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Best Apps of the Week (4/26): A Look at New Apps for iOS and Android

Andrew Grush — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:37:05 +0000

Friday has arrived once again, and that means another “Best Apps of the Week” roundup here at Mobile Magazine. In our usual fashion, we’ll take a look at five of the best apps that landed for iOS and Android earlier during the week.

So without further ado, let’s dive right in:

Best Apps of the Week – Android

Re-Volt

This great classic originally made its way over to the Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, PC and Playstation back in 1999. It then found itself going mobile last year on iOS. Late to the party, Android fans can now dive into the classic as well.

Featuring 14 race tracks, 42 cards, and multiple play methods – there is quite a bit of content to enjoy here. Unfortunately there are also a few things missing from the original, such as the track editor. Still, it is an enjoyable enough experience and one that WeGo Interactive promises to continue updating with new content down the road.

Of course for a 14-year-old game, some might feel that the asking price of $4.47 is a little on the high side.

Fieldrunners 2

Easily one of the most well-known tower defense series, Fieldrunners 2 has finally made its way over to Google Play. The latest game features 25 levels, a whole new game engine and a massive 20+ hour campaign that will keep you plenty busy this weekend.

Again, this isn’t one of the many free or $.99 games we so often see on Android, coming in at $2.99. Still, it is plenty worth the money if you at all enjoy this genre.

Swype

It’s hard to call Swype ‘new’ considering how long it has been around, but this week the app finally ditched its very, very long beta phase and became an official downloadable app via Google Play. Swype likely needs no introduction, as one of the most popular alternative keyboards for Android.

The get the full app, you will have to shell out $.99. If you are one of the few who haven’t actually used Swype before and want to give it a go before you buy, there is also a 30 day trial version available.

SoothPostr

This an interesting question and answers app that randomly generates answers to questions of all sorts, and even allows the answers to be easily posted to a social network such as Twttier, Facebook and Google+.

This app is obviously not meant to be taken to seriously, but it is still interesting enough, and best of all it is totally free.

Spiderman 3

Gameloft’s tie-in to Spiderman 3 has now arrived! For those that like endless runner types of games, there is a lot to love here. The graphics are great and the content isn’t half bad. The only downside is that it is a freemium title, meaning that to get the full experience you might have to be willing to spring for some in-app content.

As for the levels? There are three different levels that are randomly generated to take place in New York City, Malibu Shores and China. Another great bonus is that there are 18 unlockable suits to be found throughout the game as well.

Even if you don’t love freemium titles, it still might be worth checking this one out. You can always uninstall later if it turns out to not be your thing.

Best Apps of the Week – iOS

FocusTwist

This app has certainly received a far amount of attention as of late. This unique photography app is designed to take pictures with variable focus points and makes use of multi-image fuctionality to refocus on specific areas of the snapshot.

FocusTwist works with the iPad and older iPhones, but is specifically optimized with the iPhone 5 in mind. You can snag the app now for just $1.99.

Nutrino

Nutrino is a new virtual nutritionist app, designed to provide a day-by-day format that will tell you what meal to have and even when.

The app uses a Facebook account to connect and also asks for vital stats in order to help give us our recommended meal plans. So does it actually work? Yes and no. It will truly give you day-to-day recommendations but many times the ingredients it chooses are quite expensive, totaling to as much as $60 for one day.

Additionally, it only gives you the grocery items you need for one day at a time, so unless you plan to shop every single day – this might not be for you.

Still it is a really cool idea and worthy of a mention as one of the best apps of the week, even if it isn’t all the way there yet. The app is currently in beta and at least for now is offered completely for free.

Lego Batman: DC Super Heroes

The Lego gaming series has gained quite a following over the last few years, regardless of whether its on a mobile system, console or even PC. The latest game goes way beyond Batman, bringing in superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Superman and Green Lantern. There are also quite a few unique villians as well.

In total, the game allows more than 80 playable characters and works with both the iPhone or iPad.

On the downside, this one is a bit pricey for a mobile game, coming in at $4.99.

Iron Man 3

Due to the fact that some apps come out for iOS and Android at the same time, we are bound to have at least one app each week that is found in both sections. This week we have Iron Man 3. The official tie-in game is an endless runner with excellent graphics and quite a bit to do.

On the downside, it is a freemium title – meaning that you will likely be pressured into buying in-app purchases to make the most of the title.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to check it out, as it doesn’t cost you a cent up front.

