Android Thoughts.com

Dolphin Unveils Plugins for Skitch and Evernote

Jon Westfall — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehack...ser-for-android

"Android: The Dolphin browser for Android is already our pick for the best web browser for Android, but today it got much more useful. Dolphin users can now download Skitch and Evernote add-ons for their browser that make it easy to jump between the Dolphin browser and the Skitch and Evernote apps for Android."

Dolphin Browser continues to make the mobile browsing experience more useful by bringing popular Desktop plugins to the smaller screen. Dedicated Evernote users like myself will welcome the new plugins to live alongside such essentials as Xmarks and Lastpass!

New App Store for Banned Apps on the Way

Craig Horlacher — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/20/de...d-android-apps/

"An Android developer by the name of Koushik Dutta is building an alternative Android app store which will house the apps that have been banned from Google’s official Android Market. These will include the custom ROMs (customized versions of the Android OS), classic gaming emulators pulled due to copyright complaints, unofficial tethering apps removed at the behest of mobile operators, Visual Voicemail apps, one-click rooting apps, and more."

Koushik Dutta, the developer known for creating ClockworkMod, is creating an app store for things like tethering apps, ROMs, emulators, and whatever else doesn't have a home on any other market. There is no launch date right now but if you check the source you'll see a screen shot of a page for a developer to upload, showing progress has been made.

One thing I love about Android is the app store options you have without having to jump through hoops other than check one box in your settings. It took AT&T a while to get a clue but other than that no carrier has had a problem with alternate app stores. It will be interesting to see how carriers respond once this new app store becomes a reality.

ASUS Transformer Prime: Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) Improvements

Michael Knutson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:30:00 GMT

http://www.businessinsider.com/fina...used-to-2012-1#

"I've been hanging on to the Asus Transformer Prime for the last month for a reason.

Even though the tablet launched a few weeks ago, the real news was that Asus was going to push out a major update to the new version of Google's Android called Ice Cream Sandwich."

Looks like a very good Android tablet has gotten better with Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) - better performance, better multitasking, and the hardware just feels faster. In fact, the author states that swiping between screens is now faster than on the iPad2. Improved browser performance is another advantage, and there is now a control panel "for controlling stuff." Unfortunately, quality tablet apps are still lacking, according to the author, and there appear to be bugs in the ICS update process, and with the tablet's GPS. Despite these improvements, again according to the author, the iPad2 still is ahead in the overall user experience, but this is the best Android tablet to date.

AT&T Raises Data Prices

Craig Horlacher — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

http://consumerist.com/2012/01/att-...-and-costs.html

According to AT&T's official release, new smart phone customers will have a choice of three new monthly data plans—300MB for $20, $30 for 3GB, and $50 for 5GB, including the ability to share the wireless data connection with other devices.

Sure they're giving you another 1GB for $5 a month but most people don't use more than 1GB a month so the 2GB for $25 was a better option. If they offered a 1GB plan for $10 or even $15 a month that would be great and work for the vast majority of smartphone users. I'm sure that will never happen though. What are your thoughts? How much bandwidth do you use in a typical month?

Google Maps Gets Updated

Jon Westfall — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:30:00 GMT

https://market.android.com/details?...droid.apps.maps

"Download the latest release of Google Maps, and never carry a paper map again."

Google Maps has been updated with some nice battery life improvements, improvements to transit navigation, and more! A nice little CES-week gift I suppose, however what I'd really like to see are some heavy duty G+ updates!

Nuance Releases Dragon Go! Voice Command App for Free

Craig Horlacher — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/...gon-go-android/

"Today the company's pressing forward once again by introducing its Dragon Go! app for Google's mobile OS. The app focuses on verbal commands, giving you the ability to ask it to perform internet searches, make dinner reservations, buy movie tickets, play music on services like Pandora and Spotify and the list goes on."

Since Apple released iOS 5 with Siri people are really getting excited about voice commands and dictation. This looks like a very good voice command app to add to the mix of options that are available now for Android. Dragon Dictation has been around for years and I think was considered the best for a long time, it may still be. For that reason alone I'd like to give Dragon Go! a try and see how well it performs. I'm not convinced that voice control is super practical most of the time but it is fast and convenient sometimes. I especially like to use Android dictation for short messages and notes.

Do you use voice control or dictation on your Android device?

ASUS Announces New High-End Tablets

Craig Horlacher — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:30:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/...former-prime-t/

"Flustered with the original Transformer Prime you just purchased? We'd advise you to have a seat. ASUS just took the wraps off an all new Transformer Prime (the TF700T) here at CES, which is presumably designed to rival Acer's newly-announced Iconia Tab A700."

