Now that Google I/O is wrapping up here in San Francisco and we finally have a chance to take a minute and breathe, we decided to sit down and do an overview of the new Google Play Music app along with its accompanying All Access service. Announced on Wednesday as a subscription-based Pandora and Spotify competitor, All Access is an important piece to the media puzzle for Google. The future of music appears to be in streaming services. 

So in the video below, we try to walk through it all, from starting radio stations to saving music to your library to navigating around this beautifully designed app.

Keep in mind that All Access is currently available as a 30-day free trial, but will jump up to $8 per month after the trial ends. Also, that $8 price is only good as long as you continue your subscription or sign-up before June 30. Once June 30 hits, the service will run $10 per month. If you sign-up for the free trial, you will be automatically billed once the trial ends, so should you not want to get charged, be sure to cancel it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: Overview of New Google Play Music and All Access is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

Did you miss the entire 3-hour Google I/O keynote from yesterday? Since Google decided not to do a day 2 keynote, they packed everything into day 1, with topics ranging from Google+ to Chrome to Android (barely) and even Google Maps. The entire thing ended with a 30-40 minute crowd Q&A with Larry Page that is at least worth a watch in and of itself. Overall, though, it was long…really long.

To see all of our coverage from Google I/O 2013, hit up this link.

Video: Entire Google I/O 2013 Keynote Replay Available is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thanks to a display unit hanging around the Qualcomm booth at a tech event in Dubai, the white version of the Nexus 4 is getting all sorts of play this week. While this new sighting gives us an up-close-and-personal view of the paler brother to the original N4, this still doesn’t mean that we are guaranteed to see it at Google I/O this week. We would certainly love to, as the white Nexus 4 has been on our radar since first appearing back in January, but there is no indication that this version will ever see a broad retail release. 

So what do we have here? A white Nexus 4 – nothing more. There isn’t LTE or 32GB of storage from what we can tell, two features that rumormongers continue to spread across tech publications.

I’m personally a fan of the two-tone look, with the white Crystal Reflection case on the back, with a black front-side, but I know that many of you would rather it be completely white.

Via:  TechView

Video: White Nexus 4 Gets a Quick Hands-on is a post from: Droid Life

Over the weekend, Nova Launcher received an updated to version 2.1, bringing with it a few features that really are quite notable. For most, the important feature addition is the ability to change individual application icons in the app drawer. This is highly important when the icon pack you are using does not skin a particular icon, making the theme a bit off when viewed. 

In addition, there is an entirely new user interface for wallpaper and icon picking, controlled by swiping left and right through different packs. It is a very nice update, so if you haven’t yet, go grab it. And if you have never tried Nova before, then you are missing out.

Down below you can see a video I made detailing the newest changes to Nova Launcher.

Play Link

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: Nova Launcher Updated, Customize Individual Drawer Icons and New Wallpaper Picker Interface is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

It’s Friday! Woohoo! If you have not yet had the chance, make sure to catch up with the DL crew by watching this week’s Droid Life Show. Episode 24 was a total blast, as we discussed more Google I/O topics, blasted off on rumors, and went in-depth on whether Google Glass is even really that “cool.” We had our usual apps of the week, although when your app is Bang With Friends, you know the guys can sometimes get a little carried away with their conversations. Enjoy!

Subscribe | iTunes | Show Page

Time for the Droid Life Show Episode 24 to Escort You Into the Weekend is a post from: Droid Life

The first alpha builds for Paranoid Android that have the new HALO feature baked in have been out for a week now, but one thing they seriously lacked was the ability to handle multiple notifications. Well, it appears the addition of this feature is just about ready for launch and have been previewed in a new video found on YouTube. 

HALO allows users to access any system app notification while inside another app. No more backing out of apps to view notifications and reply to friend’s messages. Everything is handled through HALO. Once this is launched, multiple notifications will be handled with an easy swipe of your finger. Watch the video and then stand up and clap for the developers of PA. This feature looks slick.

All I can say is, I want it right now.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers JetBlue!

