Must Have Apps: Lookout Mobile - Security on the Go

 

 

Viruses, Malicious Apps, Phone Missing, Photos/Contacts Lost... Do you want to be able to avoid these issues? Believe it or not you can do this for FREE on Blackberry, Android, Windows and is even available for Beta testing on Apple's iOs system.

 

With built in Anti-Virus this program will automatically scan your phone, SD Card and newly download Apps to ensure no malicious codes are waiting to infect your phone or worse, lay dormant until you hook it up to your computer and transfer it to infect your entire PC.

 

 

 

Each Lookout Mobile account also comes with free backup of your contacts and photos (multiple devices can be set on each account) so that in the event your phone is reset you can easily restore your information with minimal loss of data.

 

 

If your device ever goes missing this software is extremely useful. I've dubbed it the "Beat Yo A$$ App" because using Google Maps it sends a Email (text message if compatible) to your device and locates your device within 300 meters (30ft if device equipped with GPS) showing you where it is via the website. So if someone's sticky fingers have lifted it but won't come clean simply locate the device and send a message to it to Let off a Siren until you unlock your phone and shut it off or the battery is pulled, regardless if its on silent/vibrate or not. That way, you can lace up your timbs and Beat some... I mean alert the authorities and get your device back using Proper, legal, non-violent methods.

 

Lookout Mobile is a relatively small and extremely battery conscious as it claims to use as much energy as a 33 second phone call daily. I can definitely attest to this because upon adding it to both my DroidX and Blackberry Curve & Bold there have been absolutely no performance issues in Processor, memory or Battery and it runs 24hrs a day.

A Premium version is available for $3 a month that will add the functionality to scan websites you view in real-time for potential security breaches, give you diagnostic information about the apps currently on your device to see what they are doing behind the scenes (similar to Superbox) and allow you to transfer your pics and contacts to a new phone wirelessly if you've upgraded or switched regardless of device or carrier from and to.

Over 10 Million, yes diamond status, users have downloaded this and given it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating and it has yet to fail me. So get you a copy here http://m.MyLookout.com

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Must Have Apps: Ping.fm - Multi Social Network Posting

 

Tired of maintaining multiple Social Networks? Having to remember all passwords and log in individually to post the link to promote your Blogs, music or event? Save the Hassle.

For those of you who have never Heard of Ping.fm, it’s a Site that makes Social Networking SO MUCH EASIER by allowing you to connect all your Accounts and Blogs to one location so that you can post to any one individually or all simultaneously by sending one message, it even allows you to automatically share the newest article you wrote on popular free blogsite such as Blogger, Wordpress & Tumblr utilizing the very same Feed links already employed by them and many popular Reader Browser Plugins. oh and best of all… its FREE.

I’ve been using this a while now and the fact that it works on every possible mobile device, site, instant messenger, bird call (okay I’m trippin’ but you get the point) with either a Text message, email or mobile web form makes it great for non smart phone users and the availability for Apps in every smartphone arena from Apple, Android and Blackberry, all the way down to Symbian (Nokia), PalmOS, Windows Mobile and even the Sidekick makes it super functional. You cant beat an app that makes it simple to share your thoughts to your friends family and fans without the need to actually spend any extra time at all.

Personally I use BlackPing on my Blackberry device because it allows me to Post to all my sites or even just one of my choosing which helps me keep my Twitter Followers and Facebook friends up to date on my latest articles, Music and Poetry since I am barely on Facebook anymore. Wherever I have a following or connection, they are able to see my work whenever I post. There are tons of them that work on All Mobile phones, computers and Browser Extensions as well available here, but Which App do you use and why?

 

Check out all the Networks you can Simultaneously Post to using Ping.fm

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Must Have Apps: Memory Booster Pro

 

You know when you got an older phone and after a while of downloading new and more demanding, higher level functioning Apps designed for newer devices, using Wi-Fi more often, turning your phone off less and you start noticing your phone may slow down for a minute or two then be back to its normal self? Well that's because you've used up all your RAM memory and it has to reallocate it. This stand alone app is a great supplement Quick Pull so that you get the most out of your device all day. Memory Booster Pro is the best I've used out of the many I've tried because it has a scheduling feature where you can auto-clean it every few hours, and since its simply running the built in Memory cleaning that comes supplied within All Blackberry OS's, the file size for the program is extremely small and non intrusive on Phone performance. I use Quick Pull for my reset every morning before I start my day and auto-schedule for the evening when I'm getting off work so my phone is always running at peak efficiency whenever I need it.

