Android's Jelly Bean contingent finally surpasses Gingerbread

It's a new era, we tell ya. An era where Google can finally say that its latest build of Android is also the one being used by the greatest majority of Android users. For over a year, Android 4.1+ has been the most up-to-date build of Google's mobile OS, and yet, the greatest majority of those accessing the Play Store were using a build that was bordering on antediluvian. According to the official Developers Dashboard, the percentages have slid to a point where Android Jelly Bean -- which encompasses 4.1.x and 4.2.x -- now represents 37.9 percent of Play Store users. Gingerbread (v2.3.3 through 2.3.7) has fallen to second place with 34.1 percent, while Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.3 through 4.0.4) holds down the bronze with 23.3 percent. Hit up the source link to view the full breakdown, and do us a solid -- if you know someone still using Donut, grab 'em a Christmas-in-July present.

Snapchat Android update adds transparency, still lacks 'bad judgment' filter

The latest version of Snapchat's Android app cleans up its interface and adds gesture-based navigation controls. Everything from conversation view and the contact list received a once over making it feel more like a platform-native app, even though it's more than a blush similar to the last iOS update. Perhaps the biggest fix is the new shutter button, which is a clear bubble instead of a big blue bar. Now nothing's obscuring your view of a poor snap decision.

Microsoft overhauls OneNote apps for iOS and Android

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Skype's not the only Microsoft app that's getting a major mobile redesign this week. The company announced today that the iPhone, iPad and Android versions of its OneNote note-taking software are also getting a ground-up overhaul. At the top of the list of updates is a more consistent rich editing experience across devices, with formatting like text, tables and layout carrying over, regardless of platform. The redesign also brings syncing across SkyDrive Pro and SharePoint, as well as an end to that 500-note limit imposed by the app. And if you download the new version for the iPad, you'll get access to the Office Ribbon UI. The new OneNote is available now via the App Store and Google Play in the US and other "select" markets. More deets on the updates can be found in the source link below.

Google issues a small update for Gmail on Android, brings back the delete button

The last update Google made to Gmail for Android was quite substantial and included a lot of user interface changes. One of them was the removal of the Delete button, which caused a hurricane of negative feedback. Today, Google has responded by bringing back the Delete button in a small update for its mail client on Android.

Other than that, the latest version of the Gmail (v4.5.2) includes an undisclosed number of bugfixes as well as the feature to select multiple emails by tapping on their sender’s photo.
Before the update, you had to go in the Settings menu and manually bring up the Delete button. Now, it’s sitting next to the Archive button by default. Follow the source link below to visit the Gmail app on the Google Play Store website and push the update to your smartphone.

Facebook announces Android app beta testing program starting June 27th (update: now with links)

Facebook's always working on improving its mobile apps, and doing so for Android has proven to be a unique challenge. To aid in Android development, Facebook's starting up a new beta testing program to help identify bugs and get user feedback before each monthly release. You see, Facebook has found that the huge diversity of hardware and OS software in the Android ecosystem makes it difficult to find every bug and issue with new releases when using only internal folks (and their limited number and kinds of devices) as testers. Thankfully, at Google I/O this year, Google announced a new framework that allows app builders to create a Google Group for beta testers and have them download beta versions of apps from the Play Store.
Facebook has created just such a group and wants Android users the world over to sign up as beta testers. To get in on the dogfooding action, folks simply need to sign up for the Google group, then opt-in to become a beta tester and head over to Google Play to download the app. Additionally, Facebook has created its own FB group to facilitate discussion between testers and devs, and while it wants folks to join, it's not a requirement. Once you're on the new version, you need only use the app as they normally would. Reporting bugs is easy: just tap the new "Report Bug" icon in the settings menu, and the necessary information will get sent to Zuckerberg's crew. The best news? The program starts today at noon, and you'll be able to download the newest Facebook app beta directly.

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YouView releases Android app for remote recording and weekly listings

As promised by the free-to-view UK TV service, YouView's finally launched its dedicated Android app. Offering the ability to browse a full week of program listings for its collection of over 70 TV and radio channels, the app can also remotely record TV shows. With the iOS version, you can connect up to five devices, with YouView promising it'll run on "most Android 2.3 devices" with special optimization done for the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S II, LG Nexus 4, HTC One S and, er, Galaxy Ace. Visit the source to download the app to your own Android device.

