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BlackBerry Quits Hardware Next Year If It Isn’t Profitable

October 11, 2015 By Roxanne Briean Leave a Comment

BlackBerry quits hardware next year if it doesn't prove to be profitable

During Code/Mobile, CEO John Chen says that BlackBerry quits hardware next year if it isn’t profitable enough. He said that the company never says never to shutting down key parts of its business and focusing on something else that makes investors happy. This something else may very well be a shift of focus towards providing top-notch security services to a variety of platforms.

The company’s Enterprise Servers is fully compatible with both iOS and Android, so it wouldn’t be much of a hassle to aim more resources and time towards the mobile medium. However, they are already wetting their toes in mobile waters without displaying significant improvements.

Chen is still trying to reinvigorate the hardware business, and he doesn’t seem to want to let it die, regardless of how much he notes that BlackBerry never says never. During the Code/Mobile event, Chen took to the stage to unveil and showcase BlackBerry’s Priv. The company’s first Android product, and also the first device built by BB that doesn’t use their own OS.

Chen notes that the BB Priv aims at being a super secure smartphone, maintaining the user’s privacy at all costs. Chen says the the Priv addresses the three key factors which can make BlackBerry succeed – and to be frank, if the Priv isn’t a hit, then it might be the last BlackBerry smartphone we will ever see.

The first issue that the company has to fix is the need to do accommodate all ecosystems i.e. iOS, Android and even Windows Mobile. The second key issues is that the company needs to entice developers to build apps that are either BB exclusive or capable of running on a BB device. This shouldn’t be a huge problem now that the Priv is Android-enabled. And lastly, Chen think that BlackBerry needs to take advantage of the humongous strength it has in the security department and pump up their smartphones accordingly.

BlackBerry quits hardware next year if it isn't profitable

Chen adds that the Priv will most likely be one of the securest Android smartphones on the market, if not the securest one. He says that the only the Blackphone is equal to the Priv. Also, BB acknowledges how secure and powerful the Samsung Knox is, which Chen notes as one of Priv’s main competitors in the mobile security medium.

Yet, with the recent Stagefright vulnerabilities unveiled, the company doesn’t guarantee ultimate security. But Chen says that the company is resilient than ever, and even if their Priv will feature vulnerabilities, it won’t feature as many as other competitors.

Even though BlackBerry’s hardware part of the business is in turmoil, with removal pounding on its door, Chen is confident that their new project, as in the BB Priv, will succeed. Thus keeping the business department afloat for at least a couple of years.

Image Source: 1, 2

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: android, Blackberry, Priv

Advertisers Bleeding Money Because Of Mobile Ad Fraud

July 28, 2015 By Roxanne Briean Leave a Comment

Advertisers Bleeding Money Because Of Mobile Ad Fraud

According to a new study about ad fraud, as much as 15% of mobile apps allegedly load stealth ads. The ads can consume as much as 2 gb of connection data daily by downloading images and videos that are never viewed. This translates into advertisers losing as much as 1 billions dollars in 2015 only.

The 10 day study revealed how this hijacking method will load hidden ads in the blink of an eye, going as far as to emulate human behavior. Every smartphone owner could be the victim of ad fraud with them ever suspecting anything is wrong.

With the mobile market rapidly developing and growing into a profitable scene for advertisement, ad fraud didn’t delay to make its appearance. Additionally, the ever more ingenious fraud strategies are not only harmful for the advertising moguls, but they can also affect the consumer segment.

Advertisers Bleeding Money Because Of Mobile Ad Fraud

Exactly what numbers are we looking at? The study claims that 1% of US devices run fake ads, while in Europe and Asia as much as 2-3% of devices are similarly hijacked. How does this impact regular consumers? If you were wondering where your data and battery life were going, this study might answer your questions. The malicious apps can end up downloading 1-2 gb daily, including text, videos and pictures.

While the invisible ads pop up on all major mobile operating systems, it would appear Android is taking the biggest hit with a fraud risk proportion of 14.8%, followed by Apple with 11.7% and Windows, with 8.8%.

A typical legitimate app will refresh every 30-120 seconds, unlike the illegitimate ones which will deliver as many as 20 ads per minute. The situation looks disconcerting, especially when we have a look at some other things the apps can do: they can prevent your device from going into sleep mode, they can delete or modify your smartphone’s memory and they can even track your location.

Advertisers Bleeding Money Because Of Mobile Ad Fraud

So what can the average consumer do to take shelter from the malicious apps? One suggestion would be to scan app reviews and keep an eye out for excessive data usage. Another red flag could be the power usage, since these two could hint at fraud. One more piece of advice is to pull the plug on some apps’ cell data access to make sure you stay on the safe side of the fence.

While the study points the finger mostly at small, unknown app publishers, the bigger picture at hand is online and privacy safety. The study raises many questions and leaves the public demanding answers and solutions.

Image sources 1, 2, 3

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: ad fraud, android, Apple, Windows

BlackBerry Might Launch an Android Device

June 14, 2015 By Cristopher Hall Leave a Comment

BlackBerry

According to Reuters, BlackBerry is seriously considering building a smartphone that will use Google’s Android OS.

