Common Nexus 7 Lollipop problems and how to fix them

Common Nexus 7 Lollipop problems and how to fix them

blognet   Thursday, April 16, 2015   Comment  

The Android 5.1 Lollipop update is rolling out to Nexus 7 owners at the moment (or at least, owners of the LTE version) and it’s hoped that it’ll plug the annoying memory leak bug that’s affected some Nexuses since earlier updates. There’s no detail as yet of what’s actually fixed in the latest update, but here’s hoping it addresses at least some, and ideally all, of the issues detailed here. Here’s our list of the most common Nexus 7 Lollipop problems and how to fix them.

Lollipop. It's all fun and games until someone loses their Wi-Fi.

• Nexus 7 problem: random shutdowns and the occasional brick

Of all the Nexus 7 Lollipop problems, this one’s the nastiest: several users of the Google Product forums have encountered a bug that turns off their Nexuses and then refuses to get past the boot screen, effectively bricking the device. There’s even a Twitter hashtag for it, #nexus7bricked. The most upsetting thing isn’t the bricking. It’s that Google and Asus, Google’s manufacturing partner, don’t appear to be taking it seriously. As far as we’re aware there’s no fix to this one beyond praying it doesn’t happen to your Nexus. The good news is that it seems to be limited to the Lollipop 5.0.2 OTA (over the air) update, so you might want to skip that one if you haven’t already installed it.

Battery issues can be caused by pre-Lollipop apps that haven't been updated.

Nexus 7 problem: bad battery

You’re happy, because Lollipop - but then you’re sad, because Lollipop appears to have banjaxed your battery. A factory reset is the usual solution to this one, but have a look in the Battery page to see if the problem is being caused by an app rather than by Android itself.

Nexus 7 problem: wonky Wi-Fi

Has there been an Android update that didn’t mess with some people’s wireless? If there is we can’t remember it, because Wi-Fi and Bluetooth problems have been a common factor in every recent Android release. If your Wi-Fi is wonky or your Bluetooth is making you feel blue, the old reboot-and-restart method is always worth a try. Next step with Wi-Fi is to try forgetting and re-joining the offending network(s), and if that doesn’t work a factory reset might do the trick. In some cases the problem appears to be caused by older, pre-update apps that haven’t been updated by the developers, so it’s worth killing your apps to see if that makes your wireless work properly again.

Make sure you’re blaming the right thing, too. 99% of our Wi-Fi problems are because we haven’t given our Wi-Fi router a swift kick for a while, and rebooting it often fixes our issues.

Is your Wi-Fi wonky? Don't forget to give your router a kick.

Nexus 7 problem: freezing, crashing, stuttering and lag

For most people updating to Android Lollipop has made their Nexuses happier, their teeth whiter and their days just dandy. But some users have encountered a range of issues including freezes, crashes, stutter and lag. In-place upgrades can be the cause of that - installing updates on top of updates on top of updates can eventually cause issues, so a factory reset might be on the cards here - but once again have a look at your apps to check they’ve been updated to Lollipop. As with any performance issues, try switching off anything you don’t need to see if you can identify a specific cause.

Nexus 7 problem: YouTube won’t work

This one doesn’t just apply to YouTube, but to any app that uses video: some Nexus 7 owners have reported problems getting video playback to work on their device. In many cases clearing the app’s cache has solved the problem, but some users have found that the culprit is something called NuPlayer. This is hidden away in the developer options page and is a new video playback feature Google’s experimenting with. Turning it on if it’s off or turning it off if it’s on might solve your problem with that one. If all else fails, it’s factory reset time again.

Losing patience with Lollipop? Rooting might make your Nexus more nimble. 

Nexus 7 problem: everything’s terrible and you’re getting annoyed

Has sir or madam considered rooting the device? If you’re not getting the results you want from stock Lollipop, switching to Cyanogen (or another custom ROM of your choice) may make the birds sing and the sun shine. Rooting your device means you can tinker with it to your heart’s content, and for many people it’s the best way to solve irritating problems with stock Android releases.