Download Memory Booster Pro from the App Store
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/39879

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Are You Cool to Drive? Blow Me

 

When I saw this in Bed Bath and Beyond I definitely thought of a few people I could get this sort of gag gift for... Darn Alchys. This is not a medical or Dept. of Transportation approved device, but it is an actual breathalyzer that uses breath to measure they electrical properties which can then be calculated to a semi accurate BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). With Green, Yellow and Red indicator lights feel free to see who is the most plastered and who has just been faking it all night. Posers, those “Beer Goggles” was just you liking UgMugs. 

 

 

They stress, as do I, that it is not saying if you are in the green range that it is okay to drive tipsy, your senses are still impaired. It simply is an estimate, a comparison to legal limits. Tipsy driving isn't technically illegal, but swerving and killing someone because your dumb behind tried to pull a Dante Stalworth is... Don't Drink and Drive Idiot (subliminal to Lyfe Jennings)

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4 Reasons the Asus Transformer is > All Other Tablets

 

Looking for a New Mobile Device but wanna make sure you are getting the "Tablet of Tomorrow" so you won't have to change out so often? We'll... The future is now. Asus, High End Gaming Motherboard Manufacturer, has come into the Market with the highest performing, best screen, most Upgradeable and functional Tablet the World has ever seen; and they are doing it less expensive than any other out to date.

The 10.1 Inch Android EeePad Transformer is a Wi-Fi Enabled, Nvidia Tegra 2, Dual Core, 1GB RAM, Dual Camera/Camcording, remote desktop entering, web conferencing, ultra customizable BEAST of a mobile device, The 1.5lb Workhorse is extremely lightweight but far from Light in the Ass. Now I could sit here and tell you all the super technical reasons why this is the best on the Market amongst the many like tablets but let me focus Solely on the Value, because when all's said and done, Isn't that what matters to you most?

 

1) Price: 16GB - $399.99. 32GB - $499.99

Now Honestly, coming from a Premiere name in computers and computer parts for that price is insane. Especially when its more than Likely at least double the Processing Power and RAM in your current smartphone, unless you have the Motorola Atrix (but let's be real, Motorola Sucks with Android). That's BUGGED

 

 

2) What's Included: Polaris Office & MyCloud

Hmmmmm, What That Be? Polaris Office is exactly what you are thinking it is, a Fully compatible Microsoft Office Viewing, Editing and Creation tool built right into the Tablet. But Mag, Documents To Go does the same thing on all Mobile Operating Systems and it's Free *Y'alls voice*. 1st off, WRONGS, Documents To Go, while a great program, only let's you view and edit for free but not create; that'll cost you $15.00 for the app to do Word, Excel & PowerPoint. Oh and by the way, Asus OWNS the Licensing for this App so you won't find it in the Android App Market.

 

MyCloud may be new to some of you but the technology is far from that, this is not some new form of data saving, just perfected over the course of time. The first Mobile operating system to employ this was actually Microsoft who put utilized it in the Sidekick in 2002 under the name "Danger". For those who don't know the "Cloud" data management system simply means your files (pictures, movies, music etc.) are not saved on the device, but remotely so that you may access them through any internet connection. Why? To give you added storage space and access to any and all files you own. Now companies have this service where they charge per GB of space with a monthly or yearly fee or PogoPlug which allows you to use your own home to do the same but the best part of this with Asus... ITS FREE and UNLIMITED for the first year. It then defaults to $3 per user & $0.30/GB/Month thereafter, but ONLY for the amount of space you actually use as opposed to a prepaid tiered amount. Cool Huh?

 

Oh and for you slightly more Techie people, MyCloud also includes its own FREE Internet radio and Remote Desktop feature so that you can Log into, See, Hear and Control your Computer using the IP address. This is available with other units too via an app call SplashtopRemote on PalmOS, Apples iOs and Android ... At a cost($9.99).

 

 

3) Accessories: $149.99 - Docking Station

This aint your ordinary Dock. While all Tablets have cases, screen protectors, stands, stylus etc. etc. etc. this is where Asus goes FAR BEYOND the capabilities of nearly every other Manufacturer. This Powered Keyboard docking station doesn't just hold the Tablet upright, it basically turns it into a Mobile Netbook. The Keyboard dock, just as slim as the tablet itself, doesn't add much weight or bulk when attached because it folds into itself to make it less than 1 inch thick. With a full Keyboard it makes typing a Breeze and even enhances use by adding a Touch Sensitive Mouse Track Pad which proves very helpful in Office Software, photo editing, gameplay and then some.

