The update, which brings Netflix on Android to version 1.7 has added Facebook sharing for non-US users, as well as a few various improvements and bug fixes like most updates should. The biggest new feature though is on-screen volume controls for tablet users. Yes software volume instead of hardware controls that get in the way of the display while watching a movie. The image above nicely shows the new volume slider. (Don’t mind the Charlie Sheen Roast)

The developers from Netflix have also solved some audio related issues and stuttering, as well as improved the overall audio/video sync on both smartphones and tablets. The last and minor update was regarding screen flickering. For those experiencing flickering or weird artifacts while streaming Netflix on tablets that should also be resolved with today’s update. It is available now so head to the market and give it a try. Now lets just keep hoping for an HD version for tablets.

Market Link

Google has been updating their social app quite often to make sure it is steady, stable, and quick. Something the Facebook app for Android could use some help with. Looking over the “What’s New” from the image above we can see an entire host of changes with today’s update. Here is the full change log:

–Massive performance improvements across the app
–What’s Hot!
–View who +1′d a post or comment
–Stream posts shortened to fit more per scroll
–Infinite photos feed in ‘From your circles’
–Stream no longer jumps to the top for an automatic refresh

From my initial few minutes with the latest update things do seem to be running swiftly as I flip through pages, posts, and circles. The streams being shortened to fit more per scroll doesn’t appear to have changed too much. It looks like the previews are just slightly smaller. One of the biggest changes and something I’ve been extremely frustrated with is the automatic refresh jumping to the top. What a pain that has been. I’m extremely glad to see they’ve fixed that minor oversight. The update has just landed and is available right now. Check for updates or hit the market link below to enjoy the latest from Google. Don’t forget to circle us at +AndroidCommunity

Market Link

First off, the entire user interface, icon, and menu’s have all been updated to go along with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Complete with the color changes and all as you can see from the new cyan blue icon. Then in the image above you can see the new click-to-call feature that has been added to Android 4.0 tablets. We gave it a quick try and it worked great. The phone interface has also received these same changes, obviously, and looks pretty nice and more in line with what we’ve seen from Google lately.

The tablet version has also received the People app from ICS and you can initiate a Google Voice call right from the contacts tile, or image inside your People tab in Ice Cream Sandwich. Everything else from the what’s new list was all included with previous updates and we still have yet to receive the new final change log. Once this update starts rolling out officially we should know more. If you have troubles downloading the new update try it on the web market linked to below. Even if it says “installed” give it a click and get the latest. Someone didn’t do something right that is for sure, but we are enjoying it anyways.

Market Link

Thanks to Verizon and their NFL Mobile app, All users will be able to watch the game in full right from their favorite Android devices — Awesome! We’ve mentioned this before but figured a reminder was due with the big game being in two days and all. All 4G LTE customers get NFL Mobile’s Premium Red Zone service that usually costs a few bucks a month for free, but for the Super Bowl everyone with the app will be able to enjoy the game.

It will be the first time that the Super Bowl will be officially streamed to mobile devices, a miracle of licensing negotiation as much as a technical achievement. The BIG game will also be streamed from many other sources and sites including NBC’s Sunday Night Football Extra web service, but that requires a subscription. I’m sure there are many other ways you’ll all be watching the big game and we’d love to hear them. For everyone that isn’t on Verizon and doesn’t have NFL Mobile — sorry about that. I wish it was for all Android devices too.

We’d love to hear your plans for the Super Bowl, and how you’ll be watching it. Sound off in the comment section below and don’t forget to get the NFL Mobile app from the Market Link below.

Market Link

The update to Facebook for Android has just hit the Android Market but judging by the screenshot above they haven’t released a change-log. According to their site and comments on the Facebook for Android page they’ve brought a load of bug fixes with the latest version — although they wont detail what exactly they’ve fixed.

Are you seeing any improvements to the latest version? We are also hearing a few memory management and efficiency issues have been resolved and should keep the application running quick and smoothly for Android users. I don’t know about you guys but ever since the latest huge UI update and overhaul the app just keeps getting worse. We’ll probably see an update tonight or tomorrow to fix whatever they’ve broke today. With all the money Facebook makes, and even more now they’ve gone public you think they could create a better app. Just saying. Hit the link below and grab the shiny new update.

Market Link

This isn’t all either. Google already has multiple systems in place, from features and sandboxes built in to prevent these types of problems or information theft, to a system where they can quickly pull the ban hammer out and delete malicious apps from the market — even right off your device if severe enough. I’ve never had a malware problem myself, but some claim it is still an issue for Android.

