Tag Archives: android

Free Siri-Like Personal Assistants For Android Phones

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Introduction:

If you are a proud Android user who may just have been fascinated by the potential of the Siri app for Apple iOS5 like most, you are surely going to be interested in a guide that could just allow you to have atleast some features on your Android device that are..well, Siri-like. Hot off the heels of the announcement of Apple iPhone 4S, the announcement and on-stage demo of the all-new personal assistant with voice recognition features was an icing on the cake.

Yes, Siri has really made name for itself in such short timespan; yet, Android users must realize that they need not drool over iOS’s new voice-recognizing personal assistant so much-there are way too many alternatives available on Android! Definitely, you heard that right, folks. There is a wide variety of avid voice recognition options to choose from on the Android platform; although, none of those Android personal assistants able to out weigh Siri personal assistant in its potential and the way it delivers.

ApplevsAndroid

We realize how important it is for all those of us who are Apple-deprived to understand that possession of an iDevice (iPhone, iPad, any i for that matter) is not a binding upon us. So then, if Android has got what you need, what is the point of drooling over, an otherwise, foreign platform (The sheer mention of Apple probably blindfolds most of us-childish)? In light of all this, let us give you a brief run through a few of the best alternatives to iOS5′s Siri app.

Google Voice Actions

If you are an Android user, Google Voice Actions won’t be news for you (Atleast we expect so). Siri for the iPhone 4S  certainly stirred a hornet’s nest and gave most people the impression that voice actions started and finished at the Apple iOS5-Well, we think otherwise. Google Voice Actions for Android is very much a Siri-like app for Android users that enables them to place their phone calls, get turn-by-turn navigation assistance, surf the web browser, listen to their favourite songs and so much more. Oh, and if you wish you may even get some handy information on the local weather and latest news alerts only just by a simple tap the Voice Actions icon and speak your heart out.

Download it here.

Google Voice Actions

Vlingo

Nevermind if you missed Google Voice Actions as an Android user, but Vlingo is the one app that we really expect Android users to have come across atleast once in their lifetimes-reason being, it has been on the scene for quite a while now. Vlingo’s text-to-speech and speech-to-speech is the striking feature of Android’s app. Yes, it does most basics right like text messages, emails, placement of phone calls,  search the web etc. Searching for the nearest locations for, say dine-in, had never been easier before (Or was it?). Also, other applications on your Android phone can even be launched by saying their names using Vlingo. Really an app which has been one of its kind, atleast in its time, Vlingo can even be told when to start listening to you and then prompt it to register your desired commands. Perhaps not deeply integrated, Vlingo for Android still has to be the most handsfree appthat comes closest to being the Siri for Android in regards to its advanced commands.

Get Vlingo here.

Vlingo

Edwin

Edwin comes across as another useful Android app that brings speech-to-speech and voice response functionalities to the table. Yet another positive is the fact that the commands spoken by the Android user are passed through Google Voice Actions and spoken back to the user. Besides these new amenities that this Android app offers, its main strength lies in the detail to conversation that it comes equipped with (My my, isn’t technology shaping up to dominate mankind the act?). Of course, that means that if you ask Edwin for details regarding exactly where you are it won’t shy; in fact, resukts obtained would even squeeze down to the block no. you reside in (Fetch that!). If necessary, this Android app even searches the internet or, say, prompt you to open up an application/do the favours itself at times. Major downside to Edwin app is that since it doesn’t don too wide a variety of commands, it simply fails to process when it doesn’t understand a command prompt. Yes, it will be annoying at times but the fact that the Android app considers you worthy of talking back to might as well keep bringing you back to it over and over again.

Download Edwin here.

Edwin

SpeakToIt Assistant

So you Android users thought that Edwin was the only real ‘talk back to me’ personal assistant app, think again (Oh how quick you folks are at jumping to conclusions). Relatively newer and richer in its functionalities in comparison with Edwin, SpeakToIt Assistant is an Android app that not only adds a flurry of customization and configuration options to personal assistant apps on the Android platform, but it also puts on your display screen a rather curvy default cartoon librarian avatar as your personal assistant (Hopefully, that does not sound misleading). The back and forth conversational abilities and a full-fledged list of commands add a whole lot more to this personal assistant app for Android. This means, there is a real smooth learning curve attached to the app, thus it works like a charm for most. Interestingly, you can always customize and create your own assistant avatar and milk as much information as you please. Of course, just like any other app in the world, SpeakToIt Assistant is another Android app in the list of many that does not come without a few hashes here and there. A few grammatical errors and rather unnatural voice does feel a bit off; however, if you can put up with such shortcomings this Android app is sure to keep you in the groove for a good long time.

