Gmail makes sending mobile photos easier
Google users who back up their smartphone and tablet photos on Google+ will be able to add them to Gmail messages much more quickly.
Now, you can insert an assortment of pictures or photo albums directly into e-mail, resize them within the message and make sharing with friends and family less of a time-consuming process overall.
The catch, of course, is that you have to use Google+’s Auto Backup feature for photos.
Google just launched a new feature within the “Insert Photo” button on the bottom of Gmail messages that brings up photos backed up from mobile devices.
After selecting the button, a grid of photos pops up that allows you to select photos or entire albums to add to e-mails.
You can also resize images while creating a message by dragging the corners to find the size you want.
Samantha Murphy Kelly, Mashable
Google scanning all Android apps for malware
Google is taking new steps to ensure that Android users are protected from malware and other harmful apps.
The company announced Thursday it is expanding its app verification service to monitor all the apps on users’ devices — including those downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Previously, when the Verify Apps service was enabled, only apps from third-party app stores were scanned, and only upon installation. Now Verify Apps will check every app before it is installed — and will regularly check that all of a user’s installed apps are “behaving in a safe manner.”
Karissa Bell, Mashable
Keep track of home projects
The simple, all-in-one home-improvement planner presented in the Handy Man DIY app ($1.99) won’t change a faucet or install a ceiling fan. But it will tell you how to do so. And the app will keep track of your room measurements, to-do list, shopping list and costs. Instead of going to the store with a rough idea of what you need and scribbled reminders on a sticky note, you’ll have everything on your phone.
To start, create a project you need to tackle. Put in measurements, and the app can convert them into square and cubic feet. You can include the smallest of details, too. There is space to put the room’s number of electric outlets, light switches, window dimensions and more.
For each project, you can add notes and build a comprehensive shopping list to track your costs. I itemized everything from the disposable paint roller pan to a few gallons of paint to the plastic dropcloth. You have to input prices yourself, but that’s a good way to stay on top of your budget. And if you’re teaming up on a project, you can share your shopping list via e-mail.
Margaret Ely, Special to The Washington Post