Their reliable source, who wishes to remain anonymous because he isn’t authorized to discuss anything about the company’s plans, has said that BlackBerry is quite serious about this.

By all means, BlackBerry should equip their smartphones with the Android OS. We don’t want to see a company with such a long history bankrupt themselves because someone’s ego is too big.

BlackBerry knows that their latest product line didn’t appeal to the masses, and the era when they were considered top dogs in the business sector has long set.

BlackBerry, who back in the day dominated the smartphone market now holds about 1 percent of its share.

The BlackBerry 10 Line

The BlackBerry 10 Line

In 2010, the company released their BlackBerry 10 line, praising themselves that they will win back their crown. I would feel a little bit embarrassed if I were in their place. The company has massively lost in front of iOS, and Android devices.

In an email reply to Reuters, the company has stated that – ” We don’t comment on rumors and speculation, but we remain committed to the BlackBerry 10 operating system, which provides security and productivity benefits that are unmatched.”

Also, a Google spokesperson has declined to comment on the situation.

Really subtle guys, really subtle.

BlackBerry Lays Off Employees

The biggest issue that the company might tackle is proving to its customers that their new line of devices can provide its device management software across a variety of platforms – subsequently working successfully.

Anonymous sources have reported that BlackBerry is going to release an Android slider device that will incorporate a  keyboard and a touchscreen – trying to appease the masses, aren’t we BlackBerry? I would definitely buy a top-of-the-shelf smartphone that wields a physical keyboard. I got really big sausage fingers, and typing away on touch screens is a pain. I know for sure that I’m not the only one in this predicament.

BlackBerry could snag some big market points by providing a device for this particular niche, but only time will tell if they can get passed their ego, and actually try to reinstate themselves as challengers in the Apple, Samsung, and Google dominated industry.

BlackBerry headquarters

The Waterloo, Ontario-based company has made some much needed cuts regarding its personal. Gone is the day that BlackBerry had 17.500 employees. In February of 2015 the company had about 6.200 people employed, and in May a spokesman for BlackBerry announced that they will be making further cuts in their device sector.

Tough times require tough decisions.

Are you going to buy a BlackBerry device if they launch it featuring Android OS, and sporting a physical keyboard and a touch screen?

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: android, Blackberry, Blackberry android device

The Most Important Announcements from Google I/O 2015

May 29, 2015 By Roxanne Briean Leave a Comment

Google I/O 2015

Google I/O 2015 started yesterday, on the 28th of May, and the big G decided to focus on Android.

We’ll most likely see more news today regarding their self-driving cars, and Project Fi, which wants to be Google’s wireless carrier. We’ll update this article as soon as we get the news, so check on us periodically if you want to stay up to date with Google’s plans.

Google I/O 2015                   Android Everywhere!

I’m not that surprised that I/O 2015’s first day focused on Android – it’s a really big project. We discussed some of the Android M rumours in a recent article, and I’m happy to say that we hit it right on its head! Remember, this isn’t an revolutionary piece of software, it’s just the next logical evolutionary step.

You’ll notice how it looks like its previous iteration Lollipop, but with improvements in power optimization, new services, and how apps interact.

  • App permissions

Google Android M update

Android M won’t annoy you with a wall of permission requests, like previous updates are currently doing – it’s a little bit frustrating to say the least; whenever you install an app, you have to go through its permissions and accept, or deny them. Now, everything is going to change.

You won’t be needed to look at them after you installed an app. Permissions will be prompted when the developers calls them up, and you can look at what a specific app can access, and deny its clearance – I’m a little bit paranoid when it comes to apps taking a look at my photo gallery, or calendar.

  • Chrome is your new in-app browser overlord

Google Android M update

I was expecting this. Now, when you click on a link within an app it moves your view to the browser, or an in-app website – which is poorly made, and suffers from optimization issues. At Google I/O 2015, the company announced that there’s going to be a new feature that will involve custom Chrome tabs in-app – it will load web pages faster by pre-loading certain elements like passwords, and user-names.

Also, Google has decided to make it easier for other apps you use. If you spot a tweet, and click on it, the Twitter app will open, instead of a webpage.

  • Improvements to battery life and USB-C

Google Android M update

This is what I was hoping to hear at Google I/O 2015. Android M will feature Doze. A new feature that will put your smartphone into a deep sleep – it uses motion detection, and if it senses that your device is inactive for a long time it will trigger the feature. It sacrifices app freshness, as Google likes to call it, for better battery life.

I seriously don’t have one problem with this, and I fully applaud their initiative. While Doze is active, the user can still receive messages, and notifications – alarms also have a priority.

When compared with a Nexus 9 running Lollipop, the Android M device lasted twice as longer – this makes me all giddy!

USB Type-C will be fully supported by Android M.

  • Google Now on Tap

Google Android M update

Google Now will become your personal assistant. It’s going to get a ton of new improvements, and it doesn’t seem to be stopping here.

The new addition to the already present feature will be called Google Now on Tap. It’s really simple. Let’s say that you get a message from a friend asking you if you want to go to the new Mad Max movie. Now on Tap displays a couple of cards once you hold the home button – they will prompt you to the trailer of the movie, information about it, reviews, and so on.

Those cards can let you set up a to-do list if you receive texts about dinner, or laundry. Also, it gives you map routes, restaurants near you, and Yelp listings.

Even better. When tested, in the demo, by asking ” What’s his real name?”, Google Now searched on spotify the artist that was currently playing, and brought up Skrillex’s real name – without needing to specify what’s Skrillex’s real name.

  • Free online storage for Google Photos app

Google Android M update

The cloud war started a couple of days ago, and Google seems to be winning battle after battle. They just announced that the Google Photos app will get a revamp, and it will also feature free unlimited online storage – photos up to 16-megapixels, and videos up to 1080p.

And you know what? It’s available right now for Android, iOS, and the web. You can also better organize your memories by pinpointing them on a timeline, or by certain locations – this is me on the beach, this is me near the beach, this is me taking my fifth selfie on the beach.

  • Offline Google Maps and Chrome

Google Android M update

In an attempt to optimize their apps for poor developing countries, Google now let’s you save maps to use in offline modes, and also webpages through Chrome.

In a strategy to let people who have poor connectivity get their desired information, Google has built a new algorithm that will display fewer images on a webpage, or in a search, for those who lag.

In offline mode, Google Maps will be able to give proper turn-by-turn indications, show reviews, and list information.

  • Android Wear gets a needed polish

Google Android M update

Google has reported that since its Android Wear début more than 4,000 apps have been developed for the smartwatch OS. The library of apps is constantly growing, and it has just received a couple of new needed apps like – Uber, Forsquare and Citymapper amongst others.

Google knows that the smartwatch screen is always-on, and apps should be always-on too. Your chosen apps will be feature on the screen in a white, and black low power usage icons.

When navigating Google Maps, directions will be constantly available on your screen, so you can glance at them easily.

  • Project Brillo to take care of your home

Google Android M update

Project Brillo is Google’s attempt to automatize meaningless tasks like setting your thermostat, locking your doors, or lighting up the room.

It’s going to be available for developers sometimes in Q3 of this year. What we do know is that it’s derived from Android, and it only takes its most basic features – like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, so it can offer low energy usage, but still maintain a weave of communications.

This Weave of communications will let Brillo devices talk to each other.

More info will be announced in Q4 of this year!

  • Android Pay

Google Android M update

Let’s see if the next iteration of Google Wallet will actually work – hopefully, it won’t prove to be a failed next step. Android Pay is Google’s counter to Apple’s Pay, and the company promises that more than 700,000 stores will feature Android Pay – Dunkin’ Donuts, and Chipotle to name just a few.

More so, the feature will come pre-installed if you purchase your device from Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T.

Android Pay will only run on KitKat or higher, so those of you who still have a device that features JellyBean should consider moving up.

  • HBO Now

Google Android M update

We were hoping that Google would announce something about their Android TV, but this would have to do. No more Apple exclusivity, HBO Now is coming to Android – the streaming-only service will let you watch your favourite HBO shows like Game of Thrones, and Game of Thrones, and of course Game of Thrones. Let’s not forget True Detective, but especially Game of Thrones.

Google I/O 2015                      Virtual Reality

Yup, Google is going to massively tackle virtual reality now – it’s already a big trend, and every day I hear new companies announcing their plans regarding virtual reality development, whether they are cameras, and lenses, software, and apps, or just simply VR gear!

  • Google Cardboard gets remodelled!

New remodelled version of Google Cardboard

Last year Google released their Cardboard, and now, the remodelled version will be able to sport six inch devices – it’s also iPhone compatible!

In order to garner fans from the enemy, Google will be releasing its SDK for Android, and iOS – a dedicated app was just launched on Apple’s App store.

Expeditions is Google’s new virtual reality education tool. It will permit teachers, and students to perform trips using the VR Cardboard – teachers will be able to control the experience with a tablet.

  • VR camera rig for everyone

Google tackles virtual reality with GoPro

GoPro just announced at the Re/Code conference that they are planning on building a new spherical camera rig for virtual reality. Now, Google has announced that they are teaming with them in order to build a vr camera rig that will be available for wide usage.

It’s going to be a circular 16-camera rig, that will be like a kick-start to the VR era, and it will offer everyone the possibility of filming VR-compatible video.

For more info regarding today’s schedule check out Google’s I/O 2015 official website.

We’ll be updating this list as soon as more info is announced.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: android, Android M, developer conference, Google, Google I/O, Google I/O 2015, Google I/O developer conference, GoPro, Project Brillo, virtual reality, Weave

Android M Release Date and Rumours

May 25, 2015 By Roxanne Briean Leave a Comment

Android M Features and Rumours

Android 5 Lollipop is a thing of the past for Google. Android M on the other hand is the next big update!

On the 28th of May, that is less than 3 days from now, Google will host its annual I/O developer conference at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. Nerds from different plateaus of coding will fill the room, but if you’re one of the geeks that will, unfortunately, not be attending the conference, don’t fret. Articles regarding key updates, and features will be posted by the AFP team as soon as they are announced.

Most likely Google is going to unveil their new Android M update, Android Wear, Android TV, and Android Auto – who knows, maybe even Android panties!

