android

Hewlett-Packard rolled out another Android device this week. This could become a pattern as PC makers hedge against a world that's less about Microsoft and more about Google.

On Tuesday, the largest PC maker in the world -- a dubious distinction these days -- added a laptop-tablet hybrid to its growing stable of products based on Google operating systems.

The $479 HP SlateBook x2 is an Android first for HP. It's "powered by Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system...100 percent tablet, 100 percent notebook, 100 percent Android," according to the company's … Read more

There are not too many Android games that are designed for parents to play together with their kids. Whiz Kid (Android) is one of the few that is. This is great because some parents may be wary about handing an expensive mobile device over to a toddler, but they may want them to experience what a great learning tool it can be.

The easy installation of Whiz Kid (Android) instantly allows the users to get right into action. A colorful main menu displays several different games that are included in the free version. Other levels are also available for purchase … Read more

A popular package of programs for Windows-based computers, VMware Horizon Suite offers to increase the security and productivity of the device for business use. Users who have this software on their computer have a great option for remote desktop control. Using VMware View for Android users can easily control their PC from any Android device. The app works great on a tablet but it will even work on a small phone screen.

The installation for VMware View for Android takes a little longer that most applications. It does require some setup and registration in order to connect to the PC … Read more

For those users who are plagued with horrible spelling, a universal spell check application might seem like a fantastic idea. Spell Checker for Android checks for spelling errors and helps you edit any text but the free version of the app supports ads and comes with a character limit.

Since it's less than one megabyte, Spell Checker for Android downloads quickly and installation is hassle free. The user interface is clean, well designed, and very intuitive. The app offers simple but effective features, including speech recognition. When the user clicks on the microphone they can speak, and the device … Read more

On Tuesday, when Google's Vice President of Android Product Management Hugo Barra told a crowd of nearly 6,000 attendees that the online giant would be releasing its own variant of the critically-acclaimed Samsung Galaxy S4, many broke out in applause.

Not only would the top-tier device sport all the same desirable specs the GS4 was already known for (like the quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor and Android 4.2 OS), it would also give Android purists/TouchWiz haters, an unsullied Nexus software experience.

Yes, there was clapping all around (and even a "woot!" or two) until Barra … Read more

At Google I/O, the company announced some small updates to its Google Now service. One of those updates added the ability for Android users to create location- and time-based reminders.

There are a few different methods for adding a reminder to Google Now. You can use your voice or enter it manually.

To create a reminder by voice, launch Google Now and say "Google" or tap on the mic icon. Once you hear the beep to alert you that Now is listening, start the command with "Remind Me" and add in what you're afraid … Read more

I love a good magazine. That's why I'm hoping digital distribution services like Next Issue and Zinio can help usher in the age of the digital periodical.

Yesterday, Zinio gave it a little nudge by unveiling Z-Pass, a sort of a la carte subscription option: three magazines for $5 per month.

According to the Zinio press release, "The monthly cost of a Z-Pass is the lowest available in the market for a multiple-magazine subscription model." That's technically true, but with a huge asterisk: Next Issue (a sort of Netflix for magazines) costs $9.99 per … Read more

New music services are great at making me feel old.

Opening Spotify is like opening the door to some hip cafe where a mustached 20-year old barista takes my order with folded arms and a stamp on his hand from last night's secret show. I feel not just a little lame. But instead of running for the door like the curmudgeon that I am, yearning for the comfortable embrace of my iTunes collection, I stay.

I stay because even in these days of free apps, free video streams, and free e-books, I'm still totally enthralled by the idea … Read more

Attention all those of you who came of age in the 1990s: Sonic the Hedgehog is back and ready for the mobile world of the 21st century.

So get out your old HyperColor T-shirts, pop in that cassette copy of Pearl Jam's "Ten," and get ready to relive the days when kids had actually heard of a company named Sega.

The company this week launched a remastered version of the original Sonic game in the Google Play store for Android, and also announced the next title in the Sonic franchise will be exclusive to perhaps Sega's oldest foe, Nintendo.… Read more