Google Play Store update adds malware checker, other improvements

Google appears to be in the process of rolling out an update to the Google Play Store app, taking it up to version 3.9.16. Several improvements have been included that should be apparent once users get their hands on the update and start using the Play Store. Improvements include:

• Remove apps you have previously downloaded from the All Apps list, which will help in weeding out the list, especially if you are fond of downloading an app to try out and end up deleting it;
• Multi-select apps for deletion by long-pressing on an app title that you want to remove, then pressing on the additional apps you want to delete, then hitting the delete button to be rid of them all in one fell swoop;
• Maintain position in the All Apps list and My Apps list when you click-through for details instead of returning to the top of the list and having to scroll down;
• A new expandable notification to be able to show details when multiple apps are installed or updated; and
• New app installs get and app specific icon in the notification bar instead of a generic “new” app icon.

The improvements go beyond what is readily apparent on the surface though. Some digging into the apk reveals the inclusion of malware scanner code. The code points to two parts of the scanner. The first is an App Check app that enables Google to inspect every app on a device that has already been installed. The second part is app blocker code that will ask users if they want to proceed with installation if suspicious code is detected in an app. It is unclear at this time whether the code will allow a user to proceed on their own in spite of the warning when suspicious code is detected.

Along with the malware code, a couple other interesting bits are included in the apk. It appears Google has started to include the framework for an app wishlist or “save for later” type feature. Support for multi-user account devices also seems to be in the works based on some code that checks for an app already installed by another user and preventing a second installation.

Has Google Play updated yet on your device? If so, let us know if you find any other improvements.

source: Android Police

Featured Play Store Review: Sweet Garden [Gaming - Casual]

Sweet Garden, from Toast, just hit the Google Play Store and it’s a “pet raising” type of game, that’s pretty innovative. With Sweet Garden you will be raising a Ppu, which is a pet-like plant. What’s innovative about Sweet Garden is it’s completely widget based. You will see how your Ppu is progressing from the widget as well as see all animations. If you need to attend to it, you will do it from the widget only. The only time you will open the app (from the icon) is when you first set it up by connecting to the server.  This is so innovative that Toast applied for two patents related to widget-operated games. As a bonus, you can also set the widget to display the remaining life of your battery. You can plant multiple Ppu’s, but you can only display one of them in the widget. Hit the break to learn more about the gameplay.

Like most “pet raising” games, you will have to attend to your pet in order for him to grow and that means you will have to water it, cut the weeds, clean the area, and apply pesticides. You will need to monitor when the sun is out and you need to give it TLC by playing music or giving it health supplements that you can purchase with golden or silver seeds. You can earn these seeds by raising your Ppu correctly or by playing mini games, one of which is a whack-a-mole type of game. Ppu’s have 6 stages of development and they have different facial expressions like sickness, happiness, joy, and more. You can name your Ppu’s anything you want, and as you get more seeds, you can change the background and so much more.

I generally stay away from games like this because I don’t want to feel like I have to constantly check on “my pet”, but with Sweet Garden you can play at your own pace, and still have the satisfaction of watching your pet grow. It’s pretty cool, and I can’t be the only one that feels this way because it has only been in the Play Store for a couple of days and it has a rating of 4.7 (out of 5) from 360 users who took the time to rate it. If you like “pet raising’ games or are intrigued by them, this is the one to download. It’s completely free so check out the quick demo video below and hit one of the download links to get started. As always, let me know what you think.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Play Store Download Link

Granny Smith Gets Updated To Include New Space Levels

The game that encourages gamers to fight Apple thieves has recently been updated to be bigger and better. In the latest update, Granny Smith will not only chase those darn apple thieves through terrestrial surroundings, but she will be taking off to space to try to save the day and save her apples. Game developer Mediocre has found a way to incorporate 12 new levels, which gives the game even more longevity than it already had before.

Granny Smith version 1.1.0 is now available for Android 2.3+ devices now in the Play Store. So if you’re interested in a unique gaming experience, hit the Play Store link below or scan the QR code to get in on the action.

Play Store

New Google Play Store version 3.9.16 ready to download

Yes, it is that time again where Android fanatics can get their hands on the latest Play Store .apk file. Thanks to some tipsters over at Android Police, you can now download the latest Google Play Store version, build 3.9.16. And I have to admit this version packs some useful features. So lets dive into it.

What Has Been Updated?

There are quite a few things to cover in the latest update, but lets talk about removing “selected apps”. In the previous versions of the Play Store, in fact even when it was known the Android Market, users could only remove apps from the management interface one by one. It was really a pain when came the time to clean out unused apps in the app draw, taking minutes just to remove the ones requested. Fortunately, you are now able to select multiple applications at once, for a quick removal process.

To help Android users update with ease, Google has integrated the actual application icons on the taskbar. This replaced the default shopping bag icon. More information is also displayed on the taskbar, to notify you exactly of what apps are available to be updated. And all in all the file size is smaller, weighing in at about 5.22 MB.

The last update launched in August, so it is about time to snag the newest version. All you have to do is download the .apk file like any other. The latest version is available to download below.

Download Link

Source: Android Police

Google+ Updated To Version 3.2, Includes Google+ Pages Support

One of the best and fastest growing social networks has just gotten a major update. Google+ has been updated to version 3.2 and brings Google+ Pages support. That means if businesses— both small and large— can now post and comment, right from Android devices. In addition, the new update brings the ability to “find people” and a homescreen widget refresh. Every little bit to make apps is always welcome and appreciated, so kudos to Google for making the app better than it already was.

To take advantage of the new features found in the latest update, head on down to the Play Store below.

