Category: App Update

Comic books are not just a kid thing anymore and with more people reading them on their mobile devices, the need for a good reader quickly becomes important. To that end, Google has released an updated version of Google Play Books that is specifically aimed at making comic book reading easier.

Today, Google Play Books is getting an upgrade specifically designed for comic book fans, making it easier to read your favorite comics on your phone or tablet. Reading a comic book is all about following the story and enjoying the art, dialogue and pace the way you want.

It is a big step forward for the reading app and those of us who like reading comics will certainly see the benefits of immediately as it is a much, much better reading experience.

Google Play Books – Free – Download Now

One of the oldest yet best eWallet applications for Android remains in my opinion to be Ilium Software’s eWallet.  I have been using this app on a wide range of platforms for over a decade now and while there are other apps that do similar things – and even some a bit prettier and better – eWallet remains my go-to.  With the ability to sync across multiple devices and platforms, it gives me my plethoria of user names, passwords and PINs at my fingertips. It is 256-bit AES encrypted and can be set up to lock immediately once you leave the app.

The Ann Arbor, Michigan company has just released their latest update to eWallet and brings it into full compliance with Android Marshmallow’s new permissions system.  The update brings the app to version 8.1 for those keeping score at home with the flagship feature being the new permissions system.

eWallet for Android – $9.99 – Download Now

Google has dropped an update to the Google Keyboard app in the Google Play Store that should be a welcome update for users of Gesture Typing in the app.  The update brings significantly improved word accuracy & completion for those who use Gesture Type (swiping your finger across the keyboard to spell words instead of typing them) as well as those who do traditional typing on the keyboard.  The update is version – wait for it – 4.1.23043.2297020 for those keeping score at home and like to play Google Version Bingo.  The update hit the Play Store yesterday and if you are using Google Keyboard or have it installed on your Android phone or tablet, you should see the OTA update over the course of the next couple of days.

Google Keyboard for Android – Free – Download Now

Google has released an updated version of the Google Chrome browser for Android, bringing a host of updates, fixes and a few new features.  The build is version 46.0.2490.76 for those keeping score at home and it should be hitting the Google Play Store and your device in the next few days.  While the bulk of this update is fixes and other improvements, there is an improved image loading by allowing Chrome to negotiate with the web server to provide the best image over HTTP based on the bandwidth available and the device type.  Sounds geeky right?  It is and it is certainly something that developers would have to include on their sites but the key is that Google is positioning Chrome to be able to handle this without any user intervention once it is enabled.

Google Chrome for Android – Free – Download Now

At the Google event last month we heard the announcement that Spotify would be updating their app and supporting Chromecast casting.  That update has happened and it is now available in the Google Play Store.  The update is version 3.8.0.800 for those keeping score at home and not only includes support for Chromecast but also supports the music streaming service built into 2016 BMW 7 Series cars.

Spotify for Android – Free (In-App Purchases) – Download Now

Google has released an important update to the Project Fi app for Android that expands the devices that can run the app.  Previously you could only run the Project Fi app and manage your account from a Nexus 6, the first device that could run on the Project Fi network.  Now with the addition of the Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P, not only can you manage your account from those two new devices but from any Android device running Android Lollipop or higher.

The updated version of the Project Fi app is version F.1.5.10 for those keeping score at home and it is rolling out to the Google Play Store now.  If you are a Project Fi customer you should see the update hit your device any time between now and the next day or two.  If you are not a Project Fi customer you can still download the app to get an idea of how the mobile plans from Google work but obviously it doesn’t do a lot for you without being on the plan.

Project Fi – Free – Download Now