After getting my tablet PC, the Toshiba Thrive, I was excited and motivated to learn more about the Android Operating System and the apps that are available. If you know me and follow my blog, you know that the blog predominantly features FREE software. When I started using my tablet PC I soon discovered that there were numerous FREE apps available through the Android Market. I plan to feature some of those apps here on the blog. Another thing I noticed is that many of the Android Apps, that are paid apps, are reasonably priced; however, I still like FREE.
To get the FREE app of the day, you will be prompted to enter your mobile phone number or e-mail address. In my case, for my tablet, I use one of my secondary email addresses.
Online TV still has a ways to go, and trying to find online TV channels and sites can be a real challenge. I have been on the hunt for various sources of online TV to watch on my tablet PC. One, of the many sources I have across is TvTube .
TvTube is a free online TV channel gathering service that offers a selection of the best TV channels from around the world. Start watching now and enjoy worldwide TV through a Web experience. No registration or download required.
TvTube boasts that it hosts links to the largest collection of free internet television on the web with over 2000 channels from more than 60 countries. So, if you dig around the TvTube site, which is nicely categorized, I am sure you will find something that will catch your attention.
When Amazon made the announcement that they were entering the tablet PC race with the Android based Kindle Fire, for $199, I was skeptical; however, after seeing the potential that this 7” tablet offers, Amazon may be onto something that could be a game changer. You can take a look at the Kindle Fire[CLICK HERE] and even pre-order one now[CLICK HERE]. The price is right, but will this tablet do everything you need it to do?
According to Amazon, the Kindle Fire will serve as a conduit to:
18 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, and books
Vibrant color touchscreen with extra-wide viewing angle
Fast, powerful dual-core processor
Amazon Prime members enjoy unlimited, instant streaming of over 10,000 popular movies and TV shows
Amazon Kindle–Official Presentation
Display
7″ multi-touch display with IPS (in-plane switching) technology and anti-reflective treatment, 1024 x 600 pixel resolution at 169 ppi, 16 million colors.
Size (in inches)
7.5″ x 4.7″ x 0.45″ (190 mm x 120 mm x 11.4 mm).
Weight
14.6 ounces (413 grams).
System Requirements
None, because it’s wireless and doesn’t require a computer.
On-device Storage
8GB internal. That’s enough for 80 apps, plus either 10 movies or 800 songs or 6,000 books.
Cloud Storage
Free cloud storage for all Amazon content
Battery Life
Up to 8 hours of continuous reading or 7.5 hours of video playback, with wireless off. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as web browsing and downloading content.
Charge Time
Fully charges in approximately 4 hours via included U.S. power adapter. Also supports charging from your computer via USB.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Supports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use the 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.1X standard with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication; does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks.
USB Port
USB 2.0 (micro-B connector)
Audio
3.5 mm stereo audio jack, top-mounted stereo speakers.
What is all this talk about Android, Cupcake, Donut, Éclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb and the soon to be released Ice Cream Sandwich? Now I am hearing talk of Jelly Bean.
To put this all in perspective. Android is an operating system, like Windows is an operating system. The Android OS differs from the Microsoft Windows OS in that it is engineered to work on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. The delicacies’ named Cupcake, Donut, Éclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean are the names given to the version upgrades of the Android OS. For example, my Toshiba Thrive tablet PC is running the Android OS Honeycomb V3.2
To get the full history of the development of Android, I found a nice infographic, at xcubelabs, that tells the Android Story.
Bonus Article: If you are someone that is familiar with the Android OS and the various devices for which Android runs, then check out this bonus article at Tech-for Everyone, titled, “
Following the purchase of my tablet PC (Toshiba Thrive – see review), the one tool I went for to make my tablet computer experience more enjoyable (and cleaner) was an omni-directional” capacitive stylus. Not knowing there are literally many different stylus’ available [SEE HERE], by chance I came across a stylus made by Targus. As a matter of fact, not knowing anything about omni-directional capacitive stylus’, the one that I purchased actually was advertised to work for the iPad. I took the chance that it would work with my Toshiba Thrive.
What I soon discovered that this particular stylus works great with my Toshiba Thrive and it is my conclusion it will work just as great with any capacitive type touch screen. The good here with this is this:
The cost for this particular stylus was less than $12 bucks [see here]; however there are many stylus options out there [see here]. There is even a stylus made by Targus that is 3-in-1 (ink pen, laser pointer, and stylus). This is especially useful if you are a business person who makes presentations using your tablet.
If you are concerned about all of the fingerprints (which could be a potential hygiene issue) on your capacitive touchscreen, then the stylus is the way to go. After using the stylus, I found my screen much cleaner after use and I am at a loss now if I don’t use the stylus or can’t find it. That is the one disadvantage, it can be easily misplaced; however, there is a hole in the top of the stylus where you can tether it to the tablet.
The precision of the stylus is right on target; even when scrolling a screen (horizontal or vertical); hunt and peck typing; playing a game, and will even work with any sketching apps you may be using.
Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 0.8 x 5.9 inches ; 2.2 ounces
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