Android Pay now supports 30 more banks in the US

Android Pay support has been extended to 30 additional banks and credit unions. The new establishments can be spotted on the Android Pay website, which launched in 2015, alongside the other 170 or so participating banks on Google's ever-growing list.

The newly-supported banks and credit unions are as follows:

• American 1 Credit Union
• Ardent Federal Credit Union
• Bank of the James
• Bank SNB
• Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T)
• Eglin Federal Credit Union
• El Dorado Savings Bank
• Farmers State Bank (TX)
• First Federal Bank of the Midwest
• First Federal Community Bank (OH)
• First Guaranty Bank
• FirstBank (OK)
• Guaranty Bank and Trust (TX)
• Land of Lincoln Credit Union
• Leader Bank
• Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union
• MUNA Federal Credit Union
• Nicolet National Bank
• Northern United Federal Credit Union
• Oklahoma Employees Credit Union
• PCM Credit Union
• Providence Bank
• Relyance Bank
• Republic Bank
• Sunrise Banks, N.A (MN)
• Synergy Federal Credit Union
• The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
• Truxton Trust Company
• Union Savings Bank
• Watertown Savings Bank

This news arrives after Google's Android Pay rollout in Hong Kong just yesterday, where the mobile payment service landed in 5,000 stores. Meanwhile, Samsung's competing service, Samsung Pay, has been gathering steam, adding USAA to its list of supported banks last week.

If you want to know what Android Pay is and how it works, find out in our guide at the link, and for the full list of those supporting Android Pay, head to Google's Android Pay page.

The only question now is: how do I sign up with the Bank of the James?

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Pixel phones to receive Android upgrades for at least 2 years

Prompt and long running updates to the latest version of Android were a big selling point for the Nexus brand, and Google looks to be sticking to the same promises with its new Pixel range, as we had hoped. According to the official Android software support page, the new Pixel and Pixel XL will receive upgrades the latest version of Android for at least the next two years.

This means that there's no guarantee of new Android version updates after October 2018 for these handsets, although it's possible that Google will continue to push out new versions after this point if there's good reason to. Either way, this is at least as good as what other Android OEMs are offering for their flagship smartphones these days, and matches what we've seen from older Nexus phones in terms of expected lifespan.

However, Google's updates will also be much faster than other OEMs, as you would expect, with upgrades typically arriving on devices within 2 weeks. However, mobile carrier versions, see Verizon, may take longer, according to the support page. So that's another one to add to the list of reasons not to pick up the Verizon model.

Pixel phones get Android version updates for at least 2 years from when the device became available on the Google Store. After 2 years, we can't guarantee additional updates. – Google

On top of the latest versions of Android for two years, Google promises at least 3 years worth of security updates, running until October 2019. If the Pixel and Pixel XL prove popular enough to keep the handset on sale for more than 2 years, Google states that security patches will keep coming for 18 months after the last Google Store device is sold.

See also: Google Pixel XL initial review: first 48 hours154

With prices starting at $649, it's reassuring to see that Google will be offering a few years worth of support for the Pixel range. Although perhaps you were expecting more from a smartphone that's looking to take on Apple and its promises of long running upgrades?

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Plex for Android version 5.0 launches with a ton of changes

Plex for Android has been updated to version 5.0 and with it comes a whole host of new features. The multi-platform tool, which seeks to make all of your music, movies, and photos accessible across all of your devices, has received improvements to its mobile sync functionality, camera upload settings and more.

In the Plex.TV forums, a member of the Plex team announced the changes. Here's the list from that post, which is so lengthy we'll share it in full:

* Redesigned sync management screen.
* Playlists can now be synced!
* New incremental syncing makes operations much faster and more efficient.
* Search your synced content just like a regular server.
* We took the core of the Plex Media Server, shrank it down, and embedded it within the Android app. Your synced content will now benefit from all the rich browsing, discovery, and playback features it provides.
– Many improvements to "Search", including a new UI, support for faster searches, and also for searching new types of content such as actors, directors or tracks.
– Move user email from Navigation Menu header to Settings.
– Several usability improvements to the Camera Upload settings screen.
– Highlight filter icon when sort or filters are not the default setting.
– [Android TV] Seek and skip improvements during playback. (Using D-pad, gamepad triggers, or OSD actions: single-click to short skip and long-press for fast seeking.)
– [Android TV] Add stop button to music controls.
– [Android TV] Show app version number on settings screen.
– [Android TV] Playlist library no longer visible on home screen if there are no playlists.
– [Fire TV] Add support for subscribing to Plex Pass within the app.

