Here’s something you don’t see every day: a U.S. television provider recognizes that its paying customers would like to be able to access video on their mobile devices, and that company steps in to provide it. And as an added bonus, it’s available to Android users first. DirecTV has updated its official Android application to support on-demand streaming to phones. The latest version allows users to view movies and original programming from HBO, Cinemax, Encore, Showtime, Starz and other popular destinations. The app works only in the United States and not all devices are supported, but as Engadget points out, this is one of the rare times when a media app is available on Android phones before it goes to iPhone
DirecTV Everywhere Android app now streams HBO, Starz, Showtime, and more
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Netflix announced its Q1 2012 earnings today, generating $870 million for a reported $5 million net loss on the quarter. Though revenue was not as bad as some analysts had predicted, the company continues to turn around last year’s poor handling of higher prices, expired content deals, and a failed attempt to split Netflix into two companies focused on streaming or DVD rentals. Netflix can take small comfort in knowing that it added nearly 3 million net customers to its streaming business, bringing the current total of streaming customers to more than 26.5 million subscribers. Streaming on almost every device, from computer to set top box to tablet and phone, plays a large role in Netflix’s appeal. CEO Reed Hastings declined to reveal mobile usage numbers because of competitive reasons, but another Netflix executive interjected to say this about mobile support: “It’s not a big acquisition driver, but it is a big value driver…People who utilize [Netflix] a lot of devices tend to utilize a lot of hours.” In other words, people don’t join Neflix because of mobile support, but their usage of the service does increase because of it. That’s why Netflix has invested in appearing on as many devices as possible, a critical step in rehabbing its brand image and fighting back against a growing list of competitors
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Have you ever had to instant message someone while you were trying to do something on a tablet? The notifications on Android allow you to quickly be updated when someone sends a new message, but there may be times that you don’t want to have switch back and forth between the Google Talk app and another app. Lilypad HD is the solution for those situations. Available for $1.49, the app allows Android 3.0 or higher tablets to have a floating window to continue the conversation. Similar to how you can pin a window on PC’s or keep afloat on a Mac, Lilypad maintains a persistent window for your GTalk conversation or buddy list. This lets you have a persistent view of the conversation and still watch a YouTube video, browse the web, or anything else
Android Apps Alert is Androinica.com’s weekly round-up of new, updated, and under the radar apps. Each app is plucked from a list of candidates found by browsing the Android Market and developer/user submissions. To suggest an app for review, drop us a line on Google+ or Twitter . QUICK HITS Dell Voice updated to provide visual voicemail. Canadians can use Dell Voice to get a new number that forwards to more phones and provides online features for controlling or monitoring accounts. It’s basically Google Voice for Canadians. 
Android has plenty of music players, but few have a quick and convenient way to change songs or pause the one currently playing. Even fewer have a way of doing either of those things as quickly as Wave Control. Wave Control is an Android 2.2+ app that uses close-range gestures to control music playback. Using the proximity sensor typically located near a phone’s earpiece, Wave Control responds to pre-configured motions. So if someone hovers over the sensor, it will pause or play music
Frostwire is known for enabling music and file sharing through torrents , which naturally leads to questions about its legality and tool as a way to spread piracy. I’ll leave those murky issues to the lawyers and regulators and operate under the assumption that any of you using the service are doing so honestly. Another thing you might want to try doing honestly is driving; thanks to newest version of Frostwire, you can do that without having to constantly look at your phone to control music. Frostwire now supports gesture recognition for performing common functions. 
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Aside from replacing the home screen , I really haven’t made any changes to my Galaxy Nexus. But the customizer and tinkerer within me can’t help but be intrigued by SmartShift Lockscreen , an Android 2.1 lockscreen replacement app that changes its features and appearance based on profiles created by the user. SmartShift Lockscreen automates a device’s lockscreen appearance in order to suit your many needs. The app can be set to have a custom lockscreen that shortcuts to Google Docs, Gmail, Skype, and Calculator during work hours, or it can know to highlight the phone dialer, messaging, camera, and music players when you’re off the clock. Within each lock screen, users can choose a different skin or layout, and customize which icons, shortcuts, or widgets are displayed. Another clever use for SmartShift is that it can display a different lockscreen when the phone is docked or headsets are plugged in