Microsoft Releases Skype Lite for India

Most Skype users have always complaining about its Android version, it’s not too good. It's often somewhat slow, very terrible call quality and occasionally crash.

Recall in December, Microsoft released what it called Skype Mingo in beta version, it was a new lightweight Skype client meant for almost same purpose as the main app. Now the same Skype Mingo is out of beta, and named Skype Lite.

Skype Lite is well armed to handle poor network conditions and opens faster than the normal app. The app can receive and send both SMS and Skype messages, and it can also be used as default SMS app which has the ability to filter promotional messages to deliver a clutter-free inbox and also allow use of emojis and bots. The sidebar includes a chart displaying data usage.

According to Eugene Ho, Director, Product Management, Skype: “Although, 4G penetration has increased in India, network speeds still drop to 2G and 3G levels often. Skype Lite will be beneficial for users in areas with low data connectivity.”

High-end smartphone users can also install Skype Lite and enjoy it. The app automatically switches to HD calling when the device connects to high-speed WiFi networks. It also possesses a feature that compresses pictures to aid reduction in data usage. The compression feature also reduce call quality based on the data speeds available.

Skype Lite can also replace the default dialler aside that of messaging app function on your phone. It can fetch contacts from your phonebook.

Skype Lite is meant for only Indian languages, including Bengali, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Urdu. Microsoft has no plan to release Skype Lite in other regions.

The app is officially available for Indians alone on the Play Store.

Read More»

Google Executive indirectly confirms Android Oreo name

The name for next Android version has been indirectly confirmed by Google executive.

But come to think of it, Android Nougat was just officially launched few days ago, in fact was first announced few days before Google I/O in March 2016. Now, Google I/O for 2017 is almost at our doorsteps, which means we should be expecting next developer preview of the new Android version.

Of course new features would be on their way to our phones if they are among those listed for the new update, but the most exciting thing is the name. Obviously, the next alphabet is O which would have thrown a alot Android fans into game of chess.

However, it's like Google does not want people to develop headache by releasing the name of the next Android name which is 'Android Oreo'.

A GIF tweeted of Oreo cake by a Google executive, Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP of Android, Chrome OS and Play, appears to have given us a hint of what the next Android version might be called. A name after the famous cookies, Oreo.

All these suspense will end by the beginning of March if Google wish maintain its regular schedule.

Recall that Lockheimer has leaked some names that were eventually not officially used for some reasons. This is saying, we should not conclude that Oreo is the name.

Read More»

Google App v6.13 MAY bring Google Assistant to non-Pixels

Google smartphones phones, Pixel and Pixel XL has so far officially been enjoying the app Google called Google Assistant (GA).

However, report from android police says the new alpha release of the Google app (v6.13) seems to be working on devices that aren't supposed to have Google Assistant yet. The screenshots below were taken on a Nexus 6P (running Android 7.1.1) and a Samsung Galaxy Note5 (running Android 6.0.1).

Features: According to Android Police report, the version enables some features that had previously been seen in testing like a page of recent search topics and lite mode. There is also a process to add payment information for use with Google Assistant.

Process of Activating the GA app: After installing v6.13, the Google Assistant can be enabled by holding the Home button as if to launch Now on Tap. A dialog will be displayed with the message "New! You just got the Google Assistant" and begin the setup process for voice training.

 Then again, another Nexus 6P refuses to behave this way, so it's only down to speculation what set of conditions need to be met.

You can click on the source link below to download the APK, but be sure to read the warnings first.

Source

Read More»

Facebook introduces new feature, “Discover People”

Discover people

Facebook is incorporating a new feature to its Android and iOS apps knows as "Discover People".

It enables you see who will be attending any local event you may want to go or just to look for people in your locals or city who share the same employer, school, or other things with you.

When you click or tap on an event, you can scroll a list of profiles. With this feature, you will be able guess your crush movement and track him or her down to a location.

Discover people in action

Before you start accusing Facebook of leaking out your personal information;

 
Firstly, you must have publicly made those information available on your profile and the choice of what to share ultimately depends on you.

Secondly, you can only see who's attending or interested in specific events by visiting the event's Facebook page. Same goes for those looking for people by specific criteria.

Facebook aims at providing a more straightforward way of accomplishing things that are possible already.

As stated earlier, this feature is available for only Android and iOS users around the world for now.

Read More»

Google begins live testing of Instant Apps.

Last Year, Google revealed the idea of something called “Android Instant Apps” at Google I/O. It is a new way to run Android apps without requiring installation of the full app. “Instant Apps is an important part of our effort to help users discover and run apps with minimal friction” says Google.

Google has been at work with a set of developers to improve both the user and developer experiences.

Google says “Today, a few of these Instant Apps will be available to Android users for the first time in a limited test, including apps from BuzzFeed, Wish, Periscope, and Viki. By collecting user feedback and iterating on the product, we’ll be able to expand the experience to more apps and more users.”

As a developer that wants to get an instant app, you’ll need to upgrade your current Android app to take advantage of Instant Apps functionality and then modularize your app so part of it can be downloaded from play store.

While waiting for the Instant Apps SDK as it is not yet publicly available, developers can start by taking some significant steps to be ready to implement Instant Apps for new, existing, and potential users of your application.

To register for instant app as a developer, please click.

Source.

Read More»