Welcome back to our weekly Top 10 Android App Updates column, where we take a look at the most frequently upgraded apps for the week. We’ve found that one of the best ways to discover useful apps is to find the ones that are actually being updated by the developers rather than selecting the apps with the most installs. As in the past, we’re going to filter out minor updates for the super-popular apps that have over 10 million installs, but we’ll make exceptions for apps that have had significant updates. We hope you enjoy this weekly feature and that you discover some apps that end up being useful.

Contacts+ – Version 3.25.7

What’s new in this version:

• Android Wear support:
  + Share your contact details by bumping Android watches together!
  + See your incoming texts on your Android Wear watch, reply directly via voice command or snooze it for later
  + See and snooze birthday reminders on your watch as well.

MLB.com At Bat – Version 3.3.0

What’s new in this version:

• All-Star Week 2014 events support with live coverage
• Watch the All-Star Futures Game and Home Run Derby live from Target Field
• MLB.TV Premium subscribers can watch a live stream of the 85th All-Star Game
• Overall usage improvements

Wearable Widgets – Version 2.0.0

What’s new in this version:

• Add Android Wear support
• Change Glass interface to use Bluetooth Secure (requires update of Wearable Widgets Glassware)
• Fix bug: failure in Bluetooth interface with Glass could send app into a crash loop
• Fix bug: when resizing a widget, Back button closes app
• Fix bug: app crashes after uninstalling one of the widgets that had been running
• Fix bug: deleting sole widget from app doesn’t remove it from device

Google Camera – Version 2.3.019

What’s new in this version:

• remote shutter control for Android Wear watches
• new Photo Sphere user interface
• performance improvements and bug fixes

Chromecast – Version 1.7.4

What’s new in this version:

•  Cast your Android screen and mirror what’s showing on your device to the TV. Available on many popular devices with Android 4.4.2 (KitKat MR1) and above. Please visit the Chromecast support site for a full list of devices.
• Bug fixes.

Gmail – Version 4.9

What’s new in this version:

• Save attachments directly to Google Drive so you can access them anywhere while saving space and bandwidth on your device
• Full right-to-left (RTL) support for Arabic, Hebrew and Persian
• In any view, swipe from the edge to access the left side menu. You will now also find Settings, Help and Feedback here.
• Learn why a message ended up in spam with an explanation at the top of the message
• Visual updates, including profile pictures in the account switcher

Box – Version 3.1.2

What’s new in this version:

• Enhancements to grid view (for tablets)
• Ability to @mention collaborators in comments (an intern project by Andrew Fang)
• Many bug fixes and performance improvements
• Availability of an AirWatch-compatible build upon request

HTC Dot View – Version Varies

What’s new in this version:

Adobe Reader – Version 11.5.0

What’s new in this version:

• Support for printing from Android 4.4, KitKat
• Cover page support for viewing in two page mode
• Bug fixes

Adobe Photoshop Express – Version 2.3.273

What’s new in this version:

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The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active was the rugged version of the Galaxy S4, featuring water and dust proofing which was pretty awesome. The metal back also helped make it more rugged, and some people liked the device more than the standard Galaxy S4 simply for the build quality. But we had no idea it could take such a beating.

Thanks to Reddit, we get to see a story of someone mowing the lawn with a riding mower, listening to music on the Galaxy S4 Active. The device slips out of their pocket and falls under the mower. You’d think you would find shreds of a device left, but no, the device comes out mostly in one piece. That corner might be somewhere else entirely.

However, the device works perfectly fine! It didn’t even stop playing music after being hit by the blades, and touch input works as it should. Yeah, the display is pretty messed up, but it’s still an impressive feat nonetheless. It’s just an awesome story we enjoyed. Any such stories of yours you can share?

Gallery

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If you have an HTC One, the Dot View case is a really cool accessory to own. Of course, it has its downsides, but it’s still pretty much a must have even if you don’t use it often. Instead of a solid flip cover, it features a perforated cover that the display shines through to give a dot matrix effect that looks pretty sweet.

