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Sunday, December 21, 2014

Download Google Play Store 5.1.11 APK

Updated: You can now download the latest version 5.1.11 of Google Play Store APK which brings with it a bunch of changes and bug fixes that users have been facing for quite a while. This release also adds more Material Design, Wearable sensors/activity data,among other things. The download link below has been updated with latest version.

Google Play Store APK version 5.1.11 is now available to download. The all new Google Play Store 5 carries more elements of Material Design as has been seen earlier in the Android L Developer Preview releases. Google Play Newsstand was also updated with a complete Material Design overhaul, and a day later, Google+ was updated with additional Material Design elements. So what does the new Play Store 5 make its play on? Read on after the jump to find out!

Straight away, you will notice that the app icon for the new Play Store carrier the new, flatter look, keeping itself in line with Material Design’s new aesthetics.

Play Store 5

Apparently, apart from the design language, things have changed under the hood. Fire up the app and you will instantly recognize the subtle changes in animations for say, when accessing the slide-out drawer menu, along with changes in the iconography.

The What’s New section has been moved to the top and is now visibly highlighted in green, allowing for it to be prominently visible in each application listing.

Play Store 5 nexus 5

Even the Widget Suggestion icons for the home screen have changed, maintaining the flat, paper like design, as was expected. Google went to the extent of changing the notification icon for the status bar as well, after all, it is this attention to detail that ultimately counts.

This version of Play Store should start rolling out to users over the course of the next few days, but, we can’t be entirely sure, and it may take longer. Regardless, if you do not want to wait for that update to hit your device, you can download the APK of Google Play Store 5 from the link at the foot of this post, side-load it, and give it a run.

Play Store 5 nexus

Please note that this APK is not quite ready for Android L Preview or ROM ports based on the Preview images. If you did not pay heed to this warning, and your Play Store is crashing, you will need to revert to an older version to get things up and running again.

If you happen to have tried the new Play Store and are running it on your device, do share your thoughts and opinions on the changes and any other improvements that we may have missed.

Download Google Play APK version 5.1.11 from here.

Make sure to check out our Android Apps gallery to explore more apps for your Android device.

Top 5 Best Docks For iPhone 6 And iPhone 6 Plus

Here’s a list of the top 5 best Lightning docks for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus that you can buy right now. Complete list can be found right here.

Having an iPhone dock right at the desk is not only convenient for easy charging – you never have to scratch around looking for a cable – but you can also interact with your device without having to continually pick it up and put it back down. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have been around for a couple of months now, with the peripheral makers as dedicated as ever in catering to the hordes of early adopters, and so here, we run through our five favorite docks for the latest Apple handset.

Top 5 Docks iPhone 6 6 Plus main

iPhone 6 Dock by The Lightning Dock

iPhone 6 Lightning Dock

If you’re in the hunt for a cheap dock that does nothing but stand your device up and charge it, then the folks at The Lightning Dock have you covered. It may be no-frills in terms of features, but aside from being very nicely-priced, it’s also compact and rather easy on the eye.

At $39.95, it makes a decent Christmas gift as well, and even if you don’t want to purchase it for somebody else, there’s no harm in buying yourself the odd treat at this time of year!
The Lightning Dock works with both iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and can be bought from:thelightningdock.com

Gravitas for iPhone 6 by Henge Docks
Grav-iP6-Hero-left_grande

The clue is in the name – this dock is incredibly heavy, weighting as much as eleven iPhone 5s stacked atop one another. This helps the dock to keep completely still, which is ideal if you want to interact with your iPhone 6 / 6 Plus while docked, and because it’s raised considerably compared to most other products, is arguably safer to use in places like the kitchen.

The Gravitas is on the expensive side, and will set you back $69.
The dock works with iPhone 6 but requires a new insert to be bought (sold separately) if you want to use it with an iPhone 6 Plus. You can buy it from: hengedocks.com

HiRise for iPhone 6 / 6 Plus by Twelve South
Screen Shot 2014-12-21 at 1.01.54 am
Twelve South makes some wonderful accessories for Apple products, and the HiRise, with its brushed metal finish, is most certainly among them. It oozes quality, is built to last, and because of the design ethos, looks very much like an official product that Apple would make.

At $34.99, it’s well-priced, and has that unique charm that we frequently see throughout Twelve South’s range.

HiRise works with both iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and can be bought directly from the Apple Store.

Just Mobile AluBolt Charging Dock for iPhone 6 / 6 Plus
Screen Shot 2014-12-21 at 1.05.40 am
At $49.95, this dock is also at the higher end of the pricing spectrum, but with support for the iPad mini as well as the iPhone 6 – or any Lightning-ready iPhone for that matter – gets a deserved mention in our top five.

