Ten of the Best Free Android News Apps

By Jed Lampi   

One of the most logical and useful groupings of applications are the Android news apps. It just makes sense to have one or more of these free apps on your phone so you can get the news you want when you want. Typically, all the bigger news sources provide their applications free of charge making these free news apps an even bigger no-brainer. This leaves everyone with one big decision to make: which one(s) to download. A secondary concern you should also consider is whether you want a local news app. Again, these are almost always free to download; however, the quality of these varies tremendously and it's really a market-by-market issue. Of course, the bigger the market the better their Android news apps should be and this line of thinking usually holds true.
Regarding which of the many free Android news apps to download, the only way to figure it out is to learn more about them. Here is some periphery information about 10 of the best Android news apps:
FOX News
Like the TV channel and programming, this free Android app tends to provide its news from the more conservative point of view and spectrum. FOX News provides users with the latest news and updates from the people behind the FOX News Network. You can control the number of feeds and the type of news items you receive!
Tech Buzz Widget
Want to know the latest about technology, including any and all news about the Android OS, gaming, and mobile gadgets? If so, this free Android news app is the right app for you.
Phandroid
This is another app providing news on the mobile technologies niche. This one is more specialized toward information, news and rumors on all the latest about the Android OS and the Android Market.
Pulse News Reader
This Android news app will basically make you want to use your Android phone more and more for the sake of gathering news information. Its goal is to make reading your favorite news sources easier and more efficiently. It takes your favorite news sites and separates and orders them into a completely different look that's easier to read and browse through. It really is a great app to have.
NYTimes for Android phone
This is one of the apps that nothing should need to be said about. It's from one of the most trusted and popular news sources in the world. Now, you can read the famous NY TIMES articles without paying for the paper!
AP Mobile
This is one of the favorite free Android news apps of tens of thousands of users. AP Mobile gives you exclusive access to all Associated Press news feeds - the same source that provides news to every news outlet throughout the world.
BBC News
This app provides the latest headlines from one of the most trusted news sources in the world. It's very compact and convenient; you will never miss an important world news event again with BBC News on your Android phone.
Express News
One of the most worthwhile free Android news apps around, Express News gives you instant access to more than 300 news providers all over the world. From the AFP and Associated Press to more localized sources like the Canadian Press. This list goes on and on and is great for those who like to take in the news from a multitude of sources.
USATODAY
The official USA Today app is definitely one of the best free Android news apps around. Get the latest news (current events, sports, weather, society and more) from one of the mot circulated newspapers in the United States.
NewsRob (Google Reader / RSS)
This free Android app is an RSS/Atom newsreader that syncs the most recent articles and content from feeds. It is auto-synced with Google Reader and allows for partial feeds in case you want to read the articles offline. Easily said, it's one of the very best RSS/Atom readers available.

I own one of the Best Android Apps sites where you can find information on every Android app.
The main goal of the site is to provide everyone an easy way to read about all of the Android apps. If you're more interested in reading more articles like this one instead of browsing the apps, please check out my blog focusing on the Top Android Apps.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jed_Lampi

