Free Apps for Mobile Devices!

Everybody who has a smartphone, tablet, iPad, or iPod Touch no undoubtedly loves apps.  Why?  Because they are the center of our mobile ecosystem.  If you have a mobile device you almost always have to have apps! It doesn't matter what platform you are on.  Whether it be an iOS device utilizing the Apple App Store or an Android based device running the Google Android Market.

But one of the constant complaints from all sides is that there aren't enough free apps out there.  Personally, I have an iPod Touch and an Acer Iconia a500 Android Tablet.  From my experiences, there are more free apps in the Android Market than are available for m iPod Touch.  At least in the categories I search in anyways. So aside from doing the obvious (which we do not condone on this site) is to jailbreak/root and find alternative ways to get your apps that may involve getting them for free.

There are many reasons to stay away from this method.
1- App developers need support too.  Without the support from the purchasers of a given app; future apps or even updates could be hindered.  In short, don't rip off the little guy!

2- Security.  Most of the alternative methods for acquiring apps tend to require you sticking your neck out there and exposing your device (and possibly personal information) to the world.

3- It's stealing!  Being upfront and honest by purchasing your apps not only means you have a clean, safe app.  But it also ensures that the cost of apps can stay down where they are cheap and affordable.  Start stealing them, and watch prices go up.

Since we aren't looking at the shady ways to get our hands on free app, how do we get free apps?

Simple!  If your on an iOS device (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) than swing by: http://www.freeappaday.com/
At FreeAppADay, they give away one app for free everyday just as the name implies.  If you visit it from your PC it will link you up with iTunes to download from the Apple App Store.  If you're on your iDevice, it will launch the Apple App Store for you.  Simply acting as a way to promote to the free app.

They do have a section for Android Apps, but unfortunately it looks like that section hasn't been updated in quite some time.

For those of us Android enthusiasts looking for a free app fix.  Than checkout the Amazon App Store.  Everyday a commercial app is highlighted on the Amazon App Store for free.  There are two catches to this.
1- You have to be registered with Amazon to use the app.  Already have an Amazon account, you're good to go.
2- The Amazon App Store apk file has to remain installed on your device in order to use any apps downloaded via the Amazon App Store. (Regardless whether they were free apps or purchased)

So remember, there are other ways to get apps.  But before you venture down the road to the "Dark Side" be sure to checkout the legitimate ways to get your hands on free apps. Remember, good techie karma!

To visit the sites mentioned in this article:
Free App A Day: http://www.freeappaday.com/
Amazon App Store: http://www.amazon.com/mobile-apps/b?ie=UTF8&node=2350149011

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Android Tablet App Review: BeyondPod for Android

One of the main purposes I use my iPod Touch for is podcasts.  Why?  Because they are one form of audio entertainment that can be found free of charge on iTunes.  There are literally millions of podcasts floating around the web.  And it is extremely easy to locate a very professional and high quality podcast to listen to.  So if you are using an iDevice, no problem.  iTunes makes it extremely easy to locate and download/subscribe to these podcasts.  But what if you are using an Android device?

There are a handful of podcatching apps in the Android Market.  But one issue I found with all of them were the incompatibility with iTunes' Podcast Feed addresses.  In numerous cases thr only podcasts I could get these apps to pull down were from regular RSS Feeds.  Save for BeyondPod.  Not only does it's User Interface shine amongst it's competition, but it makes listening to my favorite podcasts a simple task when not around my iPod Touch.

So how do we get the RSS Feeds into BeyondPod?  Really easily, that is.  BeyondPod places an entry into the system menu so when you long tap a link in the web browser the menu pops up.  If it is a RSS Feed URL simply tap the BeyondPod menu iten and it will import the feed into BeyondPod where you can edit some of the feeds settings and save it as a favorite.  After saving the feed, BeyondPod will parse the feed and pull down the list of available media for you.  From here you have the option to either stream or download the epsiodes for any given podcast.

