Google posts updated 4.1.1 binaries for Nexus phones, including the Nexus S 4G

Google has posted the updated JRO03H (Android 4.1.1) closed binary files today, including those for the Nexus S4G.  That means one thing -- expect about a bazillion new AOSP Jelly Bean ROMs to be ready for download shortly, especially for the Sprint Nexus S. Before you ask, this has nothing to do with any OTA. These are the files that folks need to build Jelly Bean from the source code, and get everything working like it should. Developers have been working with the existing 4.1.1 source code since it dropped, but with these files there's 100-percent less hackery needed to get things like cameras, NFC, and Wimax working as intended on supported phones. While we see new files for the GSM Nexus phones, the Xoom, and even the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, Sprint's Galaxy Nexus is still absent.

As we saw when the Ice Cream Sandwich binaries were released, it could be more than a month until Google and Sprint get any OTA worked up, so this is a solid option if you need the butter. We all love the butter.

Don't fret if you're not up to speed with things like fastboot and flashing, because there's a great group of fellows in the Nexus S 4G forums who live to play with this sort of thing. Head in there, poke around a bit, then holler for any help you need. You'll be running Jelly Bean in no time.

Source: Google. Thanks, everyone who sent this in!

Gmail updated with improved 7-inch tablet support, new labels API

For the first time since the launch of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the official Gmail app for Android has been updated. The new version is available right now through the Google Play Store, so head to the "My Apps" tab to get yourself up-to-date.

There's not too much in the way of radical changes in this latest Gmail app update -- the changelog reveals that Google's rolling our improved 7-inch tablet support on Android 4.0 and above, and a new "labels" API for third-party apps on Android 2.2 and above. The former obviously refers to the Nexus 7, which is now starting to make its way out to consumers around the world. Despite the news of 7-inch tablet improvements, we haven't been able to track down exactly what Google's changed on our Nexus 7. The UI is much the same as it was before, so we're likely looking at subtle alterations for 7-inch tablet owners. The new labels API is also a bit of a mystery. It's possible this is a replacement for functionality removed around a year ago which disabled third-party Gmail widgets, though this too is mere speculation.

Users on all versions of Android also get a healthy helping of bug fixes and performance improvements, so that's reason enough to upgrade even if you're not a Nexus 7 owner or an application developer.

If you've noticed any dramatic changes in this new version of Gmail, hit the comments and let us know what you've found.

Download: Gmail on Google Play

BIG Launcher updated with slew of new customization options

BIG Launcher has just updated their replacement Android launcher built for the visually impaired. As the name suggests, BIG Launcher provides a bare-bones, high-contrast interface with gigantic icons. Size can be changed, and individual icons can be read out loud through text-to-voice wizardry. Here's the 2.0 changelog for BIG Launcher.

• sms editor
• sms forwarding
• unlimited screens
• background image on screens
• buttons can have any icon
• buttons can link to contact detail
• big battery and signal icons
• search in applications list
• new upgrade dialog with changelog
• ability to set external dialer application
• ability to delete call log enteries (optional)
• battery, signal content description on home header for talkback
• localized buttons in preferences dialogs
• safe borders
• favorite contacts moved to second position in phone menu
• sent sos sms saved to database

You can check out our review of BIG Launcher, or download version 2.0 at the link below. Anyone having a hard time convincing grandma to try out an Android device? Think something like this would help?

Download: BIG Launcher ($1.49)

Dead Trigger now free and updated with new content

 

Yesterday we heard that Dead Trigger would be offering a bunch of new weapons for dealing with the zombie apocalypse, but what we didn't know is that the game would be going free to play. This is great news, considering how much the game leans on in-app purchases. Here's a recap of the new features. 

