Flipboard for Android application posted on XDA

We learned last week that Flipboard for Android was going to be a Galaxy S III exclusive when the device launches later this month. Of course, the development community knew that as soon as someone got their grubby hands on the Galaxy S III it would be posted somewhere for easy download for any device. Turns out, that’s exactly what happened, and the apk for Flipboard has been posted on the xda developers forums.

Those brave enough to install applications from unknown sources can head over to xda and install Flipboard on your device. While we normally don’t promote app “piracy,” Flipboard is a free iOS application and will launch as a free Android application after the exclusivity period exists, and don’t believe that you can pirate something that’s free.

If you do give Flipboard for Android a download, let us know what you think of the application in the comments below.

The Guardian launch their own Google TV application in beta

Despite not being available yet in the UK, British newspaper The Guardian have gone ahead and developed a Google TV application currently in beta. Naturally it will only be available in the US on Google TV, but as it is accessed through the browser at gtv.guardiannews.com, desktop users can also take a peek. 

Seems that The Guardian chose Google TV first because Chrome allows them to build an app quickly, and release new versions frequently. It seems the aim is to use the platform to develop a stable build, then port it to other Smart TV platforms, with an emphasis then on the UK platforms.

The UI looks pretty good, and there is a good range of content on offer in both written and video format. The Guardian are keen for people to test this out, and are listening to feedback to aid them in further development.

Source: The Guardian 

Android Developers - Have you considered porting your application to the BlackBerry PlayBook?

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Before you get all bent out of shape about us talking about the BlackBerry PlayBook, keep in mind that after the recent update to BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, the PlayBook can now run Android applications. The update brought along an Android App Player which allowed Android apps to be repackaged, and submitted to App World for public downloading. For a while RIM even ran a promotion offering free BlackBerry PlayBook's to Android developers who ported their applications and submitted them to App World.

Owning a BlackBerry PlayBook I know that a few developers did take the opportunity to put their applications in App World, but not nearly as many as one would have expected. The process was really easy from RIM, they made it so your APK file could be easily repackaged into a BAR file which is read on the PlayBook. They weren't asking developers to rewrite their applications, or make huge changes, and still developers didn't jump all over it.

Personally I was left wondering why more big name applications didn't make their way over to the BlackBerry PlayBook. With a rather simple process, a free PlayBook, and an added audience of over one million users, it becomes even more alarming. So, if you are an Android developer we would love to know about your decision. Whether you have already ported, are still considering, or decided against it completely be sure to let us know how you reached your decision.

Source: CrackBerry

Android Market Developer Console adds new metrics to its Application Statistics

The Application Statistics dashboard within the Android Market's Developer Console has been upgraded with new functionality and a revamped UI in order to help developers better track their apps' performance. Previously, Applications Statistics showed developers where their app was being installed, by whom, and on which device. With the update, Application Statistics can now measure unique users as well as unique device models by tracking active installs, total installs, and daily installs and uninstalls. All data can now be broken down into stats for individual carriers as well.

Additional functionality includes the ability to track individual app versions, as well as an integrated timeline that plots the app's metrics since its arrival on the Market, allowing developers to see which promotional period, version update, or other factor contributed to a spike in installations. Along with the new features, the easier-to-manage UI improves usability and simplifies exporting data. 

The Application Statistics update is now live in the Android Market Developer Console. Android Developers' official statement can be found at the source link.

Source: Android Developers Blog