Google Play Books comes to India with an updated Android app in tow

Google Play Books comes to India with an updated Android app to match

Google Play Books has been on a slow world tour that hasn’t given Asia much love. Google is addressing that regional deficit in grand fashion today by launching its digital bookshop in India. The collection includes the expected blend of local and international titles, although the Books expansion is almost more important as a milestone for Google’s overall content strategy in the country — it’s the first instance of anything besides Android apps reaching India’s Google Play Store. In an appropriate (if not necessarily intentional) pairing with the launch, Google has also pushed out a worldwide update to the Books app for Android that lets readers filter books by type and identifies place names on the existing page. The news will still be happiest for those eager to read in Rajkot, but there’s a little for seemingly everyone at the source link.

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Via: Google Play (Twitter)

Source: Google Play

Paid apps return to Google Play in Taiwan after 18 months of legal wrangling

Paid apps return to Google Play in Taiwan

Android users living in Taiwan have something to celebrate: paid apps have returned to the Google Play store. The ability to purchase apps from the Taiwanese Play store was suspended over a year and a half ago when Google entered a legal battle with the local government. The issue? Taiwan’s consumer protection laws demanded paid apps include a seven day trial period, but the Google Play refund period lasts only 15 minutes. Mountain View pulled paid apps from the region while it filed appeals and lawsuits with the local government, which eventually won it the right to handle returns and trials as it saw fit. Taiwanese users can now view Google Play’s Top Paid apps page and actually purchases a few, too. Worth 20 months of waiting? We think so.

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Source: Engadget Chinese

Google tweaks Google+ and Play Music apps for Android

Google tweaks Google and Play Music for Android

Nobody can accuse Google of being lax with its recently-booming social network or Play Music Android player, as updates seem to be arriving at healthy intervals. Another one just dropped for each that fixes a Galaxy SIII freezing issue in Music, while adding instant mixes beyond 25 songs, the ability to shuffle by album, artist or playlist, new default album art and others for that app. Meanwhile, Google+ has added linking to new posts, a revised notification tray and more community moderation features. Those will make an automatic appearance on your device if your settings are in order — if not, check the source for more info.

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Via: Fone Arena, Phone Arena

Source: Google Play (1), (2)

Unreal Engine 3’s Epic Citadel demo now available on Android with special features, iOS version updated

Unreal Engine 3's Epic Citadel demo now available on Android with special features, iOS version updated

Epic Games’ first internal initiative to produce an Unreal Engine 3 project on Android is complete, nearly three years after a similar initiative produced the Epic Citadel demo. That same demo is being employed on Android, albeit with one shiny new feature: benchmarking. The new mode enables users to test framerate, quality settings, and resolution details — it’s an exclusive for the Android version. The iOS version also saw an update today across its various iterations, enabling support for higher-res displays (the original app launched in September 2010 and has seen little in the update department since).

While Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 has supported Android for some time, the release of the internal app means, “we’ve invested in plenty of QA testing against a wide range of devices, and we’ve executed the necessary profiling required for shipping Android games,” an Epic Games rep tells us. Moreover, that investment carries over to Unreal Engine 3 licensees. To snag the Epic Citadel demo (for free) on your Android device of choice, head to Google’s Play store or Amazon’s App Store. And for a taste of games currently on Android based in Unreal Engine 3, check out the incredible trailer for Horn just beyond the break.

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Epic Games Releases “Epic Citadel” for Android
Android users can download the free app now, plus ‘Epic Citadel’ gets iOS update
CARY, N.C. (January 29, 2013) – Epic Games, Inc. today released “Epic Citadel” for Android devices. The free app, which is used to demonstrate the studio’s award-winning Unreal Engine 3 (UE3) technology on multiple platforms, is available now on Google Play and Amazon Appstore for Android. A new benchmarking mode and updated visuals bring added depth to the popular app.
In “Epic Citadel,” players navigate the dynamic fantasy setting of the award-winning Infinity Blade. From the circus bazaar to the sweeping cathedral in the center of town, “Epic Citadel” dazzles with a visual parade of special effects.
“While we’ve licensed our engine to help developers build and ship many fantastic games for Android, ‘Epic Citadel’ is our first internally developed product to be released to Android users,” said Jay Wilbur, vice president of Epic Games. “It’s a free, easy way to check out the high-quality experience Unreal Engine technology delivers on mobile devices.”
High-End Graphics for Android
“Epic Citadel” was created with the same UE3 tools and technologies used to develop best-selling PC, console and mobile games. Features include:
· Amazing visuals. “Epic Citadel” pushes the envelope for modern visuals on Android devices. Through the latest advances in Unreal Engine 3 technology, the application delivers unrivaled graphics and special effects that immerse players in the kingdom’s grounds.

