• android,  blogger,  google,  motorola

    Blogging From Your Droid

    March 6, 2011 /
    I guess that I shouldn’t really be surprised by this, but Google has a Blogger app for Android phones.

    I recently had to replace my company issued RIM Blackberry Storm2 with a Motorola Droid Pro.

    I still miss my “CrackBerry” but the Droid Pro and I are getting along well.  As cool as this is, I don’t see myself posting a blog entry much longer than this from this tiny keyboard.

    Tap or click the Blogger icon below to download the app to your Android device from the Android Market website. (Link)

    Update

    I noticed a typo in the above post, “has” rather than “had”.  So I jumped on the blog with my Mac and after I made the update, it looks like the formatting from the Blogger app on the Droid was lost. Interesting.  I’ll have to keep an eye on that.

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  • android,  apple,  appletv,  google,  ipad,  itunes,  podcast

    SPF360 Podcast Show 2

    December 22, 2010 /

    For the second SPF360 podcast, I discuss:

    • Google Nexus S smartphone
    • “Price Wars” in the iTunes App Store
    • Apple sells 1 million second generation Apple TVs
    • Angry Birds HD 1.5.0 for iPad
    • In-App purchases and how to protect yourself from unexpected charges

     Listening Options
     
    I have submitted the SPF360 .m4a podcast feed to Apple for review, and with any luck, publication.  In the meantime, please use the following listening choices.

    SmartphoneFanatics.com RSS feed (for use in your favorite podcast catcher)
    Direct .m4a Download
    Direct .mp3 Download

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    • android,  best buy,  google,  nexus,  samsung,  tmobile

      Samsung Nexus S Unveiled

      December 7, 2010 /

      The new Nexus smartphone is being launched by Samsung and is headed for T-Mobile here in the United States.

      Samsung and Google deliver Nexus S, the world’s first handset to feature the latest version of Google’s Android™ platform. Powered by Android 2.3, Gingerbread, this smartphone is packed with powerful technology and the latest in hardware features.

      Form Meets Functionality

      Featuring both superior functionality and a stunning user-experience, the Nexus S has a brilliant Super AMOLED touch screen that provides a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display has a curved design for a more ergonomic style and feel when held to the user’s face.

      Powered by a 1 GHz Hummingbird processor, Nexus S produces rich 3D graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content. In addition, Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right. It also comes with 16 GB of internal memory.

      Impressive Features

      Nexus S features Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows users to read information off of everyday objects like stickers and posters that are embedded with NFC chips. It’s also equipped with a 5 megapixel rear facing camera and camcorder, as well as a VGA front facing camera, and features a new and improved keyboard with multi-touch support, Internet calling (VoIP/SIP support) and a clean new user interface.

      Get Access to Apps

      This powerful smartphone also includes popular Android features such as portable Wi-Fi hotspot, true multitasking and access to Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Voice Actions, Google Voice™ and YouTube™, and access to over 100,000 apps and widgets on Android Market™.

      Pricing and Availability

      The Samsung Nexus S will be going on sale at T-Mobile on December 16 for $199 with a new 2-year service agreement.  You can also purchase the Nexus S from Best Buy as an unlocked phone for $529 according to AndroidCentral.com.

      To learn more about the Nexus S, visit the Samsung or Google Nexus S websites.

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    • android,  google,  tmobile

      Briefly Noted: eWeek T-Mobile G2 Review

      December 3, 2010 /

      I recently came across eWeek.com’s review of the new T-Mobile G2 smartphone running Google Android.

      “Overall, the T-Mobile G2 by HTC, which is priced at $199 with a two-year contract, is quite a good Android phone. It doesn’t have every feature that can be found with the competition, but it has a few features the others don’t have, most notably the very fast 3G access. If you want an Android choice, this is right at the top of the list.”

      You can read the full review on the eWeek website.

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    • android,  apple,  blackberry,  blackberry os,  facebook,  google,  ios

      Facebook Mobile Clients Updated

      November 16, 2010 /

      I noticed today that Facebook updates started rolling out for iOS, BlackBerry, and Android.  Here’s a breakdown of the version bumps.

      iPhone/iPod touch/iPad version 3.3.2
      – Access account settings, privacy settings and Help Center
      – Fixed a bug that prevented users from uploading photos to specific albums

      BlackBerry 1.9.0.20
      – No specifics details as being included in this update

      Android 1.4.1
      – Fixed a bug to improved Places usage in non-English locales
      – Added higher resolution uploads
      – Various bug fixes

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    • android,  apple,  google,  ios,  iphone,  jailbreak

      Who Needs iOS 4.2? Run Android 2.2 On Your iPhone 2G, 3G Now

      November 11, 2010 /

      I saw this over on Engadget and couldn’t resist commenting on it.

      It seems that iPhone hacks have way too much time on their hands, because with an application called Bootlace 2.1 for jailbroken iPhone 2G (the original iPhone) and iPhone 3G, the job of getting Android 2.2 installed is even easier.

      So who cares if Apple is stopped releasing iOS updates for the original iPhone?  Now we can run Google Android 2.2 and we don’t even need to sync to a computer to load it up.

      You can find the installation directions over on FSM.com.

      [Via Engadget.com…]

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    • android,  best buy,  galaxy tab,  google,  samsung,  sprint,  verizon

      Briefly Noted: Samsung Galaxy Tab Sprint Pre-Order, Best Buy On Tap

      October 25, 2010 /

      In addition to today’s RIM BlackBerry Playbook news, more details about Samsung’s Galaxy Tab have surfaced.

