Google+ Android App Updated!

Google+ now has an updated app released “July 14, 2011” as seen in the app page. The update includes minor UI changes, fixes when using swype keyboard and a filter if you just want to see the stream of a certain circle.

Below are the changes and instructions on how to download and install the new APK/app for non-US Android users.

What’s in this version:

1. Customize the main stream view to show streams from individual circles.
2. Fixed some issues encountered by users with the Swype keyboard.
3. Set permissions for who can start a huddle with you (Anyone, Your Circles, Extended Circles).
4. If someone you’ve never huddled with before invites you to a group huddle, you can now dismiss the invitation.
5. New UI allows adding multiple people or entire circles to a huddle.
6. Set photo as wallpaper.
7. Performance improvements and bug fixes throughout the app.

For those who can access and download Google+ through the market, you can just update your app through the market.

Download Google+ APK

For those who can’t download or install through the market or let’s just say non-US android users, if you have your phone rooted you can use these steps:

1. Download and install Market Enabler. You can get the market enabler in the market.
2. In Market Enabler, save your current settings or remember your default number (gsm.sim.operator.numeric). You’ll need that to restore to your default operator once you’re done with the download.
3. Go to Settings List.
4. Choose the US operators – T-Mobile or Verizon (hold the name) and select “Fake this provider now”.
5. Once done, you can now go to the market in your phone and download the Google+ app.
6. To return to your original settings (you can do this after downloading the app), simply return to Market Enabler and tap on “Restore Settings”.

Simple Google+ APK download

If you don’t want to root your phone or use Market Enabler, you can download the updated Google+ APK here or here. Make sure that Settings>Applications>Unknown Sources is checked for you to be able to install the apk.

Google+ Plus – New Social Network and App for Android

Google has finally launched Google+, the company’s venture to social networking. A friend from Mashable sent me an invite last night but only got to check it out earlier today. Luckily, I’ve got a few invites that I can give too. So if you want a Google+ invite, just leave a comment below and I could probably send you an invite.

For those who already have a Google+ account, tell us in the comments below what you think about it. Do you like it?

Google+ Download APK

With this is a new android app where members can access the site. However, at this very moment, the app is only available for US users. If you can access it, then download the Android app here.

For those who can’t access the app through the market, we’ve found a separate download for the Google+ apk here.

iPhone 4 Unlocked Now Available – Could Come To the Philippines too

Apple is now selling through its stores the unlocked iPhone 4. What does it mean to Filipinos? Well, it means that you can now get an iPhone 4 someday that doesn’t require the 2-year contract from Globe.

Right now, only the GSM model of the iPhone 4 is available. But that’s okay if you’re planning to live in the Philippines. The 16GB version of the iPhone 4 is available for USD649$ roughly 27,907php if you convert directly to pesos and the 32GB is available for USD749$ or 32,307php. However, we all know that it would probably be more expensive than that.

I just hope that with this move, iPhone will one day become available to other carriers and the competition on selling the iPhone will one day come to our shores.

Better Google is Coming – Launches Image and Voice Search

Google announced today the launch of new features to search. Voice Search for desktop, Search by Image and Google Search with Instant pages.

The mobile version of Google search gets new icons, instantly accessible at the bottom of the search screen.

The desktop version will be rolling out a couple of new features — drag-and-drop image search and voice search. You will be able to click on the microphone icon sitting just right next to the search bar and speak whatever you want to search for. You will also be able to place an image into the search bar, and Google Search will give you its best guess for what that image is about. These new features will be rolling out to users over the coming week.

Last but not the least, one improvement that I’m personally very excited about is the Google Search with Instant Pages. It will pre-load the top search results. And the effect? Almost 0.0 second of loading time for your desired page.

What do you think of these changes? Post your comment below and tell us why you think this feature is good (or even bad if you think there is something bad in it. I do hope though that it’s all good.)

Is Microsoft getting creepy with their Ads?

