Soon you'll be able to read magazines on your smartphone, tablet or computer for free with Flipster! 

How do I use Flipster?

Today is the official first day of spring, which for many people means it's time start thinking about this year's garden. That is, for those of us who haven't been planning all winter. Today we're going to talk about what may be a surprising source of gardening help - your smartphone! There are several apps available today that can help you plant your garden, whether you're an amateur or an old pro.

Garden Time Planner by Burpee

Garden Squared

Garden Compass

If you have a plant, pest or disease you need identified...look no further. The Garden Compass Plant and Disease Identifier app allows you to take a photo and submit it to our team of expert horticultural garden advisers who will identify it for you, as well as provide you with specific product recommendations to resolve any problems you may have. As your photo passes up the queue you will be kept informed as to its progress.

Garden Manager

Roku Streaming Stick

(image via Google Chormecast)

Amazon Fire TV Stick

(image via Amazon)

Apple TV 

(image from Apple)

Thanksgiving is only two weeks away and that means that everyone's mind has turned to one thing - food. And yes, thankfulness. But mostly food. Today we're going to discuss a few cooking related apps that could help your busy Thanksgiving go a little more smoothly.

Paprika 

            

BigOven - www.bigoven.com

Dinner Spinner from AllRecipes

AllRecipes.com is a very popular recipe website and now they have a mobile app available! This app allows users to search for specific recipes from thousands of recipes or use the fun "spin" option to get inspiration in the form of a random recipe. This app, unlike BigOven and Paprika does not allow for meal planning or creating grocery lists. 
Available on: Apple  Windows Phone and Android - including Kindle.

Fall is almost upon us and that means football season will soon be kicking off. (See what we did there?) College football season started on Wednesday August 27 and the NFL will have their first game on September 4th. These days being a sports fan is so much more than watching the game on television or arguing about your teams' clear superiority at work the next day. The rise of technology means that fans can connect to their favorite teams and get information about stats and scores in brand new ways.

For this week's blog focus we will be recommending Apps for Sports Fans. Football may be on everyone's mind but it's definitely not the only sport that inspires devotion, so we'll be discussing some apps that cover multiple sports.

ESPN SportsCenter App

Yahoo! Sports

Smartphones and tablets have become an integral part of our everyday life; something most of us can't bear to leave the house without, like our keys or wallet. While any smartphone with internet access is useful, it's the apps on the phone that make it both indispensable and fun. Every so often, this blog will feature apps for people who love books, music, sports, art and more. We will also feature apps to help increase productivity and make your life a little easier.

This week we are going to showcase some apps designed for people who love books and reading. Most of these apps are available on several different devices, but a few aren't so we'll be sure to specify.

Overdrive Media Console

It's pretty much required that we start with Overdrive because we're a library, but honestly we'd put it at the top of the list anyway. Overdrive is an app that allows you to read eBooks and listen to audio-books on your phone or tablet. It's part of your library account, so there's never any charge. The books return automatically so you can't even be charged late fees. New books are added to the collection every day. For some of these books, you'll need an Adobe ID. This is a free ID that you create using your email one time only. If you're not comfortable with creating an Adobe ID, don't worry! There are plenty of books you can still access.
Overdrive is available for: Apple (via iTunes) Android (via Google Play), Windows Phone.
Download for other devices including Kindle, Nook and your PC can be found on the Overdrive Website.

Purchase eBooks

Kindle

The Kindle App allows you to download books from Amazon to your device. You don't have to be using a Kindle in order to use the Kindle App, but you do have to register on Amazon before you can purchase any books or audiobooks. 

The Kindle app is available on: iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Phone. You can also download it on your PC and other apps at www.amazon.com

Nook

The Nook app allows you download books from Barnes and Noble to your device. Like the Kindle App, it is not necessary to be on a Nook to use the Nook app, but you must register at BarnesandNoble.com in order to download books. 
The Nook app is available on iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Phone

iBooks & Google Play Books

These apps comes installed on your device and allow you to purchase books from iTunes, or Google Play. . It is important to remember that any purchases you make in iBooks can only be read on an Apple product like an iPhone or iPad.  For example, if you buy books in Apple iBooks and then switch to a Samsung Galaxy, you will not be able to transfer those books to your new Samsung. Other apps like Kindle or Nook work on any device so your purchases can be transferred. 

Keep Track of the Books You Read

There are several apps that allow you to keep track of the books that you've read and get recommendations for books to read in the future. We're just going to cover two of these apps

GoodReads
GoodReads is a website and mobile app that allows you to list any books that you've read or want to read in the future. You can also rate the books and receive recommendations for books to read based on those ratings. There are discussion groups and online book clubs as well. Because authors have GoodReads pages as well, you can get updates on upcoming books and works. GoodReads is free but you will have to register with an email address.
This app is available on iTunes and Google Play.