To have the case work properly, HTC includes a Dot View app that can be updated through the Play Store. And it’s been updated today, with the awesome addition of themes and customizable wallpapers. In the app, you’ll find 18 themes that change the background of the display when it’s lighting up the case. You can also use your own photos, but it won’t be easy to find one with enough contrast to look good.

If you want to check it out, hit the widget below or head to the Play Store on your HTC One and update the app, then start playing around. How many of you rock a Dot View case on your HTC One?

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If you’re waiting to pick up an LG G3, AT&T was your best bet at getting the device soonest. AT&T is now selling the G3 online and in stores as expected, with the other carriers set to lag behind. But it looks like Sprint didn’t really feel like keeping to its schedule. Previously planning to offer pre-orders today and to release on the 16th, the device is now available for purchase.

Whether you’re shopping online or in stores, you’ll be able to pick up an LG G3 five days ahead of schedule from Sprint. Prepare to shell out $200 on contract for the device, but if you want a better deal, AT&T is offering the device for the same price, but offers 50% off an LG G Watch with your purchase so that may be a better option for you.

If you’re a die hard T-Mobile or Verizon customer, know that the two carriers are sticking to their original schedules and won’t be releasing the LG G3 until next week. You’ll have to wait a little while. Thankfully, Sprint owners got a nice little surprise today. Will you be picking up an LG G3 today? Leave a comment!

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Despite there being very few differences between Android 4.4.2 and 4.4.4, Motorola is determined to keep its devices on the latest version of Android. Not only was there a limited rollout of Android 4.4.3 for a few devices, now some devices are getting Android 4.4.4. That’s the absolute latest version of Android available.

According to Motorola, the Moto G should be seeing the update in Brazil and India, the Moto E should see it in Brazil, France, Canada, an Asia Pacific, and the DROID Ultra will be getting it in the US. There is no word on the Moto X yet, but we’re sure Motorola will get to it soon as updates have been really fast from Moto lately.

With this update, you’ll get the new dialer that Nexus devices saw, along with enhanced camera quality and pausing video recording. Then there are security fixes and bug fixes, as expected from such a small update. You won’t notice many differences, but it’s amazing of Motorola to be rolling out updates at this speed.

And if you’re interested in asking Motorola some questions, product manager Mark Rose is doing an AMA on Google+. You’ll be able to ask him questions and he’ll answer for half an hour, starting at 2PM central a week from today. Have you gotten your update if you have the device and live in the aforementioned region?

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You’ve probably heard of Apple’s trouble with App Store billing. Kids have purchased hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of apps and in-app purchases trying to play those pesky pay-to-play games. This resulted in the FTC forcing Apple into making some changes to the billing process, making it more resistant to unauthorized purchases.

However, it looks like Amazon does not want to follow those same rules, and the FTC has taken notice. The FTC is now suing Amazon for not creating similar safeguards for the Amazon Appstore. Amazon prides itself on its quick purchase process, even having a patent on 1-Click Purchases on the main site, so creating such safeguards will slow the process down and remove what essentially defines Amazon.

On one hand, it would be great if Amazon would implement some safeguards to make it easier to manage billing. Accidents happen, and having a huge bill from such a silly accident is no fun. On the other, children should be taught to not make purchases without permission, and this applies to any product. But for now, the lawsuit will drag on. Who are you rooting for, and what’s your stance on the issue?

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Welcome back to Android Gaming Weekly, our weekly recap of new game releases. We still plan to cover upcoming releases and games we’re playing, but this column is dedicated to new games that you can start playing right now. Check out our top picks and let us know in the comments section if you have any suggestions for next week’s post.

Leo’s Fortune

Description: Leo’s Fortune is an award-winning platform adventure game where you hunt down the cunning and mysterious thief that stole your gold. Beautifully hand-crafted levels bring the story of Leo to life in this epic adventure.

Fightback

Description: From the award-winning developer Ninja Theory comes a new standard in mobile fighters. Stunning visuals, unique controls, and a vibrant design come together to bring you the pinnacle of mobile fighting games.

Wayward Souls

Description: Wayward Souls is an action-adventure game built for quick playthroughs and massive amounts of replay value. It was inspired by Spelunky, Secret of Mana, and our previous game, Mage Gauntlet.

