Sirius XM has just released a free update for its Android Internet Radio App. Tune Start allows listeners to restart a current song and Live Radio can be paused and continued or skipped forward to catch what is coming up. Start Now lets the user go back up to 5 hours on various channels. Show Finder is a programmable guide to set reminders up for an entire week and organize favorites. Current subscribers should receive it automatically and newbies can get the app from Google Play.
According to the NY Times, a Ferris Research report claims that during 2011, about 4.5 billion spam texts were received on cell phones last year, over twice the amount received in 2009 (2.2 billion.) While some really cannot hurt you, others can steal your personal information if you click on it and either sign up for a service or take a survey.
Not only can you lose your identity, it can cost you money and sap your text messaging limits. If you receive one, don't reply, report it to your carrier or, if you have an Android smartphone, there is an app for that.
Note: The very night after posting this we received a spam and forwarded it quite easily via phone. If you receive one, definitely contact your carrier. Hopefully, they will do something with the evil number.
Move over, Skymall, there's a new shopping service in the friendly skies. Delta will soon offer free access to Amazon as part of its overall WiFi service. Shop for shoes, watch a film, grab an app or download an eBook. Delta has been offering WiFi service via GoGo for a while now and users can choose between a Day Pass for $12.00, a monthly Traveler Pass for $34.95 and an Annual Pass for $399.95.
Addicted to Twitter? Then you will really like Gnzo, a multi-video viewer app. You can keep in touch with family and friends by posting up to 30 video clips at a time, at a maximum of 6 seconds each. Now in beta, you can arrange the photos in whatever order you like, create a search and post them on Twitter or Facebook. The application is a freebie and compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/iPad with iOS 4.3 or later.
WowWee has turned from its usual botty stuff to AppGear, a combination of iOS and Android applications with action figures. Launching at the CES 2012, six of them will launch at prices between $9.99 - $19.99. Foam Fighters, Alien Jailbreak and Zombie Burbs are some of the titles and, from a peek at the video, it would seem that the physical toy is the object of the attack.
Roku continues to become even more accessible with an iPhone remote app. Users can control the set top box by a swipe or touch, add or remove channels or launch and rate channels. The app is free and the company notes that an Android version is on the way. Last week they also updated the Roku 2 and LT players with MKV playback support, updated game performance, better audio and longer battery life.
If you think Spotify is one of the best imports from the UK ever, then you will be pleased to know that there are apps to make the music service even more utile. For now, the left sidebar includes apps like Billboard music charts, lyrics for karaoke night and Rolling Stone reviews.
Spotify has also been busy on its basic service. There are trending play lists and top tracks, predictive searches, a buddy list to see what your pals are listening to and a people list to add new ones.
Do you covet your buds' Android devices because you cannot play the latest version of Angry Birds or go outside and find the location of Pluto? Covet no more, just download the free BlueStacks App Player. The add-on switches between Windows and Android without the need for a reboot. It simply creates a minimized window on your PC or laptop. The player comes preloaded with 10 apps and you can install up to 26 more of your choosing. The ViewSonic ViewPad 10 Pro will soon be available as well and will support unlimited apps.
We previously told you about Western Digital's My Book Live that delivers storage at 100 Mbps, 3 times the speed of USB 2.0. Included is an integrated DLNA compatible media server for streaming video, audio or images to game consoles, Blu-ray players and other devices. Even better, after retooling, the new WD 2go app allow mobile access to files without a monthly fee. A Pro version for $2.99 lets you save locally and share nicely with others.
Talk O'Clock is more than your basic speaking alarm app. The unique free call service is in the beta stage right now and allows anyone with a Facebook account to call anyone else to wake her/him up. You enter your phone number, select the gender of the caller and time you wish to waken and you are all set to be roused by a stranger. If no one is available, a CallO'Bot handles the chore.
Of course, the reverse is also possible and you can be the one who audibly nudges the sleeper. Available for PCs, the company is working on Android and iOS devices. So we are thinking that this would be nice if someone could get their mom onboard, but a complete stranger has definite overtones of creepy.
Taking a cue from Hulu Plus, Netflix has added support for 25 more devices with an updated Android app that includes access to Thunderbolt and Atrix. It links to HTC Droid or EVO, Motorola Droid, Samsung Galaxy and other smartphones. The app is free from the Android Market, works on both wired 3G and WiFi systems, and includes search.
Samsung has announced that over 5 million globally have downloaded their Smart TV app platform. Considering the fact that it only launched in Feb. 2010, that is pretty impressive. They attribute their success to their variety of videos, games, sports and other media that can be found in over 120 countries, including 3D capability. Programming is country-specific, making all those naysayers who didn't believe in the concept sit up and take notice.
You can get up to speed by joining the Samsung revolution with your own Smart TV or purchasing the LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader.
Some of Panasonic's Viera TVs are now compatible with a WiFi app for your iPhone/iPad. When in use, a keyboard interface appears for direct typing and gesture control is enabled. Shake your device and a power-off button appears so that you can turn off your HDTV remotely. (The kids will love that one.) The app is free, is compatible with the Plasma VT30 Series, GT30 Series, ST30 Series LCD, DT30 Series and D30 Series HDTVs and can be found on the iTunes Store.
HBO subscribers can look forward to an app for their portable devices as well as their PCs. HBO Go will soon stream the channel's movies and TV episodes to iPad/iPhones/Android smartphones and is unlimited and instant, with plenty of HD content. Reportedly any season is available for free, as well as bonus features and extras, giving us another excuse to never leave the house for entertainment. Look for the portable service to come out early next month.
Sirius XM Updates Android App
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