As Microsoft launch their set of mobile products targeted for teens, they came up with Ad campaigns that people globally think is creepy.

I’m not really sure if the ad is outright creepy or the message but I’m sure Matty in this ad is really creepy. Anyway, just see the ad and tell me what you think.

So, what can you say? Is the “Ad” creepy?

TweetDeck for iPad – Now Available!

Good news for fans of one of the best iPhone and Adobe AIR application out there! Well, the title kinda gave it away already. 🙂

As announced by TweetDeck via email and on their website, the app for the iPad is now ready to roll.

What’s New?

The iPad gesture-based navigation. Okay, seriously, you’ll get the same features as with the iPhone version and AIR app. Only this time, built to look nice on the iPad.

TweetDeck for iPad

To quote TweetDeck:

TweetDeck is now available for Apple’s new iPad. TweetDeck for iPad contains all the usual Twitter functionality you’d associate with TweetDeck; plus we’ve built a new dedicated interface which is quintessentially TweetDeck and takes full advantage of all this new device offers. TweetDeck for iPad features include:

• Fully manage all your Twitter accounts
• Use columns to manage your real-time feed
• iPad gesture-based navigation
• Use TweetDeck seamlessly in both landscape and portrait mode
• Sync your data with the desktop and iPhone client
• Locate your friends, using geolocation data and a dedicated map interface
• Check web pages from within TweetDeck
• …as well as all your standard Twitter functionality, like composing, retweeting, and sending DMs

So what are you waiting for? Download the App now for free.

Increase in Meralco April 2010 Bill

I still haven’t received my April 2010 bill but I now fear the numericals inside it.

Earlier today, Meralco announced and explains why do we have a higher Meralco bill this April. So before I sulk in my little corner due to the increase in my electricity bill, read the announcement below.

Posted at the official Meralco website:

Meralco's Generation Charge

The rise in generation charges springs from the high cost of electricity that Meralco buys from its suppliers. These suppliers consist of the National Power Corporation (NCP), Independent Power Producers (IPP) and Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

The major factor that caused the sharp rise in electricity was because of the increase in the price of WESM, a venue for trading electricity as a commodity in the spot market.

Meralco does not add any mark-up to the cost of electricity purchased from these electricity suppliers. The generation cost, which averages about 50-60% of your electric bill, goes directly to Meralco’s power suppliers and adds nothing to Meralco’s income.

Personally, I don’t buy this bullshit. But I’m definitely sure that it really is a wake-up call to us that we need to find an alternative way of generating power; especially a cheaper way of generating electricity.  Ilocos Norte has it already.

How I wish to have something like the Bangui Windmills constructed near Metro Manila.

Globe iPhone Plan – Scamming you through Internet Data Plan?

Have you noticed that on your first month of your iPhone plan with Globe, your bill will be so big, it reaches from 5,000php to 11,000php?

This happens especially if you signed up for a Time-based Data Plan and you never turn-off or change the APN settings of your iPhone.

First time iPhone user? GO KB-Data Plan

I admit, I’ve paid Globe the 9,000php bill on me even if I know it feels like a scam since my Internet at home is only 1,999php and when I thought I’m only using the wi-fi of my home internet, Globe is still charging my internet access. The culprit–Time-based Data Plan.

The solution is easy; if you’re someone who wants to be online 24/7, then change your plan to KB-based.

How to change your Globe iPhone Plan?

1. Call 211 – Believe me, it’s faster calling 211 than going to their website or via their live chat support.
2. Tell them that they scammed you through your whopping bill (lol) and Request for a change of data plan from Time-based to KB-based.
3. (Optional) If you’re persuasive enough to request them that they should reverse your OVER-CHARGED bill and erase the history of Globe’s Scam, then good for you.

So for those planning to get an iPhone here in the Philippines, make sure you go KB-Based Data Plan and avoid becoming the victim of Globe Telecom’s Scam.