There are tons of new devices being announced at CES right now! How about a new ASUS Transformer Prime TF700T. It's a 10.1" quad-core tablet but with a 1.3GHz Tegra 3 CPU/GPU and a 1920x1200 Super IPS+ display!!! It also just weighs over a pound and will come with Ice Cream Sandwich! It will be compatible with the current tPrime keyboard/battery dock and is due to hit North America next quarter.

If you've been eyeing up the Kindle Fire you may want to consider the ASUS Eee Pad MeMO (ME171). It has a 7" 1280x800 IPS display and a 1.2GHz Qualcomm CPU/GPU along with 1GB of RAM and 16 or 32GB of built in storage. The Eee Pad MeMO will also ship with Ice Cream Sandwich.

Make sure you check the article for all the details on both of these tablets. Does either of these look like what you've been waiting for?

UnlockRoot is your Massive Root Resource

Jon Westfall — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehack...es-in-one-click

"Rooting an Android phone used to be an esoteric practice reserved only for the tech-savvy. Those days are long gone. With Android gaining more world-wide popularity, users of Android devices have also learned the tricks of the trade."

Looking to liberate an Android device? Then check out UnlockRoot - which promises to root dozens of different devices!

Holo Theme Mandatory on ICS Devices with Market

Jon Westfall — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

http://android-developers.blogspot.com/

"Android 4.0 showcases the Holo theme family, further refined since its debut in Android 3.0. But as most developers know, a new system theme for some Android devices isn't a new or uncommon event."

You want the Android Market on your ICS powered phone, Mr. Carrier or Mr. OEM? Then you've gotta include Holo. It doesn't have to be the default, but it has to be an option, like it or not. A slight win for those against bloatware, although I'd prefer Google forcing a screen at initial config asking which skin you want, and telling you how to change it easily.

ASUS Announces Bootloader Unlocking Tool and ICS for Transformer Prime

Craig Horlacher — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

http://www.slashgear.com/asus-trans...nlock-03205655/

"ASUS has announced that due to the response they’ve had on the subject, they’ll be releasing a bootloader unlock tool for the device as well! Developers and hackers alike will be able to work with their NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core toting Transformer Prime on an intimate level, and will be able to do it with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich as well, starting on January 12th, 2012!"

In case you missed it there was a public outcry due to the locked bootloader on the Transformer Prime over the weekend. Because of that ASUS said it will release a bootloader unlocking tool on January 12 and also start pushing out Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) to the Transformer Prime at the same time!!! This should make everyone happy! I'm impressed that they'll have ICS ready for the Transformer Prime so soon. Hopefully this will push other manufactures to get on the ball and release ICS for their devices sooner rather than later.

Koush's Tether Alpha Gives Tether Without Root Requirement

Jon Westfall — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT

https://plus.google.com/10358393932...sts/1Yy1jb9z4TA

"Over the last month, I've been working on a new app. Tether Alpha is a USB[2] tether solution for Mac, Windows, and Linux that allows you to use your phone's data connection to get internet access on your desktop or laptop."

Back in 2003, I could tether my Dell Axim to my i-Mate Pocket PC without any issue, in fact it was all done over Bluetooth DUN and didn't even require me to press anything on the Pocket PC - it could stay in my bag while I worked with the Axim. It seems that since then, data speeds have gone up (thankfully) but ease of use has gone way down. Now that carriers care about data usage (despite trying to get us to use as much as possible), solutions like Koush's appear, promising to let us tether without it showing up to our carrier. Intriguing times we live in!

Steam Arrives on Android

Jon Westfall — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile...an-ics-like-ui/

"If you're an avid gamer, then you must surely be familiar with the popular online gaming discussion and distribution platform, Steam. Using the services of Steam, not only can you browse and purchase the latest games from major game developing companies, but also join its online community, and share your gaming experiences with others."

Gamers will appreciate a native application on Android that lets them manage their Steam account, find new games, buy them, and connect with others!

Engadget Reviews the New Toshiba Thrive 7"

Craig Horlacher — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/...hrive-7-review/

"Indeed, the Thrive 7" looks near-identical, and even packs the same Tegra 2 chip, 16GB of storage and vanilla take on Honeycomb. Still, it brings an LED flash, keeps its big brother's 1280 x 800 display and costs less than the original did when it first came out."

There were a few things I liked about the 10" version of the Thrive. For one thing it had a full size SD slot, as well as full size USB and HDMI ports! It also had a mini-USB (oddly not micro-USB) and a Toshiba developed "Resolution+" technology for scaling phone apps and making them look decent on a tablet. The Thrive 7" drops the full size ports as you may expect but it does keep the Resolution+ and the 1280x800 screen - which gives it a high dpi for a tablet of 216. Unfortunately it sounds like performance isn't very good, the screen isn't great, and battery life is poor for a current tablet. Still, depending on your needs this could be the right tablet for you. Check out the full review for the details.

