Google tests new look for Play Store Top Charts section

Google continues to test new features for its Play Store app. This time around the Top Charts sections get a revamp. You can now see a bit more space between the apps. It also clearly delineates which apps rank higher. Aside from that, the section also shows a new switch at the top right that will help you hide apps you already have installed on your device. This new feature was first spotted by Android Police back in June but it looks like it’s hitting more and more devices. Perhaps, it’ll make its way to yours soon.

Source: Android Police

‘Deadpool 2’ gets new director

Following the departure of Tim Miller from the upcoming Deadpool sequel, rumour was John Wick director David Leitch will be taking the reins. Now, Variety has confirmed that Leitch will be taking Miller’s place after the director dropped out due to creative differences with star Ryan Reynolds. Miller’s exit on October 22 came as a surprise as he had been in the middle of developing the script and was widely expected to return for Deadpool 2.

Most of the creative team, though, is returning for the sequel including screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. But there is no release date yet for the movie. Fox has supposedly also started development work for the third Deadpool movie but nothing has been confirmed about that yet.

Google revamps Play Newsstand app, introduces web version

Google’s own news aggregator gets a new look and a web version to go along with it. The new version of Play Newsstand now features four different tabs: For You, Library, Explore, and Read Later. For You shows AI-powered recommendation stream and shows breaking news, top stories, and suggested articles based on your interests. Library shows you sites and subjects you picked out. Explore shows more stories to read through, and Read Later shows articles you’ve saved in the past. Version 4.0 of Newsstand also now has full-bleed images, autoplaying videos, and built-in playback controls for podcasts. And now if you want to use Play Newsstand on your browser, you can. Just head to this link.

Source: The Verge

Pocketable drone can help take your selfies

There are so many ways to take selfies these days. Adding one more to that mix is this new quadcopter launched on Kickstarter called AirSelfie. This small drone can fit in the palm of your hand and be put into a custom phone case for storage and charging. The drone can’t take lengthy shots of you as it can only fly for around three minutes up to 20 meters high but that should be enough time to take some pretty cool selfies or group shots. The AirSelfie can be controlled with one hand via the iOS or Android.

There are three flight modes available: Selfie mode, with an on-screen button that moves the drone farther or closer to you; Selfie Motion Control mode, which lets you control the drone with a virtual joystick for more flight options; and Flight mode, which turns your phone into a classic controller for more freedom. When you’re done, you can just pluck the AirSelfie out of the air. It charges after 30 minutes. If you pledge 179 euros (around CA$250), you can get the AirSelfie as a reward. If you’re waiting for it to be available on the market, it’ll go for around 270 euros (around CA$380).

Source: Digital Trends