Have you encountered any other nasties, or found other solutions to the issues above? Did you root your Nexus and never look back? Let us know in the comments.

Galaxy S6 Android update: Samsung working on Android 5.1 Lollipop update already

Galaxy S6 Android update: Samsung working on Android 5.1 Lollipop update already

blognet   Wednesday, April 15, 2015   Comment  

No sooner had it been spread that Samsung was not working on the Android 5.1 Lollipop update for any of its devices, including the brand-spanking-new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, than it comes out that Sammy is indeed working on the Galaxy S6 Android 5.1 update right now. Here's what we know so far about the Galaxy S6 Android update.

The Galaxy S6 will be the first Samsung device to receive Android 5.1 Lollipop. 

• Funnily enough, the source that previously claimed that Samsung was not working on Android 5.1 for the Galaxy S6 – Sam Mobile – is the same source that is now claiming that it is working on the update for both the S6 and the S6 Edge. So take this news with a grain of salt.

Having said that, there is no reason to believe that Samsung would not have been working on updating its current and recent flagships to the latest version of Android for weeks, especially when the company had updated its previous flagships to Lollipop so quickly.

The Galaxy S6 is already super fast, slick and smooth. Just how much better can it get

Unfortunately there are no time lines for the update rollout, so you'll just have to stay tuned until we hear a little more. Be sure though, that the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge will be the first devices receiving the update. Although hopefully the patch for the Galaxy S6 camera problem will roll out a little sooner than Android 5.1.

• When did you buy your Galaxy S6? What are your thoughts on the new TouchWiz on the latest Lollipop version?

Google I/O 2015 predictions: what you can expect from Android in 2015

Google I/O 2015 predictions: what you can expect from Android in 2015

blognet   Wednesday, April 15, 2015   Comment  

Google I/O, the most important developer conference for the world's largest mobile platform will take place on May 28th and 29th in San Francisco, setting the stage for Android in 2015. So what can you expect to see at I/O this year? Here are our Google I/O 2015 predictions.

Google I/O 2015 will set the stage for Android in the year to come. © Google

What is Google I/O 2015?

Google I/O brings together the world's best Android developers and showcases the very best of what comes next for Android. It's a huge geek fest but it has massive ramifications for the rest of us too and it gives us our first glimpses of what will be making its way onto our smartphones in the months to come.

We were at Google I/O 2014 and it was a doozy. Not only did the event introduce Android 5.0 Lollipop and Material Design, it also saw the preview build for Lollipop dished out to the assembled devs (which then instantly made its way onto all of our Nexus 5's as well). Even if you can't make Google I/O in person, you can tune in remotely courtesy of I/O Extended events and the #io15 hashtag.

Don't get too excited. We think it's way too early for the Android M release./ 

Google I/O 2015: Android 5.2 or Android M?

The likelihood of major news surrounding a new version of Android is unlikely. Android 5.1 is already out on some devices and Android 5.0 has seeped out to five percent of Android users. Android 5.2 – or even the Android M release – seem like they will come later in the year or possibly even next year. But if there is Android news, we'd expect it to to be 5.2 and some incremental updates.

We're anticipating some big improvements to Android Wear this year. / © 

Google I/O 2015: Android Wear

This is one of the areas we really think Google will be focusing on at this year's I/O. At least, this is the area that needs the most attention anyway. Android Wear is still a very young platform, but with the Apple Watch now out and several Android partners already developing (or open to developing) their own wearable platform to make up for Google's failure to improve Wear fast enough, this should be on Google's radar for 2015.

Which Android Wear smartwatches will tackle the Apple Watch? / © Apple, Motorola

Google I/O 2015: New smartwatches?

At Google I/O 2014 not one but three new smartwatches was unveiled: the long-anticipated Moto 360, the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear. The latter two were Google projects, designed to showcase Android Wear in its first stages. The Moto 360 was another fish entirely and for a long time was the smartwatch to have. We know the Moto 360 2nd generation is in development and LG and Samsung are always pumping out new watches, so an Android Wear announcement may well be accompanied by new smartwatches as well.

