Playing YouTube videos with the screen off has been a highly requested feature for a very long time and finally you can have it today. Thanks to the work of an XDA developer theos0o, who has modified the YouTube 4.4.11 apk file, the feature is now a reality.

The nice thing about the modified app is that you don’t need to have root privileges on your device. Simply uninstall the existing YouTube app by visiting the Play Store (you can always re-install it later on), then side-load and install the modified YouTube app. Read more »

As has been expected for quite a while, Facebook has started taking the Messenger part out of its official app for iOS and Android this week, prompting those who want to use the feature to install the standalone Messenger. To say that this hasn’t gone well with users would be an understatement.

Facebook Messenger is now the No.1 app in the iTunes App Store for iOS, but it has a paltry one-star rating. It’s unclear if something like this has ever happened before – for the most downloaded app in the App Store to have such dismal reviews. Read more »

Meta used to be the king of the smartwatch roost back in the day, but they’ve been pretty quiet on the wearable front. That is, until now.

Meet the Meta M1, which goes on pre-order today. Read more »

The Chinese designer and manufacturer of high-end smartphones Oppo released a new ColorOS Beta for the Find 5. Version V2.0.0i brings a host of improvements to the company’s 2012 flagship, though there’s no official word on which Android version it is based on.

Color V2.0.0i Beta brings a revamped, more minimalistic UI redesign. Read more »

Google recently introduced the option to select the resolution of the video you are watching in the Android version of the YouTube app. Depending upon the device you are using, the maximum resolution option would differ, although it is known to get confused at times.

So far, the maximum resolution option available in the app was 1080p, even if you have happen to have a smartphone or tablet with higher resolution. But to address that minor inconvenience, the app now goes up to 1440p on select devices. Read more »

VSCO has updated their VSCO Cam app for Android to version 3.0. The update was released on iOS months ago but it took them quite a while to bring it to Android.

The main feature in this update is the ability to find and follow other users of VSCO Grid. VSCO Grid is a social network where you can upload images from the VSCO app. So far, the only way to view and follow the profiles of other VSCO users was from the website or the iOS app but now you can do it from within the Android app as well. Read more »

Thinking about checking out potential college campuses, but don’t have the time to see them in person?

Fret not, because Google’s got you covered. You can now take online tours of College Campuses right through Google Maps Street View. Read more »

Yelp’s great for finding new restaurants in strange cities, but what about foreign places where you don’t speak the native tongue?

Well have no fear, because the Yelp app for iOS will now automatically translate reviews in a language you’ll understand. Read more »

Today HTC’s published an update to its Gallery app in the Play Store. This update enables owners of the One (M8) to use the new Duo Effects Gallery, which is a Web viewer that lets you share the interactive viewing experience of the Duo Camera’s effects with anyone.

This Web interface lets people you’ve shared your works of art with change the focus point in an image, as well as choose which part of the picture has effects applied. UFocus, Foregrounder, and Dimension Plus effects are now shareable with whoever you like. Read more »

Nokia’s HERE Maps for Windows Phone has received a hefty update of its underlying map data. It brings with it better mapping in certain countries, nicer looking 3D landmarks in some cities, as well as point address rendering in more places.

The latter means you’re able to see at a glance where addresses and buildings are are on each street. Seeing exact addresses on the map is obviously helpful, as long as the feature is available in enough places and is accurate. Read more »

Google has launched updates for its Search and Play Music apps, bringing some additional features that won’t remain unappreciated.

Starting with Search, Google has enhanced the support for deep app linking and search within them. However, these features require developers to implement them first within their apps. Read more »

Looks like WhatsApp isn’t the only messaging service that’s supporting Android Wear.

Facebook’s recent update has brought some new features and compatibility to the smartwatch software. Read more »

Google might bring support for multiple users to smartphones with Android L. The feature was somewhat confirmed by a Google project member in an official developer forum.

In a discussion thread regarding multiuser functionality in Android handsets, the Google employee posted the following reply to forum members: Read more »

The new Foursquare app, which was detailed back in July, has finally gone live in both the iTunes App Store for iOS as well as the Google Play Store for Android.

The purpose of the new app is mainly to let you search for and discover great places, no matter where you may be in the world. The check-in feature that basically made the old Foursquare famous will only be available via Swarm, which is another app by the same company. Read more »

PlayStation on Android is dead, practically dead anyway. Sony has just announced that PlayStation Mobile will not be supported on Android versions 4.4.3 and newer. The game store and the games themselves will continue to work but Sony doesn’t guarantee they’ll continue to work if you update past 4.4.2.

The company states that it will move its focus to the PS Vita and PS Vita TV, where the game store will live on. Read more »