Not, Just Another Geek

Android Market Surpasses 400,000 Apps

2012-01-06T18:23:00.001-06:00

Another milestone for Android, the Market has surpassed 400,000 apps. Sure the Apple App Store got there first, but the Market is gaining ground on the App Store.

This is an amazing feat for the Market considering that in April of 2011 there were only 200,000 apps and in August of 2011 the market hit the 300,000 milestone. This feat comes just one month after Google announced that the market had surpassed 10 billion downloads. That was a great 10 days of apps for $.10 apiece to coincide with that feat.

Of all of the applications in the Android Market, 68% are free. The Market required two more months than the App Store to reach the status of 400,000 apps. In addition to this, the Market has than 100,000 active publishers. I’m sure that we will see 500,000 apps in the market before the end of the summer of 2012. What do you think?

New Years Resolution Apps

2012-01-03T09:22:00.002-06:00

We are a people who are addicted to numerous devices or substances. Are you one of those who made a New Year’s Resolution? Do you want to quit smoking, drinking, or maybe lose some weight? Some habits can be very hard to break. There is some help though, like the saying goes “there’s an app for that”. Here is a small list of apps to help aide you in your New Years Resolution.

Please note, this is not some medical advice. You should always consult your physician with any medical related questions. These apps will only give you some motivation, support and reminders of your determination to kick your habit.

Quitting Smoking

Here are a few apps that will help in the aide of nicotine addiction.

Quitter- This app helps to motivate you by reminding you of two important points- how long you’ve been a quitter and how much money that you have saved, since you’ve quit. You simply enter your start date and the number of cigarettes that you consume in a day’s time. Then you enter the cost per pack and Quitter uses the notifications built within the iOS to tell you how you
are doing.

Then for the Android equivalent there is Ciggie. Ciggie is similar to Quitter as it aims to make you more conscious of your smoking habit. It will probably work the best for those who are trying to slowly wing their selves from smoking. It’s main focus is counting cigarettes and the intervals between puffs. The tar inhaled/ life shortened stat serves as the motivator to stop.

Quit Drinking

Most people just really need to slow down and not consume as much. However there are those who have an alcoholic addiction. The problem lies within those who need to be honest with themselves and get some help or aide. These apps are available for the iOS and Android.

12 Steps AA Companion

Alcoholics Anonymous or AA as it is referred to may be the best well known source for alcoholics. For those who are in AA, this app can be used to help with the 12 Step program. The app provides motivation through readings and reminds you how long you’ve been sober, it also provides you with contact information to stay sober.

Weight Loss

Lose It- You can succeed at weight loss with Lose It. You have the ability to set goals and establish a daily calorie budget that enables you to meet them. Stay on track of your diet each day by recording your food and exercise and staying within the budget that you have limited yourself to. The average active user who uses Lose It, has lost more than 12 pounds and more than 85% of those who used this app have lost weight.

Whatever goal you have set for yourself, it is attainable. There is no better time than the new year to accomplish a new goal with a resolution. Chances are, “there’s an app for that”. Don’t go to the store or the market to get your apps, all are obtainable right here at the mall, the GiveMeApps mall that is, www.givemeapps.com
What do you think? I would really enjoy some comments.

HTC Bootloader Unlocker

2011-12-30T04:14:00.000-06:00

HTC has announced that they are offering a tool for bootloader unlockers for all of their smartphones that were released after September 2011, and all of their handsets that they release here after.Upon the release of the device it will be locked. You may ask, “What does this tool do?”,It gives you the freedom to unlock your device. You can then install your own custom rom. If the carriers were smart they would unlock all smartphones. They could probably charge more, and in return they would sell more.

What devices are eligible for unlocking? The devices that are currently eligible include the:

Amaze 4G
EVO 3D
Flyer
Sensation

There are more device eligible, this is just to name a few. HTC used to make this offering available, but stopped. Users and developers complained and they are making it available once more. This tool is made freely available at the HTC Dev website, which can be found here: http://htcdev.com/bootloader Although a tool made by our friends at XDA Developers has been released for the Android devices. You can find that tool by going here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1343114 Now I think that this is great, what do you think?

Studies Indicate- Android Is For Apps- iOS Is For Games

2011-12-30T03:26:00.002-06:00

There are a few reports that are floating around the internet that is making the above statement: Android is for apps, iOS is for Games. This idea really has me intrigued. Is this statement even true? Does it matter? There are a few folks on the web who have not taken to this statement in a very positive way, especially those at The Unofficial Apple Weblog. They claim that it’s a fact that has been unfavorably mentioned against the iPhone and iPad. The original report came from those at Xyologic. In turn, which I might add has fueled a war between Xyologic and those at TUAW.

Here is what those at TUAW had to say concerning this study:

Xyologic compares the entire US Android Market against just the free iPhone offerings in the App Store, which is the first warning that its data and analysis is going to be skewed. Comparing the top 150 downloads between these weirdly disparate markets yields the following results:

Entire Android Market:

· 85 of top 150 downloads are apps, with 91.5 million downloads

· 65 of top 150 downloads are games, with 33.4 million downloads

Free iPhone Apps:

· 50 of top 150 downloads are apps, with 25.6 million downloads

· 100 of top 150 downloads are games, with 71.6 million downloads

If you didn’t know any better, you could easily look at the numbers Xyologic came up with and reach the same conclusion they do: Android users certainly appear to be downloading more apps than games compared to iPhone users. But the fact that Xyologic only chose to analyze the numbers for free iPhone apps skews the numbers so far that the study is essentially meaningless.

