Once again the Android x86 Project team has released the latest version of the Android OS live CDs, Android 4.0 IceCream, for x86 processors(the cpus that is running on your PC). While Android 4.0 still has many bugs and is unavailable on most Android phones, it is worth the install an Android Virtual Machine to see what it has to offer. Download links are below.
While this release may not seem significant to most Android users, big chip manufacturers now has the ability to use the source code to build a heavy competition against ARM in the mobile market; ARM currently has a monopoly over most of the Android mobile CPU market, since Android was not designed for x86(intel/amd) architecture. With the mobile market constantly expanding, Intel and AMD will no doubt want in on the piece of the profit.
People who have recently purchased a mobile phone or tablet computer which runs on the Android operating system may have been made aware of the potential to root the device. Typically most people will be completely unaware of what this entails, in which case it would be pertinent to ask “what is rooting on Android?”
So What is Rooting?
Rooting Android devices essentially means giving the owners extended privileges. This would allow them to be able to customize various aspects of the software which would otherwise be very strictly controlled. Originated from Linux, the term "Root" is coined from the owner having to obtain superuser rights from logging in as a "Root" user/id. Thus, the process where the user goes through to obtain superuser permissions on an Android device(linux based) it is referred to as "Rooting".
How Do I Get Root?
The method of rooting Android devices varies depending on the make and model of the phone or tablet. Android is an operating system which is used in handsets by many different manufacturers, and so it is important for anybody who is thinking of attempting to root their device to carefully research the correct specific procedure. Any mistakes which are made could render the device useless, and since the procedure invalidates the warranty this could be very costly to the owner.
While the stock email app on Android Tablets and Phones is amazing enough, there are many reasons as to why an alternative app is needed. Whatever the case, Android has a large establishment of alternative email apps avilable on its Andorid market. One of those app is the K-9 Mail.
Of all the email apps I have used, this would be hands down the best alternative. Not only is it free, it incorporates and integrates all your email into one application. The app has a similar feel to that of Microsoft Outlook in that all mail from every account is displayed on one huge list.
Have you ever seen the little picture below? They seem to be everywhere these days. I’ve seen them on TV, ads, t-shirts, and even tattoos. So, what is a QR code? What’s the purpose of them? QR, or Quick Response, codes are complex 2d barcodes, similarly to the one you see on food labels. They provide quick access of information. Where the barcode can only provide serial numbers, QR code takes it a step farther by delivering complex text or strings.
Accessing the information is simple: download a QR code scanner app for Android/iOS and “scan” the QR code using the camera on the device. The app should decrypt the data automatically and then typically brings up the app/browser for the corresponding data type. Test it out by scanning the QR code below on your tablet or phone and you will see that it brings up the app market for the AndroidSim Mobile App.
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Com2us has finally ported over their popular hack n slash game, Third Blade, from iPhone/iPad. This is your typical side scroll slasher, where the enemies come in the dozens and where your goal is to spam attacks and skills to get to the next level. This game stays true to the proven methodology of hack n slash gameplay. If this style is your cup of tea, then know that this game pretty well executed for a free game(Apple App store sells it for $1.99). The animation is beautiful and the skills are plentiful. The customization on the other hand is a bit lackluster, as the character attributes are set in stone from stage to stage. You can only change the equipment and what skills to level up and where to place them on the hotkeys.
~Welcome to Android 3.2!~
The SDK for Android 3.2 Honeycomb, the latest platform for the Android tablet, was recently released. If you haven't already jumped on the Android development train, now is a good time to do it. The tablet app market is still in its infant stages, with only a handful of apps optimized for tablet use. Slowly, but surely, tablets will replace the common household laptop as the primary means to access the internet.
Use this opportunity to improve your chances of selling a popular Android app by entering in the market early. Selling Apps is undoubtedly one of the best passive income any individual or business can earn. Learn what it takes to make an app here then read the guide for SDK Installation.
*update* - Android 4.0 x86 is out!
The Android x86 Project team has recently released Android 3.2 and Android 2.3 Live CDs to the public. The Live CD is a disc that contains a bootable/installer for the Android operating system for desktop or laptop computers. While not being able to achieve the full functionality of the Android, it does well to give the user a good demo of the Android without a dedicated mobile device, and without making changes to your machine. These demos to the Android 3.2 / 2.3 operating system are not for long term use.
