Google Removes Apps From The Android Market Without Warning

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The Android Market is has the best apps of today developed by Google and others for Android devices. Compared to Apple’s App Store, the Android Market is an “open market” that permits developers to publish their apps for users to download instantly without permission from anyone.

Every so often, Google pulls an app from the Android Market. Here are some of the few apps that were pulled recently

Grooveshark
Grooveshark is an online music search engine, music streaming service and music recommendation web software application, allowing users to search for, stream, and upload music free of charge that can be played immediately or added to a playlist. Grooveshark have been in the market for a year and a half however just this month, with no particular reason and no notice at all, Grooveshark was pulled from the Android Market.
The people behind Grooveshark were shocked why Google pulled out the app from the market and they do not know what rules and regulations were violated.
Pokemon Tower Defense
Well, the most probable or perhaps the most obvious reason why the popular tower defense themed from Pokemon got pulled out from the Android Market is that it used copyrighted characters without consent from Nintendo or from the Pokemon Company.
Nevertheless, the developers aren’t angry and respect the decision to have it pulled out. They are also aware that talking to Nintendo or Google right now would be futile.
Dog Wars
Dog Wars had been a provocative game for Android devices. The game is all about dogs fight against one another in virtual blood-fight scenarios. The controversial game was pulled out from the Android Market after a commotion from the Humane Society and from former dogfighter Michael Vick.
I really don’t understand the principal reason why Dog Wars was banned from the market. Just because something is illegal in real life in certain countries, does it also mean it is illegal to make a song, movie, or video game about it? How about those games that involves human fighting against each other? This seems really fishy.
When Google demonstrates its power to pull out apps – for whatever reason it has – users and developers have no choice and no one to appeal to. The question now is – Is it fair that Google pulled out these apps without warning?

 

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Targa – The New Droid Bionic – Coming This Summer

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Just last week, it was publicized that the highly anticipated Motorola Droid Bionic’s debut has been delayed. There were rumors that the reason why its debut will be delayed is because of some glitches with regard to its processor. Also, Motorola did not give us any official announcements to confirm those rumors. Amusingly, a new page has been published on Motorola’s website resounding the same CES reveal date, but the page has been tweaked and reveals what will be coming for the device when it gets released.

Based on compelling feedback since the show, we are incorporating several enhancements to make this an even better consumer experience. This includes expanded features, functionality and an improved form factor. Motorola Mobility and Verizon Wireless are very excited about bringing the ‘new’ DROID BIONIC to market.

As you can see on the photo above, it has the original form factor of the Droid Bionic. However, this summer, the Droid Bionic will come into existence with a new form factor. And, Verizon Wireless will still be carrying the device. The good news is that this particular smartphone is still expected to be a 4G LTE enabled smartphone. And guess what, the Droid Bionic will be in the form of the Targa.

This seems very thought-provoking. What can we expect with the Droid Bionic, or should I say the Targa?
 

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Get HBO Go Now!

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“05.02.11” was the date flashed at the end part of HBO Go’s commercial. It was uncertain at first whether or not an actual app will be available on that date. However, it was confirmed when Direct TV tweeted on their official Twitter account that, indeed, HBO Go will be available on May 2, 2011. But, it appears to be that HBO has unveiled their much awaited app earlier than it is expected. The app is now live and users under the subscription of the PayTV service can download it to selected Android devices.

Here’s the download link.
As of this moment, only selected devices can access HBO Go. Owners of tablets like the Viewsonic G-Tab, the Motorola Xoom, as well as older Android handsets like the Motorola Droid will likely be grouchy that they still can’t access the app. Also, users who have a rooted or overclocked their Android devices will also not like the fact that they cannot enjoy the service as well. Nevertheless, owners of more recent Droid versions such as the Droid X and Samsung’s Galaxy S will be happy to know that they have access to HBO Go. It would be wise to pay attention to the user reviews section and forums so you can decipher whether your handset will have any trouble getting the app up and running.
HBO Go gives users the pleasure to watch episodes of HBO originals, as well as feature movies on the move. The app is built to be a shop of sorts, in that it has it all for PayTV fans seeking options for streaming some quality HBO content.
So, are you ready for HBO Go?

 

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Droid Bionic Still Coming, but Might Get Cosmetic Overhaul; Leaked Pics Show Current State

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Android Central has some pictures of the Droid Bionic that have been leaked recently, but also bring news that it’s likely to be undergoing some changes between now and release. These pictures may be the last time we see the Bionic in its current incarnation. According to a Motorola fact sheet, the Bionic will be getting some big changes before it releases, but it will indeed still see the light of day, sometime this summer. Judging from the pictures, it appears that Motorola has abandoned its Blur UI for this device, apparently being released with stock Froyo. Check More on AC
[via AC]

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Plex plays nice with your Honeycomb slate after app update

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We've praised Plex in the past for delivering us box-free XMBC and for it's prodigious media streaming proficiency. Problem is, its app wasn't optimized for the Honeycomb OS and the upsized screen real estate of Android slates -- until now. With the updated code comes tablet-friendly layouts and fast-scrolling in all grid and list views so you can zip through your large local media library. It also includes direct play and internet streaming sans-transcoding (just like the recently revised iOS app) for sating those right now vid cravings. The improvements serve smaller Android devices as well, which makes the newly egalitarian app more enticing than ever before. Best of all, it's still only five bucks. 