Then of course those at Xyologic apologized for this response by stating that they were only comparing free Android apps to free iOS apps. More people download games on the iOS platform, but Android does have some great game offerings. This study really doesn’t indicate anything if they are just comparing free apps. I’m not convinced that Android is for apps while iOS is for games. I myself use both platforms. Why do people even try to compare them? They both have great offerings. Androids plus is the openness of the OS, although this may be the reason of the issues with malware. However the iOS does have better security, I’m not sure abbouth better games though. What do you think?

It Was An Appy Christmas For All

2011-12-27T18:39:00.000-06:00

We love our smartphones and tablets Now it’s apparent that people spent a lot of time Christmas Day downloading new apps for those devices. A study that was conducted by Flurry Analytics discovered that records for activating new smartphones downloading apps were shattered.

Records indicate that consumer’s activated 6.8 million smartphones, a 140% increase from 2010. Records also indicate that 242 million apps were downloaded that day, a 125% increase from 2010. It was a great year for both Apple iOS and Google Android apps.

This appy downloading will continue to surge. It is estimated that between Christmas Day and New Years Day, a total of 1 billion apps will have been downloaded. Be sure to get your favorite apps at your #1 place for apps, not the market or store, but the mall GiveMeApps, www.givemeapps.com

HTC WILL REMOVE PATENT INFRINGING FEATURES FROM ITS SMARTPHONES

2011-12-22T05:48:00.000-06:00

Taiwan based smartphone producer HTC has announced plans to remove technology features to avoid infringing on some of Apple’s patents.

Earlier this week on Monday, the US International Trade Commission had stated that they would impose a ban on the sales of HTC smartphones in the United States beginning in April of 2012. The patent that HTC is infringing upon is the technology that involves data detection.

Upon hearing this verdict, HTC surprisingly announced that they would remove the feature to avoid a ban of sales of their handsets in the U.S. Upon removing this feature, HTC would still be allowed to have their handsets sold in the U.S., where the company has done really well in the smartphone market.

There are more lawsuits in the works between Apple and HTC and Apple and every other smartphone manufacturer in the world. I understand the point of the copyrights and patents, but how does this help the advancement of technology? I know I for one would hate to see HTC out of the U.S. markets. They make an amazing phone, or as their company motto states: “Quietly Brilliant”. What do you think?

OVER 700,000 ANDROID DEVICE ACTIVATIONS DAILY

2011-12-22T03:53:00.000-06:00

According to the head of the “Bureau of Android Statistic”, Andy Rubin, Googles director of mobile platforms, there are now over 700,000 Android devices activated on a daily basis. For those who are wondering, each device is only counted once. If a consumer purchases a used device, that device is not counted. This more than doubles the amount of devices that were being activated this time last year.

All of Googles wireless competitors, including Apple, don’t share their activation statistics. One source has the numbers for the iPhone and the iPad at 315,000 units activated on a daily basis. Androids share of the smartphone market has continued to dominate statistics. According to statistics, Android was on 44% on all smartphones sold in the 3^rd quarter, up 11% from the second quarter.

Android has become the most popular mobile OS in the world. Is there anything or anyone that can stop it? What do you think?

Super Bowl To Be Streamed Online

2011-12-21T02:23:00.000-06:00

This coming Super Bowl February 5, 2012, live from Indianapolis, you will be able to stream online for the very first time. Not only will you be able to stream it, but if you have the official NFL app for either the iOS or Android, you will be able to watch it that way as well.

There is no other televised live event in the country that generates as much popularity or commands as many viewing numbers as the Super Bowl. The last Super Bowl dominated the ratings with over 100 million viewers. In a major announcement just released from NBC and the NFL, they have indicated that this will be the first Super Bowl that will be able to be streamed online and to mobile devices. I know that there are many football fans out there like me who are truly going to love this idea.

Not only will you be able to watch the Super Bowl, but NBC has also indicated that you will have the ability to stream playoff games and the Pro Bowl as well. As Hank Williams Jr. would say, “Are you ready for some football?” What do you think? Please feel free to leave a comment.

iPhone OS 3.1.3 Users Unable To Download New Apps

2011-12-21T01:48:00.002-06:00

The iPhone and iPod touch have always been a great product. However owners who are currently running the old firmware version of OS 3.1.3 are apparently running into a problem at the App Store while trying to download new apps.

It is always important to stay current with the latest version of all software. Users are complaining that they are able to update apps and have the capabilities of syncing existing apps, but can no longer download new apps directly to their devices.

This apparently started around December 15 and is still continuing as of this writing. It effects both the iPhone and iPod touch that has this firmware or an earlier version. Although there have even been reports of consumers who have the iPhone 4S with the same issue. I would suggest to do a system restore, but that may not work with older devices.

Some users who have contacted Apple regarding this issue were told to upgrade the iOS on their device. This may work, but for some who have older devices it won’t due to iOS 4 & iOS 5 only supporting newer devices. Apple is reportedly looking into the matter, although I believe they just want everyone to buy a new device. What do you think?

So You Want To Make An App..........

