Android Tablet Update

After much hoopla Google Wallet finally launched on the Nexus S last September, but it was only available on Sprint’s version of the phone and not T-Mobile’s. Then when Verizon announced their Galaxy Nexus, it was soon discovered that they would not support Google Wallet. Verizon claimed that Google Wallet “needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones” and they were continuing their commercial discussions with Google on the issue.

Thanks to a recent app update, Nexus users on AT&T and Verizon can now install Google Wallet directly from the Android Market. Many users previously obtained a hacked copy or side-loaded it onto their device, but now they can have the comfort of getting the latest official version from Google.

AT&T users with the Nexus S or GSM Galaxy Nexus just need to search for Galaxy Nexus and install it. Those devices are recognized as supported in the Market and it’s a 1-click isntall.

Google Wallet Google Inc. MARKET QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

For Verizon owners of the Galaxy Nexus, the process takes a few extra steps. They need to visit the Android Market website from their browser and then trick their device into installing the official app. It might sound like a little much, but it only takes around one minute to complete.

1. From your phone open the browser and head to http://market.android.com. (Tip:  You may want to clear data and defaults on browser and Market before doing this.)
2. Search for “Google Wallet.” (If your browser prompts you to open the Market, don’t. Just stay in the browser.)
3. When the results come back, tap on the Google Wallet icon.
4. Tap the “Install” button from within the browser and then sign into your Google account. (Again, this is all from the browser, not the Market app.)
5. Once you have signed in, you should be redirected back to the Market page in the browser.
6. Obviously, you will not have the option to install there since the VZW Nexus is not supported.
7. Tap the back button until you are prompted for the Market or Browser again, this time choosing the Market.
8. The Android Market should open to the Google Wallet page with an option to install.

If it doesn’t work right away, just sign out of the Android Market website from your browser and try the steps again. I tried this on my Verizon Galaxy Nexus and it worked on the 2nd try. Previously I had side-loaded an older version of Google Wallet, and the install updated it to the latest version with no problems.

We don’t have a Nexus S or GSM Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile to test this trick out, but hopefully it works on that device as well. If you happen to have one on hand, let us know if you were able to install Google Wallet from the Market.

At least AT&T is now allowing Google Wallet on some Android phones with NFC, and hopefully Verizon is close to reaching an agreement with Google.

Planning to watch the New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on Sunday? The NFL just released their official Super Bowl XLVI Guide to the Android Market where it’s free to download. It appears the app has a lot of features geared towards those lucky enough to be in Indianapolis this weekend, but there are plenty of other goodies for those watching from home.

Highlights of the app include:

• A detailed guide to local restaurants, nightlife, and official Super Bowl events
• A 3D map of Indianapolis and an interactive 3D map of Lucas Oil Stadium for gameday
• You can follow all of the social media buzz with NFL Huddle

Super Bowl XLVI Guide NFL Enterprises LLC MARKET QR POWERED BY APPAWARE

My guess is that most of you have never heard of Nick Swinmurn before, but I bet you recognize the company he founded in 1999 called Zappos.com. With the help of Tony Hsieh and Alfred Lin from San Francisco-based Venture Frogs, Zappos went on to generate $1 billion in sales in 2008 and then sold to Amazon for $1.2 billion in 2009.

Nick Swinmurn left Zappos in 2006 when he decided he wanted to do new things. He started his next venture Dethrone Royalty in 2008, which became one of the most recognizable names in MMA apparel, but Swinmurn found it difficult to connect with customers. This lead to the idea behind RNKD, which just launched in November 2011.

RNKD is a new service that rewards you for indexing your closet. It follows a similar loyalty business model as Zappos, but RNKD is unique because people can gain perks based on things they already own.

Users just upload pictures of what’s in their closet and then tag the brand and purchase location to start earning points and weekly rewards. No major brands have signed up yet to offer perks, but users can still win giftcards to Zappos and Dethrone Royalty with contests for deepest collection, most influential, best watch collection, and more.

We had the chance to interview Swinmurn this week where he described his idea behind RNKD. Nick said, “Every consumer has favorite brands, stores and designers that they are loyal to for one reason or another, but most have never been recognized or rewarded for their purchases. RNKD looks to put an end to that, allowing consumers a platform to showcase their loyalty and ultimately receive the benefits they deserve.”

Nick described his vision of future perks by using Nike as an example. ”If you buy more shoes from Nike than anyone else -– shouldn’t you be given early access to new lines and different pricing than someone who is trying the product for the first time and may never buy again?”

I think the loyalty idea behind RNKD is brilliant and it has real potential to connect brands to their most faithful customers (similar to what we are doing with our points system). However, the service is only one month old and has a long way to go. Download stats were not provided, but the month-old iOS version only has 5 reviews, Nick’s profile has 13 followers, and I was user ID 2597 when I signed up.

Clearly there is a long road ahead of RNKD before it can be deemed a success, but Nick’s experience with Zappos should help him slowly grow the business.

Today the Android version of RNKD became available to download, so check it out and share your feedback. Android tablets are not supported and the app didn’t really work on my Galaxy Nexus, so I couldn’t get a good feel of the service. The screen shots that were provided looked pretty bland, so the developers have a long way to go with improving the user interface. (For starters, they might want to update their Android Market listing with a promotional image and video to attract more downloads.)

I’m not really sure if our hardcore nerd audience is the kind of crowd that wants to upload pictures of their clothes for others to look at, but I could be wrong. Let us know if you recognize the genius behind RNKD or can think of any family members that the service might appeal to.

Download App in the Android Market MARKET QR

Just one day after Facebook updated their Android app, Twitter has decided to roll out a simplified design across all of their clients, including the Android app. The new Twitter for Android just went live on the Market only minutes ago, so go grab the update now.

The new Twitter buttons.

Twitter’s latest update focuses around the redesigned icons, which they hope will make the service easier to use. These new buttons include Home, Connect, Discover, Me, and Tweet. Head over to Twitter’s site for a full description of what each action does.

I’m downloading the app to my phone as I type, so I’ll have to give it a spin before posting my impressions. Go upgrade now and let us know what you think. While you are at it, make sure you are following @androidandme for all our latest updates.

Today Facebook announced a major update for their Android app that focuses on speed. Photos and albums will be 2x faster, notifications will be highlighted up top, and the menu options have been moved to the right side of the screen. We haven’t seen the update available on the Android Market yet, but Facebook says it will be available soon, so be on the lookout.

Highlights of the new Facebook for Android include:

• Photos get better:  Photos and albums are up to two times faster than the previous Android app. It’s also easier to share photos, view comments and edit captions on the go.
• Messages on top:  Your messages and notifications are now at the top of your screen. You can respond to friends and stay updated without leaving the page you’re on.
• Menu on the side:  You can quickly access your News Feed, Groups, games and apps from the new left-hand menu. The features you use most are now at your fingertips.

After you download and install the new update, let us know what you think of the changes. Can you notice a big improvement in speed? What do you think of the interesting side menu?