Top Ten Free Android Apps of 2013

Nowadays people are using various kinds of gadgets, mobiles with android, and the reason why android developers are continuously trying to expand and develop the number of apps. Most of the devices are running with Android latest version Jelly Bean. Here is a list of top 10 free android apps available in play store. Click on the individual sub-title to go to play store link.

1. WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp Messenger is a smartphone messenger available for Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Phone and Nokia phones. WhatsApp uses your 3G or WiFi (when available) to message with friends and family. Switch from SMS to WhatsApp to send and receive messages, pictures, audio notes, and video messages. 

2. Viber : Free Calls And Messages

Viber allows you to call, text, and send photos worldwide for free to over 140 million users. Viber is available for Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Phone and many more devices and platforms. Viber lets everyone in the world connect.

3. Facebook

• See what friends are up to

• Share updates, photos and videos

• Get notified when friends like and comment on your posts

• Text, chat and have group conversations

• Play games and use your favorite apps

4. Google Maps

Google Maps for Android with Navigation (Beta) has:

* Detailed maps with 3D buildings

* Voice guided turn-by-turn GPS navigation

* Driving, public transit, biking, and walking directions

* Live traffic information to avoid congestion

* Local search and business reviews

* Google Maps Street View

* Indoor maps for select airports, hotels, retail stores, and more

     
5. Chrome

Search and browse fast with Chrome on your Android phone and tablet. Sign in to sync your personalized Chrome experience from your computer to bring it with you anywhere you go.

• Search and navigate fast, directly from the same box. Choose from results that appear as you type.
• Browse faster with accelerated page loading, scrolling and zooming.

6. AVG AntiVirus

Free, top-rated, real-time antivirus and anti-theft protection for Smartphones & Tablets. AVG AntiVirus FREE for Android™ protects you from harmful viruses, malware, spyware and text messages and helps keep your personal data safe.

7. MX Player

MX Player - The best way to enjoy your movies.

MX Player is the first Android video player which supports multi-core decoding. Test result proved that dual-core device’s performance is better up to 70% than that of single-core devices. Easily zoom in and out by pinching and swiping across the screen. Fully supports Android 4.2.

8. YouTube

Keep up with your favorite YouTube channels and access the world’s videos anywhere with the official YouTube app for Android.

9. Adobe Reader

Adobe® Reader® is the free, trusted leader for reliably viewing and interacting with PDF documents across platforms and devices. Install the free Adobe Reader mobile app to work with PDF documents on your Android tablet or phone. Easily access, manage, and share a wide variety of PDF types, including PDF Portfolios, password-protected documents, fillable forms, and Adobe LiveCycle® rights-managed PDF.

10. Skype - free IM And video calls

Free voice and video calls to anyone else on Skype, whether they’re on an Android, iPhone, Mac or PC, as well as IMs to your friends and family, no matter where they are. Features:

• Skype to Skype IMs, video and voice calls are free* over 3G or WiFi. 
• Make low-cost calls and SMS to mobiles or landlines from your Android smartphone or tablet.

These top ten free android apps are maintaining its positions since several weeks. Use it and let us know your experience.

Top 10 Samsung Galaxy Tab Music Applications

The Samsung Galaxy Tablet has been a driving force in Samsung’s success during 2012. Millions of units for the Android-powered tablet has been sold and its popularity is an ever-increasing factor. One category of application that it excels in is music. The following article is a nice compilation list of the top 10 Samsung Galaxy Tab music applications. The sub-title points have their Android Market hyperlinks.

1. RealPlayer Beta:

Real Player’s dominance has been present in the audio and music market for years. The popular PC program has made a transition with an Android application which features:

• Widgets
• Simplistic user interface
• Playlist editor

2. Winamp:

Winamp may have had its popularity in the music player space decrease over the introduction of VLC and such, but its Samsung Galaxy Tab app still delivers:

• Album art
• Spinner
• Wireless syncing

3. SoundHound: 

One of the most reputable song identifiers currently available on Samsung Galaxy Tablet’s marketplace is undoubtedly SoundHound, with features being:

• Song previews
• Lyrics
• Music videos

4. 8tracks:

Acting as a handcrafted internet radio, 8tracks features over 300,000 mixes. The Samsung Galaxy Tablet application also delivers:

• Browse genres
• Favorites
• Search playlists

5. DJ Studio 3:

With DJ Studio 3, users can select a track of their choice and just start adding DJ effects onto it with the application. It features some of the following:

• Two desks
• Disk physics
• Editable playlist

6. TTPod Music Player:

TTPod Music Player from developer ttpod has one of the best user interfaces that’s currently available for an Android-powered music player. Features are:

• Skinnable
• Lyrics
• Widget control

7. Poweramp Music Player:

Poweramp Music Player is one of the more advanced and technical music players available on the Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Features entail:

• Plays MP3 and MP4
• 10 band equalizer
• Crossfade support

8. Saavn Music:

If you’re into either bollywood or Indian music or bother, Saavn Music sees the deliverance of such tracks, in addition to the following features:

• Create and save playlists
• Stations inclusion
• Radio support

9. My Piano:

Essentially and indeed effectively acting as a virtual keyboard for the Samsung Galaxy Tablet, the application delivers some of the following:

• Piano sound effects
• Sampler
• Note velocity

10. Shazam:

If you’re listening to a song that you just can't identify or put you finger on, Shazam will help you out by showcasing which track it is, as well as:

• Save and listen again
• Watch YouTube videos
• Share tags on Facebook and Twitter

Hope you are going to try these apps and share your valuable comments.

Amazing Android Apps, Market Growth, Users & App Innovation

Mobile Applications are the biggest talk of the town these days. Not only that the apps have added ease and facility to a user’s life, but it is going beyond that. With the launching of the new iPhone 5 and making smartfones affordable to a larger population, mobile app trend is turning into a mobile app fever. New consumer trends are seen and noted and statistics are prepared for all those who want to benefit form this avalanche of consumer orientation. To make matters interesting, some of these useful statistics are turned into Infographics. Here we go :

Amazing Android Apps

This infographic tells us about the popularity of Android community and the amazing applications Android has produced which gained tremendous response over the years.

TalkingTomApp

Talking Tom is perhaps one of the most famous and most downloaded apps at Android. The best thing is that you can get Talking Tom Cat Free from Android market and enjoy the fun it brings.

Android Market Growth

In this infographic, Android market’s growth stats are mentioned in most interesting manner.

A Typical Android User

This photo plus graphical infographic tells us about the facts and figures of a typical Android user and his/her trends.

App Innovation

The innovation in app development is shown in this retro styles interesting infographic.

Source : AndroidPIT

Top Apps For Olympics

The season is all about competitive spirit, sweaty brows, bruised ankles and desire to win. Yes, it's Olympics 2012 and our smartphones have ensured that we know all that's happening at the London Olympics this summer. Here are some cool apps that smartphone users can quickly download - most of them for free - and stay updated with the events.

London 2012 Results App - Android, iOS

This app has been designed to bring to you timely results of all the 36 sports at the ongoing Olympics and also 21 sports of Paralympics. It brings to the table everything that you would want to know such as live schedules, calendar schedule, medals and details of all the sports. The app facilitates viewing the daily schedule of the games and also setting reminders so that you don’t miss catching up on your favorite event. You can view details of all the participants, which include their current Olympic standing. You can specifically follow a particular country and receive news and updates tailored to your needs. Setting up notifications and alerts to keep you posted throughout the Games is a breeze with this app.

Olympic Medal Alert - Android, iOS

This app brings to you all the action at Olympics 2012. The app instantly alerts when an Olympic medal is won by your favorite athlete, team or in your favorite sport. The app is simple to use, as you have to just choose events that you are interested in, and the countries you follow, to see the upcoming medal events. Once you have done so, simply enter your name and email address and/or mobile phone number, and specify whether you want to receive email or SMS/text alerts. Obviously, you can follow any number of teams, individuals, events, or sports. The app also can also send you a link to the website of the rights-holding broadcaster for your country so you can watch an Olympic sport online. 

Curly’s pocket guide to sports - iOS

Calling itself a perfect companion to the Olympics 2012, Curly’s pocket guide is here to explain all big sports, from cricket and golf to canoeing and gymnastics. There’s a neat illustrated card for each sport and 74 sports explained with complete rules and illustrations. You can also read some real life anecdotes from the sporting archives and some interesting facts. You can go ahead and share these facts on Twitter, Facebook and email. This is a very handy app sporting some cool graphics. Android users cannot lay their hands on this free app as it is currently available only for iOS users for $0.99 which is approximately 55.