*Update 11/15* Invites are all gone.
By now you probably have heard alot about the "cloud". Well, now Google has started to hop on the Cloud Computing scene with Google Music, a service that allows you to put your music collection online under a Google Account. This service can then be accessed anywhere and anytime using their webpage. They also have a convenient app for Android Phones and Android Tablets.
The market for tablet computers is growing steadily as these devices become increasingly popular. Their versatility as computers combined with their sleek and lightweight designs means that they can perform a range of operations for various groups of people, such as commuters and business professionals. The growing popularity of tablet computers has meant that there are now many different brands available with differing operation systems. It is many times difficult to judge the differences between so many of these tablets and what they have to offer. Here I will examine five essential reasons why an Android tab should be bought rather than any other kind.
1) Price - The price of Android tablet computers tends to be considerably cheaper than other competing models such as an iPad. There is far more choice for consumers regarding the number of tablet computers which use the Android operating system. People are not limited to one particular brand or model, and as a result, an Android tablet PC can be purchased very cheaply.
If you are a Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Tablet user then you probably know that your device is getting the TouchWiz 3.1 update. If you don't have or want to create a Samsung account then you have the option to do the manual update by downloading the ROM posted by this xda user. Obviously, the knowledge on how to flash ROMs and the ClockWorkMod Recovery is required.
There are many new Samsung apps included in this update, but the most noteable is the increase in performance, resulting in much smoother frame transitions. Read below for more features.
Do you know those handful of essential applications that you always install first? Superbox package ten of essentials into one application. Not only is it convenient, with Superbox, you get all of the functionality of those 10 individual applications, with only using a fraction of the storage(3.42MB). Comparatively, when all the apps are installed individuality, they take up about 5.50MB. Storage is especially important for those users with older phones that cant run a thousand apps at the same time.
Here are the 10 apps that are packaged into the free to download SuperBox: File manager - Allows you to manage files on the device Cache cleaner - Clears the cache, making the device faster App2sd - Moves the nonessential elements of an app to the SDcard
Strong evidence is still showing that the recession is here to stay for a while longer. Consumer spending has plummeted as energy prices surged and the housing market sputtered. It's no doubt that everyone, even the wealthy, are trying to squeeze out the most of their money. Thankfully, the Android is here to help.
By using the techniques below, I have personally saved nearly a hundred every month. Sure that isn't much in the short term but that is a little above a grand every year in pocket money. These techniques are not hard to use so why not give them a try?
There's an ocean of money saving apps available in the Android marketplace. If you want coupons; there's an app for you. If you want daily money saving tips; there's an app for them as well. But what about something that can handle your monthly budgets? If, like me, you track your finances using a notepad... It's time to join the 21st century and let one of the Android's budgeting apps ease the burden.
Admittedly, there are other options; for the more technically savvy there's the spreadsheet option. If you're a deft hand at creating spreadsheet formula's then you'll have a fully fledged budget tracking doc up and running in no time. But what about those of us that have difficulty opening MS Office or Open Office let alone having the know how to build a doc that can churn out your financial history in the blink of an eye?
Here are 3 of the most highly rated budgeting apps for the Android: EasyMoney
Flash player 10.3 on the Android can do most things; play flash games, watch flash videos, show flash ads, and etc... but even so, it still fails to play the videos on Hulu.com, where a large majority of internet video streaming happens. Thankfully with BRDizzled modified Flash, you can now watch Hulu videos on Honeycomb 3.1+. If you don't have Honeycomb 3.1+, you should still give your versions a shot to see if it works.
How would you like to win a free Angry Bird T-Shirt? In celebration of the new Angry Birds Seasons - Summer Picnic game coming to the Android, we are giving a lucky winner (1) free Angry Bird T-Shirt, $16 value on amazon. Complete 1 of 3 simple task listed below to enter, or do all three to improve your odds!
Ways To Enter The Contest: 3 Types
1) Follow AndroidSim.net. Link on right sidebar. (2 entry points)
2) Comment the answer to this question on this post: Why do you like Angry Birds? (1 entry point)
3) Tweet this post. (1 entry point)
Only 1 submission of each type is accepted. 4 total entry points per user. Each entry point is entered into the drawing.
