Handmark.com Apps Store

Hello There,

Handmark.com is an all out App Store, selling all kinds of apps, from Android, to Symbian, Java, Palm OS and the list goes on.
The great thing is they're having a Thanksgiving sale this week. 20% off all Android Apps.
Check out one of the apps they have available
http://store.handmark.com/p/182690/videocaster-for-android/


Hope you'll enjoy this!

Android 2.3 ‘Gingerbread’ Is Almost Here and Google Is Updating Android Market

Great news, Gingerbread is ALMOST HERE.
With the release of Android OS version 2.3 ‘Gingerbread’ just around the corner, Google has been getting ready. Changes to Google apps on some devices have already got some slight tweaks and now Google is revamping its Android Market. The Android operating system has seen its number of available apps explode to the 100,000 range in a relatively short period of time. In comparison, the BlackBerry App World just recently passed the 10,000 app mark and Apple with its head start and multiple devices running iOS has hit the 300,000 mark. Google realizes that Android’s success is secure and now it is time to start focusing on refining the platform and user experience.
Google and Apple have two completely different development styles. Apple, with its tightly controlled iTunes App Store brings out big updates and implements features immediately in a polished

 

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Now that Google has its eyes on fixing one of its biggest weaknesses—its app store—expect the number of apps available and the level of professionalism behind them to spike. Since Android ‘Gingerbread’ will bring improvements for tablets running the operating system that was designed with smartphones in mind, some of the changes in Android Market are specifically designed to better support them. The Android tablet market is set to explode as Samsung, Motorola and others start shipping out their tablets to the masses.
Perhaps the biggest addition to the Android Market is the ability for app developers to link a YouTube video of their app in use to their app’s profile in the store. Viola! Free and easy marketing. Google owns YouTube so it is a no-brainer. App developers will also be required to include icons for their apps in a number of additional sizes, to support all the Android tablets coming out with much larger screens than what you’ll find in a smartphone.

Android OS vs iOS 4: Why Android is much Better

It’s on days like this that I’m fairly certain that I have 2 separate brains.  One of them loves my Apple products (OK, product.  I own an iPod Touch.) and gets really excited about the big announcements.  The other one loves my Android phone and continually scoffs at the majority of these “huge” changes.

Today’s announcement of the 4th revision of the iPhone OS has started the battle once more.  This time, though, the clear winner is more apparent to me.  So let’s take a look and see why.

Multitasking

The biggest news, it seems, is multitasking.  For iPhone users, this is huge.  A true multitasking ability, instead of just push notifications, has been sorely missing since day 1.  In fact, it was Palm’s entire attack with WebOS versus the iPhone.  Sadly, we see how that battle is going.

But for those of us with Android devices, this isn’t news; this is expected.  If I have to close my applications in order to use another one, I’d get annoyed.  Now, points go to Apple for how OS 4 will handle the tasking.  I have to give genuine kudos to the priority-based functions.  I think that Android could certainly see a benefit in following suit.

The problem that I see, though, is that the iPhone is still locked (unless you want to take its life into your own hands and jailbreak) to the App Store.  In fact, the multitasking capability will be based upon App Store classification that might not allow an application as much processing power as you’d like for it to have.  For my money, I’ll take Android’s way of doing things when it comes to multitasking.

Folders

Sure, on my iPod Touch, I’ll use them.  I have so many games that it’s just plain stupid not to.  But really, this is big news?  Oh yes.  I forgot.  I can also rename a folder.  You know, like I’ve been able to do in Android OS all along.  Even my Apple-loving brain has a hard time getting truly excited about this.

Email Changes

I have to give Apple some credit here. The unified inbox feature sounds very nice. It’s something that’s been a thorn in my side with Android’s base features. Likewise, simple methods for encryption would be great.

Again, though, one of Android’s main features shines here. Open source.  I honestly haven’t done much digging, but I’d almost bet that there’s an application in the Android Market that can give me unified inboxes.  Oh, and my guess is that there’s an encryption application too.

But as for the rest, on Android?  Threaded messages?  Check.  Multiple Exchange accounts?  Check.  Attachment handling?  Check.  Sorry Steve.  I’m just not excited.

Enterprise Features

Wireless delivery of applications, great data encryption, Exchange Server support. When you’re in a business world, with today’s technology, these things become expected. These are no longer seen as value-added features of any OS, mobile or otherwise.

Now, in fairness, Android OS is not at the top of the Enterprise game. But neither is Apple. For years, RIM has set the standard. Even today, other companies have a lot of work to do in order to catch up. I have to call this an even draw.

All the Rest

I’m going to wrap the Game Center and iAd into one section, because both features really come down to making more money for developers. This is something that both of my brains can stand behind. The development community for Apple products is stellar, if crippled. But that’s not anything of their own doing.

