Android App Review Sites for Developers

Posted on March 23, 2023 by schatzi

There are already more than 500,000 apps submitted to the Android market and nearly 345,000 active applications. The important part of the application marketing involves submitting the app to the online review sites. This gives the application a good exposure among the public. Here is the list of Android app review sites –

Android-Lib

This is another Android app review site which is featured with the latest apps in the market. The site allows the users to insert reviews on the key functions of the Apps. The database which is in a catalogue style offers readers the information about pricing, user ratings, comments etc. The best thing about the site is that it displays the apps browsed at any given point of time. It means the more engaging and popular the app is, the more it will be featured in “being browsed” list.

Android Zoom

This site enables the users to search, browse and rate the apps. The site is updated every hour with new applications, games, utilities and many other things. In other words, this site fills the lack of an online Android market. This site works well for developers, as it features top-picks every week and a day-wise app.

Android Community

This is the only website that provides invaluable learning experiences with the mobile devices. The developers are allowed to access the indispensable resources through Android Community Forums. Developers can find discussions about specific models of Android, hacks, software list that are compiled by users etc.

Android Apps

This site allows the users to browse and search apps by category. The apps are provided with long descriptions and recommendations. The users are allowed to post screenshots and videos of the apps online. Other than this, the site even lets the developer inform the users regarding price cuts on the app, so that the users stay updated with the app. The site also features top reviewers every week, so that the developer can choose from among the best to review their app.

Android and Me

This is a very extensive Android resource that covers news and software. The developers must check out the application page which has descriptions, reviews, ratings and comments on various applications. There is a page called “Page for Beginners”, where the developers will find lots of information on popular terminology or software that a new Android owner should keep up with.

There are thousands of Android app review sites and one must have a look at these sites and see what really is there.

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Motorola Cliq Smartphone Review

Posted on March 22, 2023 by schatzi

Motorola will be releasing the Cliq smartphone this year for use on Google Android phones on the T-Mobile network.  If you believe the marketing materials or have read any Cliq reviews, than you might come away with the conclusion that it is a revolutionary phone.  This is not the first time anyone has heard such proclamations regarding a new smartphone before its release.

They also say that the Cliq is the first truly “social” phone, which begs the question: wasn’t the very first phone the first social phone?  There is nothing more social than actually speaking to another human being via your voice.  But what Motorola means is that the Cliq integrates well with social media sites like Twitter, LinkedIn, and of course, Facebook, all in a very stylish way.  When you receive calls, all kinds of information pops up onto the Cliq’s screen.  You can see the caller’s latest Tweets and Facebook updates at at glance as they’re calling.  It’s sort of cool, but you have to figure there’s going to be some elements of information overload.

But the Cliq seems to be picking up steam as pre-orders will be available on T-Mobile’s website on October 15.  You can head over to the website and sign up for a reminder email to let you know the second the phone goes on sale online.  The new much-awaited smartphone will be available in T-Mobile retail stores a few days later.  Smartphones are getting more and more advanced every few months, but you have to wonder if Motorola’s Cliq will really have that much of an impact on the cell phone market.  Will it reach the heights of the iPhone and become a part of tech and popular culture at once like the game-changing phone from Apple?  Probably not.  But it may be useful and fun to use. 

The Cliq will sell for $199 with a two-year contract and the appropriate data packages that work with the phone.  That’s an investment for your daily talk piece, but if you are a data hound and like your high-end electronics, it may be worth looking at. This phone may be of interest to those people who love to update their Twitter and Facebook accounts on the go and have the need to stay connected at every moment of the day. 

The phone is well-designed and has a stylish quality to it, so if you do buy one of these phones, you will probably feel pretty good pulling it out of your pocket during a meeting.

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Affordable Marketing With Digital Printing – How Advances in Print Technology Make it Possible

Posted on March 5, 2023 by schatzi

Technology is a funny thing. On one hand, it can frustrate many of us; on the other hand, we can’t live without it anymore. Regardless of how much or how little technology know-how you possess, advances in printing technology have made it possible for small businesses and individuals to market themselves professionally and affordably.

Since the emergence of the digital press in the late 1990’s, quality marketing collateral has become accessible to everyone, especially clients looking for small-sized orders, or those looking to personalize their marketing.

Businesses have found that they can promote themselves as “specialists” in their area of expertise using digital printing. For example, I produce postcards for a local chiropractic firm. They order short runs; usually 50-100 postcards that often target a unique group, such as area high school athletic clubs. This particular postcard offers agility clinics focusing on young athletes looking to avoid sports injuries. Another card from the same chiropractor is sent to area Post Offices, advertising assistance to postal employees who have aches and pains from lifting and sorting all day. In this way, the chiropractic firm effectively advertises their specialty directly to a distinct market. This is just one example of how a marketing piece can be customized to specific potential clients, thanks to advances in digital printing.