With an aluminum finish, it’s once again a very premium product, and built for the long haul, although please note that if you have a case on your device, you may have trouble docking it into the AluBolt.

The AluBolt works with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus both and can be bought directly from the Apple Store.

ElevationDock 2 For iPhone 6

ElevationDock 2

The ElevationDock is very pricey at $89, but with a hand-crafted aluminum finish that requires a 20-step process, you really do get what you pay for with this one.

There’s a choice of glass bead, matte black and hand-polished red finishes, and with custom lasering also available, the ElevationDock is very much a luxury product fitting of a device like the iPhone 6.
The ElevationDock 2 is only compatible with the iPhone 6 and can be bought directly from:elevationlab.com

So, that’s our round-up, but which is your favorite? Do share your comments below, and let us know which dock takes your fancy.

How To Set Up And Use iMessage On Windows PC [Video Tutorial]

Here’s a complete guide on how to get iMessage for Windows PC. More details on how to setup and use with step-by-step guide can be found after the jump.

iMessage is a very secure, fast and generally reliable instant messaging service, but because it’s created and hosted by Apple, you can only use it on Apple devices. This is quite limiting, particularly if, say, you run a Windows PC, but thanks to the admirable work of the jailbreak scene, there are ways around this problem, and below, we’ll be showing you step-by-step how you and your jailbroken iOS device can begin using iMessage via Windows.

iMessage Windows PC main

The tweak that makes it all possible – Remote Messages – has already been featured here, but having been updated and improved continually over the past month, it’s now an accomplished iMessage add-on. Thus, we’ve put together a little tutorial, and provided you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch as well as a Windows machine, here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Open up Cydia and search for Remote Messages. There are versions for iOS 7 and iOS 8, so pick whichever is applicable to your software version. Pay the $3.99 asking price and install.
Step 2: Once the process is complete, navigate to Remote Messages in Settings, and create a username and password under ‘Use Authentication’, which should be toggled ON.

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Step 3: Provided that your iOS device and Windows machine are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, open your browser and enter the IP address as shown under the ‘Enable’ toggle. After you’ve entered the IP, you’ll need to enter a colon, followed by the server port as shown beneath the IP address in Remote Messages settings (will be ’333′).

So, for example, if your IP address is 192.168.1.21, and server port 333, you would type the following into your browser:
192.168.1.21:333
Step 4: Setup is complete! You can place your device into sleep mode and respond to messages right from your browser.

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Sure, it’s re-routing rather than being a genuine iMessage client like on Mac, but given how much easier it is to type on a desktop, this tweak is well worth the four-buck asking price.


So, give it a whirl, check the tutorials below if you haven’t already jailbroken, and be sure to let us know how you get on by dropping us a line in the comments.

(Source: YouTube)

For tutorials on how to jailbreak and install Cydia:
You may also like to check out:
Be sure to check out our iPhone Apps Gallery and iPad Apps Gallery to explore more apps for your iPhone and iPad.

Chromecast App For iOS Gets Material Design Makeover, Download It From Here

Google’s Chromecast companion app for iOS has just been updated, with the marquee feature being the introduction of that Material Design which users have been craving for. Full details, as well as those download link, can be seen after the break.

Just as Apple did last year with iOS 7, Google has overhauled the appearance of its mobile platform, but whereas most of the Cupertino’s changes were skin deep – at least, until iOS 8 arrived a few months back – Material Design is pushing a new “layered” initiative that seeks to offer a more streamlined user experience.

Chromecast main

Android 5.0 Lollipop, which arrives with Material Design out of the box, has yet to reach the vast majority of smartphones and tablets that will eventually run it, but nonetheless, those waiting have caught snippets with updates to a number of the Big G’s major apps. Gmail has already been treated to the UI changes, to name but one, and with the search giant also ensuring that its range of apps for iOS are catered to, Chromecast now boasts Material Design.

1

Chromecast, lest we forget, has been something of a revelation itself. The super-cheap HDMI dongle enables streaming from all manner of devices straight to television sets, and operates in a similar manner to a set-top. Being as cheap as it is – you can now snap one up online for less than $30 if you’re lucky enough – many have taken a punt at buying one, and the move to release the product last year has prompted rivals like Apple and Amazon into drastic action.

2

As well as Material design, the changelog on the App Store allude to some bug fixes and stability amendments, so if you’ve encountered any nagging issues, the update is waiting for you below.

3

Owning a Chromecast is not obligatory – the app is free, after all – but you won’t get much use out of it unless you do, and if you like streaming content from device to TV, it’s well worth the small investment.

4

(Download: Chromecast for iOS on the App Store)
Be sure to check out our iPhone Apps Gallery and iPad Apps Gallery to explore more apps for your iPhone and iPad.

