How to quit smoking with your Android device - app, games and product reviews

There really isn't much that your Android device can't do. You can not only lose weight with your Smartphone, but now there are a number of options for using your cell phone to quit smoking.

Of course none of them are going to be as effective as the How to Quit Smoking in Ten Seconds..Guaranteed method, but you can use your Android to help. On your Android, you can directly download an app designed to help you quit smoking. This Quit Smoking app is essentially a widget that you can use to wean yourself off of cigarettes at your own pace. Since I'm a cigar smoker with no real desire to quit, I didn't actually use this app, but I must admit it looks pretty cool and I can see where it could be effective.

This Quit Smoking app will help you realize just how much you're smoking, and will track your monetary savings based on how much you actually pay for a pack of cigarettes. If you visit the GooglePlay store on your Android phone you'll find a number of free and paids apps designed to help you become a non-smoker.

Another way to quit smoking using your Android device or other Smartphone, according to the developers, is to play a game called Cigarette Fighter. This is an Android game app that, I'm told, is not all that much unlike the Fruit Slice game. In this version, cigarettes and cigars come floating onto the screen and you have to click on them to slice them up before they settle back into wherever floating tobacco items go when they stop floating. If you don't slice them up before they settle, you are penalized. Three screw ups and the game is over. You also lose if you happen to try to slice up anything that isn't a tobacco product. Like a Bic lighter.



Because I didn't instantly uninstall the game, I guess I kind of like it. I can see myself playing it from time to time to see if I can beat my previous high score. But, how exactly does it help you to stop smoking?

I guess if, every time you want to light up a cigarette, you play the game instead, it could help you quit. But then again, you could quit smoking by playing Stupid Zombies whenever you want a smoke as well. And it's a much more fun game.

So, I got to thinking about what the most effective method people are using to quit smoking is, and my search led me right to electronic cigarettes.

Do electronic cigarettes really help you quit smoking?

I've heard many claims that when you use electronic cigarette you're still inhaling nicotine and it really isn't that much safer than actually smoking. From all of the reports and research I've found online, that simply isn't true. Sure you're still getting a nicotine fix, but you're missing out on the more than 4,000 other chemicals which have been added to tobacco cigarettes.

So, do electronic cigarettes really work in helping you quit smoking? I'm thinking, yes. It gives you that crutch so you have something to hold onto and fixate your orals on, plus you're not being exposed to all of the other carcinogens present in "real" cigarettes.

Here are a few of the more popular electronic cigarettes and other how to quit smoking products:

Smoke Anywhere USA Krave Disposable Electronic Cigarette, 14mg Tobacco - Reasonably priced, electronic cig nicotine fix.

LifeSign QuitKey Smoking Cessation Computer - If you want some help quitting that really seems to work, check out the reviews for this product. Overall, it received an average of almost 4.5 stars out of five.

Allen Carr's Easyway to Stop Smoking- Rarely do you see any kind of product where virtually every one of the 852 reviews give it five stars. This book by Allen Carr seems to be the single best item if you're serious about quitting smoking.

London 2012 Official Olympic Android game app review

This week, the Official (so they tell me) London 2012 Summer Olympic Android and iOS game app was released. The info they sent me tells me that the game allows you to participate in nine of the most anticipated events at this year's summer games.

It sounded interesting, but as many of you know, I'm more inclined to download, install and review productivity apps like CamScanner PDF maker or Vlingo than review an Android or iPhone game app. But, I figured I'd watch the YouTube video they sent and see how it looks. The YouTube video is only 37 seconds long, but that's all it took to hook me. Wow! That looks so cool. I gotta download this baby.

So, I followed this link to get the free version and sent it to my Android phone. I neglected to switch it to 4G and was wondering why it was taking so long to download. Because it's 49 freaking megabytes big, that's why. Midway through the download I switched to 4G on my Thunderbolt and figured I'd check it out during my lunch hour.

When I went to open it, I was greeted with an update (I only downloaded it an hour earlier), and the damned update took a very long time to download as well. But finally, I had the game and was ready to play.

The London 2012 Olympic game lets you participate in 110m Hurdles, Swimming, Kayaking and Archery and more. All events are displayed in 3D graphics at official London 2012 venues. You create your own athlete and the graphics are amazing.

The instructions for the first two events I tried (100 meter run and freestyle swimming) were very clear and I was ready to go.

I must say, it's a pretty fun app and if you have the time and space, I'd recommend it. I know I plan to play more.

