Most of the functionality on the tablets is available via apps that used to come canned in the traditional PCs in form of executable programs. Hence in order to use a particular functionality, the users need to be well versed with apps. Take example of texting and calling apps for Android.

Viber – free call for Android

Most of the functionality for calling and texting on Wi-Fi enabled Internet connected devices is provided by the Voice over IP (VoIP) core engine, where the voice/data packets are sent across the Internet as datagrams rather than on a dedicated line. This reduces the cost, although such calls are susceptible to frequent losses and unreliable service expected through the call duration.

Various creative solutions have been created to provide some guarantees for the calls even though the underlying medium is unpredictable, which is termed as the Quality of Service (QoS) in networking lingo. The apps distinguish themselves from the quality that they provide to the end user as well as their presentation and ease of use.

Viber is one of the more popular apps that works on both the 3G/4G and Wi-Fi and is available on Android. It has some neat features such as scanning the entire contact list and setting up a call quickly for the person whom the user is trying to contact.

Skype – Free Video call using Android

Skype is one of the most popular applications on traditional PCs that are now also available on Android tablets and smart phones. It is a typical video chatting application where multiple users can conference into a common video chat environment. Skype has some neat features too. If it detects that the quality of both video and voice cannot be sustained due to few network resources, it automatically terminates the video session but keeps the voice session open.

Yahoo Messenger for Android

Similarly, Yahoo messenger and Google Chat now offer an ability to call or even text mobile phones at a charge. Another newer application called Rebtel distinguishes itself with the “keep talking” feature that detects failing signal strength of the current medium and the ability to reroute to the stronger medium if one is available.

There is a multitude of call and text apps available for Android devices and well informed users have their own favorites.

Adblock for Chrome

My work mainly involves lots of researching and reading online and with ads popping on the web pages I browse, it is very annoying and even disturbing most especially when meeting up deadlines. Moreover, ads slow down browsing load time and affects work productivity. Adblock proved to be a trademark of Firefox web browser. This is because Firefox’s popularity can be partly accredited to its adblock extension. Now, Google Chrome has its own set of ad blocking programs; and here are some of the best adblock for Chrome web browser.

Adblock – This extension has over 2 million users and is the most popular among Chrome’s ad blocking extensions. Adblock hinders ads on the websites you browse and allows you to focus on the content. In fact, it even blocks ads that automatically download onto your PC system. I was even surprised to discover that Chrome Adblock efficiently prevents the distribution of malware. I must admit that it took some time for me to switch to Google Chrome because I was absolutely happy with Firefox but when I tried Chrome Adblock, I was amazed as to its capabilities especially that getting used to it is very easy.

AdThwart – This adblock for Chrome is the usual ad blocking Chrome add-on that lessens the sum of ads visible on web pages by blocking them. Even if AdThwart is a new comer in ad blocking applications, it has been downloaded over 35,000 times. Unfortunately, I was not happy with this ad blocking application contrary to what its devilish icon does- laugh at me without doing its supposed job, blocking ads. I am very optimistic however that the future version of AdThwart application will address its shortcomings and with greater ad blocking capabilities.

AdSweep for Chrome

Adsweep – This ad blocking plugin has been very efficient in blocking those annoying ads. In fact, it has long been used as an alternative ad blocking application to block ads on Opera and Safari systems. As what the name suggests, Adsweep cleans any ads displaying on the web pages and allows you to browse ad-free web sites. I was further impressed to find out that Adsweep is capable of removing or blocking ads on YouTube and stream video that are ads-free. However, the only thing I didn’t like about this ad blocking program is the absence of logo to disable it.

AdBlock Plus – This extension is very useful in blocking any ads on the web sites without slowing down your web browser or stopping several websites because of too much blocking. The newer version addressed some fixes and shortcomings of the earlier versions and welcomed many improvements like blocking ads to be downloaded, faster algorithm for improved performance and disabling YouTube video ads. Although Adblock Plus is yet in beta, I personally render it as a very dependable ad-blocker for Chrome browser, plus it installs quickly.

