Top 10 Android Stories of the Week (June 24th)
The amount of Android news each week can be overwhelming, but you can follow the best of the best with an app called EarlyBird – News for Android. It includes ALL of the Android news you crave and lets users decide what matters most to them.
You can download the app on the Google Play Store or, for desktop users, find related discussion in the Android Forums News section.
Here’s what you picked as your favorite news stories for the week:
#10 – HTC Nexus powered by Snapdragon 821
31 likes – Although nothing has been confirmed in regards to HTC actually developing the next set of Nexus devices, this latest rumor suggests that the HTC Nexus codenamed “Marlin” will be powered by the Snapdragon 821. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of an HTC Nexus with the same codename, as there was a similar rumor making its rounds last year.
#9 – New ‘Godless’ Android malware
31 likes – A new malware has appeared in the wild, and it’s a nasty one. The malware named ‘Godless’ has multiple exploits within it, and is able to gain root access for any devices running Android 5.1 Lollipop or lower. According to the report there are many apps on the Play Store that contain the ‘Godless’ code.
#8 – Facebook Messenger violates Play Store guidelines
31 likes – Facebook recently rolled out the ability for its Messenger application to replace your default SMS application. When installing the update, there is a prompt that asks if you want to switch to Messenger, but there’s no clear cut way for the user to decline the option. This may be a direct violation of Google Play’s developer policies.
#7 – OnePlus 3: Hands-on and First Impressions
31 likes – Our very own Chris Chavez was able to get his hands on the OnePlus 3 and has fallen in love with the build quality, calling it “top freaking notch”. Additionally, this hands-on goes on to show the various pros and cons for the OnePlus 3. Ultimately, Chris said he wasn’t expecting to like the device, but a few days with it has changed his mind.
#6 – Google Fiber acquires Webpass
32 likes – It’s no secret that Google is trying to sure up its Fiber services, and this week, Google Fiber acquired gigabit internet provider, Webpass. Webpass currently provides internet access to a few larger cities, and this acquisition would help increase Google’s Fiber capabilities.
#5 – Google Search now shows symptoms
33 likes – Google is trying to help out those who are searching for specific illnesses. A new update allows you to search for symptoms and you will be provided with any information about it, including related conditions. While this isn’t a full-blown WebMD replacement, this feature can help you quickly search symptoms when you need to.
#4 – Google employees are “Ladies”
33 likes – During Alphabet’s shareholder meeting, an investor addressed Google’s CFO, Ruth Porat, as “the lady CFO”. The investor was quickly corrected by another, and in response various Google employees, men and women, have added the term ‘Lady’ to the beginning of their titles. Google also designated Thursday and Friday of this week as “Lady Day.”
#3 – Google Messenger update improves Direct Reply
35 likes – Android N will be bringing new quick and direct reply options when the update comes to everyone. In preparation, of this release, Google has updated its Messenger app to show a ‘conversation view’ which will let you quickly peek into the conversation to see what was recently sent and received.
#2 – Chrooma Keyboard version 3.0 released
37 likes – Popular third-party keyboard replacement, Chrooma Keyboard, has been updated to version 3.0. Along with it, are many new features on top of the regular bug fixes, all bringing a better overall experience to our devices.
#1 – Hands-on: Play Store on Chrome OS
38 likes – Google has finally started rolling out the Developer update with the Google Play Store in tow to Chrome OS devices. A hands-on with Google Play on Chrome OS showcases its potential and how easy it will be to access all of our favorite Android apps on Chrome OS devices once the update has rolled out to everyone.
What’s YOUR top news item for the week?
Disagree with the Top 10? Let us know in the comments and vote for yourself everyday by downloading EarlyBird on Google Play!