Until we know for sure, let’s speculate and talk amongst ourselves!

Android M – does it stand for Marshmallow? 

Android M stands for MarshMallow?

We all know how Google likes to name its software updates something based on pastry goods, or candy – Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, JellyBean, KitKat, and Lollipop; but what does the new M stand for? Muffin? Marshmallow? Madeleine?  Mars isn’t out of discussion here either. Google formed an alliance with KitKat in order to use their name.

But what about the number? The logical thing would be Android M 5.2, but Google may wish to skip directly to Android M 6 – it’s not been unheard of.

By the way, have you noticed that Google likes to name its software in alphabetical order?

Android M Material Design

Android M Material Design

It’s unlikely that it’s going to change, and Android M is expected to build on top of Lollipop’s UI – it’s going to be an evolutionary update, like we’ve seen it happen a couple of times now, not a revolutionary one.

Expect to see new flat icons, shadows under objects, and sliding transitions – focus is shifting towards a minimalist design that will still keep the essence of Android. Google’s new update will focus more on enhancing existing features, rather than implementing new ones.

Security

Android M Fingerprint Scanner

Some time ago, the fingerprint scanner was released with a popular flagship phone, from a popular brand – it was really easy to use, and it didn’t pose as a frustrating problem like its earlier iterations did. We loved it – even my grandma loved how easy it was to unlock her phone.

It’s common sense that Android M will most likely release its own native version of a fingerprint scanner – this will allow developers to integrate in their apps the fingerprint scanners, without looking for a third-party, or building a new one themselves.

Fingerprint scanning is growing in popularity, and it’s the wisest of choices to support it – more so, people tend to love the fact that they can connect to every device they have using a universal fingerprint scanner.

Rumours have it that Android M will focus a little bit more on businesses, enterprises – this isn’t to say that Google will completely forget the average Joe.

Also, Google will add a feature that will allow the device’s owner to edit app permissions. Let’s say that you don’t want a certain app to look at your Google account info, or your photo gallery – just edit out its permission and the feeling of dread that the NSA, or whoever, watches over your personal info will be no more.

Android Pay

Android M will feature Android Pay

This isn’t a new mobile payment system; it’s going to be focused more on alleviating the stress that developers have. Android M Pay will give the ability that developers need – I’m talking about a safe, and easy integration of payment methods into their apps.

NFC will be its main communication medium, and support for biometrics will most likely come in future updates.

Support for Android Wear on iOS

Android M for wearables will support iOS devices!

Google’s software platform, Android Wear for wearables, has been improving constantly since its release. There’s a rumour, a huge one to be more specific, about Android Wear coming to iOS. It’s a little bit hard to believe, but we might see Google offering support for iPhones, and iPads at Google I/O. Come to think of it, we have seen Android Wear smartwatches paired with iOS devices – without any hacks involved whatsoever.

Google has been reported of saying that they are – ” close to finishing the final technical details”, that involves iOS support.

See, we will see two of the industry’s giants work together for the greater good of the consumer? Or is this a clever rouse to make money? I’ll go with option B.

Android M Release Date – When should we expect it?

Android M release date

I think it’s safe to say that we don’t need to hold our breaths for a release date being announced at the conference in 3 days. Sure, it will probably be available for download after the conference is over, but don’t expect a stable version – that’s going to take a couple of months of intensive tests.

Android 5.0 Lollipop was announced in June of 2014, and it rolled almost 5 months later. This isn’t to say that Android M will suffer from the same fate. Nexus and Google Play Edition devices will surely receive the software update first, then flagship smartphones and tablets from Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola, and Sony will be the next ones.

We predict that Android M, a stable version, will be available for the public some time this Autumn, even Winter – probably to pair it with the Nexus 2015 release.

Source: Image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: android, Android M, Android Marshmallow, Android Muffin, Google, Google I/O developer conference, Material Design

Must-Have Android Apps and Games

May 18, 2015 By Cristopher Hall Leave a Comment

Must-Have Android Apps and Games

The AFP team had a tough weekend. We brainstormed from Friday night to Monday morning, and we have rounded up the best Android apps and games.

iOS users don’t despair, because some of them are available for Apple devices too.

Without further ado I introduce you to our list:

Must-Have Android Apps

  • Meerkat

Must-Have Android App

If you’ve lived under a rock for the past year or so you should know that Meerkat is a fabulous app that lets the user stream live video directly to his Twitter followers. Periscope is the only challenger, but it lacks the stability that Meerkat  offers.

Available on iOS too.

It’s a free app.

  • Microsoft Hyperlapse

Must-Have Android App

Hyperlapse helps you create high-speed short-stories about you, your life, your friends, what you’ve seen on your daily commute – actually, about everything that you can capture with your device.

The craze is all about selfie time lapses – go figure, the selfie killer is a new selfie method.

It’s a free app.

  • Wear Fitness Personal Trainer

Must-Have Android App

If you’re looking for the best fitness app that will track your progress, and keep you on schedule look no further. The WFPT, created by Vimo Labs, is your virtual buddy that will help you get rid of those pesky extra pounds – it’s also available for Android smartwatches.

Available on iOS too.

It’s a free app.

