Top Apps For Men
Posted on 10. Sep, 2012 by Jay Witherspoon in Android, Apps, Food, iOS, Smartphones
Grill-It! (Android | iOS)
Grilling ability has long been a measure of manliness, and while not everyone can be an expert, Grill-It! gives you access to enough recipes and tips to make you feel like one. The app gives you specific instructions along with professional photos of the completed dishes so you can see how yours match up. You can browse the recipes by meat types, key words or ingredients. Don’t know what temperature to cook a certain meat? Grill-It! provides you with a list of the correct internal temperatures for cooking every kind of meat. A new recipe is added every week, so you’ll never run out of new meals to try.
ESPN Scorecenter (Android | iOS)
No man wants to be caught not knowing the score of a game or the latest sports news. Stay informed 24/7 with ESPN Scorecenter, an app that provides scores, news and standings from hundreds of different sports leagues around the world. The feature myTeams allows you to select your favorite teams and creates an individual page for each one. You can even subscribe for alerts to be sent to your phone for the start of your teams’ games, scoring plays, end of period/quarter/half notifications and final score updates. No matter how hectic your schedule is, ESPN Scorecenter lets you stay up to date on everything sports.
Fitness Buddy (Android | iOS)
Personal trainers are expensive, but that’s no longer an excuse for not getting a great workout. Fitness Buddy features over 1,700 exercises and 1,000 HD videos to provide you with the best personal training app available for your phone. It provides detailed exercise instructions, as well as full workout plans, so you can get your body to its prime condition. The app also tracks your progression, so you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your workout.
SkyDroid – Golf GPS (Android | iOS)
Say goodbye to expensive GPS devices for tracking your position on the golf course. This $0.99 app provides you with a satellite view of the course you’re playing on, as well as distances to greens and any hazards. There are currently over 22,000 courses mapped on the app, but you can map any course you want to online.
Mixologist Drink Recipes (Android | iOS)
If you don’t want to have to deal with the crowds at your local bar, Mixologist Drink Recipes will provide you with your own personal bartender. With almost 8,000 drink recipes and 1,300 ingredients, this app gives you access to the steps to make any drink you could want. If you only have a limited selection of alcohol, you can tell the app what you have in stock, and it will give you recipes featuring only those ingredients. Or, if one of the drinks that you don’t have the right alcohol for catches your eye, the app will find the nearest liquor store to your current location.
Top Apps For College Students
Posted on 21. Aug, 2012 by Jay Witherspoon in Android, Apps, iOS, Smartphones, Youth and Mobile Devices
Evernote (Android, iOS)
Evernote is a free cloud storage app that lets you integrate your notes across several different devices, allowing users to access and edit files on any Internet-connected device, from smartphones to desktop computers. Students can use this app for notes, to-do lists and to record voice reminders. Evernote also has other useful features. For instance, there is a feature that can be used to search for text within an image. Instead of trying to write down an entire whiteboard’s worth of material, a user can just snap a photo and search for the pertinent text later.
StudyBlue Flashcards (Android, iOS)
This app gives you the ability to create flashcards, using text and images, on your mobile device. StudyBlue Flashcards also allows you to quiz yourself, providing statistics for study-session performance. That way, students can identify their weaknesses and focus on the topics giving them the most difficulty. The flashcards can also be used offline, making it possible to study without the need for Internet access.
Mint.com Personal Finance (Android, iOS)
Mint.com is a budgeting app that gives you a holistic view of your personal finances. It allows you to integrate your bank accounts and credit cards to provide a better view of where your money is coming from and where it is going. The app can create a budget for you, and will even send alerts when bills are due, allowing students to stay on top of their finances.
Alarm Clock Xtreme (Android)
Having trouble waking up for those 8 a.m. classes? Alarm Clock Xtreme can assist with that. Those guilty of habitual snoozing can customize their alarms so that they have to correctly answer math equations to get those few extra minutes of sleep. Users can also set the amount of times they are allowed to hit the snooze button or make it so the duration between alarms is shorter each time they snooze. There are also features for morning people. For those who prefer a gentler wake-up call, an alarm can be set to gradually increase in volume, instead of a loud, boisterous siren.