iPhone or Android Application Development? Check Developer's Preference

ByJeff M Mathew

From the 0.9 preview SDK to the latest version of Android 4.0, Android marked a journey of rapid development manifesting its talent in the global market. Casting off some of the leading mobile business organizations, Android mobile application development acquired the second largest market share globally. A lot changed since 2007; however, one thing that hasn't is the rapid pace at which new tools, resources and information are becoming available to developers.
So far, Android has been supportive. It launched its first set of classes to demonstrate best practices behind building great apps. Moreover, experts are constantly working towards helping developers through its latest Android design site. The site includes comprehensive information and the list of do's and don'ts while creating an app for Android and multiple platforms. Along with constant instructions to developers about its new features, the site also makes sure that Android developers from the world over should connect and post tips to solidify the platform's base. Google Hangout is now available for Android community to help them all interact closely.
If you ask developers which platform is better, the iPhone or Android, developers reply saying "it depends". Although Android has a major demand and half the market share, the preferable platform for application development depends on three major factors: Ease of development, application approval and revenue generation.
Apple or Android Application Development: Ease of Development
Android is a Java-dependent platform that allows people with Java background develop with ease. However, iPhone adopts the much older Objective C language, which is comfortable and easy to apply even in the most complex scenarios. Remember, Java collects the garbage for you, but in case of iPhone, you have to clean it manually.
According to the CEO of DoApp, a third-party developer of branded mobile apps, Android causes fragmentation. According to him, different phone makers style the UI in a different way; therefore, creating an Android app compatible with all its versions and backward compatibility is possible, but time consuming. On the contrary, iPhone provides hardware uniformity.
Market Acceptance
While iPhone takes a long time to approve the application, Android's procedure is rather simple and quick. iPhone has an arbitrary strategy for approval or disapproval of the app and abruptly takes it off from the market with no intimation or appropriate reasoning. In case of Android, everything is acceptable by default due to its open market nature. However, Android reserves the right to pull.
Getting the Sale
Apple or iPhone market remains effective. Once an app enters the iPhone market, it app monetizes rapidly. The Apple store is well-managed and acts as a game-changer for many. When surveyed for Android marketplace, about 82 percent people said that the marketplace doesn't have an effective design due to which many apps go unnoticed.
The mobile industry is occupied with two giants-Apple and Android development company. Rest, including Windows and Blackberry, are finding it hard to sell their devices and are constantly thriving for space. Those developers keen on writing applications for multiple platforms must start with iPhone.

Grey Matter India (GMI) Technologies Pvt. Ltd.is a leading IT services and solutions provider that excels at providing Android mobile application development and other mobile applications development.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_M_Mathew

Hotel Industry Uses Android Apps to Enhance Their Customer Services

By Jessica Martina Gilbert

The massive growth in the adoption of these android applications all around the world has forced business owners to think about how to effectively position their companies to benefit from the latest trend. Mobility has become part of the business agenda for most companies and this has enabled them to reach out to a wider range of customers and increase the productivity of the business. The hospitality industry and some of the hotels have already started adopting Android application development as it enables the clients to access the information about the hotel and offers a better opportunity to communicate with the guests.
Mobile applications have in fact started to act as a gateway to multiple services. Today numerous hotel industries are enjoying the benefits from these applications. Consumers are taking great interest in smart phone software that has made it easier for them to spend money on restaurants or hotels. Android programming specially developed for hotels and hospitality sector have helped food lovers to scan nearby hotel options and the types of facilities that they have to offer.
A look at some of the benefits of adopting android applications
An android app development increases the efficiency and communication by displaying the best resources in the palm of the customer's hand and helps the business owner to reach out to the audience and create a loyal base of fans. This not only helps the customers to view restaurant menus, photos, descriptions, place an order online and view other information but also increases the functionality and user experience of the website. Multi restaurant support, images and descriptions of items, special instructions to the chef and timely delivery option can be enjoyed through android software development.
The hospitality industry is growing in size and mobility solutions like Tablets and PDA's are invaluable tools that can optimize the use of hotel manpower. A sleek device having android programming enables the hotel business owners to get alerts from the guests and hotel staff or even send out information as well. Since most managers and hotel staff are constantly moving, with such mobility solutions they can easily be updated with the latest information. This easy accessibility and speed have led to further research and development for companies and helped them to stay much ahead of the competition. It has led to upgrading the products at a higher rate making the customers feel that they have a direct role in the company's development.
An android applications development helps the hotel business owners to generate bills that are calculated automatically without any errors, take orders from the customers table at the push of a button, collect important data that can be used for better decision making. Not only this, the customers can also view the dynamic menu, changing prices of seasonal foods and get information on the hotel's entire range of facilities. The guests can book a sightseeing package, be informed about any theme parties organized by the hotel and even avail benefits and discounts offered by them.

Jessica Gilbert is a technical writer and presently working with a Mobile application development company. The company is one of the leading company in android application development.