• New weapons: Chain Saw, Lewis Machine Gun, Marine Engine with blades and American West Rifle
• New gadget: Head-Flator X100 to inflate the heads of zombies to XXXL size!
• New zombies: mutated mobsters or armoured SWAT members
• New environments: underground car park or secret research base
• Survival arena, that is tailor-made for massacre of hordes of zombies
• Daily rewards
• Casino: try your luck with a slot machine
• Save game data with cloud backup
• Support Adreno 205, including Sony Xperia Play

Madfinger Games warns that folks with a Samsung Galaxy Nexus or a Nexus 7 running 4.1.1 shouldn't install due to an issue on Google's side that causes the game to force close after opening. As for other devices, the developer promises that they're gradually adding more and more support as fast as they can. iPhone and iPad owners can expect this updating landing on the iOS side sometime next week. 

You can get downloading at the link below, or check out my review of the game over at iMore. It's an awesome, action-packed game with stellar graphics and more than a little bit of goofiness. Anyone else eager to try out the Head-Flator X100?

Download: Dead Trigger

SwiftKey updated with Jelly Bean compatibility and bugfixes

Another app getting an update today with some Jelly Bean compatibility is SwiftKey Keyboard. While it worked on Jelly Bean before, the update did introduce a few bugs and this release serves to squash those and a few others such as predictions not appearing in popups as well as some UI issues that were happening to some folks. You'll find the update waiting for you in the Google Play Store, download link below if you're new to the app.

The best time to learn about SwiftKey Keyboard is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will reading to earn some valuable Jelly Bean experience while it’s still free

Download: SwiftKey Keyboard

Light Flow LED Control updated to v3.0.4, fixes for Jelly Bean included

After the roll out of Light Flow LED Control v3.0, Google went ahead and introduced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. This introduced some changes that needed to be corrected within Light Flow LED Control and now we're seeing v3.0.4 roll out to correct those issues as well as a few others:

• Jelly bean fix - this hopefully fixes most of the issues


• Gmail switching off fix


• Fix for several crashes which playing notification sounds


• Fix for Motorola ICS calendar


• Fix initialization settings so notifications are enabled correctly

If you've been having issues with Light Flow on your Jelly Bean device, go ahead and fire up the Google Play Store and grab the update. If you're new to Light Flow you'll find the download link below. Keep in mind, there is a free version available use as well in case you want to test it out before going all in.

Download: Paid, Free Thanks, eljedo!

Google My Tracks updated to version 2.0, play back your tours on Google Earth

My Tracks, the 'adventure' tracking application from Google, has received an update today to version 2.0. The app itself has been around single 2009, so an update was well due. It uses the GPS on your device to "visualize your location" over time, and allow you to share the data on Google Maps and Google Earth. With version 2.0, we get a new feature that could make all this location data look oh so much better. 

With the update, comes the ability to view your tracked routes right within the Google Earth for Android application. That'll be the same Google Earth application that just benefitted from a sweet 3D update then. Relive those trips down the Vegas strip in glorious 3D. 

Additionally, the whole UI has been given a pretty big spruce up and is now faster and simpler, and beautifully within the Android 4.x design guidelines -- but then this is Google, so we'd expect at least that. There's also the aggregation of statistics over time to show trends in your performance, and improved charts and stats tables that are easier to read. My Tracks 2.0 is live this very second in the Google Play Store, so head on over there to grab it for yourselves. 

Source: Google Lat-Long; Download: My Tracks

My Tracks for Android updated with Google Earth playback, performance stats

Google's My Tracks app has been updated today to version 2.0 with a few new features to help those wanting to document their journeys.

• The ability to play back your tour directly on Google Earth for Android
• Aggregation of statistics over time to show trends in your performance
• Simpler, faster user interface
• Improved charts and stats tables that are easier to read

With summer upon us and plenty of hiking and biking trips to be had, My Tracks seems like it could be a great way to chronicle your journeys, and with the right tools, it could be a great fitness companion. If only it had more photography functions, My Tracks could be a fine way to view geotagged pictures. 

The download link is below for anyone interested. Anyone have particularly useful experiences with My Tracks?

