digisqueaks

slidescreen for android

// January 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // android, applications, cellphones, mobile

If you have a phone that runs Android as the OS, I suggest you try SlideScreen. It’s probably not an app that I would have found, had it not been for a recent Gizmodo post, SlideScreen Android App Replaces Homescreen With Beautiful Information.

SlideScreen can either run as a home screen replacement, or as an app that you just call up when you want to use it. There are three main sections on SlideScreen’s “home screen.” The upper section features updates to your email, phone, text messaging, and calendar. The middle section slides up and down and features local weather, time, date, battery power, and a few other icons that would normally be found in Android’s default status bar. The bottom section features stocks, Twitter, and Google Reader updates. At any time you can move the middle bar up to make the bottom section fully accessible via a cycling menu. You can also move the middle bar all the way down to cycle through your top section of personal updates.

The home button can be set to go to your default Android home, or made to go to the SlideScreen home. The menu button, with one touch, brings up your app library with a small area at the top to set 8 shortcuts. With a second touch of your menu button, SlideScreen brings up a choice of Phone or SlideScreen settings.

While it is very slick and a beautiful app, it still leaves a lot to be desired. If we’re adding Twitter support, where’s Facebook or instant messaging support? And where, I ask, is support for the regular Email application. I use Gmail which is nice on SlideScreen, but I also use Email to sync with my nonGmail addresses. Those addresses also happen house my business email. I’d also like some control over how much space each line item takes up, what color they are, and the order in which they appear. Hopefully the developers continue to add features and customization options.

All in all, this app is beautiful. I tested this app via the free version and used it for all of 5 minutes before purchasing the Pro version for $6.99 from the Android Market (SlideScreen). Take a look at the YouTube walkthrough (below) that Larva Labs has posted.

mobile web apps vs. native

// December 16th, 2009 // No Comments » // OS, applications, cellphones, mobile, software, technology

This morning I came across an article on ReadWriteWeb that briefly explored the concept of having mobile web apps versus mobile apps that need to go through an acceptance process. The apps may or may not end up in one of the mobile app stores. I’m a big fan of mobile apps in general.

I have an iPod Touch and have used many free and paid apps which I have purchased through the App Store. I also unlocked my iPod Touch for a time and took the chance to use some apps through Cydia. Recently, I bought the DROID and have been using apps which I purchased from the Android Market. On occasion, I also use mobile web apps.

In a location where phone service is not always available, I use many an app that does not rely on having service. Mainly these apps are for passing time (playing games) or catching up on a little reading with apps like Kindle for iPhone. A good majority of the apps I use on my phone or my iPod do require an internet connection whether it is wireless or 3G. For those apps, I wouldn’t really mind if the apps were replaced by web counterparts. A few web services that I use now (Xpenser, Meebo, Facebook) either only have a web app, or are inferior apps on either iPhone or Android OS and I would rather use the web interface. Some apps lack a user friendly, attractive UI and I would much rather just see development go into a web interface. If it’s something I use frequently, it’s quite simple to bookmark a web site on my phone’s desktop to return quickly.

A clear upside that I can see to a movement towards mobile web apps is that HTML5, CSS etc. is much more accessible than the development tools necessary to create apps for certain app stores. It would most certainly bring an increase in development and the web apps would most likely be accessible from all phone OSs. It would be nice to see apps that were just as good on Android as they are on the iPhone.

Of course, there are many downsides as well. First, it would be hard to charge for web apps, although I suppose there could be subscription type fees applied. Second, like the current stores, there would be an overwhelming amount of shovelware out there and would most likely open the phones to web delivered virus attacks. You would also need a signal in order to access the apps and at first, page transfers will be slower than moving around in native apps.

Native apps are preferred for now, but I’m guessing there will be a big increase in web app development next year, especially as the divide between phone OSs continues to grow. If developers could make a web app that could compete with similar apps across the various app stores and find a way to make a profit, it could start a wave of innovative new web apps that everyone could benefit from.

DROID – good iPhone alternative

// November 10th, 2009 // No Comments » // cellphones, gadgets, technology

Well, I’m in the group of tech geek Apple fans who can’t wait any longer for iPhone to end its AT&T exclusivity. As soon as the DROID reviews started coming out, I knew I had to have it. Luckily for me, my “new-every-2″ came up the day before the DROID release. That, paired with an online discount of $100 made it a sealed deal.

I was expecting much less than I got. First, advice to other buyers…never go by the in store models when it comes to the over all feel. I don’t know what it is, but the in store models never feel the same as the actual model that you buy. It was the same case with my Alias. When I felt the Alias, it felt flimsy and light. It also seemed like the hinge would snap easily. When I got the actual phone, it felt substantial with a strong hinge. It lasted me two years and still looks brand new. The same exact thing happened when I went in to see the DROID (after I had already clicked “checkout” online). It felt like a Zune, or some other plastic junk. When I received it in the mail, it was much heavier than I thought it would be. It was solid and sturdy. If you want to test a phone before buying…try to find someone who has one.

Yes, as I admitted in the first sentence…I’m am an Apple fan. I have been waiting and waiting for the iPhone to be added to Verizon’s offerings. There are rumors it might happen next year, but I am sick of waiting. I have been holding out for “the” smartphone. Given the reviews, DROID sounded like a solid phone.