Play Store

Rumor: Upcoming Nexus Featuring Android 4.2 To Feature New Customization Center, Updated Google Now And Project Roadrunner

As we all await the arrival of the latest Nexus device (or devices if all holds true), we are also eagerly awaiting what Google has up its sleeves in the latest Android OS. Well it looks like the gang at Android and Me may have the inside scoop on not only the latest OS which is expected to be software version 4.2, but details on the direction of its Nexus line of devices. According to an anonymous source, Google is trying to promote its Nexus line among all major manufacturers. The various manufacturers will work directly with Google in regards to the hardware and driver details, though Google will be responsible for the hardware updates directly. Moreover, although these special Google devices are part of the Nexus line, they don’t necessarily need to be called Nexus as part of its name– sort of like of what Google did with the Motorola Xoom WiFi tablet. The thought is that by manufacturers joining the Nexus program, it would allow for the special variations of the devices to have even more access to specially-optimized Google content.

Of course since there will be added content, it’s only natural to have an idea of what exactly the Nexus devices will feature in regards to the newest Android OS, Android 4.2. The biggest features in the new OS are rumored to be identified as the new Customization Center, Project Roadrunner, an updated Google Now and revamped Play Store. The new Customization Center will be useful for all Android users as it essentially allows users to update the base Android OS, without having to wait for OEM manufacturers to update their skins. Here’s how it works: it is basically a way for you to do basic customizations through a range of options through the Play Store. When a new update is available, new items like filters and icons would be available via the Play Store. So when Google upgrades Android and a manufacturer doesn’t provide a compatible version of their custom UI initially, the device reverts simply to the stock UI or wait for the upgrade until the manufacturer catches up.

The others seem to be incredibly beneficial as well. Project Roadrunner specifically aims to soup up and optimize battery live on devices, having the same impact as Project Butter did when it came to responsiveness on Jelly Bean-enabled devices. Meanwhile, the updated Google Play Store will likely feature personalized search, optional promotional campaigns with Notification Center integration, more billing options, and easier in-app micro-transactions. And finally, Google Now will be updated to include even more expanded functionality like the ability to ask “Where can I activate bluetooth?” or “How can I tone down the brightness?”, for basic OS questions.

Keep in mind this should all be taken with a grain of salt, but it’s looking more and more like Google is ready to take the next major step in the evolution of Android as a whole. All we need now is for the announcement to hurry up and get here already.

source: Android and Me

Google Updates Its Gesture Search App, Allows Nexus 7 To Get In On The Doodling Search Action

As if you needed any additional reason to drool over the Gesture Search app, Google has provided the world with yet another reason. It recently updated its Gesture Search app to be compatible tablets such as the Nexus 7 in order to allow those users to you guessed it— search for items by using simple gestures. Among the noteworthy changes are a freshened up UI, better search performance and customizable actions for contacts.

The app is available in the Play Store now, so if you’re itching to take advantage of these new features— hit the link or scan the code below and grab your copy today.

Play Store

32GB Nexus 7 listed on reseller’s website for $259

Just yesterday, Carephone Warehouse’s internal systems revealed the possibility of a 32GB Nexus 7. Today, however, the same variant has been spotted once again, this time within an internal purchasing system for a reseller’s website. It’s listed at $260, though pricing doesn’t seem too accurate, considering the 8GB model is listed at $245, whereas the same device is available from the Play Store for just $199. The reseller indicated that shipments are expected to arrive on or around October 24th, though this doesn’t necessarily mean that a global launch (or even regional availability) will happen on the same day. We suggest you take this with a grain of salt as we wait for some more official news.

Source: Droid-Life

32GB Nexus 7 listed on reseller’s website for $259

Just yesterday, Carephone Warehouse’s internal systems revealed the possibility of a 32GB Nexus 7. Today, however, the same variant has been spotted once again, this time within an internal purchasing system for a reseller’s website. It’s listed at $260, though pricing doesn’t seem too accurate, considering the 8GB model is listed at $245, whereas the same device is available from the Play Store for just $199. The reseller indicated that shipments are expected to arrive on or around October 24th, though this doesn’t necessarily mean that a global launch (or even regional availability) will happen on the same day. We suggest you take this with a grain of salt as we wait for some more official news.

Source: Droid-Life

Kaspersky Mobile Security gets updated, adding Mugshot and web-based control panel

It is should be no surprise that every day, threats are targeted towards all desktops as well as mobile platforms. Unfortunately, Android in particular is known to see more malware opposed to other mobile operating systems, due to the ease of installing 3rd-party applications and software.

The threat level for Android is always a “win/ lose” situation. If you have unknown sources enabled to download files from the web, you are invulnerable against cyber attacks. However by only downloading software from trusted users, you may be introduced to less clutter. In any case, you have to owe it to great developers from companies like Kaspersky’s Mobile Security, for around the clock mobile security. Especially with some new improvements and tweaks that the dev team had upgraded under the hood.

Besides the average virus scanning and location tools, users are now able to access a web-based control panel. This gives users the ability to remotely lock, wipe, or find your device using trusty Google Maps. More noticeable in the new update, however, is the addition of “Mugshot”, allowing the original phone user to capture images utilizing the front-facing camera. Settings within the online web server can alter when these features are triggered, or deactivated.

I have to admit that it is quite nice to see Kaspersky update their popular security software. Though it feels like the company could have added these features earlier, there are enough consumers who value the “Kaspersky” name, that don’t mind waiting for updates. If you currently do not have Kaspersky Mobile Security, you can purchase a one-year license for $19.95.

Play Store download link