London 2012 Join In App - Android, iOS

This is the official London 2012 Join In app, quite handy for viewing competition listings. It also serves as a guide to events, celebrations and activities held during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The ‘My Games’ feature lets you bookmark your favorite events and also provides directions, weather updates, video tour of the facility and photos. Basically, it is to help you plan, enjoy and share your Games experience. This planning tool is for those are attending the events as well as those who aren’t. 

London 2012 Games News - Android

This app will keep you updated with all that's happening at the Olympics 2012. The app is available for free and as the name suggests, brings all the juicy news about sports, athletes and more. It allows you to view all the news under one roof, and also to follow the medals earned by your country. The app page says that it will offer some more features soon. However, the app is currently available only for Android users.

The Olympics 2012 began on July 27, and will run upto August 12 this year. Enjoy the games and do send in your feedback about these apps.

London Olympics 2012 Top Apps

London 2012 Olympics Games on your android tablet and android mobile for free. Download these top android apps for the latest happening, news , teams and results updates on real time. Following are available for download for free.

London 2012 Olympic Medal Tally App : The Official London 2012 Results app provides all the latest news, schedules and results, allowing users to keep up-to-date with the latest action LIVE across all Olympic sports. Features : – Updated events results – Live updates – Calendar schedule – Medal tally tables – Athlete profiles – Receive official news What’s new in Version 1.1 of London 2012 Olympic Medal Tally App : – Up-to-date list of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games – Individual athletes biographies – News stories – Search for athletes by sport and by country My Games feature allows you to follow.

London Olympics 2012 Official Game : Download the freemium version of The Official London 2012 mobile game on your android mobile and participate in 9 different events. Features of Olympics Games Application : – 9 Olympic events: 100M, 110M Hurdles, 100m Freestyle, Double Trap, Triple Jump, Pole Vault, 100m Butterfly, Kayak (K1) and Archery – Train and customize your athlete using 220 items – 3 game modes: Training , Olympic and Challenge – This android app is available in 8 languages Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish – Easy to play – Authentic London 2012 Olympic venues are depicted in the app.

Trip Advisor – London City : London Olympic 2012 on your mind or vacation to the Big Ben. Get the free City Guide from TripAdvisor, which will be your personal advisor in your pocket. This is a powerful app with restaurants, attractions, hotels and TripAdvisor reviews all stored in the app and available offline. No data roaming charges when you travel abroad. Features of Trip Advisor android Application for London City – All data and reviews are available offline. – Update user reviews and other data periodically over WiFi. – All places that are listed on TripAdvisor.com in this city are included in the trip.

5 reasons - Android 4.0 Is Better Than iOS

Apple is supposed to be one of the leaders at the market of mobile operation systems, especially after the release of its new iOS 6. The company has brought several very decent improvements to the OS; however, there are some fields in which Apple lags behind Ice Cream Sandwich, an operation system developed by Google.

In case you don’t keep up with latest news regarding Android, Ice Cream Sandwich might be a new word for you. So let me explain about it. Since April 2009, each Android version has been developed under a codename based on a dessert or sweet treat. Ice Cream Sandwich is the codename for Android 4.0, one of the latest versions of the Android platform.

So, let’s have a look at the features that make ICS the best mobile operation system for now.

Multitasking

Ice Cream Sandwich offers a much better and more advanced multitasking option for users than iOS. The ‘Recent Apps’ function on Android devices with a 4.0 support makes it easy to multitask. All you need is to press the button and the mobile apps that you have recently used will be listed for you and you will be able to choose if to close or reopen them.

iOS multitasking function is more time consuming. You will have to click twice at the Home button and it will show you the recently used apps. And only besides after this you will have to swipe in search of the application that you would like to use and then tap the app you chose to go to it.

Hardware Options

This is one of the most important differences between iOS and Android OS. There are great variety of devices with different hardware sets that can run Android ICS, while iOS can be run ONLY by iPhones and iPads. And this limitation leads to the situation when mobile developers prefer to work with Android OS rather than with iOS just because Google and hardware manufacturers provide the choice for the developers with what devices to work.

Notifications

Apple has a very irritating way of showing a notification – a flip-down banner that looks like an ad somewhere in the Net.

Android notifications consist of a pull-down tray giving you the option to clear notifications that are unwanted and to save the important ones to review later. Besides, you don’t have to unlock your Android gadget to pull down the notifications.

