New Peacock tablet will have free Internet

I have friends of a certain age who could get a lot of use out of a tablet computer, if only they weren’t intimidated by apps, operating systems and Internet access. Those are the folks who will want to hear about the Rooah Peacock tablet.

The tablet, scheduled to be available this fall, has two features that will appeal to the techno-skittish: it’s easy to use and the Internet is not only built in, it’s also free. That should be good news to the people in many parts of the world where fewer than half of the population go online.

The Peacock tablet has the specs of a high-quality tablet: a 7.89 inch LCD screen, a quad core processor, 16GB of internal memory, front and rear cameras and Bluetooth support. It supports streaming video and movie services and it can play Android-based games. And its developers say the Rooah OS “learns the user as they are using the device and will suggest apps, people, websites, and content that it believes the user may like or find useful.”

The Peacock Rooah builders are in the wary stages of an Indiegogo campaign that hopes to raise $20,000 by Oct. 5. Anyone who pledges $199 will get the Peacock tablet running Android 4.4. A pledge of $499 puts you in line for a tablet with the Rooah OS. Take a closer look at the Peacock Rooah at this Indiegogo page. 

By: Ric Manning On 8/23/2014

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Dashable unscrambles job-tracking and invoicing

In a former life I supervised a crew of digital artists and coders who worked on a variety of projects. One of the challenges was keeping track of who worked on what for whom. Too bad Dashable wasn’t around back then because it sounds like a great solution.

Dashable is a multi-platform tool that keeps track of jobs, team members, hours worked, clients, and invoices. It works with project management tools such as Basecamp, GitHub, Trello and Pivotal Tracker. And it can be accessed from the web or from an iOS or Android app.

Dashable sends and email each day to team members asking then to verify what they worked on and fill in any blanks. And every morning, their manager gets a report that shows the progress on various projects and a work report that can easily be converted into an invoice.

To get more info, check out the Dashable website and pricing page and their Twitter feed.

By: Ric Manning On 8/23/2014

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Build your own sensor project with Verve2

I have a webcam mounted on my front porch that clicks on when it detects movement. How does it do that? I don’t know. Maybe it’s magic.

The folks at InXus Interactive know about all kinds of sensors, including those that respond to motion, light, temperature and touch. And they can help you learn about sensors with the Verve2, a control box that connects to a variety of low-cost sensors.

The Verve2 connects to a computer to collect and log data delivered by the sensors. With the Verve2 kit, you can build game controllers, security monitors and other projects that are fun, educational and even practical. And data collected by the sensors can be analyzed in your computer and posted online.

InXus is currently collecting pledges at Kickstarter to finance production of Verve2 kits. A $45 pledge will get you a starter pack that includes the controller and a light sensor. For $5 more, you’ll get a kit with seven different sensors.

By: Ric Manning On 8/23/2014

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This Minifig USB can look just like you

Here’s a gift idea for the person who has everything: a USB drive that looks just like them. Or their dog. Or their favorite celebrity. There’s a new Belgian company ready to crank one out, once they raise enough start-up money through a campaign on Indiegogo.

Here’s how it works. You send them a photo of the person or character that you want to recreate. They produce the USB housing with an industrial printer. Each one is unique; it’s not a decal stuck on a standard plastic figure. And, they are LEGO compatible.

A $50 contribution gets you one 8GB Minifig USB or two for $90. The campaign is just starting on it’s way toward an $8,000 goal. The estimated delivery date is February, 2015.

For more details, watch the video below and visit this page at Indigogo.

By: Ric Manning On 8/21/2014

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Xplate merges a keyboard with an Android computer

The idea behind Xplate is so simple, you wonder why the big-time computer companies didn’t think of it first. It’s a keyboard with an Android computer inside.

Plug it into a monitor or television and in a flash you have a fully-functional and very affordable computer, ready to download your email, browse the web, and stream your favorite movies or TV shows.

Xplate is a full-size keyboard with chiclet-style keys. It connects to the Internet using WiFi or an Ethernet cable. The Android 4.4 operating system is powered by a quad-core processor. There’s 8GB of storage memory built into the unit with an option to add up to 32GB more.

The backside of the keyboard has a USB port for a mouse or other device plus video outputs for an HDMI connection or composite video.

You can’t buy an Xplate yet, but you can get in line to receive one of the first units when Xplate is released this fall. The Xplate developers are trying to raise $20,000 through an Indiegogo campaign to cover production costs and get their invention on the market. Contribute $82 (plus shipping) and your Xplate will be among the first units to go out the door.
Shipping is estimated to begin in November. For more details, watch the video below and check out the Xplate page at Indiegogo.