Could we see the near final versions of Project Ara handed out to attendees? / © ANDROIDPIT

Google I/O 2015: Project Ara

The modular smartphone project now has its own developer conference and we have already been filled in on what comes next for project Ara, so there's no reason to expect too much Ara news at Google I/O 2015. That's not to say it won't make an appearance though or that Google might not drop a bit of an update during I/O. Who knows, I/O attendees might even get an Ara device (or the promise of one) in the infamous I/O goodie bag.

• 
  

It's about time for some more news on Project Tango. / © Google

Google I/O 2015: Project Tango

The context-sensitive tablet that has an almost-human spatial perception was shown off in prototypes in the middle of last year by Google's Advanced Technology and Projects group. Since then though, when the prototypes were distributed to developers, Project Tango has kind of been silent. Project Tango is clearly not ready for prime-time just yet, so we wouldn't expect any huge news at I/O, but, like Ara, we expect it to be there in some form.

Android Auto will surely be center-stage at Google I/O 2015. / © Android

Google I/O 2015: Android Auto

If we had to put money it, we'd say I/O will primarily be about three things: Android Wear, Android Auto and Android Home. We've already seen these pushed heavily at all the trade shows this year and it makes sense for Google to be pushing them too. The difference is that Google is the one to push them to the next level. Expect to see Google's self-driving car at I/O and for some more big news on Android Auto.

We expect Google to have put a lot of effort into Nest and the Smart Home as well. / © Nest

Google I/O 2015: Android Home

The third pillar of our Google I/O expectations, Google Home is likely to get a lot of attention as well. Google has been trying to get Android into your home – or more specifically your lounge room – for as long as I can remember. Smart homes, entertainment and connected devices in the Internet of Things will surely be a high priority for Google in 2015 as well. If we're lucky we'll see some big news around nest, the smart home thermostat, but we're not holding our breath. In any case, the connected home will be on the agenda.

How far will Google have pushed Android TV in the last year? / © ANDROIDPIT

Google I/O 2015: Android TV

Last but not least, Android TV – Google's latest attempt to get into your lounge room – will surely share some of the limelight too. There's already a bunch of new Smart TVs, the Nexus Player is out in key markets and in the years to come we'll all be upgrading our existing boob tubes to those with Android TV built in. We're positive Android TV will be in the I/O lineup this year.

It's time for Google Glass to step into overdrive for its 2016 consumer launch.

Google I/O 2015: Miscellaneous

We're also expecting/hoping for some other cool stuff like Material Design support libraries, new improvements to the ART run time for Lollipop devices, Chromebook app news, perhaps some more news on the new Android camera API and who knows, maybe even a new Chromecast or Nexus device – a Nexus 5 (2015) or Nexus 7 (2015) perhaps? Google Glass might make an appearance, we might hear something about the Google Watch and Google Wallet might be in for an overhaul to compete with Apple Pay (Android Pay?).  

• Will you be at Google I/O? What are you expecting to see this year?

Install Google's new Lollipop Messenger app now!

Install Google's new Lollipop Messenger app now!

blognet   Tuesday, April 14, 2015   Comment  

If you're not a fan of using Hangouts on stock Android to send and receive an SMS then don't worry, with the arrival of Android 5.0 Lollipop, Google has included a new messaging application for SMS & MMS bearing the features of Material Design. And best of all - you can download it today! Messenger is now available for install from the Google Play Store.

Android 5.0 Lollipop provides an all-new application of SMS messaging.

• It's almost a year since the release of Android 4.4 KitKat, where the Google Hangouts app was developed from a simple web mail service to become an integrated SMS app. Installed by default on the Nexus range, this application had to be used to send and receive your SMS messages, much to the disdain of some users.

The new Messenger app from Google incorporates Material Design but leaves out Hangouts. / © Google

However, Google seems to regret this choice: the Nexus 6 and the Nexus 9 will be arriving with Android 5.0 Lollipop and the brand new SMS application in tow, bearing the name "Messenger". (Reminiscent of a certain social network's similar messaging application...). The app is now available for all devices with Android versions 4.1 Jelly Bean and above.

