Recent Posts From Android Tapp

• Sprint Releases ID Pack Geared for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Customers

  Posted: Thu, 05 May 2011 20:59:09 +0000

  

  Sprint is making a lot of news today. In addition to the new Motorola phones they launchedearlier, they also announced the Sprint Relay ID pack, which allows anyone who has difficulty hearing on their phone and members of the deaf community who use sign language to receive a customized bundle of applications, links, tips, icons, widgets and wallpapers on their Sprint ID-capable Android device. The bundle includes voice mail transcripts, visual and vibrating alerts and readable captions, among others – all available in a single download.

  The bundle marks the first time a carrier has developed multiple applications in one package for the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing communities. The Sprint Relay ID pack is currently available on the following Sprint ID devices: LG Optimus S, Sanyo Zio, Samsung Transform, Samsung Epic 4G and Samsung Galaxy Tab.

  The Sprint Relay ID pack includes the following applications:

  • Sprint Mobile Video Relay Services – video relay services for sign language users
  • Calendar Notifier – provides visual alerts and repeating reminders of calendar events
  • Handcent SMS – visual alerts and notifications of texts
  • VideoPlayer – captions on videos downloaded to a secure digital (SD) card
  • Gmail Notifier – visual and vibrating alerts and reminders for your gmail email
  • TuneWiki – to read and learn the lyrics to songs
  • Captionfish.com – captioned movies playing in a customer’s area
  • AIM Instant Messenger – access telephone relay services through AIM Buddy “SprintIP”
  • Google Voice – transcribe audio messages left on voice mail into text

  According to Claude Stout, executive director, Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inc. (TDI), “TDI commends Sprint Relay for its ‘Sprint Relay ID pack.’ While TDI has a non-endorsement policy, we salute Sprint for taking the lead as the first telecommunications carrier to give attention to a bundle of new apps that directly benefit users who are deaf and hard of hearing. Only with relevant information and resources included in Sprint’s Relay ID pack can we have an exciting “mobile online experience” as these apps have taken into consideration our unique informational and entertainment needs.”

  Mike Ellis, director-Sprint Relay Service, said, “The Sprint Relay ID pack addresses current and future needs of an important – and growing – segment of the U.S. population. It also demonstrates that Sprint takes corporate responsibility for disabilities. Sprint has provided relay capabilities for more than 20 years, and we’re pleased to now make it even easier for people who have trouble hearing on the phone to use their mobile phones.”

  Customers with Sprint ID-capable devices can download up to five ID packs onto their phone and easily switch between them or swap them out for new ones. Sprint ID packs are free to download with an Everything Data plan.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• Meet The Press

  Posted: Thu, 05 May 2011 18:00:30 +0000

  

  Meet The Press. Leaders address the world’s most pressing issues of the week with Meet the Press. For over 60 years, Meet the Press has featured headline-making interviews with world-leaders and U.S. newsmakers. “Meet the Press” is America’s No. 1 Sunday morning public affairs broadcast, and is the longest-running television program in the world. Every Sunday morning, millions of Americans tune in to get answers from U.S. and world leaders, and hear analysis, discussion and review of the week’s political events from noted journalists and experts.

  Price: Free

  AndroidTapp.com Android App Review:

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros

  • Access all the latest content from the show.
  • Easy to use interface.
  • Lots of useful features.
  • Lots of options.
  • Smooth transitions and scrolling.
  • Push notifications.
  • Social Networking integration.

  Cons

  • Content does not go back very far.
  • Prompts to install another app “Airmail” to enable notifications.

  Meet the Press is a feature-rich news application featuring all the latest videos, podcasts, interviews and debate from America’s longest running TV series and highest rated Sunday morning talk show. A lot of thought has gone into this app, and the results are great. There are plenty of options and features, and the interface is simple, intuitive and smooth to use.

  Features:

  The developers of the Meet The Press app have clearly spent a lot of time thinking about user experience and it really shows. Everything is right there where you need it. Sections include: Latest Video’s, Audio Podcast, Video Podcast, Take Two, Round tables, Headliners, Meet The Press Twitter Feed, This Sunday, Questions & Comments section and a weekly interactive Trivia Clips section.

  If American politics is your thing this app arguably ticks all the boxes you might want from an interactive news experience, whether you agree with the debates or not!

  For a news application, social networking options is pretty much an essential nowadays. If you see something you want your friends to see in the Meet The Press application, you can share it via all the usual platforms;Facebook, Twitter, SMS, Email, Tumblr, etc.