  • Fruit Ninja Math Master

Must-Have Android App

When I was growing up I didn’t have any apps/games that would teach me how to do math. I had to learn it the hard way by going to school, and sitting there for hours until 1+1=2 got crammed up in my brain. Now, with Fruit Ninja Math Master, you’ll be a genius mathematician in no time, and hard equations like (1+1)-(2+2)x(3/5) will feel like a Summer’s breeze.

It’s intended for children between the ages of 5 to 7 and it offers help with addition, subtraction, multiplication as well as sequences and shape recognition.

It costs about $4, and if your child is constantly with his nose in his device you should probably get this app – and also teach him, or her, about the outside world, a mythical land filled with other human beings *GASP*.

Available on iOS too.

It costs about $4.

  • DeeMe

Must-Have Android App

We don’t know if people actually need another instant messaging service, but DeeMe also offers a photo editor. It encourages you to add your very own flavour in the mix – before sending a photo with DeeMe don’t forget to edit it, and get that perfect typography that yells <insert reader’s name here>!

It’s a free app.

  • Desire42

Must-Have Android App

This is an app aimed to couples. Think of it as a safe haven for those nudes you want to send to Cristopher Hall tonight. It’s like a dare that goes back and forth. You take a picture without your clothes on, and I take a picture with all of my clothes on. Wait. How does flirting work?

It’s a free app.

  • Dreamstime: Sell Your Photos

Must-Have Android App

Pair it with Desire42, and you’ll make millions sending your nudes to different stock photography services. But no, that would be horrible, and you shouldn’t pervert this really great app. As I said, you can sell snaps that you took with your phone to various stock photography services. That photo that you took of that weird tree might be worth 40$!

It’s a free app.

Must-Have Android Games

  • VoxelMaker

Must-Have Android App

It’s basically a Minecraft clone. You build stuff with colourful blocks, and cubes, and you can export whatever you made to other software – like Photoshop, Illustrator, and so on. Tremendous potential is hidden in VoxelMaker, and your creativity is needed!

It costs about $4!

  • Seabeard

Must-Have Android Game

The best copy of Animal Crossing that has been originally developed for iOS. You can explore the world, perform various intriguing tasks like those seemingly easy mini-games that are in fact the work of the devil. Play with your villagers, and help them re-build their island.

Available on iOS too.

It’s a free game!

  • Knights of Pen & Paper 2

Must-Have Android Game

Ever heard of Paradox Interactive? They are the guys and girls behind great games like Europa Universalis, and Crusader Kings – grand strategy video-games that offers the player a chance of ruling the world.

Knights of Pen & Paper 2 is a role-playing turn-based retro-style laugh-inducing mind-relaxing mobile game full of dangerous adventures, and semi-appropriate cultural jokes. Take it with a grain of salt – everything is meant to be funny, and induce a chill mode. Don’t get yourself overly infuriated by humour.

Available on iOS too.

It costs about $4!

  • Lego Star Wars: TCS

Must-Have Android Game

If you’re in love with the Star Wars universe, and are between 5 and 80 years old, you should definitely play it. At first glance you might be fooled of thinking that it’s a child’s game – well, in fact it is, but don’t let society tell you what to do! Everyone can have a ton of fun playing through 2 Lego Star Wars games that were initially available for PC, and consoles. But be warned, before buying it, you need to have at least 735 MB of free space.

Available on iOS too.

It costs about $4!

  • Marvel Future Fight

Must-Have Android Game

It’s an average brawler, but because it’s set in the Marvel Universe it makes it a must-have game for the geek inside you! It consists a ton of characters from past, present and FUTURE comic books. It’s worth giving it a shot. I, for one, absolutely love the fact that I can beat up Spider-Man with Spider-Man – I don’t like Spider-Man that much.

Available on iOS too.

It’s a free game!

  • Earn to Die 2

Must-Have Android Game

Remember the first one? Gee, I do. That’s all that I was doing on my morning subway commute. A couple of my co-workers stopped talking to me a while back because I didn’t want to conversate back with them while travelling to our headquarters.

You smash zombies, and your goal is to squash zombies, in order to save the world from the zombie apocalypse. Zombies Zombie Zombies! What’s the deal with it? It seems like the media is filled with the undead horde – no, no, I’m not talking about Madonna. I loved the trend a few years ago, but now it just feels a little bit like beating a dead horse.

Available on iOS too.

It’s a free game!

  • Grim Fandango Remastered

Must-Have Android Game

Ow, I bought this the day it went live on the store. If you’ve ever played Psychonauts, Brutal Legend, or the Monkey Island franchise you should definitely give this game a try too. I want to live in Tim Schafer’s mind for a year, then come back and write a novel about the hilarious, and scary things that I’ve experienced. Also, I think Tim Schafer might be my spirit animal.

Available on iOS too.

It costs about $10!

  • Bears vs. Art

Must-Have Android Game

Yup. You read it right. Bears vs. Art. You play a bear who goes by the name of Rory. Rory wants pointless pieces of art to be eradicated from the world. It’s a fun, and clever puzzle game. I might have thrown my phone at the wall at one moment, but if you are a well adjusted human being, you’ll not get frustrated by this sweet game.

