New Google+ Update Now Available

Google has released a pretty decent update to Google+ in the Android market. In this new version we’re being given the ability to +1 photos and comments, search, upload high resolution photos, see who’s online and currently typing in messenger conversations, be taken to someone’s profile inside of the app when clicking a link and more. Take a look at the full list of changes below and grab your update here.

1. Search
2. +1 photos
3. +1 comments
4. High resolution photo upload support
5. See if someone’s online and currently typing in Messenger conversations
6. Start Messenger conversations by just entering a phone number
7. Links to posts or profiles can now open inside of the app
8. Instant Upload supports videos again
9. Several stability improvements and bug fixes

BlackBerry News for PlayBook update now includes Google Reader importing

BlackBerry News for PlayBook has a new update rolling out now. v1.2.0.5 should be showing up for most folks in BlackBerry App World and this update has some of the long awaited changes I'm sure a few people will appreciate. The change log is as noted:

• Import Google Read subscriptions
• Delete or mark articles as read or unread
• View additional info about any feed you are subscribed to

Now instead of manually inputting feeds, you can just simply add your Google Reader account and you're off to the races. If you fancy using BlackBerry News on your BlackBerry PlayBook -- make sure you grab this update.

Download BlackBerry News App for PlayBook

Google announces Google Currents

Google today has finally unwrapped its long-rumored news magazine competitor to Flipboard on iOS. Called Currents and available on Android smartphones and tablets, along with the iPhone and iPad, it's a finger-friendly way to sort through the latest news on a wide variety of subjects, much easier on the eye and the brain than sifting through pure RSS feeds.

The best part is that as easy as it is to read in Currents, it's just as easy to set up -- all you need are RSS feeds. Bad news for most of the world, though -- Currents is U.S.-only for now.

Check out Google's demo video and get the download link for Currents after the break. 

(How to use this QR code)
Android Market web link

YouMail App Yanked from Android Market by Google at T-Mobile's request

YouMail today indicated that its visual voicemail application for Android devices has been removed from the Android Market by Google at T-Mobile's request. In an explanation provided by Google, it said, "It has come to our attention that this application could be used in a way that is harmful to devices, networks or users. Specifically, we have received a complaint from T-Mobile that this application is causing adverse network disruption. We encourage you to contact T-Mobile to negotiate a revision and/or agreement to republish this application and update your existing users." YouMail's CEO said the company was not contacted by either Google or T-Mobile before the application was removed, and only learned of its removal from complaining customers who use the application. In a blog post, YouMail said, "We hate to think this is simply anti-competitive behavior on T-Mobile's part-simply because we've produced an innovative and dramatically better voicemail product than they offer, and that's free on top of it... We're hard-pressed to understand their behavior." YouMail is still available to iPhone users in the iPhone App Store.

Google+ Automatic Face Recognition in photos starts today

Starting today there’s a brand new feature on Google+ which works inside the photo app that’ll make it much easier for you to tag the friends in your photos that Google’s recognition engine believes match those you’ve already tagged. This feature is completely opt-in and wont tag anyone unless you flip the on-switch, and as is natural this day and age, Google has made it abundantly clear that they don’t mean to try to swallow your identity up with a barrage of I KNOW YOU alerts. You’ll upload your photos as normal, see that Google+ has some suggestions for you, and say yes or no to each of them.

This will remind Facebook users of a very similar feature automatically added in to their photo uploading sequence over the past few months. Your humble narrator’s experience with said feature has shown quite clearly that Facebook thinks that my baby girl is actually my wife’s sister – almost without fail. So that’s weird. Google’s recognition engine might have a bit less luck than that, believe it or not, even if their software finds a way to be better, simply because the photos I and the people I converse with on Google+ neither want their own image on the network or have any images to be recognized up there in the first place – so we’ll see how it goes.

Meanwhile we’ve got other facial recognition functions out there from Google right this second that have had less than stellar records. The one that has popped up most recently and most prevalently has been the facial unlock screen included on the Galaxy Nexus – and on future Ice Cream Sandwich phones if it does well enough in the interim. Of course that’s another opt-in feature, I’m sure you’re well aware.

