Notion Ink Coming June

Well it looks like Android Tablets are just going to keep coming, much like there phone’s. We just got word that well in my opinion”The Sleekest Tablet Yet” will be coming in (June 2010) For now the price is set around $321.00, and looks well worth it. My only hope is this will not just be another over sized MP3 player with Android OS. Only time will tell, but if it holds up to it’s promise I will be getting one.

[Via http://androidfeen.wordpress.com]

(Some of) My favorite Android OS Apps

A few months back my wife and I headed into our local Verizon store.  The plan was to get off of our respective parents plans, and, like real grown-ups, have a cell phone plan of our own (complete with outrageous bill).

Being the tech nerd, or geek if you prefer, I was aware of the release of Droid phones on Verizon…in fact, I had been drooling over them in online blogs, videos, and TV ads for several months leading up to the release.  It must have been a mixture of an insane load of Grad School work, coupled with my unhealthy yearning to be at home playing XBox, but I had completely spaced that the day we were going to get new phones was ALSO the release of these phones.

Verizon store was insane, and we immediately realized why.  I walked towards the MOTO Droid on display and could hardly control the salivary glands leaking from the sides of my mouth…that thing was awesome…and with a $400 price tag, it better be.  We “settled” for the HTC Eris…with its $99 price tag, this phone was well within our budget, and Verizon really made it worth it, giving us free upgrades.  So far I love the Eris, and am a completely smitten Droid user.

Okay, enough rambling and backstory, time to talk about the best part of Android…the open source applications

Twitter Users

1. Seesmic (Free)

I gave up on the Twidroid app after less than an hour of having my phone…too simple, and the lack of conversation threading was a HUGE turnoff (not sure if that has since been added).  Seesmic has a solid reputation for their desktop Twitter program, and although I use Hootsuite on my Mac, I have been (sort of) patiently waiting for one of the Twitter powerhouses to step into the Android realm.  Seesmic’s Droid app offers a solid design, easy to navigate, but with enough features to still thrill me.  I love the way it easily handles replies giving me the option to reply to multiple people from one tweet.

If you are a Twitter user looking for some solid features and a fairly in depth approach to its build, then Seesmic comes as my top choice.  If you are a bit less Twitter obsessed, then my other choice may be right up your alley.

2. Swift (Free)

Swift was my jumping off point.  After ditching Twidroid, Swift was my favorite Twitter app.  Good conversation streamlining, VERY simple layout, and easy navigation made this my go to app for a long time, until I switched to Seesmic for the increased features.  If you’re new to Twitter, or just don’t need so much depth, Swift is still a great, clutter free alternative.

Honorable Mention: Twitterride

Music Lovers

1. Last.fm App (Free)

This app is actually still fairly glitchy…in any given week you may actually see multiple updates.  However, when it works, it’s great.  Same idea as Pandora, but keeps WAY better track of your music interests and play counts.  If your a music-o-phile like me, Last.fm integration belongs on everything from your computer, to your phone, ipod, and playlists.

2. Shazam (Free)

This is one of those apps that is a life saver for music lovers.  It listens to a short clip of a song…on the radio, at a restaurant, or basically anywhere you go and need to know what song is about to get stuck in your head.  This is the first song identification application that I have seen ACTUALLY work…and if you know me, you know that it was thoroughly tested.  I threw what I consider to be some of the most obscure, un-mainstream music at it, and within ten seconds it had title, artist, album art, and a ton more info…this thing is a blast.

Honorable Mention: Pandora (Free)

Fun Stuff/Miscelaneous

1) GMote (Free/$2.00)

I just got this app and am already obsessed.  By downloading this app for your phone and a program for you computer (works with Mac/PC/Linux) you have now made your Android phone into a remote…it syncs files, changes volume, mutes, pauses, skips tracks, etc.  And, arguably the best part: this is not limited to music or video files…you can use your phone as a remote for powerpoint presentations!  There is so much possibility for use with this that I will most likely spend months playing with it.  I am already jazzed to use this next semester in classes.

2. Zombie, RUN! (Free)

This app makes even the most mundane trip to the grocery store a fight for survival.  It is fully integrated with Google Maps, and uses the phones strong GPS to follow your location, and add in zombies on the map who are closing in on your location.  You have the ability to choose the speed/type of zombie, game-type, and even choose an end destination.  The goal is to drive/walk/run/hide your way out of risk of zombie attack.  The best way to really explain it is to just have you try this app out…after all, it’s free, and may provide just the training you need for the zombie apocalypse.

This is nowhere near all the cool apps available to explore on Android.  I hope you find this list fun and useful, and I hope people use the comment section of this post to share more of the newest/coolest Android apps on the market.  Enjoy!

