Most of us have experienced a long in-game download like Gameloft’s Asphalt 6, and then realized the refund period has already passed. In the Android Market, these expansion files are added to the 50MB size of your application so users know how much space the app will ‘really’ take up. There’s nothing worse than downloading an application just to find out you’ve run out of storage when downloading in-game content.

Most newer devices should download expansion files automatically, but for older ones it downloads them when you first run the application. The sooner developers take advantage of this extra space on the Android Market the better, because installation via its servers are very fast opposed to some others. Google has included some ‘Helpful Resources’ on their Android Developers blog for developers aspiring to implement these expansion files into their applications, so be sure to take a look.

[via Android Developers Blog]

It isn’t available for the public yet, but the House 4 Hack team from Johannesburg have been working for the past few days on perfecting it. They are using a Samsung Galaxy Note to test it, and are primarily trying to make use of the included digitizer pen. They first plan to have users trace an uploaded picture, and then the program can add depth to the trace. Other shapes should then be able to be placed upon the primary layer.

It doesn’t allow wireless printing for now, but instead users will upload their creations onto a USB and plug them into the 3D printer. This project was primarily developed to enter into a science fair, in hopes to allow school kids a chance to experiment with the program. It is much more complicating than meets the eye, and one of the guys working on Paint3D described what’s in store for its future in great detail. This is definitely worth checking out!

[via TalkAndroid]

All you really need to know is it will search and help you discover all things Android applications. Although they do support that other main competitor too — although WP7 seems to be missing. The new Apps portal went live this week giving users access to Android and iOS applications in an easy to use and navigate page. Complete with results, reviews, ratings, and even a gallery of large previews and more.

Users can browse Yahoo’s suggested apps or search and filter their results by operating system, price, and category to make things simple. The new portal only directs users to the actual Android Market so we don’t really have anything new here, just basically a page that will forward you to the already available market. However, they do add Yahoo reviews in with market reviews to give users a better selection to read from and help decide. Give it a try from the link below and let us know if it’s useful, or pointless.

Yahoo Apps

[via Android Central]

The last update back in October enhanced the tablet experience but today’s update brings it up to speed with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Not only does it work great with Android 4.0 like the pictures show, but it no longer will feel stretched out and modded for tablets — this is a full on tablet experience now. Feel free to use and love the best cloud-based documents application for Android on those tablets with ease.

Google has added offline support with the touch of a button. And if you edit any documents while offline they will automatically be recognized and uploaded to the cloud once online again — neat right? The tablet experience as we mentioned above also has been improved in regards to reading documents and will now be even more “high-def” according to Google. All the details are available from the Google Mobile Blog. Get the new and improved version from the Android Market now.

Market Link

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

The teaser video seriously doesn’t reveal much other than some sort of universal infrared or other powered remote control system — being demoed on a Sony Ericsson Xperia handset shown in the image above. This appears to be a very simple application that will power on and control things like TV’s, music players, an old gramophone and more but they show it off in a different light then you’d expect. Check out the video so you can be as confused as I am.

You can see they aim the Xperia handset towards each device making us believe this is a Infrared type system but it really could be anything. The user interface appears to only be a “dot” on the screen for simple on/off toggle or switching these devices on but that is about all it reveals. According to the splash at the end this “new entertainment” will be announced on February 21st — a day before the Sony PS Vita. IR isn’t too popular on US handsets but many of Sony’s other markets have the feature so we aren’t fully sure what to expect — but will be sure to follow along for more details.

[via SlashGear]

The app features links to exhibitors, keynote events, news, hotel and travel, personal schedule news, alerts, maps and many other useful items. I downloaded it and it has worked very well thus far. The app is easy to navigate, intuitive and speedy, and is packed with features for the future such as special offers, FAQs, a friends link, all of which should make the time spent there productive. The exhibitors link is especially useful since it lists types of exhibits and then by vendor with their location at CES and contact information for the vendors.

This year’s show will likely introduce several new quad core mobile devices (namely tablets, but perhaps some smartphones too,) and hopefully some great new designs from manufacturers of devices of all manners. Android 4.0, better known as Ice Cream Sandwich should be introduced on a host of new devices (if we’re lucky). Android Community will be there to cover all of the new product and innovation coming to market for 2012. Watch our website via our soon to be gigantic [CES 2011 portal] for our in depth coverage.