We will select (1) winner on July 11, 2011 on 12 midnight EST. The winner will be notified after the selection process and have 24hours to respond.
What is Angry Bird Seasons - Summer Picnic?
Angry Birds Season is the popular expansion on the Angry Birds series. The new Summer Picnic update release one new level each day during the summer season, working the same way as the Christmas one. The Summer Pignic will have a total of 30 levels and at least two bonus ones(when you get the special items + full stars on all levels).
Since its introduction in November 5, 2007, Google Android has taken the cellphone market by storm. Android is popular mobile operating system that runs on a linux kernel. As such, the mobile OS is an open source system, that allows any developers to view the code and modify it according to their needs. Open source systems are highly robust and offers companies a cost effective software solution to their product.
In just 4 years, the Android has taken over the US cell phone market and has been spotted auto-manufacturing as well as home appliances. Whereas Apple iOS, released in 2007, only claims 16%. Globally, Android has taken the 2nd positions in Canada and Europe, behind blackberry.
The full potential for the Android is still yet to be determined.
Android and The Auto Industry Android software is beginning to dominate many industries besides cellphones and tablets. This is occurring because the Android software is a very robust mobile operating system. Since, Androids are becoming popular in everyday devices, automakers are now deciding to place them in their cars. This is a move to bring up the market value on the car, and allow you to get more cash for your used car. What is Android technology? Although we can’t take the name literally. Android software is essentially what runs google apps.What this means is that the car can run any application on the Android market. This is definitely a revolution for vehicle functionality; imagine watching youtube, navigation, internet browsing, and more in your car! Have any cars implemented the Android technology? Yes, the Roewe 350 is running on the google android technology. The android system even keeps drivers updated with traffic. Furthermore, one can actually go on the internet inside of the car, how cool is that? Not only does it have internet, it is also equipped with a instant messenger, but it wouldn’t be a smart idea to use it while driving. In my opinion if you drove while using the instant messenger you might be getting cash for your junk car . How much does the car cost? The car is actually inexpensive it only cost around ten to eighteen thousand U.S dollars. Although the car is not available in the U.S its nice to know that Android technology is working. Lastly, you may have to pay for the internet service, because we can only assume the car doesn’t come with free internet. This post is brought to you by guest blogger: seangray.
Before Android 3.0, Honeycomb, Android lacks support for any HID bluetooth keyboards. Now with the 3.0 update, Android can easily sync up with most HID keyboards.
If your Android tablet or smartphone have a usb connector, then it would be capable of using usb devices, just like the plug and play feature of Windows.
For any devices before Honeycomb, there is the Freedom Pro Bluetooth Keyboard. This bluetooth keyboard has generally good reviews, with many loving its unique features. On the other hand, others say that the device lack instructions for installation and usage.
I am sure everyone would agree that physically, it could a more modernized design.
1) Closed source(iOS) vs. open source(Android)
Apple has been known to be restrictive when it comes to anything related to their devices and software. By being a close source system, iOS users cannot fundamentally customize anything on the iOS. On the contrary, Android gives users their code source and fully permits modifications.
The bad side to open source is that there tends to be less regulation on what comes out, be it trash apps or spyware on roms.
Adv: Android DisAdv: iOS
2) Security
Expert developers can easily identify security holes in the Android then post malicious apps and other programs on the market to monitor your phone. Whereas, Apple fully regulates what gets on the markets.
Adv: iOS DisAdv: Android
3) Quality
Although quality varies between Android devices, Apple iOS devices are known to be considered premium products.
Adv: iOS DisAdv: Android
4) Vendor Lock
Notice how up until now only AT&T has the iphone?
Adv: Android DisAdv: Apple
5) Limited devices
With iOS, you are limited to Apple products and services. Android has countless vendors that produces phones running on the Android.
Adv: Android DisAdv: Apple
Tired of endless amounts of trash apps on the android google market? AppBrain now makes the android market usable with these features:
- Apps of the day - App recommendations - Discounted top Android apps - Share your best apps - Keep your list of installed apps as a backup on AppBrain.com - Browse "my apps" on www.appbrain.com and install apps with a sync instead of barcode scanner
There is also a manage apps functionality that helps you install/uninstall, sync, and apps2sd apps. Now if you are looking for something like installous on the Android, do some research on AppPlanet. Note: this website does not promote illegal activities.
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