The House of the Dead: Overkill – The Lost Reels

Despite the REALLY long name, this is certainly a fun title if you enjoy endless hours of zombie shooting. This all-new game is essentially a remix of 2009′s “House of the Dead: Overkill” with optimized touchscreen controllers and three worlds to explore.

If you are a fan of the series, you won’t want to pass this one up. The game is available now for $4.99.

Summing it all up….

And so ends our third ‘episode’ of “Best Apps of the Week”. Did you agree with our picks, or did we live out a vital new app that you feel should have made the cut? Let us and other readers know about them through the comments below!

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Swype Now Available In The Google Play Store

Leo Xavier — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:59:52 +0000

It has taken three years, but Swype is finally losing its Beta tag and has hit the Google Play store. The app is available as a free trial version that’ll work for 30 days and a 99c version, and the two builds will eventually be available as a single version sometime in the future.

But are they a bit late? While Swype was busy getting its keyboard pre-installed on Android smartphones, competing apps such as SwiftKey, SlideIT, and TouchPal were going straight to the consumers. And also the gesture typing feature became available with Android 4.2.

But the folks at Swype, which is now a division of Nuance, are not too worried. Aaron Sheedy, Nuance’s VP of Mobile Product says, “Yeah, we might be late. That’s an honest concern. But the adoption of smartphones is still just so huge, and there’s a whole generation of people just coming online. Our language coverage is such that we’ll do really well in the [international] markets; we’ve got [support for] 62 languages, plus a bunch of dialects”. And also, OEMs are still paying licensing fees on every Swype-enabled device.

So far Swype seems to be getting good reviews from users who have installed it (unlike another new app). The free trial version is available here, and here’s the 99c version. If you are going for the paid version you better make it quick as the price is expected to go up in the coming weeks.

So, have you installed it yet? Interested in some swyping and driving?

[Source]

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Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 Gets Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Update

Andrew Grush — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:12:29 +0000

Have an international version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, or more specially model GT-N7100? Exciting news, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean is now available for your downloading pleasure.

As mentioned already, this is the international version of the Note 2. For those on contract in the U.S., you will likely have to wait quite a bit longer to get your hands on Android 4.1.2.

With the latest version comes the ability to disable multi-view alongside a new ink effect on the lock screen, Swype-style typing, new items in notifications toggles and a customizable notification panel.

Even if you are pretty sure you don’t have GT-N7100, it might be worth manually checking for an update and seeing if you happen to have an update waiting for you. Has anyone managed to grab the update to 4.1.2 for their Note 2 yet? If so, what do you think so far?

[ source ]

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Kindle Fire HD Update 7.2.2 Brings Swype, FreeTime Unlimited, and Camera App

Matt Sabs — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:07:36 +0000

Yesterday, Amazon started to roll out Version 7.2.2 software update for the 7″ Kindle Fire HD. The main 3 features of this update bring a camera app, Swype, and also the ability to sign up for FreeTime Unlimited.

The Camera app will give the ability to take pictures with the Kindle Fire HD’s front-facing camera. Additionally, Swype is a keyboard feature that allows you to replace typing with drawing across the letters. Swype is also available in multiple languages.

The last new feature is Kindle FreeTime Unlimited. FreeTime Unlimited is a paid subscription within Kindle FreeTime. The service allows parents to create custom content for their children. Parents can choose which apps, book, music, etc. are available to their children.

For Amazon Prime members, the service comes at $2.99 a month per profile, or $6.99 for a family. For non-Prime members, the service costs $4.99 per month per profile, or $9.99 for the entire family. FreeTime Unlimited works on the first generation Kindle Fire and the two new Kindle Fire HD models.

You can download the 7.2.2 update and get info about updating here.

Have you gotten the update yet? Let us know in the comments below.

[ Source ]

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T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q Arrive August 8th

Andrew Grush — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 22:29:21 +0000

The MyTouch series from T-Mobile is back with two new devices, a slate phone and a slideout QWERTY phone. These new phones are going to be manufactured by Huawei and will make their way into the hands of consumers starting on the 8^th of August for just $50, with a mail-in rebate of $50 as well. The new myTouch will come in black and dark red, while the new myTouch Q will have a black or white color choice.