2011-12-20T05:22:00.000-06:00

You just got that new iPhone, or maybe even that new Android, both platforms have some really great apps. You have an idea for an app, maybe one that you think people would like. Have you ever thought of designing your own app? I know what you are thinking, developing an app, would require a lot of work, maybe not though. Have you done a search on the subject? There are a lot of websites out there that will help you make the idea that you have, a reality. They are called app makers.

First of all you have to go and register as a developer. Google charges $25 and Apple charges $99. Then once you’ve got that great idea floating around in your head for an app, try one of these app makers. Ordinarily developing an app requires hours of extensive programming language, but not with these app makers.

Once you have finished building your app, I know that you are going to want to freely distribute and publish it at the Mall instead of the Market or Store. That Mall can only be found at http://www.givemeapps.com/ Here is a few of those sites that I want to list for those of you who may be interested in this concept.

Mobile App Loader:

There is absolutely no technical skills needed. They supply a simple app building wizard. Just follow the easy to use wizard, which they call the app in a snap and you are on your way. They will build and post your app directly to the App store. They offer a 10 day free trial. If you want after that, it cost just $8.99 a month.

App Makr:

AppMakr: This platform enables anyone to build apps using a simple point and click solution. It is a browser based platform that makes is simple to create and quickly build your own iPhone app quick and easy. There is no monthly cost.

appsbar: This is another free to use platform. It enables you to make either iOS or Android apps. The user has the ability to create and publish their app for free.

Genwi: This is a feed aggregating app creation tool that allows you to create and manage your online identities, all on popular mobile devices in the cloud for popular platforms such as iPad, iPhone and Android. There is a free 30 day trial. However after that there is a $99 per month fee.

SwebApps: This enables you to build an iPhone app in minutes, using their advanced platform which provides a better user experience than many other platforms out there. There is however a one time developer fee of $399. After that there is also a $29 per month fee.

AppsGeyser: This is a free service that converts any web content into an Android app. You can also make money with advertisement in your apps.

Now what do you think? I would love to hear any comments or feedback that you may have.

Microsoft To Give Away Windows Mobile Phones To Android RuFraud Malware Recipients

2011-12-16T03:29:00.000-06:00

Microsoft is trying to capitalize on Android users who may have been victims of malware on their handsets. It seems has though that our friends in Redmond are being a little juvenile about this delicate matter. They are going to give away 5 phones to those who have the worst malware horror stories. They even went as far to announce this contest on Twitter, on it’s official page none the less, by using the hashtag #droidrage.

This of course isn’t the first time that Microsoft has given away free phones to try to entice users over to the Windows Mobile platform. I for one used Windows mobile for years, but after owning an Android phone, won’t go back. Microsoft could give me 500 phones, and I would turn them down.

This of course has to do with the 22 apps that Google had to recently remove from the Android market. These apps were labeled with the malware RuFraud. These apps were on the market posing as popular games, such as Angry Birds and Cut the Rope. The apps were packaged with malware that would send fake messages to premium SMS numbers, costing the user $5 a text.

The RuFraud malware only affected European users. It did not make it to North America. It seems as though that over 3,200 people shared their story on Twitter. Stay tuned to see who the winners of the contest were.

A Smaller iPad?

2011-12-16T03:00:00.000-06:00

Rumor has it that Apple is going to release a smaller version of the iPad. This smaller version is said to be available in late 2012. This is to coincide with the release of the iPad 3. This new smaller version will be a 7.85 inch model. Is there a need for a smaller iPad. Will Apple offer this model at a lower price? Apple would have to re-resolution of it’s user interface for this smaller screen. This of course is a rumor. We have heard these rumors before. What do you think? Readers, please feel free to leave any comments that you have.

Google’s Android Goes Head To Head With Appple iPhone’s Siri

2011-12-15T02:47:00.000-06:00

It has been reported that Google is working on it’s own version of vocal input software, that is to be included in the Android OS. This software has been under development for quite some time and we could see this software released as early as the end of the year. This software has been given the name “Majel”. Majel was the name of the voice computer from the science fiction T.V. series Star Trek.

According to reports from sources, this project has been under development for over a year now at the Google centre in San Francisco known as Google X. Reports of this also indicate that Google in an attempt to cash in on Siri’s success, acquired Clever Sense, developers of the Alfred assistant smartphone application.

The default interactive voice software that is currently on all Android devices Voice Actions, is not equipped with the capabilities to let the user go beyond the pre set commands. With Majel, the user will have more interaction like capabilities as Siri and the iOS. Majel like Siri will have the capabilities to detect users’ vocal behavior. The initial release of Majel will only have the capabilities of internet search queries, with more features to be added throughout the course of next year.

Can Technology Use In The Classroom Improve Learning?

2011-12-14T20:08:00.003-06:00

Is this possible? Here is 10 Innovative Schools that are offering the use of Smartphones and other technology gadgets in the classroom as a means to improve education in the classroom.

Growing up; there was always something that wasn’t allowed in the classroom. It was usually due to distraction, always something that you just got and was really eager to show off as to gain some popularity. Last week I did a story on a really cool teacher, Mr. Daniel Downs of Winchester High School in Winchester, MA. My story mentioned that technology had come a long way as he is teaching a class on Android app development. I have found 10 schools that are allowing smartphones in the classroom.

Cell phones, like all of the other latest gadgets have always been a real no-no in the classroom. It is because of its distraction, that some have even been banned altogether from some school districts? There is however a new trend developing, some schools are lifting this ban and allowing students to use them as learning tools, even encouraging such use. Some have been very critical to this new trend though; others however have found that it helps students to become interested in learning. This has even resulted in increased performance levels in some students.