Real Simple No Time to Cook? (Android, iOS)
The stereotypical college diet consists largely of fast food, pizza and ramen. For the adventurous types who want to cook food that requires a little more preparation than adding a packet of pasta to boiling water, there’s Real Simple Recipes’ No Time to Cook? This app provides simple, fast recipes for the novice chef. It starts by asking users what the foundation of their dish will be (i.e. chicken, vegetarian, pasta) and then gives them an option for desired preparation time: 20, 30 or 40 minutes. Aside from providing simple, fast recipes, the app also has how-to videos, a kitchen timer and it can send grocery lists via text or email to ensure you leave the grocery store with the necessary ingredients.
More Androids Sold Than iPhones
Posted on 13. Jul, 2012 by Jay Witherspoon in Android, iOS, Smartphones, Wireless Industry
Second quarter numbers from Nielsen show a lot more folks bought Android handsets than iPhones…
The research firm says that of all the people who purchased smartphones in the second quarter, 54.6 percent opted for an Android-based model, while 36.3 percent decided to pick up an iPhone, instead. But Apple is doing a lot better than a certain Canadian company.
Read more: FoxNews.com
TomTom for Android Coming Soon
Posted on 07. Jun, 2012 by dfloyd in Industry News
According to Phones Review, an Android version of the popular TomTom app is slated for release this summer. iOS already offers a mobile phone version of this navigation tool. Due to the projected high price, some writers question if the benefit is worth it since Android already has a full Google Maps integration. See iOS version of TomTom below:
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Get the Beat–HTC Rezound
Posted on 04. Nov, 2011 by dfloyd in Phone Review
HTC unveiled Rezound 4G LTE yesterday, and it’s music to our ears. Literally. HTC Rezound rocks the airwaves with Beats Audio DSP (digital signal processing) chip designed to let us “studio-crisp” sounds. Jimmy Iovine points out that, “Artists spend millions of dollars to make their records sound a certain way, but [mobile] technology moves so fast, sound got left behind” (see Forbes).
With the included lightweight Beats headphones incorporate users can call hands-free (using built-in microphone) and control audio tracks (pause, advance, rewind or answer calls).
It not only sounds great, it’s a real looker. The Rezound delivers true HD 720p on a 4.3 inch display. Enjoy distortion-free movies in 16 x 9 format with the super fine quality of HTC Watch™.
While the Rezound is being shipped with the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), an Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) update will be available early 2012. The Rezound is built for speed and packed with a powerful dual core, 1.5 GHz processor. It comes with 16MB of internal memory and pre-installed 16GB microSD memory card. Plus, it offers hotspot functionality for up to 10 devices.
The HTC Rezound is equipped with an 8-megapixel camera featuring autofocus with dual LED flash, a f/2.2 and 28mm wide-angle lens. Users can capture low light scenes, Panorama, high action and slow motion. Rezound also comes with a 2 MP front-facing camera for up close and personal face shots.
The Rezound is slated for release on Nov. 14 exclusively on Verizon Wireless for $299.99 with a new two-year contract.
How Google+ Can Improve Your Android
Posted on 20. Sep, 2011 by Cellular Sales in Apps
Android developers and Android lovers have flocked to Google+, making Google+ the perfect place for keeping up with the latest Android news, apps, shortcuts, tips and all things Android.
Combining the best of the social media services, Google+ makes it easy to connect with a variety of people and sort them by groups. You can sort people by groups in Twitter and Facebook, but Google+ offers one of the simplest platforms for sorting groups and guarding privacy at the same time.
Like Android, Google+ is easily customized to the preferences of a given users. This convenience can also be a bit confusing at first because there are so many options. This post offers an easy way to start using Google+ and incorporating it into your daily routine.
