10/29 Android Phone Fans

// Apps of the Day – Halloween Edition: Widgets, Wallpapers, Games and More
// October 29, 2011 at 9:36 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/apps-of-the-day-halloween-edition-widgets-wallpapers-games-and-more/
We are back with today's round of the best, fun-filled, and extraordinary apps the Android Market has to offer. Halloween is only a few days away and keeping with that holiday spirit, I thought it only appropriate to feature the most goulish, creepy and gory Halloween themed apps from the Market. Let's have at it!

Halloween Clock - This clock widget comes to you from the makers of Kinectic Clock and features a festive Halloween theme complete with a little witch Andy, brewing away in his cauldron. The widget was actually rendered using 3D graphics and features an insane amount of detail. Not only that, it's highly customizable too! Halloween Clock features:
-Four different skins to choose from (wood, wrought iron, stone, and brick).
-Each skin switches to day and night versions on its own (or choose any skin you'd like to remain static).
-Moon and sun rise and set as the day goes on (or choose your favorite position to remain static).
-Space for two customizable launchers. App icons look like they're nestled right in the grass!
-12 and 24 hour modes.
[Market Link]

Haunted House HD - I've come across my share of amazing live wallpapers in my day and let me tell you -- none of the come as close to the amount of interaction and fun as this spooky 3D wallpaper from the creators of My Beach and Season Zen. The wallpaper allows you to travel around the outside of a haunted house, tiptoeing by candle-lit pumpkins and mailbox that can be customized with your name. Feeling brave? You can even travel inside the haunted house and have a look at the paranormal activity that lies within.
Haunted House HD features the ability to customize every part of the scene, choose your style of pumpkins and hide or show the items in the scene to decorate your haunted house for Halloween. Amazing fun and from a live wallpaper no less.
[Market Link]

Swiftkey X (with Pumpkin Theme) - SwiftKey X is my personal keyboard of choice (at the moment) and in celebration of Halloween, they saw it fit to introduce a brand new "Pumpkin Theme" in addition to their already available ones. SwiftKey X is based on the new version of TouchType's advanced Fluency language inference engine... simply meaning -- it can almost predict what you're going to say before you say it.
You can fine tune SwiftKey X with typing styles to match the way you use your phone. Whether you rely heavily on prediction or if you prefer to write your words out in full rapidly making typos and errors, SwiftKey will keep everything in order. If you haven't yet, now would be a great time to check it out.
[Market Link]

SpecTrek Light - SpecTrek is one of those oldie but goodies. I've been having fun with this app since back in the G1 days and not much has changed. Not much has to. The name of the game is ghost hunting and you must run around your immediate vicinity, hunting down ghosts using radar. One you're in range, hold up your phone to switch to augmented reality mode and catch ghosts ala Fatal Frame. Tons of fun to be had especially when navigating around your neighborhood trick or treating.
[Market Link]

Contract Killer: Zombies (NR) - While not really "Halloween themed" (zombie killing is fun any time of the year) Contract Killer recently release a zombie version of their popular FPS game. How do you play? Well, it's simple. Gun down anything that groans, "Braaaaaaains." Just make sure you don't get too trigger happy as you have to rescue innocent civilians from the zombie-infested environments.
[Market Link]

Sliceween - This is a fun physics game where you have one simple goal: Get the bat. Into the house. Sounds easy enough... Or is it? You'll have to slice your way to victory using bars, bricks, spiders, teleporters and more. Featuring 4 different worlds for a total of 80 levels. I know it all sounds a bit weird but try it out. Sliceween is sure to get you into that Halloween spirit.
[Market Link]
Well, that pretty much covers it for our special Halloween edition of "Apps of the Day." Have any scary apps you would like to recommend? Just sound 'em off in the comments! We'll do our best to feature them come Monday, for one final round of Halloween themed apps. I hope you guys have a great weekend of partying and please, make it home safe.