As you may know, there is always going to be those who may oppose of this idea. I would however encourage you to read the following examples of these schools that are offering this service. These schools are leading the way and making examples. For someone as myself who is a technology enthusiast, I found it to both informative and inspiring. After reading this, I hope that someone in the teaching field finds it to be inspiring to them as well.

Onslow County Schools: This North Carolina school district found a way to be innovated with the use of smartphones. This enabled them to close the math achievement gap on some of their schools that are economically challenged. With the use of smartphones they have seen an improvement in standardized test scores. These students are participating in a program called Project K-Nect. They use the phones in Algebra, Algebra II, and Geometry. The students have the ability to use the calculators, look up information on the web, watch math videos, and play educational games. These students have said that they feel more confident about their math abilities, were more motivated to take more math courses and some are even considering a career in math.

Cimarron Elementary School The students in the 5^th grade at Cimarron Elementary School are using the phones to do their homework. They have the messaging and calling capabilities disabled, however this hasn’t curtailed learning. They can connect to the internet, schedule assignments, and send emails to their teachers. They are also using the phones to do web quests, scan QR codes linked to vocabulary and reading websites, make excel spreadsheets, create quizzes, and even use them for their science labs. With the use of the phones, there has been an improvement of both math and science from the previous year.

Watkins Glen School District

The students at this school district are participating in a program called Learning on the Go. This program has been in use for two years now, and has recently expanded to include netbook usage and all grade levels. This program was started because not everyone has the internet in their homes. With this program they are able to prepare students for an increasingly globalized digital world, enabling them to become familiar with using the web for a wide range of educational tasks.
St. Mary’s City School

This school in Ohio is leading the way with innovation in the classroom. In 2009, they provided more than 2,300 third, fourth, and fifth graders with their own PDA’s for use in school and at home. These devices have been pre loaded with educational programs that allow students to anything from write an essay to study math with flash cards. Educators at this school have embraced the idea of using mobile devices as learning tools. These students have become very enthusiastic about receiving their own mobile device for learning.
Edmonton School

Most of the schools on the list are providing with their own mobile devices, however Edmonton has taken a different approach. They aren’t providing their students with phones or any other device, but encourages the student to bring their own. They are allowing the student to use everything from a smartphone to an iPad for class use. Students have the ability to use their devices as calculators, dictionaries, planners and even sketchbooks. They have employed a technology coach, who works with teachers to employ technology use into their curriculum. Students enjoy the ability to be able to bring their favorite tech device to class.
Crosby-Iron High School

Teacher Bob Kuschel is different from most teachers. He allows students to use their smartphones in his classroom. He says that they are effective learning tools. He has allowed such use for the past three years now. They are allowed to use smartphones while working on labs or class assignments, but doesn’t allow use during lectures. Kuschel says that it’s important for the student to easily access information. He has not only seen improved grades, but improved interest in their class work as well. Southwest High School

This is another North Carolina school that is participating in the Project K-Nect program. This program is sponsored by Qualcomm, who are providing Smartphones for a few trial classes, with the hopes of expansion in coming years. School administrators are hoping that smartphone usage will not only improve scores, but help the student learn using new technology. Students with phones have performed 25% better than those who did not.Mounds View High School

This school located in the Twin Cities gave students the opportunity to bring their technology to class starting this fall. They are able to use Smartphones, PDA’s, and tablets. Some have been critical of this, while other are encouraging the educational opportunities. This school is leading the way as another Minneapolis school in the region just approved of bringing technology in the classroom.Lincoln Middle School

Sixth grade students at this school are participating in a trial program and have been given phones by donation from Sprint. Calling and texting features on these phones have been disabled and internet usage is limited and closely monitored. Students are using these phones in science classes to graph, write essays and look up information on the web. A study of phone usage at this school showed an increased level of of engagement and students were more motivated to complete assignments. Teachers even say that they would like to see the program expand.

Byron High School

The students at this school no longer have to hide their technology use. They are now allowed to use phones, MP3 players, laptops, and iPads in the classroom, upon the teachers approval. This program has been in use for five months now. They haven’t noticed any increase in students cheating or misusing the technology. There is hopes of expanding this program. This has helped to reduce the cost of maintaining a computer lab and made it easier for students to learn as well.

I know that there are more schools out there who are participating in technology use. Where do we go from here? What do you think?

More information for this article can be found here:http://edudemic.com/2011/12/smartphones-in-classrooms/

or here:
http://www.onlinecollege.org/2011/12/11/10-innovative-schools-allowing-smartphones-in-the-classroom/

Did You Celebrate With Angry Birds On Their 2nd Birthday?

2011-12-13T05:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday marked the anniversary or birthday of one of the most popular games ever made, Angry Birds. People of all ages love this game. No one received cake and ice cream though, instead players were the recipients of presents, as in new levels of your favorite game to enjoy. Players had the pleasure of enjoying a free upgrade
on the iOS, and 15 new levels.

Remember that it’s only a game, so it didn’t matter how good you are or not. It didn’t matter if you can’t climb up each level, because all of the episodes on the original game were unlocked for your enjoyment. Retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Toys R Us to name a few, got in on the fun as well and gave away prizes.