By: Ric Manning On 8/20/2014

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Piccing links images to buying sources

You know what it’s like to browse images on Pinterest. You see something you like - some jewelry, a fashion accessory or a cool watch - and you’d love to know where you could buy the same thing. What if you could click on a ring, a dress or shoes and get price and a way to order the item? That’s the idea behind Piccing, a website that has been expanding rapidly in Europe and is now getting some traction in the U.S.

Piccing is a platform where users can post photos and tag the items in the image to flash their style and inspire their friends. Our mission, says Piccing, is to “make every item in an image accessible.”

The site is stuffed with stylish items from clothing and handbags to furniture and bedding. Users “picc” an image, then mark item in the image. The marked items become links to sources that sell those items.

To learn more, check out the Piccing website or download the free app from the iTunes store or the Google Play store. You can also follow Piccing on Twitter.

By: Ric Manning On 8/20/2014

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Test your memory skills with Chimpanzee

What’s the key to a successful mobile game? I say it has to be easy to learn and play. But more than that, it should challenge your brain.

A new game called Chimpanzee scores on both counts. It’s a memory game that presents a group of numbers for you to quickly memorize. Got it? Now tap on the numbers in ascending order. Start out in Training Mode to learn the rules with a few numbers, then move up to Beat The Clock where you can challenge your friends to a monkey duel.

Why is the game called chimpanzee? Because chimps are said to be able to memorize up to 10 numbers in less than one second. See if you can come close. Download the free game using the links at www.chimpanzeegame.com.  

By: Ric Manning On 8/20/2014

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EggWorded makes a game out of language learning

Perhaps you would like to learn a new language. So would a lot of people. But memorizing all those alien words can be so tedious.

Here’s a way to make vocabulary work into a game. That’s the idea behind EggWorded, a new Android game by Pokejoy that can make it fun to learn new word in a new language.

With EggWorded, you can challenge a friend to identify and translate. In an English-Spanish contest, you might post the word “Friendly.” Your opponent  can select one of four translations: amistoso, empuje, rasgar, or coso. No Google Translate allowed!

Correct answers increase your score - and your vocabulary memory. Check out the free download in the Google Play store.

By: Ric Manning On 8/17/2014

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Spelltorn brings classic RPG to iOS and Android

You may count yourself among the crowd of gamers who believe that a great role-playing game can’t live on a mobile platform. But don’t make up your mind until you check out Spelltorn: Clash of Fates, the latest release from 2XLGames.

Spelltorn packs the best features of the classic RPGs into a free download for iOS or Android. It’s the only multiplayer game with a branching storyline where the choices you make affect your journey.

The game’s story takes you across the continent of Masara where you’ll see different dungeons, fight different monsters, form alliances, join guilds and defend your treasure from marauding bandits.

The game uses a turn based combat system that requires players to make choices and plot strategies every battle.

Get the latest version in the Apple iTunes app store or the Google Play store for Androids. And keep up with the latest news from the game’s creators on Twitter.

By: Ric Manning On 8/16/2014

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Insurgency server lets you kick butt on a dedicated host

If you're a fan of first-person combat shooters, there's a good chance you've discovered Insurgency, a close-quarters combat game that depends on teamwork and cooperative strategy. The game was released earlier this year by Steam where you can buy it for $14.99 (£10.99).

Insurgency features 27 multiplayer and cooperative maps that include locations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. There are nine multiplayer game modes supporting up to 32 players. It's a great game for groups of friends to get together and blast each other.

Groups looking for a place to play should check out Insurgency Server Hosting, a website that offers game hosting and dedicated servers for player teams. Playing on a dedicated server can reduce or eliminate slowness or latency issues and insure that everyone is playing on a level battleground. And like all great hangouts, this one is open 24 hours.

By: Ric Manning On 8/15/2014

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Bizarre Aquarium brings back the fishy fun of Insaniquarium

Everybody who has ever owned an aquarium knows how to raise fish in an aquarium. You buy a few guppies, keep them well fed and very soon you have a lot of guppies.

It works the same way in Bizzare Aquarium, a new Android game that was inspired by Insaniaquarium Deluxe, a very popular online game that first appeared around 2004. In that game, your pet fish were soon joined by alien creature and predators intent on ravaging your aquatic wonderland.

Bizarre Aquarium follows the same route. You begin with guppies, earn money, buy more exotic fish and defend your flock against alien attacks. You'll have the only aquarium that requires laser blasters.

