Category: Old Posts

Star Chart – Free Amazon Appstore App of the Day 7/29/11

Old Posts

 Name: Star Chart
Description:
Now you can have a virtual star chart in your pocket. Look through the eyes of your Android onto the whole visible universe. All you have to do is point your device at the sky, and Star Chart tells you exactly what you’re looking at.
Learn about stars, planets, and more

Look for your favorites
To the Stars!
Using state of the art GPS technology, an accurate 3D universe, and all of the latest high tech functionality, Star Chart calculates–in real time–the current location of every star and planet visible from Earth and shows you precisely where they are. Even in broad daylight.

Want to know what that bright star is called? Point your device at it–you might just find out it’s a planet. Want to know what the night sky looks like to people on the other side of the earth? Just point your device down. Want to know where your star sign is in the sky? Star Chart tells you all this and more.

This app has many features designed to bring the stars to you. Just point and view. No need to scroll around the screen to find out what you are looking at. Alternatively, look around the sky using finger gestures. Perfect for armchair astronomers. Supports dynamic device orientation viewing, allowing you to view the night sky while holding your Android at any angle. Accurately depicts all the visible stars of the northern and southern hemispheres: over 5,000 stars. Displays all the planets of the solar system, plus the Sun and the Moon. Displays all 88 constellations with constellation imagery based on the beautiful artwork by 15th-century astronomer Johannes Hevelius. Includes entire Messier catalogue of exotic deep sky objects.

Just tap on anything in the sky and get the facts on what you are looking at, including distance and brightness. Its powerful zoom function lets you view the sky in exquisite detail, using intuitive finger gestures. Fully configurable, Star Chart displays only the sky objects that you are interested in. It allows you to view the sky underneath the horizon. So now you can see where the sun is, even at night. Manually set your location to find out what the sky looks like from anywhere in the world. And there’s a full search feature

So point your Android device at the sky and see what’s out there.

(Augmented Reality mode is only available if your device supports it, for this feature requires a built-in compass. Manual scrolling is supported on all other devices.)
Download Link: http://goo.gl/2odLX (Amazon)

Some “Best of the Best” accessories for your Android phone:

Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals – Free Amazon Appstore App of the Day 7/28/11

Old Posts

 Name: Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals
Description:
A Letter From Jamie

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all your messages asking for 20 Minute Meals on Android. It’s finally here, and will help you to prepare and cook loads of delicious meals; each one in around 20 minutes.
There’s 60 recipes in total; each one presented one step at a time, with photos along the way, so you really can’t go wrong! There’s also a cool shopping list feature which sorts your ingredients by aisle so you’ll be really speedy in the supermarket too.

Breeze through the store using aisle view on the shopping list
As well as all that you’ll find 21 videos of me shot exclusively-for-mobile with useful tips, tricks and kitchen skills from sharpening a knife to chopping an onion. Download it today and get cooking!
Big love,
Jamie Oliver xxx

Jamie’s App:
Who can help but be charmed by England’s Jamie Oliver, The Naked Chef? Jamie is well known as chef, restaurateur, and an advocate for improving unhealthy diets, especially championing healthy school lunches for children.

Watch an introductory video from Jamie and get right to the recipes. Search for a recipe or peruse 10 categories such as Delicious soups, Tasty stir-fries, and Simple risottos. Each recipe includes a summary with a picture of the dish, an ingredient and equipment list, detailed instructions, and relevant videos on tasks like garlic preparation or onion chopping. Double-touch the screen in landscape mode to see pictures of each step.

Add ingredients to your list and then use the general shopping list to view by recipe or by aisle. Use the menu to quickly access any video or learn about what Jamie feels are kitchen essentials – both ingredients and equipment. Jamie promises that this app will “arm you with the confidence” to have tasty meals in 20 minutes!
Download Link: http://goo.gl/TVtDs (Amazon.com)

Some “Best of the Best” accessories for your Android phone:

Free Apps on Amazon. Can it be hurtful?

Old Posts
Free Apps on AmazonCan it be hurtful?

As a potential developer, and a current website author I know that ratings and comments are incredibly important.  You want to be seen in the best light and you want to be seen as an asset to whatever genre you are creating digital media in.  Android apps are the same way.  No matter where you get your app from their is always a rating that is considered and comments that are read before the app is downloaded.

