Control Android Devices from a Web Browser using AirDroid

AirDroid, a pretty powerful android app that lets you manage and control your android phone or android tablet direct from your Internet browser using your Wi-Fi connection.

Note: Both the computer and your mobile device should be connected over the same Wi-Fi network for this app to function.

With AirDroid, all your files and functionality can be controlled through your browser.

• SMS
• Files
• Applications
• Gallery
• Clipboard
• Contacts
• Ringtones
• Music

Apart from these, the app even shows the current status of your device such as ROM, SD card details, battery consumption, CPU/RAM status reports on the browser.

All you've to do is install "AirDroid" android app from the market and connect both the computer and your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network. Then start the AirDroid application on your mobile. Point to the IP address provided by the app from your web browser and enter password the password prompted by the application.

That's it! You can now control or manage your android phone from your web browser.

AirDroid Video Tutorial

Block SPAM SMS using SMS Blocker Android App

Everyone hates receiving spam or promotional SMS messages on their mobile? Isn't it? You can simply use the "DoNotDisturb" service in order to stop receiving promotional SMS sent via service providers but this will not stop you from receiving messages from third-party people.

However, you can block all those spammy SMS by installing an application called "SMS Blocker" on your android mobile. Once installed, this free app will let you define a list of numbers you wish to blacklist. You can choose the numbers either from your Inbox or choose from your phone's address book.



Blocking SPAM SMS messages has never been this easy.

Link: SMS Blocker

Tax Calculation Apps for Indian Android Mobile Users

At the end of every financial year, we make frequent calls to chartered accountants (CA) for quick answers and (or) suggestions regarding your tax savings. With the technology in place, these calls can be avoided. All you need to have is an android smartphone. There are a few tax calculation apps for Indian android mobile users that will help you know your tax status.

Think Tax



This android application has a great UI in addition to the functionality. Simply key in your details like salary, investment, savings etc and the app will calculate and tell you how much tax liability you have. Its not just that, the app will even give links to pay tax online.

FiCal



HCL technologies has developed this app keeping the average middle class indian people in mind. Apart from just knowing your tax liability, the app even tells you what you'll have to plan to become a crorepati by a certain age of your choice.

My Tax India



If you wanted to save a certain amount from tax liability, My Tax India will be the perfect app to guide you. All the calculated results will be shown in a neat and innovative visual graph so that the comparison will be easier.



Tax Calculator India



Developed by MapsofIndia, this android app clearly provides two divisions of tax calculation. One division being the "Quick Tax Calculator" and the other being "Advanced Tax Calculator". The first module helps to calculate tax based on your annual income and the second module calculates tax based on yearly income from other sources and savings which includes 80C, 80CCF, 80D, 80DD etc.

Apply for PAN Card Online if you don't have one.

Turn Your Android or iPhone into a Walkie Talkie for Free

Have you ever seen spy agents talking on walkie talkies? Don't you want to use a walkie talkie of your own? If so, here is a perfect mobile application for you.

Blip.Me developed a mobile application for iPhones and Android phones which will convert your mobile phone into a walkie talkie for free.

Walkie Talkie is actually an electronic gadget which will let you send secret voice messages to others like a secret agent :)

Once installed, provide your mobile number when asked by the app. It'll then scan your contacts list and look whether any of your friends are already having the app or not, if yes, then it lets you connect with him/her.



Also note that all the messages sent using the Blip.me application will be delivered over the data connection and not through your mobile carrier. So, the service is absolutely free. You'll just have to have a good internet connection on your mobile phone.

Blip.Me Features

• Transmit and receive free voice notes with just push of a button.
• Remain in touch with family and friends.
• Unseamed group chat.
• Simpler and faster than a SMS message, but personal like a telephone call.
• Works on iPhone and Android platforms.
• Send voice notes to any mobile phone.

Requirements: iOS 4.0 or higher for Apple iPhone and Android 2.2 or higher for Android mobiles.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Specifications and Release Date

Samsung Galaxy SIII is one of the most awaited android phones from Samsung this year. As per the rumors, Galaxy S3 would be the mix of tablet + smartphone i.e., it would be a blend of Samsung Galaxy Note and Galaxy S2.



