The Stagefright exploit has gotten a lot of people worried, affecting nearly all Android devices currently being used. Manufacturers have been scrambling to update their devices with a patch for the exploit, and NVIDIA is the latest to do so.

The NVIDIA SHIELD tablet is being updated to software version 3.1.1, which includes a Stagefright patch. But that’s not all. NVIDIA also included system-wide optimizations and fixes, including an improvement in battery life and Netflix playback. There’s also a new controller firmware update, and the regular “stability and performance improvements” listed in every update.

If you own the device, check for updates and start downloading the latest. Even ignoring the Stagefright patch, it should be a great update for performance.

from Android and Me http://ift.tt/1LmUVGE
via IFTTT

Another OnePlus device, another botched launch. It’s nothing new to those who were eager to buy the OnePlus One. The invite system was a huge annoyance, there were endless delays, and people were just getting frustrated waiting for the phone that was promised many times. And though it’s better with the OnePlus 2, the launch isn’t without its problems.

OnePlus founder Carl Pei took to the OnePlus forums to write a lengthy apology to everyone: fans, partners, and team. In it he acknowledges the failures of both of the launches, gives explanations, and repeated apologies for the inconveniences brought upon potential customers.

We messed up the launch of the OnePlus 2.

Well, we messed up the launch of the OnePlus One as well. Although inventory levels ramped up eventually, months after the announcement, it was still extremely difficult to buy the device. We comforted ourselves to the fact that we were young, and that we’d learn and show the world we could do better next time around.

With the OnePlus 2, we made rosy plans. We were more confident, and prepared a lot more inventory. We told our users it would be 30-50x easier to get invites, and they needn’t worry. Yet, we only began shipping in meaningful quantities this week, nearly a month after our initial targeted shipping date. You can talk all you want, but in the end, flawless execution speaks much louder than unfulfilled promises.

I’d like to apologize on behalf of OnePlus for the delay.Carl PeiOnePlus

As much as it’s tempting to forgive OnePlus, it’s tough. The invite system was an epic failure last time, and it was brought back. Delays are repeated, despite the lessons taught last time. And most of all, potential customers are getting burned again. I know a lot of people are just fed up with OnePlus, and I can’t blame them.

As an apology, OnePlus may hold an open sale late this month or early the next, for a single hour. As much as this is nice, it’s a good month away and the single hour sales are stressful and don’t give most consumers the chance to buy the device. It’s another annoying way to buy the device, just like the invite system.

What’s your opinion on the company? Have they messed up too much, or can they redeem themselves?

from Android and Me http://ift.tt/1OEbFwd
via IFTTT

You thought you’d never hear about this device again, but it’s back in the spotlight, probably for the final time. The Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition was a device that was part of an effort to make smartphones available with stock Android instead of the skin that comes on the regular models. However, the project was killed off long ago.

The Galaxy S4 GPe is back in the news because it’s finally getting its Android 5.1 update. No, it’s not Android 5.1.1, but it’s still an improvement over the old software. This also means it likely has all the latest fixes, like the Stagefright patch.

If you still own this device, head over to settings and update it. It’ll add a good bit of life to an old but very usable device. Plus, stock Lollipop just can’t be beat!

from Android and Me http://ift.tt/1ihiEkI
via IFTTT