CyanogenMod 9 RC2 emerges with new devices, stability improvements

As it rapidly approaches a final, stable release, CyanogenMod 9 has reached the second release candidate milestone, or RC2. CM9, based upon Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, supports dozens of devices, and the latest release candidate adds support for several high-profile Samsung phones and tablets --

• Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (all variants)


• Samsung Galaxy SII on AT&T – Skyrocket


• Samsung Galaxy SII on T-Mobile – Hercules


• Samsung Galaxy Note on AT&T


• Samsung Galaxy SIII – i9300 (International GSM model)

In addition, CyanogenMod lead Steve Kondik says the new release includes bug fixes and new translations, and stabilizes CM into "a product that you’d let your mom use." As for the full, final, stable version of CM9, Steve says should be "just around the corner." Once CM9's out the door, work on the next version, based on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, should begin in earnest.

If you know what you're doing and want to skip straight to the download, check our linkage below.

Source: CyanogenMod.com

Download: get.cm

Google Goggles updated with continuous mode improvements

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

The Google Goggles app for Android has been updated to version 1.8, with a couple of improvements for continuous mode -- that's the mode where Goggles continues to scan on-the-fly without requiring you to take a snapshot. Firstly, the speed barcode recognition in continuous mode has been increased twofold. And selected, recognized objects in continuous mode are now saved to your search history, assuming you've got that enabled in the settings page.

Goggles, if you're unfamiliar with it, uses Google's databases to recognize logos, products, works of art and other images through your Android device's camera. If you've yet to give it a whirl, you can find the Google Play Store link after the break.

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Google Wallet updated with improvements and enhancements across the board

Google Wallet has seen another update, and this time Google has made all sorts of improvements and enhancements to the app. Per the change log in the Google Play store:

• Prepaid Card top up forms more flexible


• Citi Mastercard management improvements


• UI improvements


• Privacy enhancements


• Bug fixes


• Updated Terms of Service

The most interesting, on the surface anyway, would be the UI improvements. They must be very subtle, because we're not really seeing any. It's the same fluid and simple UI that has been there for a while, and while we're not complaining, we just don't see any improvements. We're pretty sure that some of this change log is just leftover from the last update. It's OK, Google. We all slip.

We can certainly get on board with improvements, though. Bug fixes are always welcome, as are privacy enhancements. Anything to keep our money safer is a good thing. You'll also be faced with the new terms when you update, and we suggest you read them carefully. There's nothing there you wouldn't expect, but it's always wise to stay informed. 

All the ballyhoo aside, we expect the biggest thing behind this update are new privacy enhancements and bug fixes, and we're glad to see them. You'll find your update in the market, or you can hit the link after the break.

Thanks, Beezy!

CyanogenMod 9, Galaxy Nexus 4.0.4 improvements [From the Forums]

We've blasted through a bunch of content this week and managed to get up a new Android Central podcast for you all. If you missed out on anything, this weekend would be a good time to get yourself caught up and hang out in the Android Central forums:

• HTC Thunderbolt Forums - CM9 WILL be coming officially to the Thunderbolt
• HTC Rezound Forums - Volume rocker to take pictures possible?
• Sprint Epic 4G Forums - Can I remove stuff from a ROM zip before flashing?
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus Forums - Screen a lot better after 4.0.4
• Motorola XOOM Forums - Force update to 4.0.4 [Positive Results]

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.

Motorola XOOM WiFi receiving Android 4.0.4 update - Includes quicker screen rotation, camera improvements

Not too long ago Motorola was sending out some emails to folks letting them know a new soak test was happening for the Motorola XOOM WiFi. There wasn't a whole lot of mention about it but now Motorola is once again sending out emails letting folks know Android 4.0.4 will be showing up shortly on their devices. As noted from the email:

Android 4.04 (IMM76) Software Update for the Motorola XOOM™ WIFI users in the US

Introduction

We are pleased to announce a new software update for the Motorola XOOM™ WIFI in the US. This Android 4.04 (IMM76) software update by Motorola includes numerous enhancements. Upgrade today for peak performance.

For more information on Motorola updates and product support, please visit us at: www.motorola.com/support

Who Can Use This Release

ALL Motorola XOOM — US WIFI users

After downloading and installing the software release, you will notice:

Enhancements:

• Quicker screen rotation


• A new setting to choose whether the power button immediately locks the device or not


• Microsoft Exchange improvements with additional EAS policies


• Better phone number recognition


• Camera and image quality improvements


• Improved stability

The update isn't currently showing up for me right now, but we'll update the post when some more people actually start to see it arriving. Either way, it's on it's way and it should be here soon. If you see it hit your device drop us a note in the comments or in the forums.

Source: Android Central Forums

CyanogenMod 9, Galaxy Nexus 4.0.4 improvements [From the Forums]

We've blasted through a bunch of content this week and managed to get up a new Android Central podcast for you all. If you missed out on anything, this weekend would be a good time to get yourself caught up and hang out in the Android Central forums:

• HTC Thunderbolt Forums - CM9 WILL be coming officially to the Thunderbolt
• HTC Rezound Forums - Volume rocker to take pictures possible?
• Sprint Epic 4G Forums - Can I remove stuff from a ROM zip before flashing?
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus Forums - Screen a lot better after 4.0.4
• Motorola XOOM Forums - Force update to 4.0.4 [Positive Results]

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.

Google+ updated with several stability improvements and bug fixes

If you haven't hit the Android Market yet today, then you may not be aware the Google+ team has pushed out the latest release. While no new features have been added, it is noted to contain several stability improvements and bug fixes and that sounds like something everyone should be interested in. Looking for the download? You'll find it past the break.

Source: Virgil Dobjanschi