That's an impressive changelog even without the other bunch of fixes included in version 5.0. The number of features designed to increase speed and efficiency should come as particularly good news to existing fans of the app.

See also: Plex Cloud is everything you love about Plex without the hardware22

Aside from its functions, it's Plex's user interface that forms a large part of its overall appeal, providing far more visual flair than a simple list of item names; it has more in common with Spotify than Dropbox.

What's more, Plex further differentiates itself from the likes of Google Drive and Amazon Drive when used with Plex Cloud which facilitates quick streaming between devices – part of the reason why we consider it one of the best Android TV apps.

Find out more about what Plex offers in this trailer. Are you a Plex user? Would you recommend it? Spout off in the comments.

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Oracle denied another Java copyright trial with Google

A federal court in California has denied Oracle another pop at Google in the long running dispute over the use of pieces of Java code and the Android operating system. Oracle had been attempting to argue that some evidence had been missed from the original trial, but the judge threw this out after describing it as "minor evidence and testimony".

Back in May this year, a jury cleared Google of copyright infringement related to Java APIs that are used in its Android operating system. Oracle had been seeking up to $9 billion in damages for the use of 37 Java APIs used in the popular mobile OS. The latest trial would have been the third time that Oracle had taken Google to court over this issue.

Previously: Oracle accuses Google of lying during Java copyright trial27

Oracle's claim to a third trial hinged on details related to Google's project to bring Android apps to its Chromebook hardware. In 2015, Google began work on its ARC++ project that would help bring Android apps to its Chrome OS. The project required the use of Java APIs used in Android, which Oracle claimed Google was deliberately concealing so that evidence could not presented in court. However, it transpired that Google published at least nine documents discussing the goals and technical details of ARC++ in 2015, at least five months before the last trial. The judge declared that it was Oracle's own fault that it did not review these documents before the previous trial and that their inclusion would not have affected the trial anyway.

"It may well be true that the use of the copyrighted APIs in ARC++ (or any other later use) will not qualify as a fair use, but that will not and does not mean that Google's argument on transformative use as to the original uses on trial (smartphones and tablets) was improper. That Oracle failed to detect the ARC++ documents in its possession had no consequence within the defined scope of our trial," – District Judge William Alsup

The long running dispute has revolved around whether APIs, handily compiled code functions and procedures used to speed up development, are copyrightable. Developers and experts sided with Google in the case, suggesting that copyrighting these commonly used tools would stifle innovation. However, President Barack Obama weighed in on the side of Oracle.

See also: Android apps support finally arrives on Chrome OS stable channel 12

Although another trial has been denied, it only related to the use of copyrighted APIs in smartphone and tablet products. It is possible that Oracle will return to dispute the use of Java APIs for use with desktop and laptop hardware, such as Chromebooks. We probably haven't heard the last of this case yet.

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Best Android TV devices – what are your options?

Let's just be frank, Google TV failed miserably and simply improving it wasn't good enough. The platform had to be shut down and replaced with something completely different. Now we have Android TV trying to take over your living room, and it seems to be doing reasonably well.

Android TV has been very well received by developers and manufacturers alike, making it one of the best smart TV platforms to use. One of the key issues with Google TV was the lack of apps. This is still a bit of a problem, but the situation has improved thanks to Android TV, as it is more closely based off the most popular mobile platform in the world.

Oh, that's another winning factor - Android TV has access to the Google Play Store!

This means most developers with an app that would work well for TVs can jump on board easily, as their software is most likely already in the Google Play Store, and would simply need some modifications. Oh, that's another winning factor – Android TV has access to the Google Play Store! Not to mention its gaming capabilities and Google Cast support.

It definitely needs more polishing and maturing, but there's not too much we can complain about. It is easy to operate, can be controlled via voice and happens to be pretty smart. Google did a great job customizing the Android platform to look and work well for the large screen.

