Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Google Rant

I have multiple google accounts; one for school, one for work, and one personal account. This, for some unbeknownst reason, causes some of the biggest head aches I've had since playing games using a floppy drive. Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but I shouldn't have to sign in and out of each account just because I want to check something real quick, yet alone have the signing in and out done automatically for me so now I just signed up for an app that certain account doesn't have permissions for.

Great products though.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Cool development tool!


A new software allows IT groups to deconstruct mobile apps while they are actually running live on iOS and Android devices, which allows them to uncover bottlenecks, glitches, and many other problems any given piece of software can have.

This tool could potentially help app creators make faster apps with less glitches, overall helping create a better user experience. The software is named Aternity Mobile Frontline Performance Intelligence (MFPI) – an obviously very large name. What it does is add code to each app, which passes a continuous stream of information to a server, which is able to detect which parts of an apps codes are causing bottlenecks. 

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Rooting: A Love Story





My dearest Root,

I'll never forget the first time we met. I had heard your name whispered amongst inner circles and I couldn't wait to meet you. We've known each other for about two years now, and they've been the best two years of my life.

Remember our first picture together? I'll never forget how you increased my performance, made me last longer, and even gave me a makeover. Or that time you made me feel brand new

You helped me make new friends too.

I love you, Root.

Yours forever,
Phone

Monday, April 9, 2012

Facebook Buying Instagram!

Well Instagram sure is making some headlines lately.  Just after they release their widely popular photo sharing app to Android users, they get bought by Facebook!


Facebook has agreed to purchase Instagram for about $1 billion.  Facebook is proud of the photo sharing service they currently provide, and people share more photos on Facebook than anywhere else in the world.  There have been rumors for about a year now that Facebook was working on its own app to compete with Instagram, but I guess if you can't beat 'em, you buy 'em! 

Now this may sound like a bad thing for Instagram and its users.  Many small startups, with passionate founders and customers, are completely ruined after being absorbed into giant companies, but in this case it seems like Facebook is off to a good start.  Zuckerberg has said they are going to keep Instagram independent and keep all of its current features like being able share with other social networks.  So hopefully Facebook will not interfere too much, but supply necessary resources like servers to support Instagram's rapidly growing user base. Only time will tell how this new relationship works out.   

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Instagram for the Android: Ready Up

Instagram is coming to the Android phone, a free camera based app which gives your photos multiple filters to change popular attributes such as sharpness and contrast.

Instagram is not just a phone filter however, but it is also part of a social media platform with 30 million users, allowing users the ability to share photos instantly with their friends.

Your instagram account can be linked to your facebook, twitter, and tumbler accounts. Each photo you take, the app will ask you which of these accounts you want the photo uploaded to.

It gives android users another fun way to stay connected by allowing real time uploads of pictures while out and about!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Android: King of the Operating Systems


Recently, the International Data Corporation put out a statement saying that Android will be taking over Windows as the top operating system by 2016 (take that Apple!). Android is projected to grow from a 29.4% market share to 31.1% Windows market share is expected to plunge from 35.9%, to 25.1% and while they will still be ahead of the Apple iOS (it's supposed to hit 17.3% market share by 2016), it is clearly seeing the demise of its OS if this trend continues.

Have to say, it's a little gratifying to see Android blowing everyone else's OS out of the water! We're taking over and it seems like no one will be able to slow down the popularity of the Android OS. People, in conjunction with technology, are moving forward and growing what seems like daily. The trick is to keep the innovation alive. In the "PC Plus" era, making sure that all of the current and new devices are compatible for the same cloud applications and services is a large undertaking. If the Android market is able to keep up with the innovation, it seems like they will be an unstoppable OS player.

Here's the link to the full article if you're interested in reading more:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1112505289/idc-android-could-topple-windows-by-2016/

Temple Run - App Review



The wildly popular iOS game Temple Run has finally been released for Android devices.

The premise is simple- you're an Indiana Jones-esque character who steals the idol from a jungle temple. Demon monkeys (yes, you read that right) chase you through the temple while you try to avoid trees, fire, and other obstacles. Collect coins to purchase power ups, extra lives, and new characters.

Controls are gesture-based, making it extremely to use on any phone. Swipe up to jump, down to slide, left or right to turn. Users can also rotate their device to make the adventurer strafe to the side.



Its initial release was plagued with a few game breaking bugs. However, developer Imangi Studios was quick to put out a fix.

The game is extremely easy to pick up and is also quite addictive. Unlockable rewards will keep us playing for hours.

Rating: