LINUX MAGAZINESLINUX MAGAZINES: Open Source News, Articles and Reviews

There are over 70,000 apps on the Android Marketplace. If you are new to Android (or even old), then chances are you have missed a few.

This book compiles summaries of several of the most popular apps in this category, to help you decide which app you need for your phone.

All of the apps in this book are free. While there are a handful of “lite” apps, most of the apps are full featured.

Minute Help Press is building a library of books for people with only minutes to spare. Checkout minutehelpguides.com to find out about current and future books in the Minute Help library.

Android for Programmers: An App-Driven Approach (Deitel Developer)

Price: $23.44

Finding an ally in the android Erek King, the Animorphs come to appreciate his nonviolent nature and seek to collect the vital information he has before they lose their fight against the evil Yeerks. Original.”

Price: $3.95

There are over 70,000 apps on the Android Marketplace. If you are new to Android (or even old), then chances are you have missed a few.

This book compiles summaries of over 175 free reference apps in five categories, to help you decide which app you need for your phone.

All of the apps in this book are free. While there are a handful of “lite” apps, most of the apps are full featured.

Minute Help Press is building a library of books for people with only minutes to spare. Checkout minutehelpguides.com to find out about current and future books in the Minute Help library.

Price: $6.99

7 Inch Netbook running Android OS,Direct downloads no ActiveSync needed!WiFi !!Browse the web Music and Video player .watch the video to see it in action.We have over 50 hours of use on one of these devices with out a problem,This is a huge improvement over the WinCe version.

The jury is still out on whether Google will be successful marketing the Nexus One to the average consumer but when your product is endorsed by a giant in the Open Source community, you know you are on the right track.

Linux Torvalds, best known for developing the Linux Kernel, acknowledged that “the Nexus One is a winner” and has replaced his rarely used G1 phone.

What is his view of cellphones in general?� His direct quote,� “I generally hate phones–they are irritating and disturb you as you work or read or whatever–and a cell phone to me is just an opportunity to be irritated wherever you are”.

What changed Torvalds’s mind about this horrid device called a cellphone, “I no longer feel like I’m dragging a phone with me ‘just in case’ I would need to get in touch with somebody – now I’m having a useful (and admittedly pretty good-looking) gadget instead. The fact that you can use it as a phone too is kind of secondary.� I’ve wanted to have a GPS unit for my car anyway, and I thought that google navigation might finally make a phone useful.”

The Android OS is an open source mobile platform that is fully customizable which allows developers total control and ease of application development.� There are currently 20,000 plus applications available and that number is expected to skyrocket.

Sources: http://torvalds-family.blogspot.com/2010/02/happy-camper.html

In 2009, Google Inc. and Microsoft Corp. were fighting for each other’s market share and revenue stream by introducing new products and updated versions of existing ones. Various analysts predict that the year 2010 will see more action between the two giants as they compete in the fields of Internet search, operating systems, enterprise applications and web browsers.While, Microsoft leads in operating system, enterprise applications and web browsers market, Google holds the lead in search arena. However, in the field of web based applications, Google is slowly snatching the market share from Microsoft. For Google, it’s all about expanding, but for Microsoft, it’s about sustaining the lead in the world market. Meanwhile, few analysts believe that Google is the only one that could rattle Microsoft.Here, we discuss various territories, where the two giants fighting head on.Internet Search ShareAs per the November market share, Google remained the dominant leader with 65.6% share, whereas Yahoo and Microsoft�s Bing reported 17.5% and 10.3% share. Besides real-time search interface, Google has also introduced new up gradations in its search engine, which include Google Goggles (a photo-based search), Instant Voice Translation, Location based search and Near Me Now service. Further, the company also introduced its faster variant called Google Caffeine.Google earns 90% of its revenue from web-ads, therefore to check the company prospects; Microsoft has to cut their ad revenue. Therefore, against Google�s monopoly, Microsoft and Yahoo had joined hands in the search and Bing will become the default search engine on Yahoo, creating a search player with close to 30% share compared with Google’s 65%. Further, Microsoft has developed the feature-rich updated version of its Bing maps and introduced another application, called Local Lens to figure out exact location as well.Operating systemsMicrosoft is presently enjoying 92% share in the OS market, whereas Google is under the process of developing its Chrome operating system for light PCs like netbooks. Last month, Google had released its source code for developers. It is reported that the search giant will also release its Android OS based netbook and Smartphone in 2010. The new systems based on Chrome OS will support cloud computing and will be web-connected via Wi-Fi and play only web-based applications such as Google Docs. Hence, Microsoft has to formulate suitable technologies and up gradations to counter the Google emergence in the OS arena.Web-based AppsIn last two-three years, Google has twisted the pattern of Microsoft’s Office market share. Consumers are now using web based apps of Google, which is available for as low as @ $50 per user, per year.Microsoft is aware of the growing threat from the search giant, and will counter it in Office 2010. The new productivity suite will include Web-based versions of its most commonly used applications, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for the first time. Microsoft holds more than 90% share of office tools.