With the new Game Center, and integrated iAds, developers will really be able to monetize their applications without the risk of becoming annoying. This is important, and should continue. I sincerely hope that Apple gives the developers the autonomy that they need to let this happen.

At the moment, the vast majority of games on the Android platform suck. But I think that has more to do with a less-explored platform than with the OS itself. As time goes on, and as more Android devices sell, I firmly believe that we’ll see more features and better games.

Wrapping Up

So if I’m giving Apple points on a couple of features, and calling another one a draw, how can I still declare Android the winner? It’s simple: the open-source method just works.

Android market share is going through the roof. With it, we’re seeing developers shifting their attention to Android, and releasing applications that are higher quality every day.  Instead of getting wrapped up in politics, Android developers have the autonomy that Apple needs to give.  Because let’s face it, approving every application does not mean that every application will be of good quality.

For those who have crossed over from iPhone to Android, today’s announcements likely come as too little too late.  We users shouldn’t have to wait years for basic features, or for nagging problems to be fixed.  We should have the ability to find something that works better, if we don’t like what you’re offering, and we should be able to use it on our existing device.

The Apple xenophobia, in this case, might be alienating iPhone OS 4 from gaining buyers.

Article Source:  http://thenextweb.com/google/2010/04/09/iphone-40-android-os-apple-lost-game/

Android Games: Updated Angry Birds Free

Angry Birds, I happen to be a huge fan. I first discovered it on my age old iPod Touch. Extremely addictive and I love it!

The Android version, which is FREE by the way, got an update, not even a week after it was released on getjar.com, Android marketplace and other websites. Now it boasts all 45 levels. Check out the screenshots below:

Now head on over to the Android Marketplace on your device, you'll see an update announcement. Enjoy!

Evernote updates its Android Based App

The famous notetaking and archiving tool just released another update to its Android based app. Evernote 2.0. It's absolutely a must have android app because above all, it's free.

Other than that, it will help you take notes, shoot photos, record audio and access all your files wherever you are. Also, you can sync your PC based app with the one on your phone without any hassles. This update comes with speed of course.

The paid version, which isn't not that expensive, offers in addition to what we mentioned before, the ability to search it with the built in Google search on Android. Go ahead and scan the carcode below or click this link.

Android Games: PBA Bowling 2 - Time for 3D

PBA bowling for Android finally got an update, PBA bowling 2, now with 3D. Much more fun and many more features to enjoy on your Android phone/device.

This just shows how much the Android OS is developing, a progress we will all be benefitting from and enjoying as Android gets ahead of the competition.

The game itself is very easy to play, you can hit strikes pretty fast. So make sure to get as much fun as possible. Use the Barcode scanner app to get your copy of PBA bowling 2 for only $2.99

The Best Android Apps: #2 Talk To Me

In the second edition of our "Best Android Apps" series, we chose "Talk to me". 

This app is certainly one that can make your Android phone a very useful gadget, especially if you're backpacking in Europe, or taking a vacation in China. Wherever you are in the world, Talk to me can help you translate words from over 40 languages. You can either type in or speak your word, the app will then speak a translation back at you or give you a text version.

Speech support is available in languages that use roman characters, Asian languages only give back text translations.

So if you're traveling, or you're learning a new language, "Talk to me" will come in very handy. 

The best Android Apps: #1 Google Voice

Here at Android Apps Central we're starting a new series of posts about The apps we love on the Mobile OS we adore: Android.

We're starting with what we think is the ultimate best feature of any android phone: Google Voice.

Some people dropped their iPhones altogether for Android devices mainly because of Google Voice. Here's a comprehensive explanation of what Google Voice is all about: "from Mashable"

"Imagine a world where you never have to listen to another voicemail again. That’s almost what you get when you set up Google Voice and utilize the Android app. Google Voice lets you keep your existing mobile number, but will forward your missed calls to a generated Google number that you can check on the web, in your e-mail, or via the app.

The service automatically generates voicemail transcription that is usually accurate enough to get the gist of what the caller is saying. Instead of getting a voicemail on your phone, you’ll receive and e-mail (or text message) with the transcription.

The app then lets you scroll through your messages visually, like an e-mail inbox, and stream the audio messages from the web as needed, all without wasting precious mobile minutes.

There are certainly other great voicemail alternatives for the iPhone (and Voice is available as a web-based service), but Google Voice’s deep integration with Gmail (you can also enable audio playback within web e-mail messages) makes it a great compliment to your hand-held arsenal of communications tools."

Google Voice is a Must have android app!

From what you can see, it's a great free service that's open to the public. Unfortunately, it's only available in the US. We're hoping to see it open in other countries so everyone can enjoy what big G has to offer.