You can also setup the app to automatically download new episodes as they become available.  Personally, I like to download episodes as I want to listen to them.  And respectively, have the podcast deleted once it's been listened too.  And BeyondPod allows for that to be done extremely easy.  I have yet to find any reason I needed to visit their website or Google a support issue for this app.

Let's say you're not a fan of using the web browser to locate podcasts RSS feeds.  You have the option to use the built in browser functions within BeyondPod to discover new podcasts.  When you first install it, you will notice that there is already a small selection of podcasts setup in each category.  From news, sports, entertainment, technology, etc.  I ended up clearing out most of these, and adding my own.  The organization functions found within this app have yet to be rivaled among other podcatching or podcast management apps I tried on my tablet.  Some worked just fine, but it's interface and design felt clunky and didn't seem to flow smoothly.  When launching BeyondPod, it feels like other top notch apps I have found.

I use the Pulse Newsreader, and to me BeyondPod feels a lot like that experience.  It just works, and does so very well.  So if you are looking for a nice, easy to use, podcast manager; I would highly recommend BeyondPod.

There are two versions of the app, one for Android based phones and the other is for Android based tablets. It is a free download, however, the free app is the 'Lite' version containing a 7day free trial.  After that you'll need to purchase the BeyondPod Unlock Key for full usage.  But honestly, this app is that good and is well worth it's weight in gold for $6.99.

App in review: BeyondPod
Rating:


Pros: Awesome user interface.  Great user experience.  Compatibility with iTunes Podcast Feeds.  Been using  steady for a week and have yet to experience a Force Close on my tablet running Honeycomb 3.2.
Cons: The set of podcasts included in the app when it's first installed weren't one's I listen to.  No big deal, deleted them and went on with life.  This is the 7day free trial.  Full app unlock is $6.99.

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Feed your Pod! Free Downloads for Your iPod/Media Player!

Well, happy Tuesday to all.  As we're counting down until Christmas, a lot of people are strapped for extra cash this month (due to wonderful Christmas shopping).  I can count myself into this group of people.  So what can you give yourself, that will not cost a penny out of your own pocket?

Easy, a little lovin' for your iPod (or media player or choice).  Checkout these free podcasts for your listening pleasure.  These podcasts are Techie Approved!

If you like audiobooks or old-school radio dramas, it doesn't get any better than these:

'We're Alive'

Homepage:  http://www.zombiepodcast.com/The_Zombie_Podcast/Main.html

'We're Alive' is an awesome podcast where the story is told like old-school radioshows used to be.  It has a great story about a group of survivors in the midst of a zombie outbreak.  This podcast is active, has a host of voice talent, and has regular releases of new episodes.  By far, one of my favorites.

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/were-alive-a-zombie-story/id313300476

'The Leviathan Chronicles'

Homepage: http://www.leviathanchronicles.com/

I am pretty new to 'The Leviathan Chronicles' podcast.  I have listened up to about Chapter 6, and I must say that I am impressed.  The story is pretty complex.  It revolves around a group of immortals who reside in Leviathan; which is an underwater structure where they have lived for a really long time.  Now something is in the works that is trying to destroy it, the story picks up our protagonist who is swept up in the middle of the whole thing.  It's an awesome podcast to check out.

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leviathan-chronicles/id304481704

For the Tech Minded Person:

'The Tech Guy'

Homepage:  http://twit.tv/

'The Tech Guy' is the aforementioned podcast by computer guru Leo Laporte.  This podcast is centered around people who call and ask tech advice from Leo.  This podcast is also part of a large podcast network called: 'TWiT'.  Highly recommended.

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73802706

'Podnutz'

Homepage:  http://www.podnutz.com/

Another great tech resource for computer geeks and repair guys.

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/podnutz-computer-repair-podcast/id275811289

'The Linux Action Show'

Homepage:  http://www.jupiterbroadcasting.com/

An awesome, fun podcast about Linux and open-source goodness.  If you're a Linux fan (like myself, check it out).  This podcast is also part of a larger podcasting network: Jupiter Broadcasting.