Available on iOS too.

It’s a free game!

  • Empires vs. Allies

Must-Have Android Game

Have you ever wondered what’s it like to have the perfect army? Destruction at your finger tips? Empires vs. Allies is a discontinued Facebook game – thanks FarmVille, and Zynga. Don’t let it being shut down fool you. It’s really fun, and addictive.

Available on iOS too.

It’s a free game!

  • Mortal Kombat X

Must-Have Android Game

Need I say more? It’s Mortal Kombat X on mobile phones, and it’s frikin’ FREE! No memory leaks, no horrible lag, and no bugs – gee, thanks developers for taking your time with the mobile app. No, why would PC users be angry at you. It’s not like you shipped a game that should have stood in development a little bit longer.

Available on iOS too.

It’s a free game!

  • Goat Simulator GoatZ

Must-Have Android Game

I remember pre-ordering Goat Simulator, taking a day off from work, calling all my best friends over, and just go full goat for a day. It’s really great, and you can set up a connection with your inner animal. Unfortunately, later on that day, I found that the goat isn’t my spirit animal – searching deep inside I found an ugly Blobfish with my name on it. I swore that I would never touch Goat Simulator.

Until now.

It has zombies!

Available on iOS too.

It costs about $5!

 

Image Source: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 ,18 ,19

 

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: android, Android apps, Android Games, apps, Games

8 Must Have Apps this Year

March 29, 2015 By Roxanne Briean Leave a Comment

Nowadays mobile device apps are the most common form of media used on the market. The traditional forms of media stand no chance to them because the apps are online, easy to download, easy to install and most of all, easy to use.

Let’s take a quick look at all the must have apps of this moment.

Soundcloud

Must Have Apps

Since its start in 2007 Soundcloud proved to be the definition of music lovers and producers’ basic and most urgent needs. Using unlimited storage, free to listen options, easy to access streaming and easy to upload options, Soundcloud is THE music application out there.

The Sounds can be classified into playlists, favorites, and by artist. There is literally no one in contemporary music, whichever the genre that doesn’t have a Soundcloud profile, even if it is fan made. The other great advantage of this app is that it hosts musical works which are not necessarily included on the artists’ albums, that’s why on Soundcloud one can easily find live recordings from DJ sets and remixes.

FlashScore

Must Have Apps

FlashScore is out there for all the sport betting enthusiasts and sports fans alike. Covering about all official sports, individual and team sports, the application provides full real time details for all competitions, from football to cricket and water polo. In the same time, those interested can find fixtures, season tables, top goal scorer statistics, team line-ups, head-to-head past results comparisons, and options to choose and add favorite competitions.

For those interested in betting, FlashScore gives away offers from all the big names in sports betting agencies, such as Paddy Power, William Hill or Bet-at-Home. The options include simple 1×2 tips and more complex number of scored goals odds.

Tinder

Must Have Apps

Nothing comes handier for a quick romantic fix in a world dominated by technology than Tinder. The app’s immense success is shown by its over 50 million users worldwide. The innovation brought by Tinder is the search for matches based on the physical proximity. The location is given by the GPS of the mobile device -Tinder is only to be used on mobile devices- and the (very) basic info on the profile (not a greater amount of information offered by a 2000s Yahoo profile) is provided by the user’s Facebook account (first name, age and a limited number of photos).

The “dating” process is very quick and simple. If one profile is liked, you have to sweep right on that profile, if not, the other way. If 2 users chose the “right side” they will be “matched” and that’s where the social aspect of the application steps into scene. You can start chatting right away avoiding interaction with other contenders; it’ll be just you and the person that catches your attention. It is a more synthetic version of Facebook, concentrated on one major purpose – one night stand dating and maybe even more.

MoovIt

Must Have Apps

This urban traveler’s real time guide is simply a treasure. It is a free application using data gathered from official sources and from the people who travel using buses, trams, subway trains, intercity trains, ferryboats and/or other means of transportation. The fact that it is crowd sourced is a major plus for MoovIt. The users learn from those who were there before about schedules, stations, delays, the quality of the ride, alternative means of transportation and fares.

MoovIt was founded by 3 Israeli innovators and the idea for it came from a different crowd sourced application called Waze, used mostly by car drivers to ease their rides.

Launcher

Must Have Apps

iOS users don’t get to customize their home screens as those who use Android. But Launcher comes really close in letting Apple users do that. The app uses the notification center in iOS 8 to let users place shortcuts of apps in their today panel. The app allows you to have widgets that you can customize. For example, you can add a shortcut for Twitter that will open the app directly on the “compose new tweet” page. You can upgrade the app and make it a lot more customizable for just $3.99.

You can have a Google Maps shortcut that you can customize in such a way that when you launch it, it will give you directions to reach your home address.

Mr. Jump

Must Have Apps

This game is very challenging as bad timing can ruin everything. The game is pretty straightforward: you have to make Mr. Jump reach the end of every level by avoiding the spikes and other obstacles. While the game doesn’t look that difficult, timing is crucial and it is very challenging for a simple game.

At the end of every round you will be presented with information regarding how many attempts you’ve had and for how far you’ve survived. If you’re stuck in a level you can skip it with an in-app purchase. Also, make sure you listen to the soundtrack as it is pretty whimsical.