The makers of Angry Birds, Rovio, value the company at more than $1 billion. As of last month, fans had played 266 billion levels of the game, shot 400 billion birds and collected 44 billion stars. According to Rovio, people play Angry Birds for a combined total of 1.825 billion hours a month. Angry Birds have taken over the world.

Are You Ready For The Next Generation Of Smartphones & The LTE Network?

2011-12-13T04:45:00.000-06:00

Do you remember your first phone? I remember mine. No color screen other than the ugly green in the background on top of the black. They had maybe a few menial games, and I don’t think SMS or text was available yet. We have certainly have come a long way. We have smartphones as they are called with processors that have speeds of 1 GHz and some exceed this. We even have some phones with dual core processors, but can you imagine a quad processor smartphone?

With the move from 3 & 4G to the LTE (Long Term Evolution), 2012 will bring about the smartphone with the quad core processor and high screen resolution. These handsets will have much improved battery performance, thanks to the much needed and improved energy-efficient chipsets and the arrival of the first VoLTE, (Voice over LTE) handsets.
Today, all of the handsets that are equipped with LTE are based on or run Google’s Android OS. Although it is expected that with the release of the iPhone 5, it will have LTE included in it as well. We are then sure to see phones With the Windows mobile platform and Blackberry OS to follow. As of now LTE is only available in the U.S.

Large screens were very popular with handsets in 2011, including the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note with it’s massive 5.3 inch screen. There were also numerous other phones for consumers to choose from that had screens that were between 4.5 and 4.7 inches. The screen size has been maxed out to say the least. Numerous manufactures are now offering their handsets with a screen resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels, with more to follow. The iPhone has a lot of pixels to offer, but has stayed at the 3.5 inch screen. With the release of the iPhone 5, rumors have it, that the screen size will be larger.

Along with larger screens, vendors will release handsets with quad core processors. ARM’s Cortex-A9 will be included in a lot of the newer handsets. That should be enough to entice the consumer to buy a new phone. Upon the upgrade from either a single core or dual core to a quad core, the user will experience an improvement in the quality of video playback as well as speed performance on the new LTE network.

Not only will the newer handsets offer quad core processors, that will increase the handsets performance, but will be equipped with a GPU (graphics processing unit) as well. Be sure to keep an eye out for the newest display of handsets to be offered. We will get to see a preview of those handsets next month in Las Vegas at the Consumers Electronic Show. I know that I for one am anticipating the newest releases, as I am due for an upgrade in May. What do you think?

The Google Doodle

2011-12-12T19:22:00.001-06:00

With special events we get to look forward to a great Google Doodle. I have come to enjoy these over the years. The team that designs these have really done a great job over the last few years. With today’s Doodle we are celebrating the 84^th birthday of Robert Noyce. Who is Robert Noyce?

Robert Norton Noyce was the co-founder of Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel. He is also credited, along with Jack Kilby with the invention of the integrated circuit or some may say the microchip, which in turn gave way to the personal computer revolution. This in turn spurned what has become known as Silicon Valley.

With a long history in semi-conductors, the microchip and Intel was born. The best micro processors in the world. I would like to refer you to read the great article about how Steve Jobs idolized Mr. Noyce. That article can be found here:

http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2011/1212/Robert-Noyce-Why-Steve-Jobs-idolized-Noyce

For those of you who love the Google Doodles as much as I do, also refer to this other great article regarding Google Doodles that you will never see. What do you think?

http://www.csmonitor.com/CSM-Photo-Galleries/In-Pictures/Google-Doodles-you-ll-never-see2

Are You Ready to Rumble? Judgment Day For Apple & HTC In U.S. Courts

2011-12-12T04:32:00.000-06:00

For the last couple of years now Apple Inc. has had numerous court battles with numerous smartphone manufacturers who run Google Inc.’s Android OS. Apple and HTC are approaching their first big day in court this week on Wednesday. Apple claims that the Android OS copies it’s iOS platform. Therefore Apple believes that some manufacturers are violating copyright infringement.

On Wednesday the International Trade Commission in Washington D.C. is expected to rule whether smartphones made by HTC, particularly those running the Android OS are in violation of Apple’s patents. If Apple has their way, this could lead to a ban on smartphones made by the Taiwanese company HTC (which by the way for those who don’t know, HTC stands for High Tech Company). It is in my belief that HTC makes some of the best phones in the world. I have owned different ones with different OS over the years, have just upgraded of course.

HTC surely isn’t the only smartphone manufacturer who has had it’s fair share of run ins with Apple. Apple has also had numerous court proceedings with Samsung and Motorola, who manufacture smartphones with the Android OS as well. I understand Apple’s complaints somewhat, but how does it help with the advancement of technology with all of these petty copyright infringements?

The smartphone market is growing at an alarming rate. According to a new report from research firm Gartner Inc., more than 645 million smartphones will be sold world-wide next year. That’s up 40% from this year, whereas sales of the personal computer are expected to grow 4.5%, or about 370 million units. We are spending more time with our smartphones, because of the PC like ability that we are able to enjoy with them.

Google’s Android, which is distributed freely has become an obvious target for it’s alarming rate of popularity. Apple is not the only one who is seeking to sue Google, Oracle Corp. alleges that Android violates it’s patents and copyrights also. We of course can’t leave Microsoft out, who is suing Motorola Mobility (just acquired by Google) over violating it’s copyright patents. Of course one company counter sues the other one.

