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i’m watch – The Android Powered Watch

By Cheryl | Posted in Android, Gadgets | December 1, 2011 – 1:05 pm

Ever fancied receiving calls or even emails to your watch? Well now you can. i’m watch takes everything from your Android phone and puts it’s straight on your wrist.

Users will be able to make and receive calls, text messages and emails on the device while also keeping up with notifications from the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare.

Music can also be played from the watch and purchased from the i’music store, and like all Android handsets, the device can handle various apps which can be purchased through the i’market.

Many of the options on the watch require internet connection, and handsets that work with the device include: Android, RIM, iOS, Bada, Symbian and the Windows Phone 7. The watch itself is connected entirely through Bluetooth but disappointingly runs Android 1.6.

  • i.MX233 processor
  • 64 MB RAM
  • 4 GB Flash Drive
  • 1.54-inch colour TFT display
  • 240×240 pixels
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • Standby 48 hours w/o Bluetooth
  • Standby up to 24 hours w/ Bluetooth
  • Talk time with speakerphone up to 3 hours
  • 70 gr weight (Colour version)
  • Charging via USB to computer or via power adapter



At such an expensive price it will be hard for this product to become little more than a novelty, with people able to purchase handheld devices for a lower cost.

Would I buy it? No. As much as I love Android I’m not sure how much use I would get from the watch and would much rather use a handset. It’s obvious the technology is still quite away from being perfected so maybe waiting another year or two before buying such technology would be your best bet.

One question…What were they thinking with the name?!


Prices start at €249.

Motorola Droid Razr

By Cheryl | Posted in Android, Mobile | November 16, 2011 – 6:57 pm

There was a lot of buzz surrounding the Droid Razr before its release, so as it hits UK shelves, how does it match up to expectations?

It seems like every week we hear of a new Android phone coming on to the market, but why has the Droid Razr caused so much buzz? The phone is stylish and most importantly light. At just 7mm thick, this Motorola phone is ideal for people on the go.

The handset is black and comes complete with a front facing 1.3 megapixel chat camera and a rear 8.0 megapixel camcorder. Screen size is always a main factor when people are choosing a phone and they should be happy with the 4.3-inch screen delivering a 540 x 960 pixel resolution. The battery life also seems to be of a good quality, offering approximately 12.5 hours talk time.

Although there has been a lot of talk about the size, the handset is average for most phones now, and it looks like the company are looking to play on the ‘Razr’ thin aspect.

One thing this smartphone is missing is the latest Android OS. The phone comes installed with Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread). But fear not; all users have been promised an upgrade to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) in early 2012.

Specifications
1.2Ghz dual core processor
1GB system RAM
16GB internal RAM
4.3-inch screen Super AMOLED display
7.1 mm thickness
8-megapixel real camera with LED flash, autofocus and 1080p video capture
Android Gingerbread
WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G/4G LTE

Foodzy

By Cheryl | Posted in Android, Apple, Application | September 19, 2011 – 1:40 pm

FoodzyEveryone wants to lose weight and Foodzy might just be the perfect app to help you get your eating habits under control.

Foodzy is a self-funded start up based in Amsterdam, and launched to the public in April 2011. The concept is based around other popular apps such as Foursquare and GetGlue, where a user checks-in; the difference being is that the app is based around your diet during the day.

Whether you are having cereal for breakfast, a bbq with friends, or a few drinks after work, users are asked to ‘check-in’ and keep a complete log of what they have consumed during the day. Badges are rewarded for eating healthily and even for such milestones as having five bbq’s over the summer.

So, how can it help you to lose weight? By keeping a log of the calories (or ‘bits’ as it’s called in the app), you are able to view detailed statistics of your food habits and the amount you consume in a day. From this you can see were your diet needs to be altered and make the necessary changes.

Pricing

Foodzy Lite – Free

Your food record is kept for 30 days
Only certain badges are available in the lite version

Foodzy Pro – $15 per year

Unlimited storage of your check-ins
Earn all Foodzy badges!
Analyze your food habits in your personal Foodzy dashboard
Start Diet Plans
Foodzy on Mobile

http://foodzy.com

Postcards

By Cheryl | Posted in Android, Apple, Application | September 15, 2011 – 11:20 am

Postcards AppIn an age where everything is becoming digital, it’s nice to see an app like Postcards hit the market.

The app allows you to take a picture on your phone, add a message, submit an address, click send, and a physical postcard is sent to the person of your choosing. Yes, it’s that simple.

Postcards can be delivered worldwide and are printed and posted on the same day, with the cut-off point being 4pm for next day delivery.

Pricing:
(Only payments via PayPal are accepted.)
2nd class – 99p
1st class – £1.49
International – £1.49

As this is a relatively new app, expect some bugs, but hopefully these can all be ironed out as this looks like it could be useful to a lot of people.