As many reviewers said, yes, the camera is junk. But as they also said, it is most likely not the hardware, but the software that is the issue. I have a feeling this will be fixed soon because there are already rumors of a firmware update on the way. Other than that, my only other qualm with the phone is that the camera button is right in the same location where I would normally have my hand when holding a conversation. Every time I call someone, I feel my hand press down on the camera button. Luckily, it’s not a big deal because you have to press and hold the button and it takes a little time for the camera to start.

As far as interface and software goes, the DROID is different then the iPhone, but not in a bad way. It’s just different. I found myself trying gestures that the DROID just doesn’t recognize. It’s going to take a little while to get my iPod Touch motions out of my mind. As far as syncing goes, I have a Mac so the iPhone software syncs nicely with iCal, Mail, iTunes, etc. But I also use Gmail for my personal mail. I also sync my iCal and contacts to my Gmail accounts so making the move to Google Accounts on the DROID was a piece of cake. I can still use all of my Mac software and then have it sync as usual to my Google Accounts. When I go to use my DROID, the syncing with the Google Accounts is automatic and all of my changes are there as well.

The Android Market is nice, but missing a lot of key apps that I have gotten used to on my iPod Touch. Thing is…it’s relatively new. I’m sure everything that is missing will soon be added if Android phones take off as it looks they will.

The keyboard is nice, but not necessary. The on screen keyboard is more than adequate, especially if you’re used to the iPhone/iPod Touch keyboard. One thing that is nice that can’t be found on the iPhone OS is the suggestions as you type. Very convenient. Yes, they try to auto correct or suggest words as a little bubble, but on the Android OS, you get an actual scrolling list just above the keyboard from which you can quickly select words.

What else? The issue of the drag/drop media is not really an issue for me. I am not usually far from various music devices. If I’m not near anything, there are several apps on the Android Market, including Pandora and Slacker Radio. That’s more than enough to keep me satisfied.

Those were the major items that concerned me. If anyone is looking to buy one and has specific questions, feel free to ask. So far, I am more than happy with my purchase. I’d give it a 9/10 with a little room for the OS to grow. I can’t wait for the OS to reach the top of its game.

a few great non-app mobile services

// March 18th, 2009 // No Comments » // applications, cellphones, mobile

For anyone who hasn’t opted for an iPhone, or other mobile that features downloadable apps, there’s quite a few services out there that you can use simply by calling or texting keywords. I have an iPod Touch for using Apple apps, but I haven’t yet upgraded to a smartphone (mostly because AT&T service in VT is horrible where I am, making the iPhone pretty useless). I currently use many of the following services to get information or make updates from my basic Samsung Alias.

Update Blogs/Social Networks:

1. Facebook Mobile – Update your status, send photos, poke, send messages, and get phone numbers via email/SMS
2. LiveJournal – Update your blog via email/SMS
3. Twitter – Send tweets, see tweets, send replies and direct messages via SMS
4. Posterous – Update your Posterous blog via email/SMS/MMS
5. TwitPic – Share photos on Twitter
6. Twittermail – Email updates and photos to Twitter.
7. Twitxr – Update Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitter, etc.

Get Weather, Sports Scores, etc.:

1. 4INFO – Get weather, stock quotes, sports scores, news, diet tips, etc.

Voice-Automated Services:

1. Dial2Do (Fav. of Mine) – Amazing service. You simply call your given number, say a command, and follow it with what you need to do. Examples of available services include writing emails, listening to your emails being read to you; updating Twitter, Facebook, FriendFeed, etc.; keep notes or send notes to Evernote or Remember the Milk; have news read to you from TechCruch to LifeHacker, etc.; post to your LiveJournal, Blogger, WordPress blog, etc.; Get weather, update xpenser (see below), etc. The list literally goes on and on.
2. Reqall (Fav. of Mine) – Similar to Remember the Milk or Jott. Let’s you call and send in notes, to-do’s, dates to remember, etc.
3. Jott – Voice to text notes and to-do’s. Email and text message reminders.
4. GOOG 411 (Fav. of Mine) – Free 411 service. Call for “pizza” in a city and it returns all listings. Or call with a business name in a city and get back the number with options to text it, send it, or connect to them for free.
5. Tell Me – Especially works well with Blackberry. Get movies, stocks, weather, etc.

Keep Checkbook, Schedule Tivo, Add to Netflix Queue, Manage To-Do’s:

1. Remember the Milk – Get email, SMS, or IM reminders, manage tasks, share tasks, etc.
2. XPenser – Manage a check register. Text in withdrawals/deposits or set up voice activation with Dial2Do (mentioned above). Check your entries/enter entries online and export data for use in spreadsheet applications.
3. Google Mobile – Offers everything from SMS, Blogger, Calendar, Docs, Reader, Notebook, Photos, News, iGoogle, Sync, YouTube, Gmail, Maps and Search.
4. Kwiry – Update Netflix and Tivo, search Amazon, check email, update Facebook and Twitter, get Yelp results, etc.
5. Quicken Beam – Check balances via SMS

Voicemail Services:

1. Message Sling – Get messages, see missed calls (even when your phone’s off), use custom greetings, listen to your messages online, etc.
2. YouMail (Fav. of Mine) – Get messages, see missed calls (even when your phone’s off), use custom greetings, listen to your messages online, etc.

Miscellaneous:

1. Text Marks – Choose what message you want to display when people text a term to 41411. For example, when someone texts ‘mepriestley’ to 41411, they get a text message sent to their phone with all of my contact information.