Phandroid
Warning: next Android update might break quite a few root apps
In way more words and technical explanations than I’m comfortable repeating here, Chainfire — the developer who creates one of the best SuperUser (root access) apps out there, as well as gems like 500 Firepaper — has given developers of root apps an ominous warning. According to him, the forthcoming upgrade to Android (whether that be 4.4.3 or some other number Google plans to use) changes things in a way that breaks functionality for a good deal of root apps.
Most of the changes have to do with SELinux and the ART runtime possibly being enabled by default, as well as other developer-centric changes. Long story short, Chainfire has come to the conclusion that the changes won’t necessarily break all root apps, but he’s seen enough to believe that the changes will undoubtedly affect enough of them that this big warning is needed.
He’s already gotten to work on his own SuperSU, and invites developers and advanced users to download the latest version (not yet being distributed via Google Play) and help knock out some of the kinks. He’s also urging developers to re-read the SELinux section of his How-to SU guide, as he’s made some important changes that detail some of the forthcoming changes in the next version of Android.
Chainfire takes special care to remind developers to test their apps against ART, as its possible future status as the default runtime for Android could make it more important than ever to pay attention to. If you’re a developer then be sure to head to the source link for all the detailed explanations and relevant links you can handle.
[via Google+]
LG LifeBand Touch and HeartRate Earphones now available from Best Buy
LG told us their newest fitness-centric products were headed to the United States this week, and they can say they lived up to that promise. Best Buy is now selling the South Korean company’s LifeBand Touch and HeartRate Earphones.
The former is a smartwatch that utilizes a familiar cast of sensors (altimeter, gyroscope and the like) to record workout information and sync it to apps like RunKeeper and LG’s Fitness app. It’ll also let you check notifications for incoming calls and text messages, as well as control music playback right from your wrist.
Adding to that are the Bluetooth-equipped HeartRate earphones, which uses the blood flow of the ear (said to be more reliable and accurate than the finger) to detect your heart rate. The earphone monitors can automatically sync that information to your phone or LifeBand Touch, and will also ping you with your heart rate every now and then while you’re listening to your music.
Pricing? It’s a cool $150 for the LifeBand Touch, and oddly enough the earphones will run you $180. Kind of steep for some earphones, though we suppose there aren’t many on the market doing what these do just yet. Check them out at the links ahead.
[Best Buy 1|2]
Gmail for Android update finally brings ability to save attachments to Google Drive
The ability to save Gmail attachments to Google Drive straight from the email has been a very pleasant experience on desktop, but those of us who do check a lot of email on mobile have been missing out on that functionality. Thankfully there’s no more waiting for it, as the latest Gmail for Android update adds a quick and easy “Save to Drive” button for any attachments you receive.
Also new in this update is an explanation for any email that is automatically marked as spam, better support for right-to-left languages (such as Arabic), and easier access to the slide-out navigation bar while reading email messages. Of course, Google always stresses that not everyone will see the update at the same time, but it shouldn’t take more than a few days to reach your handset or tablet if it isn’t already available.
[Google Play Download Link via Google]
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