  Watch on Mobile

           
  

  Usefulness:

  If you are a fan of the show, this genuinely has everything you could want from an app. The interactive features, such as the Trivia Clips questions or the Twitter feed is a great addition to the app, and gives the user a real sense of interaction.

  Ease of Use/Interface

  Probably couldn’t be easier. The headings at the top of the screen allow you to scroll through the various options, then you can scroll down the video list. The transitions are smooth and access to the content is fast and straightforward.

  Frequently Used:

  Meet The News is a Sunday morning show, so the content isn’t updated all the time as a typical news app does. However, I noted that updates occur every couple of days or so and new video’s added. Therefore, while you are not perhaps going to be checking this on a daily basis, a couple of checks every week will keep you connected with the content of the show. The push notifications will let you know when new information is released, for example who is to appear on next Sunday’s show.

  AndroidTapp.com Rating

   (4.3 out of 5)

  Should you Download Meet The Press? Meet The Press is a great app. It is fast, bright, easy to use and has lots of content, features and options. If you like the show or want to keep up to date with American politics, this app is absolutely  ideal for you.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• Motorola and Sprint Announce Two New Android Phones Aimed at Business

  Posted: Thu, 05 May 2011 15:51:35 +0000

  

  Sprint and Motorola Mobility Inc. will launch two new smartphones with business-ready capabilities.  The Motorola XPRT is the first Android smartphone from Sprint to deliver enterprise-class security, personal productivity enhancements and international roaming. Motorola Titaniumleverages Sprint’s Push-to-Talk capabilities as the first Nextel Direct Connect smartphone built on Android 2.1.

  “We are pleased to extend our portfolio of products directed at business-users with these two powerful and versatile Android devices,” said Paget L. Alves, president, Sprint Business. “Motorola XPRT delivers the security features enterprise customers demand without scrimping on the latest in technology, while Motorola Titanium is a rugged Android smartphone with Nextel Direct Connect’s sub-second Push-to-Talk.”

  
  

  Motorola XPRT

  
  

  Motorola Titanium

  Motorola XPRT will be available beginning June 5 for $129.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement. Pricing and availability for Motorola Titanium will be announced at a later date.

  The XPRT is  built on Android 2.2, Froyo, and is a world phone equipped with a pinch-to-zoom capable touchscreen, 3.1-inch HVGA display, full QWERTY keyboard and 1GHz processor with Adobe Flash 10 web browsing. It will feature 256-bit AES data encryption and controls, including the ability to remotely handle functions like enabling pin or password lock, password recovery and data wipe on both the phone and SD card if lost or stolen.

  The XPRT will require activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans, plus a required $10 Premium

  Data add-on charge for smartphones. The plan includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at $69.99 per month.

  The Titanium is the first iDEN device to combine Sprint’s Nextel Direct Connect and Android 2.1, Éclair. It features a full QWERTY keyboard and 3.1-inch touchscreen display, and is certified to Military Specification 810G for dust, shock, vibration, low pressure, solar radiation, high temperature and low temperature.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• Cyanogenmod Adds Android 2.3.4 to CM7, Google Talk Video Chat Included

  Posted: Thu, 05 May 2011 15:47:30 +0000

  

  Early this morning, Cyanogenmod has posted their lasted nightly build for Cyanogenmod 7 that now includes Google Talk Video Chat along with Android 2.3.4. Users have been reporting good results so far, however, I haven’t had the opportunity to take part in the festivities yet to truly check out how it compares with other video chat platforms such as Fring and Qik.

  The addition of video chat to Google Talk will bring up the much needed native video chat capability that Android users have been screaming for since the launch of services such as Qik. Apple’s iOS devices have native support with Facetime which is currently limited to Wifi only usage and only on specific devices. The Google Talk Video Chat feature will only work on devices being upgraded to Gingerbread (Android 2.3.4), which is set to officially be launched on the Nexus S first.

  Cyanogenmod is a custom ROM for Android devices that requires you to root and flash a custom ROM. If you are unsure of how to flash a custom ROM, I suggest holding off until the official OTA update happens for your device (if applicable). Read their FAQ before talking the plunge to install Cyanogenmod 7.

  Have you tried out the new Google Talk Video Chat feature yet? How do you like it so far? Share your experience below!

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• SoundCloud

  Posted: Thu, 05 May 2011 15:00:03 +0000

  

  SoundCloud. Record, listen and share your sounds on the go with SoundCloud Android. With the official SoundCloud Android app you can capture your sound and share it privately or publicly on Facebook, Twitter or even use it to check-in on Foursquare. You can also easily access, browse and listen to the sounds shared to you while you’re on the road and away from your computer.