Unlike our list of top smartphone apps today we’ll just feature 5 awesome Android tablet apps — or six. Below are a few of the personal favorites from Android Community that we’ve featured in the past because they are just that great. We’ll start with my all time favorite for showing off graphics.

Riptide GP
If you’d like to show off the amazing graphics or games available for that new tablet be sure and get Riptide GP. This is the premiere racing game for Android — only its all on water. This jet-ski style high paced racing game will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the edge of your tablet screen. Controlling jet ski’s by cranking that tablet left and right like a steering wheel sounds fun right? With some of the best graphics on a mobile device this will keep you entertained with hours of gameplay. The water effects in particular are highly impressive.

Market Link

Dolphin Browser for Pad
While still currently at a beta level Dolphin Browser is the best 3rd party browser for Android hands-down (if you ask me). The stock tablet browser is quite excellent but Dolphin’s access to gestures, ad-ons and more give the user even more power with their tablet.

Market Link

SHADOWGUN
Now this is another game that might cost a few bucks but hopefully you received an extra gift card or two for the holidays. Shadowgun brings Gears of War to Android tablets and is quite impressive. For anyone that loves shooter games this third person shooter has over 8 hours of gameplay and is more of a full featured game than most. With a regular version, THD for Tegra 2 tablets, and now even support for the NVIDIA Tegra 3 this game by far has some of the most impressive graphics I’ve seen on a mobile device to date.

Market Link, TegraZone

SwiftKey X Tablet
With Android we have the option for 3rd party keyboard alternatives and they give you the option to customize your entire experience. If the stock keyboard doesn’t sit right with you I’d recommend SwiftKey X Tablet. They offer a complete package with themes, customization, and even an option to learn from the users Facebook, Gmail, or Twitter habits to learn your style. Then their tier-one prediction engine will even save you precious time and keystrokes. SwiftKey X for Tablets also has a split key “thumb” view to use just the edges for easy typing on the large 10″ displays.

Market Link

Another great alternative is Thumb Keyboard and you can see our hands-on here.

HD Widgets
Widgets are single handed one of my favorite aspects of Android. Having the power to add anything and everything to your homescreen really makes your device unique to you — unlike all those iThings. If you’ve seen awesome weather and time icons taking up screen real estate most likely it was Beautiful Widgets or even weatherbug for tablets. My favorite has always been Beautiful Widgets but the new kid on the block is HD Widgets and it currently is what graces my homescreens. Being HD and having that extra polish with color choices, curved and rounded edges and tons of transparency options it really is the best around. While its not a full suite of widgets they have more than enough for any phone or tablet size.

Market Link

I know I said five but don’t forget to check out Google Currents — as we are a featured partner over at our sister site SlashGear. Currents is Google’s new RRS style news reader for tablets and is amazing.

We’ll keep this short and sweet so you can all enjoy your new tablet and gadgets (and don’t forget your family). Alternatively you can head to the Android Web Market and check out the specific tablet apps Google themselves recommend.

Have fun and have a Merry Christmas!

Now we know not everyone uses their smartphone for the same thing. Some people love games like Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja — and others just want to take notes, get help with shopping lists, track their fantasy football team and more. The list below are a few that may appeal to a wide array of users although you can hit our hands-on portal to see many more we’ve featured in the past.

This post is all about smartphones as I’m sure many got a shiny new Galaxy Nexus or HTC Amaze 4G this holiday season and were looking for a few good apps.

First off we must mention Beautiful Widgets. Not only is it on sale currently but it’s also the most popular widget and most purchased Android application and is a sure favorite for any Android phone or tablet.

Beautiful Widgets will tell you the weather and time and look good while doing it — it also has widgets for anything and everything from battery meters, WiFi easy toggle switches, and much much more. We’ve reviewed it a few times here already and it shouldn’t need much explaining. If someones Android phone had a neat weather/clock icon taking up part of their screen that you liked — most likely it was Beautiful Widgets.

Market Link

Next we have Dolphin Browser. The stock web browser is quite excellent and many love it but Dolphin just adds that extra level of polish and options many users need or want. With tabbed browsing, gestures, color themes, add-ons like FireFox or Chrome and more it is highly usable and very versatile.