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Toshiba's ET100/WT100 Honeycomb tablet clears the FCC

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Toshiba's forthcoming Honeycomb tablet is already headed to Japanese stores as the Regza AT300, but it's been a bit slower in arriving stateside. Now it seems the company could be close to shipping a real, working product here in the US. The still unnamed slate -- dubbed the ET100/WT100 for now -- has won FCC approval for its 802.11n and Bluetooth radios. To recap, the slate will have a 10.1-inch (1280 x 800) display, run on NVIDIA's Tegra 2 platform, and sport dual cameras, HDMI and USB ports, an SD card reader, and, possibly, a removable battery. We say, bring it on.

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Android Market gets “Tablet Apps” section

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Google today released a featured tablet applications section in web Android Market. I am not yet sure about its presence on Android Market version on Honeycomb tablets, but it won’t take long to have it.
It is currently showcasing 69 apps right now, which I suppose will increase in the coming days.

 

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[Instructions] How To Root The Verizon Samsung Droid Charge

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Neither z4root nor SuperOneClick is currently working on the Charge (though I’m sure someone will come up with a one-click method soon enough), but guess what – Gingerbreak sure does. Follow these instructions, and you should have root and full /system unlock on your Droid Charge in a few minutes. Credit goes to the Exploid Crew and unnamed testers.
No custom recovery, such as ClockworkMod or RA, is available yet, but it is surely going to arrive very soon.

Pros

• Permanent root
• Read/write access to /system
• The bootloader is factory unlocked, so no additional fiddling is required
• All Droid Charges survived testing
• No data wipe is needed

Cons

• Voids warranty
• Could brick your phone if you aren’t careful

Android Police and Team AndIRC disclaim all liability for any harm that may befall your device, including, but not limited to: bricked phones, voided manufacturer warranties, exploding batteries, etc. The instructions below assume you already have a strong familiarity with adb command lines.
The instructions were created using Linux, but should work the same way on Windows, Mac, etc. You may require additional USB drivers on Windows – check with Samsung and Verizon if you can’t see the phone in adb.
If you’re unfamiliar with some of the terms, hit up our primers here:

• Rooting Explained + Top 5 Benefits Of Rooting
• Top Android Apps Every Rooted User Should Know About: Part 1 (Apps 1-8), Part 2 (Apps 9-16), Part 3 (Apps 17-25)
• Custom ROMs Explained And Why You Want Them

Step 1

Download the zip archive containing the exploit and other needed files (MD5: c6f2f4119f4a640571c3ab50c3287aae).

Step 2

Unpack the downloaded zip – you should now have 3 files:

• GingerBreak
• su
• Superuser.apk

Step 3

Enable USB debugging on your phone – go to Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging and put a checkbox there.

Step 4

Push the files to the phone:
adb push GingerBreak /data/local/
adb push su /data/local/
adb push Superuser.apk /data/local/

Step 5

Gain root (this can take upwards of 10 minutes, and if it fails, reboot and try again):
adb shell
Now the shell should display "$".
Run:
/data/local/GingerBreak
At this point, the shell should display "#".

Step 6

When your prompt changes from $ to #, you have temp root. Now let’s make it a permanent root:
At this point, the shell should display "#".
Run:
mount -o remount,rw -t rfs /dev/block/stl10 /system
cat /sdcard/su /system/xbin/su
cat /sdcard/Superuser.apk /system/xbin/Superuser.apk
chown 0:0 /system/xbin/su
chmod 06755 /system/xbin/su
reboot
Your Charge should now reboot. Enjoy permanent root!
If you have questions, use our webchat or go to irc.andirc.net and join #charge.
 [Source: Androidpolice]

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Create Your Own Theme Music With “My Piano” For Android

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Isn’t it obvious?  I think everyone should have a high end piano or keyboard app on their smartphone, you know, just in case that tune enters your mind and you want to get it down before it has the chance to escape?  You know what I’m talking about.  My Piano, by developer Borce Trajkovski, has quite a number of features that will come as a surprise for such a compact little app.  Tickle the ivories on command with this innovative new piano application.  Unlike most piano apps, you can even record your voice and play it back in several pitches or keys on the piano for a good laugh.  And this is sure to keep those kiddos busy for quite some time during that long commute.  Just add the app along with a pair of headphones and wallah!  At the very least, you’ll be able to create a tune in no time with an array of features added by the developer.  Head on over to our popular apps database for more info and to snag the download or hit up the QR code after the break. Also, don’t forget to check out the quick video of the app in action.
Android Market Link

From The Developer:
Features:
■ Studio quality sound
■ 10 instruments
■ multi-touch
■ sound effects
■ note velocity
■ note aftertouch
■ integrated sampler
■ sample record & save
■ sample load & import
■ integrated recorder
■ track load & save
■ MIDI over WiFi
■ MIDI note velocity
■ MIDI note aftertouch
■ MIDI volume control
■ 1.5 or 2 octaves
■ 8 notes polyphony
■ 6 skins

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