Archive for category hardware

Must Have Android Apps

So, a week into my Evo.  I continue to be just as impressed as my first impression.  This phone, and Android in general, just so get my way of consumption.  The camera is amazing (8 mp)–I can actually just point, it zooms/focuses, and I take really decent pics.  The apps it comes with work, along with HTC’s Sense UI…some nice and easy add to widgets.

I have been downloading apps like mad.  Trying ones, deleting others, just trying to get a sense of what you can find out there.  Here are my favorites so far:

TasKiller–an OS that supports multiple apps running at the same time is a great idea.  However, if you never close ones, it can slow down your phone pretty quickly.  I went ahead and downloaded TasKiller for both phones.  It makes it easy to see what’s running in the background and quickly in one step kill the process.

Google Maps Navigation.  While in Beta, I think I like this better than Sprint’s Navigation.  It looks most like the traditional Garmin GPS interfaces, finds directions quicker, and has the backend of Google information to pull from when planning routes, looking for restaurants, etc.

and for a little fun…

Super K.O. Boxing

Old Skool Gamin' on the Evo

Super K.O. Boxing.  Remember Mike Tyson’s punch out?  While Super K.O. provides you with a similar game.  Lots of fun punching on folks…great work stress reliever…

Tags: , , ,

Early Thoughts on Evo…

Evo

EVOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

A few days into heavy usage, and I can still only say wow.  This phone exceeded my expectations.  I mentioned thinking this phone and Android would excite me, but the phone is beautiful and powerful and Android just works and offers so much functionality.  Now, I have not used an iPhone, but we do possess an iPod Touch, so I feel I can do a good job comparing the two OSs, and Android just seems leap years beyond where Apple resides with its OS.

So, some early things I am impressed with:

  • the vibrating of the home buttons–just feels right to have the vibration to let me know the button worked
  • when connecting to the computer, I love seeing my choices pop up, like ‘open as a hard drive, tether, etc.’
  • Android Market–lots of good stuff there
  • synchronizing of the Google Calendar–easy!  Both my wife and I share a calendar easily

More updates to come!

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

EVO Is Here!

Phones

Our Android Phones!

Yes! Yesterday I received my Evo and the wife’s Intercept, both Android phones.  I spent last night getting them on, and then played with the Evo throughout the day today.  I will activate them this weekend, but for now, I just have used wifi.

First impressions: wow!  Yes, I knew it would be good, but wow.  Fast.  Screen so bright.  Weight of Evo not really a factor after all.

More impressions to come!

Tags: , , , ,

It’s Official–I Will Get an EVO!

HTC's EVO

Yup, Mine is On the Way!

I finally made my choice.  I put in my order for an HTC Evo from Sprint.  I actually talked with one of our business reps and went with Sprint’s Everything Data plan.  That will give me and my wife unlimited texting, data, and 1500 minutes between us.  Definitely more than enough.  The exciting thing out of the deal will be she will have an Android phone as well–Samsung’s Intercept, in pink.

Look for some reviews coming soon!  I cannot wait to begin adding apps to both phones, as I already began looking through some websites rating Android Apps, like http://www.androidapps.com/.  In about a week, I will get my phone!!!

image used under Creative Commons license by flickr user louisvalant

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cisco Tablets

Cisco Tablet

Cisco Tablets, Business Phone/Tablet with Android?

Just when you thought Apple may take over the tablet industry, Cisco drops some bomb shells regarding office/corporate tablets.  Seems like they developed a few tablets running Android (Google’s Linux OS).  What I really like, being a partially Cisco school district, is the integration of them into a typical office or even school.  In one model, the Cisco phone has a pull away tablet with double cameras allowing for videoconferencing.  In another, you can put in a home/school controller where you can monitor temperature, lights, electric, and more.  While developed for a kitchen unit, I can really see this deployed in classrooms or in schools.  Great ideas, and I will be excited to see how they play out.

Cisco's Home Controller

Control Your Power, Expenses, and More With the Cisco Controller

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,