Ice Cream Sandwich widgets leak out ahead of official launch
We expect to be hearing plenty more about Ice Cream Sandwich before the day is out, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still room for some last-minute leaks. We’ve already seen a couple of updated apps slip out, and we now also have what appears to be our first look at Google’s refreshed widgets for the new OS. Those include both Gmail and Calendar, as well one for your non-Gmail email, all of which boast a similar appearance that’s been further streamlined from their Honeycomb counterparts. As Android Police notes, there’s curiously no labels in the Gmail widget, although we’d assume that’s just due to the particular messages being displayed (we hope so, at least). Hit the source link below for a look at the rest.
Ice Cream Sandwich widgets leak out ahead of official launch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
HTC Sense 3.5 beta screenshots leak, bring tears of joy to weather widget lovers
HTC Sense 3.5 beta screenshots leak, bring tears of joy to weather widget lovers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Chumby 8 gets reviewed, dubbed ‘best and biggest Chumby yet’
The Chumby has never exactly been a device for everyone, and that’s not likely to change with the new Chumby 8 that’s recently started shipping. Those that do want a Chumby, however, aren’t likely to be disappointed by the new 8-inch model. According to CNET’s review of the device, the Chumby 8 is simply the “best and biggest Chumby yet,” with the larger display and additional USB ports making it better suited for use as a photo frame or media player, while the plethora of apps available make it as versatile as ever. Of course, it is still a Chumby, which CNET notes makes for an increasingly difficult sell in a world filled with tablets, smartphones, and widget-filled TVs. Hit up the source link below for the full review.
Chumby 8 gets reviewed, dubbed ‘best and biggest Chumby yet’ originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Honeycomb clock widget spruces up your home screen
Widgets are a great part of the Android OS, and clocks are a necessity in many peoples lives, and who wouldn’t enjoy to have a futuristic styled clock, much like that found in Android 3.0 Honeycomb? This clock, which is a great replica of the one found in Honeycomb, offers users a very clean clock that takes a bit of getting used to in order to read properly.
Two versions of this clock widget are available, a free as well as a premium version, both of which allow direct access to the alarm application by simply tapping on the clock. The premium version will allow users to select between eight different colors, which is almost one for any color wallpaper that you are using at that time. For less than $1, the premium version is a must have for anyone looking for a great clock widget to keep their home screen clean and futuristic looking. Hit the break for more information as well as download links.
Honeycomb clock widget spruces up your home screen posted originally by Android Central
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Android Quick App: Calendr
While most users may be familiar with Clockr, the minimalistic time display application a lot of you may not have heard of Calendr yet. Calendr offers the same minimalistic approach as Clockr with the difference being that it’s used to display your calendar events rather than the time.
Calendr, while pretty basic in function is still a nice widget to have placed on your homescreen if you need to be unobtrusively reminded of upcoming events ahead of time. Events will be displayed up to one week prior and will only display the information you enter in and nothing more. You’ll also find Calendr very light on battery usage as it only updates the display once a day or when a new entry is added. Custom options include font size, color adjustments as well as background and alignment options so that you may customize it anyway you wish.
Calendr is now available for free but keep in mind it only works with the default Android calendar. If you are making use of the HTC calendar or the Moto calendar this will not work.
Android Quick App: Calendr posted originally by Android Central
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HTC’s weather provider appears to be under the weather itself
See what we just did there?
Yes, folks, it appears that HTC’s weather provider has a case of the sniffles, and widgets from Wabash to Worthington are wondering just what the weather is like wherever we are wandering.
(OK, couldn’t keep that up any longer.) We wouldn’t worry (oops) ourselves too much over this, folks. It’s like just server hiccups on the part of the weather provider (anyone remember who it is?), and there’s nothing wrong with your phone. You’re not alone, and it’s really not worth worrying your pretty little head over it.
But if you just have to have weather info at the ready, there are a number of good apps and widgets available in the Android Market that should hold you over until the hamster gets back on the wheel.
Another option would be to open a window or go outside. Just sayin’. Thanks to everyone who sent this in. [Evo 4G Forums, Droid Incredible Forums]
HTC's weather provider appears to be under the weather itself posted originally by Android Central
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Pulse update brings Facebook links, widgets
Pulse, an elegant newsreader we have covered before, recently released a major new update bringing several new features. Native widgets (small and large versions versions visible above) and Facebook support are the big ones, but a redesigned UI is also a welcome change. The app will run you $.99 on the Android Market; check out the download links past the break.
Posted originally at Android Central
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Android Quick App: MyReminders
I am an extremely forgetful person. Several times throughout the day I need to leave small reminders or notes for myself. Whether it’s something I need to grab at the store when I get out of work, a band I want to check out, or a movie I’ve been meaning to watch, I always seem to have great difficulty remembering these things on my own. Thanks to this handy little app, I no longer come home from work with a bunch of sticky notes in my pocket.
MyReminders by Brian Swartzfager is a perfect example of simple and useful. There are many apps out there that allow you to jot down a quick note, or set a quick reminder, but with MyReminders, it’s all about the implementation. It gives you quick and easy access to all your notes right from its widget. From the home screen you can scroll through all your reminders, or add a new one to the top or bottom of the list. And this, for me, is what really makes MyReminders stand out. Read more about MyReminders, and check out some more screen shots after the jump.
Posted originally at Android Central
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Here’s your Verizon Fascinate Google search fix (update with even more fixed)
Here’s how to put Google search back on the Verizon Fascinate, and it takes just a third-party launcher and a single download. It’s simple as can be and doesn’t require root, and it adds one piece of functionality we were missing from our previous fix: You’ll get native Google search and voice search back.
Here are your instructions:
- Download the Enhanced Google Search provider apk from the second post of this forum thread.
- Place the file on your SD card, and install it through your favorite file manager.
- In a third-party launcher (like ADW or Launcher Pro), put the Google search widget back on your home screen, if you like. It’ll work now. Same goes for the search button. Again, you have to use a third-party launcher.
You’ll still need to download Google Maps from the market if you haven’t already. And while the phone’s physical search button (or capacitive, we know) will now work with Google, holding it to initiate a voice search still routs through Bing. So we’re about 90 percent there. (Update: See below)
Otherwise, we’re talking no root, no muss, no fuss, and no waiting for Verizon to "fix" this when it eventually releases Android 2.2. I love it! [Android Central forums] Big thanks to namebrandon and Cory!
Update: As Cory demonstrates in the video after the break, you can get the search button to work for voice search. Here’s how he did it. You’re going to have to be rooted. (Sorry, but that’s how it is, get instructions for that here.) Go to /system/app and rename I500_BingSearchAndroid_07152010.apk to I500_BingSearchAndroid_07152010.old. You may need to reboot. But after that, it should work.
Update 2: Added more video of it in action after the break.
Posted originally at Android Central
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Google Voice update brings those widgets you have been lusting for
Just like the rest of us, you have been craving those new Google Voice widgets ever since they leaked onto the internet from that G2 ROM. All you have to do is update your current Google Voice app.
The Google Voice Inbox widget (top) lets you get a quick preview of any messages; a tap will open up the selected message in its entirety. The Google Voice Settings widget has four buttons, which:
- Launch Google Voice
- Compose new message
- Toggle Google Voice call settings (you can use Google Voice for outgoing calls if you want)
- Toggle "do not disturb" mode
The update is in the Market now, so happy updating! [Google Voice Blog] Thanks to Michael and CliqAnDroid for the tips!
Posted originally at Android Central
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