Google Play closing in on Apple’s store with 700K apps, says Bloomberg

Google Play store racks up 700K apps

Amidst all the Nexus excitement from yesterday, Google just hit the 700,000 Android app milestone in its Play Store, according to Bloomberg. That would put it near par with Apple, who announced just last month that its App Store hit that same figure. Like Cupertino’s iOS shop, Play (which started off as the Android Market) has been peddling its robot wares since 2008, though the store opened several months after Apple’s. Google may have been set to trumpet the new figure during the Nexus launch yesterday as they did last June at I/O, but a certain Sandy may have wrenched that plan — so, we’re still waiting for a formal announcement.

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Google Play closing in on Apple’s store with 700K apps, says Bloomberg originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox SmartGlass now available in Google Play, brings console integration to Android

Xbox SmartGlass now available in Google Play, brings console integration to Android

Hot on the heels of the Dashboard update for the Xbox 360, Microsoft’s SmartGlass integration is now a reality for Android 4.0 users. The companion app branches out from the earlier My Xbox Live app for Android and allows direct control of some console features from Google-powered gear. While Windows Phone users will find the tightest integration of all, the Android port still lets users steer through the Dashboard, input text, browse the web (with zooming), search for local content, and control media playback. Players can still chat with their friends and modify their Xbox profile if they’re not planning to lurk around the system all day. The interface is strikingly similar to past releases (including Android) and still demands at least an 800 x 480 screen for admission — sorry, Wildfire S fans. You’ll find a full roster of features after the break, and can hit up Google Play at the source link below for your own remote.

Jon Fingas contributed to this report.

Continue reading Xbox SmartGlass now available in Google Play, brings console integration to Android

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Xbox SmartGlass now available in Google Play, brings console integration to Android originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where you at? Sprint Direct Connect Now brings push-to-talk to select Android devices

DNP Sprint Direct Connect Now app brings pushtotalk to Android devices, where you at

Sprint announced on Wednesday the availability of its new Direct Connect Now Android app, which brings push-to-talk capabilities to the Kyocera Rise and LG Optimus Elite with support for other devices “coming soon.” Compatible with both Nextel and Sprint Direct Connect devices, this free app features group calls for up to 21 people, touchscreen controls, call alert notifications and contact synchronization. While we appreciate this advancement in push-to-talk communication, we can’t help but shed a tear reminiscing about the good old days of Boost Mobile’s “where you at?” campaign. Please join us as we pour one out and celebrate faded memories of the chirp.

Continue reading Where you at? Sprint Direct Connect Now brings push-to-talk to select Android devices

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Where you at? Sprint Direct Connect Now brings push-to-talk to select Android devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ARM-powered Chromebook lands at Play store for $249

ARMpowered Chromebook lands at Play store for $249

Samsung’s brand new ARM A15-based Chromebook is now available direct from Google at the Play store. The $249 WiFi only laptop was already available to pre-order through Amazon, but now you can go straight to the source, and Mountain View promises to have one of the light-weight machines in your hands within 3-5 business days. If you’re more interested in the 3G-equipped version of the 11.6-incher, you’ll still have to take your business to Amazon for now. Though, there’s still no word on when the $329 laptop will be released. To order this affordable web-browsing machine now, hit up the source.

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ARM-powered Chromebook lands at Play store for $249 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google to Verizon Android users: carrier billing coming to Play store

DNP Google tweet to Verizon clients 'Pay for Google Play apps on your phone bill'

If you’re on Verizon and don’t feel like racking up your plastic when you buy Play store apps or content, the carrier will soon give you the option of putting it on your phone bill, according to a recent Google tweet. Mountain View’s had the option for a while now, with T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T having already jumped on the app-billing bandwagon, which left Verizon as the final major to climb aboard. Other than saying that you’ll be able to bill apps and music that way, details are scant — but considering Big Red’s whopping Android lineup, it’s about time.

