U-dessert is code name of Android 14's anyone could think of

 

Android 13 is very much still in development (as we wait not-so-patiently for Beta 1 to finally land) but even with its stable release still months off, pieces are already starting to fall into place for further-out Android versions. One question we've been kicking around for a while now concerns which dessert beginning with the letter U might be chosen as the development code name for Android 14 — and it's not like there are a ton of obvious U-names to choose from. Today we finally get our answer, with Android 14 set to go by the code name Upside Down Cake.

Google formally clarifies the code name in some recent notes added to the AOSP (spotted by 9to5Google). Honestly, that's the first U-dessert we thought of, mentioning it as a likely option back when confirmation arrived for Android 13's Tiramisu name. Even getting our U from “upside-down” feels like a bit of a cheat, but it's not like there were a ton of other obvious options. If we start going international with our dessert menu, that could start opening things up a little, but ultimately it's not at all surprising to see Google go in this direction.

Dessert names used to be a much more prominent part of new Android releases, and you'll still hear long-time users affectionately reference past versions like Lollipop or ICS. Even when we weren't talking about the dessert itself, it was still common to refer to its letter: Android M, or Android Q. But for the launch of Android 10 in 2019, Google took a step back from this association, instead embracing the numerical version as the preferred way to talk about Android.

That shift did make a whole lot of sense — it's clean, it's accessible, and really is just a lot more professional-sounding — but for those of us who long for the days when there was just a little more “fun” in Android development, at least the desserts live on as internal code names.

Android 15 is a long way off, but does anyone want to make any bets as to what our V-name might be? Vanilla-something could be obvious, or will Google take us in a new direction? Your guess is as good as ours.

 

 

Red:  Androidpolice

AOKP KitKat nightlies now available

Earlier today we reported on Paranoid Android’s first release of its AOSPA4+ ROM, but that’s not the only custom ROM bringing out some Android KitKat goodness over the holiday week.

On Christmas day AOKP released its first nightly builds of Android 4.4.2 for all newer Nexus devices, the Galaxy Nexus and quite a few popular handsets including the Galaxy S4, GS3, HTC One and Xperia T and V.

Not all of the officially supported AOKP devices have seen the release of nightlies yet, but at least the biggest hitters are covered and we imagine more devices will be added in the weeks to come.

Keep in mind that nightly builds aren’t for everyone. If you are looking for a completely stable Android experience with no need for additional troubleshooting, you probably should wait for a more stable release. It’s also important to note that installing the AOKP nightly ROM will require a full data wipe.

To download the ROM for yourself or for installation instructions, be sure to head on over the AOKP blog.

red:Androidauthority

Download now KitKat-based Paranoid Android AOSPA4+ ROM

On Christmas Eve, the Paranoid Android team took the wraps off their very first release of its AOSPA4+ ROM, which of course features Android 4.4 KitKat onboard.

The ROM itself seems to work very well, but keep in mind that this is an early release and therefore is missing quite a few PA features such as Halo, Pie and the Hybrid engine. Of course we can expect these features to be added back into the mix in future ROM releases.

Here’s a full change-log of all the features contained in the current ROM release:

Initial Release – AOSPA 4.0 Beta <2013-12-24>

• Built-in SuperSu
• Advanced Power Menu
• Enhanced Volume Buttons
• Enhanced Volume Controls
• Global Immersive Mode Toggle
• Notification LED Light Controls
• Actionable Status Bar Date/Time
• Keyguard Quick Unlock [standard]
• Disable full screen keyboard [standard]
• Basic file browser (Documents <from Omni>)
• Exposed Google’s Native App Privacy Controls
• Recent/Clear All Button Combo (context aware)
• Screenshot Delete Added to Screenshot Notification
• Optional Lock Screen Transparency (blur effect WIP)
• Optional Status Bar Battery Icons (mirrored in quick settings)
• Quick Settings 2.0 (edit tiles from within the pull down panel)

As for device support, the ROM will work with the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2012/2013) and the Nexus 10. The PA team plans to release a build for the Oppo N1 in the near future as well.

For more details on the latest PA ROM, you’ll want to head here. To download the ROM for yourself, be sure to head to their official download portal.

Well it's good news for android developer..

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Android apps of the week

This week, we feature apps that won’t only keep your hands on your phone but also help you discover new places to explore whether alone or with your friends. Because hey, A stands for “adventure,” and Android never skimps on giving you the grand adventure that you need.

Can’t wait to see what’s under the cloche? Get the dining ware ready because here 7 new Android apps, dressed and ready for your consumption.