BookCrawler
BookCrawler is similar to GoodReads in that it allows you to keep track of books you've read. BookCrawler lets you scan the barcode of the book itself to add it to your list, letting you skip typing all the book titles manually if you'd like. Of course, you can still search for books by title or author as well. There is a free version that allows you to input up to 25 books, but for more than that you'll have to pay for the full version. Luckily for those who are serious about cataloging their personal library, the full version is usually around $2. Unfortunately BookCrawler is available only on iTunes. Hopefully an Android version will be released soon!

Reading Can Mean More Than Just Books

Reading means more than just eBooks or audiobooks.

Comixology
Comixology allows you to purchase and read comics on your phone or tablet. You can purchase the same day the comics are released in stores. You can find sales, discounts and even free comics! Comixology app is free, though you'll have to purchase the comics.
This app is available on iTunes and Google Play.


Poetry from the Poetry Foundation
This app allows you to read a new poem daily or search for your favorite poets. Feeling romantic? Need something to cheer you up? There are collections based on every mood and occasion. You can even search by memorable lines! This app is free and available on iTunes and Google Play.





What are your favorite reading related apps? Have ideas on topics you'd like us to cover? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook or Twitter. 

For the month of August, we'll be discussing free and paid software to help you save time and money.

MY STORY:

One would think that since I work in the field of technology, that I'd utilize software installed on my computer that would help me manage my time. Ha Ha - not so! At work, I have Microsoft Outlook, but that's about it.

On a personal note, I spent more time with my Android-based smartphone then anytime else. Therefore, when I needed a way to track my to-do items for work or play, I decided to visit the Google Marketplace - now known as the Google Play store - in search of an app.

For the past year or so, I've been using a free app called TaskOS (http://www.taskos.com).

Learn more at http://www.taskos.com/

ABOUT TaskOS:

TaskOS is a free to-do list, which allows its user you to:

• Create your own to-do list categories. My categories are Work, Home, and Business.
• Set color-coded, priorities list for each task - high (red), normal (yellow), or low (green).
• Set a deadline to indicate when this task needs to be completed.
• Share a to-do list item with one of your contacts, which helps in keeping you accountable for completing that task.
• Adds notes - type a note or use the speaker icon to record notes for a particular task.
• Set a alert. The alert settings are off, one-time, or recurring.

1. Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2A - Listen here
2. Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2B (41 mins) - Listen here
3. The History of the Tablet Computer by Jaketha - Read now
4. Are They Tablet Computers or Tablet PCs? by Charlie - Read now
5. Tablet Computers: Overgrown MP3 Players or What? by Charlie - Read now
6. Buyer Research: Apple iPad 2 by Charlie - Read now
7. Buyer Research: Android by Charlie - Read now

Last week we focused on the Apple iPad. Today, we are going to continue our discussion with tablet computers and dig a little deeper in the realm of Android. Unlike the Apple iPad, Android is an operating system (OS) that can be used by anyone. For instance companies who use Microsoft products may also use Android OS to widen their market. Dell, Acer, and Samsung are a few companies who sell Microsoft computers and Android tablets. For you to better understand how Android works, I am going to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab as well as the Motorola Xoom as my Android Tablets.

Android first started being developed in 2003. In 2005, Google bought Android Inc. This move appeared to set Google up for the mobile market. In the early development of the Android OS, not many details were given other than it was a mobile device OS. Android's official release to the public was on October 21, 2008. This gave public developers a chance to "play" with the Android OS and start development on apps and such.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the first major Android tablet to hit the market. Sure, there were other companies that offered the Android Tablet, but Samsung utilized the OS to it's fullest. The Galaxy Tab was released on September 2, 2010. The Samsung Tablet has been advertised as a media player/computer. The Galaxy Tab originally had a 7 inch version, but according to (http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/) Samsung has developed an 8 and a 10 inch tablet that will be releasing soon. The main difference between the iPad and the Galaxy Tab, other than the OS, is the ability to upgrade the memory. The Galaxy Tab has a 16GB microSD card preinstalled and can be upgraded to a 32GB microSD card.

The Motorola Xoom(zoom) was the second major tablet released with the Android OS. The Xoom is the first device to run Android 3.0; the most recent version of the Android OS. Motorola has been a leader in developing and utilizing equipment for the Android OS. Motorola was one of the first major cell phone producers to release the Motorola Droid. In saying that, they have done a good job of leading the way for many mobile devices. The Xoom is a prime example of this. If I may get "techie" for a minute; the Xoom has a duel-core processor and 1GB of RAM. That's faster than some of the computers on the market right now. Like the Galaxy Tab, the Xoom can hold up to a 32GB microSD card.

