AndroiDreamer: Rumor: Google Workshop could let users create the case they’ve always wanted

Friday, August 1, 2014

Rumor: Google Workshop could let users create the case they’ve always wanted

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Rumor: Google Workshop could let users create the case they’ve always wanted

An interesting new rumor has surfaced this morning suggesting Google wants to allow you to buy the case you want for your Nexus 5, and potentially other devices. Dubbed Google Workshop, this service — which we imagine would be hosted on Google Play and accessed whenever you shop for accessories — is said to be offering up at least two options for users to customize their device:

MapMe: put in a location, and Google will give you a map-patterned case based on that area (with options for changing the color and adding text, natch).

Moments: you can upload a photo to be used as the imagery on the case.

Another element to all of this are customized live wallpapers that may also be made available to you in some way. MapMe could show you a dynamic map that displays location-based Tweets and check-ins, for example, while the Moments option would cycle through additional photos you upload through the service.

Unfortunately it sounds like this isn’t something Google is 100% confirmed to be launching just yet. With that, there’s no word on if this is just a Nexus 5 exclusive or if they’ll be extending functionality to other Nexus or Google Play Edition devices.

Google is said to still be in the “exploration” stages, so we imagine it’d be too soon for them to consider anything but their flagship smartphone (and perhaps tablet) right now. If the Moto X taught us anything, though, it’s that people love to customize things, and we’re sure this would sell a lot more accessories than they’re selling right now. Make it happen, Google!

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Flappy Birds Family quietly hits the Amazon Appstore, looks to be a Fire TV exclusive

We can picture the movie trailer now, “Your favorite feathered derp is back, and this time…. he’s bringing backup.” (Queue explosion). Flappy Birds Family has just landed in the Amazon Appstore, the official followup the cultural phenomenon that was the original Flappy Bird. While the original was deemed to addictive for public consumption, this new version should prove much more casual.

Flappy Birds Family screenshot 1

Oddly enough, there’s been no official word from the developer’s Twitter account, no listing of the new game on their official website. We should note that the developer has mentioned a sequel would launch this August (check your calendar) and that it would feature multiplayer. We can clearly see the addition of what appears to be multiplayer in the screenshot above as well as lives, making the game fun for the whole family. I mean, what better way to keep an eye on little Timmy’s Flappy Bird addiction than by sharing in on his video game crack?

It’s still unclear if Amazon managed to nab the exclusive on the game’s release — the game’s listing does show compatibility with controllers and Fire TV, so it could be exclusive to Amazon’s set top box — in either case… Flap on.

Download on Amazon: Flappy Birds Family

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Mobile Roar Podcast 56: Whale of a Phone

This week we discuss Kevin’s Amazon Fire Phone review, but more importantly, is the Fire Phone a “true” Android device? What does a device need in order to feel like a real Android device? We also discuss the rumors of a 5.9-inch Motorola Nexus “Shamu” device. When the codename for a device is a whale you might want to consider making it smaller. Other topics include flammable Samsung devices, things Joe misses from Windows Phone, and much more! Thanks for watching/listening!

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