1. What if I don’t have Google+?
Google+ is still an invite only service, so you need a Google+ invite to get started. Invites are usually easy to get. First ask your friends on Facebook or Twitter. If not successful, search online using terms like “How to get a Google+ invite.” Or simply leave a comment here with your email address, and we can help get you one.
2. I’ve got Google+, now what?
Now you can connect with friends, colleagues, and potential contacts. Since I’m writing about how Google+ can help Android users, I’m going to focus on creating a circle of Android developers, Android enthusiasts, and Android writers that may share information that will helpful in using Android, choosing an Android device, and learning what’s on the Android horizon.
G+ lets you group people you follow into easily sortable “circles.” To start an Android circle, simply begin to follow people who talk and write about Android, and put them in that circle. I’ve listed a group of people on G+ that often focus on Android. You add them by entering each name in the “Search” box at the top of G+. When their profile appears, you’ll see a “red box” on the top right side.
Click on the box, select “Create new circle,” type “Android into the box
Now you can click on the Google+ logo in the upper left to return home. From there you can select, the all the circles you create. So if I want to track all my Android circle, I click “Android” and read that feed.
To help you get start on your Android circle, here is a list of Android enthusiasts I follow:
3. How do I find more people on G+?
First, you can simply type in someone’s name. Also, G+ will suggest names from your Gmail account. Here is a nice little G+ search engine that allows you search posts, profiles, buzz and Google Reader; http://gplussearch.com/
4. Don’t forget to download the G+ app from the Android Market.
5. One more thing. While your setting up circles, don’t forget to set up a photography circle. The G+ on Android renders the photographers nicely and it’s a great way to see some cool shots. Here are a few popular photographers on G+:
Romain Guy, Victor Bezrukov, Trey Ratcliff, Vivienne Gucwa, Giuseppe Basile, Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson, Sharon Thomas, Bryan Woodward, Patrick Smith, Thomas Leuthard, Kjetil Greger Pedersen
Author – Doug Floyd
Droid Bionic Review – CNET
Posted on 08. Sep, 2011 by Scott Sutton in Equipment
We’ve been waiting for the Motorola Droid Bionic for so long that it’s been hyped to near-mythical proportions. We first heard tell of the superphone at CES 2011, where Motorola came out with a cavalcade of powerful Android devices that included the Motorola Atrix 4G, the Motorola Xoom, and, of course, the Motorola Droid Bionic. With its dual-core processor, Verizon LTE speeds, HD video recording, HDMI port, and luscious 4.3-inch qHD display, the Droid Bionic was a pioneering handset in many ways.
Continue reading at CNET here.
How Google’s Big Prize May Help Consumers
Posted on 17. Aug, 2011 by Cellular Sales in Wireless Industry
Google just spent 12.5 billion on the future of mobile computing. On Monday (August 15), they agreed to acquire Motorola Mobility, the maker of DROID phones and many other devices. While this move has a variety of implications in the industry, the big question is “How does this move impact consumers?”
This is a potentially positive move for the consumer market, but at the present moment, this impact will not be immediately obvious. As Avi Greengart of Current Analysis has suggested, “Short-term, this won’t impact the customer at all” (Mercury News). Over the long term though, this could open a variety of likely possibilities for consumers:
Increased Competition
Google has taken a direct step against the dominance of Apple in the mobile computing field. By purchasing Motorola, they can play a stronger role in developing an Android ecosystem similar to the Apple ecosystem with the difference being that Google remains committed to the open platform of Android. In Google’s own words, “Our acquisition of Motorola will increase competition by strengthening Google’s patent portfolio, which will enable us to better protect Android from anti-competitive threats from Microsoft, Apple and other companies” (Google Blog).
All this adds up to increased competition on a more even playing field. For the long haul, this can mean better prices, better user experiences, and better products overall.