Samsung Galaxy S3 Specifications

• 4.65" Super AMOLED III HD touch screen
• Android OS v4.0 (Ice cream sandwich)
• Quad-core 1.5 GHz processor
• 1.5 GB of RAM
• 12MP camera (rear)
• 1.3MP camera (front camera)
• 32GB internal memory
• Supports microSD, up to 32 GB
• 2250 mAh battery
• NFC support
• Touchwiz 5.0
• GPS, Wi-Fi, USB and Bluetooth support
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
  

Expected release date of Samsung Galaxy S3 : May 22, 2012. The price of Galaxy S3 is not yet revealed. We'll update it once confirmed.

Transfer Android Apps Between the Phones via Bluetooth

It’s no surprise that more than half of the mobile users are holding an Android mobile in their hand and those who don't have it are planning to get one soon. The main reason behind the success of android phones is the mind blowing android applications that make our daily life easier.

Google Play or Android Market is the base where you can get/download most of the android apps for free. However, there are few instances where you don't have an internet connection or your GPRS isn't working, and you want download a particular app that your friend is having in his mobile. This is where our Bluetooth (wireless) transfer comes to the rescue.

To transfer android apps over Bluetooth, all we need is Astro and Bluetooth Transfer App.

How to Transfer Android Apps via Bluetooth from One Phone to Another?

There are two phases in transferring android apps using Bluetooth.

A. Create APK files using Astro
B. Transfer APK files using Bluetooth Transfer App.

A] Create APK files using Astro

1. Download & install Astro on your android phone.
2. Run the application. Press the settings soft key and choose "Tools" option. A pop-up will be opened.
3. Now, select "Application Backup" and wait for Astro to generate a list of all the apps installed on your mobile.
   
4. From the list, select the android app that you'd like to send via Bluetooth to another mobile and click the "backup" button to create the APK file.
   

   Note: You can also choose multiple apps at a time.
   

5. Once the backup is finished, press the "back" key to return to Astro main screen.
6. Navigate to your SD card -> Backups -> Apps to find the APK files created by Astro.

B] Transfer APK files using Bluetooth Transfer App

1. Download, Install and Run Bluetooth Transfer App (you require this app as the Bluetooth access to APK files is blocked by default).
2. Once the app is opened, go to SD card -> Backups -> Apps and select the file you want to send to another phone and press the "Bluetooth" button (search for the other device and send it).
   
3. The receiver can now be able to install the android app on his mobile phone without any problem.
   

Points to Remember: Don't think that you can send paid android apps to your friend! Once he installs those apps on this mobile and runs Google Play, those apps will automatically be reverted back to free version (trial).

Datawind Aakash/Ubislate vs BSNL T-Pad Tablet Comparison

With the Indian Government's involvement in developing Tablet PCs, the tablet devices have become more cheaper now. Datawind Aakash Ubislate tablet and BSNL Penta T-Pad are the two cheapest tablets available in India as of now.


Let's get a deeper look on the specifications of these cheap tablet PCs. Here we're comparing Datawind Aakash Ubislate, Ubislate + and the BSNL penta T-Pad.

Category	Ubislate	Ubislate +	BSNL Penta T-Pad
Operating System	Android 2.2 Froyo	Android 2.3 Gingerbread	Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Processor	366 MHz	700 MHz Cortex A8	1 GHz
Display	7" resistive touchscreen	7" resistive touchscreen	7" resistive touchscreen
Resolution Support	800 x 480	800 x 480	800 x 600
Camera	No	No	0.3 MP
RAM	256 MB	256 MB	256 MB
Storage	2 GB internal, expandable up to 32 GB	2 GB internal, expandable up to 32 GB	2 GB internal, expandable up to 32 GB
Wi-Fi	802.11 a/b/g	802.11 a/b/g	802.11 b/g/n
Battery	2100 mAh	3200 mAh	3000 mAh
Price	INR 2,500	INR 2,999	INR 3,250

Lemon T39 Silk Mobile: A Budget-Friendly Dual SIM Touch Screen Mobile

Lemon Mobiles has introduced a budget phone with Dual Sim & Touch support. It sports large 3.2" touchscreen. Other good features of this Lemon T39 Silk mobile include mobile tracker, G sensor, upto 16GB external/expandable memory and many more. It is expected to run on Android Operating System but not yet unveiled officially.

