Is it time for Grandma to get a Smartphone?

      

Is it time to get a Smartphone? Useful information for technologically-challenged senior citizens who want to move into the new century.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I can't get a Smartphone. I'm too old to learn new technology." Poppycock. (Are you old enough to remember "poppycock?") :)

Learning how to use a Smartphone (whether it's an Android wireless device, an iPhone or Blackberry), isn't as difficult as you would think. In fact, it's not all that different than using a computer, and if you're reading this we know you can do that. It's just a much smaller computer with a much tinier browser.

And the real beauty of taking the leap is that you will not only be able to send and receive photos, text messages, videos, emails and settle arguments by using Google to get your answer instantly, but it also works as a phone. That's right! You can even make phone calls.

Hey, you already made the first step. You're on the Internet, and a Smartphone really is nothing more than a device which keeps you connected to the Internet even when you're on the go. In fact, even when you are on the go, you can video chat with your grandkids wherever you are. (Note: please be careful when video chatting. Remember, they can see you too. If you're indisposed, wait until you're finished in the bathroom and then call them back.) :)

So, who is going to teach an inquisitive senior citizen how to use a new Smartphone wireless device? Oh come on now. Once you get hooked up on a great wireless plan for seniors the answer will be right in the palm of your hand.

It really is quite simple for newbies (novice Smartphone users) to learn the basics of using their new wireless device by simply using the device itself to teach you.

Every phone, Android, iPhone or Blackberry, has a built in instruction manual and/or tutorial. Use them. Follow along. By the time you're done, you'll be ready for action. And if you have a more specific question or problem with your Android or other device, just Google it. You'll get an answer in no time.

But, isn't it really expensive to use a Smartphone? It doesn't have to be.


Choosing a plan

How to get Internet data and a Smartphone without spending a fortune

Okay, so you've decided that you want to give this Smartphone/Android/iPhone/Blackberry thing a shot, but, how much is this going to cost you?

Thanks to Kitty Wireless and Page Plus there are plans that allow you the opportunity to experience what it's like to have and use a Smartphone without a contract or even a large monthly bill. You can get unlimited talk and text with a reasonable amount of data for only $39.95 per month.

With Kitty Wireless, you will have the reliability of the Verizon wireless network and will be able to activate any Verizon Smartphone and give it a try.

There's a very good chance that if you ask a family member or friend that they'll have an old Smartphone lying around from their last upgrade. Many users keep their old wireless digital devices as a back up and I'm sure they'd be thrilled to help you take a step into the future (as opposed to taking a step into the pasture).

Once you're hooked and know that you're going to keep a Smartphone in your life, you may want to shop and get yourself a cooler phone.

Quality new and used wireless devices are available on Ebay, Amazon as well as directly from Kitty Wireless. Unless you find an amazing deal, it's best to buy from Amazon or Kitty Wireless because you know that the phone will be clean and ready for activation. The phone does need to be a CDMA phone compatible with Verizon Wireless. That's a good thing because of coverage and signal strength.

I have heard nothing but great things about the products and service provided by Kitty Wireless. If you want a little more choice, Amazon does carry phones from and airtime packages for all carriers, but they will come with a contract agreement.

      

Android game app review - Pluto Strikes Back - Asteroids for Android

After I first started writing this blog, I was so excited that a couple of developers actually sent me their new apps to try and review. That meant that at least a couple of developers were reading this blog.

Then, thanks to you and your kind, readership grew. Then, more and more developers started sending me apps to review. Now, I can't keep up. I probably have a backlog of 30 or more requests to review and some of them are way back in my email folder and will probably never be seen again. To those developers, I apologize. One of you probably sent me the coolest app ever, and I missed it.

If you do have a new app that you want me to review, here are a couple of pointers as to how to get me to actually do it:

1) If it's already in the Android Market (GooglePlay), provide the link to the GooglePlay page along with your captivating copy to get me interested. That way, if it sounds like something I might like to see, I just click and send it to my phone.

2) If it's not in the market, provide me with the link to download it. If it costs money to purchase the app, send me a FREE COPY. Sorry, but I'm not going to pay to review your app. I work really hard for every buck ninety-nine I have.

3) Don't be offended if I don't review your app. It could be for any number of reasons. Maybe your app is a game and I'm kinda sick of playing games. I have my little game family and it ain't easy getting in. Or perhaps, I hated your app. Usually, I won't write a bad review. I feel that my duty here (hee, hee..he said duty) is to share things that I think are cool or useful or funny, not shit that sucks. Plenty of that all around you. Quick, look to your right. See! Told you.

Anyway, today I'm going to review three of the apps sent to me by developers. Now, let me say that when it comes to games it a very subjective thing. Some people like intricate role-playing games, others like to drive fast cars, and still others like to shoot alien pumpkins and blow up zombies (okay, that's me). Then there's the whole word game genre. So, that being said, this is just what I think.

Pluto Strikes Back

This is a game very similar in look to the classic Asteroids, but instead of using hand controls to move your spaceship around, you just tilt your device. To shoot, you tap the screen in the direction you wish the explosive to project.

Rules completed. Engage play.

After getting easily blown up on my first few attempts, I wanted to dismiss it as total garbage. Yet, something lured me back. I needed to get a little better at it. And, as is often a good quality in a game, it's quick. No big committment to time required. Unless, of course, you get REALLY good at it and go many cool levels deeper into the game.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to address that because, even though the game has grown on me a little bit, I still suck at it.

Their backstory is simple and, frankly, unneccesary. Pluto is no longer a planet, so they're attacking. And you, the player, will get money for shooting enemies. There is an upgrade but I have no clue what you get for the money. Also, don't care.

My biggest complaint is that you play and play and finally get to a level where different enemies are appearing and then, you get blown up once and the game ends. You are then taken to a screen to try again or exit. No indication as to how you did. No recording of your high scores. No likie that part.

On the other hand, it's a rather fun time killer. Download it in GooglePlay and see what you think.

Vlingo vs. Iris (Siri clone for Android) app reviews

Here's a quick demonstration of two productivity apps, Vlingo and Iris. Iris is modeled after Siri, the digital personal assistant app for the iPhone 4S. I have very limited experience with Siri, but every iPhone user I know says it works nothing like they demonstrate on TV.

You'll see from the video that my preference is with Vlingo. Although Vlingo doesn't talk back to you, it does execute your commands much better than Iris (which is Siri backwards). Clever? Not really.

You can read my review of Vlingo here and Iris here.