Market Link

Everyone loves the simple games we listed above like Fruit Ninja or Angry birds so how about a few that are even more amazing that most might now know about. There is way too many to list so here are just a few:

Shadowgun
EA Real Racing 2
Grand Theft Auto III (oh yea!)
Madden 2012
Words with Friends
and a couple of my favorites are Asphalt 6 or Cut the Rope

We could go on forever on games as there are a plenty but they aren’t for everyone so here are a few more must get apps.

Evernote — the easiest and most simple way to take and share notes. This is great for shopping, keeping track of your day, or basically any of the other thousand reasons we all take notes. You can snap a photo and make a note, write it down, or even record your voice.

Evernote turns your Android device into an extension of your brain!

Market Link

File Managers are a very popular Android application as they give users complete and absolute control and access of their devices. Basically making your Android phone display every file in a PC or computer style for easy access, navigation, copying and more. We’ll recommend three — one is our favorite but ad based, one is absolutely free with no ads and the other is a MUST have for root users.

Astro File Manager
ES File Explorer
and last but not least is Root Explorer for everyone that roots their phone — this is a must have app.

Next we’ll mention keyboards since not everyone likes the stock keyboard that comes with their smartphone. I’d highly recommend SwiftKey X as it is the most useful and amazing keyboard for a phone hands down. Next would have to go to Swype because it is just awesome and fun to use — not to mention the new updates they’ve recently released.

We’d also like to round off this list with a few random but excellent applications for Android other than the usual Google Maps type of comments — since most Google apps come standard out of the box. We’d recommend Pandora Radio, Dropbox, Google Reader, AirDroid (control phone from pc), and Shazam for music tagging.

This is a pretty random selection but after gathering the lists from everyone here at Android Community we just had way too many and figured we’d round em all up and list the most popular or useful ones of all. There are hundreds of thousands of apps in the Android Market so head on over and see for yourself. Feel free to see our Tablet Apps roundup post for anyone with a new Galaxy Tab or Transformer Prime.

We’ll end it right here as I’m sure you’re all dying to enjoy those new phones just received for Christmas so give a few of our suggestions a try, or feel free to recommend a couple favorites of your own in the comment section below. Don’t forget to stay right here at Android Community for all your Android related news. Get the AC App for the latest and greatest from the world of Android.

In 2012 we’ll be seeing tons of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich quad-core phones and tablets — it will be a fun time for the world of Android that is for sure. What better way to celebrate then watching the NYC Ball drop right from your Android smartphone or tablet since we can’t all be lucky enough to live in the Big Apple.

I’ll most likely be out on the streets of the Las Vegas Strip with a warm jacket and a few friends but I’ll be sure and watch this from my shiny new Galaxy Nexus. The official app allows for sharing of photos, sharing your location, watching the ball drop live, reading up on past New Years Eve events and more. A few lucky uploaded photos will appear on the Toshiba super-screen so be sure and upload a few.

For those that love to get into the seasons and the mood this would be the perfect application. Get it today from the market link below and bring in the New Year with ease.

Market Link: Times Square Ball Drop

Microsoft is calling this the official app for all things Halo and we’d have to agree. Waypoint tracks your career and campaign, stats, and more. It breaks things down by enemy or weapon too. You can connect with friends and even make custom challenges all from the new Halo Waypoint. It offers real time tracking so you can see your location on map in real-time during multiplayer sessions. Providing an overhead view that will show weapon, vehicle, and even player locations — making this your Halo multiplayer companion app.

Many of these awesome new features are in what they are calling Waypoint ATLAS although that will be an additional purchase from what I understand but will bring your gaming to a new level. The main app however, is absolutely free and available now in the Android Market. Currently it works on all Android 2.2 and above devices although they do mention no support for qHD devices but will update shortly to include more compatibility. Give it a try and let us know what you think.

[via Androinica]

This is a pretty big deal and they’ve been offering some amazing apps for just $0.10 ¢ and today is day four of the 10 days of apps fun. To see all the current and past applications on sale just hit up our 10 billion link. As you can see from the image above we’re having a few issues getting said apps to install. We’ve had numerous tips and a few of our team members have had similar problems recently.