Epic Citadel

 

Travel the magnificent virtual citadel, created by Epic Games, called the Epic Citadel. Looking at the app’s Google Play Store page, I really thought that this was a game. But, after using it, I found out that this was an interactive benchmark tool that measures your GPU’s performance. Powered by Unreal Technology, the state-of-art designs of the citadel look amazing. Its graphics actually remind me of Assassin’s Creed 2. Aside from using the app as a tool, you can also walk around and explore the breathtaking citadel.

Epic Citadel

NEW

by Epic Games, Inc.

50,000+ downloads

1780 ratings (4.6 avg)

4.6

Free

Install

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Wotchapp

 

The weekend is approaching. Have you already chosen a place where you and your friends can hang out? I did and it was easy with CoreDigital’s Wotchapp app. This app scans your location and suggest popular places where you can hang out. Locations are grouped into three: Arts & Entertainment, Food, and Nightlife Spot. Nearby places will then be displayed on the screen. You can also read user reviews, comments, and even photos submitted by users to a hangout place. The ads-supported Wotchapp app can be downloaded for free. Ads will only appear at the bottom of the screen.

Wotchapp

NEW

by CoreDigital

500+ downloads

31 ratings (4.5 avg)

4.5

Free

Install

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RetroArch Android

 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy early 90′s gaming with RetroArch Android, a free game emulator app by Libretro. Unlike most game emulator apps, RetroArch allows you to play several game platforms on your smartphone. RetroArch currently comes with 14 game emulators such as FCEUmm for Nintendo NES games, Snes9x-Next for Nintendo SNES games, and — my personal favorite — Nestopia for the Nintendo NES where I can play the classic Casltevania game. The app is simple, straightforward, and easy to use. It’s like carrying a portable gamebuddy everywhere you go.

RetroArch Android

NEW

by Libretro

10,000+ downloads

385 ratings (4.4 avg)

4.4

Free

Install

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LINE Brush

Art has always been my first love. Even when the latest technology offers state-of-the-art drawing tablets and digital art programs, I still end up going back to my traditional tools in painting. But, I discovered a nice alternative to my traditional approach: LINE Brush. NAVER has created a no-frills drawing platform that is not too heavy on any device. The interface is very responsive and easy to navigate around. I especially like the brush sets in the app, even if they’re currently limited. At the same time, you can draw on pictures or transform pictures into paintings using Photo Brushes. Best of all, you can be as artistic as you want to be without having to bring so much with you. I tried this on an Xperia TX, and painting on the Xperia TX has never been this fun!

LINE Brush

NEW

by NAVER

100,000+ downloads

1046 ratings (4.4 avg)

4.4

Free

Install

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iSense Music – 3D Music Player

SmoothApps’ iSense Music – 3D Music Player may look simple but this music player is quite feature rich and intuitive to use. You can browse your music collection by sorting through album art on a carousel and easily add songs to your playlist. If you need to do more, access the menu by swiping up from the bottom. You can tweak the equalizer by using presets or reverb, or you can customize your listening experience yourself. If you want the app to be even more attractive, you can change to any of the three free themes that come pre-installed or download more from the Google Play Store. You can purchase iSense Music – 3D Music Player from the Google Play Store for US$2.00.

iSense Music - 3D Music Player

NEW

by SmoothApps

100+ downloads

13 ratings (4.2 avg)

4.2

$1.99

Install

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TinyTunes

 

Whether you like your steak served well-done, medium well, or medium rare, we prefer serving the freshest Android apps hot and sizzling. Here at Android Authority, we believe that getting the hottest new apps is the best way to start the weekend.
This week, we feature apps that won’t only keep your hands on your phone but also help you discover new places to explore whether alone or with your friends. Because hey, A stands for “adventure,” and Android never skimps on giving you the grand adventure that you need.
Can’t wait to see what’s under the cloche? Get the dining ware ready because here 7 new Android apps, dressed and ready for your consumption.

TinyTunes

NEW

by Exigo

1,000+ downloads

18 ratings (4.3 avg)

4.3

Free

Install

---

Scoopt

Do you ever have one of those days when you want to go out but have no idea where to go? Feel like exploring your city but don’t want to waste your time with terrible establishments? Designed and developed the company of the same name, Scoopt lets you explore great places around you through friends’ recommendations. The best part is that you don’t need to go through lengthy articles; instead, Scoopt works together with Instagram so that pictures are presented in a clean and gorgeous magazine format. If you don’t have a lot of friends on Scoopt, however, you can check out what other Scoopt users are saying about the places they’ve been to according to location or category, such as Eat, Drink, Shop, and more.