// Sony Ericsson Announces Android 2.3.4 Rollout For All Countries – Adds Bonus Features
// October 29, 2011 at 7:19 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/sony-ericsson-announces-android-2-3-4-rollout-for-all-countries-adds-bonus-features/
Back in September, Sony Ericsson announced that they would being rolling out the Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread update to their devices, unfortunately for us here in the states (and other parts of the world), it was only for Nordic countries. Thankfully, today, SE announced that the 2.3.4 update has begun rolling out for the rest of the world but with a few added changes. Highlights of the update include:


Google Talk with Video Chat for smartphones with front-facing cameras
Updated Facebook inside Xperia™ functionality for enhanced like, share and discover abilities.
Xperia™ smartphones introducing world’s first 3D Sweep Panorama functionality powered by Sony.
16x video zoom
The software upgrade will enable consumers to turn their Xperia™ smartphone into a mini-mobile PC by connecting USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard or game controller) to Sony Ericsson LiveDock™ multimedia station. Connect the smartphone to a TV via HDMI to get a big screen experience.
Gesture input - text input by swiping the finger from one letter to the next
WiFi DLNA
Screen capture - allows the user to share a screen grab from anywhere in the phone.


Sony Ericsson devices that can look forward to the update are just about their entire lineup and include the Xperia Arc, Play, Neo, Mini, Mini Pro, Pro, Ray, Active, Neo V, Arc S and the Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman. For a video walkthrough of the new features (you have to see “USB on the go”) check out the video below.

Sony Ericsson (soon to be just “Sony”) has quickly proven to be one of the better Android OEM's, offering continuous support in regards to updates and with their work in the developer community. Now all that's left is for SE to deliver some shiny dual-core devices to the US and they'll be golden.
Thanks, Vlad!
[Via SEBlog]


// Deal Alert: Best Buy Offering 32GB HP TouchPads For $150 – But There's A Catch
// October 29, 2011 at 6:14 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/deal-alert-best-buy-offering-32gb-hp-touchpads-for-150-but-theres-a-catch/
Well, color my goose and slap me silly! Looks like there was still a few more HP TouchPads stashed somewhere after their big fire sale to go around. As it turns out, Best Buy will begin selling the 32GB version of the Android-hackable TouchPads for $150 but this time under one condition -- customers looking to take advantage of the deal must buy an HP computer to go along with it. Those shysters.
The deal kicks off on November 1st and you best believe Best Buy will be advertising the deal across all the usual channels like the front page of their Sunday ads. Oh- if you're feeling a bit wary about purchasing an HP computer after you know -� the whole talk of them pulling out of the PC market, word on the street is HP may have changed their minds. Nice to know your computer will at least offer some level of support. HP TouchPads on the other hand… well, you're just going to throw CM7 on there anyway.
[Via TechCrunch]


// HTC Rezound Stops By The FCC Again – Adds Wireless Charging To Features
// October 29, 2011 at 4:19 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/htc-rezound-stops-by-the-fcc-again-this-time-adds-wireless-charging-to-features/
The HTC Rezound aka Vigor has been going through some changes. Faced with a jampacked holiday season on Verizon the device appears to be… evolving. The Rezound made its way back to through the FCC again (first time was back in September) and according to the FCC change letter, the device has added an all new “wireless charging back cover.” Welcome to the 21st century, folks.
November will be loaded with Android heavy hitters going head-to-head thanks to the Motorola RAZR and Samsung Galaxy Nexus rumored to drop all within weeks of one another. Glad to see HTC is taking this fight seriously. What do you guys think? Will wireless charging be enough to pull this superphone ahead of the pack?
[FCC Via WirelessGoodness]


// HTC Releases Gingerbread Kernel Source For the Thunderbolt – Let The ROMs Begin
// October 29, 2011 at 3:28 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/htc-releases-gingerbread-kernel-source-for-the-thunderbolt-let-the-roms-begin/
Well, lookie here. Seems HTC has just released the Gingerbread kernel source for the my one of my old time favorites -- the HTC Thunderbolt While this may not mean much to the average user, this comes as great news for flashing addicts and ROM developers as they can now start cooking up some wild and crazy custom Gingerbread ROMs for the device. Game on.
The�2.6.35 kernel source is available via HTCdev and you can find the source link below. Viva la Thunderbolt!
Thanks, Jordan!
[Via HTCdev]


