Package File Invalid’ error acknowledged in support page, no fix yet

Google Play 'Package File Invalid' error acknowledged in support page, no fix yet

An updated version of the Google Play app began rolling out to handsets a few days ago without much fanfare, but now it’s getting more attention for unpleasant reasons: a glaring bug. Some users wielding the latest version of the marketplace have reported seeing a “Package File Invalid” error when downloading or updating select apps, and now Google has acknowledged the software hiccup in a freshly-created support page. Mountain View says there aren’t any workarounds for the glitch as of now, but it’s “currently investigating a permanent solution.” There’s no ETA for a fix just yet, but Page and Co. promise they’ll update the listing with developments.

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Via: Android Community

Source: Google Support

Google Play 'Package File Invalid' error acknowledged in support page, no fix yet

An updated version of the Google Play app began rolling out to handsets a few days ago without much fanfare, but now it’s getting more attention for unpleasant reasons: a glaring bug. Some users wielding the latest version of the marketplace have reported seeing a “Package File Invalid” error when downloading or updating select apps, and now Google has acknowledged the software hiccup in a freshly-created support page. Mountain View says there aren’t any workarounds for the glitch as of now, but it’s “currently investigating a permanent solution.” There’s no ETA for a fix just yet, but Page and Co. promise they’ll update the listing with developments.

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Via: Android Community

Source: Google Support

Apple to start USB power adapter trade-in program, offer new chargers for $10

Apple to start USB power adapter trade-in program, offer new chargers for $10

Apple is investigating the death of a flight attendant who was electrocuted by answering an iPhone 5 that was charging, and now it’s taking a step to ease fears about potentially faulty USB power adapters. Though Cook and Co. don’t identify whether the plug involved in the deadly incident was from a third-party manufacturer, they explain that “recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues.” With that in mind, the House that Jobs Built is instituting the USB Power Adapter Takeback Program, which will let folks pick up first-party iPad, iPhone and iPod plugs for $10 (instead of the usual $19) if they return their any of their current adapters. Don’t plan to stock up on the power-giving cubes though, as the deal is limited to one adapter for each device you own.

While the company does draw attention to concerns with chargers made by other manufacturers, it notes that “not all third party adapters have an issue.” If you’re interested in trading the accessory for some peace of mind, you’ll have to head to an Apple retail store or an authorized service provider between August 16th and October 18th.

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Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Apple

Apple to start USB power adapter trade-in program, offer new chargers for $10

Apple is investigating the death of a flight attendant who was electrocuted by answering an iPhone 5 that was charging, and now it’s taking a step to ease fears about potentially faulty USB power adapters. Though Cook and Co. don’t identify whether the plug involved in the deadly incident was from a third-party manufacturer, they explain that “recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues.” With that in mind, the House that Jobs Built is instituting the USB Power Adapter Takeback Program, which will let folks pick up first-party iPad, iPhone and iPod plugs for $10 (instead of the usual $19) if they return their any of their current adapters. Don’t plan to stock up on the power-giving cubes though, as the deal is limited to one adapter for each device you own.

While the company does draw attention to concerns with chargers made by other manufacturers, it notes that “not all third party adapters have an issue.” If you’re interested in trading the accessory for some peace of mind, you’ll have to head to an Apple retail store or an authorized service provider between August 16th and October 18th.

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Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Apple

Google debuts new Zagat app for Android and iOS, redesigned website

Google debuts new Zagat app for Android and iOS, redesigned website

Sure, Mountain View slowly infused Maps with Zagat content after acquiring the brand, but now it’s revamped the outfit’s mobile apps on Android and iOS, along with its website, to boot. As you’d expect, users can wield the apps and website to find venues with searches and map-based browsing, and catch up on news and videos from the service’s editors. In this fresh incarnation, Google’s lifted a registration requirement that was previously necessary to peruse reviews online. Schmidt and Co.’s redesigned experience only covers restaurants and nightlife in nine cities, but will include hotels, shopping and other points of interest in a total of 50 US cities over the coming months. In the meantime, Zagat promises its existing ratings and reviews for spots in those markets will soon be available on the web. Hit the bordering source links below to grab the reimagined applications.

