Android software

After announcing its intentions to do so a few weeks ago, Microsoft today launches its official SkyDrive app for Android devices. Similar to its sibling apps on Windows Phone and iOS, this newest release lets users access their SkyDrive cloud storage accounts from devices running Google's mobile operating system. While it was designed specifically with Android 4.0 in mind, the app is said to be fully functional with devices running Android 2.3 and above.

From the looks of it, SkyDrive for Android covers all the basics, letting you view personal documents, shared documents, and recently used documents. … Read more

Android users might find themselves benefiting from an unintended consequence of Apple's recent patent battle against Samsung.

Older versions of Android (2.x) that were found to infringe upon Apple's intellectual property might get around the ban with an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, points out 9to5Google.

This would specifically sidestep patent issues for Samsung's Nexus S and its "Pure Google" experience, one of eight models in Apple's cross-hairs.

On the surface, it sounds as if Google and its partners will want to get Android 4.1 deployed to as many devices … Read more

We've seen quite a few diabolical alarm clocks. One of the cleverest so far has been the Ramos clock, a device that makes you get out of bed, locate the disarm panel, and type in a code to shut it down. It's awesome, but also a little expensive, starting at $160.

For the price of free, you can get an Android app that has a similarly evil plan in mind for your morning. Sleep If U Can uses a photo matching system to make the alarm shut up. … Read more

Back in July, Dropbox usernames and passwords were compromised via third-party Web sites. As a result, Dropbox said it would work on adding more security features to help keep accounts safe. Almost a month later, the company's delivered an extra feature that you'll need to enable on your own: two-step verification.

For each new device you use to access the Dropbox Web site or service, you'll need to enter your current password and a security code using this new method. This code can be sent to you via SMS or be generated by a mobile authenticator app. … Read more

The Android and iOS operating systems may be even more popular than you think.

Research firm Flurry Analytics today announced that iOS and Android adoption is ten times greater than PC adoption at that technology's rapid-growth phase in the 1980s. The mobile platforms have amassed users twice as quickly as the Web during its go-go period in the 1990s, and three times faster than recent social networks. The company is basing those figures on the first five years of widespread adoption across all of these technologies.

According to Flurry, 640 million iOS or Android-based devices were in use last … Read more

Samsung Electronics -- and possibly Android -- may need a complete overhaul if Apple has its way.

Today's jury verdict, in which Apple was awarded $1.05 billion in damages after Samsung was found to have copied several key design elements in the iPhone and iPad, could have a ripple effect in how Samsung designs its phones.

Samsung may have to do better than draw its inspiration from nature when designing and building the next wave of Android smartphones. The jury's decision was a statement on just how similar … Read more

Google's Nexus branded devices are supposed to get Android updates before anyone else. So why are Verizon and Sprint Galaxy Nexus subscribers still waiting for the latest of Android software introduced nearly two months ago?

This is a question that I address in this edition of Ask Maggie. I also clear up a lingering question about keeping your unlimited data plan if you're on Verizon Wireless.

Why doesn't my Verizon Galaxy Nexus have Jelly Bean yet?

Dear Maggie, I bought a Galaxy Nexus from Verizon Wireless thinking that it would get the latest updates of Google Android … Read more

While iOS users were today treated to a huge Facebook app update, Android users got a little something as well.

With the newest update to Facebook for Android, you can now easily create events from the app, share photos faster with a new upload process, and add photos and emoji to messages.

Sure, the Android update is nowhere near as big as the iOS update. But still, it's nice to see Facebook showing support for both platforms.

The newest version of Facebook for Android is available now on Google Play.

The U.S. Department of Justice has taken aim at three sites that allegedly pirated Android apps.

According to the Justice Department, it seized three Web sites -- applanet.net, appbucket.net, and snappzmarket.com -- that were allegedly offering copies of copyrighted Android apps. It marked the first time that sites were seized over allegedly pirating copyrighted mobile apps.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the sting operation by downloading "thousands of copies of popularity copyright apps" from the sites, the Justice Department said. The agency didn't specify the apps, but the servers hosting them were … Read more