The Android version is available now in the Google Play store and an iOS version in the iTunes store.

By: Ric Manning On 8/15/2014

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SportsTek headlamp light up your life

This may be overkill for nightime walks with the dogs, but I know I could get a lot of use out of the SportsTek LED Headlamp. Biking after dark. Rummaging in the nether reaches of the basement and attic. Camping with the kids. Doing whatever needs to be done after a storm knocks out the electricity.

The SportsTek headlamp isn't one of those cheap battery-powered headlamps with a puny light. It pumps out 200 lumens of bright white light that covers almost 700 feet. But it can be dialed down to a lower level for working on laptop or reading an ebook. And it runs on a rechargeable battery pack, so it's always good to go.

Want to know more? Read the customers raves posted on amazon.com where the lamp is currently on sale for $79.95. Here's one example: "I love being able to control how much light I need, and that this can clip into many different areas which come in very handy."

By: Ric Manning On 8/15/2014

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Check out Lyft, get a free ride

My city has everything you would want for a good time. Lots of bars and music halls, a few strip clubs, a growing collection of microbreweries and a bourbon distillery. We even have a thoroughbred racetrack and a casino.

Fortunately we also have Lyft, the ridesharing service that lets you leave your car at home when you and friends are heading out for a night of fun and possibly a few adult beverages.

Lyft offers on-demand rides that are more fun, more convenient and more affordable than a taxi. Lyft drivers are your designated driver, your friend with a car, even after last call.

Do you have Lyft in your city? Find out here, then download the free iPhone or Android app. If you're new to Lyft, you can get a free ride worth up to $25. Go to takealyft.com or enter the code 1FREE25 in the payment section of the app.  

By: Ric Manning On 8/14/2014

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SquareWords lets you cross words with friends

Remember why actor Alec Baldwin got kicked off an airplane in New York? He wouldn't stop playing a well-known word game and put away his mobile phone.

We know that word games can be fun and addictive, especially when you're matching wits with a friend. That's why a new Danish import called SquareWords is making a bit of a splash in the states.

SquareWords plays like a crossword battle between two players. You can place letters in free spaces on the game board to stymie your opponent, but only valid words score points. The game ends and a winner is declared when the board is full.

If you've had enough of Words With Friends - and really, who hasn't? - challenge a friend with SquareWords. Just don't do it when your plane is ready for takeoff.

Click to the SquareWords website to download a free version of the game for the iPhone, Android or Windows Phone.  

By: Ric Manning On 8/12/2014

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Use personal photos to lock your Galaxy screen

Dogs, cats, babies, boyfriends, popstars, and athletes. Many have already unlocked your heart. Now they can unlock your phone.

The Galaxy Photo Screen Lock is an Android utility that lets you use a collection of your favorite photos to make your own unique screen lock. Just select several of your favorite photos and load them into the app. With each swipe, you get a new image.

In addition to the photos, the program displays critical information on your home screen, including the date and time, missed calls and unread messages, battery status and a live weather forecast.

The app has been tested to run on Samsung's Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5 phones. Check it out in the Google Play store.

By: Ric Manning On 8/12/2014

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Calculator for Android keeps it simple

We've all heard that sometimes less is more, but what does that mean? Take the calculator, for example. I have a desk calculator that is far less complicated than many others, yet it has a whole row of buttons that mean absolutely nothing to me. How would I use MR or M+? I haven't a clue.

That's why I like the aptly-named Calculator I found for Android phones and tablets. It has everything you need for everyday use: 10 numeric keys, five function keys and a Clear key, all arranged is large square blocks to minimize errors.

Want more? Switch Calculator to the ergonomic display and you get an additional number key (00) and one more function key. You can also customize it to change colors and deliver a light vibration when a key is pressed. And that's plenty enough for me.

One more nice feature: It's free. Check it out in the Google Play store.

By: Ric Manning On 8/10/2014

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Chrome Reviews covers laptops and accessories

Thinking about buying a Chromebook? You're not alone. According to the research firm Gartner, sales of Chromebooks could reach 5.2 million units this year, up 79 percent over sales in 2013.

The super-portable Android-based laptops are getting lighter and more useful all the time. They're also getting cheaper. For example, you can pick up the best-selling Acer C720 for less than $180.

I picked up that nugget when I visited Chrome Reviews, a website that publishes reviews of Chromebook models and accessories. The site currently has profiles of Chromebooks by Asus, Acer, Toshiba, Samsung and others. It also offers a handy comparison guide and weekly tips on deals and discounts.