 

 

4) Expandability: From 16GB to Infinity

We have all run into that instance where we don't wanna buy something because a newer one will come out, newsflash, Technology won't stop. Just get one that is able to handle what you need that you can grow with. The Asus Transformer focuses more on this for the customers sake than any other company producing these mobile devices.

The aforementioned Docking station also comes equipped an SD card reader supporting up to a 32GB card which coupled with the 32GB capable MicroSD slot your 16GB Tablet has directly on it, it can now become an 80GB for as little as $100. But... It also sports 2 Full Sized USB2.0 ports for plugging in Broadband cards (for internet on the go), Flash drives and even Portable Hard Drives; So instead of spending that $100 for two 32GB cards on sale how about you just get a 1TB Hard drive? How many other Tablets have a thousand Gigs of space? I'll wait........
                ......thought so.

 

 

So you see when it comes to Performance Capabilities most Premier Tablets are pretty much the same, but subtle differences are what's gonna be the difference between your overall Happiness with the Product in the Long Run. Most companies have focused on a way to under equip their units in an effort to ensure you will buy another while Asus has Jam Packed everything they possibly could into one unit at a Lower cost giving you, the customer, the Greatest Value. Hope that helps you out, Any questions feel free to ask.

Compared Against: Apple IPad2, Blackberry Playbook, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Toshiba Thrive, Acer Iconia Tab, Motorola Xoom

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PogoPlug - Its like Drop box… on Steroids

Are you tired of purchasing memory card after memory card to save your ever growing digital media library? Ever wanted to listen to a song, play a movie or open up a photo you had saved on your home computer but not on your mobile device? or worse, have you ever spent more money on a device specifically because it had more storage space? Well fear no More, because starting as low as $29.99 PogoPlug is the solution to your digital life's woes.

Before we continue, ensure you’ve got a High-speed internet connection or you will just be aggravated at all the benefits you could have investing in creating your own Cloud Storage system.

 

 

As you can see above PogoPlug has 4 distinct products that you can choose from, each is a one time fee instead of a monthly or yearly one like many other services so you can already see the immense value in getting this service over time.

Free vs. Premium Software

Going the all software route is a cheaper option for those who leave at least one computer on in the home at all times. The free software will allow you to access all of your files from a web browser or Mobile App (Palm, Apple, Android) that are included in the Internal or USB connected hard drives of the computer itself. This means as long as the computer is on, and you have internet access at home you will be able to access 100% of your files anywhere in the world. The Premium software adds one key ingredient that makes it ideal for those concerned with Entertainment, Media Streaming capabilities. With Media Streaming conversion technology you can instantly view Movie and audio files as opposed to downloading the entire file from the home computer. Great for those who have limited storage space on their mobile device or in a slow connection area.

 

PogoPlug vs. PogoPlug Business

These two options are for those who do not wish to leave their computers on 24hrs a day running up electric bills and increasing wear and tear on their computers. These options include an actual piece of Networking Hardware with a Gigabit Ethernet connection to plug directly into your Router and 4 USB 2.0 ports to add Hard drives for expanded storage. The greatest part of these devices is that as long as you are using Desktop Hard Drives that have external power sources, you can utilize USB hubs to add far more than 4 hard drives so the storage space capabilities are literally endless. The Pogoplug Business, made for the person with employees, can add multiple users with their own passwords and logins to access data, evaluate usage stats such as viewed and downloaded, along with permit certain log ins or users to have Read-Only access to give others the ability to simply view the files but not make changes to or download.

There was also a PogoPlug Video that was the Standard device with Media Streaming capabilities that has recently been recalled due to overheating that hopefully will come back to the market after the cooling fan has been added. It is simply a standard device with a Real-Time Video Conversion Processing Chip and Premium Software available at $199.99.

 

With this device being a one time fee for a Lifetime subscription the initial cost is well worth the investment. Believe it or not the information you have stored is saved directly onto your devices and not uploaded to a third party so you never have to worry about Tech Support or someone's servers going down as in the case with Traditional Cloud systems. this means added security and privacy of your files for whenever you want to access them or send them to others without having to worry about Email attachment limits, or seeking through thousands of links and advertisements to get to where you want to be. I mean imagine, all of your music, movies and photos accessible to be Used and shared at a moments notice. Greatness is at your fingertips, reach out and take advantage. 

 

June2011 Recall: http://blog.pogoplug.com/pogoplug-video-recall-2-507/

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Must Have Apps: Photo Editor Ultimate (BB Photoshop)

 

Wanna do a Side by Side comparison or shrink the size of a picture right from your Black Berry quickly and easily? Well here you have it, With Photo Editor Ultimate you can do all of these things and More.

