Daily News Courier

Press update adds DashClock Widget support

Google Reader client Press has just added support for the popular new widget DashClock just a few days after its release.  DashClock Widget provides a platform to make "extensions" that plug into the widget from other apps to put pertinent notifications and information on your screen. Users on Android 4.2 with DashClock installed now have the ability to see their Press unread count and last sync time on the widget. This should play nicely with the recent update to Press that added background syncing support.

So far we've got Falcon Pro and Press that have updated to support the widget's extensions, along with the built-in items like weather and Gmail, and we're sure to see more as DashClock Widget becomes even more popular.

Motorola Electrify M on US Cellular receiving Jelly Bean OTA

The Motorola Electrify M, which has only been available on U.S. Cellular since November, is getting its Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update starting today. The update should be similar to what we've seen come out on other recent Motorola devices, taking Jelly Bean and putting some very light, but useful, customizations on top of it. You'll be getting Google Now, Project Butter and expandable notifications as well as Motorola's own tweaks.

As is usually the case, large updates like this roll out in phases and it may take some time to arrive. If you're seeing the update on your Electrify M, be sure to chime in here and let us know.

Source: Motorola

Facebook pages manager app for Android launches, sort of

Looks like Facebook might finally be about to make available its "Facebook Pages Manager" application for Android, which, as the name implies, will let those with Facebook Pages manage said pages with the app. It's sitting there in Google Play, only we can't download it yet in the states. And neither can our pals in the UK.

The app's description reads:

Manage all the Pages you admin, wherever you are. Helps Facebook Page admins connect with their audience and keep up with activity on multiple Pages.

 

• Post new updates and photos and respond to comments as your Pages
• View and reply to private messages sent to your Page
• Get notifications about new activity on your Pages right away
• View your latest Pages Insights

A few people have managed to leave star ratings, and a couple of (not so helpful) reviews. For our part, the listing shows it's incompatible with every one of our devices, so this is pretty much a placeholder at the moment.

Figure an announcement is coming any time now.

Notification Weather: an elegant way to check the forecast

The release of Android 4.1 and 4.2 Jelly Bean brought several improvements to the handling and functionality of notifications. With expandable, actionable and prioritized notifications, developers can manage their apps and take control of what goes on when a notification is presented to the user. Notification Weather, as the name implies, takes advantage of the new notification options in Jelly Bean to elegantly present the weather to you when you drop down the pane.

It seems like everyone's got a favorite weather app loaded on their device already, so does Notification Weather have what it takes to become your new favorite? Read on past the break and see what this one has to offer.

read more

Multi-window update for AT&T Galaxy Note 2 now live

We heard from AT&T that today was the day for the long-awaited Galaxy Note 2 multi-window update, and it looks like the carrier has stuck to its word. Several users in our forums are finding OTA notifications on their devices — while others have had success checking manually — and reboot to find the new feature in working order. The download all together is 178MB, which is quite hefty, and keeps the Note 2 on Android 4.1.2 for the time being.

See the update hit your device yet? Head to the forums and let the other members know how it's working out.

Source: AT&T Galaxy Note 2 Forums; Thanks, Larry!

Light Flow updated to support 62 more apps, multiple calendars

Light Flow, a popular app to control notification LED's and sounds, has added support for a whole host of new apps today. In total, 62 new apps can now have their notification sound, vibration and LED flashing controlled including some notable apps like Falcon Pro. The app now also supports Ice Cream Sandwich users with multiple calendars, as well as the ability to swipe away calendar notifications to clear the LED flashing. As is usually the case, several different bugs have been squashed in this update — from black screen and color issues on the Nexus 4 to translations for Turkish and Arabic.

You can get a list of all 62 apps added, as well as the complete list of all apps supported, at the source link below. If you haven't given Light Flow a look, it's well worth your $2.49 to buy it. There's also a free version with limited app support if you just want to give it a test drive.

More: Light Flow Changelog

Tumblr app finally gets optimized for the iPad

Youtube app updated with new 10-inch tablet layout

There's an update to the Youtube app waiting for you in the Google Play store, and if you're using a 10-inch tablet (like the Nexus 10), you're in for a treat. The update adds a new layout for large screen devices that brings a great two-pane experience to everyone's favorite video service.

The update uses the concept of Android fragments, where both can act independently yet have influence over each other. The smaller fragment on the left allows for things like app navigation and selection, and your content appears to the right. It's a great way to build apps for large screen devices, and allows one app to have the best UI and layout for any size screen.

Hit the link above for the update, or just check your Google Play notifications.

Via: @WinDroidGuy

ASUS PadFone 2 receiving Jelly Bean OTA

The PadFone 2, ASUS' successor device to that weird interesting phone inside a tablet inside a laptop contraption, is finally grabbing an OTA to Jelly Bean starting today. We were surprised when the phone was announced back in October with just Ice Cream Sandwich on board, but it's good to see ASUS following it up quickly with an update. The device keeps the skinning present in the previous version, but new features like Google Now and enhanced notifications are all included here.

According to FoneArena, the OTA is starting its rollout in Asia — although that makes sense because the device is primarily being sold there. If you happen to have imported one of these to the states, you'll likely have a shot at receiving the update yourself with this batch.

Source: FoneArena; More: ASUS PadFone Forums

AT&T

If you own the Samsung Galaxy S III on AT&T, then now would be an appropriate time to furiously check for the Android 4.1 software update.