The site also reviews a wide range of Chromebook accessories including cases, bags and sleeves. Check it out at ChromeReviews.com.

By: Ric Manning On 8/10/2014

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InstaPics pitches selfie stations for salons

Your favorite hair stylist has just finished working his magic and you want  to share his creation with friends before you walk out into the rain and wind and ruin all his hard work. You could take and arm's-length selfie and hope for the best, or step up to the InstaPics kiosk and get a photo that's so good you'll want to not only share it on social media but also print out a copy to keep.

That's the idea behind InstaPics' latest product, a selfie-station designed specifically for salons. The InstaPics Social Media Photo Booth allows people to print out customized location photos and digital images with Instagram hash tags on location.

The digital images are share them with friends and family members through the top social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as email and text messaging. The printed versions are available framed by one of six fanciful borders.

Find out more about how InstaPics kiosks are being used at salons and other locations at InstaPics.com. 

By: Ric Manning On 8/10/2014

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MarketWall offers instant view of world stocks and markets

The next time someone gives you a hot tip about a stock that's traded on the Madrid stock market, you can check it out with MarketWall. It's a free Android app that gives you quick access to trading markets around the world.

The app collects and charts real time data about stock indices and shares from all over the world, from France, Italy and Great Britain to Denmark, Norway and Spain. the app displays snapshot of a selected share showing pricing over time and a summary of high and low prices and trading volume.

You can download MarketWall free in the Google Play app store.

By: Ric Manning On 8/10/2014

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Jungle Jewels is fast-paced fun for Androids

Jungle Jewels puts a new spin on the classic match-3 game. Players to explore an ancient pyramid to discover dozens of crystals, diamonds, rubies, and other rocks.

Each jewel holds a magical power. Your task is to collect and match as many as you can before the pyramid collapses. Players earn points and prolong the game by matching three crystals in a row.

It reminds me of Tetris, one of my all-time favorites. Like Tetris, it's simple, fun, fast and addictive. It makes you think and act quickly, but it's not overwhelming.

Check out Jungle Jewels and other free games for Android by Silver Pick Studios in the Google Play store.

By: Ric Manning On 8/09/2014

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This merchant service takes crypto currency

If you sell stuff on or off the web, you might have customers who want to pay with Bitcoins. Or Frankos, Quarks, Dogecoins or CryptogenicBullion.

As cryptocurrencies continue to grow in popularity, savvy online merchants are looking for ways to accept, process and collect Bitcoins, Darkcoins, Quarks or Peercoins. That's where CoinPayments.net comes in.
CoinPayments functions like a credit card processor. It accepts 50 different forms of cryptocurrency. A customer who wants to use his crypto coins is given a unique address to send the payment.

CoinPayments confirms the currency and amount and transfers it to the merchant's wallet. CoinPayments charges 0.5% and doesn't require a contract or monthly fee.

For more info, check out the CoinPayments website, Twitter feed and Facebook page.

By: Ric Manning On 8/06/2014

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iPad magazine focuses on Southwest Florida

If you've spent even a little bit of time in the Sarasota-Naples-Ft. Myers area of Florida, you likely came across copies of Focus Magazine of SWFL.

It's a thick, slick and snappy magazine loaded with features on fashion, beauty, health, business, home decor, arts and culture.

In addition to profiles and advice, the magazine has a great collection of hot-weather recipes. And like Vogue, the pages of advertising have their own special appear. You'll see what's new from Ann Taylor, Rolex, Tiffany, Marc Ecko and - Oh Boy! - Maserati.

For those of us who don't live or winter in Southwest Florida, we can download the classy iPad version of the magazine for less than the cover price of the print edition: $1.99 for a single issue or $10.99 for an year's subscription.

Check it out at the iTunes store or Google Play store where you can find free sample issues. And, there's more information at the Focus Magazine of SWFL website.

By: Ric Manning On 8/06/2014

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Notebook Defence revives a fun table game

When video games arrived, we were quick to abandon table games, some of which were actually pretty cool. I liked the game Battleship, which two people could play with pencils and a couple sheets of paper.

Another strategy game played on paper is Notebook Defence. Like Battleship, you choose locations on your opponents battlefield to target with your artillery.

Now developer Vladislav Zhirnov has brought the game into the 21st Century with a free version that you can play on the Apple iPad. Tanks and infantry fight it out on game boards that mimic blue-lined graph paper. When you want to take a trip back to school days, download the game at the iTunes store.
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By: Ric Manning On 8/06/2014

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They're creating mutant celebs at Celebrity Mashup

If you crossed actor Martin Lawrence with singer Chris Martin, what would be the result? You would know if you played Celebrity Mashup. The game features singers, actors, sports figures and politicians and people like the Kardashians, who don't really fit in any category.