Video: Preview of Paranoid Android’s HALO With Multiple Notification Support is a post from: Droid Life

While skimming Google Play, I happened upon Eufloria. I have seen it before, but the game is currently on sale for $4.99 which struck my eye. It is usually above $5, so I happened to give it a try this time. Needless to say, this game is gorgeous. It is a bit slow at first, reminding me a lot of Auralux, but once you get deeper into the game, it picks up quite nicely. 

You control little seedlings and the goal is to simply grow your colony. What puts it over the top in my book is the use of light colors and soft lines. The game is fun to play and you can easily get lost playing it for a while. You will be happy to know there is a demo available for those that are hesitant about dropping a Lincoln on a mobile game though. Try it out and let us know what you think.

Play Link: Demo | Paid ($4.99)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Eufloria for Android, a Relaxing Strategy Game Full of Beauty is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

This morning, HTC posted a couple new commercials for the One to their YouTube account. Both videos center around the helpfulness of BlinkFeed, making sure One owners don’t have to go digging like gophers for status updates and tweets from friends. Yes, it’s quite silly indeed. 

While BlinkFeed’s usefulness is still in question by some, Kellen seemed to come around a bit ago to the service. It is quite helpful if browsing random news stories interests you or you need to be involved one hundred percent of time in what your friends are up to. BlinkFeed has its place and time, for sure.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers Davey Jones!

HTC Posts New Commercials, Touts BlinkFeed Over Digging Like a Gopher is a post from: Droid Life

Next week, tech fans from all walks of life will converge in San Francisco’s Moscone Center for Google I/O. On hand will be the world’s latest and greatest in tech innovation, including this new one called, Map Diving. Developed by Instruments, a start up out of Portland, in partnership with Google, puts years of data gathered by the Maps and Earth teams to good use in a skydiving simulator game. It’s like the 2012 I/O keynote minus Sergey Brin! 

Apparently it will be in SF next week while the DL team is there for I/O, so you can promise yourself that either Kellen or myself will give it a try for you!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: The Verge

Google and Instruments’ Map Diving Looks Like an Awesome Skydiving Simulator is a post from: Droid Life

Disney just launched a new game to Google Play for Android called JellyCar 3. Apparently, this game is pretty popular on iOS, but this is the first time I have ever heard of it. In the game, you create your very own adorable jelly car, then fly around through various tracks. What makes it intriguing is you can battle your friends with an online ghost mode that shows you your friend’s progress along with your own. 

To be honest, before I knew it was made by Disney, I thought it was a joke given the looks of it. Am I the only one that has never heard of this game?

Play Link ($0.99)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers Bryce!

Disney’s JellyCar 3 Hits Android – It’s Time to Drive to the Moon is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you find yourself cold and alone in the universe, maybe it’s time to check out Say the Same Thing. Interestingly enough, this game is from the members of the band OK Go, but that’s not really what is important. In this word-based game, two players say a random word. From these two random words, you begin a journey to relate those two words to the same word. It’s weird to explain, so if you get a chance to watch the promo vid, go for it. 

For now, users must log in using a Facebook account and then you can go ahead and challenge friends or random users. I have played a couple games and it is extremely satisfying when you and a friend finally come upon the same word. The feeling of extreme friendship.

Check it out and let us know what you think. Also, try to find me!

Play Link

Say the Same Thing for Android, a Unique Word Game That Brings Friends Together is a post from: Droid Life

It’s been a full year since we saw the last launch of an ASUS Transformer tablet. The Infinity came out in February of last year and since then we haven’t heard much from ASUS about their flagship line of Android tablets. Today though, ASUS has taken to YouTube to post a teaser for this year’s Computex conference which has the tagline “We Transform.” Excited? 

Now, the video doesn’t come out and say that a new Transformer is coming, but it is a full minute of philosophical thoughts on “innovation” and “moving forward” so it is not too much of a stretch to get to that point. Not too long ago, the Transformer series was seen as the best tablet line that Android had to offer, so it would be good to see another shot at it. The conference is only a month away, but you can bet we will hear more before that comes around.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: ASUS Teases Us With Possible New Transformer Tablet at Upcoming Computex Conference is a post from: Droid Life

Looks like someone got a little impatient and decided to push Carmageddon to Google Play a full day early. Packed with violent road rage and an amazing soundtrack (yes, Fear Factory is present), you can grab the game for free during the first 24 hours. After that, the game is $1.99 to new players. 