  So whether you’re a music pro on the road or you need a simple way to easily and quickly record & share your sounds, audio messages, interviews or voice memos, the app gives you the best mobile SoundCloud experience.

  Price: Free

  AndroidTapp.com Android App Review:

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros

  • Great user generated music service for artists and fans alike!
  • Easy to use interface!
  • Allows you to follow your favorite artists!
  • Allows you to save all your favorite tracks to a list for easy access!
  • Allows you to give feedback at specific times in a musical track!
  • Allows you to upload your own content!
  • Music Player now shows in notification panel!
  • Share tracks with others through social networks, email, etc!

  Cons

  • No search suggestions when searching for track or artist.
  • Does not allow you to upload MP3′s or WAV files without re-recording.

  Features:

  SoundCloud is a music sharing service that allows Artists, DJs, and musical enthusiasts to record their own music tracks and share them with others.

  SoundCloud features a large user database of user uploaded content. You can find user generated mix tapes of bands like Iron Maiden, ACDC, Black Eyed Peas, and DMX. The quality of a given track is determined by the quality of the artist who is sharing it. SoundCloud allows you to search for new music by keyword or user name. This allows you to search for a specific artist or mixes of specific songs.

  One of the nice things about SoundCloud is that allows you to maintain a favorites list of the songs you like the best. It also allows you to follow the artists that you prefer to listen to. Once you have followed an Artist you can see their latest posts in your incoming feed. This tab keeps you up to date with your favorite artists.

  SoundCloud also lets you upload your own musical tracks to their cloud server. The application records through your standard phone microphone so to make a high quality recording you would want to run a cable from your computer with the original mix to your phone or tablet.

  After you have uploaded your own original content you can give it exclusively to a specific user. Other users can share tracks with you in this way as well. This allows you to get another artists opinion on your track before opening it up to the general public to hear.

  Video: SoundCloud Tour

  SoundCloud: The Tour from SoundCloud on Vimeo.

          
  

  Usefulness:

  SoundCloud is very useful if you want to discover new music or up and coming Artists. It allows you to easily discover new music and to keep up to date with the artists you enjoy.

  SoundCloud is really excellent if you currently are a musician and want to gain more exposure for yourself or for your Musical Group. The interface is designed to allow people all over the world to discover you and give specific feedback on your music.

  Ease of Use:

  SoundCloud is very easy to use and the interface is very straightforward. One addition that would be nice to see in future updates is search suggestions. While searching for a specific artist I often found myself mistyping the username by one character and returning no search results. Other than that the interface is extremely user friendly and easy to use.

  Frequently Used:

  SoundCloud is an application that I will definitely be returning to. A lot of the user generated mixes that I listened to while doing this review were excellent and very unique. Though none of the artists I found were famous their music was of a high quality and creative.

  If I was a musician I would definitely be uploading all of my music to this application to generate a fan base, and to receive listener feedback.

  Interface:

  SoundCloud has an excellent user interface and is very easy to use. My two complaints about the interface are it’s lack of search suggestions and lack of options for uploading recordings.

  The Android application only supports recording through the SoundCloud application. It does not support the uploading of .MP3 files or .WAV files uploaded to your device from a computer. This means that if you have already recorded a track on the computer you need to run a line in from the computer to the headset jack on your device in order to achieve semi-lossless audio quality without background noise or interference.

  The lack of search suggestions makes the application slightly more difficult to use, but does not severely detract from the interface.

  AndroidTapp.com Rating

   (4.0 out of 5)

  Should you Download SoundCloud? SoundCloud is an excellent user generated music sharing center. It allows you to find great original music tracks for free from up-and-coming artists and DJs. It also allows Artists and DJs to upload their content to a large listener base to generate a fan base and get specific feedback on their tracks. If you love listening or making music this application is for you!

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• SemiSilent

  Posted: Thu, 05 May 2011 12:00:20 +0000

  

  SemiSilent. Cell phones are simultaneously great and terrible devices. They allow us to be available to anyone at anytime. Unfortunately, they also make us be available to everyone at anytime. You can silence your phone, but then you risk missing calls you actually want to receive. With a standard phone you’ve had two choices, be available but interrupted, or be able to focus and unreachable. Enter SemiSilent. With SemiSilent, you can select the contacts you want to be available for. Then you can set your cell phone to silent mode to save yourself from being disturbed by the rest of the world. If one of the contacts you selected calls you, your ringer will be turned on so you don’t miss their call.

