Archive for the ‘Android’ Category

Apr 12

New series of Samsung Glalaxy Tab 2 tablets is a little better and cheaper than the one it replaces, and for that we to  say thanks to Apple rival, which has reduced the price of iPad 2 tablet at just $400.

While Apple still adhere to the strategy of a limited supply of new products, but aggressively promoted and sold in huge volumes, Samsung has opted for a tactic of saturation of the market with all kinds of Android tablets in an attempt to cover every format, level equipment or range of possible prices.

Having already launched so many tablets, many of them being successful, Samsung has chosen to present the new Galaxy Tab 2 series only as an improved edition of the Galaxy Tab tablets for few months ago. Consequently, new Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 specifications sounds pretty familiar: screen resolution of 1280×800 pixels, 16 GB internal memory and microSD card slot, 3 megapixel camera on the back side, that same dual-core processor at 1 GHz produced by Texas Instruments.

Along the exterior design, in terms of improvements we have Android Ice Cream Sandwich, promised by Samsung for older versions of the tablet, but delayed for reasons more or less justified. The news also include a set of front stereo speakers, located to the side of the screen, that an infrared transmitter that you can use in combination with Smart Remote application to control almost all devices on a home theater setup (even those that not manufactured by Samsung).

The package comes with 1 year of free subscription to Dropbox online storage service, where we have available in which to store 50 GB collection of pictures, music and movies. While the tablet comes with a recommended of $400, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is a high-end product and a direct competitor to the iPad 2. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is addressed to midrange segment and aims at a more reasonable price of $250.

Tablet configuration includes the same dual-core processor at 1 GHz (TI OMAP 4430), 1GB RAM, 8 GB of internal storage and microSD slot, infrared transmitter, that Wi-Fi N and Bluetooth. Unfortunately smaller screen comes with a low resolution to 1024×600 pixels, rather than by current standards but acceptable for the price paid.

On the back side we find the same 3MP camera, and the next screen we have a VGA camera for video calls. Unfortunately left stereo configuration rather than a single mono speaker, on the front. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 comes first in the United States, followed on May 13 by Galaxy Tab 2 10.1.



Apr 10

We don’t need to worry about Instagram acquisition by Facebook, because change will not affect users, according to official statements. Instagram will remain the same social services that users of iOS love and Android users started to like. And for a complete experience, HoneyGram promises to open our Instagram world in a way that certainly many of you will find attractive.

HoneyGram is a browser for Instagram photos shared by millions of users worldwide. Not necessarily require authentication, you can view your creations draw without an account.

The interface is beautifully designed and we have all the tools to enjoy the fascinating experiences shared through this service. Is available including a search engine. Each image can be saved and shared on other social networks, your choice. We have the proximity settings and can even view pictures taken at 50 meters from our current location and add a comment to each photo.

Once you log in using Instagram account, the range of options will began to expend. We feed our view photos, as I do it using the official application, pictures that we have shared and that we liked. Very attractive is the option to make photo collages, you can rearrange, save and share freely.

Even if you haven’t tried Instagram, it worth to give your attention to HoneyGram application, only for visual pleasures that will be offered. You can download for free from Play Store.



Apr 06

Amazon has risked and won by launching a 7 inch tablet with Android, but the OS was “covered” by production company. Well, now they could launch a terminal within Android custom, or rather a non-Google Android phone experience.

At first, when the first tablets and Android phones were launched, Google held eager that at least on some of them be the branding Google, but this trend disappeared in the meantime. Obviously, in addition to Nexus terminals, for example LG Optimus Pad tablet had the Google logo on it, from what I remember. Returning to mysterious non Google phone, Ted Morgan, Skyhook Wireless CEO said that the Kindle Fire experiment could be repeated in mobile world this time by a major brand.

It could be a Facebook phone, a Amazon phone or a Techcrunch one? Most of The Verga have indications that Facebook would work on a such items as research and development budget of Zuckerberg’s company has grown significantly recently, with no release in sight. It’s true that we already had some Facebook phones and I mean HTC Chacha and Salsa, but we’re talking about one that is really built around FB socialization.

Ted Morgan seems convinced that some manufacturers does not have good relationships with Google and could seek such a solution. Let’s see if Kindle Fire’s success will be repeated.