So you get the opportunity to have your app listed as the “Amazon Free App of the Day”.  You have to consider both the good and bad sides of it. the good is obvious. You are going to get your app out to thousands and thousands of people that might not have ever heard of your app before.  A ton of publicity for your app.  But at what cost.

the problem I see here is that because of the fact that people are just going to download it because it is free it puts you into the possibility for a poor rating or comment. And I am not talking about a justified poor rating.  If there is a quality issue with the game, or something isn’t working.  I am talking about a review like the following example:

1.0 out of 5 stars Supermarket chick game, July 27, 2011
*.********* “undulating tendril of disarray" (Over There) – See all my reviews(REAL NAME) 
This review is from: Supermarket Scramble (App)These apps sure are full of exciting settings and themes. For chicks. What the hell is up with all the lady themed market bakery lame insulting to intelligent woman games? Does the dev really believe this type of marketing tactic will make women buy this cheeseball crap? Pfft more crappy apps…

You get a review from someone that shouldn’t have downloaded the app in the first place.  I am saying this because the app is called: Supermarket Scramble.  It is an app that appears to be marketing itself to a certian type of person, obviously not the type of person that downloaded it and reviewed it. 

What would fix this?  I think that Android Market has a great idea in the fact that you have to purchase or download the app to be able to rate it. Amazon will let anyone review any item on their site…  Any suggestions on how to make this better?

Supermarket Scramble – Free Amazon Appstore App for 7/27/11

Old Posts

 Name: Supermarket Scramble
Description:
If you’ve always dreamed of owning your own business, here’s your (virtual) chance. There’s a catch, however. Your business is a grocery store, and the customers are quite demanding! In Supermarket Scramble, you’ll have to be quick on your feet–I mean, on your fingers–to succeed.

Miles of Aisles
Feeding the masses is a tough job, but you take great pride in your store and its customer service. In this game, you’ll be quite busy fulfilling shoppers’ grocery lists by lining up at least three in a row of that item on the “product grid.” It’s the classic match-three puzzle game, only with tasty food.

Say Shopper One has apples, lettuce, carrots, and sandwiches on her list. As quickly as you can, find places on the grid where you can slide these objects around (swapping adjacent items) to make three in a row horizontally or vertically. Once you’ve found enough of the desired food, that item is checked off the list. When a customer’s list is completed, you tap on the cash register to make the sale.

The Customer Is Always Right
Sometimes you get the Little Old Lady, who waits semi-patiently while you track down her oranges and bananas. Other times, you get the Diva. She’s late for a cocktail party and needs you to round up her items pronto, do you understand? It’s not easy to make her happy, but if you do there’s a big tip in it for you. And there are plenty of other customers–some of whom you need to unlock–with their own unique quirks.

Be sure to watch the patience meters that appear at the bottom of your customers’ lists, which reflect how fast you are filling their order. The faster you complete their order, the more bonus money you can earn. If the meter runs out, however, they leave in a huff and you just lost a sale.
Download Link: http://goo.gl/moGlZ (Amazon.com)

Some “Best of the Best” accessories for your Android phone:

Apps Not “Approved” For Your Phone

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For the final (for now) portion of the “Why Root” series I will discuss some other apps that are only available on a device that is rooted. Well they may be listed on here as “only available”, keep in mind that they may be install-able on a non-rooted phone but they probably won’t work, or do anything at all.

Name: Superuser
Description:
Superuser is the main app that allows you to grant Superuser rights on your phone. Any of the apps on this page, or any app that requires root will need your permission to use the seperuser ability. This app allows you to save that permission and remember it for the next time you use the app.
It is preloaded on a majority of the roms and root packages out there, but just incase it isn’t you can get it for free on the Android Market. The barcode and links on this page link directly to the Market page, so they will work on your computer or phone.
From the Developer:
Grant and manage Superuser rights for your phone.
This app requires that you already have root, or a custom recovery image to work.
Note: App and binary will have different versions. The app is updated more often than the binary is.
Install fixed for CM6 Stable
If install fails, check http://bit.ly/su2xx for a solution
Download Link: http://goo.gl/kcbX2 (Android Market)

Name: Titanium Backup
Description:
This is the first app I install after a reset or flashing a new rom. It allows you to backup your apps, mass move your apps to the memory card, and much much more.
From Developer:
EXTREMELY powerful tool. Backup ALL apps, Market links, remove bloatware & MORE!
☆Over 2 million users, 23+ languages!
☆Needs ROOT, Android 1.5-3.1+
☆PRO Key is available on Market!
☆Voted #1 TOP ROOT APP on Twitter.
☆Problem? See matrixrewriter.com/wiki
☆Internet used for Dropbox/Changelog
☆AVOID “unofficial” TB versions: they cause infamous “package signature” errors!
☆ ☆ ☆
The ONLY tool that can backup, restore, freeze (with Pro) your apps + data + Market links! Fully supports protected and system apps! 0-click Batch/scheduled backups! Can move apps (or app data) to/from SD card! The PRO version adds 0-click batch restores, Dropbox sync, conversion between user system apps, Dalvik cleaner & MORE!
Download Link: http://goo.gl/Sdd73 (Android Market)