Bounden

Description: Bounden is a mix of Twister and ballet. You use your phone as a guide to dance, or get entangled with someone else. So, you pull out your phone, ask another person to put down a thumb, and move synchronously to dance together.

Timberman

Description: Timberman is an oldschool arcade style casual game. Become a Timberman, chop wood and avoid the branches. Sounds like an easy task? It’s easy to play but hard to master. 4 variable environments and 8 Timbermen to unlock.

Soulcraft 2

Description:SoulCraft 2 – League of Angels is the best Action RPG for Android. Choose one of seven Angels and defend earth from the legions of hell! Compete multiplayer against other players in the social league and become the best SoulCraft player in the world.

Sonic Jump Fever

Description: Catch the FEVER in an explosive race against the clock! Compete with Sonic and friends in high-speed bursts of vertical jumping mayhem. FREE and based on SEGA’s hit Sonic Jump.

Lost Toys

Description: Lost Toys is a mentally engaging 3D puzzle game of profound beauty, depth and challenge. Toys are lost, broken, or forgotten. Fixing them promises to right this hauntingly gorgeous chamber and restore the childhood innocence that has been lost.

FFFFF2P

Description: Princess Pixel is being held captive by Ug, the evil ogre! Its up to YOU to rescue her and restore order to the world. This is not going to be easy. To save the Princess, you’ll have to run, jump, and close, close, close, close, close, close, and close the ads Ug hurls at you. Don’t get squashed!

Nexionode

Description: Nexionode is a Sci-Fi logic puzzler set deep in outerspace. While the human crew is under cryostasis, the Nexio Colony Spaceship is suffering massive failures. You are TL-9507, a unique RepairDrone: your AI has been secretly enhanced.

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Motorola just brought the Moto X and Moto Maker to Germany, but now the company is facing some issues there. Due to a patent case filed by LPKF, Motorola is no longer allowed to sell the Moto X and Moto G in Germany. The patent in question covers Laser Direct Structuring for antennas, a process many companies use on their devices.

Laser Direct Structuring is a process used to place antennas on curved surfaces. It was used for the antennas on both the Moto G and the Moto X, so unfortunately, Motorola will not be able to sell the devices without modification. However, it seems that Motorola is already fixing the issue with infringement to continue selling the devices in Germany.

This doesn’t seem like a patent troll case, as LPKF is a German laser engineering firm, so don’t get all up in arms. However, Motorola should probably pay those licensing fees. Hopefully things will be worked out fast, bcause the real losers in such cases are the customers.

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Samsung has announced its latest mobile processor, the Exynos ModAP. It’s been a while (almost two years) since a Samsung Exynos processor has been relevant in the US because they’ve lacked LTE support. However, the Exynos ModAP might finally change that.

The ModAP is a quad-core chip based on a 28nm process, which claims to play back 4K video seamlessly (something many modern chips simply cannot do). But the chip itself doesn’t much matter, as the important bit is the integrated LTE-Advanced modem. Samsung has finally fixed the biggest issue in Exynos chips. There is also a built in image signal processor, which allows for faster image capturing.

It’s actually pretty exciting that we might just see another Exynos processor here in the US. Though it’s not confirmed (the loyalty to Qualcomm is strong here), I’m hoping for it. I loved Exynos processors back in the day, despite the issues they had. Would you buy an Exynos-powered device? Tell us in the comments!

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Samsung Apps has been around for quite a long time now. It’s Samsung’s proprietary app store, where many of its system apps reside for updating and where plenty of other apps are available. It’s a fairly solid app store, though I don’t know why anyone would use it if they have access to the obviously superior Play Store. However, it must be a good option for some.

Today Samsung Apps is getting a big change, getting renamed to GALAXY Apps because Samsung has both Android and Tizen devices. Since there will be separate app stores for both, Galaxy devices will now have GALAXY Apps and Tizen will have something else. The change definitely makes sense, as having one app store for both would not be possible.

If you enter Samsung Apps, it’ll ask you to update it and will become GALAXY Apps. There is a slightly updated user interface that gets rid of the menu button, which is a nice touch. But considering this may be the last time you open the app in another few months, it most likely won’t affect most of us. Have you ever used Samsung Apps for anything? Leave a comment!

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