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Source: Google, Google Play, iTunes

Google debuts new Zagat app for Android and iOS, redesigned website

Sure, Mountain View slowly infused Maps with Zagat content after acquiring the brand, but now it’s revamped the outfit’s mobile apps on Android and iOS, along with its website, to boot. As you’d expect, users can wield the apps and website to find venues with searches and map-based browsing, and catch up on news and videos from the service’s editors. In this fresh incarnation, Google’s lifted a registration requirement that was previously necessary to peruse reviews online. Schmidt and Co.’s redesigned experience only covers restaurants and nightlife in nine cities, but will include hotels, shopping and other points of interest in a total of 50 US cities over the coming months. In the meantime, Zagat promises its existing ratings and reviews for spots in those markets will soon be available on the web. Hit the bordering source links below to grab the reimagined applications.

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Source: Google, Google Play, iTunes

Google Play spruced up in new release, Services app nabs new syncing options

Google Play spruced up in new release, Services app nabs new syncing options

On the eve of Google I/O, Page and Co. have seen fit to polish the Google Play app with a fresh release. Version 4.1.6 of the mobile OS market brings colorful section buttons and improved spacing for “open” and “install” on application pages, along with a new layout for the wishlist feature that displays apps in rows of three. As for Google Play Services, it’s received new syncing options for “App Data” and “People Details.” Presumably they could relate to contacts, Google+ or even Mountain View’s incoming gaming service, but something tells us we’ll find out exactly what they do tomorrow. If your handset hasn’t received the updated storefront just yet, follow the adjacent source link to install it by hand.

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Source: Droid Life (1), (2)

Google Play spruced up in new release, Services app nabs new syncing options

On the eve of Google I/O, Page and Co. have seen fit to polish the Google Play app with a fresh release. Version 4.1.6 of the mobile OS market brings colorful section buttons and improved spacing for “open” and “install” on application pages, along with a new layout for the wishlist feature that displays apps in rows of three. As for Google Play Services, it’s received new syncing options for “App Data” and “People Details.” Presumably they could relate to contacts, Google+ or even Mountain View’s incoming gaming service, but something tells us we’ll find out exactly what they do tomorrow. If your handset hasn’t received the updated storefront just yet, follow the adjacent source link to install it by hand.

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Source: Droid Life (1), (2)

Facebook Messenger on Android loaded with free voice calls for Canadian users

Facebook Messenger on Android loaded with free voice calls for Canadian users

Android’s flavor of Facebook Messenger has just been updated with VoIP functionality for the social network’s Canadian users. There’s no word when Android faithful in the US will snag the functionality, but Cancuks can at least ring their American counterparts who wield the iOS app. Version 2.3 of the mobile messenger also makes group conversations accessible in the sidebar, allows them to be named from the top of a talk and makes them searchable by name and friends. Hit the neighboring source link to grab the revamped software.

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: Facebook Messenger (Google Play)

Facebook Messenger on Android loaded with free voice calls for Canadian users

Android’s flavor of Facebook Messenger has just been updated with VoIP functionality for the social network’s Canadian users. There’s no word when Android faithful in the US will snag the functionality, but Cancuks can at least ring their American counterparts who wield the iOS app. Version 2.3 of the mobile messenger also makes group conversations accessible in the sidebar, allows them to be named from the top of a talk and makes them searchable by name and friends. Hit the neighboring source link to grab the revamped software.

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: Facebook Messenger (Google Play)

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    Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors

    Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors

    Apple may have shaken things up with its Lightning connector’s unique internals, but a leaked schedule reveals it’s holding a conference to help accessory makers get a handle for crafting products with the tech. Taking place between November 7th and 9th in Shenzhen, China, the MFi (Made for iPad / iPhone / iPod) Technology Summit will acquaint manufacturers with the new standard and guidelines for developing gear with the cable. Rather than divulging how to create Lightning connectors, it appears that Apple will be keeping the specifications close to its vest and assume the mantle of gatekeeper. According to one of TechCrunch’s sources, Apple will control the supply of pins for its connector and will only sell them to partners when accessories meet Cupertino’s standards. It sounds like a potentially pricey proposition, but the source also claims that Cook and Co. have a fair asking price for components doled out in bulk, considering the technology behind them. Curious to see what else is on the docket for the three day shindig? Hit the first source link below for the full schedule.