  Price: Free, $0.99

  AndroidTapp.com Android App Review:

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros

  • Easy to choose which contacts you want to ring
  • Not too many additional features

  Cons

  • Not a lot of additional features

  Features:

  If you’re like me, you have some sort of automation app that automatically turns down the volume on the phone at night so things like emails or inconsiderate friends won’t wake you up in the middle of the night. Or you silence your phone in meetings (like you should). However, there are always a few people you want to hear from no matter the time of night or even the settings on the phone. SemiSilent is an answer to that.

  The app allows you to create a “white list” of people/numbers that, no matter what your ringer volume settings, will let those calls through. You can adjust the SemiSilent ring volume, so if it’s full blast, or just louder than what you have the rest of the phone set as, you’ll get the call.

     
  

  Usefulness:

  Very. If you have children, or want to set specific people, like parents, to always ring through, this is a great way to ensure you won’t miss an emergency call.

  Ease of Use:

  Super easy. You get a list of all your contacts, and check off the ones you want to add to the white list.

  Frequently Used:

  This is a set-once-and-forget type of app. You’ll go through and select everyone you want SemiSilent to ring through, and then you don’t need to go in again unless you want to add or change people or volume levels.

  Interface:

  The contact list doesn’t just list people, but all the numbers associated with them. So you can only allow numbers you know will be the most likely to be used in an emergency, for example.

  AndroidTapp.com Rating

   (4.2 out of 5)

  Should you Download SemiSilent? This is a very simple app that does one thing, but it does it well. If you’re looking for a way to white list calls to ring even when the phone is silenced, this is the app for you.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• Android Tablet sales low, estimated 125,000 sold in the first quarter of 2011

  Posted: Wed, 04 May 2011 23:33:07 +0000

  

  Based on Google’s latest platform stats they release monthly showing the break down of the various versions of Android in the market worldwide, I would conclude Android tablets are not selling well at all accounting for 0.3% market share of Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) software for tablets. By our estimates this would be about 125,000 tablets sold in the first quarter of 2011, which puts it right on par with estimates of 100K a month ago by Deutsche Bank, reportedby Business Insider. When you compare this to Apple’s iPad 2 sales, which estimated first week sales between 350,000 to 400,000; the results are dismal.

  Many key factors attribute to this debacle such as price, Honeycomb software not “average” consumer friendly and overly complicated, and the first Android Tablet launched under carrier contract… something we recommend against in this infant stage of the growing tablet market. Hopefully as the slew of Android tablets hit the market this year sales numbers will change.

  
  

  Android Platform Version 5-2011

  Platform	API Level	Codename	Distribution
  Android 1.5	3	Cupcake	2.3%
  Android 1.6	4	Donut	3.0%
  Android 2.1	7	Eclair	24.5%
  Android 2.2	8	Froyo	65.9%
  Android 2.3	9	Gingerbread	1.0%
  Android 2.3.3	10	Gingerbread	3.0%
  Android 3.0	11	Honeycomb	0.3%

  Data collected during two weeks ending on May 2, 2011

  * Other: 0.1% of devices running obsolete versions

  [Via Android Platform Versions]

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• HTC Bliss: reports of an Android Smartphone targeted at Women

  Posted: Wed, 04 May 2011 22:15:22 +0000

  

  The blog Thisismynext.com has interesting information today. They are reporting that one of their sources is telling them HTC is working on a phone called the Bliss that will be on the Verizon network, targeted specifically at women. Details are sketchy, and it’s all pretty much rumor at this point, but if true it would be an interesting take on marketing for HTC.

  
  

  HTC Bliss

  Personally, as one of the women in the age range HTC would supposedly be targeting, the specs would matter more than the form, and I root my phones pretty much as soon as I get them, so pre-installed apps aren’t a selling point. I must admit, however, the idea of a charm accessory that would light up or flash to indicate missed calls, SMS messages, etc. is intriguing. I miss the LED indicator from the G1 that I could customize to flash various colors for different things, so I could tell at a glance if it was an email, missed call, etc. waiting for me. But they could accomplish the same thing by bringing back an LED you could fiddle with as well as with a charm.

  Take this with a grain of salt for now, since, again… it’s all based on rumors. But it’s an interesting read, nevertheless.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• Taskos To Do List

  Posted: Wed, 04 May 2011 20:00:01 +0000

  

  Taskos To Do List. Get organized easily with Taskos to do list. Free, simple & intuitive to do list for android. Now you can add tasks by speaking to your mobile device. Taskos to do list allows you to add, edit or delete tasks, write notes, set alerts and even make calls. New features : Google task sync, easy & intuitive home screen widget, customized categories, improved sorting, swipe completed tasks, quick edit of tasks information.

