World Mobile News

Another reason for developers to consider tablet designs for their apps Just as was previously announced , the Play Store is undergoing a few changes for those with tablets today. Although it has been an option for some time, when browsing app categories on a tablet you'll now be shown apps that are marked as "designed for tablets" by default. In addition, any apps that haven't been updated to be fully tablet-compatible will be marked as "designed for phones" under their title in the Play Store, giving you a warning of sorts that the app may not work properly. Google is taking this opportunity to remind developers how to make their apps compatible with tablets , as well as to go above and beyond to make experiences that are preferable on tablets rather than simply compatible. Through the Developer Console you can simple head to the "tablet optimization tips" area and see what is keeping your app from being listed as tablet ready. Source: +And...

Updated Chrome extension supports rich notifications Yet another Motorola-specific app is making its way from being pre-loaded to now being managed on the Play Store, and this time it's Motorola Connect. Falling in right behind the move of Motorola Assist to Google Play , the latest version of Motorola Connect will be available to update on Motorola's Android 4.4 devices, and have a few new features. The app, which lets you manage calls and texts in conjunction with a Chrome browser extension , will now work even if you've integrated your SMS into Hangouts and can be updated independent of the OS now that it's in the Play Store. You'll need the latest version of the Motorola Connect Chrome extension as well, which now supports Chrome's rich notifications, to complete the system. The latest Android app can be found at the Play Store link above, and the Chrome extension is downloadable from the source link below. Source: +Punit Soni ; Chrome Web Store       ...

More developers can start making Glassware Although we're closing in on an official launch of the Glass Development KIt, Google has just opened up the Mirror API for all developers to make apps with. Far less versatile than the upcoming GDK , the Mirror API is a limited tool that lets developers create apps for Google Glass that plug into a few different features of the headset. The API was previously limited to certain developers that expressed interest in the platform, but its now open for everyone to take a swing at make Glassware. Even with the GDK on the horizon, having the Mirror API be completely open is a good move in the right direction. We're still at a preview stage for the GDK, meaning it could again be some time before all developers can get their hands on those new tools. Ready to take a look at making Glassware now that the API is out of developer preview? Now's the time. Source: +Google Developers ; Google Developers        

Listed as an online-only accessory for now The days of constrained Chromecast supply are long gone, as Verizon is yet another retailer selling the $35 TV dongle. Coming in right behind Motorola which just started selling Google's accessory and long after both Amazon and Google Play have offered it, Verizon is prominently displaying the Chromecast as a great accessory on its main page. It seems as though the Chromecast from Verizon is an online-only deal, at least for now, and with a free shipping offer this is certainly the "great gift idea!" that Verizon is touting it as. We can imagine more than a few people will be impulse-buying this accessory when they do their holiday shopping on the Verizon website this year. Source: Verizon