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Best Free Android Apps for Smartphones and Tablets

By Denny Patrick

Android was designed specifically for mobile devices and was released in 2008. Within a few years of its release, it has become the second most widely used operating system for smartphones and tablet devices. Other than the applications that can be purchased, there are scores of apps in Android market that can be downloaded for free. We would discuss some of the best free Android apps that are available for the Android users on their mobile devices.
Android app store, at present, is stocked with more than 500,000 apps, many of which are absolutely free. The rate at which apps for Android are being developed is much higher than the app development rate for any other operating system for mobile devices.
Perhaps it would be appropriate to start with Adobe Reader app for smartphones. This free app is one of the most downloaded and most popular Android apps and runs equally well on smartphones as well as tablet devices. Adobe Reader is an essential companion for any person who needs to download and read books on his or her mobile device.
After Adobe Reader comes the free social networking app for Skype. This app has gained much attention in a very limited time. Skype facilitates VoIP calls from your mobile within very reasonable rates and with a very decent quality. Users can also engage in totally free Skype-to-Skype video calls, for which this software is the best.
Google maps is the next in the list, which like most other products and services from Google, is just awesome. Although this app is generally a must have, for those users who usually remain mobile and have to travel a lot this app should be the top priority. Equipped with free and voice-guided GPS, this app makes sure that you never get lost during your journey.
With the rise of social networking, the apps developed specifically for this purpose are numerous and certainly hold a prominent place among the best free Android apps. Two such amazing apps are Facebook and Twitter applications developed for mobile phones. These applications have been optimized for your smartphones and tablet devices and provide a very user friendly interface which really doesn't let you feel any difference from the original versions.
Similar is the case with the latest YouTube app for Android phones. Initial version of this app needed some improvements and those improvements have been performed in the latest version. With the latest version, users can enjoy the video streaming and watching experience just the way they do on their computers.
For movie buffs, IMDb Movies & TV is a perfect application through which you can find details about your favorite films and TV shows, watch their trailers and search the massive film database, totally free. Among the best free Android apps recently developed, Angry Birds has gained a widespread popularity. This app can certainly be regarded as one of the best game apps in the Android market at present. The next version of this game with the name of Angry Birds Rio has also followed.
With the passage of time, free apps available from the Android market are constantly increasing and this third party app development is playing its role in the popularity of Android.

Normally I love to write about party games, but as I also own a smartphone, I can give you sound advice from plenty of personal experience, especially with Google Android.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denny_Patrick

How to Create and Manage Access - Control Lists on Cisco ASA and PIX Firewalls

By Don R. Crawley

Access Control Lists (ACLs) are sequential lists of permit and deny conditions applied to traffic flows on a device interface. ACLs are based on various criteria including protocol type source IP address, destination IP address, source port number, and/or destination port number.
ACLs can be used to filter traffic for various purposes including security, monitoring, route selection, and network address translation. ACLs are comprised of one or more Access Control Entries (ACEs). Each ACE is an individual line within an ACL.
ACLs on a Cisco ASA Security Appliance (or a PIX firewall running software version 7.x or later) are similar to those on a Cisco router, but not identical. Firewalls use real subnet masks instead of the inverted mask used on a router. ACLs on a firewall are always named instead of numbered and are assumed to be an extended list.
The syntax of an ACE is relatively straight-forward:
Ciscoasa(config)#access-list name [line number] [extended] {permit | deny} protocol
source_IP_address source_netmask [operator source_port] destination_IP_address
destination_netmask [operator destination_port] [log [[disable | default] | [level]] [interval seconds]] [time-range name] [inactive]
Here's an example:
asa(config)# access-list demo1 permit tcp 10.1.0.0 255.255.255.0 any eq www
asa(config)# access-list demo1 permit tcp 10.1.0.0 255.255.255.0 any eq 443
asa(config)# show access-list demo1
access-list demo1; 2 elements
access-list demo1 line 1 extended permit tcp 10.1.0.0 255.255.255.0 any eq www
access-list demo1 line 2 extended permit tcp 10.1.0.0 255.255.255.0 any eq https
In the above example, an ACL called "demo1" is created in which the first ACE permits TCP traffic originating on the 10.1.0.0 subnet to go to any destination IP address with the destination port of 80 (www). In the second ACE, the same traffic flow is permitted for destination port 443. Notice in the output of the show access-list that line numbers are displayed and the extended parameter is also included, even though neither was included in the configuration statements.
You can deactivate an ACE without deleting it by appending the inactive option to the end of the line.
As with Cisco routers, there is an implicit "deny any" at the end of every ACL. Any traffic that is not explicitly permitted is implicitly denied.
**Editing ACLs and ACEs**
New ACEs are appended to the end of the ACL. If you want, however, to insert the new ACE at a particular location within the ACL, you can add the line number parameter to the ACE:
asa04(config)# access-list demo1 line 1 deny tcp host 10.1.0.2 any eq www
asa04(config)# show access-list demo1
access-list demo1; 3 elements
access-list demo1 line 1 extended deny tcp host 10.1.0.2 any eq www
access-list demo1 line 2 extended permit tcp 10.1.0.0 255.255.255.0 any eq www
access-list demo1 line 3 extended permit tcp 10.1.0.0 255.255.255.0 any eq https
Notice in the first line of the example above that an ACE is added at line one in the ACL. Notice in the output from the show access-list demo1 command that the new entry is added in the first position in the ACL and the former first entry becomes line number two.
You can remove an ACE from an ACL by preceding the ACE configuration statement with the modifier no, as in the following example:
Asa04(config)#no access-list demo1 deny tcp host 10.10.2 any eq www
In my next article, I'll show you how to use time-ranges to apply access-control lists only at certain times and/or on certain days. I'll also show you how to use object-groups with access-control lists to simplify ACL management by grouping similar components such as IP addresses or protocols together.
Copyright (c) 2008 Don R. Crawley