Web browserAccording to December market share report, with 4.63% share, Google’s Chrome web browser has surpassed Apple’s Safari (4.46%) to become the world’s third-most popular browser in just 16 months after its debut. In comparison, Microsoft�s Internet Explorer (IE) has posted a drop of 0.92% to 62.7% in December. Further, IE reports continuous slip in its share since the second half of 2009.

During 2009, e-readers were operating at maximum efficiency with over 2.2 million devices being shipped to stores. In 2010, the demand for e-readers is expected to increase by more than 50%. Their operating systems create the necessary base for these popular devices. Many first-class eBook Readers run full operating systems and can function like a computer.Google AndroidIt is not surprising that Google Android tops the list of operating systems for e-readers. The Barnes and Noble ‘Nook’ was the first e-reader to use Google Android. Since that launch, Google Android has been used in various e-readers and that trend is expected to continue into the future. Google Android gives users access to 1,000,000 free, public-domain books digitized by Google. All devices using the Android system can tap into Android apps and vice versa. In addition, Google understands that the real power of the open source Android lies with the Operating System Defaults. Google eBooks will serve as the default on every Android device.The innovative eDGe e-reader, created by Entourage Systems, runs Google Android operating system. The eDGge is a netbook/e-reader combination which offers users the convenience of a Google toolbar on the right screen. Running on Wi-Fi and 3G networks, users can surf the internet, watch videos, or engage in video chat with this device.Spring Design’s ‘Alex’ will also support Android apps. Yet any applications which require internet access will work only with Wi-Fi. With this dual-display e-reader, the 6.5″ e-ink screen for reading sits above a 3.5� color LCD. Users can display images and video, view notes, and even browse the web.Expected to be released in 2010, the proposed Netronix, a collaboration between Texas Instruments and a Taiwanese networking specialist, is also an Android-based e-reader. Android e-readers allow portability of books (between Android e-readers) as well as access to Android apps.LinuxThe new Skiff reader is a Linux-based system. The Skiff reader is said to be the largest (11.5″) and thinnest (0.25″) with the highest-resolution (UXGA – 1200 x 1600). The Skiff reader is expected to be on sale later in the year. Interested buyers will be able to find it online and at over 1000 Sprint stores in the US.Sony Reader runs the MontaVista Linux Professional Edition operating system. Sony ebook Library is not supported on Linux. Yet when this device is connected, it grants access to its flash memory and memory card slots (as if they were USB Mass Storage Devices).Amazon’s Kindle DX runs Linux-2.6.22.19. Operating system updates are received wirelessly and install automatically during a period in sleep mode in which the wireless is in operation. As it was noted in the article “Amazon Offer Kindle for Sale in Europe – Will they Succeed”, the device is being offered globally on the 3G network with no charges for the wireless connectivity that is used to download eBooks (Digital Book Readers). With its Wacom touchscreen, Illiad runs Linux 2.4 kernel. Due to its open Linux operating system, Illiad can run third-party applications created for it. The Hanlin eReader v3, one of the first Open Source e-readers, is built on the Linux operating system. China’s Hanvon uses Linux 2.6 and Cool-er, Pocketbook, and Bookeen also run Linux.WindowsAlthough Windows is slipping in popularity, it will remain a major player in operating system market for many years into the future. Sony PRS-505/SC Digital eBook Reader, with its company software Sony ebook Library, is similar to iTunes and requires Windows. The software will not work on the 64-bit version of Windows XP but does support Windows Vista and Windows 7. Recent announcements point to the use of Windows 7 in new color ‘slate’ e-readers such as Archos or HP. The Taiwanese company, MSI, has also created an e-reader/computer combo which runs Windows 7. E-readers with operational systems, such as the leading Google Android, encourage openness. These innovative devices are ‘cracked’ to allow users to run Android apps as well as download music and access social networks. Yet Fortify Software, the application vulnerability specialist, has issued a warning to corporations about possible security issues with modified e-readers. When a devise is ‘cracked’ or repurposed in this manner, there isn’t any way to check the security of the operating system ‘cracks’ or newly installed programs. For usage outside the corporate world, however, e-readers have few drawbacks. E-reader companies are always trying to improve on features, performance, and design. E-readers have made a tremendous impact on the reading experience – what we read, where we read, and how we read books and newspapers. More and more people are choosing e-readers and their state-of-the art operating systems are helping to drive that demand.