Lemon T39 Silk Mobile Specifications

• Mode: Dual Sim (GSM + GSM)
• Display: 3.2″ Touch Screen (8.1 cm WQVGA Screen)
• Multimedia: Ringtones (poly/midi/mp3), Mp3/Video player, FM, Camera (2MP), Voice recorder
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB drive
• Memory: Phonebook(2000), SMS (500), Internal memory (85.5Mb), External (upto 16GB)
• Other Features: Auto call Record Function, G sensor, GPRS
• Battery: 1450 mAh
• Talk time: up to 7.5 hours
• Standby: up to 8 days
• Weight: 95 gm

Lemon T39 Silk Mobile Price in India : ~ Rs 3,500/-

Download Android Apps to PC and Transfer to Phone

A few days back, I wrote an article on "how to download Symbian apps to pc from Nokia Ovi suite" and today lets see how to download android apps to PC from Android Market or Google Play.

The main advantage of Android phones over other OS mobiles is the availability of enormous number of free android applications. Android Market or Google Play has all the applications (both free and premium) available for your mobile. However, not many will have a high speed internet connection on their phone. And so, its better if you've the chance of downloading android apps to PC from android market and then transfer them to your mobile phone. By default, Google Play will not support downloading of apps to the computer. But, you can easily download them using a simple trick explained below.

Note: Android Market is renamed (re-branded) as Google Play recently.

How to Download Android Apps to PC Directly?

1. Go to Chrome browser and install APK Downloader extension. Once installed, an APK icon will be displayed at the end of the address bar.
   
2. Ignore the SSL warning that is displayed. To get rid of it, right click on Chrome icon (shortcut on desktop) and select "Properties" > "Shortcuts" tab.
3. In "Shortcuts" tab, add --ignore-certificate-errors at the end of the target box after \chrome.exe (as shown fig).
   
4. Now, go to Google Play and go to the android app that you wish to download.
5. Next, click on the APK icon (ref. step1) to start downloading the apk of that app on to your computer.
   

That's it! Your android app is now downloaded to your PC. You can now transfer it to your phone either using the cable or memory card.

How to Pre-Order BSNL Tablets Online?

Electronic Tablets are now booming in the Indian market. To take it more further, the Indian Government with BSNL along with an electronic company, Pantel, declared to launch BSNL tablet in March 2012. The price range of this tablet is set in between Rs.3500 to Rs.13500. Although its a bit costlier than Aakash tablet, the BSNL talet has its own varied features.

How to Pre-Order BSNL Tablet Online?

There are lot of sites which claim to sell BSNL tablets but its advisable to go to the official website of Pantel [Pantel.in] to pre-order any of the three models namely T-Pad IS701R (Rs.3,250), T-Pad WS704C (Rs.10,999), and T-Pad WS802C (Rs.13,500).



After the selection is done, the site will ask you for your contact details like name, address, email, phone number. Once all the details are submitted, it will generate a booking ID number which needs to be remembered. The sales representative will contact you once the BSNL tablet is ready for sale. No money has to be paid during the pre-order of BSNL tablet.

The delivery of BSNL tablet will start from March 2012.

Visit regularly for more updates on this Indian government tablet.

Samsung Launched 3 New Dual SIM Android Phones

Samsung android smartphones are a big hit among the youth in India and keeping that in mind, Samsung is trying to dig more into the hearts of users by launching three new Dual-SIM android smartphones namely - the Galaxy Ace Duos, the Galaxy Y Duos and the Galaxy Y Pro Duos.