Don R. Crawley, CCNA-certified, is president and chief technologist at soundtraining.net, the Seattle training firm specializing in business skills and technical training for IT professionals. He works with IT pros to enhance their work, lives, and careers. For more information about soundtraining.net's accelerated Cisco ASA training, visit here

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Best Android Tablet Computers - How To Choose The Right WiFi Or 3G Tablet PC

By Paul M Banks

When shopping for the best Android tablet computers, bearing in mind a number of factors like, size, display resolution, connectivity, battery life and camera will help you choose the right WiFi or 3G tablet PC. Here is a look at these factors.
Size
The larger the size of your slate PC the heavier it is. Most 7 inch Android tablet computers weigh in at between 14 ounces and 16 ounces, whereas their larger counterparts - the 10 inch slate PCs, weight in at between 20 ounces and 24 ounces.
7 inch WiFi or 3G tablet PCs are ideal for viewing small publications such as novels and textbooks. They are therefore popular with children and students. Examples of 7 inch touch tablet PCs include, the Kindle Fire and Nook Color. 10 inch slate PCs are ideal for viewing large publications such as newspapers and magazines. Their large display makes them better suited for web browsing, watching movies, and playing games.
Display Resolution
The display resolution determines how sharp text and images appear on a touch tablet PC. The higher the display resolution the sharper the images appear. A device with a display resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels per inch is recommended. Top tablet computers like the new iPad have twice as much - 2048 x 1536 pixels per inch.
Connectivity
Most Android tablet computers come in two versions i.e. a Wi-Fi only version and a Wi-Fi + 4G or 3G version. The former requires you to be near a Wi-Fi hotspot to get connected whereas the later gives your ubiquitous high-speed data connection.
Wi-Fi + 4G or 3G tablet PCs costs more than the Wi-Fi only tablets by roughly $100. They are ideal for travelers because they give you coverage everywhere around the world. You thus avoid the hassle of having to look for hotspots and set up connections when traveling.
Battery Life
The battery life of your WiFi or 3G tablet PC determines how well it can serve its purpose as a mobile computing device. An Android tablet PC that can deliver more than 7.5 hours on normal use is desirable. Top tablet computers like the Eee Pad Transformer and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 can last for up to ten hours on a single battery charge.
Camera
Some of the best Android tablet computers have a 3-megapixel camera or better. A 3-megapixel camera enables you to take satisfactory still and video shots and gives you a good video chat experience.

Start your quest for a slate PC by checking out the 3 top tablet computers as well as read reviews of the best Android tablet computers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_M_Banks

Safety When Installing Applications on Your Android Phone or Tablet

By Atanu Shaw

The main thing that makes you so susceptible to these things is the fact that you can never know if something is dangerous to your phone or tablet; since they don't exactly put a warning sign right next to it. One of the things that can act as a pointer to software's intent; so to speak is its name. Consider software that goes by the name: 'Sexy Feet'. The name itself sounds very fishy and dodgy; and as such risky to your Android. Another element to take note of are badly spelt words. Something like 'Supre Contact Transfer' instead of 'Super Contacts transfer' should be avoided. If it was all about the labeling though; then avoiding spy ware and malware would be easy as pie.