Download SpeakToIt here.

SpeakToIt Assistant

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Top Five Free Android Games

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Overview:

The burgeoning success of the Android OS has meant that the leading Android platform has become one of the most popular choice among most users. With this success story follows the deep and long catalogue of games that the Android market features in the modern day that are both: interesting arousing and a good means of squandering your wasteful time playing these Android games. However, it is quite a bit of a challenge to pin-point games that are not only the best of the lot but also very cost-effective and totally worth your time. But hold on, what if we told you that you could choose as good a collection of Android games that are free of cost as a handful of paid Android game titles? Yes, games that are absolutely free of cost! You heard that right, Ladies and Gentlemen. Ok, on second thought, maybe it’s the memory space on your phone that the free Android games would cost you so no, not totally free of cost games in that regard. Anyway, where you think free of cost, perhaps you also suspect..umm, well games that are low on quality, not too good etc. The reality of this post may well change your perspective on free of cost Android games. Well, then allow us to draw your attention towards a catalogue of top five free Android games that we have prepared for you. Hop on!

1. Townsmen 6

It is hard to find a good strategy game on an Android device. Even if you do find any, they are more or less abstract. However, Townsmen series is different. The game can be easily related to the PC strategy game series, the Settlers. The sixth sequel of the game series comes as a stylised version of the usual basics of the game: keeping everyone happy and healthy. The game might not be graphically strong, but it is certainly highly engaging and involving in how it plays. Building settlements is as challenging and inspiring as ever this time around. You will surely love it.

Download it from the Android store free (but with Ads) or from GetJar.

best free android game townsmen 6

 

2. Stupid Zombies

Honestly, what a game to kill your time and give getting ‘owned’ a whole new meaning. Yes, Stupid Zombies isn’t as stupid as it may sound afterall. In fact, many regard it as the new Angry Birds which really speaks for the potential of this amazingly-involving Android game. No, the game doesn’t play LIKE Angry Birds; instead, it deals in bullets rather than headbutts. Yes, it’s one man with one shotgun against a bunch of stupid zombies-doesn’t get any simpler than that, does it? Do not consider it to be a walk in the park, though. The game might be a very good time-killer but it requires you to be crafty as you gun down the brainless zombies with limited ammo.

Download it here.

 

Stupid Zombies

3. Raging Thunder 2

For all you racing game fans out there, Raging Thunder 2 is a sure-shot treat for your eyes..and your fingers, somewhat. What’s more, no cost of play makes this Android game a doubly scrumptious treat for all and sundry. Highly regarded and rated by most Android gamers, Raging Thunder 2 easily manages to impress with the fluid racing experience that it puts on offer. A combination of these gameplay elements coupled with the superb visuals and sound, courtesy of the stunning 3D graphics, makes Raging Thunder 2 the best car racing game that is freely available on the Android market.

Download it here.

 

Raging Thunder 2

4. Bubble Blast 2

As a peculiar bubble-popping puzzle game, Bubble Blast 2 invites gamers to its own little world where bubble bursting with a domino-effect twist is the name of the game. Try your hand at popping all the bubbles in the frame as quickly as possible. Once you get the hang of it, you are surely going to love it. A chain reaction generated by popping a designated number of moves is a true stand-out feature of Bubble Blast 2. The two game modes on offer include: free-play arcade mode and an online mode, both of which add great replay value to this game and will keep you glued to the game for long.

Download it here.

 

Bubble Blast 2

5. Air Control

Whether you are young or old, Air Control is going to catch your eye, either way. Inspite of the minimalist presentation, the game delivers enough punch to mentally challenge gamers and keep them on their haunches as gamers take on the role of an air traffic controller so as to direct planes to safety. Yes, it look s very simple and easy on first sight, but there’s always a second perspective as time wears on, folks. All in all, this evenly-paced Android puzzle game is one of its kind really and it shows.

Download it here.

 

Air Control

6. Angry Birds

What? Don’t look at me like that! Yes, I know the post said top five, but no post can be complete without Angry Birds. Agreed? Yes, of course. So here is a little bonus from us.

