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

Twitter for Android, update with improved search, push notifications and discover new feature

Twitter has now raised their last update of Twitter for Android but, the verdict is still out or not it ' s for the better. Rather then just a bug fix release, it introduced comprehensive improvements to the search APP has been improved in all areas so that it is easier to find people follow you that you type, providing a better experience for the auto-completion. The discovery tab has also been enhanced in the fact that Twitter has specific trends and easier to find press articles. To complement this all, notifications Push allow now you know when you ' ve got a new follower or have been retweeted or the preferred-which can be enabled and disabled as you choose.

Source: Twitter

Dolphin Browser HD updated with UI enhancements and improved performance

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For some folks, using the stock Android browser just isn't something they do. One alternative browser out there is Dolphin Browser HD and its had a fair amount of success on the Google Play Store and they've just rolled out the latest update bumping it to version 8.0 that adds some noteworthy enhances.

• Re-designed Dolphin Sonar and Gesture: New interface, design, and easier access to help menu


• Menu bar: New design that gives easier access to most commands without having to leave the home screen


• Add-on Sidebar: New design that displays both Add-on icons and names


• New context menu and long press menu for more efficient browsing

All of that plus the usual stability and bug fix improvements have been included with this release. The addition of visual aids in the sidebar has been a long time coming and is certainly appreciated. You'll find some screenshots and the download past the break if you want to get a better look.

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Facebook for Android updated to v1.9 with improved performance, new messaging features, and shortcuts

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AppId is over the quota

A freshly updated version of Facebook for Android has now landed in the Google Play Store and is ready for download. Getting bumped to v1.9, this release fixes some old bugs and introduces some new features to the app as a whole:

• Messenger and Camera - Shortcuts will now appear in your app tray after you update.
• Messaging Features - Taking from the standalone app, v1.9 now offers Mobile/online status, contact sorting by frequency, adding to group chat on the fly.

Keep in mind the new features are not standalone apps, they're now integrated right into Facebook. Not sure what exactly that means for the Facebook Messenger app itself, but integration with the main app is nice and makes sense. You can hit the break for the download link.

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