Improved User Experience
By playing a direct role in both the software and hardware development, Google can help overall user experience with the Android platform. Industry analyst Will Stofega writes, “Google’s ownership of the manufacturer will mean a smoother experience, fewer glitches with new releases, and a more seamless integration between hardware and software” (Mercury News)
Accelerated Innovation
Google has a history of pressing change in the mobile computing world. As New York Times editor Evelyn Rusli writes, “Google has shaken up the mobile industry by pushing cellphone carriers to open up their networks, and by licensing its Android system at no charge, increasing competition” (New York Times). This latest move may increase innovation in mobile computing as well as in television viewing. The combination of smartphones and tablets with Google TV set top boxes could open new avenues for searching and managing video content.
What about the future of Android hardware partners like HTC, LG and Sony Ericcson?
Google reaffirms its commitment to an open platform that continues to support multiple developers. “This acquisition will not change our commitment to run Android as an open platform. Motorola will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. We will run Motorola as a separate business. Many hardware partners have contributed to Android’s success and we look forward to continuing to work with all of them to deliver outstanding user experiences” (Google Blog).
If Google sticks to its commitment, this merger has the potential to be a great boon for the whole mobile computing industry. By purchasing Motorola, they’ve secured patent protection in the short term, but in the long term, they’ve taken a direct step toward advancing the future of the Android operating system. In their own words, they are “always looking for new ways to supercharge the Android ecosystem.” As a result of this merger, we hope to see all consumer reap great reward in the years.
- Doug Floyd
Streaming Songs onto Your Smartphone
Posted on 13. Aug, 2011 by Cellular Sales in Equipment
I like to access my music all the time but there’s one problem. At over 178GB of music, I don’t have enough room on my smartphone. So I want a quick and easy solution to listening. I’m on Google’s Music Beta, waiting for iTunes iCloud, and played with the initial Spotify accounts that were available this week. Google is still forming, iCloud is still coming, and Spotify is cool, but to stream you gotta pay monthly.
While I wait for these various cloud servers to pan out, I’ve found two immediate solutions to my need for tunes: Amazon Cloud Player and Subsonic Music Server. Both services will stream to Android phones. iPhone and Windows Phone 7 offers several Subsonic apps but nothing for Amazon Cloud Player.
Here’s my quick take on both services:
Amazon Cloud Player – Amazon announced unlimited cloud space for free this week. Buy one Mp3 album from Amazon and you can upload your entire music collection to the cloud. The process is easy, but a bit slow when you’re trying to upload over 178GB of music. Visit the mp3 store at Amazon to learn more about their cloud player and to download an uploader for your music as well as an Android app (or Palm or Blackberry app). The cloud player has organizer songs by artist, album, genre, song as well as playlists. You can access your tunes from any computer, some smartphones and hopefully soon the Roku.
Subsonic is a music serve your install on your computer. Unlike some music and/or video servers, Subsonic is not hard to install and instantly indexes your music. I loaded and within 30 minutes was streaming music to my Roku as well as my phone. Subsonic does require a small online donation if you plan to keep using it over time, but otherwise, there is no charge. Then you can access the music on your computer from other computers, devices like the Roku, and your smartphone. Android, iPhone and WIndows 7 have Subsonic applications that you can easily install. There is a minor technical aspect of inserting your computer’s IP address, but the Subsonic directions will walk your through it. For now, Subsonic is the easiest and fastest way to start streaming your music to your phone.
- Doug Floyd
Google’s new Android Market
Posted on 03. Aug, 2011 by Scott Sutton in Equipment
Check out this walk-through of Google’s new Android Market
Sketchbook Pro on Android OS
Posted on 25. Jul, 2011 by Jay Witherspoon in Apps
Sketchbook Pro just released an Android tablet version of their amazing digital sketching software. Available for the Android phones and tablet as well as the iPhone and iPad, Sketchbook comes with digital pencils, pens, markers and airbrushes. Its multi-touch gesture interface is easy to use and has the resources to help you create everything from cool sketches to amazing art.