[Via http://savestheclash.wordpress.com]

Android 2.0 coming to G1 and MyTouch? WiFi tether hacked on the Droid

Word is out that Android 2.0 or greater is officially coming to the G1 and possibly MyTouch 3G. AndroidSPIN says that they have a “source” that says Android 2.0 and/or 2.0.1 are already on some legacy devices. We are hoping this means both the G1 and MyTouch 3G but we also are hoping it doesn’t end there. No device except for the ‘Nexus One’ have Android 2.1 but hopefully when that becomes available to the public the firmware will also be released on these other devices. Android has come a long way in the jump from 1.6 to 2.0.1 and this update will be a very heart warming addition to the legacy phones that got people excited for Android in the first place. No reason for Google not to support its first comers. This is all still just rumor as far as we are concerned but it is something we expected to happen for a long time now. Now if Google could just give some word so G1 users and MyTouch users can breathe a sigh of relief.

In other news, the good folks over at Droidforums.net have provided Droid users with a list of instructions on how to get WiFi tethering working on the Motorola Droid. If you are already content using the “No hack needed” PDANET that is already available in the Android Market which allows BlueTooth and USB tethering, then this isn’t worth the work. If not then you should definitely head over to the Droidforums and follow the step by step instructions on how to root your Droid and allow WiFi tethering. Build your own Verizon MiFi out of the Motorola Driod! ^^ Of course you run the risk of bricking your phone during the root process, which neither us, nor Droidforums, are responsible for. If you are not familiar or comfortable with rooting your device then you definitely should not give this a try. Hopefully WiFi tethering can become somewhat of a norm sometime in the future.

For instructions on how to root your device and get WiFi tethering working on your Droid go here

[Via AndroidSPIN, Droidforums]

[Via http://fonefrenzy.com]

Mobile Tech Minutes: Verizon Droid Eris Video

done

HTC Droid Eris

This movie requires Adobe Flash for playback.

HTC is undoubtedly the king of Android with more handsets than any other OEM. The Verizon Droid Eris is essentially an updated Hero that has been adapated to the Verizon (s vz) network. In this video I give a walk around the phone, showing how small and thin it is, along with a look at the HTC Sense interface for Android.

Specs for the Droid Eris:

Processor Qualcomm® MSM7600™, 528MHz Internal Memory 512MB ROM / 288MB RAM (8 GB Memory card included) Display 3.2-inch 320 x 480 HVGA Resolution Capacitive Touch Screen Technology CDMA: Dual-band 800/1900MHz, CDMA2000 1xRTT/1xEVDO rev. A Email Support for Office Outlook Mobile® and Microsoft Exchange® with Direct Push Dimensions 4.45” (L) x 2.19” (W) x .51” (T) Weight 4.23 ounces Battery 1300 mAh Li-on

Talk time: 214 min

Standby: 373 hrs

[Via http://jkontherun.com]

SugarSync Streams Just Work.

In todays world we all know how vital it is to have enough storage. Ecspcaley on a mobile phone. Tho SD cards are  all ways on the rise we all ways find are selfs needing more room. With SugarSync all you need is a strong internet connection with both your computer and your mobile, and you can all most instantly play music from your computer to your Android device.

SugarSync just released version 2.1 for Android, now featuring real-time streaming of music and videos to your Android device from any of your synced computers. Streaming has just become the best way to enjoy your music and videos without hogging up the storage on your phone.

[Via http://androidfeen.wordpress.com]

Google's New Phone - "Nexus One"

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I’ve been reading more and more about Google’s new phone, supposedly called the “Nexus One.” Google gave a bunch of these new phones to their employees and asked them not to go public with it yet. However, pictures, reviews and even videos of the phone are popping up around the net.

So far the few reviews I’ve seen are all positive and people are explaining the Nexus One as “A sexy beast. Like an iPhone on beautifying steroids.” Rumor is that the Nexus One will hit the market in January and will be available for purchase unlocked or with a T-Mobile plan.

Video:

More pictures:

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Click To Enlarge

Sources: Engadget & TechCrunch

[Via http://sn0warmy.wordpress.com]

2 iPhone App Dev Roles in NYC to 140k - Relo OK

Our New York City client is a full-service agency for the digital age. They are looking for 2 full time, on-site, salaried Senior iPhone App Developers paying to $140,000 + benefits. Relocation assistance provided if required. US Citizens, Green Card holders, EAD or CAN only please.

POSITION #1 – Senior iPhone App Developer, NYC 100-130k

POSITION #2 – Mobile Tech Lead, NYC 120-140k

Skill Requirements:

* Strong C, C++ and Objective C

* XML and SQL

* MVC design pattern

* Xcode

* iPhone SDK

Both roles are VERY hands-on senior, hard core, iPhone App Developer roles where the person/s they hire for each role has been 100% hands-on for years, not necessarily iPhone apps of course, but C, C++, Objective-C and the like for a majority of their career. Current iPhone app dev experience as well.

TO APPLY: The absolute best way to apply for this job would be to not only submit your resume and/or portfolio or samples, but to elaborate on how your experience relates to the job description and submit your salary requirements to beau-AT-open-source-staffing.com – These applications will get noticed first.

Thank you and happy holidays,

Beau J. Gould

Open Source Staffing

www.open-source-staffing.com

beau-AT-open-source-staffing.com

[Via http://ossjobs.wordpress.com]