Today’s deals include Shazam Encore and Jelly Defense — two apps we have been having an extremely hard time getting to install. This is more of a public service announcement than anything to inform our readers to keep trying because most likely the servers are slightly overwhelmed with the huge response from buyers. I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve snatched up most of the $0.10 ¢ apps each day although I own at least half already.

While Google could be making changes, or getting ready to push another update for the Android Market most likely the problems being seen from various users is simply because so many people are downloading these awesome deals at the same time. If it doesn’t work give it a try in a few more minutes and most likely you’ll be fine. We’ve since been able to download every app we’ve wanted so things could be calming down too.

Let us know if you are experiencing similar problems, as this could be something else.

As you’d expect home is your basic timeline as we all know and love full of 140 character comments of joy. Connect is quite neat and this provides on easy to access space for all your interaction from notifications, mentions, new followers, retweets, etc. all in one place. At first it seemed like too much going on in one tab for me but I quickly got the hang of the new design changes. Personally I’ll be sticking with Tweetdeck still — just saying.

Then we have keywords hashtags and trending topics all in the discover tab. Which makes complete sense for an area to discover new and exciting things. Make sure to search for #android and be sure to follow @androids for the latest news from Android Community. Obviously we shouldn’t really need to explain the “Me” tab much because that is pretty self explanatory otherwise you probably shouldn’t be using Twitter. Honestly I’m not sure if I like the new UI or not as the old was pretty good if you ask me. Either way the new experience should be easier, seamless, and much smoother so give it a try at the market link below.

Market Link

Apparently this update is all about speed, something that has been needing some attention for some time in the world of Android and Facebook. The UI has some awesome changes and the screenshots above only show us a small glance. A huge part of Facebook is photos and that part of the application has received a huge overhaul too. Photos and albums are said to be around two times faster than their current app. With photo sharing, comment viewing, and caption editing all seeing major improvements.

Messages and notifications have now been moved to the top of the display. Respond to friends and more all without leaving the current page you are on. Having notifications on the top as well as the menu button up there as well should make things easy, simple, visible, and extremely fast for users. A lot of these changes are similar to the desktop version and it’s nice to finally see Facebook making some huge improvements for Android. It is not available yet but should be pushed to the market later tonight for download. I’ll be hanging out at Google+ personally.

Facebook Market Link

[via Facebook Blog]

For all the information on this newest version you can see our coverage and hands-on of the Alpha version here, and the beta release last week right here. SwiftKey X may be an editors choice on the Android Market and the fastest selling 3rd party keyboard but that isn’t stopping them from making even more improvements to make this the best typing experience around. Here is a list of what to expect with v2.2 available today.

— Full language localization for major European languages
— Typing support extended to 35 languages, including Arabic and Hebrew
— New multi-touch framework for faster typing
— Prediction/correction boosted by faster, more efficient Fluency engine
— Full support for Android 4.0 operating system (Ice Cream Sandwich)
— UX enhancements, including better settings menu, alternative character selection and sharing features

Obviously having more language options is a big update for the thousands of users that weren’t supported before the update. One of the biggest parts of this update is multi-touch support, and the option to re-size the keyboard height in portrait and landscape both. They’ve added additional enhanced support for more screen sizes such as the many 7″ tablets available, as well as full Android 4.0 support and 1280 x 720p resolutions like the Galaxy Nexus.

We have plenty of pictures in the gallery below for those considering the purchase but I have a few quick screenshots of the re-sizable keyboard as I’m sure many want to see how that works. The change isn’t huge but for the many different screen sizes and resolution in Android this is actually an awesome feature that will enable any user on any device to get the size that feels right for them.

This is as simple as selecting the option in settings. Some might want a completely customizable option but for now we have small, normal and large but overall its worked well for my 10″ tablet since I wanted it a bit smaller, and my 7″ tab that I felt could use a bigger size.

Aside from all the languages, heatmapping, keystrokes saved and more that you get from SwiftKey X they’ve also improved how fast the text prediction works. Some users might not notice right away but someone like me using SwiftKey since the beginning I can tell a huge difference. We also have multitouch support which works great on both phones and tablets. Being able to toggle the CAPS lock tab or numbers by just holding down, tapping what you want and letting go is just one more reason SwifyKey X makes typing quick, fluid and easy.