The new Market Bouncer will work in a few ways. For one it will scan every Android Market application on Google’s cloud services and simulate it running on a device. Then check for malware or suspicious activity. And secondly, the new system will scan each app as they are introduced into the Market upon the approval process. So this will watch and protect us from new apps, and current apps that might get updated or introduce malware or suspicious activity.

Google says this will not affect the submission and approval process and works in just a few seconds — as long as your code and application are clean. What about wrongly flagged apps being removed from the market? That won’t happen either as once an application is flagged Google’s team will manually investigate the application to make sure before wrongly pulling an app or game.

I am really liking this forward thinking and positive approach to malware. What do you guys think? Google ends the security post on a good note and had this to say:

No security approach is foolproof, and added scrutiny can often lead to important improvements. Our systems are getting better at detecting and eliminating malware every day, and we continue to invite the community to work with us to keep Android safe.

While clearly anyone interested already knows it’s the Patriots vs the G-Men from New York. The app will allow you to choose any team you’d like, not just the Super Bowl teams. Although getting your favorite team logo and flag flying on your homescreen will cost you a few dollars, while the Super Bowl part is free.

It works on both phones and tablets, all screen sizes and has full support for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Once you pay for your favorite team there is all sorts of settings and options. From team ringtones, stadium background settings and more. They’ve even updated with a holiday theme and Lucas Oil Stadium options specifically for the Super Bowl.

the developer states it has been officially licensed by the NFL ensuring the app wont get pulled randomly. They even have multiple angles for the helmet and stadium view for those that don’t like the standard options. It looks like a great app and will be an awesome way to show your team spirit this weekend.

My Packers sadly lost and even though it was to the Giants — I’ll still be rooting for the G-Men come Sunday. Who is your team and who do you want to win? I’m saying Giants over the Pats 20-17 for the final score. Sound off in the comments below!

Market Link

According to the creators this app is like a fist pound with sound. Or as I’d like to put it — an NFC high five but with audio. While in general the app is not all that useful it is quite neat and shows us one of many different types of uses NFC is capable of. With Sound Pound NFC you can share a personalized audio greeting with your friends just by touching phones together. Obviously they need to be NFC capable and that could pose a problem as those are still pretty limited.

Being announce today over on Google+ Sound Pound NFC has actually been available in the Android Market since late December. Sound Pound NFC has built-in sounds that users can choose or you can create and record your own. I can see a few of my friends abusing this app myself, so that should be fun. It will run you a small fee of $0.99 for those interested and you can get it right now from the link below.

Market Link

SlashGear’s Shane McGlaun said it best this morning by saying, “Somewhere, an RIAA supporter is crying right now.” And we’d have to agree with him. After a conference this week Rovio CEO Mikael Hed had a few interesting comments regarding piracy and their Angry Birds brand. Here are a couple of quotes:

We could learn a lot from the music industry, and the rather terrible ways the music industry has tried to combat piracy.”

Piracy may not be a bad thing: it can get us more business at the end of the day,”

Rovio admits they’ve had their share of problems with piracy, but most of which was in regards to their Angry Birds merchandise and not games themselves. There is no doubt in my mind the Rovio owners would rather users buy their games, apps, and merchandise — but they way they make it sound it doesn’t appear like they are the slightest bit concerned. For a hugely successful company such as Rovio I can understand where they are coming from, but for the average Android developer that builds an awesome game and sees lackluster sales thanks to sneaky black market app stores this could be a very different story.

I personally feel that if you like a game, you should buy it. Support developers and game creators so they can continue to impress and develop for Android, or any other platform. That is why free versions and paid versions have been so successful thus far for Android because we can try before we buy. Not everyone has the luxury of Century Fox making movies of their games, or millions of bird pillows to boost sales.

What do you guys think? Obviously piracy hurts Android developers, but can it also be a good thing?

I’ve been watching Firefox for Android since about version 6 and while they are making huge improvements I still don’t see myself ever using it. The stock browser is excellent, not to mention the Android 4.0 ICS browser is awesome. I don’t even use a 3rd party browser these days. However, with Firefox 10 page scrolling and zoom seems to be steadily improved and is actually more fluid than stock — but that is about all I’m enjoying.