The real issue comes in when the software looks as legitimate as software can be. If you wish to avoid malicious software then first off, you will have to understand the risks that you are taking by installing such software either into your android tablet or phone.

Some of the general things that malware can do to your phone or tablet include: sending text messages to premium services that cost money; send you call log and malicious emails to all the people in your address list; record your passwords; using your device as part of a botnet to attack websites and even redirecting your web browser to where it wants you to go. These acts can be very damaging to you not to mention cause needless embarrassments when it starts sending emails and messages to people they were not intended for.

If you wish to avoid any of the issues that these malicious software's' might give you; you have to take certain precautions before simply downloading anything off the internet. There are some specific things about an app that you have to have a look at; the first of these being the number of times the app as been installed. You should go for apps that have been installed by a number of people. The popular one have probably been installed millions of times; and of the millions who have installed it one would've found malware in it if there was any.

The second thing that you have to look out for is the developer of the app. You are better off going with apps that have been created by large and reputable companies such as Google. If one has been created by an individual, check out any of the other apps that they have written as well as their website. If both look legitimate; than you are good to go but if they appear questionable in any way, you are better off not taking the risk.

If you would like some more tips on what to look out for to avoid installing malicious applications on your Android phone or Android tablet simply visit any of the 'android-safety-101' websites. You are sure to get what you are looking for.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Atanu_Shaw

To Upgrade or Switch: The Android Dilemma

By Yvette Marmito Divino

Tablet PCs are definitely the "in" thing to have right now. It is common to see people bringing them along wherever they go. They not only provide entertainment but are also very useful for those whose work requires them to be mobile most of the time. They are much more convenient to use as you can work with them even when you are standing without looking for a place to sit down with a table to put the laptop on. That is why a lot of stores now sell iPad.
With the many models of tablet PCs being launched lately, one will surely be overwhelmed about which model to get. You will find people who sell old iPad for extra cash. One thing is for sure: You would want to get the one with the latest operating system available. For Android-based tablet, most are still on the Android 3.0 operating system or even lower. It really depends on the CPU as well as the internal memory as to what operating system the manufacturer will include in the package.
Do I Need to Upgrade?
The question now is can these Android tablet PCs be upgraded to the higher version of the Android operating system without any hitches? It really depends on several factors but on a general scale, it should be able to accept and install the upgrades, as this would help the tablet PC work more efficiently. The manufacturer should be able to foresee this situation or else it would just work against them and their tablet.
The "upgrade-ability" of a tablet PC's operating system readily depends on the manufacturer. When Google comes out with a new version of the Android operating system, it is usually the general version of the software. It now depends on the manufacturer if they will make their own version of it to cater to their particular tablet. It is the manufacturer that tweaks the operating system, making sure that it will work with their product. That is why the roll out of Android updates is not as seamless compared to the iOS updates Apple users get. Some may already be ready to upgrade their software because some particular models are already available for download, while some are still waiting for news as to when the upgrade will be available for them.
Compared to the iOS
When Apple announces upgrades for its iOS, you can expect that all units of their product can be upgraded on the very day that the software will be available for download. Since Apple controls everything about its products, including hardware and software, the company is able to improve on the systems with just one go and make it available for all their devices since almost all of them run on the same platform.
After this discussion, it is really much easier to do upgrades for iOS devices or exchange cash for iPad. However, it is still a personal preference whether you go for an Android tablet or go with the iOS of the iPad.

Yvette Divino is a freelance writer. She is writing stuff about business and technology (especially electronics, tablet, iPad tablet). Sometimes she tends to write articles for marketing, internet, and computers. She's now currently writing an article for Cash For iPads.

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Android As an Ideal Platform for Application Development Solutions

By Simmar Kumar

It's an age of mobile gadgets where people are readily accepting all types of smartphones and tablets. To provide a robust mobile operating system to such mobile devices, Android has been launched by Google with a view to provide the best user experience.