  Price: Free

  AndroidTapp.com Android App Review:

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros

  • Syncs with Google Tasks
  • You can add items via voice or text
  • Mark items as complete by swiping them, swipe the other direction to add them back to the list
  • Shaking the phone clears all finished tasks

  Cons

  • Right now, Google Tasks is the only service it syncs with

  Features:

  There are a lot of task managers in the market, but Taskos manages to distinguish itself with a very nice feature set. First of all, the ability to add items via speech to text is a huge time saver. I found in testing it that nine times out of ten, it got it right on the first try. And those few times it didn’t, trying again speaking a little more clearly got the right results. When you add an item (or touch it to make it the selected item), you’ll get a toolbar pop-up where you can categorize it, change the due date and priority, even share it with your social networks if you choose.

  The other two very cool features of Taskos is using the swipe gesture to mark an item as complete, and then reverse-swiping it to mark it as active again if you accidentally cross something off you shouldn’t have. And then, give the phone a solid shake, and it will bring up a prompt asking if you want to move all the crossed-off items into your done list, keeping your primary screen neat and clean.

  You can choose to view all items, or view them by category, which is nice if you keep a variety of lists for different purposes. And the ability to sync with Google Tasks is nice, as it means you’ll always have a backup, and access on your computer. Right now, Google is the only cloud service Taskos syncs with, but the developer has said he is working on adding more at a later date.

      
  

  Usefulness:

  Very! Task lists are, by their nature, a way to stay organized and keep track of what needs to get done, as well as things like shopping lists or anything else you can imagine. Taskos makes this very simple and easy to manage.

  Ease of Use:

  It’s very easy to use.  As I mentioned, I really love the swipe-to-cross off feature, and the speech to text makes adding a lot of items quick and simple.

  Frequently Used:

  This is another app you’ll use all the time if you’re a task list junkie.

  Interface:

  It’s easy to use, and even comes with a basic tutorial when you first log on (which is also accessible via the settings if you want to see it again) to walk you through some of those main features.

  AndroidTapp.com Rating

   (4.0 out of 5)

  Should you Download Taskos To Do List? Yes! This is a great task list app, and once more services are added for syncing, it will only continue to improve.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• Jorte

  Posted: Wed, 04 May 2011 18:00:33 +0000

  

  Jorte is a personal organizer application designed to be practical. This application Jorte is a personal organizer. Our objective was to create an app with the look and feel of real paper personal organizer with an appealing appearance and easy practical use. Jorte has a scheduler function and you can customize its style as you choose. Calendars are displayed in a monthly or weekly view the display will rotate automatically if you turn your device sideways.

  Price: Free

  AndroidTapp.com Android App Review:

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros

  • You can choose to sync with Google Calendars or create a Jorte-specific calendar
  • A lot of customization options
  • LOTS of widget sizes

  Cons

  • Having trouble adjusting the widget settings once it’s been placed

  Features:

  As a replacement for the stock calendar, Jorte is a very solid choice. If you’re looking for something you can customize exactly to the way you work, this is probably the app for you. There are a wide variety of views, from the basic monthly overview to several different weekly views, as well as an agenda view. It also has a range of skins, so if you want to set the look and feel of your calendar to match the rest of your phone, it’s an easy process.

  You can choose to tie in your Google calendars, or you can have a separate Jorte calendar that isn’t synced with any servers – you can choose which in the setup, and can always change it in the settings.

  Speaking of settings, Jorte really excels here as well. There are a wide range of options from which day the calendar starts to importing or exporting data, all available in easy-to-navigate menus. If you don’t need these options, the app itself does a good job of keeping them tucked away where they won’t clutter up your day to day usage.

  If you prefer to access your calendar via widget, Jorte comes with pretty much every size option you could ever want (you can choose to hide the ones you don’t use in the settings of the app itself). You have the same style options for the widget as for the app, along with the ability to customize how transparent it is and font size, among other things. You can also choose which type of widget you want, from monthly to agenda.

          
  

  Usefulness:

  Very. This is a pretty powerful calendar replacement app, with the ability to customize it until you get exactly the look and feel, as well as workflow that works for you.

  Ease of Use:

  It’s very easy to use! Setup is quick, and from there, you can use it or you can start poking around the settings until you get it set the way you like it.