Both devices are essentially the same, other than the design and looks. Both phones run Android 2.3 on custom UI. In a world of ICS, and now JellyBean, this might not be the best news for T-Mobile users that might be interested in a MyTouch. The screen size is 4-inch with WVGA, and other specs inlcud a 1500mAh battery, 4GB of storage, microSD expansion, 5MP rear camera with 720p video, a .3MP front camera, HPSA+ connectivity and a 1.4GHz CPU, though we don’t know what kind, outside of rumors that it might be a single-core MSM8255T. Other unique features to the myTouch series includes its “Genius Botton”, a capacitive key underneath the display. Basically this is just a T-Mobile branded version of voice dictation, letting it make calls, texts, and search the web via voice.

The bottom-line is that there are certainly much more impressive phones out there, but if you want a cheap yet quality phone with minimal features and don’t mind Android 2.3, then this might be a perfect match for you.

[ source ]

T-Mobile’s myTouch Family Grows With Next-Generation

T-Mobile myTouch and T-Mobile myTouch Q

Latest Generation Delivers an Easy-to-Learn Experience at an Attractive Price

BELLEVUE, Wash. – July 11, 2012 - T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the Aug. 8 availability of two new additions to its exclusive lineup of T-Mobile myTouch smartphones, the new T-Mobile^® myTouch^® and T-Mobile^® myTouch^® Q. Featuring an all-new version of the Genius Button^®, an easy-to-use Setup Wizard and how-to tutorials, the myTouch and myTouch Q are designed for easy out-of the-box use, making both devices ideal for customers who are looking for a straightforward, seamless smartphone experience.

The new T-Mobile myTouch devices offer hardware options that fit consumers’ individual preferences. The T-Mobile myTouch offers a 4.0″ WVGA touch display and virtual keyboard with Swype^®, while the T-Mobile myTouch Q features the same great touch display with an accompanying full slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

“T-Mobile is committed to delivering a strong and diverse portfolio of 4G handsets that runs on our fast and dependable 4G network, including smartphones that enable people to get amazing 4G experiences at a great value,” said Brad Duea, senior vice president of product management, T-Mobile USA. “The value and ease of use that the myTouch devices deliver, paired with our worry-free rate plans, means it is easier than ever for customers to get everything they want in a smartphone without the expense for features they won’t use.”

New T-Mobile myTouch Series Key Features

Voice Control Made Better: To make the process of learning and using a smartphone’s best features quicker and easier, both devices are equipped with the next-generation Genius Button 4.0, powered by Dragon from Nuance, providing customers with a powerful voice-controlled service. With Genius Button 4.0 customers have access to the new Genius Web Search, featuring new voice-command capabilities such as direct search among multiple sources, direct app launch, and even the ability to make dinner reservations.
Simple Setup: The new myTouch devices feature an onboarding experience that allows users to set up what’s important without having to deal with extra steps, including a simple login process, a tips widget and tutorials for the most-used features of Android.
Enhanced App Drawer: A redesigned app drawer gives customers quick access to recently used apps, a separate tab for all downloaded apps, and an easy way to search their app collections by text or even by voice.

Manufactured by Huawei, the 4G-enabled T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q ship with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and feature a speedy 1.4 GHz processor for fast performance. The devices are also equipped with a dedicated camera button for easy access to the 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash for quality photo capture and sharing. Both devices also sport a front-facing camera for video chat over T-Mobile’s 4G network. A redesigned camera user interface allows for quick access to key features such as the flash, switching cameras and choosing the camcorder option.

Availability

The T-Mobile myTouch will be offered in black or dark red, and the T-Mobile myTouch Q will be offered in black or white. Both devices, exclusively from T-Mobile, are expected to be available Aug. 8 at T-Mobile retail stores, from select dealers and national retailers, and online at http://www.t-mobile.com for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate card with a two-year agreement on a qualifying plan. For more information visit www.T-Mobile.com.

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Keymonk Android Keyboard Offers Two-Handed Swype-Like Experience

Andrew Grush — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:37:09 +0000

When it comes to after-market keyboard replacement apps, there are quite a few out there but, for the most part, the only one that really has made any major headway seems to be Swype. To be honest, I’d not a huge fan of Swype and prefer the default keyboard, but for many people it’s a wonderful choice with just one major flaw- it’s made for one-handed input, and some users would rather have a keyboard that works great with both hands.