Many businesses have been using this platform to develop a variety of business applications and mobile game applications for smartphones and tablets. Let's consider few points that make Android as an ideal platform for application development solutions:

1. High ROI in Limited Budget: With huge number of Android app development companies available, there is no problem in hiring Android app developers who are capable to develop robust and intuitive applications for the end-users. They develop and test all the apps to ensure its functionality on the Android platform. This helps businesses to earn higher ROI by making one time investment.

2. Using Java as the Basic Language: Java is considered as the most trusted and robust language. It is the basic language on which most of the Android apps are written. All the Android application developers are adept in using Java to develop effective applications.

3. Easy to Stay Up-to-Date: As Android is an open source platform; it is easy to start using it for development purposes. Moreover, all the updates are available for everyone so it's not difficult for an Android app developer to keep their knowledge up-to-date.

4. Integration is Easy: Android is a suitable platform for those who want to integrate applications or cross promotes them for different purposes.

5. Easy Distribution: The Android applications can easily be distributed to different marketing channels so as to promote them globally. You can choose Google Play store or create your own distribution channels to sell them in huge numbers.

With so much of benefits of using this mobile operating system, businesses won't mind in making investment on this platform. Moreover, the best part is that there are adequate numbers of Android apps developers who are willing to work on your idea to make it unique and robust in nature.

The applications based on Android can be any business application or any game application that can make your work systematic and easier. So, there's only need to identify your customers' requirements so that the developed application can be very well accepted by large number of people. Start your market research today, identify the needs, hire a developer and become successful in your mobile initiatives.

Icreon Tech. Inc. is a Mobile Application Development NY company. Contact Icreon Tech. Inc. to hire Android Application Developers NY.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simmar_Kumar

iPhone Vs Android Battle Royale

By Pete Moulton

Which smartphone is best is the perennial question? No matter how you answer this question, fervent fans of the posh iPhone or the Android phones will always demonstrate to prove that their preferred smartphone is best. This is similar to the "Occupy Any Where - QAW© to make our point and get free stuff" movement. One smartphone is not truly better than the other but rather one of these choices is more suited to your needs and budget. Having used both helps me understand what you should consider when selecting a smartphone. Before picking your next smartphone, you should read this article to help you in the decision process.

The active iPhone family includes the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S. These phones are supported on the big cellular networks of AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint as well as others. The active Android family is larger because Android is a Linux-based software Operating System (OS) for mobile devices including smartphones and tablet computers. The Android OS is maintained by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. The current Android OS named Gingerbread runs on a wide variety of cell phones and other devices.

The first difference between the iPhone and the Android phones is that the iPhone is tightly controlled by Apple. In contrast the Android phones are in a "Wild West" open source market influenced by Google. Tight control results in exclusivity, higher costs, and dependency upon Apple. The result is that the iPhone is the posh phone that everyone wishing to be important desires. Please do not get me wrong, the iPhone is a darn good phone which I depended upon for three years. Android phones in contrast are more flexible, easily work with Gmail, and support new hardware features that on paper are better than the iPhone. The hardware feature differences are not enough to warrant picking an Android phone over an iPhone.

In the three years of time with the iPhone there was one failure issue. One day the iPhone 3GS just quit while I was driving using the GPS navigation feature. When I say just quit, I mean that is died so completely that I could not even make a 911 call. I have a very old Blackberry phone that is no longer in service upon which I can make a 911 call today if needed. There is likely a Federal law or FCC ruling that requires all cell phones to always dial 911 no matter what has happened to them. The only excuse for not dialing 911 is a dead battery and no available power. Apple replaced the phone without charge.

Two other iPhone observations are there was a death grip with the iPhone 4 that caused calls to drop and that the battery is not replaceable by the user. The first issue is solved by an iPhone cover that separates your hand ever so slightly from the phone.