10 Best Apps For Selling Real Estate
Posted on 14. Jul, 2011 by Cellular Sales in Apps
Here are 10 apps that can help you manage and grow estate your real estate business.
Grow your real estate business using the power of your smartphone. Whether you use an Android, iPhone, Blackberry or a Windows Phone 7,you have a vital tool that gives you the ability to promote, build and manage your real estate business while you’re on the move, when your waiting for clients, and whenever you a get a brainstorm.
Propertybase Real Estate CRM
Website: http://www.propertybase.com/
Available on: iPhone, iPad, and Blackberry
Developed by the top sales application, Salesforce, Propertybase.com offers a fully integrated CRM for Sales, Leasing, Property Management and Marketing. Using the powerful Propertybase engine, you can
- Manage Leads& Contacts
- Market Your Properties
- Streamline Sales Process
- Track Financials
- Manage Partners & Referrals
Any changes made in Propertybase can easily integrate with your Real Estate web site, so that changes will automatically apply to site as well.
Evernote
Website: http://www.evernote.com/
Available on: Android and iPhone
Promising to help you “remember everything,” Evernote gives you an easy way to capture text notes, pictures, voice recordings, and websites. It can sync the note with a central database, so you can access any note from any where at any time. When you make a note using your smartphone, Evernote records the location, so you can also search notes by location.
Real Estates Agents are using Evernote for recording property research, saving PDFs, documenting home construction, capturing business cards, recording notes while driving (which can be automatically converted to text notes), documenting transactions and more. If you take pictures of business cards, signs or other notes, Evernote can search by those words. This is an amazing all around tool for on-the-go agents.
Common Sense Strategies for Smartphone Security
Posted on 07. Jul, 2011 by Cellular Sales in Equipment
Just about everyone can use a smartphone to make their lives easier, and while there have been some scary reports in the media about smartphones being hacked and personal data being compromised, it really isn’t that difficult to keep your phone and your data secure.
As Smartphone use continues to rise, so does the need for using common sense strategies for safeguarding information. In the RSA 2011 Cybercrime Trends Report, the RSA (The Security Division of EMC) reported that the growing tendency to use smartphones as computing devices subjects them to similar security challenges as computers. RSA identifies several smartphone usage trends:
- Explosive growth of mobile devices as computing tools
- Number of downloaded applications (25 billion in 2011)
- Use in smartphones in every day functions such as emails, web surfing, accessing online accounts, storage of personal data
- Introducing personal computing devices into the enterprise
Since your smartphone is used as a personal computing device, it is important to protect your investment. Here are five simple common sense steps that could safe you loss and worry:
Read On: Common Sense Strategies for Smartphone Security
Google Maps now goes transit mode for all our big city people!
Posted on 06. Jul, 2011 by Scott Sutton in Equipment
Check out this article from Engadget.
Google Maps Transit Navigation beta for Android hands-on (Engadget)
“Earlier this afternoon, Google pushed Maps v5.7 to the Android Market. The app’s Transit Navigation (beta) feature brings GPS stop-by-stop nav to public transit systems in over 400 cities around the world, helping you find the subway or bus stop, then letting you know exactly when to get off as you ride. There are obvious benefits to using this in a foreign city, where alert-enabled (English!) directions could potentially save you hours of frustration. We left our office to brave the daylight in NYC, walking a block to the nearest subway station en-route to Times Square. The app worked well up until we reached the bottom of the first staircase, where it lost cell reception and its GPS fix. Jump past the break to see how it fared above ground, and check out our hands-on video for a Google Maps-led adventure through New York City’s public transit system.”
Google Gives Social Another Crack with Google+
Posted on 01. Jul, 2011 by Scott Sutton in Wireless Industry
Google’s new social media community is already available on Android, kind of.
Google is dabbling in social media again with Google+. Their first attempts, Orkut and Google Buzz, were mostly failures. Earlier this week Google began leading the users of various Google products to Google+’s website. The landing page for Google+ offers tours of the services which include:
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