The Postcards app is free and available on both Android and iPhone handsets.

Foodspotting – A Visual Guide To Good Food And Where To Find It

By Cheryl | Posted in Android, Apple, Social networking | August 18, 2011 – 12:10 pm

FoodspottingWe’ve all visited websites were we can view and recommend our favourite restaurants, but Foodspotting takes it to the next level.

Founded in 2009, the food photo social network app lets people post images and reviews of a meal, effectively allowing you to see the menu before you even get to the restaurant. Only food you liked can be posted and the app contains a straightforward rating system, simply clicking “Nom” if you like it.

Company founder, Alexa Andrzejewski, had the following to say:
“We really want it to be a celebration of local food, a food lense or food vision about wherever you go. It really shows something about the local culture in any area.”

Users

User numbers have steadily grown across the US, and now the app is starting to find a market in countries around the world, including the UK. Since the app was launched to the public in 2010, over 748,448 foods have been spotted around the globe.

 

Taken from the website, here are the great features of the app:-

As a foodseeker you can:

  • Explore your city or neighbourhood to see the nearest, latest and best foods around you
  • Look up a restaurant and see what’s good there
  • Find a particular dish that you’re craving
  • Bookmark foods you want to try by clicking (“Want it!”)
  • Vote up food you’ve tried and loved (“Nom it!”)
  • Access guides from experts like the Travel Channel to see the nearest recommendations to you
  • Follow people and guides that you trust, and places and foods that you love

As a foodspotter you can:

  • Share where to find a food you love by uploading a photo (“spotting it”), emailing it to food@foodspotting.com (you’ll need to add details from the website), or adding it to a guide
  • Complete guides, scavenger hunts and challenges to earn badges and recognition
  • Become a dish expert by spotting five or more foods of the same type
  • Earn virtual tips for making quality contributions to the Foodspotting community

 

The app is currently available on any iPhone, Windows Phone 7 and Android device, so what are you waiting for? Just beware; you’ll be feeling very hungry once you have visited!

www.foodspotting.com

HTC Flyer

By Cheryl | Posted in Android, Google, Tablet PC | August 10, 2011 – 12:16 pm

htc flyerAre HTC on to a winner with their first tablet, the HTC Flyer?

Although aesthetically pleasing, the device fails to bring anything new to the table, but does that really matter? Well, maybe.

We’re used to HTC bringing out devices of style and quality, and this is no exception, but like most tablets you can’t help but think you should wait until their next release.

The first thing that drew me to the HTC Flyer was the design. It’s smooth and sleek lines make it look impressive but its the rear of the device, complete with aluminium and top and bottom white plastic bumpers, that make it really stand out.

The device features a front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera and 5 megapixel rear camera, both good, but lacking clarity. Video is also not of the greatest quality, and even though the camcorder keeps up with motion, it fails to pick up any sort of sharp resolution.

How does it compare to other tablets such as the iPad2 and Motorola Xoom? For me screen size is a one of the main things I look for, and unfortunately the Flyer posses the smallest screen of the three devices. Its 7-inch display dwarfs in comparison to the Xoom (10.1in) and iPad (9.7in), but this also makes it extra portable for those not consumed by the size.

Models

Wi-fi – 16GB storage
3G – 32GB storage

Specifications

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.5GHz
Screen: 7-inch LCD Touchscreen(1024 x 600)
Weight: 420g
Front Camera: 1.3 megapixels
Rear Camera: 5 megapixels
Flash support
No HDMI output
No video/TV output

Price

Compared to other tablets, is the HTC Flyer worth the price? A lot of consumers say no. Priced at around £450-599, depending on model, it may be a little pricey when compared to similar devices on the market.

Should you buy?

The HTC looks good and is good, but like anything, could use improvement. The size makes is ultra-portable, but may not be what everyone is looking for. The cost could also prove a sticking point, with many tablets on the market offering more competitive pricing.

There are rumours the company’s next offering, the HTC Puccini, could be out as soon as September and it may be worth waiting until then to make your decision.

 

HTC EVO 3D

By Cheryl | Posted in 3D, Android, Mobile | July 29, 2011 – 10:25 am

HTC EVO 3DIt’s not often I look at a mobile phone and think ‘I’ve got to have that’; but that all changed when I caught a glimpse of the new HTC EVO 3D.

Being a big fan of HTC, in fact I currently have the Desire model, I have watched them bring out one impressive model after another, but could this be the one to top them all?

The biggest difference with this device is that its is capable of 3D; making it one of the first of its kind to use the technology. Whether it 3D images your after or even 3D video, this little device can handle it all, and you can easily output your media to your 3DTV using a HDMI cable and watch them on the big screen.

