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

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Verizon Details Android 2.3.6 Update for Droid RAZR/RAZR MAXX

While we patiently wait for Ice Cream Sandwich to come out officially for the Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX that hasn’t stopped Verizon and Motorola from bumping the current flavor of Android 2.3.5 to 2.3.6 and also bringing the software version to 6.12.173.XT912.Verizon.en.US. As both the RAZR and MAXX are running the same software it would make sense that both of them would be getting this upgrade. Here is what to be on the look out for:

Applications:

Mobile Hotspot will now successfully allow other devices to connect to all Internet websites.Improvements in the Mobile Hotspot security. + VZ Navigator® has been updated with the latest 3D map improvements.

Visual Voice Mail Updates:

Visual Voice Mail messages can be marked as read.Visual Voice Mail message playback resumes when audio is switched to speaker.Visual Voice Mail will successfully subscribe or unsubscribe while connected with Wi-Fi.Successfully press back key after playback in Visual Voice Mail without error.

Data Connectivity:

Improved stability of data connectivity after Airplane Mode is disabled. + Improved data throughput performance in low-signal 4G environments.

Device Operation:

Improved Battery life when using Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) Bluetooth® headsets.Successfully save multimedia ringtones.Favorite Contacts widget has been updated.Improved device stability when moving between home screen panels.Email icon has been updated for improved visibility.When performing an Over the Air (OTA) update, the display will correctly show the remaining download time.CMAS (Commercial Mobile Alert Service) feature has been added.Besides that, look for more VCast bloatware apps to be installed as well as Motorola’s MotoCast installation steps being improved so that they are easier to use. I would also look forward to seeing this in the next week or so. If you are curious about these devices themselves you can read the reviews on each by going here, or reading on the RAZR MAXX’s initial battery tests here. Enjoy!

» See more articles by Jack Holt

Categorized as Android Carriers, Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Phones, Android Software, Android Updates

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Nexus S 4G one step closer to official Android 4.0.4 update

If you own the Sprint Nexus S 4G and are waiting on the official update to Android 4.0, then we have some good news for you. A new internal testing ROM was just spotted on Google’s servers that updates the Nexus S 4G to Android version 4.0.4, build number IMM26.

The file was quickly pulled after it was spotted, but if you are adventurous you can head over to xda-developers and grab a mirrored copy. I’d normally post a guide with instructions for the manual update, but since the official file has been removed from Google’s servers we just suggest the average user wait it out.

Reports suggest that this version was signed with release keys, which likely means it’s we will see the official update in the coming weeks. I’ve been using Android 4.0 on my T-Mobile Nexus S that I gave to a family member and its been running great so far. If you try out this leaked software on your Sprint Nexus S 4G, let us know how it performed in the comments below.

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Sonic 4 Receives ICS Compatibility Update

For those of you who were disappointed to see that the recent release of Sonic 4 Episode 1 wasn’t compatible with your ICS device, you’ll be happy to know there is a market update waiting for you right now.

Today’s Sonic 4 update brings compatibility to all devices running Android 4.0 and I was able to successfully test it out on the Galaxy Nexus and the Transformer Prime. Previously I was unable to get past the start screen but now I am happy to say that I can play the game without a hitch. Speaking of gameplay, it looks damn good and I haven’t noticed any glitches or hangs at all. Now if I only had a Big Gulp full of Slurpee in front of me I’d think I was a tween again! Hit the link below to get your well deserved update.

Android Market

» See more articles by Stacy Bruce

Categorized as Android Applications, Android Gaming, Android Updates

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DROID RAZR Android 2.3.6 update (6.12.173) leaks, Install without root

From time to time leaked builds become available for certain devices. Most of the time, it’s not the final build, and we never know for sure whether or not it is. In this case the Android 2.3.6 update for the DROID RAZR is now available for you to install, and you won’t need to be rooted. The new build number is 6.12.173 and it brings you to Android 2.3.6 from 2.3.5

We’re told this build brings a LTE radio update which is probably the biggest reason to install it. You will also find some Blur enhancements along with some new bloatware like the Moto Car Finder we told you about a couple of months ago.

Instructions after the break

**If you’re not rooted you can skip to step 4 and follow to step 9 only. If you’re rooted and want to keep root, please start at step 1 and complete all steps.