More or less a phenomenon on the iPhone, the Angry Birds seem to have settled well in their new nest on the Android platform. There is no doubt that the birds enjoy a celebrity status in their new home, so evidently there has been no love loss between platforms due to this shift, for sure. Fear not the unparalleled powers of the quirky-looking Angry birds as they take off on their journey to annihilate the fortresses of a handful of green ugly pigs. Make full use of the highly-engaging physics of the game and assist the adorable; yet, anger-fuming birds to put an end to the existence of the greedy pigs who stole their eggs

Download it here.

Oh and I couldn’t help but show you this video. *snort* Ahem. I mean enjoy.

 

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Tips On Calibrating Your Mobile Device (Android Phone/iPhone)

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Introduction:

We all love our mobile handsets, don’t we? Be it an extremely bland looking mobile phone or a power-performing stylish looking hunk of a mobile device, your mobile phone is always your darling (Wifeys beware, you are in for a scare). With all sorts of mobile phone technology flowing in the mobile market, competition seems to have gotten the best of most. Amidst all the fight for high specifications, battery life has become a stand-out feature for most mobile phones. It’s true that priorities change and so do people, but surely, battery life has become part of mobile buyer’s foremost preferences. However, the focus of today’s post is not the usual ‘how to increase your phone’s battery life’. Instead, it focuses on how to calibrate your mobile device.

What is Calibration?

We understand that there are plenty of people who are unaware of what calibration exactly is. This is precisely why we feel the urge to create awareness among most regarding what it is and how it benefits your mobile device. To put it simply, calibration implies discharging the battery power life of your mobile device, be it an iPhone, Android phone or even a laptop or Macbook for that matter, to the full until the device is not bootable. Since we are so generous and want to fully educate you on what we convey to you, the act of calibration is extremely handy if it is done once a month. However, it all depends on the device usage to be honest. If you are just a casual user and only use your mobile device to make occasional phone calls and send text messages on special occasions, you may only need to do this once every six months (We hope you realize the impossibility of such an incorrect fact). On the contrary, a heavy power-user should really calibrate his/her mobile device once every month. Now then, let us directly move on to how to calibrate your mobile device with our step by step calibration guide.

How to Calibrate?

Step No. 1. Fully drain the battery life of your mobile device until it completely powers off on its own.

Step No. 2. Switch your device back on and allow your mobile device to power itself off yet again.

Step No. 3. Connect the battery charger to your mobile device and allow it to charge for atleast eight full hours while the mobile device is powered off, mind you.

Upon trying the aforementioned calibration methods, users will definitely experience a noticeable increase in the battery life of their mobile devices. Surprising as it may sound, this increase in battery life will also be evident with relatively heavy usage.

Ending Note:

This one is a tried and tested method on most Android phones, laptops and the iPhone and we must admit that it really does work. With that said, we can safely recommend this to each one of you, especially those of you who have either an Android or an Apple device. So then, enjoy calibrating!

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Top Five Upcoming Phones for this Fall

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Overview:

So you’re looking to buy a new cellular phone for yourself (maybe even your girlfriend or boyfriend), eh? Well, what if we told you to hold your horses for some more time and resist the temptation of letting loose the weight on your pockets (not too hard a task unless you are a spoilt brat). Nevertheless, with 4G made use of by a number of carriers and manufacturers, a wide variety of some of the most promising phones has been announced. To be honest, there is quite a LOT lined up ranging from Ice Cream Sandwiches (Android 4.0) to Mangoes (Microsoft Windows 7 Phone) [life certainly seemed to be a lot simpler when Apples, Mangoes and Ice Creams were only just eatables]. We, therefore, bring you this special edition on the five upcoming phones releasing later this year, hence we invite you to read on.

1. Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S

Quite similar to how Samsung has been playing its cards immaculately well, Sony Ericsson has not done too bad at all this year; infact, it turns out that almost all Sony Ericsson Xperia phones released in the recent past enjoyed a great response from all and sundry. Following Sony’s relatively older announcement that was based around the idea of updating all the latest Sony Ericsson Xperia phones to Android 2.3.4 that brought with itself a world of goodies. Now comes the genuinely awesome part: earlier today, Sony decided to go an extra mile and confirmed that all the Xperia phones will be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. With all these latest developments, Sony’s recently announced Android OS v2.3 (Gingerbread) phone, Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S, seems to be stepping in the limelight at a steady pace. Expected in the final quarter of 2011, Xperia Arc S is an 8 Megapixels auto focus snapper with LED flash that is expected to come equipped with a 4.2 inches LED-backlit scratch resistant  LCD. The 1.4 GHz Scorpion processor, Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine and more importantly and the new Honeycomb OS version (Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) will certainly beef up this peach of a device (if all goes well and Sony doesn’t try anything ‘cocky’ that is).