· Benchmarking mode. “Epic Citadel” enables users to gather performance data for Android devices through its benchmarking mode, which displays frames per second stats, quality settings and resolution details.

· Realistic reflections and animations. Environment mapping and other high-end rendering techniques produce lifelike reflections, and vertex deformation and skeletal animation bring trees and banners to life with dynamic movements.

· Global illumination. Unreal Engine 3’s built-in global illumination system, Unreal Lightmass, provides realistic lighting and shadows with minimal development resources.

· Dynamic specular lighting with texture masks. Sophisticated graphics features impart a tangible quality to cobblestone roads and vivid reflective marble surfaces, while lens flares and light coronas add dramatic emphasis when panning across light sources.

Outstanding Cross-Platform Performance
Epic has worked closely with hardware leaders to ensure that “Epic Citadel” delivers a superior experience on the latest mobile platforms.
“‘Epic Citadel’ features beautiful, high-performance graphics that are characteristic of mobile Unreal Engine games. Throughout the app’s development for Android, we worked closely with Epic Games to ensure that the visuals can be experienced on NVIDIA Tegra-based devices in all of their glory,” remarked Tony Tamasi, SVP Content and Technology, NVIDIA.
“Intel is very pleased to see Epic’s award-winning Unreal Engine 3 technology shipping on Android with full native support for x86,” said Mukesh Goel, Director of Ecosystem Enabling, Mobile Communications Group, Intel. “We’re especially excited by the tremendous performance being realized in ‘Epic Citadel’ on the Atom Z2460 platform.”
“As the leading supplier of mobile and embedded GPUs for both iOS and Android, Imagination has worked extremely closely with Epic for many years as it has continuously pushed the boundaries of mobile graphics with Unreal Engine technology,” Tony King-Smith, VP of Marketing, Imagination Technologies. “We are delighted that our collaboration is extending into the Android space and that Epic is making such excellent use of our PowerVR GPUs and tools as it brings the best of gaming capability to the rapidly growing Android market.”
New iOS Update
Today Epic also released an update for “Epic Citadel” on the App Store that improves the industry-leading visuals of the iOS app. Available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, “Epic Citadel” now supports high-resolution devices and offers aesthetics even more striking than previously seen.
About Unreal Engine
Developed by Epic Games, the award-winning Unreal Engine is known for its cutting-edge graphics technology, world-class toolset and scalability across PC, console and mobile platforms. Unreal Engine 3 (UE3) is designed to accelerate developers’ productivity for creating high-quality games, applications, training simulations, visualizations, digital films and animated entertainment. Powering hundreds of games and integrated with two dozen leading middleware technologies, UE3 holds more than 20 technology awards, including eight Game Developer Front Line Awards and five Develop Industry Excellence Awards. The Unreal Engine also owns a seat in the Front Line Awards Hall of Fame. Unreal Engine 4 (UE4), winner of multiple Best of E3 2012 awards, offers unprecedented graphical capabilities and workflow improvements that provide unparalleled accessibility for developers building the next generation of games and applications. For more information, visit http://www.unrealengine.com and follow @UnrealEngine.
About Epic Games
Established in 1991, Epic Games, Inc. develops cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology. The company is responsible for the bestselling “Unreal” series of games, the blockbuster “Gears of War” franchise and the groundbreaking “Infinity Blade” line of mobile games. Epic’s award-winning Unreal Engine technology has won dozens of awards and is available for licensing. Epic is continually recruiting top talent for its studios located in North Carolina, Washington, Utah, Maryland, Poland, Korea and Japan. For more information, visit http://www.epicgames.com and follow @EpicGames.
Epic, Epic Games, Gears of War, Infinity Blade, Unreal, Unreal Engine, UE3, UE4, Unreal Lightmass and Unreal Tournament are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. in the United States of America and elsewhere. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
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AT&T offering $100 credit to Nexus 7 owners, two-year contract required

DNP AT&T offering $100 credit to HSPA Nexus 7 owners in exchange for a twoyear service agreement

Have you considered picking up an HSPA+ Nexus 7? If so, AT&T‘s latest promotion might have what it takes to influence your decision. Customers who sign up for an eligible two-year data plan will receive a $100 bill credit on their freshly inked covenant. Sure, locking your unlocked device to a carrier isn’t the most ideal strategy, but if you’re into mobile monogamy and AT&T’s services meet your needs — then by all means you have our blessings. However, you may have to hurry up and pop the question, as this offer comes to an end on February 14th.