Prerequisite step basically. You must be running stock (current ota updated version to 6.11.748) and still have all your 748 bloat intact etc etc. Anything that you couldn’t uninstall without root needs to be on the phone. This includes things like editing the swype files so that you could install betas. If you are not in this boat, chances are extremely good that you are going to fail the current system verification phase and the update will not install. Also, make sure you have 50+% battery. MD5 of the update package (Blur_Version.6.11.748.XT912.Verizon.en.US.zip) should be aa7fe6290c0d3a60253922bac413da02. You’ve been made aware.Disable Safestrap via the app. You do not have to remove the apk itself, but the system needs to be disabled.Install Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper (free from the market). Open it and hit protect su (all the boxes should be checked green at this point). IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS STEP, YOU WILL NOT HAVE ROOT ON THE NEW BUILD. CURRENT ROOT METHODS DO NOT WORK ON ANDROID 2.3.6+. If you are not currently rooted and want/need to be, you need to root at this point with voodoo protecting root before you proceed.Drop the update file Blur_Version.6.11.748.XT912.Verizon.en.US.zip on your EXTERNAL SD card. Yes, the version number in the file name is the same as the one you’re on, but that’s how Motorola names their files.Turn off your phoneHold all 3 buttons (power and both vol keys) to turn it back on and select recovery from the menu that pops up (use vol down to scroll, vol up to select)Press Vol+ and – simultaneously to get the on screen menu. This menu behaves like CWM/SS for navigation.Install the update file on your card. It takes a while. It’s going to verify both the file and your current system before it proceeds. If your phone fails the current system check (most common) that means something isn’t factory in your phone’s system files and you’ll probably have to use RSD to fix it. (See source link for possible corrections)Choose “reboot system now”When the system reboots load up the voodoo app. You’ll notice that you no longer have root. Hit restore su.Open Safestrap and enable it again.

For more information on rolling back to 6.11.748, see the source link

[source droidrzr via droid-life]

» See more articles by Robert Nazarian

Categorized as Android Hacks, Android News, Android Rooting, Android Updates

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Transformer Prime GPS Performance Actually Worse Off After Software Update?

It’s been a real sad state of affairs hearing all of the negative news surrounding the Transformer Prime lately.  Who would have thought the follow up device would have undergone so many fails in such a short time?  This week it’s being reported by a number of Prime owners that their already lacking GPS functionality has gotten significantly worse since the last update.  Quite a number of members over at XDA have reported that their already weak signal is now no longer present since downloading the second Android 4.0 update.  One of the members even reported leaving their TP on the window sill for over 25 minutes and it still didn’t latch on to a satellite.  Asus went on record stating that the “metallic uni-body design” is responsible for the weak GPS signal in that it ultimately interferes with the signal’s ability to reach the device’s sensors.  The company states that the new TF700 device is supposed to effectively fix the issue however.  Lets hope reports about ASUS charging their customers to fix the issue isn’t true.  Did you fork out for a Prime?  What do you think?  Feel free to rant all you want in the comments below.

[via Electronista]

» See more articles by Joe Sirianni

Categorized as Android Applications, Android Manufacturers, Android Netbooks, Android News, Android Rants, Android Updates

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TELUS HTC Desire HD update to Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread now live

We’ve gotten a number of emails from our friends up north telling us they received the Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread update for the Telus HTC Desire HD, The enhancements include:

HTC Sense 3.0 (improved Calendar, Messages, Camera, Gallery, Music, Weather, Lock Screen, Reader, and more)HTC Watch – Rent or buy the latest movies and/or showsGoogle Video ChatImproved stability

If you haven’t received the update yet, you can check to see if you can manually pull it by going to Settings/About Phone/System Updates. Please let us know in the comments if you received the update and how things are working.

Thanks Eric

[via telus]

» See more articles by Robert Nazarian

Categorized as Android Carriers, Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Phones, Android Updates

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Foursquare Adds 250,000 Menus and Price-Filtering in Most Recent Update

Good news for all of those folk that use Foursquare on your Android devices. The latest update adds the ability to see menus to its feature set. Foursquare is using SinglePlatform’s data base of over 250,000 menus totaling over 13 million individual food items in major US cities to power its menu service. Price-filtering has been added as an option as well for those who would like to get an idea of the money they’ll be dropping in new restaurants they’re sampling. While I haven’t downloaded this app yet myself I think I will because it beats trying to hold onto take out menus. Hit the break below to check out the Market link and QR code.

QR Code

Android Market Link

» See more articles by Jack Holt

Categorized as Android Applications, Android Development, Android News, Android Phones, Android Software, Android Tablets

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Samsung Releases Update For The Galaxy Note

Samsung is pushing out OTA updates to the Galaxy Note. With this update, brings changes to the lock screen and the keyboard, as well as a few other goodies. All are much welcomed changes for owners of the Galaxy Note. People that are new to Samsung and even Android for that matter, have been having a hard time trying to figure how to unlock the phone. Before the update, the screen was blank and it was a guessing game for some. Now Samsung has added a “swipe to unlock” message at the bottom of the screen.  They have also shrunk the distance you have to swipe to unlock your device, adding a smaller inner circle that only requires the slightest swipe.