 

For those that are familiar with Photoshop, think of this as a Mobile version of such that allows you to paint, recolor, decolor, rotate, resize, combine multiples, and even add effects to your Mobile snapshots to save, upload and/or send to others. Great thing about this program is that it works fast, doesn't take up too much space in Application memory and saves as a separate file so you don't have to worry about messing up your original files as you play with all the settings and features available in the free version of this Program.

For those that want additional creative control for $1.99 you can get the upgraded version which includes the ability to place layers on photos (for adding text and overlaying of 2 separate photos), saving as different files types, and a slew of fully functioning features.

 

Below is an example of a Side by Side done right from the Blackberry itself. Took all of 20seconds too. Even the non techie can enjoy.

    

    

    

    

 

 

And Even Resize it to Perfection

 

 

Check out Photo Editor Ultimate FREE! You can find it at http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/25411
Paid Version
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/25410

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Must Have App: CameraMuteApp

 

Imma make this one short and sweet because I know there's tons of you Spy-like gimme my drink shaken not stirred behind people out there that don't take covert photos of people out looking a fool because of that doggone shutter sound on your Blackberry... Well fear no more, the CameraMuteApp is here.

Now legally, this can't be found in the App Store because manufacturers have to put a shutter sound on phones to try and deter God knows what but we're all rebels right? Good, go ahead and peep how easy this is to correct and get to hashtagging #MuteCameraCaught on Twitter or make an album of the same name on Facebook/MySpace so that we may see what we've been missing.

 

 

1) Download and Install Program from the Blackberry handset

2) Open Application, press Menu button and select “Add ‘Mute"’ Menu-Item

3) Open Camera, press Menu button and select “Mute !”

4) Catch people out there Slippin’ on they Pimpin’

5) Upload to your Social Network of choice under the name CameraMuteCaught

 

Over-The-Air Install: Download Here

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Must Have Apps: SuperBox 10-in-1

 

New Phone, New Operating System, New Menu Settings, New Layout... It can all get pretty annoying getting accommodated to a new device once you’ve been accustomed to something for so long. Especially if it’s not logically where you’d think it should be. So why hasn’t anyone made a simple way to put all the most important features of your device in one place to ease that learning curve? Well, someone has.

This Free Application has saved so much frustration for me switching to the Android Operating system and definitely the single most important program on my Phone (besides Words With Friends of course). Super Box is actually a 10 App Utility jam packed with diagnostic information, task killers, install/uninstall programs, security and media scanning software.

 

 

INFORMATION 

The Information section will give you diagnostic information about your device along with your battery life, detailed usage life remaining and even Battery Temp/Health Status. This helps in knowing why your phone may be running slow, also how and when your battery dies. Watch out for High Battery temps (> 90˚) because it will lead to draining of the battery and can also slow the performance of the Phones processor. (Normal Room Temp is between 59˚ & 77˚ F)

 

 

APPS

For all your Application needs this will Install and Uninstall files (even if not downloaded from the Android Market), analyze, determine & move capable Applications to the Memory card that can be ran for additional storage and a Cache clearer of Applications storing information you may not even be using.

 

 

 BATTERY SAVER

TaskKiller is not as violent as it sounds, it simply is made for non jail broken (or rooted) phones so that you can close applications and services running in the background that are not all necessary. Be careful when using this app, its easiest to use the "Kill All" which will do the job, but will also stop things you may need like alarm clocks, daily reminders, widgets etc. Read before acting.

The Settings menu isn't anything but a custom menu that allows you to get to the most commonly used menu options of the phone. To me it is better situated than the regular menu so I tend to use it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHERS 

File Manager is another function already included in the Android OS but this brings it to all one area and also adds the tweak of auto scanning your entire phone, including memory card, to separate installable program files, Music, Movies and Photos into one easy to read alpha numerical list without having to remember exactly what folder your file is in.

Safe Guard isn't an app isn't as necessary as it would've been before the existence of unlimited everything plans but with an open source software as Google's Android program it's definitely something you'd want to check out if you want a secure device for business purposes. This will scan all the apps in your phone to show you High, Middle and Low level security risks to your data. It will show you apps that have the ability to scan your data, send messages, call others, send historical data on usage to a third party, read contacts, Access your location, see your SD card and even use the internet on your phone to operate without your approval.

 

 

 

All in All the App simplifies many functions on your Android Device, gives you tools that non techie people can utilize to improve the performance of your device and helps you locate files quickly and easily. It doesn't run in the background either so you don't have to worry about it doing more harm than good. Enjoy

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