Google Docs Receives Major Update, Includes Improved Tablet Support & Coveted Offline Access For Files

We can all finally breath a sigh of relief. Google has updated the Google Docs app to include a few major improvements. The first is an improved tablet experience. When you open a Google document on your tablet, you’ll get a high-resolution version of the document. You can also swipe left and right to flip between pages, or use the slider at the bottom to page ahead quickly.

The second improvement is definitely a doozy. Users will now find wait for it— offline access. Google has finally heard your cries and is allowing users to make selected files “available offline”. Regardless of if you’re connected to the internet or not, you’ll always be connected to those files. What’s even better is the fact users now have the option to automatically or manually update the offline files when connected to WiFi or connected to the internet using a data connection.

You’re all yearning to use the new improvements in Google Docs, I get it. Head on over to the Android Market or grab it using the handy QR code below if you have an Android 2.1+ device.

Android Market

» See more articles by Roy Alugbue

Categorized as Android Applications, Android News, Android Software

View the original article here

Read more »

Refreshed Galaxy Nexus Plus with faster CPU and improved camera on the way?

Could Google be working on a slightly updated version of the Galaxy Nexus? It wouldn’t be the first time a manufacturer refreshed a device just months after the initial release. A recent benchmark score spotted on the Nenamark site shows a Galaxy Nexus featuring a PowerVR SGX544 graphics processor.

The faster SGX544 GPU is included with Texas Instruments’ upcoming OMAP4470 processor. This is the successor to the original OMAP4460 found in the Galaxy Nexus, that includes the older SGX540 GPU.

While it’s true this result could have been spoofed, we have seen evidence of a Galaxy Nexus with a different processor speed before in a leaked ad for Sprint. Samsung underclocked the 1.5 GHz OMAP4460 to run at 1.2 GHz in the Galaxy Nexus, so it’s possible they could underclock the 1.8 GHz OMAP4470 to run at speeds around 1.5 GHz.

Nenamark2 benchmark: OMAP4460 on the left, OMAP4470 on the right.

Even though the two processors feature very similar model numbers, the OMAP4470 is advertised as offering 2.5x the graphics performance of the OMAP4430. We recently saw the OMAP4470 in action at CES, and witnessed a Nenamark2 score that was around 70% faster than the previous generation.

The Sprint version of the Galaxy Nexus is coming soon, but we still don’t know much about the official specs. Rumors have suggested it could feature an improved 8 MP camera (compared to 5 MP of the original), so it’s possible that Samsung and Google could update the processor as well if a faster one is available in time.

I’m sure a few owners of the original Galaxy Nexus will complain, but I’m happy to see a Galaxy Nexus refresh in the coming months, if these rumors turn out to be true.

View the original article here

Read more »

Acer Iconia Tab A200 now available; basically an A500 with improved software

The Acer Iconia Tab A200 was announced earlier this month, and while we expected it to be released last January 15, it is just now hitting Best Buy stores. When announced, the tablet seemed like just another A500, but the difference seems to lie on its software.

The specs are pretty much what we are used to from any 2011 Honeycomb tablet. It comes with a Tegra 2 dual-core processor, Honeycomb OS, 16 GB/8 GB of internal storage, a 10.1-inch (1280×800) display, 1 GB of RAM and a 2 MP front-facing camera. Not to mention the fact that this device comes with a flurry of ports, which is typical of Acer Android tablets (USB, micro USB, 3.5 mm headset jack, proprietary power port and microSD card slot).

What really makes this better than the A500, though, is the customization that Acer has integrated into this bad boy. If you remember, last week during CES we covered the Acer Iconia Tab A510, which was a Tegra 3 tablet with Ice Cream Sandwich. This tablet had a UI overlay that really caught our attention. And whether you like custom manufacturer UIs or not, it actually brought some rather cool functionality.

The A200 has the same features we saw with the A510, and a bit more. Aside from the virtual command center, Acer has decided to include an HTC Sense-like lock screen. It includes accessible shortcuts that one can activate by dragging the unlock “bubble” to one of the icons. To see what this is all about, check out the video that the guys from Android Central have put together.

The Acer Iconia Tab A200 does not come with Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), but Acer promises that it will be getting its tasty upgrade in February. If you are interested in purchasing this bad boy, the 16 GB version is now available from Best Buy at $349.99.

Check out the video and let us know what you think. Do you guys like Acer’s UI features, or would you rather stick with stock ICS? At this price, would you rather wait for Asus’ $250 Tegra 3, Android 4.0 beast?

View the original article here

Read more »