P.S: The newly announced OS (Ice Cream Sandwich) is said to include various NFC options, Xbox Kinect-like feature called Virtual Camera Operator, USB hub support, and so on.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S

 

2. Nokia N9

The Nokia N8 had its fair share of praise and criticism following its release. The Nokia N9 starts off from where the Nokia N8 left and dons a premium-quality hard plastic finish (something that most people would not mind too much, we suspect). The magnificent 3.9 inches AMOLED display will be the main attraction for Nokia N9, besides the foremost significant factor of bringing the all-new MeeGo OS, v1.2 Harmattan to this very device for the very first time. The new user interface looks and performs well and we can safely assume that a leap of faith from Maemo to a new OS possibly could not have been bigger. User-friendly and fluid within itself, the new MeeGo OS promises to offer good support to the Nokia N9 device. It is a little too early to comment on applications and certain other goodies for the phone until its release but there are a few noticeable ones that are worth mentioning here. The gorgeous AMOLED display coupled with 1GHz Cortex A8 CPU will allow for some fluid web browsing experience for sure. Some great names like Angry Birds Magic (NFC), Galaxy on Fire 2 and Real Golf 2011 have already been announced for MeeGo OS; hence, it would be interesting to see how all of this unfolds as the release date of Nokia N9 draws nearer and nearer.

Nokia N9

 

3. Samsung Galaxy Note

Whatever Samsung does these days, it seems to do pretty well. Like an Osain Bolt in a 200-metre marathon race, Samsung is playing the part of a pace-setter, magnificently well. With some handsome inductions like 4G and Super AMOLED Plus screen technology, the latest Samsung handsets never really failed to impress. Following the success of the recently released Galaxy S series, Samsung Galaxy Note is right around the corner. As expected, the phone promises high quality presentation and performance as this beauty is said to don a 5.3 inches Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, an 8 Megapixels autofocus camera with LED flash and 2Megapixels secondary camera, Android OS v2.3 (Gingerbread), Dual-core 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor and various other amenities that really make for a great all-round performer.

Samsung Galaxy Note

 

4. HTC Titan

As you would most probably acknowledge, HTC is renowned for infusing extra bit of style and design in its cellular phones than most manufacturers out there. Announced in August this year, the HTC Titan will come with a reasonably big (4.7 inches) S-LCD capacitive touchscreen and a powerful 1.5 GHz Scorpion processor, both of which will make viewing videos and browsing the web a boon. Like most new touchscreen phones, the phone will come with an 8 Megapixels autofocus camera with LED flash but the most significant bit about the phone is that it will be one of the first to home the all new Windows Phone 7 Mango OS. We are seriously hoping that HTC will not let us down and will not at all turn out to be a be a bad port for the new OS (afterall, all things in life require a grand beginning).

HTC Titan

 

5. Motorola Pro

We genuinely believe there has been too much centre-stage offered to giant touchscreen hunks, which is why we decided to include a qwerty smartphone. Oh yes you got that right, Motorola Pro is the name of the game (not literally). Announced for late 2011, this 3.1 inch smartphone looks very promising with a nice and slick design and some ouch sensitive controls. The 5 Megapixels camera with dual LED flash and 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor certainly make the phone sound like a mini powerhouse. Designed for Android OS v2.2 (Froyo), Motorola Pro really does seem to be shaping up as a powerful competitor for its predecessors and other related phones of its stature.

Motorola Pro

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Top Five Applications for Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

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Let us face it, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is arguably the best Android tablet out there. Yes it has its fair share of drawbacks, but then again no device comes without a few or more than just a few shortcomings. Maybe that is a market policy, who are we to argue?

Whether it is the best or not is beyond the point at the moment as there have already been quite a few discussions regarding this all over the Internet. One thing is for sure though, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 brings better multitasking, better reading, better web browsing and music experience to the table. By the way, do not be mistaken: we say better so as to imply better than most, and not the best (Just a cautionary measure before you start to get the impression that we are here to start yet another tablet war).Since the Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1 is just such a darling of a tablet, let us share with you a list of five worthy Android Honeycomb applications to try on your Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.  Here goes:

Opera Mobile 11

Since we have already established that the Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1 does a sweet job of bringing better quality of web browsing the table, Opera Mobile 11 has got to be the real deal in this regard. The Opera Mobile 11 is an alternative browser alright, but rest assured that you would easily prefer this over your standard web-browser. Being a fully-compatible Honeycomb version, Opera Mobile 11 delivers a satisfying web browsing experience on the move with better functionality and certainly better speeds.