// Nook Color 2 Reportedly Being Shipped To Barnes & Noble Stores – Arrives Nov 7th
// October 29, 2011 at 2:54 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/nook-color-2-reportedly-being-shipped-to-barnes-noble-stores-arrives-nov-7th/
According to The Digital Reader, Barnes & Noble will begin shipping out its all new and improved Nook Color 2 to stores on November 7th. Apparently, B&N will be sprucing up their in-store Nook kiosk to something that resembles more of an actual department, complete with LED TV's and registers for checking out customers on the spot.
Still left up in the air are specs and pricing. Heck, this may no longer even be an Android device but given the success B&N had with Android on the previous model and versatility of the OS, I don't see them moving on to anything else.
B&N has also been kicking up development for the e-reader/tablet, most likely in anticipation of this new model. Let's see if they are able to pack enough punch in this thing to compete with Amazon's already hugely successful Kindle Fire. Gotta love competition.
[DigitalReader via Gizmodo]


// LG Revolution Gingerbread Over-The-Air Update Rolling Out Today
// October 29, 2011 at 2:35 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/lg-revolution-gingerbread-over-the-air-update-rolling-out-today/
Looks like the LG Revolution will be seeing a over-the-air software update rolling out sometime today. The 87.8MB update�will bring the device up to software version VS910ZV7 and brings all the goodies that come along with having a Gingerbread device like improved copy/paste and all around smoother UI. The update also brings with it the usual bug fixes, adding a little more overall stability to the phone.
The roll-outs like these usually happen by region and if you don't feel like waiting for Verizon to prompt you, it's usually possible to pull the update yourself by jumping into your Settings and going and manually checking for a software update. Any Revolution users out there have any luck?
[Via VerizonWireless]


// Gamestop Begins Selling Tablets In-Store and Online Starting Today
// October 29, 2011 at 1:46 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/gamestop-begins-selling-tablets-in-store-and-online-starting-today/
Looks like Gamestop is ready to jump on the tablet craze (if there is one) with the addition of a few tablets making their way to the video game retailer starting today.� Gamestop will be selling the Acer Iconia Tab A100, Asus Eee Pad Transformer and the Samsung Galaxy Tab in 200 of their stores as part of a test program. Each of the tabs will have access to Kongregate's Arcade app store including 7 free games including Dead Space, Madden and Sonic CD. If the test program goes well, Gamestop will ship out more tabs to stores in 2012.
Prices for these tablets are near identical as you would find at any other retailers with the Iconia Tab 8GB being offered for $330, Transformer for $400 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 coming in at $500. Gamestop loves their bundles and the tabs will be offering their own with accessories like a Bluetooth gamepad for some serious tablet gaming.
What do you guys think? Could these tablets be a hit for the holiday season?
[Gamestop via Electronista]


// Samsung Italy Confirms Ice Cream Sandwich for Note, S II and Tab in 2012
// October 29, 2011 at 1:31 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/samsung-italy-confirms-ice-cream-sandwich-for-note-s-ii-and-tab-in-2012/
It's been on many of our reader's minds and it looks like Samsung Italy is confirming which of their devices will see an Android 4.0 update in 2012. Here's the full list as it stands:

Galaxy SII
Galaxy Note
Galaxy Tab 10.1
Galaxy Tab 8.9
Galaxy Tab 7.7
Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus

Looks like Samsung is looking to turn around their reputation of providing poor software support on some of their "older" devices. Oh - and just because your Samsung device didn't make this list, doesn't mean there's no hope. This is just a confirmed list of devices, per Samsung. But, it's very likely Android 4.0 could be the final update for these devices as OEM's don't usually update more than once and rarely (if ever?) more than twice. In other words, don't go complaining if these devices don't see the rumored Jelly Bean update -- ya heard?
[Via AndroidHD]


// Google TV Honeycomb Update Ready for Primetime, Coming to Current Hardware Next Week
// October 28, 2011 at 10:12 PM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/google-tv-honeycomb-update-ready-for-primetime-coming-to-current-hardware-next-week/
Via the Google TV blog, the Android 3.0 update for Google's smart TV platform is ready to go. The new release features improvements in four key areas, everything from a simplified and easy-to-use user interface to the inclusion of the Android Market for access to more apps than ever. Other tent-pole elements of the new software include a new "TV & Movies" app for browsing shows and movies from your channel lineup, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, and more. Speaking of YouTube, video streaming is better than ever with an enhanced Google TV experience and deeper integration.