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Google to Verizon Android users: carrier billing coming to Play store originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 07:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest Google Play store update rolling out now, wishlists in tow

DNP Latest Google Play store update rolling out now, wishlists in tow

If you’re indecisive about that pricey but hard-to-find new app, Google Play will now be offering another option in its store — you can put it aside in a wishlist until you make up your mind. That new feature (which was espied in recent teardowns) is hitting devices now on a per-account basis, and if you have it (version 3.9.16) you’ll notice a bookmark icon near the top right of the screen when you load up an app page. When you tap that icon, the software will be added to your wishlist, which can be scoped from the menu button with the “My Wishlist” setting, saving you the trouble of searching it out later. Depending on your Android device’s settings, you may already have it or were notified of its availability — if so, happy shopping.

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Latest Google Play store update rolling out now, wishlists in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Calendar for Android becomes stand-alone app

Google Calendar for Android becomes standalone app

Google has historically broken out preloaded Android apps like Gmail and Maps as stand-alone titles so that they don’t have to be upgraded in lock-step with the main OS, but its Calendar app typically hasn’t had that privilege. The isolation ends with a newly distinct Google Calendar that’s treated as just another Google Play download. You’ll need at least Android 4.0 or 4.1, which leaves relatively few differences between the download and what’s already on your device, but that’s not the point — the change really lets Google move users on to the Jelly Bean app and beyond, even if their device makers aren’t ready. Owners currently running Jelly Bean will still get a few extras, such as better support for non-Nexus hardware and a wider time range for calendar syncing. Hit the source link if you’re game for that kind of futureproofing.

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Google Calendar for Android becomes stand-alone app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isis Mobile Wallet app for Android surfaces in Google Play, you probably can’t run it

Isis Mobile Wallet app for Android surfaces in Google Play, you probably can't run it

Unofficial rumblings have pointed to Isis Mobile Wallet’s trial getting close. If you’ve remained skeptical all the same, we’re pretty sure that seeing Isis’ Android app in Google Play will change your mind. The currently T-Mobile-only software confirms that pilot program members will tie their American Express, Capital One or Chase card (as well as a unique card) to Isis for paying through NFC at stores with a SmartTap terminal. We’re also promised streamlined loyalty cards and coupons. Before anyone rushes to try the app at the local shop, remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle on top of the special SIM card, one of three NFC-equipped phones and that small matter of living in Austin or Salt Lake City when the service goes live. Having the official app at least lets those who qualify get a head start on what could soon be the only major alternative to Google Wallet in the US.

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Isis Mobile Wallet app for Android surfaces in Google Play, you probably can’t run it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google revamps Developer Console for Google Play, eases tracking Android app ratings over time

Google revamps its Developer Console for Google Play, eases tracking Android apps over time

Android developers need as much tender loving care for their interfaces as the users, don’t they? Google thinks so, as it just reworked Google Play’s Developer Console to offer a more direct, faster loading design. Along with scaling elegantly to let app writers see and manage many releases at a glance, the makeover gives developers a much more refined historical breakdown of app ratings. Creators can filter the star count through Android versions, carriers, countries, language, updates and even specific devices — if you’re convinced adding Kyocera Echo support was the ticket to improved ratings, you might have a chance to prove it. For anyone who isn’t that determined to keep everyone happy, there’s still a simplified publishing process and automatic translations for app descriptions in the store. Developers comfortable with a few limits on APK bundles can try the new console in a rough but mostly ready state ahead of its wider launch in the near future.

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Google revamps Developer Console for Google Play, eases tracking Android app ratings over time originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adobe Reader for iOS and Android updated with cloud storage support

Adobe Reader update for Android and iOS adds cloud storage for viewing and editing on the go

On Monday, Adobe dropped details for an update to its iOS and Android versions of Reader. The most noteworthy enhancement here is the introduction of cloud file storage with Acrobat.com, which allows users to view and edit documents seamlessly across mobile and desktop devices, à la Google Docs Google Drive. Reader Mobile has also gained FormsCentral data support, improved selecting and highlighting of Asian text, and mobile document rights management with secure watermark support. If Android is your mobile platform of choice and you’d like to give these new features a spin, head on over to Google Play to claim your prize. iPhone owners, on the other hand, have a bit of a wait ahead of them. The update is still awaiting Apple’s approval before hitting the App Store.

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Adobe Reader for iOS and Android updated with cloud storage support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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