      First up, the Google Android powered Samsung Galaxy Tab will begin shipping for Sprint customers on November 14.  If you want to make sure you get yours on launch day, starting today, Sprint is accepting pre-orders for the Galaxy.

      “The 7-inch tablet will launch online and in select stores on November 14, and it will run $399.99 with a new 2-year contract. As far as what that 2-year contract entails, Sprint is making two data plans available alongside its first tablet offering: a 2GB option for $29.99 per month and a 5GB option for $59.99 per month.”

      Also, we have learned by way of leaked Best Buy advertisement, the Wi-Fi only Samsung Galaxy tab will sell for $499.  The specs are the same as the Verizon and Sprint editions of the tablet, minus the cellular radio.

      [Via BoyGeniusReport.com…]

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    • android,  dataviz,  docs to go,  google,  rim

      Documents To Go 3.0 for Android Released

      October 25, 2010 /

      DataViz, Inc., a leading provider of Microsoft Office compatibility solutions, on Friday (10/22/10) announced the immediate availability of Documents To Go 3.0 in the Android Market and through www.dataviz.com. Documents To Go continues to be one of the top selling productivity applications in the Android market as well as one of the top downloads with its free “view only” edition.

      What’s New in Documents To Go 3.0 for Android?

      DataViz continues to offer both paid and free versions of Documents To Go, both of which have been updated significantly in version 3.0.   While the free version remains limited in its capabilities, it now adds the ability to view PowerPoint files, which was originally in the paid version only.  In addition, the free application is now ad-based.  Once the Full Version key is purchased, the advanced features become available, and the ads disappear.

      The Full (paid) version contains a myriad of new features and enhancements including:

      Google Docs

      Google Docs users can now access all their stored files right from within Documents To Go.  Changes can then be made to these documents and saved back into Google Docs for “anywhere access.”  New files can also be created in Documents To Go and saved up to the Google Docs “cloud.”

      Desktop Synchronization

      Version 3.0 also offers a desktop application that provides Windows customers with the ability to easily transfer files from their computer to their Android-based device over a USB cable.  Users can then select individual files or entire folders to synchronize and all updates made in either location will be automatically synchronized.  As always with Documents To Go, 100% of the original file formatting will be maintained via DataViz’s acclaimed InTact Technology™.

      Revamped User Interface and File Browser

      Documents To Go 3.0 has added tools to browse and manage files on an Android device. Mobile workers can now view, edit, create, delete, rename, sort, filter, star, sync, backup and send files from one centralized application.  ‘Live Folders’ continue to keep recently used and favorite files in a conveniently accessible location.

      Multitude of Optimizations and Enhancements

      PDF To Go now includes pinch to zoom, multi-touch, rotate page and more.  Rendering speed and quality improvements were made to Slideshow To Go.  In addition, Office 2007 password protected files are now supported.


      “DataViz is excited to continue innovating our Documents To Go product line and are encouraged by the success and growth of the Android platform,” says Bonnie Boyle, Documents To Go Business Manager.  “This release was the culmination of customer requests for features and our own desire to remain the best of breed in the Office category on the Android platform.”

      Pricing & Availability

      Documents To Go Full Version Key (3.0) is now available either in the Android Market or through www.dataviz.com for $14.99. All customers who purchased Documents To Go Full Version Key 2.0 will receive a free update to version 3.0 via an on device notification through the Android Market.  The Documents To Go Desktop software is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 and can be downloaded from the DataViz website at www.dataviz.com/getdesktop.  For more information:  http://www.dataviz.com/products/documentstogo/android/index.html

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    • android,  samsung,  sprint

      Sprint Launches 4G Service in Orlando

      September 20, 2010 /

      OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), September 20, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE:S) officially launched 4G in Orlando today. The next generation in wireless service provides speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G service1 and it is now available to customers in Orlando.

      Sprint offers a growing portfolio of 4G-enabled devices, including HTC EVO™ 4G, the nation’s first 4G-capable handset, and the newly launched Samsung Epic 4G. Both operate on the Android™ platform. These products are part of a large selection of 4G-capable modems, mobile hotspots and routers that enable 4G advantages of rapid mobile downloads of large files, high-quality streaming video and high-speed Web browsing.

      “Orlando is the third city in Florida to receive 4G service,” said Matt Carter, president of Sprint 4G. “We are continuing to deliver on our commitment to serve our customers by rolling out 4G in more cities in 2010. Customers in Florida are hungry for the power and speed that 4G provides and today they have it.”

      You can read the full version of today’s press release on the Sprint website.  For more information about Sprint’s 4G services, point your browser at: http://www.sprint.com/4g.

      Click the Read more link to see the current list of cities covered by Sprint’s 4G service.

      Sprint Markets Supporting 4G Service

      California – Merced, Modesto, Stockton, Visalia; Delaware – Wilmington; Florida – Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando; Georgia – Atlanta, Milledgeville; Hawaii – Honolulu, Maui; Idaho – Boise; Illinois – Chicago; Maryland – Baltimore; Massachusetts – Boston; Michigan – Grand Rapids; Missouri – Kansas City, St. Louis; New York – Rochester, Syracuse; Nevada – Las Vegas; North Carolina – Charlotte, Greensboro (includes High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (includes Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Oregon – Eugene, Portland, Salem; Pennsylvania – Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Reading, York; Rhode Island – Providence; Tennessee – Nashville; Texas – Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Wichita Falls; Utah – Salt Lake City; Virginia – Richmond; and Washington – Bellingham, Seattle, Tri-Cities, Yakima.

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