• What does the new Messenger app bring?

• Faster sharing: Select or take pictures and videos directly from the app and share easily. You can even send audio messages to your contacts.

• Easy search: Search through contacts and conversation threads to find exactly what you are looking for.

• Purposeful design: New, fluid, material design that is intuitive and delightful.

• More control: Ability to block SMS senders. No interruptions when you don’t want them!

• More features: audio messages, emoji support 😃, colored text threads, message archiving and more.

Sharing files is apparently a lot better with Messenger. / © Google

Install the Android 5.0 Lollipop Messenger

You can install it for free from the Play Store by clicking the install button below.

MessengerINSTALL

If you don’t have Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, you can still try to install it with the Google Messenger APK that we had previously made available, however this isn’t guaranteed. This APK is not official, and may contain some bugs.

What do you think of the Android 5.0 Lollipop Messenger?

Amazing iPhone 6 hack brings the Android Lollipop experience to iOS

Amazing iPhone 6 hack brings the Android Lollipop experience to iOS

blognet   Sunday, April 12, 2015   Comment  

Have you ever wanted to try Android without actually ditching your iPhone in favor of a brand new Android device? There might be a way to do that, as long as you still have access to an iOS version that can be jailbroken, as the app that’ll get you an Android experience on your iPhone 6 can’t be found in the App Store.

As posted on Reddit and imgur, Andrios is “an Android experience for iOS,” which aims to bring some familiar Android Lollipop UI elements to the iPhone, offering users a fake but gorgeous Android environment.

The Andrios app isn’t available for download just yet, and it’ll cost you somewhere between $3 and $4 once it’s ready. But its developers have been working on it for two months straight, coming up with an amazing interface that makes the iPhone look like an Android-powered handset. Interestingly, switching between Lollipop and KitKat modes is also an available option.

As the screenshots reveal, Andrios brings over various Android elements you’ll recognize immediately, including the Google Search bar, the Action Bar buttons, and the Material Design palette. Other elements such as the Notification Center, lock screen notifications, notification functionality, power menu, music playback widget, volume sliders and buttons are also shown off in the screenshot gallery.

Obviously, this Andrios mod doesn’t bring a full Android experience to iOS 8 or iOS 7, just a refreshed user interfaced based on Google’s mobile operating system.

Some Andrios screenshots follow below, with more available at the source links.

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Android Lollipop rolling out to HTC One E8, Butterfly S and Desire EYE users in Asia: UK and US roll-out imminent

Android Lollipop rolling out to HTC One E8, Butterfly S and Desire EYE users in Asia: UK and US roll-out imminent

blognet   Sunday, April 12, 2015   Comment  

The Android Lollipop update is seeding to HTC Desire Eye users in Taiwan

Google's Android Lollipop OS update is now rolling out to users of some older HTC smartphones including the HTC One E8, HTC Desire EYE and HTC Butterfly S in some Asian countries.

According to a PhoneArena report that quotes official tweets by HTC's ROM engineer (see below), the Android 5.0 OS update is now available for download, indicating the impending roll-out of the firmware in the UK and US as well.

As per the official tweet, Android Lollipop is currently live for HTC One E8 users in Hong Kong and owners of the smartphone can check the update in the form of a bulky 958MB sized file.

Apart from Hong Kong, the Lollipop update is also live for users of HTC Desire EYE in Taiwan who can check for the newer OTA notification with the software rolling-out in the form of a 1009MB file.

HTC Butterfly S users in Taiwan can also download the Android Lollipop (available as a 709MB file) via OTA.

The latest roll-out follows that of the T-Mobile-driven HTC One (M7) smartphones in US, which were seeded with the Android Lollipop early last month.

Therefore, users of HTC's older smartphones, residing in Asia can check their smartphones for the Android Lollipop update, and let us if they have received the same in our comments section below.