The update will be available first to Sony Google TV products starting early next week. Logitech devices will receive the update shortly after. This may explain the sticker found on the Revue's packaging as of yesterday, though it is still unclear if hardware is shipping with the new update out-of-the-box.

[via Google]


// No Ice Cream Sandwich for LG Optimus 2X?
// October 28, 2011 at 9:40 PM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/no-ice-cream-sandwich-for-lg-optimus-2x/
Will the LG Optimus 2X receive Ice Cream Sandwich? That's the question on the mind of every owner of that phone and T-Mobile's G2X variant. One user posted the question to LG's Facebook page and got a not so positive response. However, since the story started gaining traction around the blogosphere it appears LG has reneged on the statement (or at lease deleted the initial comment).

While it's really too early to be reporting on official and unofficial update roadmaps for ICS (the source code hasn't even been released to most manufacturers yet), we are trying to clear up information on this story. We have lines out to our people at LG and will hopefully have clarification on the matter shortly.
[via Android and Me]


// As Smartphone Sales Grow, Samsung Surpasses Apple as Top Dog Manufacturer
// October 28, 2011 at 8:28 PM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/as-smartphone-sales-grow-samsung-surpasses-apple-as-top-dog-manufacturer/
As Samsung reported their third quarter earnings, one thing was apparent: smartphone sales are on the rise. So much so, that analysts are now handing Samsung the rank of top dog in the global smartphone market. While Samsung didn't give the entire picture, analyst Jae Lee of Daiwa Securities estimated the company to have sold 28 million smartphones. This equates to over 10 million handsets more than Apple at 17 million.
But a few caveats need be applied before popping the champagne cork. Apple had been narrowly winning as of the second quarter with sales of 20 million iPhones. The number dropped off as consumers opted to wait for the announcement of a new model rather than buy the current generation. Apple also generated all of their sales with one device, which is impressive considering Samsung's total accounts for dozens of smartphone models. But Samsung's spike in sales is also a testament to the company's innovative and desirable products, particularly the Galaxy S II which has been coming to more and more markets.
With the announcement of the iPhone 4S we get the feeling Q4 will see the tides turn in Apple's favor once again, but for now Samsung sits atop the mountain. We imagine the legal department over at Apple headquarters will be working overtime in an effort to slow sales of Samsung devices.
[via The Guardian]


// Motorola XOOM 2 Appears in Verizon's Computer System
// October 28, 2011 at 7:59 PM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/motorola-xoom-2-appears-in-verizons-computer-system/
Verizon and Motorola have yet to make any official statements about a so-called Motorola XOOM 2, but it sure looks like we could be hearing about the new tablet soon. Actually, we should be hearing about two new XOOM models. Both a Motorola MZ609 and Motorola MZ617 have made an appearance in VZW's computer system, the latter of which sporting 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB model designations. This version of the XOOM 2 looks to be the replacement for the original 10.1-inch slate, while the MZ609 will be a smaller "media edition" device featuring either 16GB or 32GB of storage. Both are listed as having 4G connectivity out of the box.
Of course, these are all version that will tied directly to Verizon's network. We still haven't heard much in the way of WiFi-only editions, though it seems likely based on past releases.
[via DroidLife]


// Samsung Announces Nov. 3 Launch of Galaxy Note in the UK
// October 28, 2011 at 7:12 PM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/samsung-announces-nov-3-launch-of-galaxy-note-in-the-uk/
Yesterday we learned that Samsung has already begun shipping their behemoth Galaxy Note in some European regions, and it has now been revealed exactly when folks in the UK can get their hands on the device. The handset, which is about as big as the above pictured woman's head, will be available for purchase on November 3rd.
The date comes as part of an announcement highlighting a new series of apps for the Galaxy Note's S Pen. These so-called 'S Choice' apps are designed with core features that utilize the Note's included stylus.
[via EuroDroid]


// Android Overload: Motorola's Q3 Earnings Up 20%, Samsung Appeals Australian Injunction and More
// October 28, 2011 at 2:59 PM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/android-overload-motorolas-q3-earnings-up-20-samsung-appeals-australian-injunction-and-more/
Why, hello there! We get so many stories piling up on our to-do list from throughout the day that it’s hard to get to them all. Since they don't all get featured on our front page, we dump them up here, in the Android Overload. These are the stories we felt deserved a final once-over before slipping into the abyss of the world wide web. So have a look around and if something tickles your fancy, leave your thoughts in the comments.