Home Screen and Resizable Widgets

Ice Cream Sandwich offers a very customizable home screen to Android users. You will be able to group your applications on the home screen in a way you want. Besides, it allows you to embed live app content just through the interactive widgets installed. It mean that you may check your e-mails and updates, stream music, etc. without launching an application. It also saves the battery life that makes the users even more delighted with such function. Most of the widgets are resizable, so you can adjust the size so that to make the use of your Android phone convenient.

iOS provides only a very static home screen where you can see only some basic modification. Some people say it is a trade screen of Apple, but I think that it better only for company, not for users.

Face Unlock

Face Unlock is one of the most interesting and advanced feature in Android ICS that Apple’s iOS doesn’t have. It uses a facial recognition technology allowing nobody but you to lock or unlock the phone or tablet. This function makes your gadget save and secured.

Just don’t think that iOS is a complete failure, no. It is one of the best OS today, but still it is not perfect. And I hope that in future Apple developers will understand that variety and flexibility isn’t as bad as they think it is today.

Top 5 Android Apps For Bloggers

Google's Android has brought the revolution in mobile technology. Within very small period, Android has achieved tremendous success. Android is known for the support of variety of apps. Android has apps for everyone. In this post, I am going to talk about the Android apps for bloggers. There are many apps that can help in blogging. Due to fast life, blogging by keeping stick to computer or laptop is not an easy task. But you don’t have to worry as you can do blogging from your Android smartphone or tablet, while on the go. So let’s have a look at the best Android apps for bloggers.

1. WordPress

Undoubtedly the best app for bloggers is WordPress. This app is Android version of most popular blogging platform, WordPress. WordPress is the most used blogging platform. If your blog is also hosted on WordPress, then you can’t avoid to have this app on your Android. The app provides the basic features of WordPress on your Android. You can check your blog edit it, save new titles, check comments and can reply to comments as well. This app is free to download and you can get it from Google Play.

2. Blogger

After the WordPress, it’s Blogger which is most used as blogging platform. Blogger is used worldwide to host many blogs. Every new blogger, starts from it. If you are also one of them and have your blog running on Blogger, then this is the must have app for you. You can check messages, save ideas for new posts, reply to comments directly from your Android and that all, while on the move.

3. Evernote

To get success in blogging, daily update of blog is must. This task seems to be simple but actually it’s not. Getting new ideas daily for blog update is not an easy task. Sometimes there is situation that you met with new idea from any event or news and you make your mind to blog on that particular topic. But when you went to blog it, you forget the topic. Well, this has happened with me many times. If it’s also happening with you, then you should use this awesome app for Android. This app makes your Android gadget to work as notepad and you can save any information in it, in the form of text. For fast access and use, you can also save new ideas via voice recording feature.

4. Hootsuite

Blog success can’t be achieved without social media promotion. Social media has become one of the best sources to get traffic. Hootsuite is the app that can keep you active in social media. This app supports all social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Digg etc. Presence in social media is equal to success of your blog in it. This is what this app provides you to do right from your Android smartphone or tablet. This app comes in free and paid versions. You can use any version according to your choice.

5. Google Analytics

Keeping track of traffic to blog is very important. Google Analytics is the best tool for this. This app is official Android release of the same. You can use this app to keep track of traffic to your blog from your Android based smartphone or tablet. This is must have app for all the bloggers.

So it was the list of best apps for Android. Hope you like them. As a blogger, I personally like all the apps and will recommend every blogger to use these apps to stay active in their blogging field, from Android smartphone or tablet.

Android Vs Apple In Market

The battle is on and it will go on like this. Android and Apple iOS both captured the market and growing day by day. Find below a self explanatory infographic which tells the real fact of the fight between Apple and Android.

Opera Mini 7 for Android Released

Web browsers are used according to the region and the OS platforms. Along with IE, Chrome, Firefox now Opera Mini web browser version 7 for Android is released today, it is available in the Google Play store. 160 million users or more are using Opera Mini all over the world. This version 7 is really very fast and provides speedy browsing resulting visiting sites smoother. Newly added OpenGLES hardware acceleration has evolved this newly version release. The number of Speed Dial buttons on the browser home screen is now unlimited and thats the best part of this version.

The browser now has the Exit button, the absence of which has been annoying me. Opera Mini reduces data costs by up to 90% with a unique compression technology.

Opera Mini 7 now provides better Tab management. The browser now provides user interface for searching for text within a page (Find-in-page UI). The latest version supports RTL (right-to-left) text support in UI for Arabic and Hebrew.

You may also check out Opera Mobile, the premium experience when on Wi-Fi or wireless broadband. Wondering what is the difference between Opera Mini and Opera Mobile?