Download it here

Quickoffice Pro HD

Quickoffice Pro HD

Although it comes with a hefty price tag of $16.99, Quickoffice Pro HD comes well equipped to justify its relatively high price (no violence featured). For those of you who love to create, access and share Word, Excel, and Powerpoint documents on the go, Quickoffice Pro HD is really a peach of an application to have.

Since Quickoffice Pro HD is a cloud-based Office suite you may feel free to hook up your Google Docs, Dropbox, Box, or MobileMe accounts to Quickoffice. To add a little bit more spice to the already scrumptious, speech recognition has also been added as part of key features of this very application. What this means is,  if you aren’t comfortable with typing or who knows maybe you are stuck with some thankless favours like baby-sitting for example, and/or you don’t have a bluetooth keyboard, you may enjoy dictating blocks of text.

Download it here

Drawing Pad
Drawing Pad

When it comes to drawing applications for the Honeycomb devices, there are quite a few names in the market but none of them really impressed as much as the Drawing Pad. So what is so different about the Drawing Pad, that is the question. Well, this fancy drawing application dons a very adorable interface, unlike most. Selection of all sorts of drawing tools seems very life-like and really infuses a wonderful experience. Having said that, if the user wishes to paint using a brush a drawer opens that contains various colour-daubed brushes. Likewise, upon selecting colour pencils, a drawer full of colour pencils opens up before the user. All in all, the layout is pristine and undoubtedly, adds the element of fun and excitement to drawing.

Download it here

Electrum

Electrum

Electrum is one Android application that can not go unnoticed by genuine music lovers. Being lightweight and very much affordable, Electrum manages to impress with a barrage of plug ins and satisfying music experience. Although the application is not designed for dedicated hardcore music fans; yet, it instills a true feeling of music and would suffice, nine out of ten times (on average), by providing the ability to build your own sample music set and then sequence it. It is worth mentioning here that a User Interface overhaul for the Honeycomb tablets has already been released.

Download it here

Angry Birds Rio

Angry Birds Rio

Angry Birds Rio requires no introduction really (Hopefully, that won’t anger the birds any more). It won’t be wrong to say that Angry Birds Rio is Citizen Kane of mobile gaming, which has now been ported to Honeycomb tablets. We are pleased to state that the Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1 handles the game, smoothly. In the main, Angry Birds delivers as beautiful an experience on the Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1 (Honeycomb) as it did on its predecessors.

Download it here

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Update Your Samsung Galaxy S II with the Leaked Version of Android 2.3.4 [How To]

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My friend Taimur bought a Samsung Galaxy S II some days ago, which is by far the most awesome smartphone that I have seen so far. As I also plan to get a hand on this device in the near future, I have already started keeping an eye on its updates and functions, and recently I saw that some guys at DarkyRoom got their hands on the new version of Android 2.3.4 which was leaked out.

This leaked version works perfectly on Samsung Galaxy S II. So if you have one, you can install a leaked Android 2.3.4 today with out waiting for the official release of Android 2.3.4. This new update of 2.3.4  is minor update to 2.3 Gingerbread and it only brings new features like Voice and Video calling to Google Talk while it also improves battery life.

Before taking you through the step-by-step guide, let me tell you:

This ROM installs without wiping your data, if you want to wipe, put a folder/file called “wipe” inside /sdcard/Darky folder.(Do not use wipe/factory reset from CWM!)
If you want to experience a lighter and faster version (lots of apps removed) create file/folder “no-samsung” inside /sdcard/Darky folder
If you want to not install Swype, create file/folder “no-swype” inside /sdcard/Darky folder

Step 1: First of all download the required files:

Step 2: Install SuperCore with ODIN

Step 3: Boot and upload DarkyROM2 zip to internal SD Card

Step 4: Reboot Samsung Galaxy S II into recovery mode using buttons (vol-up+home+power)

Step 5: Use the recovery menu to select the DarkyROM 2 zip and install it

Step 6: Reboot Samsung Galaxy S II and enjoy Android 2.3.4 on it.