See also: Android TV – everything you need to know9

We could sit here and tell you all you need to know about Android TV, but we have already done that in the post linked right above. Today we are here to show you the best options around, as there is a handful of important partners in Google's pocket. Keep reading to see which Android TV device is the right one for you!

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Set-top boxes

Nexus Player by Google: discontinued

Google's Nexus lineup is known for leading the way into the future. These are devices that showcase Android the way Google intended it to be, pure and free of modifications. The Nexus Player is not only the first Nexus device tailored for televisions, it is also the first Android TV released… ever. As such, it was the device to get for Android purists, but it didn't come without its quirks.

• Nexus Player review

The unit is good looking, features a great controller and comes with all the beauties of owning an Android TV. As it goes with any first-of-a-kind device, though, it is not perfect. The Nexus Player seemed to have some issues with keeping peripherals connected, and storage was limited… as is its availability.

Gadgets don't tend to have a long shelf life and time for the Nexus Player to be retired arrived earlier this year. It is nowhere to be found now, unless you try to look for it used. refurbished, or find a few laying around a retailer shelf on discount. Still, if you do happen across one, it might be worth considering if the price is right.

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NVIDIA Shield Android TV: $199.99 – $299.99

This is the most expensive Android TV set-top box; but is it worth it? The thing is this is not just a device you buy to watch Netflix, Hulu, and other video services to chill with the family (or friends) on a slow night. It is made for gamers and the price is justifiable to those who will take full advantage of what it can do.

• NVIDIA Shield Android TV review

Its specs include an NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, a 256-core Maxwell GPU and 3GB RAM, all packed in a sleek and compact unit. That's enough power to support a 4K resolution, run all your Android games, operate smoothly, stream PC-quality games and more. Our only complaints during the review were about Android TV, but that is not NVIDIA's fault. They made what could arguably be the best Android TV device around.

Interested? You can get the 16 GB version for $199.99. Alternatively, grab the 500 GB "Pro" version for $299.99 and stop worrying about storage.

Buy NVIDIA Shield Android TV Buy NVIDIA Shield Android TV Pto

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Razer Forge TV: $99.99 – $149.99

NVIDIA is very popular among gamers, so it's only fair for them to have a competitor from the same industry. Razer is known for making awesome gaming products (though they have been branching out a bit lately). The company produces some amazing computers, keyboards, mice, headphones and other accessories.

The Razer Forge TV is not like the NVIDIA Shield Android TV, though. This one is more affordable and carries slightly less powerful specs. The Forge TV packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. All of this is packed into a small square with a very sleek design (very much like all other Razer products).

How is this device made for gamers, then? Remember this is an Android device, and unlike NVIDIA's option, it runs no PC games or 4K content. It doesn't need that much power to perform well. And what it lacks in specs it makes up in functionality.

The system is strong enough to run your Android games effortlessly. The Razer Serval controller is made with the same performance and ergonomics as their professional-grade PC controllers. In addition, they offer the Razer Turret, a keyboard/mouse combo that looks, feels and works very well.

With a base price of $99.99, it is also the most affordable Android TV product currently in the market. You can get the bundle (which includes the controller) for $149.99.

Buy Razer Forge TV

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Xiaomi Mi Box: $69

Xiaomi might not be the biggest name in the US, but it has a strong following in Asia and parts of Europe. And with the Mi Box, those in the United States and select other markets can get their hands on an Android TV experience of just $69.

For obvious reasons, the specs here aren't nearly as good as some of the most expensive options with a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU at 2GHz and a Mali 450 GPU. There's also 2GB RAM, 8GB on-board storage, and support for up to 4K displays with 60FPS support. Still, for the money, this is actually pretty solid — especially the 4K bit.

It's also worth noting that the Mi Box comes with some cool extras like a $50 credit towards Sling TV, a 3-month free trial of Pandora, and a $5 VUDU credit.

Buy Xiaomi Mi Box

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Android TV-integrated televisions

Sony Bravia Android TVs: $699.99 – $7,999.99

Sony doesn't play around. When they believe in something, they go all in, and that is what they have done with Android TV. Their whole 2015 smart Bravia TV lineup ran Android TV, and they continue to be huge players in 2016. These are not the typical set-top boxes you can spend a bit of money on, though. They are whole TV sets, which constitutes a larger investment.