Will Apple win on this Wednesday? They already have an advantage, as a judge this past summer ruled in their favor, ruling that HTC infringed two of Apple’s patents. This is just one step in the process that will likely be in the courts for years to come. If not Apple VS. HTC, it will be Apple VS. Samsung, Motorola or some other smartphone manufacturer.

Will there be a ban on HTC phones here in the states? Will Apple play nice and make peace like they did with Nokia? I will ask this again, How does this help the advancement of technology? What do you think?

App Development In The Classroom

2011-12-08T09:44:00.003-06:00

Technology and the classroom, have come a long way. Now one school is offering a class on how to develop applications. You may think that I’m referring to a college course, although this is for high school students. There is a high school in Winchester, MA (Winchester High School) that is offering a class on Android app development. The name of the class is Designing Applications (Apps) for Android.

With Android being open sourced it has fewer design and publishing restrictions than Apple, therefore making it a more accessible tool for an educational course. Teacher Daniel Downs knows the future of technology is now and that future is in mobile devices, both in cellular phones and tablets.

Daniel Downs has created an educational curriculum that challenges the pupil in design, implementation, and the testing process of application development. Therefore enabling the student to have an immediate use of the app, Downs has chosen to use the software programs such as Adobe Flash CS5, Accelerometer, Java, Phone Gap and Google App Inventor Tools. These programs were chose because of their interactive educational value.

These programs or tools are a part of hypermedia, as opposed to multimedia. Thus enabling a greater interactive learning process. Since the inception of this class, Designing Applications for Android, 32 original children’s applications have been designed and published, including Healthy Helper, The Adventures of Piggly Wiggly and Spooky Shapes to name a few.

Students are currently developing an app to replace the school’s paper agenda planners. Once finished, this app will enable each student to type their homework under digital touch-sensitive buttons that is connected to each teacher’s website. This is such a great accomplishment for these students and their teacher. We will see more schools follow their lead? What do you think?

IS YOUR NETWORK CARRIER SPYING ON YOU?

2011-12-08T05:18:00.000-06:00

Last week we heard numerous reports regarding the software known as Carrier IQ. What is Carrier IQ? Carrier IQ is a diagnostic software that is used by U.S. phone networks to monitor phone usage. There are some although, that worry that maybe it monitors them too much. Is this Carrier IQ as evil as everyone is making it out to be? A security expert last week demonstrated the app reading text messages and monitoring web browsing activity and transmitting the data to Carrier IQ.

Carrier IQ has denied this and says that the software was just designed for “diagnostics”. They even went as far as to release the following statement:

“A few individual’s have identified that there is a great deal of information available to the Carrier IQ software inside the handset, our software doesn’t record, store or transmit the contents of SMS messages, email, photographs, audio or video”, a company spokesperson said. “For example, we understand whether an SMS was sent accurately, but do not record or transmit the content of the SMS. We know which applications are draining your battery, but do not capture the screen.”

I know see why some have become alarmed regarding this little sinister app. However rest assured there is a little light at the end of the tunnel. Now Android users can install the Carrier IQ Detector app, which is made freely available. Upon running this app it will instantly inform you if you have the Carrier IQ app on your handset or tablet. This app although, does what it says, detects. It will NOT uninstall Carrier IQ.

Carrier IQ has been placed deep within the firmware of the device, it is nearly impossible to remove. The Carrier IQ Detector app was developed for non technical users to determine if their device has been affected by this software. Of all the handsets and tablets in the U.S., how many devices is it on? All of the major carriers use it. Is it on your phone or tablet?

10 Billion Downloads And $.10 Apps

2011-12-06T17:43:00.001-06:00

The Android Marketplace reached a major milestone, they surpassed 10 billion downloads. This is an amazing feat, so to coincide with this accomplishment; Google has partnered with some of the app developers and are offering some apps for $.10. Yes, $10. Cents, for a limited time though.

Starting today 12/06/2011 they have made the following apps available for this amazing price. These apps include:

Asphalt 6 HD

Color & Draw For Kids

Endomondo Sports Tracker Pro

FieldRunners HD.

Great Little War Game

Minecraft

Paper Camera

Sketchbook Mobile

Soundhound Infinity

Swiftkey X

What are you waiting for? Head on over to the Android Marketplace now and get some great apps for only $.10 cents. You can access the market on your favorite Android device or on your PC at https://market.android.com/ Remember this is a 10 day event to coincide with this amazing feat. Check the market for the next 10 days for some great apps!

One Million Apps: It’s A Wonderful App World

2011-12-06T17:01:00.005-06:00

We will hit a milestone this week, 1 million apps for the smartphone and tablet markets. Among the four major platforms, Apple, Android, RIM and Microsoft, there are almost 1 million apps available to date. This is truly an amazing accomplishment considering the rapid growth of the smartphones and tablets. Sure you could go to the App Store, Android Marketplace, RIM’s App World or Windows Marketplace to purchase a number of apps in numerous categories, but why would you? All of these apps are available in one place, GiveMeApps.com

The company Mobilewalla, a search, discovery and analytics engine that tracks apps in real time has made this discovery. They are the ones who have provided this information. As of yesterday among the top 4 platforms there were 989,476 apps available. About 2,000 apps a day hit their “markets”, this number has always increased in number in December due to the holiday rush. In the last 12 months Apple apps grew from 338,000 to 589,148. Android’s numbers rose as well from 115,000 to 319,774. You can follow the million app milestone on Twitter at #millionmobileapps.

