We settle into our new format.
Show Notes
- Android News
- New Android Distribution numbers, with KitKat up to 34%, Lollipop not yet making the cut.
- Jack and Jill are Google’s new compilers for Android App Developers. The Jack compiler converts raw code directly to .dex format, removing Java bytecode from the process entirely. In the event that a Java bytecode library is included, the Jill compiler is called to convert it to an intermediate format called jayce that will be passed to the Jack compiler along with the source code for the app. For the most part, Jill will only have to be called once when a library is added or updated, since the output can be cached and reused for future compilations. Additionally, ProGuard support has been baked directly into the Jack compiler, meaning it can operate with the same configuration files and produce the same output without requiring a separate step. There is still room for external tools to step in, but they will have to target the jayce or dex formats instead of Java bytecode.
- A Feature to prioritize wireless networks…something Guru opined about, apparently exists…But not on the Nexus 5 or any other device Guru can locate. Does your phone have this?
- Swiping down with one finger shows you notifications, swiping down with two fingers will get you quick settings.
- App News
- Chris Lacy announces intention to release Action Launcher 3, which will be a paid upgrade.
- Google releases Device Assist, offers troubleshooting, tips, and a way to call Tech Support for Nexus, Google Experience, and Android One devices. (Play Link)
- Google updates Android Wear app, allowing the disabling of card previews, as well as a battery saver mode and other fixes.
- Youtube app with material design upgrade.
- Google updates News and Weather app with a dark UI, material design flourishes, and more.
- In Other News
- The FCC estimates smartphone theft considerably exceeds one million per year.
- Google estimates at least half of their ads are never seen by users.
- Mark Zuckerberg claims the idea that ad-supported content makes you the product is ridiculous.
- NSA monitored trade discussions on cell phone encryption in order to stay ahead of it.
- Bluetooth 4.2 Core Specifications Finalized, will extend the features of Bluetooth Low Energy to allow low-power IP connectivity over Bluetooth with a new profile which supports IPv6 and 6LoWPAN, which is low power wireless personal area network over IPv6. Bluetooth devices will then be able to directly access the internet through an edge device, rather than have to be tethered to a smartphone or other device with IP connectivity first.
- Amazon is teaming up to sell you things while you are on the toilet.
- Google simplifies the CAPTCHA down to a single question. “Are You a Robot?”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:53 — 25.3MB)