iBooster Lite – Musical Photo Quotes

Dare to Dream! Dreaming is an essential ingredient to attain sparkling success. Man has accomplished unfathomable things in life by sowing the seed of dream. You too can change your world and the world of your loved ones through selling dreams! It�s an absolutely FREE application. Think! You can sell dreams without spending a single cent.

�In the joy of others lies your own!� How true this could be? Share and care in an imaginative fashion. You are bound to be rejoiced when people you love are happy. Make an effort to bring smile on their face�.Here is that magnificent tool to help you. By executing the quotes your loved ones can stand tall against all odds!

�I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.� This was the dream sown by King Jr., we reap the fruits.

The application of iBooster has that rare piercing power to penetrate through the hearts and minds of the people you send these all too powerful quotes in as many as 40 diverse and relevant categories. Immeasurable strength lies in these wonderful magical sentences. It can act as booster in real sense of the word. Photo personalization, amazing music and easy sharing prove its worth. The quotes are so designed as to make the receiver feel how significant he is in your life!

These quotes can turn the ongoing ominous scenario into an auspicious occasion to start thinking afresh. It can definitely make the spirits soar in the sky and provide the receiver the reason to stay affirmative even in the middle of most adverse circumstances.

The generosity shown by evincing emotional quotes and sentences can never get better than this. Just imagine you could attach the photo of the person you are sending this quotes to. You could show solidarity and infuse courage and hope. This will help him scale new heights.

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

As we all know, the new year is a time to set goals and resolutions both professionally and personally. I think we have all seen the large crowd of newbies at the gym at the beginning of the year or heard the endless water cooler discussions about how people had just started a new diet. Usually these resolutions start strongly for the people commiting to them, then tend to fade away by later half of the first quarter of the year. Well�I wanted to put together a list of resolutions�for new or small�businesses that are very important for the growth and long term success of the organization. This list is in no particular order.

1 ) Strengthen your social media channels – If your business does not have a strong social media presense by now, you really need to put together a social marketing plan in 2010. Socail media is here to stay and�it is no longer optional for small businesses to participate in the�various social mediums. �Here is a short list�containing the minimum sites your organization should have a presence in:

-Facebook – The younger generation has been navigating away from Facebook and focusing more on other social networks like Ning.��However with more that 350 million active users, you should strongly consider Facebook as an advertising and/or networking mechanism for your business.

-Twitter – So are we tweeting or are we just twits? Well either way, consumers are now spoiled with the desire for real time information and direct access to merchants. They want to monitor your business moves and provide instant feedback while sipping lattes at Starbucks. Therefore keep your customers engaged with your business by linking them to your Twitter tweets.

-LinkedIn – Are you looking for a place to network with professionals and other businessmen? LinkedIn is the premier option for B2B networking and to help your business find effective partnerships.

-Wordpress – Humm…to blog or not to blog….that is the question. Well I feel blogging is extremely important to a small business depending on the service or product offered. Why? It gives customers direct access to your thoughts on what you are or intend to offer them. That could help build some form of understanding of your business and hopefully lead them through your door.

Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8

2) Build stronger customer relationships – The times of operating your business without deep understanding our your customer’s needs are over. In the past, customers had limited information on a business, it’s practices, competition�and products/services.� Now people can google you and your competition, get price quotes, and rate your company from their cell phone while waiting in line! The importance of strong customer knowledge and understanding continues to rapidly increase as the technology devices and infrastructure get better.

3) Use or obtain free software – Small businesses need to take full advantage of the open source software solutions and free product offerings.

- SugarCRM – The community edition of this software is free and good enough for a small business to track customer relationships.

- Moodle – This learning management system is free and great for a small business who wants to set up a online learning solution.

- Joomla – This content management system can be used to manage a small business web site and online marketing campaign.