Angry Birds Space Launched for iOS, Android, Mac, PC

Rovio Entertainment released Angry Birds Space, available now for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices. Angry Birds Space’s Mac and PC, with PC retail copies to follow shortly. Angry Birds Space marks the first integrated entertainment launch for Rovio, with merchandise, animation and books available in retail at the same time as the game.

From floating through space in zero gravity, to using the gravity of nearby planets to set up spectacular trick shots, Angry Birds Space takes the gameplay that fans already know and love to a totally new level. With brand new birds, brand new superpowers, and a whole galaxy to explore, the sky is no longer the limit!

Angry Birds Space features 60 interstellar levels, with regular free updates in the pipeline. Even more content is available through in-app purchase, starting first with the iOS version. Included in the game are many hidden goodies, secret levels and cool space content. Gameplay has been thoroughly optimized for all platforms, including full Retina display support on the new iPad.

Image Credit : Google Play

Angry Birds Space is available for $0.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch, and Angry Birds Space HD is available for $2.99 from the App Store on iPad. Both are also available. Angry Birds Space for the Mac is available for $4.99 from the Mac App Store. Angry Birds Space is available for Android devices for free with advertising. Ad-free versions of Angry Birds Space will also be available on Android for $0.99, and an HD version for Android tablets for $2.99.

Angry Birds Space for Android (Free with ad)

Angry Birds Space for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad ($0.99)

    ANGRY BIRD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE

Source : Rovio

HTC Phones To Get Android 4.0 (ICS) Update

Mobile manufacturers one after the other roll out Ice Cream Sandwich updates for their Android devices. Soon after Samsung announced ICS update for Samsung Galaxy SII, HTC also confirmed 16 of its Android smartphones will also be updated to Android 4.0, Google’s latest mobile OS.

The following HTC devices are confirmed to get a tasty treat of Ice Cream Sandwich:

• DROID Incredible 2 by HTC
• HTC Amaze 4G
• HTC Desire S
• HTC Desire HD
• HTC EVO 3D
• HTC EVO Design 4G
• HTC Incredible S
• HTC Sensation
• HTC Sensation XL
• HTC Sensation 4G
• HTC Sensation XE
• HTC Raider
• HTC Rezound
• HTC Rhyme
• HTC Thunderbolt
• HTC Vivid

According to HTC’s blog post, They are in the early stages of rolling out Android 4.0 for the HTC Sensation and HTC Sensation XE and upgrades will be more widely available in the next few weeks. The update for the HTC Sensation 4G and HTC Sensation XL will follow. Once HTC start pushing out updates it will take time for all carriers in each country to get the update.

Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus smartphone was the first device to be released with Ice Cream Sandwich.

Source : HTC Blog

Samsung eStore Website Launches in India

The Samsung eStore is the e-commerce venture of Samsung India Electronics, which offers customers the widest range of Samsung products online. The Samsung eStore provides customers a shopping platform to make online purchases. Customers can buy on the Samsung eStore with the confidence of purchasing from a trusted source. You can choose your product easily by browsing the eStore or calling Samsung helpline on 1800 103 8384.

Samsung e-Store India website (http://www.samsungindiaestore.com) currently lists Samsung products under Mobiles, Tablets, Laptops, Netbooks and Accessories category and offers free shipping.

All orders on the Samsung India eStore are being executed by Savex computers limited, a national distributor for Samsung India Electronics Private Limited. Delivery and Logistics of all orders placed on the Samsung eStore is managed by Savex Computers. Savex also maintains the www.samsungindiaestore.com web site and the end customer interactions for the Samsung eStore.

Customer Support- 1800 103 8384 (Toll Free) or 0120-4608989

Email- support.estore@samsung.com

Source : Samsung eStore 

Zinglife Z97T 3G TAB Android 2.3 Tablet Launches

Zinglife has launched Z97T 3G TAB, its latest tablet running on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). This 9.7-inch touchscreen tablet is powered by a 1GHz CPU and has capacitive screen. It will accept 3G SIM cards, not for calling purposes, but for just data and messaging. Zinglife Z97T 3G TAB is available for online purchase at Rs. 18,999 at ebay.

With a very stylish design, and just 9.1 mm thickness, it is one of the slimmest Tabs available in the market. The tablet will also feature HDMI and a front facing camera.