Fishermen create hilarious parodies of chart hits, all from their boat


The crew of a Scottish trawler boat have become unexpected YouTube stars, after uploading a series of hilarious music parodies, all filmed aboard their boat, the Caledonia.

In the videos, fishermen Frank Ronald, 36, and Bill MacFarlane,43, are among the crew seen stripping to their underpants, despite treacherous conditions, before busting out a series of seriously impressive dance moves to songs such as Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’, and Kesha’s ‘Timber’.

The boat, which sails from Loch Fyne, is a prawn trawler, owned by skipper Kenny Brown, who also appears in the video.


Frank Donald, who is responsible for editing the videos, told the Aberdeen Press and Journal that the videos were ‘a bit of fun while on deck’, during a quiet period of the year for fishing.

He added: ‘Safety always comes first and we are careful not to do anything too silly that might result in the Coastguard having to call the lifeboat out.’

No, the Abominable Snowman isn’t a rare polar bear

No, the abominable snowman isn't a rare polar bear
The Abominable snowman isn’t a polar bear after all (Picture: Wikicommons)

Claims by an Oxford University professor that the mythical yeti is in fact a rare polar bear have been challenged.

In 2013, Professor Bryan Sykes revealed that DNA tests on hair strands from a creature purported to be the Abominable Snowman matched that of an ancient polar bear.

However, two scientists who re-analysed the same DNA have now claimed that the hairs originate from the Himalayan bear, a sub-species of the brown bear.

The new research, undertaken by Ceiridwen Edwards and Ross Barnett, was featured in the Royal Society journal, Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

The original research, undertaken by Professor Sykes, along with other genetics experts, saw DNA tests being undertaken on unidentified animals from Ladakh, Northern India, and Bhutan.

However, his processes in making the discovery have been disputed by Edwards and Barnett, who believe that the creature is in fact a Himalayan bear, questioning the validity of Sykes’ methods.

They said: ‘The Himalayan bear is a sub-species of the brown bear that lives in the higher reaches of the Himalayas, in remote, mountainous areas of Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.’
‘Its populations are small and isolated, and it is extremely rare in many parts of its range.’

Professor Sykes has since acknowledged the error, and said: ‘Importantly, for the thrust of the paper as a whole, the conclusion that these Himalayan Yeti samples were certainly not from a hitherto unknown primate is unaffected.’

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Raheem Sterling can solve Liverpool's goalscoring problems says former star John Aldridge

The England whizkid has been utilised up front by Brendan Rodgers in the last two matches and Aldridge says it can help the Reds reap rewards


Star man: Aldridge says Sterling can answer Liverpool's striking prayers
Raheem Sterling could be the answer to Liverpool’s goalscoring problems, says former Anfield hero John Aldridge.

The England star bagged a brace in Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup win at Bournemouth to book the Reds a semi-final showdown against Chelsea.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have struggled without Luis Suarez and the injured Daniel Sturridge, but Aldridge reckons Sterling could be the solution up front.

“Sterling is a really good player,” said the Irishman, who was speaking on behalf of official FA Cup sponsor williamhill.com.

“He could be a star up front. We've seen Thierry Henry and Theo Walcott make the switch from out wide, so why can’t Raheem?

“He’s got all the attributes. He might not be a natural scorer but he will get a lot of goals. He’s not lightweight and is pound-for-pound as strong as anyone at the club.
“He reminded me of a young Jermain Defoe the other night against Bournemouth, with his movement and pace. I think Brendan could have fell on something there.”

 

GOLDEN BOY: Sterling claims prestigious award
Liverpool will be looking to build on the midweek win against the Cherries when they face Arsenal at Anfield tomorrow.

And Aldridge reckons the win on the south coast can kick-start their season.
He added: “I think we can only get better. We’ve been waiting for a turning point all season and the Bournemouth game could be it.”

The James Milner and David Silva bromance will save Manchester City

James Milner is about to play his first game as a Manchester City striker and the City fans are worried. But fear not you Blues, Pellegrini knows all about his new super duo...

James Milner and David Silva

Awww, aren't they cute?
With all his senior first team attackers out injured, Manuel Pellegrini has turned to Yorkshireman James Milner in his hour of need to lead his attack.

It could be a maverick move, a midfielder more famed for his industrial, hard working performances rather his goalscoring flair is going to need to play out of his skin to convince the doubters.
Thing is though, Pellegrini has a secret. He knows something nobody else knows... James Milner and David Silva are brothers separated at birth!

So with Milner playing the 'false 9' position and his brother from another playing in just behind Manchester City have partnership stronger than Cole and Yorke, stronger than Gerrard and Torres stronger even than Shearer and Sutton.