Isn't it Time to Recycle Those Old Electronics?

Jeff Campbell — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

http://dealnews.com/features/Out-wi...ics/535731.html

"This Christmas, there were reportedly nearly 7 million new Android and iOS activations (between December 24 and December 25), which was largely a result of smartphone gift-giving."

Great article on some resources so you know where to go to recycle, or get some cash for those electronics that you have replaced with newer, faster, better versions. I also find that putting them on craigslist seems to work pretty if they are still functional so someone else can get some use out of your newly replaced items. If they aren't functional, check with your local garbage/recycling company for ideas on where to take your non functioning items.

HTC Super Tool Lets You Mess with HTC Devices, Including Rooting

Jon Westfall — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:30:00 GMT

http://pocketnow.com/android/htc-su...urce=feedburner

"If you have a rather recent HTC phone, the manufacturer allows you to unlock its bootloader the official way; the procedure might involve a lot of steps and, in the end, you are achieving root on your device with the price of officially voiding your warranty."

A rather interesting way to get around the root issue on your phone, promising to let you root without officially voiding your warranty. However I'm pretty sure if you claim warranty service and they notice you're rooted, they'll void you anyway, so use at your own risk!

CyanogenMod Compiler Lets You Choose Your CM Goodness

Jon Westfall — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT

http://androidcommunity.com/roll-yo...piler-20111228/

"Custom ROMs are part of what makes Android awesome, and there's a sufficient variety to satiate everyone. Well... almost everyone."

Ever wish you could tweak Cyanogenmod but don't feel like learning all the ins and outs of the process? Well now there is an easier way to do it using the Cyanogenmod Compiler! Remove what you'd like, and enjoy your customized experience!

Samsung Captivate Reviewed!

Jon Westfall — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:00:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/...e-glide-review/

"The QWERTY slider hasn't exactly gone the way of the dinosaur, but it's definitely approaching giant panda status. That is to say, it's become rare for a major device manufacturer to output anything other than candybar touchscreen smartphones. And why not? Slimmer, faster, beastlier is the mobile motto as of late and that's precisely what consumers seem to gravitate towards."

Samsung makes some nice phones, and the Captivate Glide doesn't look like it will be an exception. Check out the full review for more details and picture goodness!

Kindle Fire Stops Blocking Android Market Site

Jon Westfall — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

http://gigaom.com/mobile/kindle-fir...market-website/

"Earlier this week, I grilled Amazon for attempting to control web browsing activities on its Kindle Fire. Any attempts to browse Google's Android Market website were redirected to Amazon's own AppStore on the tablet."

One could make the argument that Amazon was just 'helping' users who were going to Google's market website versus their own. Or one could say they didn't want to admit that another, larger, market existed. Whatever your thoughts on Amazon's interesting redirections, they're gone now. The Fire is a pretty nice device, but remember folks, it's Amazon's walled garden, and you just get to play in it!

Phantom Vibrations Explained

Adan Galvan — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

http://blog.laptopmag.com/why-do-i-...ng-when-its-not

Phantom vibrations have been known to fool all of us into reaching into our pocket for a non-existent call. The false vibrations or "sensory hallucinations" are errors in perception due to the deluge of information that assaults our senses on a daily basis. Once again, science leaps in and saves the day from the more obvious explanation that you are losing your mind. Hit the link for more details on this interesting psychological phenomenon.

SmartPhoneGurus Review the HTC Sensation XL

Craig Horlacher — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT

http://www.smartphonegurus.com/foru...ensation-xl-o2/

"The XL builds on the prior Sensation incarnations, the original machine and the Beats audio enhanced XE. With this new variant HTC have changed both the internals and externals of the machines design and in effect it is a new machine in its own right and not a part of the original Sensation family."

This is a very detailed review that covers the hardware as well as many details about the software. For me, I think making a phone these days with a 4.7" diagonal and only 480x800 resolution (only 198dpi) should be a crime. Not only is the resolution low for the size but the aspect ratio is not as good as 16:9 for holding in your hand. In other words, the Galaxy Nexus has about the same size screen but it will not be so wide in your hand due to the aspect ratio difference. Of course the Galaxy Nexus has a 720x1280 resolution too. Anyway, the Sensation XL does have a fast single core 1.5GHz processor and 768MB of RAM as well as 16GB of built in storage. Take a look at the review for more details and lots of pictures.