Ghost Radar reviews in the Amazon AppStore are hi-larious. Thanks, Jones! [Amazon]
Motorola's Q3 earnings are up 20% from last year. Still a loss in operating costs. [VentureBeat]
From the makers of Gorilla Glass comes the all new Lotus Glass. [AndroidPolice]
Samsung appeals Australian Galaxy Tab 10.1 injunction. [BGR]
i'mWatch gets some hands on time. Not as cool as original renders. [PocketNow]
Lightsquared develops new antenna to squash GPS concerns. [BGR]
Dolphin Browser HD allegedly uploads user URL visits to server. Fix coming soon. [AndroidPolice]
LG Revolution could see Gingerbread update tomorrow. [LGForums]


// Samsung Galaxy Note Begins Shipping To Europe In Spite Of Apple
// October 28, 2011 at 1:35 PM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/samsung-galaxy-note-begins-shipping-to-europe-in-spite-of-apple/
Samsung has reportedly begun shipping out its 5.3-inch behemoth, the Galaxy Note, to Europe. In a move that is sure to get Apple's blood boiling, the phoneblet will be arriving in Germany first. Samsung is currently appealing a temporary ban of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Germany. Apple has yet to mention the Galaxy Note in their legal battles against Samsung but I'm sure all that will change once the Note arrives on the scene.

The Galaxy Note features a 720p display, 1.4GHz processor, 8MP rear/2MP front facing cameras and running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Its claim to fame is its larger than life size and the inclusion of a capacitive stylus optimized for a handful of included apps. Let's hope this arrives in the US sooner than later.

[Samsung via Electronista]


// Android Fragmentation Put On Display For All To See – Shows Embarassing History Of Support
// October 28, 2011 at 12:12 PM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/28/android-fragmentation-put-on-display-for-all-to-see-shows-embarassing-history-of-support/
An image displaying Android's fragmented “orphans” is making its way around the web today. The graph tracks Android smartphones that today, are still “under contract” but got left behind in the dust when it came to updates (firmware update or maintenance). The chart was made after news that Nexus One owners would not be seeing an OS update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Here are some of the cold hard facts:


7 of the 18 Android phones never ran a current version of the OS.
12 of 18 only ran a current version of the OS for a matter of weeks or less.
10 of 18 were at least two major versions behind well within their two year contract period.
11 of 18 stopped getting any support updates less than a year after release.
13 of 18 stopped getting any support updates before they even stopped selling the device or very shortly thereafter.
15 of 18 don’t run Gingerbread, which shipped in December 2010.
In a few weeks, when Ice Cream Sandwich comes out, every device on here will be another major version behind.
At least 16 of 18 will almost certainly never get Ice Cream Sandwich.


According to the graph, the results are (supposedly) embarrassing to Android users and display the sad, cruel reality of how fragmentation continues to hurt consumers -- especially Android consumers. Why is this being pointed out? Apparently, consumers are being screwed when they buy an Android device, app developers end up targeting older versions of Android in order to maximize market reach and security risks are sometimes never addressed from a manufacturer on older devices.
The solution? Well, it's simple. Stop buying cheap, low-end Android devices that can barely run the outdated OS they're being shipped with. If you buy a used G1, you really expect HTC to update it to Ice Cream Sandwich after 3 years? As consumers we have a voice and we let our wallets do the talking. Support the manufacturers that regularly update their devices and if you're phone is nearing 2-years old, well -- it might be time to upgrade. The mobile world moves quick. Technology moves fast. Google moves even faster. Remember, it's not by any fault of Google's nor their job to update your device to the latest firmware. It's the manufacturer's.
That is unless you buy a Nexus device.
[TheUnderstatement via Gizmodo]


// New HTC Vulnerability Found – 4G WiMax Left Wide Open For Malware
// October 28, 2011 at 10:36 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/27/new-htc-vulnerability-found-4g-wimax-left-wide-open-for-malware/
A new vulnerability was found in HTC devices -- this time, specifically involving HTC handsets equipped with WiMax radios and running on Sprint's 4G network. Developer TrevE discovered the vulnerability on the 20th and thanks to an agreement he made with HTC, didn't make the exploit public for a total of 5 days, giving the "Quietly Brilliant" manufacturer time to come up with a fix.
The vulnerability allows for a potentially malicious app to jump onto your WiMax/4G connection and obtain network information or even botch your 4G connection altogether. TrevE even came up with a quick patch as well as a proof of concept app, showing how easy it could be for a would-be hacker to mess with your life. A video of the PoC app in action is provided below.