  Frequently Used:

  If you’re a calendar junkie, this is an app you’ll use throughout the day every day.

  Interface:

  I like that you can change it up. If you’re going to spend a lot of time looking at the calendar, the ability to change the color schemes and layout is a nice touch. And as someone who is very specific about how my calendar looks since I run my whole life around it… it was nice to have a lot of options to get it exactly right.

  AndroidTapp.com Rating

   (4.5 out of 5)

  Should you Download Jorte? This is a very solid Yes! If you’re looking for a full calendar replacement with a lot of customization options, Jorte is an app you need to check out.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• FriendItem – Social Book Service

  Posted: Wed, 04 May 2011 15:00:40 +0000

  

  FriendItem is Social Book Service. FriendItem is an application which is providing total solution relating to books and reading activity, which enable you not only to manage, review, underline and evaluate books, but also share the contents with friends.

  The basic data can utilize millions of books in the world through ‘Google Books’ and you can add books to your library by using keywords search function or recognizing barcode of the book. In addition, this application can provide a sharing function with friends through Facebook, Twitter, Email, which enables you to discuss books with your friends comfortably and makes possible to write review after reading a book as well as producing monthly statistics on what you read. All these functions will motivate you have right reading habit and read books as much as possible.

  Price: Free

  AndroidTapp.com Android Game Review:

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros

  • Adds books to your virtual library and allows you to share them with others!
  • Keeps track of books that you have lent out or donated!
  • Allows you to write reviews and take notes on books you have read!
  • Allows you to document your entire reading history!
  • Allows you to sync all of your FriendItem content with Facebook!
  • The back button now works!

  Cons

  • The application is not formatted properly for tablet devices.
  • FriendItem has only included their social book service in their initial Android offering, while there is many more sharing options on their website for sharing.
  • The interface will not go into landscape view on tablet devices.
  • The underlining feature appears to only be note taking on a specific passage within the confines of the FriendItem application.

  Features:

  FriendItem is a social book service that allows you to share your personal library of books with others. This application allows you to scan in, or manually input the books that you have read in to a virtual library. You can also scan in books that are recommended to you by others so you can create your own reading list!

  In order to add books to your personal library in FriendItem you have to scan in the barcode on the back of the book you wish to add. FriendItem will automatically populate all of the corresponding information about the book. This information includes ISBN, Author, Published Date, and Publisher. If you are either unable or unwilling to scan the barcode for the book you wish to add; all you need to do is hit the search button and type in either the book’s title or the author’s name. In order to add books to your future reading list you follow the same steps as to add a book to your personal library.

  After adding a book through one of these methods you can input information about the book into the program. Each book can be given a status of “Have Read,” “Reading Now,” or “To Read.” This allows you to keep track of which books you still need to read and share an active reading list with friends. You can also add in the dates that you began and finished reading each book. This allows you to gauge how quick of a reader you are as well as get an idea of the reading level of the book.

  After reading a book you can add in a review or notes for a certain passage.  This application allows you to type in the page of the passage in the book you wish to underline and then enter in the paragraph that you wish to underline and write notes on. Then when you review the book in your FriendItem library at a future date you can see all of the important passages in one place along with your notes as to why a specific passage was important to you.

  The review option allows you to give each book that you have read a rating on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. This will be shared with others through FriendItem and is also useful to see what types of books you enjoy. For the more dedicated book reviewer, you can also write your own written review to go along with the 5 star rating.

  One of my favorite features of FriendItem is the ability to change “Ownership Status.” This feature allows you to keep track of books that you own, want, borrowed, lent or donated. I especially like that it gives you the option to keep track of books that you have lent out to others. This is useful because it can be hard to keep track of who has borrowed from you and I have lost many good books that way.

  Finally, FriendItem allows you to share your library, reviews, reading status, and notes with others through Facebook, Email, and Twitter. If you wish to share information on a single book you can post that information directly to your Facebook, Twitter, or send it out by email. If you wish to share your entire library with everyone in the world then you can share it through FriendItem’s social service.

  The syncing between the FriendItem application for Android and FriendItem’s Facebook Social Service is flawless. It pulls over all of the information that you input in to FriendItem on the phone and syncs it with their Facebook page. On the website you are awarded badges for accomplishing specific reading achievements and have many advanced sharing options which are not yet available through the Android application.

  Watch on Mobile

          
  

  Usefulness:

  FriendItem is extremely useful for sharing all of your reading information with others. I find it very helpful to keep track of all the books I have actually read, as well as keep track of all of the books I want to read.

