June 9, 2011
Our Android phones are capable of more and more every day, and all of those apps generate a lot of notifications. Some of those notifications are ones that you would like to see, even if you don't have your phone right next to you while you're working on a computer. However, there is a relatively new service that can detect the notifications on your phone, and show them on your computer desktop.
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June 7, 2011
That smartphone sitting in your pocket or on your desk right now is actually a computer. Of course, you already knew that. But what kind of a computer is it, exactly? What are its specifications, how much RAM does it have, what kind of sensors are on-board and what do they mean? If you've ever wondered about any of these things, Elixir for Android has the answers you're looking for, and much more.
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June 6, 2011
From the comfort of your pocket-sized smartphone it is now possible to record detailed information about your travels and location. The recently launched CheckMyTour offer a completely wireless and comprehensive tracking service that doesn't cost a penny. At the time of writing there is an iPhone app and an Android app in development.
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June 3, 2011
On a scale of one to ten, how smart is your smartphone? It may be smart enough to handle email, or help you navigate unfamiliar urban landscapes. But is it smart enough to turn off the GPS when you plug it back in at home? Or does it have the brains to turn on the ringer once you've left work? Here at MakeUseOf, we only write about free applications and tools... and this is where Llama for Android comes in.
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June 3, 2011
We've covered a number of security apps for the Android. However, vulnerability on any smartphone doesn't only come just from possible viruses. It also comes from the potential that malicious software could hijack your data connection. LBE Privacy Guard protects your phone from malicious software as it is monitors all access points and lets you know exactly what's going on with your phone.
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May 31, 2011
Why does an application such as Blackjack require permission to send out SMS messages on your behalf, or read your phone identity? The fact of the matter is that there are numerous applications that require very invasive permissions, and could potentially cost you money in all sorts of sneaky ways. One solution is to install them, but selectively deny their invasive permissions. That's what Permissions Denied for Android offers.
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May 31, 2011
If you’re a techie, one of the first things you do when you walk in the door is turn on your computer. Perhaps you simply tap your keyboard or mouse, or maybe you press the power button. Either way, you have to be at your computer before you can start it. Wouldn’t it be easier if your computer was ready for you as soon as you sat down? If you own an Android device, that’s possible thanks to a free app called PC Auto Waker.
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May 27, 2011
Goodreads is a large online community for book lovers. If you’re not familiar with the service and community, we’ve written up a great article showing what you can do with Goodreads. In this post, I will be covering Goodreads’ fairly recent foray into the mobile application space with Goodreads for Android. As you launch Goodreads, [...]
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May 26, 2011
One of the problems many families have today is that no one really has time to make dinner. It's hard to plan out the meals - so when dinner comes, it's hard to cook when you don't even know what to cook. Luckily, I've found four Android recipe apps that completely eliminate the time required to think up good meals, and they are also there when it's time to cook - with easy step-by-step instructions.
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May 26, 2011
Google today announced two new services that seek to change the way consumers make purchases: Google Wallet and Google Offers. Wallet, which begins field tests today and should be available publicly this summer, gives Android phones the ability to store your credit card information. Once enabled, the service can be used to pay at participating retail stores.
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May 24, 2011
The eBuddy XMS application for iOS and Android has launched worldwide and is set to change phone messaging as we know it. The eBuddy XMS application is a free messaging system which allows you to send more than just SMS to your contacts, including pictures and emoticons. Unlike sending messages and pictures via your phone, the eBuddy service will be free from additional phone charges.
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May 22, 2011
Firefox for Android has recently updated privacy options to include a "Do Not Track" feature, which is a huge step for smartphone privacy online. Firefox is one of the leading browsers in this respect, and more mobile web browsers are expected to follow this privacy move in the near future.
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May 20, 2011
Making a good mobile Twitter client is a fine balancing act. You need to provide your users with the functionality that they need, but you can't risk being too confusing. There's no manual, and even if there was one, nobody would take the time to read it. The app also needs to be very snappy and responsive. Twicca rises to the challenge.
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May 20, 2011
In this article, I'll introduce you to Mobeo, which takes the concept of geolocation to a whole new level with regard to having fun with your friends in a gaming environment. Not sure what I mean? How would you like to throw a flaming cabbage at one of your friends across town?
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May 20, 2011
One of the things I've been toying with is making portable web servers. What if I could set up a mobile web server on my phone, and then share out any web content that I have? What if I could carry around a customized start page that I could use to access important weblinks on the network? The good news is that using two tools - the PAW Mobile Web Server, and the SPGM - this is all possible.
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