Give out a Thank to the leakout guy in the comments below.

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Google + Will This Hail Mary Work?

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What is Google Plus?

Google finally launched Google Plus, it’s social networking platform to a limited number of users yesterday. I was aware that Google was working on a social networking service since a long time but then the announcement still caught me by surprise, as I didn’t expect something so soon. Google can be credited for making a stellar effort to make its way back in the social networking market despite facing failure. Their biggest failures so far have been Orkut and Buzz, which failed to catch up with the trends in the market or were simply not good enough to face competition.

Analysis

Google probably knows that it can’t take on the juggernaut known as Facebook but it sure can try. Google Plus has not been designed as a Facebook killer but is more of a service which will complement its Search services. The current market leader is Facebook which has more than 700 million users worldwide. Google fears Facebook because they know that their phenomenal growth rate is bound  to eat into its ad sales. It hurts Google that the search features in Facebook are powered by Microsoft’s Bing (which is their closest rival.) Microsoft has the exclusive rights to power the search results on Facebook while they hold the rights to all banner ads on Facebook till 2011 (after which Facebook retains control of all ads). The need to compete with Facebook and to hold its own is one reason why Google has come up with Google Plus. The real reason why social networks are important is because both Google and Facebook know that they can derive value from the data.  Data is worthless but if the right algorithms are used then it can extract the right value and profit from it. Facebook has a huge head start with its 700+ million members while Google will have a hard time coming up with these numbers.

Google Plus

Google Plus is not open for all as it is current going through a rollout in various stages. It reminds me of the time whenGmail came out in 2004. Google did not open Gmail for everyone but instead relied on sending invites to a limited number of people. This helped them work out all the bugs, stress test the systems and prevent the situation from turning into chaos (if there were too many users). The same situation applies for Google Plus as the numbers of people using the service are scarce. The number of users will go up in the future as more and more invites are freed up for people. In my opinion Google is creating an artificial shortage so that it can build some demand for its product. It hasn’t been 24 hours and people are already raving about Google Plus and are waiting for an invitation. This is exactly the same thing which happened when Google Wave came out and everyone wanted an invitation. In the end, Wave was a huge failure as it was overhyped.

Google Plus Features

You need to have a Google Account if you want to use Google Plus.  A google account will allow you to use all their services except for the ones which require an invite or are out of bounds for users in different geographic locations. Despite my skepticism, Google has come up with some pretty interesting features for their Plus service.

Circles

Circles is a relatively rehashed concept with a twist. This is a great feature for all those people who struggle to spend time creating lists on Facebook and Twitter to separate people into different groups. It is bothersome trying to come up with lists and takes up a lot of time.  Circles goes a step further by letting you place people in circles and control what kind of updates each circle can see. I like the idea of separating people such as family, friends, acquaintances, etc. it is not easy controlling what I want my friends, family and acquaintances to see on Facebook. The Circles feature in Plus is supposed to be a lifesaver as I can create a separate circle for friends, family and acquaintances and choose the information I want to share with each. This also means that I don’t have to worry about acquaintances going through my family photos or my family reading embarrassing details shared by my friends as they are all in different circles. Google’s concept of Circles has me totally sold.

Hangout

Some tech critics feel that Hangout is one of the best features of Google Plus though I don’t tend to agree. I like the idea of having a nice group video chat feature in a social network but I don’t know if it will actually deliver what it promises. The hangout feature allows you to invite members of a certain circle for a group chat with the click of one button.  The basic idea is that the user is available for a  group chat and other members of his group can join in as well. The only fault I find with this is the fact that not everyone will be online all the time and not everyone in the circle will know each other. Even if the person is online it does not mean that he/she will be ready to have a video chat with other people. it would work if people were to setup a meeting time in advance but not while waiting for people to join in.  This feature is good but it is not perfect in any way. Side note: I wonder how long it will be before Facebook implements group chat powered by Skype.

Huddle

Huddle is the name of a mobile group chat service which works well between texting,  the iPhone and Android so that users can communicate with their Circles. I like the idea of a cross platform feature which allows for easy communication.

Instant Uploads

Instant Uploads is an excellent sharing app for Android users. All pictures and Videos are automatically uploaded to your Picasa and YouTube accounts, so that they can be shared with certain circles later. The storage album is private and not viewable by anyone until you choose to share it. I am not sure if there is any feature which allows one to stop the automatic upload of content or if the user can choose which content to upload. The fact that all photos and videos are automatically uploaded is a bit scary and means that the user has no control over his data.