Name: Rom Manager
Description:
Rom Manager was previously covered on this site, but is required on any list of root apps. It gives you the easiest way to download and flash a custom rom onto your phone, plus be able to make a backup of your current setup, and restore it too. This is the 2nd app that I install (after Titanium Backup).
From the Developer:
Must have app for any root user. Make backups, flash ROMs, and own your device.
*June 15, 2011* I am aware of the recently introduced force close bug, and would like to apologize. I have updated a fixed version, 4.3.1.8. Please let me know if that works!
ROM Manager is THE MUST HAVE APP for any Android root user. (Over 1.3 million downloads and counting!)
* Flash your recovery to the latest and greatest ClockworkMod recovery.
* Manage your ROMs via a handy UI.
* Organize and perform backups and restores from within Android!
* Install ROMs from your SD card.
* Install your favorite ROMs over the air!
Download Link: http://goo.gl/aQt3Y (Android Market)

Name: drocap2
Description:
Drocap fills a big gap that Android hasn’t officially incorporated, Screenshots. It gives you the ability to take a picture of your screen, which is great for sharing what is on your screen with the web, or through a picture message. As you use it you will find a million uses for it.
From Developer:
Screen Capture Utility.
WARNING: You need root permission for use drocap2.
Tap start button and shake the device or wait for timer to capture screen image. You can also make a capture trigger from Notification bar. This works well with “superuser whitelist” environment.
Download Link: http://goo.gl/mtcJx (Android Market)

Name: Root Explorer File Manager $4.87
Description:
As the only paid app on this list (unless you consider pro or upgraded versions) this is a must have app for anyone with root. there are tons of tutorials that tell you how to use this app to remove apps that are preinstalled, like all the bloatware…
From Developer:
Root Explorer is the ultimate file manager for root users. Access the whole of android’s file system (including the elusive data folder!).
Features include SQLite database viewer, Text Editor, create and extract zip or tar/gzip files, extract rar archives, multi-select, execute scripts, search, remount, permissions, bookmarks, send files (via email, bluetooth etc), image thumbnails, APK binary XML viewer, change file owner and group.
Download Link: http://goo.gl/RsYkS (Android Market $4.87)

Some “Best of the Best” accessories for your Android phone:

GRave Defense HD – Amazon Appstore Free App for 7/26/11

Old Posts

Name: GRave Defense HD

Description:
GRave Defense HD is the next step in the evolution of tower defense games. Follow the harrowing encounters of the Fellowship of Survivals as you battle mutated zombies and formidable boss monsters.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
In a post-apocalyptic world destroyed by a nuclear war, hordes of zombies hunger for human flesh. But these aren’t your garden variety zombies. It takes hundreds of rounds of high-caliber bullets to knock down these walking undead. It’s enough to make George Romero break out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, you’re packing some serious heat. Obliterate mutant hordes across 20 levels using fire, electricity, lasers, and other things that go boom.

But the situation soon gets from bad to worse. Zombies aren’t the only threats you’ll encounter. Some creatures are flyers that can only be shot down by certain towers. You’ll eventually face off against some of history’s most notorious villains, including Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster.

So Many Zombies, So Little Time
Each battlefield is unique. Visit exotic locations such as the Amazon Rainforest, the Bermuda Triangle, and even a space station that makes the Alien movies look like a Sunday picnic. You must use your array of towers and evolving tactics to survive. As you knock down each creature, you earn money to buy more towers. GRrave Defense is essentially a terrifying balancing act of resource allocation and military necessity.

View animated briefings
GRave Defense Gold on Steroids
GRave Defense HD includes all the levels from the original GRave Defense Gold, plus a new larger, beautiful (beautiful to zombies, anyway) multi-screen level. All levels, towers, mutants, special effects, and achievements are rendered in high-res graphics. Unlock new achievements, enemies, and towers. Earn new military ranks and climb up to the top of the hierarchy.

New Features
Challenge yourself with the new survival mode and four different levels of difficulty. GRave Defense HD also features visible monster paths, tower states and cool-downs, and a display for showing how much money each monster generates. Are you ready to be humanity’s last chance for survival?