The second issue impacts iPhone longevity. Not being able to change a battery means that at some point you must buy a new iPhone. The battery is good for two or more years depending upon usage. All batteries develop memory that limits the battery charge. This battery charge supports the iPhone operation in standby mode, in data mode, in text messaging mode, or when talking on the phone. To maintain the longest battery life, the battery be fully discharged before it is recharged. At first an iPhone may run for two days without recharging with moderate phone usage. After some time, the phone will need daily recharging. Older phones often cannot run a full day. This may be solved using expensive external batteries for an iPhone. No external batteries have worked to my satisfaction. Sticking with the iPhone battery is best. The short battery life issue is solved using car chargers and carrying an iPhone charger.

In contrast the Samsung and Motorola Android phones do not have a death grip. Both phones support battery replacement with a second battery running about $50. They are light on power consumption unless you connect to 4G service. When using 4G service these phones eat power like football players eat steak.

The Android phones have iPhone "apps" (application programs) rebuilt for Android phones. These "apps" are downloaded to the phone from the Android market. There was no issues finding my most frequently used iPhone "apps" for the Android phone. It took a short time to acclimate to operating the Android phone because the controls work differently than the iPhone. The Android phone needed a case because it was too thin to stay in my shirt pocket. It kept falling out. This was very bad, but the problem was solved by purchasing a $20 case.

The new iPhone 4S has a helpful voice application that is changing how we use our cell phones. It responds with answers to spoken commands when you know how to use that feature effectively. In contrast the Android phones have excellent speech to text input which permits you to dictate email messages and perform other limited tasks. While the voice recognition is excellent, the editing, and other functions are rudimentary and not very smooth. It can be very useful when combined with the Evernote.com "app". In the longer term the Android phones will catch up and include a feature similar to the new iPhone feature.

Unfortunately, the Android phone diminished my public image that was built using the iPhone. This can be important when you are a nerd. The Android phones are not often used by movie stars and other notable people.

The last important item is which cellular service should go with your iPhone or Android phone? A nerd's most important criteria is unlimited data. Unlimited data is not provided by AT&T and Verizon.

Both AT&T and Verizon seem to have better cellular phone reception coverage than Sprint. In the Baltimore area all have good 4G (4th Generation) cellular coverage. In theory 3G data can go up to several Millions of bits per second (Mbps) and 4G data can go up to several hundred Mbps. In fact 3G phones operate typically using 500 Kbps to 700 Kbps and 4G phones operate using 3 Mbps to 5 Mbps. The high speeds provide greater capabilities and more communications features such as phone to phone video calls. If I visit my family in Binghamton, NY; AT&T, Verizon and Sprint cellular networks only provide 3G service.

Also you want coverage that permits you to make a call and use the phone at the same time. Newer smart phones have a wireless hot spot capability built into them. Using the hot spot capability adds an extra monthly charge to your bill. On 3G networks phones support the hot spot feature, but you must either use the hot spot or talk on the phone. Both functions do not work well when used simultaneously.

Unfortunately cellular speed costs money. When data is limited, you may be surprised by an unexpectedly high bill or two. It is easy without realizing it to run up a tab using text messaging or data while streaming videos. It costs to use the new phones up to their true potential. Sprint provides unlimited data but its service coverage is not quite the same as Verizon and AT&T.

Voice minutes are less important. Today anytime voice minutes are charged when you talk from cell phone to land line. This is a holdover from the old telephone tariffs of the 1980's. Cell phone-to-cell phone calls in many plans are unlimited.

When you are picking a cell phone important considerations beyond the blow by blow feature comparison are:

1. The prestige of owning the most expensive and desired phone.
2. The utility in terms of battery life and dropped calls.
3. The "apps" you most frequently use and new functions you may use.
4. The service plan cost as it relates to data, voice and messaging.
5. The cellular network phone reception coverage.

Comparing phone feature by feature is marginally helpful because the features are so similar that they rarely make a difference between phones. Smartphones are the future and the future is now. They can only get better and make us unable to live without them at our side.

Pete (the nerd) Moulton is "Your Friend on a Technically Challenged Planet"©. Helpful videos and other information from Pete are posted at http://www.dialanerd.com. If you have questions on technology or any published article, please e-mail Pete at dialanerd@verizon.net. Check out Pete's most recent book "Pete The Nerds Do It Yourself Virus Removal" found at http://www.amazon.com/Nerds-Yourself-Virus-Removal-ebook/dp/B005K013W4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315457289&sr=8-1. Thank you for your time.

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