Samsung Dual SIM Android Phones Specifications

	Galaxy Ace Duos	Galaxy Y Duos	Galaxy Y Pro Duos
Display	3.5" HVGA	3.14" QVGA	2.6" QVGA
Processor	832 MHz	832 MHz processor, 384 MB of RAM	832 MHz processor, 384 MB of RAM
OS	Android 2.3 Gingerbread	Android 2.3 Gingerbread	Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Dual SIM Mode	GSM + CDMA	GSM + GSM	GSM + GSM
Connectivity	3G, EDGE/GPRS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, USB 2.0	3G, EDGE/GPRS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, USB 2.0	3G, EDGE/GPRS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, USB 2.0
Camera	5 MP	3MP	3MP
Front-Camera	No	No	Yes, VGA
Entertainment	Stereo FM radio with RDS	Stereo FM radio with RDS	Stereo FM radio with RDS
Memory	Up to 32 GB via microSD card	160 MB internal storage + 32GB Expandable	160 MB internal storage + 32GB Expandable
Battery	1650 mAh Li-ion	1300 mAh Li-ion	1350 mAh Li-ion
Price	Rs.16,900	Rs.10,490	Rs.11,090

TabPlus Rio - a Low Cost 7" Android Tablet at Rs.9,990

After DataWind's UbiSlate 7, its now the turn for Tabplus Rio, a 7" Android tablet developed by Bangalore based company "Digital Waves".



The TabPlus Rio has features such as

• 7" capacitive touch screen (800 x 480) - LCD
• Android 2.3 operating system (supports Flash 11)
• 1GHz Cortex A9 processor, 512 MB RAM
• 4GB internal memory (support 32GB microSD card)
• Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, 3G USB dongle (selected models)
• 4D G-sensor for gaming
• USB & HDMI ports
• Dimensions: 203mm x 120mm x 13mm
• Built-in camera 300K (front)
• Accessories: USB Cable, Power Adapter
• Battery: 3000 mAh

TabPlus Rio tablet Advantages over UbiSlate 7

• Pretty good touchscreen with liquid flow 5 point capactive touch
• smooth web browsing with Flash support
• faster multi-tasking support
• front camera for video calling
• HD video playback
• 4 side G-Sensor provides awesome gaming experience

Disadvantages of Tabplus Rio android tablet

• No SIM support

Link: Buy TabPlus Rio @ Ebay India @ Rs.9,990

Comodo Antivirus for Android Mobile Phones

Comodo, the security software publisher has recently released their first anti-virus app for android phones which is named as "Comodo Mobile Security". It provides real-time protection from viruses, unsafe mobile applications, spam and many more..

Comodo mobile security is more than just an anti-virus application as it includes SMS and call blocking, software & process manager and private space with apps locking.



The one touch scan & scheduled scans are really helpful to fight against viruses. You can schedule a time so that it automatically scans the mobile system & protects your mobile from security threats.

Download Link: Comodo Mobile Security (Free Anti Virus application)

How to Root an Android Phone the Easy Way?

Android operating system is the most widely used OS across the world with more than 50% of market share. The main advantage of Android OS is the availability of numerous free android applications. Many top mobile manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, LG etc have been producing the best android phones with different flavors of Android. However, the need for more still remains the same in the hearts of users. This is probably one of the many reasons why one would opt for rooting his Android mobile phone.

Earlier, rooting android phones used to be hassle and expertise is required to perform rooting in those days. But, that is not the case now. With technology advancing every day, many new applications are being developed to reduce the human effort.

Unlock Root is a simple android rooting application which lets you root your android phone in one-click.

How to Root an Android Phone Easily?

1. Download & Install Unlock Root on your system.
2. Turn the USB Debugging Mode on your mobile (go to Settings > Applications > Development > check mark the box)
3. Now, connect the Android mobile to the PC.
4. Finally, click on “Unlock Root" & follow the step by step guide.
5. That's it! Your android phone is now rooted successfully.

Note: You need to install the device driver of your Android handsets on your PC before you begin rooting your mobile phone.

