Android software

Announced today, Verizon's Android devices will soon come loaded with a new Games Portal, a standalone app marketplace for games (separate from Google Play) combined with a social network similar to Apple's Game Center.

Powered by PlayPhone, an experienced builder of gaming networks, Verizon's Games Portal figures to be an attractive marketplace for developers. The platform not only offers distribution to millions of Verizon customers, but it also allows these customers to take advantage of direct carrier billing, a low-friction option that could result in more games-based purchases. What's more, since Android doesn't (yet?) have … Read more

AT&T today announced that the Samsung Galaxy Express has started receiving an Android 4.1 update.

The relatively newish Samsung Galaxy Express is Ma Bell's latest Android to see the Jelly Bean update. As is the case with other Android 4.1 updates, notable improvements include Google Now, enriched notifications, and smarter widgets.

AT&T has also included a number of additional details in the Android 4.1 update, including Blocking Mode for disabling incoming calls and texts. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy Express will now feature Easy Mode, which provides users with a more stripped-down version … Read more

Evernote released a new version for Android today, bringing new photo and search features and a refreshed design to the popular note-taking app. Many of the features already exist in the iOS app, which was updated in November, but at least one is new to the company's mobile products.

The update, which also includes useful new home screen widgets, went live in the Google Play store this morning. It comes on the heels of Google's release of the Keep note-taking service last week, a product that duplicates some Evernote features and that will integrate with Google Drive.

But … Read more

In-app purchasing will finally make its way to the Barnes & Noble Nook tablet.

Nook Media, the recently formed subsidiary of Barnes and Noble, announced the news today, saying that it's partnered with mobile-payment provider Fortumo to bring in-app payments to its line of Nook tablets. Fortumo will provide the tools to developers to integrate in-app purchases. The company's platform also includes real-time data on revenue and analytics.

For the customer, the experience of in-app payments should be similar to what they've found elsewhere. The platform will allow for one-click buying; simply clicking the "Pay" … Read more

Last September, CNET's Matt Elliott told you about SnipSnap, a rather ingenious iOS app that turns printed coupons into mobile ones.

It's been a long wait, but SnipSnap has finally made its way to Android. And if you shop for anything, anywhere, ever, that should come as very good news.

SnipSnap is like a digital coupon wallet: instead of schlepping a pile of paper coupons to the store with you (or, if you're like me, forgetting to), you simply take snapshots of the ones you want, then present the app at checkout. When possible, SnipSnap cleverly converts … Read more

When it comes to finding games for Android, everyone knows that Google Play, with all its offerings, can feel downright overwhelming. With that in mind, I'm here to help you navigate through some of the clutter.

Here are some of my current favorite games for the Android platform, displayed in alphabetical order. Of course, with so many new titles being released almost on a daily basis, there's a good chance I missed some of your favorites. So, feel free to give your thoughts and even some of your recommendations in the comments, and I'll do my best … Read more

The Google Play marketplace could be getting a visual overhaul soon.

The folks over at Droid Life yesterday published photos of what they claim, is the latest version of Google Play, 4.0. The screenshots that the Android-focused site published show off several alleged design tweaks, including what appears to be a streamlined design aimed at making pages in the mobile apps a bit easier to flip through. Images are also much larger.

As Droid Life notes, the actual layout of the Google Play pages hasn't changed all that much, with search results being displayed in much the same … Read more

Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt said Android and Chrome will stay separate, according to a new report.

Speaking to reporters in India today, Schmidt said that despite changes to the mobile operating system's leadership, Android and Chrome will not be combined, according to Reuters, which was in attendance. Schmidt did say, however, that there might be more overlap between the operating systems.

In addition to Android and Chrome, Schmidt was asked about rumors that he might be considering leaving Google. Schmidt unequivocally denied he would leave, calling the rumors "completely false."

"Google is my home," … Read more

Google Voice allows you to give out one number to reach all of the phone numbers you're using at a given time. The ability to schedule "quiet time," and organize contacts into caller groups really make Google Voice a handy service. However, making Wi-Fi or data calls is a feature that has yet to make it to the app. That's where Android apps like Talkatone, GrooVeIP, and Phone for Google Voice and GTalk come into play.

Using one of these apps will allow you to sign in with your Google Voice number/account and dial calls … Read more