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Software and games

CNET 100: Jessica Dolcourt's favorite Android apps

Editors' note: Until Friday, 10 CNET personalities are showcasing their 10 personal favorite Android apps as part of the CNET 100. With each post, you can read why they hold the apps so dear and you'll get the opportunity to vote for your own favorite title. Then after the series ends, we'll collect the full list of 100 apps and announce the 10 that you, our readers, love the most.

Since she arrived at CNET five years ago, Jessica has covered just about every aspect of the mobile world. After starting in mobile software and browsers, she moved on to the big, bad world of reviewing phones. From simple handsets to smartphones, she really puts a device through its paces. Indeed if I were a cell phone and ended up on her desk, I'd be scared to death.

When she's in the office, Jessica works hard. And when she's out, she works hard at having fun, staying organized, and keeping up with her friends and family. Google Voice and Skype populate her list, along with apps for shopping, eating out, and cooking at home. She's also a fan of music and, believe it or not, is an aspiring wilderness explorer. … Read more

CNET 100: Scott Webster's favorite Android apps

Editors' note: Until July 22, 10 CNET personalities are showcasing their 10 personal favorite Android apps as part of the CNET 100. With each post, you can read why they hold the apps so dear and you'll get the opportunity to vote for your own favorite title. Then after the series ends, we'll collect the full list of 100 apps and announce the 10 that you, our readers, love the most.

If there's something to know about Android, CNET network blogger Scott Webster probably knows it. Though his passion for gadgets extends outside the Googlesphere, Android and … Read more

CNET 100: Seth Rosenblatt's favorite Android apps

Editors' note: Until July 22, 10 CNET personalities are showcasing their 10 personal favorite Android apps as part of the CNET 100. With each post, you can read why they hold the apps so dear and you'll get the opportunity to vote for your own favorite title. Then after the series ends, we'll collect the full list of 100 apps and announce the 10 that you, our readers, love the most.

As a senior associate editor at CNET Downloads, Seth Rosenblatt dives deep into the world of software with a particular focus on browsers, Web applications, and security. … Read more

CNET 100: Stephen Shankland's favorite Android apps

Editors' note: Until July 22, 10 CNET personalities are showcasing their 10 personal favorite Android apps as part of the CNET 100. With each post, you can read why they hold the apps so dear and you'll get the opportunity to vote for your own favorite title. Then after the series ends, we'll collect the full list of 100 apps and announce the 10 that you, our readers, love the most.

Google and Android have long been of particular interest to CNET News senior writer Stephen Shankland. Though formerly based in San Francisco, he now lives in the … Read more

Thunderbolt update nixes unlimited mobile hot spots

The software update being made available to the HTC Thunderbolt this week may be just the latest reminder that carriers not only giveth, but also taketh way.

Hidden behind all of the benefits, bug fixes, and improvements, Verizon has quietly removed the unlimited and free access to the embedded hot-spot functionality, according to DSL Reports. In other words, instead of being able to use the feature as they wish, Thunderbolt users now will have to contact Verizon to activate the hot spot and add the corresponding service plan.

While that's not a huge shock given Verizon's new monthly charges for using the hot-spot feature, it's just another sign of the new data regime at Big Red. Verizon even foreshadowed the change last month in a statement posted by Droid Life in which it warned that the free hot-spot promotion would end July 6 (the day before the carrier subsequently ended its unlimited data plans). … Read more

Gingerbread now available for Droid Incredible 2

Marking its second Android software update in as many days, Verizon Wireless is now offering Gingerbread to owners of the Droid Incredible 2. Customers who have the HTC handset can manually search for and download the Android 2.3 update, which also addresses random reboots and freezing applications.

As is the case with other recent updates, the Droid Incredible 2 will have enhanced application management, improved copy and paste, and a new desktop docking app. For a deeper dive of Gingergread's features, please see our Samsung Nexus S review.

The full list of details for the Droid Incredible 2 … Read more

CNET 100: Bonnie Cha's favorite Android apps

Editors' note: Until July 22, 10 CNET personalities are showcasing their 10 personal favorite Android apps as part of the CNET 100. With each post, you can read why they hold the apps so dear and you'll get the opportunity to vote for your own favorite title. Then after the series ends, we'll collect the full list of 100 apps and announce the 10 that you, our readers, love the most.

If you've ever read a smartphone review on CNET, chances are Senior Editor Bonnie Cha has written it. From Android, to WebOS to Windows Phone 7 (… Read more

HTC ThunderBolt update addresses rebooting, data connectivity

Verizon Wireless today announced that it has pushed out another minor software update for the HTC ThunderBolt. While it might not be Gingerbread just yet, it does address a few issues that have plagued users for some time.

The biggest two areas of concern, random rebooting and data connectivity problems, should be resolved in the 1.70.605.0 build. Verizon also is using the update as an opportunity to install its My Verizon, V Cast Music, and V Cast Video apps; enable the People Search function; add a New York Times site to the browser bookmarks; improve Bluetooth device … Read more

CNET 100: We pick our favorite Android apps

Almost a year ago, we offered our list of the best iPhone apps as chosen by CNET editors. Picks from the CNET 100 series included titles of almost every kind from the insanely addictive (like Angry Birds) to the strictly practical (Still Tasty, anyone?).

Of course, Apple's iOS can't have all the fun so this year the CNET 100 gives Android its due attention. Just like last year, a different CNET personality will showcase his or her 10 favorite Android apps each day for the next 10 business days (today through Friday, July 22). And with each post, … Read more

Free Amazon app of the day, June 21

You bought it from the games marketplace on the Xbox 360. You've played the demos and flash versions of it on the PC. Now, you can it get for free on your Android smartphone or tablet. The last of three PopCap exclusives to be released in Amazon's Appstore for Android is none other than Peggle, and it's the free app of the day.

A couple of things before downloading: As with all three PopCap exclusives, Peggle is a Wi-Fi-only download and the file size is approximately 75MB. Once installed, just move it over to your phone's SD card, and the internal file size gets considerably smaller (just mere kilobytes).

Some of what you can look forward to are: 55 standard levels and 75 grand master challenges; Adventure, Quick Play, Challenge, and Duel modes; the ability to replay your memorable moments; and new tricks, like Off the Wall, Double Long Shot, and Extreme Slides, earn you more bonus points.

Suffice it to say that it will work on the majority of Android phones to date. The app is supposedly not optimized for tablets--pixelation may occur--but if you have one, try anyway. It's free!

If you find yourself having a problem with downloading the game directly through your smartphone or tablet, here is a workaround:

Go to Amazon's site and log in to your account. Hover to Amazon for Android tab on the sidebar to the left. Click Apps. Click on the image of the app of the day (which takes you to the page) and on the right side you'll see a Get now with one-click button. It may warn that you're buying an app that may be incompatible with your device. Just click OK (and buy). It'll start to download in your account on the PC. Once it's done downloading, you can then install through the Amazon Appstore on your phone.… Read more