• Hands-on with Sony's 2015 Bravia TVs with Android TV

Sony has all kinds of HDTV sets running Android TV, so we obviously can't give you all the details on all of them. They start at just $699.99, though. And if you want to get fancy, you can pay up to $8,000 for an 85-inch, 4K HDR, XBR model. And let's not forget those awesome super thin ones!

Sony Bravia HDTV sets with Android TV

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Sharp AQUOS 4K UHD with Android TV: $1,298.90 – $$7,999

Sharp also has some great TV sets running Android TV, all with 4K UHD definition and all the perks, but they won't come cheap. The most affordable of their 5 available sets costs $1,298.90, and the priciest goes up to $7,999. And this is now; they were much pricier when first released.

There are two models available. The UE30 is the lower-end (yet still premium) version and comes in 70 and 80-inch sizes. Meanwhile, the high-end UH30 comes in 60, 70 and 80-inch variations. Check the official press release for all the details.

Buy Sharp Aquos UE30 TV Buy Sharp Aquos UH30 TV

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While there aren't a ton of Android TV options on the market, all the current options are all pretty solid, though the Nexus Player is admittedly the weakest link — and likely the reason why it has been mostly phased out. Which of these TV sets or set-top boxes is your favorite and why? Hit the comments to let us know! And don't forget to check out our best Android TV apps and games lists when you do get your Android TV.

• best Android TV apps
• best Android TV games

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Deal: Minecraft: Story Mode Episode One is now free in Google Play

Minecraft: Story Mode's first episode is now free in the Google Play Store. The Telltale Games series, set in the Minecraft universe, recently reached a conclusion with its eight episode. Though episodes two through seven still have their $4.99 price tag, episode one's has been indefinitely removed.

Unlike Minecraft: Pocket Edition, Minecraft: Story Mode isn't an open world sandbox game of building and discovery. Instead, Story Mode plays like Telltale's other adventure games (which include The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones), focusing on story and character-building through an episodic structure.

See also: Minecraft: Story Mode Episode 1 review – a great game for the whole family2

Featuring the voices of Patton Oswalt, Corey Feldman and Billy West, among others, we called it "one of the best titles Telltale Games has ever released" in our review of episode one (which you can read at the above link). Now that it's free, there's no good reason not to give this one a go.

Have you played Minecraft: Story Mode? Would you recommend it? Let us know in the comments.

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How to use the Android 7.1 storage manager to free up space

The Android 7.1 update has arrived in developer preview form for anyone with a Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X or Pixel C and the desire to try it out. Among the pretty short list of new Android 7.1 Nougat features is a new tool in the settings called Manage Storage which is worth mentioning.

See also: Here's what you can do so far with Android 7.1's app shortcuts11

Manage Storage is, as you might suspect, a storage manager. It appears in the Storage section of Settings and provides you with two options: to manually free up space or to enable Smart Storage. While one might simply sound like an automatic version of the other, they actually do different things and work well in concert with one another.

Smart Storage

Smart Storage is essentially a Google Photos tie-in that automates the "free up space" option in that app. Enabling Smart Storage will automatically remove photos and videos from your device every 30, 60 or 90 days, but only once they have been backed up to the cloud in Google Photos.

It's a simple option that saves you having to continually agree to the Photos prompt to free up space whenever your device storage is running low. But Smart Storage doesn't automate all of your Android 7.1 storage solutions. There's also a manual tool for clearing up space that works well as a complement to Smart Storage.

Manual cleanup

You'll find the manual cleanup tool in Settings > Storage > Manage storage as well as in the overflow menu of the Storage section. Tapping "Free up space" generates a list of potential items for removal in a couple of categories, including photos and videos, downloads and apps.

You can choose to include or exclude any of these categories via the check boxes and expand them to drill down into your downloads or apps list. Simply select those files or apps you want removed and tap the free up space button. Once you've removed some content you'll be prompted to enable Smart Storage which you can opt-in for if you haven't already.

This storage optimization tool is just another of the many small additions in Nougat that really start to add up. There's clearly a focus on automating tasks in Nougat, from seamless updates to setting notification priority to Doze Mode on the go. Storage management is just another way to improve your experience while still providing you with fine-grained control.

What is your favorite Nougat feature? What is Nougat still missing?

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