The app race began just 3 short years ago when Apple opened the App Store in 2008 and Google opened the Marketplace later that same year. Will the other’s catch up to Apple & Google? The downside of this is that a lot of developers have complained about a flooding of the app markets, with many apps being offered for free, making it harder to charger for others. This therefore hinders the development of great apps in the future.

Another problem is that some mobile users have become accustomed to the free apps and they just make do with the free apps. According to a report 38% of users don’t pay for apps. Out of that 38% I wonder if jailbroken and root users are included in these statistics? I know that I’m happier with my jailbroken iPod Touch and my rooted Droid, and wouldn’t have it any other way. What do you think?

ANDROIDLAND

2011-12-05T07:41:00.002-06:00

For those of us who are, shall I say big Android geeks, the is a place that we’ve got to visit. It’s called Androidland. It’s located in Melbourne, Australia. Telstra, Australia’s leading telecommunications and information company has teamed up with Google to open up a Android retail store. Could this be a challenge to Apple’s retail store dominance? Will there be more stores like this around the world in the future?

This Androidland was opened by both Telstra and Google to showcase the Android OS on both the smartphone and the tablet. It has a huge 154 square feet of space, that displays interactive technology, games and on site experts to explain the features on the Android OS. Just in time for ICS (Ice Cream Sandwhich).

This retail store was also opened up because of the high demand and the high popularity of the Android OS. Consumers can have a hands on approach to Android. Visitors to Androidland can get advice from Android experts on how to set up their devices, smartphones and tablets. Do you need recommendations on which apps should you choose? Let the experts help with that as well.

There is also an interactive spaceship zone which let visitors pilot the Google Earth app on a giant screen, play Angry birds on an interactive screen, and create an Android avatar that can be printed or shared. If you are researching your next phone or tablet, this is the place to be. Not only did Telstra get help from Google, but they had collaboration from handset makers like Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG. This is definitely for the Android geek at heart. Pretty Cool! What do you think?

GOOGLE SEARCH GETS IMPROVEMENTS

2011-06-15T19:08:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest and coolest technology companies in the world, became a little cooler yesterday. Google makes a lot of products. With their Android platform to Gmail to Picasa, truly a great line of software products. We can’t forget the Chrome browser and the ever new and unprecedented Chrome OS. Their flagship product is and always will be their search engine. The Google search engine is bar far the best. What search engine is better? Yahoo? The spyware filled Bing? Not a chance, Google is still king of the search engines.

Some new features were incorporated in Google search, both on the desktop and mobile. They, Google that is, claim that the new features are to knock down the barriers of knowledge. What they mean by barriers, is better search results. The new features include speech recognition, computer vision, translation and other advances. Here are some of the new features, include:

New Icons at Bottom of Mobile Web Search:

Mobile search has been updated to include a new user interface, which now features large icons at the bottom of the screen for things like restaurants, coffee, bars and "more." When you click on these icons, you'll be taken directly to local info, as determined by your current location. The locations will also be plotted on a map.

Map of Current Location on Mobile:

Upon performing local searches on mobile, a map of your current location displays showing you where you are in addition to the places around you. As you scroll through the results, the map at the top of the page updates to show you the listing you're viewing.

Query Builder:

A new query builder feature brings a plus sign (+) to search suggestions. This feature lets you build out longer searches piece by piece by adding words and phrases to your query, as Google suggests them. This feature is available on iOS and Android devices.

Tablet User Interface Redesign:

For tablet computers, Google Search has been updated with a new user interface which has more white space, bigger images and easier to click results.

Google Goggles with Translate:

Google's visual search offering for mobile called Google Goggles previously let you snap a picture of something to perform a search query. Now, translation capabilities have been added, letting you photograph text in another language and have it translated on the fly.

Voice Search on Desktop:

A microphone will now appear on the main Google website that lets you click to speak your searches. It's rolling out now in English.

Image Search on Desktop:

The new image search feature lets you place images in Google's search box to perform a query. The query will pull up links where the photo appears and links to the photo itself. There are four ways to search by image: copy and paste an image URL, upload an image from your computer, drag and drop or use new Chrome and Firefox extensions. This feature will launch globally in the next few days.

Google Instant for Images:

Google Instant, which automatically updates search results as you type, will roll out to the Google Images vertical in the "coming weeks."

Google Instant Pages:

A new feature called Instant Pages will speed up page loading times so that pages load in less than a second. This feature is available in the Google Chrome Web browser only and it works by preloading some search results so that, when clicked, the pages are already available.These new features are well, really cool. Let’s see Yahoo or HAHA Bing top this!

Windows 7 Phone: Which Is The Right One For You?

2011-06-15T14:40:00.000-05:00

In today’s world the smartphone is the in thing. We are such a busy people. We have always got to stay on top of our email and there is no more of a convenient way to communicate than the SMS, or as we refer to it simply as text. I know there are others who enjoy the convenience of these capabilities. Here we have compiled our list of the best Windows 7 smartphones.

For those of you who haven’t tried Windows 7 mobile, there has been quite a much-needed improvement from 6.5. Microsoft has carefully crafted Windows Mobile 7 with a unique Hub and Tile interface. Unlike Windows Mobile 6.5, the Live Tiles allow you to find out what’s going on, what’s happening next, and what you may have missed without opening an application. For those who’ve never had a smartphone to those who are advanced users of smartphones.

