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Android has become a hedge against Microsoft and Windows

Hewlett-Packard rolled out another Android device this week. This could become a pattern as PC makers hedge against a world that's less about Microsoft and more about Google.

On Tuesday, the largest PC maker in the world -- a dubious distinction these days -- added a laptop-tablet hybrid to its growing stable of products based on Google operating systems.

The $479 HP SlateBook x2 is an Android first for HP. It's "powered by Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system...100 percent tablet, 100 percent notebook, 100 percent Android," according to the company's … Read more

Whiz Kid (Android) 1.2 Review

There are not too many Android games that are designed for parents to play together with their kids. Whiz Kid (Android) is one of the few that is. This is great because some parents may be wary about handing an expensive mobile device over to a toddler, but they may want them to experience what a great learning tool it can be.

The easy installation of Whiz Kid (Android) instantly allows the users to get right into action. A colorful main menu displays several different games that are included in the free version. Other levels are also available for purchase … Read more

Wedding Photo Frames 1.0 Review

With the large amount of photo editing applications available it seems odd that there aren't more applications like this one. Wedding Photo Frames is a highly specialized photo-editing program with basically only two functions. It can do some basic photo retouching effects and can apply a frame around the photo that has a wedding theme. Even though the program is very basic, it functions perfectly and doesn't bother the user with a ton of advertising like most free applications do.

The installation and setup for Wedding Photo Frames is very easy. It is a seven-megabyte, but the size … Read more

VMware View for Android 1.2 Review

A popular package of programs for Windows-based computers, VMware Horizon Suite offers to increase the security and productivity of the device for business use. Users who have this software on their computer have a great option for remote desktop control. Using VMware View for Android users can easily control their PC from any Android device. The app works great on a tablet but it will even work on a small phone screen.

The installation for VMware View for Android takes a little longer that most applications. It does require some setup and registration in order to connect to the PC … Read more

Speed Parking 3D 1.0.5 Review

Driving simulators can be incredibly exciting games as they offer a real world element that most other games don't. Speed Parking 3D is an unusual driving simulator primarily because the player can only park the car.

At less than ten megabytes this is most likely the smallest driving simulator available. It features three dimensional graphics and fully functional controls. Unfortunately all the controls are touch based and do not respond to tilting the device or shaking it. While Speed Parking 3D has cheesy graphics and generic background sound effects it is still entertaining. It has very predictable intuitive controls, … Read more

Smart RAM Booster 1.21 Review

Android users are notorious for attempting to squeeze every last ounce of performance from their devices. Smart RAM Booster increases the speed of Android devices through several functions. It can stop the functions of applications running in the background with a multi-function widget or through the applications' user interface. There is also a cache cleaner that seems to speed the device up.

Smart RAM Booster installs easily. The small size allows the app to download almost instantly and there are no advanced features or registration needed. The user interface is pretty simple but the advanced settings can be confusing. For … Read more

Skyfire Web Browser 5.0.1 Review

Many different Web browsers are currently available but few are superior to the stock Web browser found on Android devices. Skyfire Web Browser 5.0 is not an exception to the rule. It is superior in look and feel but does not provide any significant features not found in the built-in browser.

Following a quick installation the first impression of Skyfire Web Browser 5.0 is very good. Users will notice the modern layout and the social media menu at the bottom of the screen. The problems arise however, once the user truly compares it to the default browser or … Read more

Ruzzle Free 1.5 Review

Up for an exciting and competitive word puzzle game? Ruzzle Free features fast gameplay and includes integration with social networking platforms. This game is rather simple to play but was still very challenging.

Ruzzle Free installs very quickly but does require registration to play the game. Users can register with one click via Facebook or they can enter their information manually. If you take the route through Facebook, all your contacts will be added to the permission list. This game offers a simple to use interface. The main screen allows the user to start a new game, continue with old … Read more

Ringya 1.11.0.6 Review

Managing contacts can be one of the most tedious tasks on a mobile device. It is time-consuming and very little can be done to speed up the process. Ringya solves all your worries. This app manages contact lists with ease and organizes your life. It can actually add an entire list of contacts to your device by simply taking a picture of a document.

The installation of Ringya goes quite fast given that it's only about five megabytes. The size of this application is surprising given all of its functions. After installation completes there is a lengthy registration, which … Read more

QR Code Reader 1.8 Review

In the past few years QR codes have become very popular in consumer advertising. QR Code Reader is a basic application that allows the user to read these codes and take action depending on the information stored in them. There are many good applications available that are capable of this function, but this one doesn't seem to be one of them.

Once QR Code Reader has been downloaded it opens quite sluggishly. On the Samsung Galaxy Nexus it took 15 seconds to open the application. For such a small application this delay seems unexplainable. The user interface features no … Read more