Buy Zinglife Z97T 3G TAB Online

High Speed Processing

• 1.0 GHz 32-bit Processor
• Arm Cortex A8 Platform
• 512MB DDR3 RAM

Display Properties

• 9.7 inch (1024×768) IPS LED
• Top-end Capacitive TouchScreen
• 5-Point Multi Touch

System Memory

• 4GB NandFlash (Internal Memory)
• Supports MicroSD Card upto 32GB

Operating System

• Android 2.3 (Upgradable to 4.0)
• Pre-installed Adobe Flash 10.3

Built-in Ports

• Mini USB (USB 2.0 Support)
• Mini HDMI Port
• 3.5 mm Audio Port

Internet Connectivity

• Built-in 3G Module (WCDMA)
• SIM Card Support (Internet & SMS)
• WiFi (802.11 b/g/n SDIO)

Other Features

• 1.3MP Hi-Res Front Camera
• Bluetooth (V2.1; EDR)
• Stereo Speakers 8Ω 1.5W
• Built-in Microphone

Battery Properties

• 2,700 mAH 7.2V/20Wh Battery
• Music: upto 8 hours
• Video: upto 5 hours
• Web Browsing: upto 6 hours

Tablet Weight

• Net Weight 600 grams

Tablet Size

• 241.6mm x 188.6mm x 9.1mm

Accessories

• AC Power Adapter
• Changeable Plugs
• USB Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Source : Z97T 3G TAB

Instagram App For Android Launches Soon

Android users, your wait for a wonderful photo sharing app is over. Instagram, the popular photo-filtering and sharing app, is on its way to Google’s mobile operating system. The Android version of Instagram is currently being tested in private beta and will be released “very soon.”

Co-founder Kevin Systrom announced at SXSW Sunday that the long-awaited Android version of Instagram is nearly here. He teased the version on stage, but did not provide a demo.

“In some ways, it’s better than our iOS app. It’s crazy,” Systrom said. In a Q&A following his presentation, Systrom said the app is fast, works great on large screens and can share photos to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and other networks.

Systrom also announced Sunday that the iOS version of Instagram — which was named Apple’s iOS app of the year last year — has seen some 27 million downloads.

Source : Mashable

Google’s Next Android Update Key Lime Pie After Jelly Bean

Google will name the version of Android that comes after Jelly Bean as “Key Lime Pie“. Your Android phone or tablet will update to the taste of the Florida-born dessert by 2013. The Android versions becoming sweeter and sweeter with each release. Even though no confirmation has been given on its release date, it could be a 2013 deliverable version.

Image Credit : Google

Google have not officially announced Jelly Bean yet. In the meantime, start getting used to the “KLP” acronym for Key Lime Pie.

The Android OS names are alphabetical desserts: Cupcake (1.5), Donut (1.6), Eclair (2.0, 2.1), Froyo (2.2), Gingerbread (2.3), Honeycomb (3.0) and Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0). Unless you can think of a better “J” and “K” dessert names, “Jelly Bean” and “Key Lime Pie” respectively will be the better choices.

How To Access Android Phones Using Ubuntu

Now you can use your Android Device using Ubuntu. Use Android on the phone and Ubuntu as your desktop, both running simultaneously on the same device, with seamless sharing of contacts, messages and other common services. Canonical unveiled Ubuntu for Android, bringing the world’s favourite free desktop experience to multi-core Android smartphones docked with a keyboard and monitor.

The phone experience is pure Android – it’s a normal Android phone. When the device is connected to a computer screen, however, it launches a full Ubuntu desktop on the computer display. It’s exactly the same desktop used by millions of enterprise and home users on their Ubuntu PCs, and includes hundreds of certified applications, from office productivity to photography, video and music.

All data and services are shared between the Ubuntu and Android environments, which run simultaneously on the device. So Android applications such as contacts, telephony and SMS/MMS messaging are accessible from the Ubuntu interface. Indeed, all data on the smartphone can be accessed at any time, docked or not.

Ubuntu for Android gives mobile workers a company phone that is also their enterprise desktop. Government and private institutions have embraced Ubuntu on the desktop because of its ease of use, security, manageability, superb range of native applications and excellent support for web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. The desktop can also include Windows applications, using thin client and desktop virtualisation tools. Today’s IT departments commonly support a PC and at least one desktop phone for every employee. Many also provide and manage mobile phones. Ubuntu for Android presents a compelling solution to IT complexity by reducing that burden to a single device.

Mark Shuttleworth said:

“The desktop is the killer-app for quad-core phones in 2012. Ubuntu for Android transforms your high-end phone into your productive desktop, whenever you need it”.