Atari Fit

Must Have Apps

The designers from Atari made a fitness app that centers on games like Centipede, Pong and other retro jewels. Based on what your fitness goals are, the app will offer you numerous exercise plans. Exercises will earn you coins that you can then use in order to play games like Super Breakout, Centipede and Pong.

The app also includes social features that will let you compete with your friends. If you connect Atari Fit and Apple Health, the app will retrieve information from your wearable devices and other apps such as RunKeeper.

LinkedIn Job Search

LinkedIn finally decided to make an app for their website. You can search jobs in the numerous listings and apply directly from the application. The app works well with notifications and it will tell you when something opens up in a company or a field you’re interested in. The recommendations in the app will only get better as you search for more jobs and view more listings. LinkedIn Job Search also considers your skill and experience so keep your profile up to date.

Enlight

Must Have Apps

Enlight is the latest photo editing application from the same developers that brought us Facetune. The app is in many ways the dream app of every iPhone photographer. It features a great balance between artistic effects and filters and Photoshop controls. The app has a lot preset filters that you can choose from and you can also adjust elements of your images manually. The app also has a great and sophisticated curves control.

You can use the mask feature in the app to only apply effects to a certain part of the image and trust us when we say that it’s full of great artistic effects.

So there you have it. This was our list of recent must have apps.

Images source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Filed Under: Tech & Science Tagged With: android, apps, atari fit, enlight, flashscore, Google, google play store, google store, great new apps, ios, ios apps, launcher, linkedin, moovit, mr jump, must have apps, new apps, soundcloud, tinder

15 Best Android Wear Watch Apps

December 29, 2014 By Roxanne Briean Leave a Comment

The next big thing seems to be the Android Wear apps. We’ve just got our hands on the first Android Wear devices and many Android developers are updating their apps to offer support for smartwatches.

For most of the people, notifications on their watches will be the primary purpose but the smartwatch is capable of doing a whole lot more and we intend to show you just that. The smartwatch is able to count the steps you take, search via commands of the voice and tell the time (of course). Android app developers can expand their apps with extra capabilities in order of making them compatible with the new smartwatches.

Having apps on your watch is very easy. You just have to install an app on your smartphone and sync it to your watch in the Android Wear app. Once you install an app you can open it by saying “Okay, Google, start (name of the app)” or manually launching the apps by scrolling to the Start section on your device. Our experience has taught us that having to search for apps on your device or running them by use of voice can be very messy and tedious.

Just remember that these are the first apps available for the new platform and with time there will be a lot more and a lot more capable apps available for your smartwatch. Even though some of these apps don’t really work all that well this does not mean you should ignore them completely. Here is our list of the 15 best Android Wear watch apps.

1. Evernote Wear

evernote

 Image source: howtotipsonline.org

The Wear app by Evernote is a lot more advanced than many other apps. The Evernote Wear lets you have notifications on your smartwatch and make them using your voice as well as offering you the possibility to search and browse notes already made on your smartwatch. You can search for notes by time, based on your location, or view notes that that have items on them which you can check off as you complete them.

Price: Free

2. Tockle

tockle

Image source: blogspot.com

This app is especially useful for those who wish to change the settings on their smartphone. Tockle lets the user control the phone’s Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi and sounds through their smartwatch. A very useful feature is the one that lets the user set task paths, like controlling the music player on their smartphone just by tapping on the smartwatch. Even though the app is still in its early days, Tockle could prove to be quite an easy and useful watch to phone app. The app is still in beta so there will probably be numerous updates available for it.

Price: Free

3. Duolingo

duolingo

Image source: vox-cdn.com

Duolingo launched at the same time the Android Wear launched but still remains one of the best and interesting app for smartwatches. Duolingo offers another use for your smartwatch other than fitness tracking, time management and notifications. The Duolingo app allows users to learn a new language and really integrates well with Android Wear. The developer of the Duolingo app says: “Learn Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Irish, Danish, and English…” And you could do so for free.

The watch app and the Duolingo app on the smartphone make learning a new language very fun by making a game out of it. Get the right answer on a translation question and win some points, get the answer wrong and lose some. The Duolingo app also pauses along the way and shows you your progress so far.

Price: Free

4. Wear Audio Recorder

wear-audio-recorder

Image source: ggpht.com

We’re certain you don’t wish to walk around all day talking to your watch but you can easily make short reminders or memos by using this simple app. Wear Audio Recorded makes use of the microphone in the smartwatch to record high quality sounds and instantly sync them to your smartphone where you can manage all your reminders and files. So now you have no more excuses for forgetting to buy things at the market.

Price: Free

5. Allthecooks

allthecooks

Image source: gizmag.com

If you like cooking food this app may be of great help for you. Allthecooks contains recipes and tips from more than 12 million users worldwide and will surely provide you with a good idea if you’re wondering what to cook next. There are thousands of images uploaded by users on the recipes along with many reviews. The images and recipes are viewed on the smartwatch so you don’t have to always look at your phone for the next ingredient or step in the recipe.