This is exactly why Keymonk was introduced, essentially a Swype-like keyboard that is modified to work well with two-handed input. The app is polished and seems to work well enough from the videos, and could be perfect for those that want a two-handed Swype experience. That being said, I have a strong feeling that this would be a “learning curve” when it comes to getting used to such a keyboard. Once the learning period is over though? This could be a pretty interesting choice.

To get a better look at it, check out the video below.

[ source ]

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Siine Android Keyboard Aims To Make Typing Faster And ‘Easier’

Andrew Grush — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:38:37 +0000

While there are plenty of different keyboards available on the market for Android, Siine attempts to make typing easier by giving you easier ways to input time, phrases, and notations into your messages with just a few simple swipes. It also allows the creation of your own shortcuts and can make typing certain types of messages much faster. It also features a quick deletion feature that lets you hold down the delete key and swipe your finger around, which they refer to as “sexy delete” (yes, really).

I personally gave this keyboard a go, myself, and found it wasn’t at all a bad offering, certainly better than it might sound just by hearing about it. Honestly though, I still prefer using Swype, but to each their own. I did like the idea of quick phrases like “how are you”, “can you talk”, and the like, but honestly it sometimes seemed to take more clicks and swipes to get to these features than I would have liked.

It is certainly a cool idea and for some users might prove quite useful. Check out the video below to see it in action, and/or try it for yourself from the Android market, er, Google Play store.

[ source ]

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ViewSonic’s $200 ViewPad Rolls Out

Andrew Patel — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:45:28 +0000

Being made available for pre-order on Amazon last month, ViewSonic’s ViewPad 7e is expected to ship at the end of October and will be pegged at around $200.

This android tablet features Android 2.3 Gingerbread, unfortunately not Honeycomb. It also measures just 7” and has a 1GHz ARM A8 processor which is perfect for web browsing and flash video. The price is very fair considering its specs; dual cameras, 4GB storage with microSD card slot, Wi-Fi, HDMI output and a “RiteTouch” 7 inch capacitive display. Considered to be an affordable low-end tablet, the ViewPad 7e does not have official support for the Android Market; but you can still access the Amazon’s Appstore and other pre-loaded apps such as TuneIn Radio, WildTangent games, Twitter and Kindle.

The company also improved the Gingerbread experience by adding ViewScene 3D interface to the tablet, making it able to deliver a home screen layout complete with holographic visual effects. This might be interpreted as an attempt to please users who wanted Honeycomb.

The tablet will be available in Latin America in November.

[Viewsonic]

ViewSonic Introduces New Sub-$200 Android-Based Tablet

ViewPad® 7e with ViewScene™ 3D interface is performance-packed at an irresistible price
Monday, October 24th, 2011

WALNUT, Calif. – ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today expanded its ViewPad tablet lineup to include the new ViewPad 7e.

Created with the economical consumer in mind, while offering the newest and most in-demand features, the ViewPad 7e is ViewSonic’s latest addition to the successful ViewPad tablet lineup. This convenient 7″ Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread tablet combines a powerful 1GHz processor that is excellent for flash video and web browsing. The included Amazon Services for Android and Amazon Kindle™ for Android applications create a great tablet and e-reading device. With pre-installed apps like Twitter, TuneIn Radio and WildTangent games, a service for convenient browsing, downloading and purchasing of online and social games, the ViewPad 7e delivers a layered, intuitive experience that is sure to please all ages and wallets.

ViewSonic has further improved the Gingerbread experience with its exclusive ViewScene 3D interface to deliver an intuitive home screen layout with holographic visual effects. With the new ViewSonic user interface, usability and navigation is unparalleled. Users can quickly get up to speed and customize their favorite apps, delivered directly from the Android storefront.

With its RiteTouch technology and multi-touch capability, it’s easy to write directly on the ViewPad 7e’s 800×600 LED backlit screen. It is perfect for note taking in the classroom, or highlighting excerpts within a novel or textbook. RiteTouch technology makes it easy to swipe across content, zoom in and out, and scroll through emails using either a fingertip or a stylus. Texting couldn’t be easier with the built-in Swype™ keyboard, making typing lightening fast right out of the box.