I swear I remember release plans and even release notes saying Flash would be here with FF10 but it still seems to be missing, although it was added to a beta last year. The latest update still requires a missing plug-in as shown below and we are stuck with ugly grey boxes instead of videos in Firefox. Everything isn’t all bad and they’ve added a few important changes. Anti-Aliasing for WebGL is now implemented and probably has a lot to do with that extremely smooth scrolling, not to mention accelerated layers in OpenGL ES and faster firefox-sync.

I did still have a random crash even though I only used FF for around 15 minutes this afternoon — so that was a bit disappointing. For fans or those that must have all the plug-ins and add-ons head to the Android Market via the link below and get it today. More details on the change-log can be found here.

Market Link

We all asked and Valve has listened — now if they’d only release HalfLife: 3 everyone would finally be happy. I have a feeling it is coming in 2012 though, just a thought. Just like we mentioned in our original announcement post the app is still under construction and says so in more than a few areas while browsing. I was hoping to see my recently played games but at the moment that button doesn’t respond to my taps.

Not only is the app out of beta for current Steam users, but all those other 3rd party apps are now being pulled from the Android Market — without notice too. While a few remain it is clear that Steam’s official app will be the only one moving forward even though their API is open to developers. If you aren’t a current Steam user just make an account and jump on the beta list and you’ll be up and running in no time over here on Android.

Once again, give me HalfLife: 3 and I’ll never complain again Valve — until I want 4 in 2018.

[via Android Market]

After initially launching in Portland and reaching over 33 cities in 2011 Google is ready to keep things rolling this year and starting today Google Offers is now available in an additional five locations. Those include: Charlotte, Kansas City, Milwaukee, San Antonio and Tampa. Deals include half off beer tastings (yes please), free glasses, $10 gets you $20 worth of food and more.

All the details for specific deals per city can be read on the official Google Commerce Blog. With discounts on food, service, and everything else around your exact location or city this is actually a really great application if you’ve not tried it yet. Anything that gets me a free cookie with a combo is good in my book — although not very healthy — thanks Google. Head down to the market link below and give Google Offers a try, especially now that it’s available in all the above cities.

One downer is the fact the application is so different from other Google Apps. No Ice Cream Sandwich style menu buttons and everything is different. I think all the different Google App developers need to be on the same page — because they clearly aren’t.

Market Link

With the new app for Android users can quickly and effectively create and scan QR codes. From there they offer a full history of created and scanned codes, and you can even share information using the NFC capabilities of Android. One of the main features of Paperlinks is the option to customize the QR codes and even add company logo’s and other designs into the code.

FEATURES:

• Instant Scan – no touching, tapping or clicking. Unlike other QR reader apps, you just open Paperlinks and scan!
• Fast – go from app to content in a split second.
• History – Access to a complete list of all previous scans.
• Full Paperlinks integration with QR codes generated through Paperlinks.com.

Looking through the Android market their new app doesn’t seem to be compatible with a wide array of devices yet but it was just launched today. It appears to only install on NFC equipped devices. Using Paperlinks as a simple QR scanner is also extremely quick and easy as it launches faster than any other app I’ve used thus far.

You can download the new Paperlinks app today from the market link below. Give it a test, then head to their official site to create your own free and custom QR codes.

Market Link

According to the folks at Droid-Life the app pack isn’t the best deal for most but those that actually need the services the bundle is pretty decent. Verizon’s own VZ Navigator and Visual Voicemail alone are usually $12.99 a month but the new map pack includes both of those services as well as NFL Premium access to the NFL Mobile app, Ringtones, and Verizon video all for the same price.

This basically means you can get navigation, visual voicemail, and NFL Red Zone video streaming and more all for one low price. Verizon is currently offering NFL Mobile to all customers but it doesn’t include the premium features — those are regularly $9.99 a month. If you’ve recently bought a 4G LTE smartphone NFL Mobile Premium was included free of charge making this not really a deal at all for LTE customers. Basically if you don’t want to use the free services from Google and feel like giving Big Red more money, give it a try.

Sound like a deal to you guys?

Both of the new features will be available in the app soon but for now are only available on the mobile web. They’ve introduced a new “what’s hot” section just by flipping to the side of your stream. This will show you anything and everything that seems to be popular in the world of Google+ — a good way to keep track of what is trending. Next they’ve also added a simple and easy way to see who all has +1′d a post.

- With What’s Hot, you can now see some of the most interesting content being shared on Google+ with a flick of your thumb. To use it, just swipe to the right of your Circles stream.