For the OS Android’s latest update, Gingerbread, is installed.

Design

Design-wise the phone is very stylish and follows the look of previous HTC handsets. The only colour appears on the rear of the device which appears as a trim around the camera; in the US this is red, but it looks like the European market may be limited to gold.

HTC Watch

The HTC Evo 3D comes with HTC Watch installed, giving users access to 2D/3D movies and TV shows available to buy, rent or download. Unfortunately, HTC have confirmed that there won’t be a huge selection of content available for the handset initially. There is a chance the device could come with free movie, The Green Hornet, which is what US customers received.

Specifications

1.2GHz dual-core processor
Display: 4.3-inch 3D touch screen
Dimensions: 126 x 65 x 12.1 mm
Weight: 170g
Memory: 1GB storage, 1GB RAM
Front camera: 1.3 megapixels
Camera: 5 megapixels
HD video recording: 2D/3D videos with up to 720p resolution
Talk time: Up to 9h 20 min (2G) / Up to 7 h 45 min (3G)
Standby time: Up to 358h (2G) / Up to 420h (3G)

Release Date

Although scheduled for release on 23rd July, it looks like the phone won’t be making its way to UK shops until at least September. This has caused carrier Vodafone to exclude it from their smartphone range with a company spokesman explaining: “We’ve decided that due to delays to the launch of the device, we no longer plan to include the HTC EVO 3D in our smartphone range. We will be contacting customers who have registered for updates about the device to make them aware of this decision shortly.”

Opinionaided

By Cheryl | Posted in Android, Apple, website | July 19, 2011 – 11:33 am

OpinionaidedSometimes all we want is an opinion; whether it is on a new haircut or pair of jeans.

Opinionaided helps users gather the views of friends, family and the public, on the topic of your choice; the key being that all feedback is in real-time. Simply post a yes or no question along with an optional photo and sit back and watch as users vote on their preferred answer.

As of June, 1.2 million users had submitted a question which was met with over 90 million responses. The company have noted that people are using the site for 2 hours and 33 minutes on average per month, with posts almost doubling since March.

Currently still working on the Android version, the app is available for free on the iPhone or via the web. The company has recently released figures showing that more than 90% of their user base accesses the app via the mobile platform.

So, if you’re unsure if you should buy that expensive gadget, or if you’re just having trouble choosing the right colour for your bedroom; give Opinionaided a go!

http://www.opinionaided.com/

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LinkedIn launches Android App

By Cheryl | Posted in Android, Application, Social networking, Twitter at 12 | April 15, 2011 – 12:08 pm

LinkedIn Android AppAlthough the LinkedIn app was already available on iPhone and Blackberry devices, the Android version has been stuck in Beta mode since December. The company finally announced on Tuesday that the app was now available on the Android market, which was welcomed by many of its loyal followers.

LinkedIn was launched in 2003 and has established itself as the number one business-oriented social networking site, covering more than 200 countries, with over 100 million users. The aim of the site is to allow professional people to keep in contact with each other.

Unlike many other social networking sites, you must know the person you would like to add as a ‘connection’. This enables you to maintain a list of people you have some kind of relationship with and reduces the amount of meaningless posts and messages.

Product Manager, Chad Whitney, explained that the company had decided to concentrate on the main features in it’s first release before undertaking those that were requested by beta testers. These features will include updates, search, connections, invitations, messages and reconnect.

This announcement means that Android users can now search the profiles of over 100 million professionals in real-time, while also using other key features from the website.

The app is available to download now from the Android App Store.

Shop on the go with Debenhams

By Cheryl | Posted in Android, Apple, Application, Mobile, News | April 4, 2011 – 11:57 am

debenhams appMobile shopping has proved a successful venture for retailer Debenhams leading the company to announce that their app, once offered exclusively on the iPhone, will now be available on a number of smartphones.

In October 2010, the department store became the first retailer to offer the fully transactional app to iPhone handsets, allowing users to shop on the go. Since the success of the app and online sales increasing by 82%, the retailer are now offering the app to both Android and Nokia users.

Head of Digital Development, Harriet Williams, had the following to say on the development, “Our iPhone app has already seen 2.4 million shopping sessions with 110,000 customers using the app more than five times. Launching on the Android and Nokia platforms opens Debenhams mobile shopping to another millions more customers, bridging the gap between the high street and Debenhams.com.”

The app includes a ‘Barcode Scanner’, which uses the phone’s camera to take a picture of the barcode, enabling it to automatically check prices and reviews.

Customers can also take advantage of exclusive products and offers by looking out for the special codes in Debenhams advertising and store windows.

Currently there has been no announcement on when the application will be made available to Blackberry users, but if the retailer really wants cater to all shoppers, it would be best not to leave it for too long.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the app and get shopping!

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