  I love that it allows you to keep track of what books you have loaned out to friends. Even the ability to see what books you have donated is extremely useful. It would be hard to keep track of which books you had donated and which books you had lent out without this application.

  I also love how easy it is to add books to your library or reading list. This application does an excellent job giving you the maximum amount of information for the least amount of work.

  One feature I do have a problem with is the underling feature. I wish there was a way to integrate the underlining with the actual book. That way as I reread the book I have “underlined” I can see my notes. The way the FriendItem interface is set up it appears to force you to copy and paste the section you want to “underline” in to the FriendItem application and then input your notes for that passage.

  This is useful for seeing all of your notes and important passages  for one book in one place, but I do not feel that this is as easy or as useful as underlining a passage in an actual book.

  Ease of Use:

  FriendItem is extremely easy to use. The interface is very straightforward and user-friendly. The only problem that I experienced while using this application was that the back button was not enabled for in application use. Since I began reviewing this application that has been fixed through a software update and I am happy to say that the back button now works splendidly!

  Frequently Used:

  FriendItem is excellent if you are in a reading club, reading group, or like to share what you read with your friends. I consider myself more of a casual reader and may find myself going in to this application once or twice a month to add in book recommendations from friends, but doubt that I would find a need to use this application frequently or to it’s full potential.

  Interface:

  The interface for FriendItem is good overall. Your personal library is displayed as a bookshelf with the cover art of each book being displayed prominently on the main page. The visuals are very good on a smartphone, but are somewhat unfinished on a tablet.

  I will say that the interface has improved since I began using the application.  Originally it would only display in a windowed mode on my Galaxy Tablet. Since the latest update it does format the application to take up the full screen of my device once loaded. The update did not fix the initial FriendItem loading screen which still only takes up a small portion of the screen as it is designed for a 3’7″ inch smartphone.

  The application also does not support a landscape view of your library on either the Galaxy Tablet or Motorola Xoom. The formatting on the Galaxy Tablet also looks like they just took the graphics for the smartphone interface and stretched them in order to make it work on a tablet. You can even see the lines of the grid that the books are held in. Though this application may work well on a phone it is far from finished for a tablet.

  AndroidTapp.com Rating

   (4.1 out of 5)

  Should you Download this FriendItem – Social Book Service? I highly recommend downloading this application if you are a smartphone user who loves to read. Even if you are only a casual reader you will benefit from the option to add in books that you wish to read. If you are a avid reader you will most likely use this application to it’s fullest potential and feel very satisfied with it’s many features. I would not recommend downloading this application on a tablet until the interface becomes more tablet friendly.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• Bakery Story

  Posted: Wed, 04 May 2011 13:00:24 +0000

  

  Bakery Story: prepare tasty baked goods and design dream bakery with friends! Welcome to Bakery Story™ where you and your friends can design bakeries with stunning variety and creativity! Features: FREE updates every week! Note: Internet connection is required. Xperia Play optimized. It’s FREE!

  Price: Free

  AndroidTapp.com Android Game Review:

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros

  • Name and design your bakery with hours of fun
  • Ability to purchase Gems to advance quicker throughout the game
  • Prepare different desserts and drinks for customers
  • Add neighbors for added unlock-ables
  • Push Notifications
  • No Lagging
  • Use your Storm8 Account to access the game and other features

  Cons

  • Ads can become frustrating

  Bakery Story is a great social game for those that want to design, run, and expand to create the biggest and most popular bakery in the game. Prepare and serve food to your customers to make money and continue to grow and expand your bakery.

  Features:

  Bakery Story is a social game where you design and run your own bakery to become the best. There are several options when it comes to designing your bakery. You can purchase chairs, tables, counter tops and more to make you bakery perfect. By creating a Storm8 account you can add neighbors to unlock the ability to expand your bakery along with being able to visit your neighbors and leave them tips. You must keep your customers happy by providing a variety of food and drinks that take anywhere from one minute to two days to prepare and cook. The variety of foods include cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and more along with several different drinks such as coffee, teas, love potions and plenty more. As you advance in the game and gain levels you are able to unlock more foods and drinks to serve your customers.

        
  

  Fun Factor:

  Bakery Story definitely has potential to be a fun game. Great fun for users that like to have a game the can continue to build on for long periods of time.

  Addictive:

  Bakery Story can become a very addictive game as you continue to grow and expand your bakery.

  Graphics:

  The graphics in this game are excellent. There is no force closing or lags.

  Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:

  While there is no need for the accelerometer or vibration the game has excellent music and sound effects that can be easily toggled via the settings option.