Apr 03

Instagram is a social service through pictures, best known for iOS users. Android version was long overdue and developers have promised a better version than that of the iOS. After much speculation tease sites and the release date, time came, landed on the Play Store application.

Basically, what is? A photo sharing service that requires a user account. You can create a profile and add friends on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Tumblr.
How do I use? Take a picture using your phone camera, then apply different effects. Later, you can share it on one of the social sites.
How much it costs? Nothing! Perhaps a little patience to create your account and find your friends. Otherwise, it’s free on Play Store.


Newsletters for Android

All of us is using at least one application to keep us abreast with the latest news from the field that interests us. All I gave to the browser in favor of these magazines in digital format, which consumes fewer resources and have an attractive interface. But which application is best when it comes to news on the Android smartphone?

Feedly. Simplistic interface will not put anyone in need. You can configure multiple news sources and is mainly focused on Google Reader. Application opens quickly and does not consume much data traffic. Many will appreciate the swipe gesture to mark an article read / unread. There version of Google Chrome browser. It is available free store. Unfortunately only a widget application include small size (4×1) and share options of the social network is not functioning as intended.

Google Currents. The best interface. Swipe gestures, how they are arranged feeds, sharing options, everything is very carefully worked. It is a pleasure to read news with this application. It synchronizes with your Google account. Unfortunately consumes a lot of resources and data traffic. Not recommended for slow connections and does not include widgets. Sync takes forever.

Minimal Reader. I was pleasantly surprised by this application. It is based on widgets, very configurable, with access to Google Reader. Holo-style interface can be customized at will. Widgets are available in all sizes and versions are developed. Consumes very few resources and data traffic. There are options including display pictures in the widget, for low data consumption. Interface to access it to read an article can also be customized and included eight themes. Articles sharing the option. A drawback is lack of possibility to resize widgets and no additional sources of news.



Apr 02

What about the battery life? This is the most common question when it comes to a new Smartphone. Manufacturer response it can  only be an estimated one because they can not predict how you are going to use your phone. Maybe you feel dissatisfaction and frustration. The best thing is to take an informed decision and that is the purpose of this article.



Do not be afraid to recharge!
The type of battery used in current Smartphones is Li-Ion. Technology manufacturing cells used in this type of battery has evolved over time. Unlike Ni-Mh, which allowed a total of 300 to 500 full recharge cycles, Li-Ion allows 800-1000 cycles. Your battery capacity will decrease by 80% after 2 years and you will have to buy a new one, if you want of course.

High capacity. It accepts, usually at least 1500 milliamps for a new generation of dual-core smartphone. Do not be afraid for smaller capacities. The idea is, if you reload often, at least to load quickly. For this reason some manufacturers opting for smaller capacity batteries. If battery capacity is sufficient for the day, then you have no reason to look for a higher battery capacity.

Single Core vs. Dual Core. According to producers, dual core smartphones consumes less battery. In fact, the truth is somewhere in between. Yes, you may want a more powerful processor, but at the same time, it is better to have a compatible software.

Do not rely solely on the applications listed in these operating systems to perform our tasks, mostly, download applications from the store. And here, at least for Android, although we are years away for the debut of dual-core processors, few applications are optimized to use the second core. If things are better with iOS, given the small number of devices and hardware configurations, my advice is to install the latest software platform.

Courage! Do not allow applications like “Battery Saver” to tell you what to do, when to do. I already covered in the article dedicated programs futility of “Task Manager”. The same premise applies to “Battery Saver” applications. Do not turn the wireless on the contrary, try to keep it active as long as possible. Not darken, choose an average value that suits you best and leave it so. Do not charge smartphone with all kinds of applications that promise to do much when in reality you do not need them. The smartphone is designed to be smart. Do not reduce the status of feature phones for greater life of the battery, you are not using it anyway. Avoid cycles of stop/restart. Keep things moving.

There are cases where even we need a higher capacity battery. Some manufacturers offer genuine alternatives. They are preferred. Can’t find the original larger capacity? Buy one of the same capacity and make it work. There is also a good pool of third-party vendors, but rarely in our market. Use known online services like Amazon, with confidence. Do not limit yourself to the domestic market. Most important for Li-Ion battery is the production date.