Features:
All Android tablets have access to the Android Market. Here, apps can be downloaded and utilized on your Andriod Tablet. Most Android tablets, especially the newer ones, have cameras with them. The battery life of Android tablets are impresive as well. Like the iPad, they can give you at least 10 hrs. of use. Depending on what you are doing on your tablet, possibly longer. Android Tablets are also 100% touch screen. A keyboard or mouse is not needed in using an Android Tablet.

Below is a few images of the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Motorola Xoom.

Motorola Xoom                                  Samsung Galaxy Tab

Resources/Links:
Samsung Galaxy Tab info>  http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab
Android OS info>  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)

This week we will be talking about the Droid 2. This is Motorola’s newest Android phone. It is also one of the most powerful phones on the market. Verizon Wireless is the only carrier that offers the Droid 2. The Droid 2 is equipped with a 1GHz processor. This allows for fast internet surfing and video streaming. It also quicker response time when accessing apps. The Droid 2 supports up to a 32GB removable SD microSD card. This allows for tons of storage for music, pictures, videos, and apps. The Droid 2 is also a 3G mobile hotspot. This allows multiple devices to connect to the phone to gain 3G access to the internet. The greatest thing about the Droid 2 is that it runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) out of the box. The is Android’s newest and fastest operating system. It allows for faster “phone” speed and Flash 10.1. To simplify it, it utilizes the phones core components.Overall, the Droid 2 is a great phone. Until next time, happy teching!

Staying with our Android blogs, this week we are going to talk about the Motorola Droid X. The Droid X is the 2^nd “super phone” released by Motorola and one of the most powerful phones Verizon Wireless offers. Like the previous Android phones we have discussed, the Droid X is great. It comes loaded with tons of features and is one of the fastest phones on the market. The Droid X has a 1GHZ processor and can store up to 32GB of information. The Droid X also has a dedicated GPU. What does that mean? This phone has its own graphics card! This means the videos you watch, the games you play, and the pictures you take will be crisp and unmatched by other phones. The Droid X is also a 3G hotspot. You can connect up to 5 devices (laptops, phones, etc.) to the internet. Not to mention, the Droid X is also wifi capable.

Overall, this is a great phone. With the technology in the Droid X, not many phones can match it? Until next time, Happy Teching!

Staying with our Droid topic, this week we will be blogging about the HTC Droid Incredible. This Droid Incredible was the second release of the Droid phones that Verizon carries. This phone was the first of its kind to have a 1 GHz processor and 512MB RAM (that’s fast). Your basic desktop computer has a 2 GHz processor. My first computer had a 1.3 GHz processor with 256MB RAM. Although the original Droid was dubbed the iPhone killer, the Incredible was the device that gave Apple’s product a run for its money. The HTC Incredible is 100% touch screen and comes with a ton of features; Bluetooth, 8MP camera, WiFi, and they even added a lot of cool features to their social networking apps. This device also come standard with Google Maps.

Over all, this is a great phone. Be sure to check back this week as we compare the Incredible to the Droid. Until next time, happy teching!

A few weeks ago, we did a blogging series on popular cell phones. There was one model of cell phones we did not cover. This week, we will start our series on Android phones.

Android got its big break in September 2005 when it was purchased by Google. Android was a startup company then, but already had a lot of money invested into it along with some big names to support it. In November 2007, the Open Handset Alliance, OHA, was formed. This increased the popularity of the Android operating system. Some of the members of the Alliance include Google, HTC, Texas Instruments, and Qualcomm. In December 2008, the OHA added 14 members including Sony, Toshiba, and Asustek. I tell you all this so you can understand the interests in open source development for mobile devices. The first release of the os was in February 2009 with Android 1.1.

Android is a Linux based operating system. Linux is a free, open source OS. Because it is available to the public, programmers and software writers are developing new software daily to utilize the power of the Linux kernel. Android is a mobile based Linux OS that can be found a number of devices such as netbooks, tablets, and the purpose of this blog, mobile phones. This week we will be talking about the Motorola Droid which was released in November 2009. The name Droid is a trademark of Lucas Films. Verizon Wireless is the only carrier in the US that carries the Droid. The Droid is loaded with features. The Droid is a touch screen device with a QWERTY keyboard that slides out. The Droid also doubles as a turn-by-turn GPS, which comes standard and is free. Droid was released with Android 2.1, but an update for Android 2.2 was released in early August 2010 for this device. The update increases the phone speed and utilizes its core for better performance. Also, because of the update, the Motorola Droid is also one of the first phones to have Flash 10.1. This is a solid device with virtually limitless capabilities.
Be sure to stop by daily as we give you more info about the Motorola Droid. Until next time, happy teching!

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)