Official Imgur app launches on Android, still going through checks on iOS

If you’re a fan of Reddit, or memes, or the whole internet comedy via images thing then you’ve probably have or heard or used Imgur’s services. It’s the place to store all your pictures, memes, screenshots, and what not.

And now we’ve finally received an official app straight from Imgur. It’s already available for download on Google Play and is expected to launch on iOS soon, after it’s been thoroughly checked out.
The app lets you organize your albums, comment and like photos, browse repositories and, naturally, upload photos straight from your device.
The app is expected to get some caption-adding soon so you will get to make those memes from your phoney pretty soon. Get the app at the Source link below.

HP officially announces the Slate 21 AIO Android tablet with Tegra 4 chipset

At an event in Beijing, China, HP officially took the wraps off the Slate 21 Android tablet. It’s built around a 21.5″ IPS display sporting a 1920×1080 pixels resolution.

The rather oversized tablet is powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 4 chipset and runs Android 4.2.2. The extra space is further used to house a dual speakers DTS Digital Theater Systems setup. The all-in-one comes with a keyboard and mouse out of the box.

The HP Slate 21 also features a rear kickstand allowing you to place the tablet at a 30-degree angle. Sadly, HP hasn’t revealed the rest of the specs such as internal storage, microSD card support, ports and connectivity options. Pricing and availability are still anyone’s guess.

According to Google+ user Giulio Cervera new camera features are coming to Android 4.2.2-based CyanogenMod 10.1 exclusively for the Xperias V, T, Z, ZL and Wi-Fi and LTE Tab Z.

The new features include HDR imaging (not video), ISO modes, Scene modes and Sony’s image and video digital stabilization.
There’s no word when exactly the new features will arrive but apparently there will also be more to come – perhaps some of Sony’s custom-made services/apps will also join the mix on the purified Xperias as a result of the tighter collaboration between Sony and the dev community.

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 revisits the FCC with AT&T-native LTE Mobile

Yes, we've seen Samsung's Galaxy Mega 6.3 at the FCC before. With its second visit, however, there's something special. The extra-large phone is back as the SGH-i527, and it's carrying AT&T-native LTE that hints at a probable US carrier deal. There aren't any other visible changes in the filing, although we weren't expecting any. The real question is when this behemoth will ship to the States, assuming it ships at all -- for now, any possible AT&T launch remains shrouded in mystery.

LG's Optimus G followup to feature a Snapdragon 800 CPU Mobile

LG and Qualcomm have enjoyed a close relationship for mobile phone chips, and it appears that will continue with the next Optimus G device, which is due in Q3. A press release tonight promises it will feature a Snapdragon 800 CPU for "the ultimate mobile experience" -- a claim benchmarks seem to back up. Qualcomm says the new 800 chip can best the original Optimus G's S4 Pro by "up to 75 percent" in performance, although what may be more interesting is how this aligns with a LS980 handset that recently leaked on Sprint's website. The release also highlights the new chip's ability to use LTE Advanced carrier aggregation for even faster bandwidth speeds, so while a Galaxy S 4 variant may deliver the feature first, it probably won't be alone for long.

Logitech ships Harmony Ultimate Hub in August for $100, remote not required HD

To date, home theater mavens who've wanted Logitech's Harmony Ultimate Hub have had to buy it as part of a Harmony Ultimate or Harmony Smart Control bundle -- neither kit being a bargain for viewers with existing gear. They'll have a better option soon, as Logitech now expects to ship its promised stand-alone version of the Ultimate Hub to Europe and the US in August. Those who shell out $100 will have the same IR, RF and WiFi support as the bundled hub, just without the redundant hardware. They can even rely solely on Logitech's free Android or iOS apps for input, should adedicated remote seem archaic. The Ultimate Hub may be well-timed: when alternative remote control bridges are fading away, Logitech may snag some of those customers looking for a replacement.