CamScanner app review: create PDF's right on your Smartphone

 

 

CamScanner is an app that claims you can easily create a PDF of any document by simply taking a picture of it with your camera and then using their app to convert it into a PDF. Yeah right. So how did that work out for me? Perfectly.

I love productivity apps (see my review of the Top Three Productivity Apps of 2011), but I usually don't go looking for them unless I need to be productive in a manner which requires an app that I don't have.

So, there I was in need of a copy of my Driver's License so that I could confirm my identity and get paid by a client. But I wasn't near my computer or a scanner. Enter Google Play and the CamScanner app.

I downloaded it, opened it and took a picture of my license. When I was preparing to save it, the app intuitively knew that I wanted only the license and not the area around it, and cropped it perfectly for me. I then saved it on my SD card and attached it to an email which I sent to the client who then forwarded my payment to PayPal.

The features of CamScanner include:

• Auto crop and auto enhance
• Ability to scan a multi-page document
• Share document by email of SMS
• Upload to cloud storage (GoogleDocs, Box, Dropbox, etc.)

And it all works as described. Life is good. So is CamScanner.



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.

How to update a new Android device with all your apps and files

Yay! You just upgraded and received your new Android device. Faster, sleeker, cooler. Emptier. Now you're wondering, "How do i get all of my apps from my old phone to my new phone?"

Sure, you have the new phone and have inserted your SD card and (if applicable) your SIM card, but where the hell are all of your apps? Oh don't worry, they're out there in cyberspace somewhere, just waiting for you to come rescue them.

A couple of weeks ago, while out of town in Palm Springs, California, my HTC Thunderbolt 4G phone fried. The battery wouldn't hold a charge, it was flashing green/yellow, green/yellow after trying to charge it. And the battery level stayed right there at crappy. I visited a local Verizon store near Palm Springs, told them my story and they gave me a new battery. Great service, but the issue wasn't resolved. The same thing happened with the new battery. The problem was obviously with the phone, not the battery.

So, Verizon's great customer service informed me that they would have a replacement phone delivered to me the next day in Palm Springs. As promised the phone arrived and I had it up and running in no time. Okay, in a little time, but not a lot. Now I've got my new phone and I just have to wait until all of my apps automatically load like they did when I got a replacement Droid A-855 after I dropped my first device in the toilet. Waiting! Waiting longer. Nothing happening. Not happy.

The first time I had an Android device replaced, I turned on the replacement phone, loaded my Google accounts so I could check my email and set it aside to eat dinner. When I returned to my phone, all of my apps had magically reappeared. How cool was that? So, I thought that is what would happen with the Thunderbolt.

Nope.

Some of the threads I read addressing this topic suggested AppBrain and Titanium (both apps available in GooglePlay), while others stated that their apps also magically appeared. Maybe mine wouldn't automatically reappear because I have downloaded 42,744,220 apps and the robot was pissed at me. Or maybe it's a specific phone issue (although some people with HTC products said theirs just updated automatically). In any event, here's how I resolved it without too many issues.

• Set up your Google account on your phone. If you have multiple accounts, set them all up. If you don't, you may find that some of your apps don't seem to be available.

• Use the browser on your phone (or on your computer) to visit the Android Market (now GooglePlay) and click on the My Apps button on the right of screen. This will display all of the apps that you've ever downloaded. In my case that was nearly 250 apps. I'm glad they didn't just automatically add all of those to my new phone.

• Scroll through My Apps and click on the the apps that you want to add to your new phone. The ones you had on your previous phone will indicate that they're already installed, even though they're not.

• When you click on the app you wish to download, a pop-up will appear (see image). In the center of that screen you will see "Choose another device on which to install." If you added all of your accounts and visited the GooglePlay area, the drop-down menu will show two phones (perhaps identical phones if you just replaced your old one with the same make and model). Choose the first one, then click Install. If the app doesn't begin downloading to your phone, the go through the same process but click on the second phone in the drop-down.

Of course, if you backed everything up onto your SD card, you may be able to re-load a lot of it directly from there. I also strongly recommend using the Box app to save everything up in the cloud (you can easily upload photos, apps, music, etc. and access it from your Android device of your desktop/laptop/tablet.

I managed to restore all of my important apps (and realized I had many loaded that I never used), in pretty short order while waiting for a flight in a Chicago airport. I ended up re-loading about 50 apps and was very happy that I had a 4G phone to make the process quick.