As a reminder, after the promo version reaches its time, it will be removed from Google Play and to receive updates and new content, you’ll need to get the paid version.

Do I need to say more? Go get it!

Play Link: Promo | Paid ($1.99)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers Mike Then (Lucky Armpit)!

Carmageddon Arrives Early on Google Play, Go Get That Promo Version is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

Today, Samsung is showing off SideSync, a new way for your Galaxy device and PC to work in tandem. Once you hook your Galaxy up to a PC with the software and app installed, your device then becomes an extension of the PC, allowing you to access certain device features from the PC and vice versa. For example, if you are working on a Word doc on the PC, then need to leave the Starbucks, you can simply drag and drop the file onto your phone and make your escape. 

The app is available through the Samsung Apps app found on your Samsung device, so go check it out. As a reminder, you will need to have a Samsung account to download it, so make sure to get one of those.

Samsung Apps Link

Via: SammyHub

Samsung Intros SideSync App, Allows Phone and PC to Work as One is a post from: Droid Life

The company known for bringing Android games to your Mac and PC, BlueStacks, announced today that they are now in the hardware business. Introducing GamePop, a new Android-powered game console, capable of bringing 500+ top Android titles to your big screen TV. What makes GamePop different from other Android game consoles is that GamePop comes coupled with a subscription service. For $6.99 a month, users can access any game they choose from the available selection inside the GamePop market place. 

The console is available for pre-order starting today through the BlueStacks website. Interestingly, when you pre-order the bundled system and subscription, they give you the console and controller for free, but you do have to pay the subscription service at time of checkout. This deal is only available through May, so if GamePop interests you, start doing your research. Currently, there is no word on what the console’s price without the deal is.

Is another Android-powered gaming console something we need?

Click here to view the embedded video.

BlueStacks Announces GamePop, Brings Famous Mobile Games to TV

Mobile gaming comes to the living room via new product, service; several top developers on board

Palo Alto, CA  May 9, 2013 – Mobile company BlueStacks today announced a new gaming console and subscription service called GamePop. The system includes a custom console and gaming controller free as part of the $6.99 per month service for May pre-orders only. This marks the first time a gaming console has been offered free with a subscription. The company recently passed 10 million users of its App Player software, which allows mobile games to be played on Mac or PC.

BlueStacks has also announced content deals today with several top game developers for the new platform, including Glu Mobile, Halfbrick, and OutFit7 – makers of the popular Talking Tom series.

“BlueStacks has credibility in the microconsole space that others just don’t have,” said Shainiel Deo, CEO of Halfbrick. “We’ve been a featured partner in App Player since early on and they’ve delivered on every promise in terms of distribution. GamePop is a great incremental channel for us.”

Other Google app-makers with the coveted “Top Developer” badge coming on the platform include the #1 kids app-maker Intellijoy, as well as Deemedya, Chinese wunderkind Droidhen and many more yet to be announced. “Mobile gaming has been taking off the past few years. BlueStacks’ vision is to bring that same experience to bigger screens,” said BlueStacks CEO, Rosen Sharma. The all-you-can-eat pricing model for GamePop lets users enjoy a much broader range of games, just as you can watch more movies with Netflix versus the pay-as-you-go model Blockbuster employed.”

“Mobile gamers continue to show higher levels of engagement and longer play sessions on larger form factors,” said Glu CEO, Niccolo de Masi. “BlueStacks and GamePop offer developers like Glu an opportunity to potentially reach a new audience of gamers with great 3D, high-production value content. We see significant potential in BlueStacks’ approach to the console gaming market.” Developers keep all of the in-app purchases that run through their apps with GamePop – BlueStacks does not take any share. Additionally, 50% of GamePop subscription revenue will be shared back with developers, apportioned by usage.

BlueStacks plans to market GamePop subscriptions directly from GamePop.tv, which went live today. Their main site, BlueStacks.com the company announced for the first time today clocks 1.6 million unique visitors every month and growing. GamePop will also be featured on BlueStacks’ Facebook page, where they maintain a community of 1.2 million fans.

BlueStacks Announces GamePop, an Android Gaming Console With a Subscription Service is a post from: Droid Life