Reviews
“If you’re a fan of tower defense games and/or zombies and have a nice device to play this on, get it. Hands-down, Grave Defense HD is one of the best tower defense games on Android.” – Droid Gamers

“…for serious fans of the genre who relish a mighty challenge GRave Defense HD is a title worthy of your strategic prowess.” – Pocket Gamer

Download Link: http://goo.gl/L6EtQ (Amazon.com)

Some “Best of the Best” accessories for your Android phone:

Lingrove – Word Game – Amazon Free App of the Day 7/25/11

Old Posts
Name: Lingrove

Description:
“Dark clouds were lingering in the sky, waiting to open up and drench the natives of Lingrove. I was sitting on the branch of my tree house and tying a swing to it. Suddenly a fierce thunder erupted in the sky, making me jump. I fell off the branch, crying "ouch!” as I landed with a thud. I started calling names looking at the sky. An even stronger thunder yelled back at me, the rain falling harder.

“That’s when I heard someone laughing. I looked around and saw a girl holding a basket of flowers. She was dressed in white and had the prettiest eyes. She just stood there, drenched in the rain, smiling and full of innocence.”

And so begins the love story at the heart of Lingrove, a challenging new word game for Android. Can you work your way through the puzzles and unlock the rest of the tale?

Word Workout
The word games in Lingrove are simple to play but difficult to beat. If you’ve ever played the colored-peg game Mastermind then you already understand the concept: Try to solve the mystery word by guessing different letters until you’ve found the right combination. Every time you put the correct letter in the right place in the word, the game draws a box around it. If you guess the right letter right but place it out of order, the letter is be circled. Then you just have to try it in another slot on your next guess.

In the picture at left, for example, the game helps you get started by providing the letter “C” in the correct location. The first guessed word (“WATCH”) does not reveal any other correct letters but it does eliminate W, A, T, and H from consideration. The second guess shows that P and E are also correct and in the proper place. It also reveals that there is an I in the word, but in a different spot. Third time’s the charm, as the answer is “PRICE.”

Note: Lingrove is compatible only with HDPI screen resolutions of WVGA800 (480×800) and WVGA854 (480×854).

Download Link: http://goo.gl/apsWJ

Some “Best of the Best” accessories for your Android phone:

Custom Rom – “Why Root?” Part 4

Old Posts

For this part of the conversation about Root we will talk about Custom Roms.

All of the internets are a buzz talking about Custom Roms. You may be asking yourself, “What is a Custom Rom?”  Well (put simply) it is an alternate build of the operating system for your android device.  So let’s describe it this way. Android is an Open Source operating system.  This means that the source code is all accessible to the common man.  So someone (or a group.corporation) can take the source code and make various changes/improvements.  So once installed it could have a different look, removed bloatware, added apps and features.

A couple of great examples of high quality custom roms are Cyanogenmod and MIUI. Both of these are available for a long list of devices and give you some very cool (and very different from each other) features. Cyanogenmod gives you a more Android stock look, preloaded with ADW Launcher and a bunch of preloaded features like tethering and different settings. On the other hand, with MIUI you get a totally redesigned launcher and menu system.  The software doesn’t have a menu tray, it preloads all of your apps into the expandable number of screens. You can sort them however you want, and add widgets too.
Check out these youtube videos.The MIUI videos are all in Japanese, but the software is available in English.


There are a couple ways to install either of these 2 custom roms to your phone, but today I will be covering the easy way, because if there is an easy way to do something why would you do it the hard way? So what is this easy way, you might be asking?  Well it is through an app called Rom Manager.

Rom Manager is a pretty simple looking app that gives you a few cool options. First off, to make it work you have to choose the first option at the top of the app, “Flash ClockworkMod  Recovery”.  What this does is overwrites the phones boot menu.  The manufacturer puts together a bootloader menu to give a few simple options if the phone’s software gets corrupt.  This overwrites it with a different menu that just adds a few options there.  This allows the phone to be easily flashed with non manufacturer software.

Once this is complete you can install a file downloaded from the developer’s website, or browse compatible roms right through the “Download ROM” menu.  Depending on what model phone you have it will give you a list of compatible roms, complete with screenshots, ratings and comments.

Once you choose the ROM it will download it and alert you when finished. Then it will give you the option to backup your current setup, and wipe your data (which I usually do).  Once you hitok it will reboot itself into the bootloader screen and do the options you have specified.  Then it will reboot into your new setup.  Try it out, see what you think, and if you don’t like what you see (provided you chose the Backup option) all you have to do is choose the “Manage and Restore Backups” option (Not shown in screenshots, scroll down on main menu to see it) and it will let you restore to your previous state.

So go out and try it!  Just make sure you are completely backup up before starting.  The cool thing about the recovery is that once flashed onto your phone (through the app) you have an extra step of protection on your phone for backups.  Also remember that we are not responsible for any damage or data loss.

Some “Best of the Best” accessories for your Android phone:

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