Source : Ubuntu for Android

Google Launched Chrome Browser for Android

Google has launched Chrome for Android Beta, which runs on your Android 4.0. It means that it only works on Ice Cream Sandwich OS phone or tablets. Chrome for Android Beta is focused on speed and simplicity, but it also features seamless sign-in and sync so you can take your personalized web browsing experience with you wherever you go, across devices.

Chrome is now available in Beta from Android Market, in select countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil) and languages for phones and tablets with Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.

Download Chrome Beta for Android

Below are the features of the newly launched Chrome for Android :

• Browse fast with accelerated page loading, scrolling, and zooming
• Search and navigate directly from the omnibox
• Open and switch between unlimited tabs in an easy-to-view stack
• Sign in to Chrome to sync your bookmarks and view tabs you have open on your computer
• Send pages from desktop Chrome to your smartphone or tablet with one click and read them on the go, even if you’re offline
• Browse privately in Incognito mode

Image Credit : Google Play

Speed

With Chrome for Android, you can search, navigate and browse fast—Chrome fast. You can scroll through web pages as quickly as you can flick your finger. When searching, your top search results are loaded in the background as you type so pages appear instantly. And of course, both search and navigation can all be done quickly from the Chrome omnibox.

Simplicity

Chrome for Android is designed from the ground up for mobile devices. Google re-imagined tabs so they fit just as naturally on a small-screen phone as they do on a larger screen tablet. You can flip or swipe between an unlimited number of tabs using intuitive gestures, as if you’re holding a deck of cards in the palm of your hands, each one a new window to the web.

One of the biggest pains of mobile browsing is selecting the correct link out of several on a small-screen device. Link Preview does away with hunting and pecking for links on a web page by automatically zooming in on links to make selecting the precise one easier.

And as with Chrome on desktop, Google built Chrome for Android with privacy in mind from the beginning, including incognito mode for private browsing and fine-grained privacy options (tap menu icon, ‘Settings,’ and then ‘Privacy’).

Signing in

You can now bring your personalized Chrome experience with you to your Android phone or tablet. Sign in to Chrome to bring your open tabs, bookmarks and omnibox data from your computer to your phone or tablet. That way, you have your Chrome, on all of your devices.

If you sign in to Chrome on your Android device, you can:

• View open tabs: Need to step away from your computer? Access the tabs you have open on your computer right on your phone or tablet and pick up where you left off.
• Sync bookmarks: Find your bookmarks on all of your devices. Quickly go to your favorite sites, no matter where you are.
• Get smarter suggestions: Take your omnibox everywhere. Visit a site often on your computer and you’ll get an autocomplete suggestion for it on your phone, so you can spend less time typing.
• Send to mobile: Send pages from your computer to your phone or tablet with a single click. You can read them on the go, even when you’re offline.
• Auto sign-in: Automatically sign in to Google sites, like Gmail, for fast and seamless browsing. [source]

Developer Will Prefer Android Over iOS

Google's Android Operating System will be holding the place as the most important platform for developers within the next 12 months leaving iOS behind. This can be predicted by the recent survey conducted by London based Ovum. Till date almost all developers support both as their important platform.

At the second annual developer survey, the independent technology analyst reveals that while iOS and Android form the core of developer support, there also exists growing interest from developers in BlackBerry OS and Microsoft Windows Phone as other platforms for development.

Developers have been quick to respond to the exit of once-important smartphone platforms such as Windows Mobile, Symbian and WebOS, and have embraced opportunities that have arisen through emerging platforms.

The research also shows a move away from traditional cross-platform mobile application development approaches (e.g. Java, Flash, WAP). Instead, developers are focusing their efforts on web-based standards (e.g. HTML5), which seem to be the preferred approach to building cross-platform applications.

Yet, despite the increasing use of cross-platform programming approaches, most developers are still using vendor-specific distribution channels (e.g. Android Market) to deploy applications, as this is seen as the best way to reach the largest possible audience for their applications.

Adam Leach is the devices & platforms practice leader at Ovum and author of the research. He shared his views as mentioned below :
“The growing momentum behind Windows Phone indicates that Microsoft has managed to convince developers that its platform is worthy of investment; its challenge now is to persuade consumers. A smartphone platform’s success is dictated not only by the pull of consumers and the push of handset vendors and mobile operators but also by a healthy economy of applications delivered by third-party developers. Therefore, it is important for all players in the smartphone ecosystem to understand the choices developers are making today and the downstream impact of those choices”.

