Hasta La Gadget!

While Android 4.3 is a relatively minor upgrade in the grand scheme of things — bringing restricted profiles and some added graphical grunt to the platform — it seems that the new OS version is wreaking havoc on some Nexus 4 devices. On Google’s Product Forums, most people having problems report that after the update is downloaded and installed, their handsets either freeze on the ‘X’ splash screen or get stuck in a never-ending boot loop. For now, folks report that the only fix is to factory reset their handsets or flash to an older version of Android, and lose all of their saved data in the process. While there are no shortage of people apparently stuck in update purgatory, it’s unclear exactly how widespread the problem is; our own in-house Nexus 4 received 4.3 without issue.

Additionally, the new Android version isn’t playing nice with Netflix on Nexus 4’s, either. After upgrading, launching the Netflix app is causing some handsets to freeze up — and only resetting the phone with a long press of the power button will get the phone working again. Android engineer Dan Morrill has said that Google is aware of the Netflix issue, however, and that its working on a fix. Regardless, Nexus 4 owners might want to think twice before upgrading. We’ve reached out to Google for an official comment on these problems, and will update this post should we receive one.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google

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Via: Phones Review

Source: Google Product Forums

Google’s Chromecast streaming TV dongle is once again available from Best Buy (Update: it’s on 1-2 week backorder again). As before, the unit costs $35, with free shipping. With lots of capability and a steadily increasing list of streaming services supporting it, Chromecast sold out quickly when it first hit the market. If you were at the end of the line and missed out, now’s your chance to get your hands on the dongle of your dreams. [Best Buy via 9to5Toys]

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Netflix and YouTube might be the only third-party services compatible with the Chromecast right now, but HBO and Hulu are the first companies since the device’s release to reveal that they’re working on their own Chromecast apps. Users can stream HBO Go and Hulu content from their Chrome browser to the Chromecast, but official support […]

The British have had access to Google Play Movies for months, but they’ve been denied TV shows — an unusual omission given the country’s rich broadcasting history. All is now right with the world, however, as Google now offers TV episodes through the UK’s Google Play Store. The early catalog focuses on shows from big local networks, such as the BBC and Channel 5, as well as imports from the colonials (read: Americans). Brits keen on streaming Sherlock just have to visit Google Play to start watching.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Internet, HD, Mobile, Google

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Via: Coolsmartphone

Source: Google Play

Google said last month it would require German publishers to opt-in if they wanted to continue to be featured on Google News. The AP is now reporting that several have decided to remain on the service, including Spiegel Online, Zeit Online and Springer AG. Publishers have long been pushing for the government to change the law so news aggregators would have to pay for the content they scrape. A new copyright law does come into effect today limiting how much info aggregators are allowed to borrow for their feeds, and to avoid any legal scuffles, Google decided an opt-in policy was safest. This may not be the end of the company’s troubles with publishers in the country, however, as Springer AG has said “it still expects to receive money from Google eventually.”

Filed under: Internet, Google

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Source: AP