Scoopt

NEW

by Scoopt Ltd

100+ downloads

6 ratings (5 avg)

5.0

Free

Install

Download Now, T-Mobile Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean OTA update

T-Mobile Galaxy S3 owners, we have good news for you today. After so many leaks, it looks like the official Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean update you have been waiting for so long is finally available to download over-the-air (OTA), although you should be able to upgrade your phone’s firmware via KIES as well.

As you can see in these images, we’re looking at a 334.19MB download for the SGH-T999 Galaxy S3 version, with the update expected to take around 10 minutes to complete. As always, make sure you have a dependable Internet connection and enough battery juice to get you through the process.

In case you were wondering, we’re looking at firmware version J3O03L.T999UVDLJA for T-Mobile’s Galaxy S3 version, so go ahead, check your devices to see whether you have received the update notification.

Our tipster says that his Galaxy S3 was updated at 1:00 PST time  today (November 14) and that he updated it by checking for updates on the handset.

Thanks, Kristopher Q!

Now, Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean is available for the Samsung Galaxy S3

We mentioned that Jelly Bean had begun rolling out for T-Mobile Galaxy S3 users earlier this morning. And well, it looks like those details have since been confirmed by T-Mobile. The carrier has posted the official support page, noting that;

“Beginning November 14, the Samsung Galaxy S III will have an optional software update to Android version 4.1.1/ Baseband version T999UVLJA via Over The Air (OTA) and Samsung Kies.”

The update is, of course, bringing Jelly Bean which means goodies such as Google Now and Project Butter. This update will bring an updated Settings menu and the new Notifications bar as well as improvements with the keyboard and camera. Additionally, T-Mobile users will also see some improvements for Wi-Fi calling.

Bottom line, this is the update that Galaxy S3 users have been waiting for. We now have seen Sprint and T-Mobile offer the update, we only hope the remaining US carriers will follow sooner rather than later. That being said, T-Mobile users now have a 344MB file download ready and waiting and it seems the only real question that remains is whether you want to grab this update over-the-air or using Kies. Of course, if we had to offer a suggestion, we would go over-the-air.

Portal 2 Wheatley Live Wallpaper App for Android Available in GooglePlay

That’s right, Portal 2 fans and Android handset owners, you heard it right, Portal 2’s Wheatley robot is now available for purchase in Google Play for just $1 as a live wallpaper app. All you have to do is head on to Google’s app store and get it.

Once you install it on your Android handset, you’ll have the robot’s omnipresent eye following your every (finger) move on the device, although that’s pretty much all that Space Robot LiveWallpaper has to offer (that’s actually the name of the app in Google Play). Fret not though, as more features are promised by the developer for future updates.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus handset owners should make sure they follow these instructions after purchasing the live wallpaper in order for it to work properly:

It’s known that most live wallpapers will be slow on stock launcher (on some version of the galaxy nexus). The quick solution now will be using other launchers and turn on the Force GPU in developer mode.

 

In case Wheatley doesn’t mean much to you then it means you haven’t really played Portal 2, one of the best first-person puzzle computer games out there, where Wheatley the funny robot likes to hang out most of the time. Nevertheless, the live wallpaper app may be an interesting choice even for those Android users that have not experienced the Portal universe yet.

Nike+Running app Now come to Android

It took them long enough, but Nike has finally made its popular running app available on the Android platform. The Nike+ Running app can now be downloaded for free on Google Play.

Using the app, runners will not only be able to track their progress, but they can also share and compare their runs with over 7 million runners on Nike+ community website. The Android version of Nike+ Running app is optimized to run on the platform and comes with an intuitive user interface. With a seamless and simple in-run navigation, runners can easily check their stats, in-progress GPS maps, change songs to fit with the mood and more – all without losing their pace. There’s also an in-run audio feedback that tells the distance as they run.

Here are other features of Nike+ Running app:

• Run Summary — makes it easy to view your route and track how you felt, the terrain you tackled, and the weather you endured.
• Rotate your phone while viewing the Run Summary to see the breakdown of your run into mile splits.
• See how your last run stacks up against your previous seven, and get fresh insights based on your latest activity every time you come back to the app.
• Swipe upwards on the Home Screen to view your next moves.
• Visualize all your runs side-by-side and see your progress in a bar graph history view.
• Syncing your run to the Nikeplus.com website allows you to view your maps on a larger screen, set a new goal, and find Nike+ Top Routes in your area.
• Shoe tagging — type in the name of your running shoes to track the distance they’re logging and see when it’s time to lace up a new pair.
• Add a widget to your phone’s home screen to show when you ran last, display your total mileage, and for even quicker access into a run.

As we are about to enter the third quarter of the year, there’s still time to meet those New Year’s resolutions. Though Google Play isn’t short on running apps, the Nike+ Running app will be a fine addition to the list that can help keep track of your progress and even provide motivation.