There are other Google Chrome extensions that could prevent unwanted ads from appearing while you are browsing the net. These are some of the finest adblock for chrome I’ve tried and tested that help me in getting rid of those distracting ads. These ad blocking extensions can help you do your work efficiently without those annoying popping ads that slow down your browser’s load time.

HTC Thunderbolt 4G

The packaging is simple, yet effective. It is simply a strong box, completely black from the outside. No images, flashy writing, in fact there is nothing at all apart from the name of the phone, and that’s black too, so you have to feel your way to it, and the only reason you can actually read it is because of the embossment.

Once opened, the package may surprise you, as instead of black, it is now bright red. Inside, there are the usual pieces of phone, USB charger, and micro USB cable. The box, unlike many others, does not contain any earphones. That may be just as well, because if you do have a good phone, rubbish earphones can really spoil the sound, so it’s best to buy some decent ones, and in the Thunderbolt, you don’t have an option.

Once you take the phone into your hands, you can immediately feel the weight. It’s large, and quite heavy, but some would say that that extra weight does make it seem a bit more elite, although 20% more than the iPhone will certainly put some buyers off. The design itself is a relatively good one, one of its best features being the built in stand. The phone does feel slightly last generation, but that certainly does not make it bad.

The thickness of the Thunderbolt means that its camera is slightly back from the surface, so you don’t have to be worried where you put it down. The speaker sits just behind the kickstand, and is relatively loud, although the large piece of metal that is the kickstand doesn’t help with the sound, making it slightly quieter. The camera also has two LEDs which act as a flash.

Under the battery cover (which is very nearly impossible to take off) you find the very powerful 1400Ah battery and the micro SD card slot. Luckily, both the 32 GB micro-SD card and the battery come preinstalled, so there isn’t really much need to pry off the cover, except to insert your SIM card.

The screen is great, though it does look a tiny bit pixellated being WVGA and 4.3 inch. The audio is great, or at least good, and the only real problem is the muffling caused by the kickstand and the slight lack of loudness in earphones. The camera is good, as far as 8mpx goes, and has great video quality. There are however problems. A lack of macro mode means that close ups are a definite no-no and the light metering does cause problems with backlit shots.

The software and speed are some of the best on the market making this by far one of the fastest data handsets out there. All in all many say that this is one of the best Android phones, and even though it is still beaten, as far as looks go, by the Inspire, its speed does make it superb as a data handset.

ChatWing

Think of blog visibility as the ‘life force’ of your blog. Everyday, thousands of blogs are becoming dormant because their bloggers often fail to connect to large groups of people. There are many ways to avoid this dilemma. One of the simple ways you can take is to install a chat box that can engage your visitors in real-time. A simple chat box that you can use is Chatwing.

The Chatwing chat box is all about ‘improved web communication.’ It has a purple theme that is totally relaxing to the eye, but you can set different colors for the chat boxes you are planning to use. Primarily, Chatwing is built for bloggers but it is versatile enough to be used for different purposes such as online marketing, social media expansion, business launching assistance, and even casual friend search.

The installation process of the Chatwing tool takes approximately less than a minute. With this, you can select from Chatwing’s three available forms: actual chat box, pop-up window, or direct link feature. The direct link option allows you to send out shortlinks that will direct visitors to your shoutbox. In this way, you can have private group chats that are beneficial to your blog in the long run. A single Chatwing chatroom can also contain up to a thousand users, emphasizing the chance for an improved global connectivity.

In the Chatwing dashboard, you also have the option to add unlimited chat boxes. This is important, especially if you are maintaining one or more blogs. Chatwing can entice activity by turning your blog into an online chat lounge where everybody can come in and start several discussions. You can also jump in the discussions and share your thoughts, ideas, and sentiments. Additionally, your visitors can also log in with their social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter. This is useful for someone who wants to invite more friends. To remain anonymous, Chatwing has a Guest login option. As a guest, the user can select from a wide array of avatars. Emoticons can also be used to make any chatroom discussion lively.

Once you are starting out a blog, it may take quite some time before it will generate hits. The influx will start as a trickle, and it will eventually develop into an online downpour. To aid your blogging experience, the Chatwing free chat box will always come in handy and available.