Whether experiencing 1080p video playback via the Micro HDMI connection, enjoying Flash 10.3 based applications, or engaging in video chats or taking photos using the dual cameras (3MP rear, VGA 0.3MP front), the ViewPad 7e delivers a robust yet cost-effective multimedia experience. In addition to 4GB of internal storage, the ViewPad 7e offers up to 32GB of additional storage capacity via the micro SD card slot. Teamed with Wi-Fi® 802.11 g/b/n and Bluetooth® support, consumers are able to stay connected to all their favorite multimedia content wherever they go. For added convenience and functionality, the ViewPad 7e offers ViewSonic’s AirSync® technology to ensure that tablet owners will receive over-the-air device updates as they are rolled out, from feature add-ons to software updates.

The ViewPad 7e will be available in North America at the end of October for an ESP of $199.99. Latin America will follow with product availability in November.

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Toshiba Thrive 7” Tablet shipping in November for $400

Andrew Patel — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:02:32 +0000

Toshiba seems to be cooking up something in time for the holiday season. No, it’s not your favorite sushi or tempura but some sassy gadgets that will surely make your mouth water as well. The AT 200 is not the only tablet the company is planning to launch when it announced the latest addition to its Thrive Tablet collection—the Thrive 7” Tablet.

As the name suggests, the Thrive 7” Tablet is a 7-inch version of the original which runs on Tegra 2 and possesses a 5 MP and a 2MP cameras, with the rear camera having an LED flash. It also provides a micro-HDMI and mini-USB sockets, docking connector, headphone jack and a micro-SD slot. It is also Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS capable.

The Thrive 7” runs on Android 3.2 and will be rolled out in 16GB and 32GB versions to delight the customers. A Toshiba representative said that the starting price of this new gadget is “less than $400”, and so better prepare this amount if you want to avail of the Thrive 7”.

Some experts were impressed by the Thrive 7” tablet’s 1280 x 800 display which appeared crisp and vivid. The screen also responded very fast on the taps and swipes done by the testers. They said that they are also looking forward to testing Swype on the new Thrive item in the future.

Thrive 7” Tablet will be out in the market on November 2011, so just sit back and relax.

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Samsung announces 4 new Galaxy phones and naming system

Silvia Pikal — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:14:39 +0000

Samsung has announced four new Galaxy Android-based devices, and has also come up with a new naming system for all Galaxy smartphones to simplify things for consumers. Or to make them more complicated. It really depends on how you look at it.

The four new phones, the Galaxy W, Galaxy M Pro, Galaxy Y and Galaxy Y Pro, all run on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and fall under the new naming system, or the “SRWMY” scale. Basically, the S (Super Smart) devices are the cream of the crop Galaxy phones. The Samsung Galaxy S would fall into that category. Secondly, R (for Royal or Refined) will designate the premium models. Then, you’ve got W (for Wonder) for the mid-range phones. Following that are the M (for Magical) high-performance models that are more affordable, and finally Y (Young), which are the entry models and aimed at a younger audience.

Besides the letter classification for the five classes, there are additional indicators to latch onto the phone name. “Pro” indicates the device has a physical QWERTY keyboard. “Plus” means the phone is an upgrade from a previous model, and “LTE” indicates that the device is designed to utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity standards.

As we can tell from the name, the new GALAXY W is midrange. Specs include a 1.4 GHz processor, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity, 3.7-inch, 800 x 480 pixel touch display and includes Samsung’s Game, Social and Music Hubs. Other features include a 5-megapixel camera, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Kies Air, which allows users to track the phone if it is stolen or lost, as well as accessing the phone on a PC when connected via Wi-Fi.

Next, we can tell that the GALAXY M Pro has a QWERTY keypad. The other specs include a 1 GHz processor, features and enterprise support for Exchange Active Sync, Sybase Afaria, CISCO Mobile and CISCO WebEx. There’s also an optical touchpad, 5-megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and the inclusion of Samsung’s Social Hub.

The GALAXY Y is obviously an entry-level and is intended for younger users, as it will come in a variety of colours. Specs include an 832 MHz processor, Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface, SWYPE and 3-inch 320 x 240 pixel TFT LCD touch screen.The GALAXY Y also includes Social Hub, along with a 2-megaixel camera, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth 3.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.

The fourth new phone is the GALAXY Y Pro, so we can tell it’s basically the GALAXY Y but with a physical QWERTY keypad. Specs include Social Hub Premium, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging, and ThinkFree mobile office allows for the editing of Word, Powerpoint, Excel and PDF.

Samsung will be showcasing the new phones at IFA 2011. Pricing and release dates have not yet been announced.

So, this does work for you? Or does it just give you a headache?

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