Source: Google Lat Long
Download: My Tracks

WordPress for Android updated to include support for Nexus 7, Danish language

In what is likely one of the first of a lot of forthcoming app updates, the fine folks from Automattic have gone ahead an updated WordPress for Android for the Nexus 7. The update isn't really of vital importance to a lot of folks right yet, but if you're awaiting a Nexus 7 which is now shipping you can take satisfaction in knowing WordPress will be supported. In addition to the Nexus 7 support, you'll also find that the app now has Danish language support included.

Download: Wordpress for Android

Twitter for Android updated to correct issues with sync settings, avatars and various other bug fixes

Twitter for Android is getting some bug-squashing love right now. If you fire up the Google Play Store, you should find a new update waiting for you. The latest version corrects some issues with sync settings on various devices, as well as addressing some concerns for folks who may still be running an Android 2.0 / 2.1 Eclair device:

• Fixes missing avatars on devices running Eclair (Android 2.0/2.1)


• Accurately displays sync settings based on system sync setting


• Fixes Top Tweets appearing out of order in search and discover


• Fixes various other bugs and crashers

If you've been experiencing issues with the current build, then go ahead and get yourself updated. Those "various other bugs and crashers" could just be the fixes you've been waiting for. Down below is where you'll find the store link and QR code, as always.

Motorola Droid X2 updated with security patch, wireless alerts, and bug fixes

Just because it's not the latest hotness on the Android scene isn't a reason to let the Motorola Droid X2 wither and die on the vine, and Verizon has begun pushing out an update to Big Red's first dual-core phone. It's not a big version bump by any means, but there are a few important changes:

• Verizon Video and VZ Navigator® 3D City are now preloaded.


• A Google Security Patch has been added to improve the security level.


• Purchased ringtones are now able to be saved and set.


• Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System.


• Shortcut names can be updated and saved.


• The keyboard Input Auto Error Correction setting defaults to off.

Granted, few of us really missed not having the 3D version of VZ Navigator, but the security patch is good to have, and the wireless alerting system is an important update -- one that could end up saving your bacon. Of course, bug fixes are always welcome. If you haven't received the update notification yet, check for it via your Droid X settings. 

Source: Verizon. Thanks, Dave!

Android Forums app updated, now with added beauty Centre!

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Listen up everybody - the Android Central Forums app just got a little bit more awesome. An update has just been pushed out into the Google Play Store that makes full use of the Tapatalk 2 back-end.

If you ' re not familiar with Tapatalk 2, it ' s essentially the same setup we all know and love. The most noticeable difference - an awesome looking new UI. The Android Central Forums just got a little bit sexier!

Of course, we know that you guys are already rocking this - you are, right? -So head into the Play Store and hit the update. Purpose, just in case it slipped you by the first time, we ' ve got some handy download links for you after the break. Come on in and chat with us!

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Google Maps updated with indoor directions, Google offers, business photos

There's an update to Google Maps available today that brings the app to version 6.7 and adds a couple new features. Google offers has been integrated, letting users see nearby deals and sales based on location, indoor directions provides walking directions (US and Japan only) for places big enough to need such a thing, and business photos offer a 360-degree panoramic view of the inside of participating businesses. 

There's a short video after the break showing off the new tools, and the download link is there to make for easy updating. 

Source: Google

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HBO Go and Max Go updated with ICS support, but for phones only

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HBO Go and MAX Go, streaming video-on-demand services from Home Box Office, have both been updated to support Ice Cream Sandwich devices. It's been a long time coming, and subscribers to the pay channels who want to stream video to their Android devices can finally do so with the latest phones, but only phones. It seems that HBO has decided not to include tablets in this update, nor any Google TV devices. 

To be fair, we're not sure if this is an oversight, a technical issue, or something else. We are sure that it works on the iPad, and if coded correctly, any app that runs on ICS on our phones should run on our tablets as well. I've reached out to Home Box Office, so maybe they will have the answers. In the meantime, you can grab the apps at the links below and enjoy them on your phones.

download HBO Go | download MAX Go