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-linux-action-show-mp3/id160075139

For the gamer:

'Massively Speaking'

Homepage: http://massively.joystiq.com/

A great resource for MMO fans.

iTunes Link:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/massively-speaking/id279229899

'The CAGcast'

Homepage: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/

A great gaming podcast brought to us by CheapAssGamer.com.  

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=78311760

These are just a few of the podcasts that I frequently keep up with.  I hope you can find some you'd like.  Merry Christmas!

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Unreal 3 Engine Makes Debut on Apple's iDevices!

Been pretty busy as of late, so I have some catching up to do.  Last week an app by the name of 'Epic Citadel' arrived on Apple's App Store.  No big surprise, new apps show up all the time.  But two things picked my interest: 1- the name of 'Epic' being included in the title and 2- it runs off of the Unreal 3 Engine.

I downloaded it on the iPad right away.  And I must say, that I was immediately blown away.  For some time there has been rumor and speculation that the Unreal 3 engine would eventually bring forth a 'mobile' version.  But honestly, I wasn't sure how well it would hold up in the transition from being a major pc/console graphics engine to making the jump to small, handheld, mobile device.  But to be honest, it is pure awesomeness.

The app is pretty much a tech demo.  There are no goals or achievements to accomplish.  The app simply lets the player explore this lush environment.  And it is great.  From the fine details to the shaders.  It's all sweet.  There are no other players/people/npc's wandering the worls, so it feels a little lonely.  But keep in mind, it's only real purpose is for Epic to be able to show off what can be done with it's diverse graphics engine.  

From what I have been reading 'Epic Citadel' is actually a game that is in development, that should be arriving on the iDevices by year's end.  This app was Epic's way of showing us their hand of cards.  And I must say, it's pretty freakin' awesome.  Personally, at this point; I don't care what the final game will be about.  Story set aside, replayability set aside; I will purchase that app once it hits the App Store.  By the way, the 'Epic Citadel' demo is free.

Check out the section on Epic's site about this awesome app: http://www.epicgames.com/technology/epic-citadel

and the link to the Itunes App Store:

http://itunes.apple.com/app/epic-citadel/id388888815

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This Week In Techie News

This week in the news we have several stories that have hit pretty big.
- Apple Itunes and 'The Cloud' could it be?
-Skype Rules...Long Distance Sucks.
-Ubuntu 10.04 Alpha is now available.

First up, a few months ago Apple 'acquired' Lala (a streaming music service). This led to a whole bunch of speculation for Itunes user's. The most popular being that Itunes would support streaming audio now. According to an article over at AppleInsider word on the street is that Apple may instead take a 'cloud based storage' approach to user's Itunes library. Making it simple to use Lala's technology to upload a user's music/media library to their dedicated section in an online storage area devoted to Itunes users. This would allow that user to login to a 'web based Itunes' from any computer with an internet browser, and be able to playback that stored media.

Great idea, but a couple of things to think about. Most Itunes user's have a massive amount of media stored on their machines. This would essentially take a long time to backup online. Also, how would files not purchased via Itunes fair during this backup process? Food for thought. For more info, checkout this article.


Next up, Skype rules. Yep, we knew that. Skype is a fun program to use. It's versatile and cheap. For those who don't know, Skype offers a VOIP (Voice-Over-I-P) telephony service. You can make calls through Skype to other Skype user's free of charge. You can also setup a Skype-Out account which grants you access to voicemail features, calling to landlines and mobile phones, and several other handy features. Best of all, it's extremely cheap. Great for keeping in touch with family, and to use when traveling.

And according to this article at the Washington Post, Skype is the leading provider of over seas communications. And with many new cellphones utilizing Wifi networks as well as 3G Data networks, many people are able to use Skype's mobile offering to save money in the long run via their mobile phones. Great news for Skype, and it's users!


And finally this week, for all of the Linux fans out there. Ubuntu 10.04 Alpha is now available. So go check it out if you like: http://distrowatch.com/?newsid=05868

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