Enhancements to computer programs used to generate print files have also made things easier for business owners and individuals looking to market their services. Digital files created with software such as Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, and Adobe products can turn out professional looking marketing pieces. Once the digital files are saved, you can easily make text/image changes, and order additional copies quickly. Full-service printers accept files through their website or, if the printer is local, the files can be transferred from your flash drive.

Much of the progress in the printing industry has made printed pieces more affordable. Digital presses require less initial set-up costs, produce less chemical and hazardous waste by-products, as well as less paper waste, since the first print is as accurate as the last. The presses use improved toners, therefore finished pieces do not require the drying time of offset printing. They can be cut, folded and delivered almost immediately.

Personalization is another growing marketing trend involving digital technology. Using Variable Data Printing (VDP), businesses can send personalized mailings to prospective clients using mailing lists or other databases. VDP allows a printer to change the text or graphics on each printed piece without slowing or stopping the press, resulting in fast turnaround times and personalized marketing materials. A digital press must have the software capability to perform this feature, which may result in higher printing costs for VDP options.

Growth in every field is constant, and digital technology is no different. Advancements in digital printing have allowed smaller businesses and individuals to customize their marketing pieces to specific clients while benefitting from reduced operational costs. Digital customers can also take advantage of creating their own files with easily accessible software, allowing them to maintain creative control over their business and turn out quality printed pieces as professional as any Fortune 500 company.

Hmm, maybe technology isn’t such a funny thing after all.

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Galaxy Tab: The Top 5 Essential Apps For Your Galaxy Tab

Posted on February 2, 2023 by schatzi

Tablet computers now have Samsung’s Galaxy Tab. There is a lot of information out on the tab, but as always not enough. Most people like to know what to expect regarding the applications (apps) that either come with the device or are available for download. Fortunately, the device has a number of applications available with more to come.

The Galaxy Tab features a 7-inch TFT-LCD touchscreen, Wi-Fi capability, a 1.0 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 (Hummingbird) processor, and the Swype input system. It is equipped with front and rear facing cameras for video calls. It comes with some great apps that are really impressive. It is understandable that not everyone uses their device the same and these may not make their list, but they are some amazing apps that deserve consideration. This article will discuss the top five best apps for the Tab.

1. Angry Birds: This is a popular game that is available as a free download on the android market. It takes advantage of the Tab’s full screen and features challenging physics-based game play that requires logic, skill, and force to crush the enemy. It is the survival of the Angry Birds as each one uses their special power to take revenge on the greedy pigs who stole their eggs.

2. Skype: Free Skype-to-Skype calls over 3G or WiFi. Call landlines or mobile phones at great Skype rates. You can instant message one or more friends at the same time. You will need a data plan or WiFi connection (calling in U.S – WiFi only). Keep in mind that depending on the data plan provider, some devices may not be supported. You will need to set up a Skype internet number and download the Skype app. Plus, you will have to pay for an account in addition to the data plan that provides 3G access.

3. YouTube: The 1024-by-600 screen on the Samsung Galaxy Tab means you have to watch YouTube videos in HQ (High Quality) mode and not HD (High Definition) for the videos to be viewable. However, some owners warn that there is an issue with the videos where even the HQ mode of the YouTube app doesn’t provide high enough quality to prevent fuzziness in the video during playback. The recommendation is to use the YouTube video in the browser and set to 720p if available for the video. There is also the ability to download and store YouTube videos on the Tab for later viewing.

4. SparkChess: is a free chess game that works in landscape format. It features great graphics, two difficulty levels and is optimized for fast, casual matches. You can save, load, resume and undo, making it ideal for chess beginners. SparkChess is intended for HD (7-10″, 1024×600) devices such as the Galaxy Tab and requires Adobe AIR Framework.

5. NY Times and WSJ (Wall Street Journal): Two of the top U.S. media publications have been formatted for the Tab which allows their readers to read their favorite publications on the go. Both newspapers make full use of the 7-inch screen to present the papers in a beautiful color magazine type display which is very different from how it appears on the smaller phone displays.

Honorable Mention

Kindle for Android: allows you to read more than 750,000 Kindle books on your Samsung Galaxy Tab including thousands of free eBooks. You can add, edit or delete notes and highlights them, search inside the book for words or phrases, etc. You can also choose to lock the screen orientation in either landscape or portrait and look up words on Wikipedia and Dictionary.com. The app will automatically synchronize your last page read between devices with Amazon Whispersync. Adjust the text size, color mode, or brightness. If you are a non-US customer, book availability may vary.

Asphalt HD: is an awesome 3D accelerometer (motion sensor) driving game which uses the full 1024-by- 600 screen on the Galaxy Tab. This is a fast pace first person race car game with amazing graphics and is being touted as one of the best in its league. Players describe the game as fun to play, challenging and addictive. It has the option for multi-player online participation and the game data is stored to the SD card and not internal memory.

Exchange for TouchDown: is a popular Microsoft Exchange with Active-sync push technology (mobile data synchronization technology) and is capable of auto-detecting the larger screen size for use with the Galaxy Tab. This app supports corporate Exchange Contacts, Calendars, Tasks, and Notes in addition to email.

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