Google patents specific app pattern unlock feature for Android

Google has today secured a patent for an expansion on its secure unlock pattern that will look to offer users the ability to draw a pattern to unlock a smartphone or tablet directly into a particular app.

This is a feature that has been offered on various handsets since the Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) version of the Android interface. However, if users are using the pattern unlock security method on their smartphone then this quick open feature is no longer available.

Google is looking to change this as the company has been granted a US patent on a new unlock pattern system which can be customised so that you can set a separate pattern to open directly into certain apps.

So if you pull your phone out of your pocket and want to access the camera immediately, you can put in a previously specified pattern on the unlock screen which will unlock the phone into the camera app straight away.

Google has secured the patent so we may expect the new feature as an inclusion on an incoming Android OS in the next few months, but with companies like Google it is often the case to patent a feature and then never actually bring it to market, so we still might not see the ‘Specific Pattern Unlock’ system at all.

Android 4.3, announced recently by Google, is just starting its roll out process now, initially to Nexus devices. We don’t expect to see a new Android version until early next year, which is really the first time we could possibly see this interesting feature in the flesh.

We think it’s a great idea if not one of those “why didn’t someone think of this before” moments! Let us know your thoughts on the idea.

Source: Gadget Helpline

BBM for Android now on Samsung Galaxy devices, but there’s a catch

BlackBerry has announced that BBM for Android will arrive on all Samsung Galaxy smartphones through Samsung Apps and Google Play before any other devices. Unfortunately for a large majority of the BlackBerry using planet, the app is rolling out in Africa only for the time being.

The app will arrive in the Samsung Apps in the coming weeks and will at long last make BlackBerry Messenger a cross-platform service. Although not yet fully confirmed, we then expect it to arrive on other Android devices and then Apple’s iOS products around the world.

On Samsung Galaxy devices, BBM will be integrated into the Messaging Hub which runs as standard on Samsung’s Android phones. This means users will get BBM messages in one unified inbox alongside their emails, texts, WhatsApp messages and other text-based interactions – kind of like the BlackBerry Hub feature in BlackBerry 10, if you like.

According to Samsung’s press release, BBM on Android will offer regular and multi-person chats, as well as BBM Group chats of up to 30 people. As you can on BlackBerry devices, images and other files can be shared amongst contacts, with the added bonus being that you’ll now be able to send between Android and BlackBerry devices now.

“BBM provides one of the best and most robust mobile messaging experiences today. BBM has always set the standard for mobile instant messaging and we are thrilled to bring this experience to Samsung customers across Africa,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President BBM at BlackBerry.

Samsung also confirmed that the app will be free to download, which will also be the case when BBM comes to iPhone. We’re still waiting on a date for a global roll out to Android and iOS.

Source: Gadget Helpline

Find your phone: Google’s new ‘Android Device Manager’ helps locate lost or stolen Droids

Whether you left it on the table in the pub or it’s just fallen down the back of the sofa again, the moment of realisation that you’re without your phone is quite a worrying one. Google has finally decided to launch an official solution to that very problem; Android Device Manager.

Launching later this month, Android Device Manager will allow those with an Android smartphone to locate their lost, stolen or misplaced devices using a number of helpful methods.

Android Device Manager can be accessed via the web browser of a PC or even another mobile device and uses GPS on your lost phone to locate it, showing its last known location in Google Maps. Once located, you can choose to ring the phone – ideal if it’s simply slipped down the back of the sofa or has fallen into the depths of that tardis-like handbag of yours.

If your phone has been stolen and you’re concerned about the thief getting hold of sensitive information stored on it, Android Device Manager allows you to remotely wipe your device. This feature relies on the phone having some sort of data connection – 3G or Wi-Fi – so it’s often a good idea to use this option sooner rather than later.

Those who use an iPhone will no doubt be familiar with this sort of service – Apple’s own Find My iPhone is very similar and offers pretty much the same set of features. Apple does also offer the option to send a message to the phone, for example showing the owner’s details, which is something we’d like to see Google add.

Android Device Manager will launch later this month and will work on devices running Android 2.2 and up. There will be an Android app available and of course the desktop site. You’ll also need to be signed in to a Google account on your phone in order for it to work.

Source: Gadget Helpline