And now we play the waiting game. HTC recently plugged up one hole in their OTA update that rolled out for all HTC devices on Sprint only a few days ago and now it looks like they're getting ready to do it all over again. With the ever increasing threat of Android malware on the horizon its nice to know we have a great Android developer community who is on top of issues like this (and keeping OEM's in check). Thanks, TrevE!
[XDA and InfectedROM]


// Samsung Q3 Profits Are Down – Smartphone Business Still Booming
// October 28, 2011 at 9:56 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/27/samsung-q3-profits-are-down-smartphone-business-still-booming/
Samsung's Q3 profits aren't doing so hot. The South Korean manufacturer reported a 13 percent drop in their fall quarterly profits. The fall was lessened thanks to their smartphone division which saw profits double from a year ago to a record high of $2.3 billion, 60 percent of Samsung's total profit. Samsung still hangs on to the No.2 spot for largest handset manufacturer just under Nokia.
It's Samsung's bread-and-butter chip business that is really hurting the company. Chip profits dropped to 1.59 trillion won, half of what they were last year. Oh - and don't forget Samsung' display busniess which also posted losses for a third consecutive quarter. Seems nobody is buying those super slim (and pricey) LED TV's.
This should give Samsung a good idea of where to invest their won ("moar Android phonez") and where consumers are spending their hard earned money. Even in a tough economy, consumers seem to hold more value to smartphones, which are essentially entertainment Swiss Army knives (games, video, music, web) dishing out more bang for the buck.
[Via Reuters]


// $35 Aakash Android Tablet Gets Handled On Camera
// October 28, 2011 at 8:52 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/27/35-aakash-android-tablet-gets-handled-on-camera/
Amazon's Kindle Fire made big headlines not so much because of the features or specs it housed but more because of its lower-than-expected $200 price tag. If you thought that was cheap wait until you see the $35 Aakash Android tablet launching next month in India. The tablet was developed as a low-cost, government subsidized computing device for students.

The boys over at VentureBeat were able to get some hands-on with the device and surprisingly, had mostly good things to say about the tab. Even if you take the government subsidy out of the equation, the 7-inch Aakash tablet still comes out to a very affordable $60.

Despite the Aaskash tablet's obvious shortcomings, there is no better example of Android's openness and versatility than this device here. I mean, there's no way the Indian government would be able to drop the price of iPads to $35 for their students. What do you guys think? For $60 -- would or would not?
[VentureBeat via Engadget]


// Sonalight Text By Voice – Completely Hands-free Texting While You Drive
// October 28, 2011 at 7:56 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/27/sonalight-text-by-voice-completely-hands-free-texting-while-you-drive/
I'm just going to lay it out here. Despite my suffering from narcolepsy, I do a lot of driving. And since I'm always running late, I tend to get on the road 1st, before sending texts to friends (while stopped at red lights) that I'm on my way. I've tried using Google's Voice Search actions for composing texts while driving but the amount of attention and physical screen presses required to shoot off a quick text was just too dangerous to use safely.
Thankfully, I came across Sonalight's Text By Voice app in the Market and I have to say -- I am impressed. I know what you're thinking, there are a handful of great voice-to-text apps in the Market, some that even act as personal assistants. But once again, those require too much attention from eyes and fingers to use safely while driving. Text By Voice works a little different.
Once you launch the app, it will run in the background reading incoming SMS messages aloud and listening for the appropriate phrase to compose an SMS. Simply saying, "Text by voice," will launch the app (without ever having to touch the screen) and you follow the spoken voice cues to respond or compose texts. The coolest part is that Text By Voice is always listening. That means even when your phone is sleeping, you can still send out texts without ever having to unlock your phone. Check out the tutorial video provided by the developers to see it in action.