- Microsoft Bizspark – Are you considering using Microsoft products and or software and your business is less than 3 years old? How would you like Microsoft software for free? Yes…I did say free. Check out Microsoft Bizspark and see if you qualify. We did

4) Prepare to go mobile – As I mentioned earlier, there is so much you can do on a cell phone nowadays. The speeds of the cellular networks keep getting faster and faster and the phones themselves keep getting better and better. Getting your business in the mobile world is very important as this market continues to mature.

-iPhone Application – For $99 and a little elbow grease, you can have your business on the glorious i Phone. Not a bad entry price to have access and exposure to millions of iPhone users worldwide.

- Android Application – If you have noticed the “Droid Does” commercials, you are witnessing the direct competition of Google Android vs the iPhone. Droid is completely open source so there is no cost for submitting an application. Also since it is a new platform, you could get first entry to�certain markets.

Name: �Exchange by TouchDownPublisher:�NitrodeskPrice: 5 day free demo, $19.99 for the key

Description:With TouchDown�, your office email, calendar and contacts are available right at your fingertips. You can choose how long to retain your email on your phone. You can choose to download ALL your exchange contacts to TouchDown� any time you want, but get all changes automatically every time you check your email.

You get quick access to your day�s agenda, optimized for viewing on your phone. You can choose to dismiss past events to simplify the view. (Taken directly from the TouchDown website)

Introduction:While Android�s integrated corporate E-mail and calendar functions will be sufficient for most users, in our organization we found them to be lacking in a few areas. First, there was no task syncing with the Exchange server. Second, E-mail attachments were unable to be downloaded to our handset. This led to some searching for alternatives. That�s when we came across Exchange by TouchDown.

After installing from Android Market, and starting the application, just click the gear button to access the setup wizard. If you�re your own IT department, you should know all of the answers right away. If not, contact your IT department. �Once setup, Exchange by TouchDown will handle all of your corporate E-mail, calendaring, contacts, and tasks. �If you�ve had E-mail and calendar setup on your handset previously, you�ll either want to disable them or remove them completely.

Pros:E-mail, task, contact, and calendar syncingSupports syncing by Exchange 2003, Exchange 2007, ActiveSync, and USB to OutlookDownloads E-mail attachmentsEasy to use once setupFour widgets (universal, E-mail, calendar, tasks)

Cons:Price (while most companies that can afford an Exchange server won�t notice the hit, users purchasing the software themselves will)Setup can be difficult if you�re not aware of the settingsWould like more widgets with more size options (I find 3�2 annoying)

Features�Rating: 4 out of 5 starsUsability�Rating: 4 out of 5 starsSetup�Rating: 3 out of 5 starsWidgets�Rating: 3 out of 5 starsOverall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Final Thoughts:While this application was nice while I tested it, I found that I personally didn�t need the extra features. �I�ve uninstalled it. �Out of the four users in our organization, only one runs TouchDown. �That being said, for 25% of the DROID users in our organization, there was a need, and TouchDown met it with flying colors

Widgets: Bluetooth OnOff, GPS OnOff, WiFi OnOff, LockPattern OnOff, AutoRotate OnOff, Brightness LevelPublisher:�CurveFish

IntroductionThe CurveFish OnOff widgets were the first widgets I downloaded when I got my new Motorola DROID. I needed to have complete control over my connections to save on battery life, and found a few little fun widgets along the way. And to have found a publisher that has released multiple widgets of the same theme excite the OCD inside me.

Bluetooth OnOff, WiFi OnOffThe Bluetooth OnOff and WiFi OnOff are just that, great widgets for controlling the state of your Bluetooth and WiFi connections. Straight forward and usable.Bluetooth OnOff�Rating: 4.5 out of 5 starsWiFi OnOff Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

GPS OnOffThe GPS OnOff widget is very much like the Bluetooth OnOff and WiFi OnOff widgets, with the exception that it must be linked to another service. I originally linked it to the Bluetooth service, but the GPS froze and never turned on. I linked it to the WiFi, and seems to work, but I hate losing my WiFi connection just to turn my GPS on or off.GPS OnOff Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

LockPattern OnOffLockPattern OnOff is nice for configuring whether, once your phone locks, it unlocks using the slider or lock pattern. I use it to switch between being home, and away from home, as I don�t need anyone having that easy of access to all of my data.LockPattern OnOff Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

AutoRotate OnOffI honestly don�t enjoy my phone rotating from landscape to portrait without me explicitly telling it to. This is where AutoRotate OnOff comes into play. If your keyboard is retracted, your phone�s display is set to portrait. If your keyboard is extracted, your phone�s display is set to portrait. And putting your DROID in the car dock in portrait mode overrides the widget, which is perfect.