Source : Ovum

Classpad Launched Tablet To Compete With Aakash

It has just got started the trend of getting low priced Android Tablets in India. We are very much aware of the release of Aakash Tablet and Ubislate 7+ which are releasing at end of January. A very new face Classteacher Learning Systems, a Delhi-based education solution provider has come up with a new tablet and they named it as "Classpad". The device has over 30000 educational applications covering ICSE, CBSE and a few State Boards Syllabi.

Aakash Tablet Website 

The Classpad comes in the range of Rs 7,500-14,000. It has three models : Classpad 7, Classpad 8 and Classpad 10.

This tablet claims to have more than 6 hours of battery life which means better than any low-priced android tablets available in the market now. This will be available for public in 2012 only and also will be available online. It may threaten Government’s Aakash tablet which has only one and half hours of battery life.

It seems that they have considered to get a developed version of the Aakash tablet and they included such features like : 

1. Touch screen, 

2. Better battery life, 

3. Speed of 1.3 Ghz processing and 

4. A built-in memory of 4 Gb and it can also be expandable to 8 Gb. 

Classpad is also equipped with artificial intelligence and is built on the Android platform.

The officials of Classteacher Learning Systems plans to take the device to the market through two business routes: 

1. Trolley model and 

2. ‘One Tablet Per Child’ (OTPC) model.

Here in  the Trolley model, the device can be used on a shared manner by paying Rs 100 per child, whereas in OTPC model, the parents have to pay for the device. Seeing the price and the features of the device, it can be assumed that it will create some noise in the Android India market. But one thing is clear that it is costlier than Aakash tablets series which is available within the range of Rs 2,499 to Rs. 2,999.

Android OS Tops The Mobile And Smartphone Market

There are a lot of mobile phones available all around world and the popularity is increasing day by day. Here are the summary of the Mobile OS and Mobile phones/Gadgets around the world.

No. 1 : Google’s Android Mobile Operating System tops with 46.9 percent market share. It basically came up 3.1 percentage points of market share from the prior three-month period till November.

No. 2 : Apple as usual maintained its No. 2 position. A growth of 1.4 percentage points to 28.7 percent of the smartphone market.

No. 3 : BlackBerry ranked third, with 16.6 percent share.

No. 4 :  Microsoft (5.2 percent) and

No. 5 : Symbian (1.5 percent).

It also revealed that 91.4 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones during the three months ending in November, up 8 percent from the preceding three-month period, and 234 million Americans aged 13 and older used mobile devices respectively.

In case of device manufacturer of mobiles, gadgets, smartphones :

No. 1 : Samsung ranked as the top OEM, with 25.6 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers (up 0.3 percentage points)

No. 2 : LG, with 20.5 percent share.

No. 3 : Motorola, with 13.7 percent share.

No. 4 : Apple strengthened its position in fourth place, with 11.2 percent share of total mobile subscribers (up 1.4 percentage points), while RIM rounded out the top five, with 6.5 percent share.

In the month of November, 72.6 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers used text messaging on their mobile devices, up 2.1 percentage points, the study found. Downloaded applications were used by 44.9 percent of subscribers (up 3.3 percentage points), while browsers were used by 44.4 percent (up 2.3 percentage points). Accessing of social-networking sites like Facebook or Twitter or blogs increased 2.1 percentage points to 33 percent of mobile subscribers. Playing mobile games was done by 29.7 percent of the mobile audience (up 1.2 percentage points), while 21.7 percent listened to music on their phones (up 1.0 percentage points).

This survey and the study revealed about the key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three-month average period ending November 2011. The study surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers and found Samsung to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 25.6 percent market share.

Smartphones, gadgets, mobile users are just adding to the steady growth of social-networking sites, a recent  study revealed the popularity and usage of social-networking sites, which says :

No. 1 : Facebook remains the undisputed leader in the U.S. social-networking market, with 166 million unique visitors in November. The average user spent 6.6 hours per person engaged on the site during the month, an increase of 37 percent in the past year.

No. 2 : Micro blogging site Twitter and LinkedIn have been in use over the past several months with huge number of social network users.

No. 3 : In the month of November, Twitter got the second position, with 35.4 million unique visitors, just slightly ahead of LinkedIn which is now at No. 3, with 35 million.

No. 4 : Myspace with 25 million visitors, but the report notes it has seen a steady decline in audience over the past two years.

Source : eweek & images credit : Google