Hasta La Gadget!

If you were still holding out before committing funds for a Nexus 4, seems like you missed your chance at the 8GB version. The $200 handset has sold out at Google Play in the US and the folks in Mountain View tell The Verge that it’s not coming back. Those still eyeing the device can splurge for the 16GB option, while 8GB phones remain available in other global locales until the current stock is depleted. This certainly begs the question: is a new Nexus device on the way? With the Nexus 4 quickly approaching the year-old mark in October and a new version of Android on the horizon, this could be a signal that the new Nexus is just around the bend. We’ve reached out to Google on the matter and we’ll update here as soon as we hear back.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google

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Via: The Verge, Droid Life

Source: Google Play

Google occasionally updates its Play Store rules to weed out inconsistent or shady behavior in Android apps, and we’re witnessing one of its larger clean-ups today. The company’s new guidelines more explicitly ban device interference: titles in the Play Store can’t modify settings or other apps without permission, and they can’t install bookmarks or icons that pitch a third-party service. Google is also adamant that any in-game purchases of virtual goods must go through its billing system. As usual, new apps have to follow these guidelines right away, while developers with existing apps have a 30-day grace period to make any changes. The policies won’t necessarily stop rogue code from sneaking into the Play Store, but Google can at least say that it gave fair warning.

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

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Via: The Next Web

Source: Google Play Support

Samsung’s Wallet app, launched in Beta in the US a few months ago, is now available for wider consumption on Google Play in the US. Despite the name, it doesn’t have Google Wallet-like powers of NFC payment, but works more like Apple’s Passbook app to let you store and categorize tickets, membership cards, coupons and the like. Other functions include time and location-based ticket reminders, a “create my ticket” feature and the ability to receive co-marketing and loyalty card coupons. As you may expect, it’s limited to Samsung devices, and for now the app only runs on the Galaxies S III, S 4, Note and Note II. You may also have trouble finding retailers accepting it, though Samsung said at launch that it would be supported by Walgreens, MLB, Expedia.com, Booking.com, Hotels.com and Lufthansa in the US. If the stars line up and you need something from one of those outfits, are in the US and have the right device, check the source.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Via: Sammy Hub

Source: Google Play

Like to tempt fate? Then you might want to check out Send Me To Heaven, the Android app that uses your phone’s accelerometers to track how high it travels when thrown upward. Assuming you don’t fumble your handset on its return trip, its distance will join that of other daredevils on the game’s leaderboards. That’s all there is to it. Really. According to Kotaku, Apple pulled the game from iTunes because it encourages “behavior that could result in damage to the user’s device.” We’ve reached out to developer Carrot Pop for comment on Apple’s actions and will update this post if we hear back. In the meantime, do you feel lucky?

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Mobile

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Via: Kotaku

Source: Carrot Pop, Google Play

When Google debuted Hangouts at I/O, it looked like a pretty nifty idea, but since then, the app has been plagued with its share of performance issues. A new update, available today in the Google Play store, aims to rectify that by adding a hint of Project Butter to the Hangouts mix. Google is smearing Butter on the app (like a wayward child with his head stuck in the banisters) in the hopes that it’ll smooth out the kinks and speed up performance. Also included in the update is a brand new set of emoji, so you can continue to abandon the written word in favor of cutesy hieroglyphics. We jest, of course. Who doesn’t love some good emoji? To get the upgrade, head on over to the source link below.

Filed under: Software, Mobile, Google

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Via: Android Central

Source: Google Play