The app, while free, has a pricing model that could turn-off some. You get 20 SMS messages free every month. After that, you can add 50 more for that never expire for $2 using in-app billing. Or you can opt for unlimited messages for 1 month that will run $2. A full year of Text By Voice, that will run you $20. You can try out Sonalight Text By Voice for free right now in the Android Market.
[Market Link]


// Google Maps Expands Street View To Include 360-Degree Business Interiors
// October 28, 2011 at 6:41 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/27/google-maps-expands-street-view-to-include-360-degree-business-interiors/
As a former process server (think Seth Rogan in Pineapple Express), Google Maps pretty much changed my life. I could leave my house on a job and know that no matter where I end up, I will never be lost. Street View has long been another great feature in Maps allowing you to view businesses, hotels and and stalk Kelly Ferguson's house, all from the comfort of your computer or handy Android phone.
Since the engineers at Google never sleep and are constantly improving on their services, Street View is getting a new addition by way of business interiors, allowing for users to get off the street and inside of businesses. It doesn't end there, Google is also reportedly working with some businesses to add additional content like pictures of food being offered at restaurants.
The way it works is a business must opt-in for interior view by submitting an application to Google and scheduling a day for the photo shoot. Google Places will then show up and snap 360-degree shots of the interior of their store and whammy -- a new virtual tour via Google Maps. Google is apparently adding interior view content from 37 different cities around the world from countries like the US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, France and the UK.
If you want to check out interior view in action, click this link to scope out Comics Toons N Toys.
[AtlanticWire via Electronista]


// Apps of the Day: Open Sea and Screencast Video Recorder
// October 28, 2011 at 6:29 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/27/apps-of-the-day-open-sea-and-screencast-video-recorder/
Another apps of the day entry for you guys today. While we aren't really dabbling into the halloween-themed apps out there, always feel free to suggest any you've been using or will be using in the coming days. With that said, there are demo versions of each app we feature so give them a try and see if they are worth your money. Go!

Open Sea - Our friends at The Pixelerz have opened our eyes to a new game they're touting. It's a unique game called Open Sea, a beautiful action game that tips its hat to a certain religious story and its associated characters. "Mo" parts the sea to help the folks get across (see where I'm going with this one?). "Jess" helps you walk on water and you are also joined by "Abe," "the Lovers" and "El." Even "Noah's NoNo" is here to help keep some animals afloat. Stay away from this one if you're sensitive about religion, but even with references to Christian stories it's still quite a fun and good looking game. There's a free version with 8 different levels but the paid version gets you 50+ missions with 5 different heroes to use along the way. [Market]

Screencast Video Recorder - As there are few apps of this genre, there can never be enough. The genre I'm speaking of is screen recording software. While a couple of other options exist, Media Solutions is touting smooth framerate and ease of use as reasons why you should pay $5 for their product. The interface looks great and the only negative we can think of is that you need root (but so do other applications that provide this functionality). They have a 24 hour refund policy as they understand 15 minutes is not enough and a demo version will help you see if it works well on your phone. Unfortunately, Tegra 2 devices are not supported here. Find the demo version in the Android market at the link ahead and see if it works before buying it. [Market]


// DROID RAZR Accessory Pricing Revealed
// October 28, 2011 at 4:38 AM

http://phandroid.com/2011/10/27/droid-razr-accessory-pricing-revealed/
Wondering how much you'll need to spend on the accessories you want for the DROID RAZR alongside the cost for the phone itself? Our friends at Droid-Life have gotten their hands on price sheet for everything you can expect to see flaunting next to one of the thinnest smartphones in America. We've got the Lapdock 100 for $200, the Lapdock 500 for $300 and HDMI docks for $60 and $100. Take a look at the full breakdown in the photo above.


--
Website: http://phandroid.com

Account Login:
https://www.feedmyinbox.com/members/login/?utm_source=fmi&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=feed-email

Unsubscribe here:
http://www.feedmyinbox.com/feeds/unsubscribe/1117863/63dc946f0bbbcfe7d4292ad7fd27e62e183d5e73/?utm_source=fmi&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=feed-email

--
This email was carefully delivered by FeedMyInbox.com.
PO Box 682532 Franklin, TN 37068

Anonymous
Anonymous

This is a short biography of the post author. Maecenas nec odio et ante tincidunt tempus donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus nullam quis ante maecenas nec odio et ante tincidunt tempus donec.

No comments:

Post a Comment