Price: Free

6. Lyft

lyft

Image source: popsugar-assets.com

This app is the first of its kind available for Android Wear. Lyft lets you call a car to your current location without having to use your phone. It connects to your android smartphone and by saying “call me a car”, the app will call a Lyft driver to your location in just a few minutes. It’s very probable that we will see similar smartwatch apps from Hailo, Uber and many other car service apps available on Android in the future if Lyft is not your number one choice. It’s never been this easy to call a ride home after spending an evening in a bar.

Price: Free

7. Runtastic and RunKeeper

runtastic

Image source: bestofmicro.com

The Samsung Gear Live and the LG G Watch can count every step you make automatically and will do so right from the first use. The Samsung Gear Live can also measure the heart rate. But even though, both of them count your steps they don’t go much further than that. Runtastic and RunKeeper go beyond that and provide the user with the ability to start tracking just by using a simple voice command and thus filling in the need for a more advanced hiking app. The user can see stats and a very detailed progress after and also during the run. Sadly, both apps require the user to carry the smartphone on his and hers walk or run because neither offers true GPS functionality for a better and more detailed tracking.

Runtastic Price: Free

RunKeeper Price: Free

8. Swipify

swipify

Image source: blogspot.com

Swipify is another app in the beta stage. The app aims on helping the user do a lot more with his smartwatch. Swipify lets the user switch between apps with a finger swipe and also adjust settings such as brightness and apps in the launcher easily and very quickly. The app also lets the user see how much RAM is being used, which is a pretty nifty feature for people who are trying to preserve the life of their batteries.

Price: Free

9. IFTTT (If This Then That)

ifttt

Image source: tnwcdn.com

The IFTTT is a very powerful back end for sites and apps you use every single day. As of now, the app is also available for Android Wear. The IFTTT app allows you to mute your smartphone from the smartwatch, upload your location on Facebook, get alerts on your smartwatch when you are mentioned in Twitter and has a whole lot more very useful and easy to use features.

Price: Free

10. PixtoCam

pixtocam

Image source: ggpht.com

Google’s Camera app can be handled with Android Wear but this app is a much greater remote view finder. You can unlock your phone, turn it on, adjust settings for photos, disable or enable the flash, zoom out and in and a whole lot more by using PixtoCam. It’s a very useful app for the framed selfies when no one is around to give you a helping hand.

Price: 1.99 $

11. Wear Calc

wear-calc

Image source: ggpht.com

This app is another Android Wear app and is a great tool that better works on your smartwatch than on your smartphone. Make a quick calculation in just seconds without unlocking your mobile phone and running an app on it. It reminds us of the ‘90s when the Casio calculator watch was a pretty big thing.

Price: Free

12. Bunting

bunting

Image source: sourcedigit.com

This is the first Android Wear app that lets the user compose and send out tweets by dictating them to the smartwatch and even supports hashtags. It is now possible to tweet just what you are speaking. Even though Bunting is still in the beta stage it is still a very useful app. There will probably be a lot of updates available in the future for the Bunting Android Wear app.

Price: Free

13. Banjo

banjo

Image source: blogspot.com

Even though this app is not designed specifically for Android Wear, this news app is optimized for use on your smartwatch. In fact, it’s so well optimized that it really looks like a native app. It’s updated automatically with rich content on topics and items that the user chooses. Banjo also updates automatically the stream with news around your location.

Price: Free

14. Golf Shot

golf-shot

Image source: wareable.com

Of course it isn’t possible (yet, anyway) to play a golf game on your smartwatch but the Golf Shot app can help you in your real life game and has details on more than 500,000 golf courses around the world, including details regarding the distance to the hole and will even suggest which club to use. Golf Shot also features very detailed images from satellites and is great for sharing your progress and skills with the world.

Price: Free

15. InstaWeather

instaweather

Image source: ggpht.com

InstaWeather is a very good weather app that gives the user very complex details and information in real time right on the user’s watch. The app shows you satellite pictures so you know when to expect showers and also has some very beautiful forecast screens. It looks best on the circular LG G Watch.

Price: Free

BONUS: Wear App Manager

wear-app-manager

Image source: ggpht.com

Once you install a whole bunch of Android Wear apps, finding all of them can be very difficult. You could create a special folder for all the apps or you can use this great app for just 99 cents. Wear App Manager organizes all the wear apps on the phone and makes them more accessible.

Numerous apps offer Android Wear capabilities also but you might not be aware of it. For example, our favorite SMS app works with Android Wear. People who use Go SMS Pro may not be aware it also has Android Wear functionality. This app will help you find which apps installed on your phone offer watch capabilities.

Wear App Manager lists all the Wear apps that are installed on your smartphone. Tap on one of the apps in the list and Wear App Manager will give you details and information about the permission and size of the app. The app also shows a link to the Play Store. Wear App Manager allows you to open an app or uninstall it.

Price: 0.99 $

So there you have it. This was our list of 15 best Android Wear watch apps available right now. We hope we helped you in choosing what apps best suit you. All of these apps can be searched and downloaded on the Google Play Store.

Filed Under: Tech & Science Tagged With: android, android wear apps, best android wear apps, Best Android Wear Watch Apps, smartwatch, smartwatch apps

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