- To see who +1′d a post in the stream, just click on the +1 count underneath the post. It’s a small improvement that makes it easier to engage with others around content.

The +1 count is a small improvement and nothing major but is another way to keep communication and engagement floating. These changes appear to only be in the web version and have not hit the Android app but should be soon. Head to the market link below to get Google+ and enjoy it — because it’s getting better by the day.

Market Link

[via Google+]

The “theme engine” is the root of that customization support, meaning “every drawable (images, backgrounds, etc), all text views, and each seek bars can be themed.” The native theme resembles Google’s own app.

However, unlike Google’s version, this new app supports play/pause control by flipping the phone face down on the table, as well as shaking it to perform custom actions (such as randomizing playback). Both flipping and shaking are supported while the Music app is running in the background, too. There are new homescreen widgets, fully integrated search, social sharing and more.

The app – which will be renamed before release – is expected to drop in a the next few weeks. It will be included as part of a future CM9 build, but will also be released via the Android Market.

Android Design is split into three main sections, opening with Google’s “Creative Vision”, “Design Principles” and “UI Overvice” and then launching into detailed tutorials on Style, Patterns and Building Blocks. Some of the more noticeable aspects of ICS are name-checked, such as the emphasis on photos rather than text, the virtual buttons and pared-down contextual menus, and the ease and consistency of finding your way back out through an app.

There’s also a section on how Google’s iconography, controls and UI style in Android differs from that of iOS and Windows Phone, as a caution to those developers hoping to use relatively universal apps across all three platforms.

“Deviate with purpose” Google says, suggesting that developers are free to change things up but only if there’s particularly good reason for it. With the risk of fragmentation a well-worn theme about Android, this could be Google’s opportunity to herd its coders into a more iOS-like equilibrium.

[via SlashGear]

Full details on the Google Maps game haven’t been revealed, but it looks like the floorplan data is used to track users as they move around and collect points. We’ve seen location-based gaming before, but Google’s heft and the huge number of Android devices in the wild could mean it finally takes hold in the mainstream.

As for the current Google Maps app, that also has new battery improvements that reduce power consumption for Latitude users, while the Transit Navigation beta can now use vehicle speed to figure out positioning if the GPS fix is lost. There are also more public transport route options shown by default.

Google Maps is a free download for Android devices.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

As reported by liveside, over on Microsoft Careers is a new job posting looking for 2 years experience with software development. Preferably mobile development and it even mentions “Experience of Windows Phone, iOS, or Android development is a big plus”.

It doesn’t really surprise me that Micro$oft would want to bring their features to Android — after all it is the number one mobile OS and is growing every day. They are already making bank from all the patent and lawsuits they’ve settled, might as well get some from the Xbox side of things too. As much as I’m not a fan of Microsoft as of late this would be a great move and I’d love to have Xbox Live mobile gaming on my Android phones and tablets.

It appears that Microsoft is planning to bring Xbox Live experiences to other platforms, including location based gaming, social networking, and avatars — much like we currently see on Xbox Live. Why they’d bring one of Windows Phone 7′s best and exclusive features to other platforms beats me, but we’ll take it. Part of the job description mentions team members will “have the luxury to work with all sorts of mobile devices to create the official Xbox LIVE mobile experiences.” So It seems they’ll be going after all major platforms.

Hopefully we’ll hear more on this from Microsoft but in the meantime does anyone want to apply?

[via Businessinsider]

No more searching for a USB cable or removing the micro-SD card to add pictures or videos from your Android device to the computer. You can do everything completely hassle and wire-free using SugarSync. Once you download and get all the settings and set up finished the rest is completely automatic and requires no action from the user.

SugarSync is calling this a “zero-step” process for getting pictures and video on your computer. When you capture video it will detect and upload the video to the cloud (in the background) then transfer your movies right to your PC. SugarSync knows that tiered mobile plans are also an issue and will not sync videos over 3G/4G and instead will wait for a WiFi connection to start the process — with no interaction from the user. Even if you have pictures set to sync over 3G it knows to wait for WiFi with large video files.

I’ve used this a bit in the past but Google+ was doing most of this for me, but not video. And now with AutoSync for video I’ll be using this plenty in the future. I have a feeling this could come in handy for those special or urgent moments. For those looking for an extremely quick, easy, and hassle-free way to get all their content right to their PC look no further than SugarSync — update available now. Check out AirDroid too if you haven’t already.

SugarSync Market Link