Sparks

I strongly believe that this feature sticks out like a sore thumb. Sparks allows users to create topics of interests and share them with various groups so that people can read it. One can share all sorts of links, youtube videos, blogs etc so that others can also read up on it. However I don’t think this is such an interesting feature as it seems dull.

Google Plus on Android

Google will see a good rate of adoption for Google Plus on Android. There are a lot of Android users in the world who will be able to enjoy the Plus experience on their phones. It also helps that Google Plus will potentially enhance the way we communicate via Android devices. Plus will add more interactivity to Android phones and change the way we interact with each other. The icing on the cake is that most of the features on Google Plus will work really well on Touch Screen phones as they don’t need much text input. This is an added bonus as it will enhance the user experience and save them from having to type so much.

What Now?

It is tough to say whether Google will fail or succeed here as the product is not available for everyone. I just feel that it is a good product but it won’t be able to beat Facebook. The product will do well but it won’t achieve the success enjoyed by Facebook nor will it be able to compete with it. Facebook will probably be coming up with new enhanced features so that they can compete with the threat of Google Plus. Only time will tell if Google Plus will be a success or just another failure like Buzz and Wave.

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Gingerbread vs HoneyComb – Features, Pros and Cons

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Android is another operating system out of all those out there for those smartphone platforms. The Android software was purchased by Google Inc a few years back. It is full of different key applications and mainly based on the Linux Kernel. As there are many versions of specific Operating Systems out there, so is the case with Android too. And the recent versions of Android includes Éclair 2.1, Fro-yo 2.2, and Gingerbread 2.3 and HoneyComb 3.2 which we are here to discuss about.

Brief Overview of Features

This discussion is not something to be piled up in limited words, as both versions are full of some awesome features. But what we have here as an advantage, is their uses in two different mediums. Actually, Honeycomb is the first Android platform entirely designed for devices with large screens such as tablets and it is the first version of the platform designed to support symmetric multi processing in a multi core environment. Whereas Gingerbread was an update to the present Froyo version in the smartphone.  One feature that I really like about Gingerbread is the SIP communication feature. It decreases the voice calling revenue so users can call each other for lower rates, or even free, if they have a good data connection.

On the other hand, Gingerbread has a better DSP manager/equalizer that gives a boost to the settings. It also has better and advanced brightness control settings. Frankly, many users reverted back to the old version of Android, i.e Froyo, because they din’t find any attractive new features in Gingerbread.

Talking about Honeycomb,  it was great to see that Android very much further enhanced its great multitasking and switching features. In addition, it also increased the ability to copy-paste, incorporated a better chrome browser, and a more improved drag-drop and multitouch system. And, if you are a gamer, Honeycomb is a better option for you, as it is designed for the graphics card on board and thus you can have an awesome experience using it.

Honeycomb Compatible Devices:

Android Honeycomb Tablets, Google TV

Gingerbread Compatible Devices:

Google Nexus S, HTC Cha Cha, HTC Salsa, Samsung Galaxy S II (Galaxy S2), LG Optimus 3D, Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, Sony Ericsson Xperia neo, Sony Ericsson Xperia pro, Sony Ericsson Xperia mini, Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, Motorola Droid Bionic, HTC Pyramid (2.3.2)

Features Comparisons

Gingerbread Honeycomb
- Advanced Microsoft Exchange Support - New Optimized Tablet UI
- Wi-Fi hotspot functionality - Redesigned widgets
- Animated GIFs supported in browser - Elegant Notification Bar
- Adobe Flash 10.1 supported - Customizable Home Screen
- Support for extra high DPI screens - Action-bar
- Extra Large Screen Size supported - Improved Keyboard, Copy/Paste
- SIP Communication Supported - Browser Enhancements
- Support for WebM/VP8 video playback - Visual multi-tasking
- Improved Copy and Paste functionality - Multiselect, Clipboard, Drag-and-drop
- Redesigned Multi Touch Software Keyboard - New Connectivity options
- Enhanced support for native code - Support for Multi-core Processors
- Support for multiple cameras - Hardware acceleration for 2D graphics

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And to give you some more goosebumps, ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’, a combination of Gingerbread and Honeycomb into a “cohesive whole”, announced on May 10, 2011 at Google I/O will be released in Q4 2011. Another Android Version. Awesomeness.

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