  AndroidTapp.com Rating

   (4.5 out of 5)

  Should you Download Bakery Story? This game is perfect for those that like to have a game they can continuously build on. I highly recommend downloading this game and giving it a shot. Drop your Storm8 ID in the comments to get some followers!

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• Call Sift (cSift) Call Blocker

  Posted: Tue, 03 May 2011 18:00:38 +0000

  

  Call Sift (cSift) Call Blocker is a convenient application that only allows urgent calls when you’re busy. Automatically replies to your calls and text messages when you are busy. While driving or in a meeting, cSift replies with a personalized message without your intervention, but still allows urgent calls to get through. cSift is the only application that allows you to manage your calls whenever you’re want peace of mind.

  Price: Free, $2.50

  AndroidTapp.com Android App Review:

  Pros & Cons:

  Pros

  • Enable Timer (Only in Paid Version)
  • Set custom message
  • Set “Urgent” ring tone
  • White list for those you never want blocked (Paid Version Only)
  • Option to ask only known callers
  • Send Text Only to mobile phones
  • Option to include text messages
  • Change Unlock Keyword

  Cons

  • Ads in free version
  • Limitations in free version

  cSift allows users to schedule when they want to block calls and text messages. You are able to create a custom message along with the times not to be disturbed.

  Features:

  cSift is a unique call blocking application available on the Android Market. It gives users the ability to set the amount of time the would like to block calls and text messages, along with being able to add certain people to a “White List” (paid version only) so you are sure to receive only urgent phone calls and text messages.

  Users also have the ability to set a custom message to be sent out to callers. Callers then can in return reply to the message with the keyword and you will be alerted of the urgency via a preset ring tone. This is a must have application for users that would only like to be disturbed by the most important of calls and messages.

  Key Features:

  • Screen calls by urgency with Text Message reply.
  • Allows call filtering by disrupting only in urgent matters.
  • White List, enable exception for choosing contacts
  • Allows you to run Call Sift for pre-defined time.
  • Safety, while you Driving
  • Allows complete focus on tasks without worrying about incoming calls.
  • Ability to compose your own personalized message (Multiple Languages).
  • Ability to compose your own personalized Release Keyword (Multiple Languages).
  • Ability to reply only to mobile phones.
  • Ability to select a personalized alarm notification
  • Enable Install on SD Card

       
  

  Usefulness:

  cSift is a must have application for people who would like to only be disturbed by the most urgent of calls during  meetings, work, school and more. The application definitely adds quite a bit of usefulness to Android devices.

  Ease of Use:

  cSifit is a fairly easy to use application. Download, install, and set your preferences and you are ready to go. The icon available via the notification bar makes it easy and simple to turn off and on auto response.

  Frequently Used:

  Once you download and set up your preferences this application only needs to be touched when you want to turn on your auto response. It will give you the freedom of being able to choose when and by who to accept calls and messages from.

  Interface:

  cSift’s user interface is very simple and clean. the easy to use settings makes this a great application for even the simplest of users.

  AndroidTapp.com Rating

   (3.5 out of 5)

  Should you Download Call Sift (cSift) Call Blocker? If you get this application I highly recommend the paid version versus the free version. The lack of features in the free version makes it less likely to be used. The paid version makes it simple to set the timer and custom message so you are sure not to forget to disable the feature and miss important calls.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com

  

  

  
  

  

• PBS launches Android app for kids

  Posted: Tue, 03 May 2011 17:27:48 +0000

  

  PBS launched the SUPER WHY App for Android, the first application for the Android platform from the station. The app, which helps kids build critical literacy skills through storybook adventures, is based on the the preschool series from Out of the Blue Enterprises. The app debuted on other mobile platforms last year, and is now available for Android 2.1+.

  “With more than 2 million downloads of PBS apps to date, there is significant interest in PBS content on mobile devices,” said Jason Seiken, Senior Vice President, Interactive, PBS. “Having experienced such a positive response in the mobile apps arena so far, it was important for us to extend the reach of our high quality, engaging content to the Android platform.”

  According to the company, the app helps children learn to read with four interactive literacy games, in addition to a virtual sticker book. Young learners can play along with each of the four main characters from the PBS KIDS series:  Alpha Pig, Princess Presto, Wonder Red, and Super Why, while practicing the alphabet, rhyming, spelling, writing and reading.

  SUPER WHY for Android is available for $2.99 in the Amazon Appstore, it’s currently not in Google’s Android Market.

  This content was originally posted at AndroidTapp.com