If you are considering a Windows 7 smartphone, you have plenty of options to choose from. Are you a text hound? Do you take a lot of pictures? Do you prefer the keyboard on the phone, one that slides out, maybe you like the touchscreen? We know that you will find something that you will like or even love about these phones.

The HTC HD7
Why it’s one of the best: The HTC HD7 was one of the world’s first smartphones to use the Windows 7 operating system. This is a T-Mobile phone that has the best mobile multimedia features with the largest screen display available for a Windows 7 smartphone at 4.3 inches. It is powered by none other than the ultra-fast Snapdragon processor at 1GHz. It’s equipped with turn-by-turn GPS navigation, a 5 megapixel autofocus camera with dual LED, and HD 720p video recording, 16 GB of internal storage, WiFi, Bluetooth and stereo music streaming.

The HTC HD7 delivers superb performance with the large 4.3 display, which enables the user for great access to email, surfing the web or browsing the web for social media, getting directions with the help of Bing Maps, watching videos, reading or editing documents with Windows Office Mobile 2010, viewing pictures and video. It also features some really great applications with Netflix, Slacker Radio, Xbox Live, Zune and T-Mobile TV. Windows 7 mobile really shines on this phone. An overall a great performing phone, you wouldn’t expect anything less from HTC. Also check out the HTC HD7S from AT&T.

Samsung Focus

Why it’s one of the best: The Samsung Focus from AT&T provides the consumer with one really great phone. With the use of AT&T’s blazing fast 3G network, it enables the 1 GHz Snapdragon processor to show off some of it’s muscle. Along with the Snapdragon processor, it has 8 GB of internal storage that can be expanded with the use of microSD cards to 32 GB. It has a 5 megapixel auto focus camera with LED flash and HD 720p video recording, Bluetooth for hands-free enablement, music streaming, FM radio and up to 6.5 hours of talk time.

It is sleeker, thinner, and more stylish than it’s AT&T counterpart, the HTC Surround. It’s not an iPhone, but Microsoft and Samsung have done a great job with this phone. The Focus really brings out the best of the social media experience. This phone is really fast and can run multiple applications at once with-out slowing down.

LG Quantum

This phone is a put together very well. Whether you purchase this phone for work or play, you will be satisfied to say the least. It has the ability to perform for the office with the latest addition of Office, including: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, One Note, and Outlook. The search is provided by none other than Bing. For fun you have the awesomeness of Xbox Live. It has a slide out keyboard (full QWERTY) which makes productivity or play exciting. It also has the capability to stream videos, music, and pictures from the phone to a DLNA-enabled TV, stereo, Windows 7 PC, and other electronic devices.

It like most of the phones which we are featuring is powered by none other than the snapdragon processor at 1 GHz. It has 3G capabilities, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation, as well as real time traffic updates, and re-routing options. It sports a 3.5-inch touchscreen display. There is a 5 megapixel camera with HD video capture capabilities (720p), a digital media player that supports all of the popular formats. A FM radio, for those of you who need your favorite radio station on the go. It has WiFi, 16 GB of internal storage and text services as well. It is very lightweight at 6.21 ounces.

If you don’t like the touchscreen phones, then this may just be the phone for you. It has all of the luxuries from Windows 7 on a phone. For work and play, the overall performance is truly amazing. It is why this is one of our picks for the best Windows 7 phones.

HTC Surround

HTC (high tech computer), in my opinion HTC clearly makes a superior phone compared to the rest. I would considered HTC to be right up there with, dare I say Apple. The Surround has a 3.8 touchscreen display that is the first smartphone to include Dolby Mobile and SRS surround sound speakers. With this unique blend of mobile surround you get a truly enjoyable home entertainment sound on your mobile phone. This phone makes your mobile entertainment user experience, more enjoyable with music, videos and games on the go.

The Surround is powered by none other than the Snapdragon processor. It has 16 GB of internal storage, a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and HD 720p video recording. It is equipped with wireless-N WiFi Networking (double the speed of normal). It supports Bluetooth for hands free, an FM radio, streaming capabilities and up to 4 hours of talk time.

In conclusion this Surround is awesome. It offers the very best sound with the integration of Dolby surround sound (for a smartphone). It had to be made just a little bigger and heavier for these capabilities. Is it enough to make the list for one of the best? You decide, we think it does. It fits the windows 7 mobile OS.

The Dell Venue Pro

Can one of the world’s best computer makers compete in the world of smartphones? The Dell Venue Pro is by far one of the biggest, if not the biggest smartphones on the market. It has a huge 4.8 by 2.5 inch display, weighing a hefty 6.8 ounces. In comparison to most, this is big. The display is made with the AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) Gorilla glass, the newest technology.

With the huge display, the user experience for Xbox Live gaming, Zune music and video is to say the least, phenomenal. Powered by the Snapdragon processor at 1 GHz, the Venue is lightning fast. It has a 5 megapixel auto focus camera with digital zoom and HD 720p video streaming capabilities. It has both a touchscreen and a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It is equipped with 8 GB of internal storage that is upgradeable to 32, with 512 MB of ram, Bluetooth, FM radio, WiFi and integrated GPS.

This is an overall great performing smartphone, with enough speed and storage that you can be satisfied with. You couldn’t ask for anything better from Dell. It is truly a step above the Streak. It is by far the superior Windows 7 mobile phone of choice.