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Via: Android Police

Source: Google Play

Google starts giving more developers the ability to reply to Google Play comments

Google first gave some leading developers the ability to reply to user comments on Google Play last year, but it looks like it’s now letting considerably more devs in on the act. While it’s not yet clear when (or if) all developers will be able to do so, a spokesperson has confirmed to The Next Web that the feature is now “gradually expanding” to additional Android app developers. On its developer site, Google further clarifies that developers will only be able to reply to any comment once, and it outlines a few fairly straightforward posting guidelines — namely, that developers should “make it clear and relevant,” “be nice,” “don’t solicit or promote” and “keep it clean.” Users will also receive an email notifying them of the developer’s reply, and be given the ability to update their original comment and rating (presumably with the goal of avoiding one star reviews for issues beyond their control). Google also adds that the ability to comment is “a privilege, not a right,” and that apps and accounts can be suspended if developers violate the guidelines.

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Via: Phone Arena

Source: The Next Web, Google Play for Developers

Google Play Magazines offers free digital versions to print subscribers

Google Play Magazines offers free digital versions to print subscribers

Google Play’s magazine subscriptions have always, sadly, existed separate from a publications print offerings. Meaning, even if you already had the paper edition of Beer Advocate delivered to your home, you still had to cough up for the digital version. That’s finally changed, however, which should make many magazine hounds quite happy. Now when you select a new periodical, you’ll be offered the standard monthly and yearly subscription options, along with the new “free for print subscribers.” You’ll need to verify your subscription before Google will allow you to download issues, but that’s one less barrier to entry for those looking to dip their toes in the digital magazine pool. For a bit more info check out the source link.

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Via: Droid Life

Source: Google

Amazon and Google shower content love on Brazil

Amazon and Google start selling ebooks in Brazil

Through the magic of pure coincidence (or not), Amazon and Google have spontaneously started offering e-books in the land of Brazil. In addition, Amazon has also introduced its Kindle e-reader to the region (available over “the next few weeks”) for the equivalent of $145. The Next Web notes that Amazon’s move comes after it successfully gained control of the desired domain name from a local company, and also after it poached Apple’s Brazilian director to head its own operations there. Meanwhile, Mountain View’s Brazilian incursion lacks political shenanigans, but adds movie rentals and purchases. If you’re in the area, head to the source links to bookmark something unputdownable.

[Thanks, Felipe]

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Via: The Next Web, Android Police

Source: Amazon Brazil, Google Play

Google Play store now accepting pre-orders for books, bibliophiles rejoice

Books preorders now live on Google Play

Google’s been kicking around the idea of pre-orders in its Play Store for a while, and now we know exactly how that’ll pan out. You can now indulge in some pre-launch book ordering on the website as well as on Android devices — the goodies are listed under the “New and Coming Soon” section. Take the plunge, and the dough will disappear from your account the moment the title’s out, landing instantly in your online library and apps. Weirdly, however, if there’s a change to the pricing or the release date, the order is cancelled, forcing you to virtually flash the plastic once more. Mountain View’s been right on top of the game when it comes to releasing updates, enhancements and bug fixes around its ecosystem, mostly anyway — and the latest addition might just tickle book shoppers more than some other ways we know of.

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Via: PhoneArena

Source: Google Play

PSA: Nexus 4 returns to Google Play at 3PM ET (update)

PSA Nexus 4 returns to Google Play at 3PM ET

Google’s been emailing some good news for those that didn’t snatch up its new smartphone within minutes of its online launch a few weeks back. Anyone that asked to be kept up-to-date with Nexus 4 news has been told that new phone stock will be available starting at 3PM ET (Noon PT) — for US customers only. We’ve also heard rumors that customers will be limited to ordering up to two phones each, but at these prices, there’s likely to be plenty of online traffic jostling for this 4.7-inch slab.

Update: As of 3:08PM ET, it looks as if the Nexus 4 is sold out. These games are no fun, now are they?

Update 2: Google has just posted this update: “Google Play is currently experiencing very high traffic. Nexus 4 is not sold out and will still be available for purchase. Please try again shortly. Thank you for your patience.” So, keep trying, we wish you luck, and let us know how you get on in comments!

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Source: Google Play Store