Unlock Root tool is currently supporting only these android devices

11 Useful Android Apps Meant for Physically Challenged People

Android Smartphones are the latest trend in India and all around the world. With people using these android phones day after day, the android applications are being developed in bulk to fulfill the user's needs. Were these applications help all the people? Well, the answer is a big no! Why because, we should also keep the disabled people in mind while answering this question.

What everyone haven't noticed is that Android does provide support for disabled or physically challenged people and this article covers several useful android apps meant for physically challenged people.

1. Voice Search from Google: Allows you to control your android smartphone using the voice commands. You can even browse the web. Call your contacts, get directions, and control your phone with Voice Actions.
   


2. Vlingo Virtual Assistant: It is specially designed for people for disabilities and of-course everyone can make use of it. It takes your voice as the input or command and do whatever you say to it. Vlingo virtual assistant definitely an iPhone Siri alternative.
   


3. WalkyTalky: A pretty useful app for physically challenged people to get the information about where they are & where they are about to move without others support. GPS should be enabled when running this app.


4. Eyes-Free Shell: With this app installed, you can move your finger over the screen to explore all the applications and lift your finger up to run what you stopped on.


5. Text to speech Extended: An useful android app for all those other than hearing impaired people. It allows you to listen the text messages on your inbox.


6. Gesture Search: A supportive app for those that suffer with paralysis and lost their partial limbs. Simply & quickly find a contact, a bookmark, a music track or an application on your device by just drawing the starting letter of it on the screen. Results are updated simultaneously as you add each letter to your gesture board.
   


7. Talking Dialer: A very special app for physically disabled people. This allows you to make calls using the easy to see large icons which gets even bigger on a mild touch on it. Just slide your finger in the direction of the number you want.
   


8. Hands-Free Voice Dialer (CD+): It is a faster voice dialer with voice confirmations and commands. Works using a Bluetooth too. This application allows you to dictate emails, texts, Facebook status by using your voice as commands. Use the trial version first and I'm sure you'll definitely buy it.


9. eSpeak for android: Yet another app that reads your documents and files.
   


10. Drivesafe.ly: If you spend most of your time in driving, then this app is for you. People with disabilities people will have this very handy. This app reads your messages, mails, and even responds by voice making use of the per-recorded templates.
    


11. mem: It is a simple android game designed specially for physically challenged people to train their mind thereby sharpening their intellect. It's definitely a time-killing game.

Hope the list is useful for you. Do share it if you like it so that other people may get benefited.

Top 7 Movie Apps for Android Phones

Ever felt frustrated of not knowing anything about the movie that's playing? If you an android phone user, there are several movie apps that help you to find out what ever you need to know about the movie or what's latest in the box office.

Top Movie Apps for Android Users

1. IMDb Movies & TV: Find movie showtimings, get TV show listings, watch movie trailers and search all of the IMDb movie database.


2. Movies (by Flixster): One of the best android app for movies reviews, trailers and showtimes.


3. VLC Direct Pro: Like to watch movie videos or listen to music? Then this application is for you. It is a perfect app for streaming movies on your android smartphone from your computer. It is a premium android app but worth trying.


4. Moviefone: Search for movies by theaters closest to you. Also, find the release dates, ratings and reviews.


5. CineShowTime Theater: It automatically searches for all the theaters near you by determining your position.


6. Crackle – Movies & TV: You can watch full-length Hollywood movies & TV shows on your phone. Free and on demand.


7. TV.com: Yet another TV streaming app that transmit their full TV episodes with good picture quality. But, you need to have a high speed unlimited internet connection (3G) as it puts a dent in your data plan if its limited.
   

Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus Specifications & Price in India

The Samsung Galaxy Ace was quite a popular medium-budget android phone when launched. And now, Samsung is introducing a cousin to the original Galaxy Ace, the Galaxy Ace Plus.

It is powered by a 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. An internal memory of 3GB is provided and however, you can extend it using an SD memory card (up to 32GB).



Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus Specifications

• 3.65" HVGA TFT touchscreen (320 x 480 px)
  
• Android v2.3 Gingerbread OS
  
• 1GHz CPU & 512 MB RAM
  
• 3GB Internal & 32GB External memory support
  
• Connectivity options include 3G, EDGE/GPRS, Wi-Fi, GPS with A-GPS support, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 etc..
  
• 5MP camera (autofocus) with LED flash on the rear side; No video calling support as it doesn't have a front camera.
  
• Supports WVGA video recording @ 30fps
  
• Has a Stereo FM radio with RDS
  
• Available only in Black color
  
• Comes with a 1300 mAh battery (****)
  

The only disadvantage of this Galaxy Ace Plus android mobile is that it doesn't support video calling (no front camera). Except the demerit, it'll definitely be a worthy gadget and the price of Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus isn't announced yet but as per some reports, it could be priced @ around Rs.16,500 to Rs.17,500.

How to Disable Facebook Timeline View?

Facebook has rolled out its new Timeline feature last month and many people disliked it for many reasons. Most users are finding it too complicated to use with advertisements and news ticker annoying them. Those annoyed Facebook users are trying to find ways to disable or get rid of the Facebook timeline feature and some of them who got frustrated are either deleting their Facebook account or switching to Google+.

However, the true fact is that, it is not possible to disable Facebook timeline feature officially and deleting the developer apps will not solve your problem. So you'll have to use the scripts in order to get rid of Facebook timeline view.



Disable Facebook Timeline View in Firefox

1. Open Firefox, Install User Agent Switcher add-on & Restart the Firefox.
2. Once installed, the UAS icon will be displayed on the navigation bar. If its not displayed automatically, right-click on the navigation bar and click customize. Drag the icon "User Agent Switcher" on to the nav bar of the browser.
3. Now, click on the User Agent Switcher button and select Internet Explorer -> Internet Explorer 7.
4. Finally, go to Facebook.com and you'll get back your old Facebook profile interface.

Get Rid of Facebook Timeline Feature in Google Chrome

1. Right-click on Chrome Browser application (shortcut) and then click "Properties".
2. In the target box, add the following line of code leaving a space after chrome.exe
   

   Windows 7/Vista users need to add this
   
   --user-agent="Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 6.0)"
   
   Windows XP users need to add this
   
   --user-agent="Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 5.1)"

3. Click on "Apply" and go to Facebook.com
4. You'll find your Facebook profile has been reverted back to the old interface from the new Timeline view.

Disable FB Timeline View in Safari Browser

1. Open Safari & click "Alt" button to display menu.
2. Now, go to Developers > User Agent > Internet Explorer 7.0
3. Restart the browser and then go to Facebook.com.
4. You'll now see your Facebook profile with the old interface and not the new Timeline interface.

In case of any doubts in the above process, do watch the video tutorial below.

How to Disable Facebook Timeline View?



Update [May 2012]: Alternatively, you can simply install a chrome browser named "Timeline Remove" to disable your Facebook timeline view.

Recover Lost or Deleted Files on a Android Phone

Loosing important information sometimes leaves you in a dilemma. Let it be either on your computer or your mobile. Especially, this would be the case if you leave your computer or mobile with your kids. Computer users can find a lot of free softwares to deal with such situations, but what about the mobile phone users?

However, if you own a Android mobile or any android tablet, here is an useful android app called "Undelete" from Fahrbot mobile which will let you recover your lost data.

Inorder to install & use this app, you'll firstly need to root your android mobile. Simply follow the below video tutorial to know how to root your android phone.



As this app is in beta mode, don’t expect 100% positive results all the time.

Download Link: Undelete Android App

Best Music Player Apps for Android Phones 2011

Most of us like to listen to Music while on the go and there are a lot of devices that come handy in such situations like TV, radio, mp3 players etc...Lately, mobile phones have become common for listening to songs on the go. So, here are a few music player apps for your android mobile phones, in case, if you are a music freak.



Best Music Player Apps for Android Phones

1. MixZing Media Player
   
   


2. Meridian Media Player
   
   


3. TuneWiki
   
   


4. Cubed
   
   


5. Winamp