The rules are simple. One person from the pair must have a last name that matches the first name of the other person. The result is Chris Martin Lawrence. I wonder if this would work: Jennifer Lawrence Of Arabia?

You can download the iOS version at iTunes and watch for an Android version coming soon. There's also a game page and a fan page on Facebook.

By: Ric Manning On 8/05/2014

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Hellow adds new twist to photo messaging

I'm sure you've heard of SnapChat, the mobile app that lets people send photos and videos that disappear after a set period of time. Now there's a new app called Hellow that puts another twist on the concept of image messaging.

With Hellow, users can take a picture, add text, and send it to any friends they choose. Users can also set a time limit for when their friends get to see the photograph and it lets recipients know when a photo was sent, when it will be available to view, and who sent it.

When you get a Hellow photo, a chat feature opens up that's available to everyone tagged in the photo. The people who receive the photo can save the image to their smartphone or delete it. They get to make that decision rather than the sender.

Hellow is currently available in the iTunes store and an Android version is in the works. You can also follow Hellow on Twitter and Instagram.

By: Ric Manning On 8/05/2014

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Mobile developers can stock up at the Codes Store

When you need an app, you go to the app store. But what if you're a developer who wants to create an mobile app? Now you can go to the source code store.

The Codes Store has an eclectic collection of source codes that developers can snap into their mobile app project. Why spend time writing a weather look-up component for your travel app when the Codes Store will sell you the source code for $11?

Available code blocks include games, a web viewer, an MP3 player, wallpaper collections, and code to create apps for social networking and photo sharing. And if you're a coder who has already written mobile apps, the store will help you sell the reusable elements from your work.

Check out the Codes Store on the web or follow them on Twitter.

By: Ric Manning On 8/05/2014

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Eat Dragonfly appeals to all ages

One reason mobile games have become so popular is they are very easy to play. I remember a war game for the Xbox that had more than a dozen different button functions and combinations. Contrast that to a game like Eat Dragonfly for Apple mobiles. It has one objective: eat flies.

The game has one main character, a big green dragonfly. His objective is to eat flies while avoiding pipes. Five gobbled flies earns 1 point. Players move him through a lush green forest by tapping on the screen. Want to do well playing Eat Dragonfly? Tap faster and eat more flies.  

The game is easy enough to play that adults can compete with their grandkids. That's not likely with Call of Duty. Check out the free version and the $2.99 pro version of Eat Dragonfly in the Apple iTunes store.

By: Ric Manning On 8/03/2014

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Fly this Android balloon at your peril

I took my first hot air balloon ride in 1974 so I speak from experience when I say that Fly Balloon, Fly!, a new Android app from PopSoda Digital Commerce, isn't exactly like the a ride in a reat balloon.

For example, on my excursion, there were no giant swords in the sky trying to puncture our balloon. And we didn't venture beyond Earth's atmosphere where there apparently an array of light sabers waiting to do you harm.

So while my balloon flight was a serene cruise over a pastoral countryside, Fly Balloon, Fly! is far more fraught with danger, just like Frogger's adventure.

Also Fly Balloon, Fly! is free, which is a lot less that the cost of a real balloon ride. You can find it in the Google Play store.

By: Ric Manning On 8/02/2014

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Tripcoin tracks travel expenses

When the boss says you you can only spend $1,000 to travel to a trade show or professional conference, a budget-tracking app could be a big help.

A new app called Tripcoin from Causania lets you quickly add expenses such as food, lodging and taxi rides. The app gives you a running total for each day and for the entire trip.

Tripcoin supports unlimited trips and unlimited entries in each trip. It displays text in English or Spanish and supports more than 100 currencies. You don't need an Internet connection to enter data but an on-board currency converter will be updated each time you are online. Other useful features include the ability to export reports as photos or Excel data.

Tripcoin is available free in the Apple iTunes store. 

By: Ric Manning On 8/01/2014

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Blyke builds and shares memes

Everybody's got something to say and share. Blyke is a meme machine that will package and share your snidely snarks or pearls of wisdom.

Upload an image, enter your text and upload it to Blyke. That's Blyke, as in "Women be like . . "

The free app from developer Ronny Kibet is available in the Google Play Store.

By: Ric Manning On 8/01/2014

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