Android Apps

Mashable is just one of the resources I use to stay up-to-date on what's happening in the social media and mobile technology arena, so I wanted to share this post about "7 Mind-Blowing Free Android Apps".

Now, I don't have an Android phone such as the Nexus One (I use an iPhone), but the review makes each of these apps look pretty cool. Out of interest, I looked for them (or something similar) on the App Store and found:

* Google Earth (in the Travel category!) and NASA's "Space Images" app (Education)

* Only a handful of free translation apps, with mixed reviews (although there's "Dog Translator" for converting barks into English!)

* Several free movies apps, including the one I have "Movies". While it does have a US bias, you can still track down what's playing in your local cinemas via the location-based search, get the show times and read the relevant reviews. Useful.

Hope that helps?!

"Ferrari Fone" coming soon

Hardware manufacturer Acer is expanding its range of mobile devices and has also announced a March 2010 launch for its Ferrari smartphone.

Here's how the news has been covered by two of the leading online tech-sites:
Mobile Crunch
TechRadar

Should we expect to see "McLaren Mobiles", "Red Bull Receivers" or
"Williams WebPhones" flooding the mobile market soon?

Your company: is there an app for that?

If your company wants to commission an app, you've got to consider when's the best time to do it.

Getting an app that is part of your marketing communications plan, fits in with your brand image, and doesn't blow your budget is a great start. But you've got to figure out how and when you're going to use it.

Companies are using apps to engage customers (and prospects) and to build brand awareness - particularly in association with their product launches and other public events. They're also offering so-called utility apps that are useful/functional (such as the Stanley Tools spirit level - here's the press release) or pure entertainment (e.g. any game).

Apps that use the functionality of the smartphone they reside upon are also popular. Examples include location-based apps that use the GPS found inside most devices, or image-related apps that connect seamlessly to the phone's built-in camera.

Lastly, if you want to persuade your target market to take action (including paying for what you have on offer), then an app can be the perfect vehicle: available anytime, anywhere on a device that's treasured by its owner.

(Image courtesy of Margaret Anne Clark on Flickr)

Cartoon fun with apps

Social media guide Mashable has recently published reports on the crossover between two separate worlds: animation and apps.

The first story announces the release of a 'Monster Maker' app featuring Elmo, the Sesame Street character.

The second piece describes how a recent (US) edition of The Simpsons featured Homer using an iPhone!

The two articles confirm either what we knew already - the iPhone's not just cool, but cool enough to feature on The Simpsons - or suspected: it's ubiquitous enough to be reaching out to kids.

And here's where my personal experience comes in. Once a child gets hold of an iPhone (parents beware!), s/he will intuitively know how to use it - and love the interface. Even my under-two toddler likes watching Timmy Time episodes on the BBC iPlayer.

iPad verdicts

OK, I haven't seen it live, touched it or used it... so this post is simply a starting point for further investigation into Apple's iPad.

Here are a few different viewpoints on its usefulness, drawbacks and potential:

* Mashable post #1 offers an overview of the new device

* Stephen Fry adds his unique perspective

* Mashable (#2) highlights the geographical limitations of iBook functionality

* Creative Review asks the fundamental question: what is the iPad for?

Whatever the reality/your own view, it must be true that this is yet another medium designed with applications in mind.

Developers - get your thinking caps on!

Black Hawk Down (on your iPhone)

According to a recent post on online social media guide Mashable, the US Army has launched its own app - available free from the News category within the App Store.

While the reviewer expected it to be "little more than a recruitment app", the new tool actually offers access to the official US Army site (which links to all the Services) and its database of facts on equipment and vehicles - including Black Hawk helicopters.

And to prove that US Forces are 'with it' in marketing terms, the website's Home page also features a video and a link to a social media page that includes dozens of entries on Flickr, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Google not so smart with Nexus One

The launch of the Nexus One smartphone has proved frustrating for U.S. consumers - and less than successful for Google, according to a BBC report.

Americans can buy the phone from Google for $529 or get it with a T-Mobile contract for $179. Only new (not existing) T-Mobile customers qualify for the deal, fuelling many complaints. Meanwhile, other new users are moaning either about the level of support available or 3G connection problems.

All of this comes in advance of the arrival of the phone in the UK (through Vodafone) although prices and launch dates have yet to be confirmed.

Let's hope - for Google's sake and on behalf of their customers - that these issues are resolved by the time the phone does go on sale here.