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    Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |  9to5Mac, TechCrunch  | Email this | Comments

    Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors

    Apple may have shaken things up with its Lightning connector’s unique internals, but a leaked schedule reveals it’s holding a conference to help accessory makers get a handle for crafting products with the tech. Taking place between November 7th and 9th in Shenzhen, China, the MFi (Made for iPad / iPhone / iPod) Technology Summit will acquaint manufacturers with the new standard and guidelines for developing gear with the cable. Rather than divulging how to create Lightning connectors, it appears that Apple will be keeping the specifications close to its vest and assume the mantle of gatekeeper. According to one of TechCrunch’s sources, Apple will control the supply of pins for its connector and will only sell them to partners when accessories meet Cupertino’s standards. It sounds like a potentially pricey proposition, but the source also claims that Cook and Co. have a fair asking price for components doled out in bulk, considering the technology behind them. Curious to see what else is on the docket for the three day shindig? Hit the first source link below for the full schedule.

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    Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |  source9to5Mac, TechCrunch  | Email this | Comments

    Google Play in-app subscriptions get free trial option

    Google Play in-app subscriptions get free trial option

    In-app subscriptions found their way to Google Play this May, and now the folks in Mountain View are letting Android developers offer them with free trials. In order to make use of the freebie spans, you’ll have to fork over your payment information to Page and Co. as if it were a run-of-the-mill purchase, but you won’t get hit with the monthly fee until the dev-determined trial stretch is over. Developers looking to serve up samples of their episodic content can set a trial period that’s at least seven days or longer right within the Developer Console, which means they can add the gratis option or alter its length without having to modify their apps. If the duration of the gratis subscription is changed, the tweak will only apply to new subscribers.

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    Google Play in-app subscriptions get free trial option originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink The Next Web  |  Android Developers  | Email this | Comments

    Google Play in-app subscriptions get free trial option

    In-app subscriptions found their way to Google Play this May, and now the folks in Mountain View are letting Android developers offer them with free trials. In order to make use of the freebie spans, you’ll have to fork over your payment information to Page and Co. as if it were a run-of-the-mill purchase, but you won’t get hit with the monthly fee until the dev-determined trial stretch is over. Developers looking to serve up samples of their episodic content can set a trial period that’s at least seven days or longer right within the Developer Console, which means they can add the gratis option or alter its length without having to modify their apps. If the duration of the gratis subscription is changed, the tweak will only apply to new subscribers.

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    Google Play in-app subscriptions get free trial option originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink The Next Web  |  sourceAndroid Developers  | Email this | Comments

    Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion

    Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion

    Nokia’s video showcasing the Lumia 920’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) might’ve given the impression it was filmed with the new PureView-toting device, but a reflection of a film crew spotted by Pocket Now in the trailer (27 seconds deep) hinted that wasn’t the case. The folks in Espoo have confirmed that the footage was indeed captured using a different camera. “Of course, hindsight is 20 / 20, but we should have posted a disclaimer stating this was a representation of OIS only,” the company’s Heidi Lemmetyinen penned on the Nokia Conversations blog. “This was not shot with a Lumia 920. At least, not yet. We apologize for the confusion we created.” You can catch the offending video and a shorter, but accurate clip comparing a prototype of the PureView handset with a competing device after the break.

    Continue reading Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion

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    Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink PocketNow, The Next Web  |  Nokia Conversations  | Email this | Comments

    Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion

    Nokia’s video showcasing the Lumia 920’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) might’ve given the impression it was filmed with the new PureView-toting device, but a reflection of a film crew spotted by Pocket Now in the trailer (27 seconds deep) hinted that wasn’t the case. The folks in Espoo have confirmed that the footage was indeed captured using a different camera. “Of course, hindsight is 20 / 20, but we should have posted a disclaimer stating this was a representation of OIS only,” the company’s Heidi Lemmetyinen penned on the Nokia Conversations blog. “This was not shot with a Lumia 920. At least, not yet. We apologize for the confusion we created.” You can catch the offending video and a shorter, but accurate clip comparing a prototype of the PureView handset with a competing device after the break.

    Continue reading Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion

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    Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink PocketNow, The Next Web  |  sourceNokia Conversations  | Email this | Comments