Samsung set to release Retina-resolution tablet in February

BGR has learned from a trusted source that Samsung is set to launch an 11.6-inch tablet running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich next year, and it will most likely be unveiled at Mobile World Congress in February. Even though the tablet features a larger display than Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1, we’re told that the tablet is “barely larger” due to the fact the slate will have a thinner bezel with a whopping 2560 x 1600 resolution, 11.6-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The tablet will use a dual-core Exynos 5250 CPU clocked at 2GHz. We have also heard that Apple’s new A6 CPU will be very similar to the Samsung CPU, which is a dual-core Cortex A15 chip. Samsung’s tablet will also feature Android Beam for easy syncing of media with a Galaxy Nexus, and a special wireless docking mode for gaming on HDTVs that will help Samsung compete with Apple TV, AirPlay and more. Samsung had no comment.

Verizon and Redbox Plan To Offer Streaming Movie and TV Shows In 2012

Verizon is reportedly in talks with Redbox to team up and compete with Netflix by offering streaming video content to a variety of devices and set top boxes. The new service, code named Project Zoetrope, will be an internet only service and be available for devices running iOS, Android, Google TV, Xbox and other streaming boxes and browsers. Apparently, it’s still being worked out with content providers and will follow the typical blackout and release timings for new movies and television to keep execs happy.

According to TechCrunch, you can expect a launch on May 28th with a beta starting sometime in late April. Pricing structure is a little bit out of the norm with monthly credits along the lines of $6 for 6 credits to rent a movie costing 1 credit. Seeing how Rebox also offers physical disc rentals at their kiosks around the country, there will also be various pricing tiers offering physical rentals as well. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

Verizon considered Hulu buy

Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam recently took the stage during a UBS conference in New York where he explained that Verizon once considered purchasing Hulu. McAdam did not comment on another rumor, which suggests that Verizon is working on building its own video streaming service that could compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon. Reuters first reported on the rumor and said the service could be deployed next year in areas where Verizon doesn’t offer its FiOS broadband and TV products. It is unclear what programming partners Verizon is speaking with, although Reuters suggested Epix or Viacom would be two content companies that might be interested. ”If this deal comes true it’s not clear to me what Verizon would bring to the table that is materially different to what others like Amazon offer,” Bernstein Research analyst Carlos Kirjner told Reuters. McAdams did admit that, while Verizon may not be purchasing Hulu now, his company “ continues to look at alternatives.”

HP TouchPad fire sale to restart December 11

HP is preparing another fire sale for its HP TouchPad tablets just in time for the holidays. The limited time sale will begin at 6:00PM Central time on Sunday, December 11, and is only available through HP’s eBay store. Both the 16GB and 32GB models will be available, but quantities are limited.

Also, this time around, the tablets offered will be refurbished models and there is a limit of two per customer. Sales are final and there is only a 90-day warranty. The 16GB model will be priced at $99 while the 32GB model will be priced at $149. An additional 3-piece accessory bundle will also be offered that includes a case, charging dock, and wireless keyboard for $79.

The HP TouchPad sports a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 10-inch 1024 x 768 pixel resolution display. It comes running the now defunct webOS 3.0 platfom, but some folks have managed to port Android to the device. For more details on getting Android on the HP TouchPad, make sure to check out this post on the Alpha 3 version at Android Community.

Eric Schmidt: 'Android will be bigger than iOS'

Eric Schmidt was addressing the crowd at Le Web in Paris and recounted a tale when an Android user asked why apps were often written for iOS first, and then ported over to Google's OS. His response? "My prediction is that six months from now, you'll say the opposite." After the uncomfortable silence had died down, he added that Android's "open" model meant the company had volume on its side -- and volume is what he feels will attract developers. He added that Ice Cream Sandwich would redress Android's device fragmentation and the sheer number of hardware makers would ensure that 2012 would be Google's year.