Keyboard improvements include a new row of keys for numbers as well as the ability to customize your keyboard for one handed use, and which hand you wish to use. The later feature applies to both the texting keyboard as well as the numeric keyboard for phone calls.

These are solid improvements on an already solid device. Other updates are improved brightness controls while in the browser, and an added widget for the torch app. Making things a little brighter with ease, when needed. Now we here in the U.S. still have to wait to get our taste of the Note, so we must rely on our European readers to let us know what you think of these updates, unless of course you are one of those people that bought the international version, then we want to hear from you too. Give us your feedback in the comments section below.

Source The Unwired

» See more articles by Spencer McClendon

Categorized as Android News, Android Phones, Android Updates

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Motorola Xoom WiFi owners in U.S. receiving Ice Cream Sandwich OTA update

We’ve received a flurry of tips this morning from folks who own the WiFi version of the Motorola Xoom tablet. Apparently, Google and Motorola are sending a free ice cream sandwich an OTA update to owners of the Motorola Xoom tablet in the U.S., bringing the highly-anticipated Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The update appears to only be rolling out to the WiFi models of the Xoom, and LTE Xoom owners will have to wait a bit longer to get a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich. International WiFi Xoom owners will have to wait as well.

If you live in the U.S. and have the Wi-Fi version of the Xoom, and haven’t yet seen an OTA update hit your device, you can manually check for the update by going into your tablet’s settings. If you have successfully updated, be sure to let us know your experience with Android 4.0 in the comments.

Thanks, Asher!

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Kindle Fire update 6.2.2 – What’s New & How to Regain Root

An OTA update for the Kindle Fire was pushed out today bringing the firmware up to 6.2.2. My household Fire got the update this evening and while the update brings the usual handful of  performance tweaks and bugs fixes, 6.2.2 also incorporates full screen browsing capability; a feature many Kindle owners have had on their Amazon Wish List for a while now. The update will of course break root, but if you’re of that crowd, no worries, Justin Case’s Burrito Root has been updated as well. BurritoRoot 2 requires ADB, so as long as you have that all set this should only take a minute of your time.

adb push BurritoRoot2.bin /data/local/

adb shell chmod 777 /data/local/BurritoRoot2.bin

adb shell /data/local/BurritoRoot2.bin

adb root

adb shell id

if uid = 0 continue, if not start over

adb remount

adb push su /system/xbin/su

adb shell chown 0.0 /system/xbin/su

adb shell chmod 06755 /system/xbin/su

adb remount

adb install Superuser.apk (skip this step if its already installed)

You can force update your Kindle Fire by downloading the update here, and storing it in the kindleupdates folder on your device. Then go to device in the settings menu, and your update button should be activated.

Download BurritoRoot2 from here or here.

[via AndroidPolice]

» See more articles by Jim Farmer

Categorized as Android Updates

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Hands-on with the Chevy MyLink by LG (update: now with video)

Smartphones can now do pretty much anything you want, but what if you could have the power of Android mounted in the dashboard of your car? Yes, we’ve seen solutions from Parot and other OEMs which have Android-powered, in-dash, car audio systems, but none of them have been too impressive since no one has been able to deliver a UI which is intuitive and simple enough for consumers to use. This year LG unveiled the new Chevy MyLink at CES which marries a Windows CE powered in-dash 7-inch (800 x 480) entertainment unit with your favorite smartphone. The LG made MyLink to be paired via Bluetooth with Android, iOS and BlackBerry devices and run apps which have been updated to work specifically with the in-dash unit.

For now, there are only two Android applications which are compatible with the MyLink but we should see quite a few more pop up once the unit is made available in Q1 on Chevy cars across the country. While LG is the manufacturer of the device, Chevy will have complete control over which applications are approved with MyLink since certain DOT regulations must be taken into account. LG does not yet know what Chevy will be charging for the MyLink, but we can’t imagine it will be cheap. The one thing that automotive manufacturers are really good at is charging consumers 3-5 times more for electronic add-ons than what the devices are actually worth. The Chevy MyLink may not be the true Android experience that many of us would like to see in our vehicles, but we’re excited to see a large company like LG offer up a product like this which can take advantage of the advanced funtionality found in our Android-powered phones.

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