AutoRotate OnOff Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Brightness LevelWhile not specifically an OnOff widget, it works with with the battery saving features of the OnOff widgets by allowing you to EASILY change the screen brightness, saving you battery when you don�t need the screen on, or don�t need it bright.Brightness Level Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Final ThoughtsOverall, very satisfied with these widgets. So much so that I have a desktop devoted to geek tweaks, and they occupy the first six positions.Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Game: �Crystallight DefensePublisher:�Smartpix GamesPrice: Demo available, full version $2.99

Description:Crystallight is a game of �tower defence� genre with extensive online rating system and hours of exciting gameplay. (taken from the Crystallight Defense website)

Introduction:While searching for another defense game in the Android Market that I�d been told about, I came across Crystallight Defense. It looked pretty good (I liked the graphics, honestly) so I opted to download it. After installing, I went through the tutorial and had a rather difficult time grasping the game. I started playing through individual battles, and to be quite honest, I struggled. It took me a couple days to beat the first battle (I left it on the default 40 waves). After beating it once, I started through the story mode, and found it rather easy. I�ve been hooked on the gameplay, and found myself enjoying it for hours when I have better things to do, like sleep.

Pros:Addicting gameplayMultiple levels of play in demo, and 40 levels in the paid versionOnline rating system

Cons:Tutorial leaves a bit to be desiredGame should have an �Additional Help� option that opens the website up in a browser

Graphics�Rating: 3.5 out of 5 starsGameplay�Rating: 4 out of 5 starsTutorial�Rating: 2 out of 5 starsOverall Rating: 3.17 out of 5 stars

Final Thoughts: What started as a time killer to “play one before bed” turned into a bit of an addiction. �So much so that now, when I’ve found myself at a level that I’m unable to beat, I find myself frustrated and playing three or four times before giving in for the night. �It’s quickly become my favorite game to play on my phone, and the only game I’ve been addicted to more than this one was StarCraft.

To rival Android, Linux operating systems, Samsung Electronics, the electronic giant has announced its own open mobile operating system called as bada, which means �??ocean�?� in Korean. It is designed for use in Smartphones and will enable rich user experience in applications on various mobile devices. The new operating system will be launched in December this year, when its SDK (Software Development Kit) is planned to be made available. The company predicts that bada-powered devices will become a major thrust in the market in 2010.Bada operating system

Samsung announced the bada operating system on 10 November, 2009, and the company expects that the first mobile phone based on the operating system will be displayed in the first half of 2010, and will be available to consumers in the second half of 2010. It is reported that the company also plans to introduce a �??bada application store.�?� However, Samsung is already selling Smartphones running on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile and Google�??s Android operating system.According to the company, the new bada software will be designed as open source and will compete against Li-Mo Foundation and Android phone platform.Purpose of bada

Today, consumer wants rich and web connected applications in their devices that are only available in various Smartphones, which are costlier for many. Therefore, to make available to everyone, Samsung has been developing the new mobile operating system.Currently, the Smartphone segment represents less than 5% of Samsung�??s business, but it is the market’s fastest-growing and most profitable segment, therefore the company wants more participation in the growing field.Samsung is the world�??s number two mobile phone maker after Nokia, but Apple, Google, and Research in Motion are dominating in the Smartphone�??s OS/app store area. Recent data shows that Smartphones will account for 16% of all cellphones this year, which suggests that there is more room for Samsung�??s participation.Key features of bada

According to the company, the new operating system will deliver simple, instinctive, and novel user experiences through its innovative visual design. It will have a next generation UI framework that features various new apps and user interfaces for different bada applications.Service-oriented features: At present, the demand for service-based applications is growing in consumers. The new platform will support various service-oriented features to facilitate the expansion of connected applications. The company added that its developers can also employ various service features in the applications.Samsung bada intends to use all the common experiences and functions across applications in the platform so that various extensible core functions like dialer, messaging, and address book can be freely use.Samsung-Symbian divorce?

After the announcement of its own operating system, Samsung Electronics has been rumored to plan removing Symbian from its future roadmap. It is reported that Mr. DonJoo Lee, Senior VP of Samsung�??s Mobile Communications Division and Digital Media & Communications Business has also confirmed the development. However, Samsung said that it is an initial member of Symbian Foundation and continues to cooperate with Symbian Foundation and to satisfy different consumers�?? needs, the company will continue its ‘multi-OS’ strategy.