In Brief is a compilation of notifications, rumors, and Android-related news tidbits, which for whatever reason, did not end up with a post of its own on AndroidGuys. These are things that we still feel are worth knowing, even if in a passing manner. Consider it a grab-bag of Android goodies. If you have something that you think is worth a mention on AndroidGuys, be sure to reach out to us via our contact page.
Soap Creative has released a pair of Android games to Google Play and Amazon Appstore, one of which is a port of a popular iOS game. Have you see Thumbzilla (99¢) or Lavaball (FREE) yet?
The sequel to the “number 1 drift game” is back with Drift Mania Championship 2. Priced at $1.99, the game features accelerometer and virtual wheel steering mode, 13 high-performance vehicles with unique specs, 13 drift circuits to master from different locations, and hundreds of visual mods including body kits, spoilers, window tints, wheels and custom paint jobs.
Turn your television into an Android-powered SmartTV with the $50 FAVI Entertainment: SmartStick. Lets users browse internet, watch movies, listen to music, access thousands of apps and games,and more. Jazz it up with a mini wireless keyboard with Touchpad mouse (with built in laser pointer) for another $40.
Canada-based developer Hope This Works Games has a new title coming out called Polara, which is a side scrolling platform running game. Features include 50 levels of game play, a color switching strategy, and immersive story line that promises to hook players for hours.
A new version of the eWeather HD Android app is out (v4.5) and it adds a number of new features and improvements. Priced at $3.99 it would seem people might opt for a free or lower-cost alternative but it’s getting more popular with time! Check it out in Google Play and Amazon Appstore.
Satechi, one company we’ve come to fall in love with, recently announced the availability of the Bikemate Slim Case 3. Works with most handsets, provides a protective mount and case solution for cyclists, yet still lets you touch the screen and ports. Check it out at Amazon or order one for only $24.99!
Skyfire recently rolled out its new next-gen toolbar and extension platform for its mobile browser, calling it Skyfire Horizon. It’s available for carriers around the world and will be coming with a top-tier U.S. provider later this month, and really enhances the web experience. Users will be able to “seamlessly move between apps and browser content, as well as share content from their social networks without leaving a browsing session”. Learn more about how it lets one hop directly from the web to other apps and utilities such as Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Wikipedia, IMDB and Amazon.
Roamz 2.5 is out for Android and lets users discover local events in real time while as well as capture and share their own moments. Speaking of search, people apparently love to look up coffee. And pizza. And sushi. Who knew?
NAVIGON (Garmin)has dropped the price of some of their maps through October 8. Not only that, but they’ve also introduced Urban Guidance which integrates public transportation into routes, complete with detailed itineraries of transit stops. The new feature considers trains, trams, busses and water taxis when calculating pedestrian routes. Users will be guided to a transit stop by foot and be able to look up detailed information on what line to take and where to get off.
- NAVIGON for Android USA: $29.95 instead of $39.95
- NAVIGON for Android USA & CAN: $37.95 instead of $49.95
- Urban Guidance (in app purchase): $2.95 instead of $4.95
One of the games recently highlighted with the announcement of the Galaxy Note II was Draw Mania. Now available for Android, the game is getting pretty favorable reviews and looks to be climbing in popularity. Is it the next Draw Something breakout success or will it be simply get overlooked? Features include Async and live modes, multiple drawing instruments, a sndbox to practice drawing, history of drawings, multi-language support.