Don’t take my word for it. Give the latest and greatest a try by downloading it today in the Android Market. They have a free version too but I’d spring for the works and enjoy everything SwiftKey has to offer.

SwiftKey X Keyboard
SwiftKet X Tablet

Updated to version 0.4.2.38 this afternoon you can now prefetch your voicemail. Meaning they can be listened to even when there is no data coverage or you are in a spotty area. Among a few other new enhancements they’ve added a feature that GVoice has been missing for a long time — the option to send messages to multiple recipients. With today’s update you can now easily and simply send messages to everyone you need at the same time whether its co-workers, family, or whoever. Here are the three main new improvements:

-Prefetch voicemails so they can be listened to even when there is no data coverage
-Allow sending text messages to multiple recipients
-Improved text message notification

If you’ve been considering taking the dive into Google Voice now would be a good time. You get a new number you can use for whatever you’d like and it can send or receive calls and messages for much cheaper than your current plan probably offers. I’m pretty excited to give this multiple messages upgrade a try as I’m sure all of you are. Head down to the Android Market via the link below to get the latest and greatest from Google.

[via Google Voice]

Browse movies at nearby theaters, search for the nearest theater with Google Maps, read reviews, watch HD movie trailers and even buy your tickets all without leaving the couch. I’ve been a long time user of Fandango and love the application but now having a Honeycomb and tablet optimized version is even better. I usually use the app while I’m out and about but this is great for those tablet users.

They offer tons of options and even show movies that are coming soon, with full voice search you can find and preview and flick you’d like with the new app for tablets. Basically everything found in the smaller phone version is present but prettier and bigger for tablets. You can even purchase movies right inside the app using a credit card or even Fandango bucks or gift cards. If you are a fan of movies be sure to give this new app for tablets a test. It’s in the Android market and you can try it now by clicking here.

Today HTC made the partnership official on their Facebook page but they didn’t share any other details regarding the partnership or how they plan to move forward. Whether this will only be with new HTC Android phones, or if old users can sign up and receive the same treatment is not yet known. Either way Dropbox is amazing and I highly recommend you check it out.

HTC went from offering all Sense 3.5 users free Dropbox storage to now allowing all Android phones the same luxury, something I’m sure no one will have any complaints about although it will now come pre-installed, but I’d never actually call it bloatware. As soon as we learn the full details from HTC we’ll be sure to update with the latest. Now go get Dropbox by clicking here.

Gone are the days of root methods and trickery to get Netflix on your Android 3.0 tablet, now all you need to do is get the official application right from the Android market and enjoy all the Daniel Tosh or TV shows your heart desires. Sadly, if you look at our picture below it shows that Netflix now supports Honeycomb, but in no way is designed for it.

The Netflix user interface hasn’t changed and is completely designed for smartphone users and not tablets. So while we have official support, me along with many others are still left hoping for an official Netflix tablet application. Maybe we’ll finally get one with Ice Cream Sandwich finally here. The main issue isn’t the UI, but the streaming is designed for a smaller display and not a 7 or 10″ 1280 x 800 display like we have with Honeycomb.

Either way it’s available so get it now!

Obviously this application will require you to be rooted, but essentially you can record everything you do on your phone right from this application with full 25 fps and high resolution quality. Then play it back and share it with whoever you’d like. We ran it a few times during our initial review and demo linked to above and while it was a bit laggy at times and occasionally had a graphics glitch, the latest updates have fixed all that. Developers can use this to demo their newest game and post the video preview in the market and more, the possibilities with this application are up to you. Now we can record video and explain things as you go or capture the game and applications audio making this an all in one solution. Check out our early video demo below:

ScreenCast screen recording demo (no audio)

The developers of ScreenCast seem to be very actively updating this app and we only expect more great things to come. Many users requested being able to also record audio and today’s update brought just that — a toggle for audio recording at the same time and it works great and sounds perfect, no hissing or buzzing. The next update according to developers is the option to stream your video live as you record, that would be awesome. We wont get into too many details as you can see more in our review. For now head down to the Android market and give this a try by clicking here.