How do we know this? Well, here's how:

James offers David some advice:


Then they have a little giggle:


Get used to this City fans, they'll be celebrating with each other a lot more:

James Milner and David Silva

Before a little romantic whisper...


And a night out on the tiles:

James Milner and David Silva at the Milner Foundation Ball

Gary Lineker hits out at FIFA, declaring their running of world football 'a farce'

The BBC presenter also expects Sepp Blatter to remain in power for a fifth term declaring it's "as sure as Christmas is around the corner."

Gary Lineker presenting Sports Personalty of the Year
Speaking out: BBC presenter Gary Lineker is unhappy with FIFA's running of football

Lineker, top scorer at the 1986 World Cup also said the administration of football is "just wrong", adding: "The whole thing is a farce. It's said football is the beautiful game, but it's hugely tarnished by what's going on.
"It's come to the stage really where something needs to be done," the 54-year-old former striker said.

"The only way something will really change is if the major federations around the world come together and say 'we have had enough of this'. But don't hold your breath."

FIFA president Blatter is seeking re-election for a fifth term in 2015.
And Lineker believes he will again win the vote - no matter what.
"He's the man right at the top and in any other business, or any other political form of life, that person would go and not be voted for.

"But you'll see, he will be voted in again as sure as Christmas is around the corner."

Black foods are in vogue


While the colour black is a fashion favourite, in food, it's usually considered 'unappetising'. But of late, black foods are becoming a rage.We find out why...

A part from caviar, blackberries and black truffles, black isn't a colour most diners associate with delicious, lip-smacking food. For most of us, the colour black on a food plate is repulsive. It gives the impression that the food is not edible, burned or worse, poisonous! But chefs around the world are trying to change this attitude by incorporating dark hues in popular recipes. Recently, Japan took food modification to another level by introducing fast-food delicacies like the black hamburger and black hotdog, which were instant hits. Many fine-dining restaurants in India have started serving customers gourmet preparations made from black pasta, black rice, black quinoa etc. on popular demand. These foods are making their way on supermarket shelves too. Apart from pasta, rice and quinoa, you can use black lentils, black soybeans, black mushrooms, black garlic etc. in your home recipes too.

Wondering why this bizarre culinary trend is catching on?
Celebrity chef Shipra Khanna says, "Today, people are ex posed to world cuisine. They are moving beyond traditional food dishes and are open to experimenting with recipes and using newer ingredients.They have also be come health-conscious, due to which they are using black food ingredients, which are nutrition powerhouses. Restaurants have started introducing black-coloured foods in their menus so that they can cater to all types of consumers - both experimenters as well as healthy eaters." Black foods are becoming popular because they are dramatic in their impact, delicious and also very nutritious.

To get the black colour in bread or pasta dishes, chefs don't need to rely on food colouring. They can use squid ink and bamboo charcoal, both of which are safe to consume and also have medicinal benefits.

Black is the new green
Today, the trend may be catching up in the rest of the world, but black foods have always been a part of certain cuisines, like Japanese, Chinese and Mexican, due to the health benefits associated with them. Often, foods are black because of natural plant pigments called anthocyanins. Says Shamsul Wahid, executive chef, "Studies suggest that anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory properties and offer protection against heart diseases, cancer and diabetes." Dr Amrapali Patil, weight management expert, believes that black foods are an economical option to amp up your antioxidant and nutrient consumption. "According to research, just a spoonful of black rice bran has more anthocyanins than a spoonful of blueberries. Anthocyanins also have other health benefits like boosting your brain power."

Black superfoods you can eat
Black garlic:
A type of fermented garlic, it is packed with natural sugars and amino acids. It improves blood circulation and contains twice the amount of antioxidants than white garlic.

Black rice:
It contains significantly higher amounts of vitamin E, which bolster the immune system and protect cells from free radical damage.

Black soybeans:
A Korean study found that eating black soybeans can help reduce the risk of thrombosis -a type of blood clot that's potentially fatal -even more than yellow or green soybeans.

Black lentils:
Loaded with iron, black lentils also have high levels of soluble fibre, which will not only lower your cholesterol, but also improve immune functions.

Black mushrooms:
These flavourful shiitake mushrooms may lower the risk of breast cancer among women after menopause.

Blackberries:
Polyphenols found in dark berries help reduce cognitive decline in old age by cleaning up cells that impair brain function. Blackberries are also rich in fibre.

Dirty dining
In a dining collective in Milan, Italy, consumers gather together and eat only food that is either black in colour or dyed black. They serve feasts featuring eggs boiled in black tea and dipped in sesame seeds. The idea, according to the collective's founder, is to challenge preconceptions that black food is unattractive and unappetizing.