Gizmodo has compiled a list of the 8 best free texting apps for a variety of smartphones. Their favorite pick? Google Voice. No charges, no ads, and doubles as a second phone line. For more detailed reviews of each app, click through. For the impatient, here's a quick breakdo ...more
You can run Android 2.3 Gingerbread on your Sprint HTC Hero. Watch this video to learn how to use CyanogenMod to install Android 2.3 Gingerbread on your HTC Hero. Here is the link for the described in the ...more
Your BlackBerry smartphone will let you take photos, videos and make audio recordings as well. But, as some point, you'll want to move them to your home computer for further use. This simple how-to from AT&T takes you step by step through the process. You'll need to install Bl ...more
Always falling asleep behind the wheel? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there are over 56,000 sleep-related accidents each year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths annually in the United States. Don't want to be a statistic? ...more
In this tutorial, learn how to get a little bit of Droid on your iPhone. You will get a step by step on how to install the Android locking screen on your iPhone 3G or 3GS. This requires a jailbroken, Cydia-enabled phone and a little work, but the cool effect is totally worth i ...more
Trying to install an app on your Android smartphone that you got somewhere other than the Android market? You'll need to side load it. Watch this video to learn how to side load third party Android apps downloaded on your mobile device.
On the same day that Google+ introduced mobile hangouts to the world, I received an email from Skype introducing GroupMe, which sounds suspiciously similar to Google+'s messaging feature on mobile. GroupMe allows you to do group messaging, have one-on-one conversations with yo ...more
If you are interested in installing Gingerbread on your rooted Samsung Galaxy Tab, check out this video. You'll want to download Stock GB as well as Overcome and the ROM. You'll use Odin to install Gingerbread on the Android tablet.
Shake it like a Polaroid picture is out. Shake it for a screenshot on an Android phone is in. Watch this video to learn how to download and install the screenshot app for your Android phone that takes a screenshot when you shake the phone.
If you are looking for an alternative to Odin, you can try Heimdall, a third party software designed for flashing firmware to Samsung mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. Watch this video to learn how to use Heimdall to install firmware on your Samsung Android de ...more
If you want to flash the Continuum v5 ROM on your Samsung Captivate, make sure to watch this video first. You'll learn how to download Continuum and install the ROM onto your Android smartphone using Odin. Educate yourself before you flash your Captivate!
Tawkon has developed an app for the iPhone, Android, and Blackberry that measures the radiation levels at any given time. The demonstration below shows how the radiation levels go up for each phone when a "death grip" is applied. What's a death grip, you may ask? A death grip ...more
Want to install Froyo on your Moto Droid Google Android smartphone? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this mobile phone hacker's guide can present a complete overview of the process in about eight minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, ta ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to install a replacement LCD screen on a Blackberry Pearl. First remove the cover and battery from the phone. Then, you will take a tool and remove the clips from the left and right side of the back to remove the bottom. You will now find two mor ...more
Everybody has them. You can say you don't, but it's probably a lie. There's at least one person on your mobile phone that you never, ever want to pick up the phone for. When they call, you cringe and immediately hit the silent button. They're annoying. Overbearing. You hate th ...more
A few weeks ago, I wrote about why I think streaming music services like Rdio.com are better than Apple‘s iTunes Music Store. This week, I follow up with a how-to about Rdio for Mac, a desktop music player that streams music from your Rdio.com account. Even though Apple is int ...more
When Apple‘s iTunes was introduced back in 2001, it rekindled my interest and purchasing of music. I was so excited by the program that I immediately started converting all my rather large collection of CDs into MP3 tracks. I then sold off my CDs and remaining vinyl albums, an ...more
Android-enabled mobile devices are taking the world by storm, giving Apple's iPhone a run for their money. And if you're holding an Android cell phone in your hand, getting accustomed to all the flashy features can be daunting, especially if you're new to multimedia smartphone ...more
Have you ever noticed that whenever you setup your voicemail account after getting a new cell phone number, it asks you to create a security pin to access your voicemail from other phone lines? When you call your home or cell number from another phone, after a few rings your ...more
Most people know how to take a screencap on their PC or laptop, but what about your mobile device? Taking a screencap on your phone can be very useful. For example, if you are reviewing an app you may need screencaps, or if you are having a problem and wish to ask someone else ...more
Adding a SIM card to your Samsung Galaxy Tab is easy! If you have this new Android tablet and are looking to see how to install the SIM card, this video will clearly show you how it's done. Simply remove the slot's cover, insert the SIM card, making sure it's secure and snug, ...more
In this clip, you'll see what it takes to wipe and install a custom ROM on a Moto Droid Google Android mobile phone. Whether you're interested in rooting your own Motorola Droid smartphone or just want to learn more about the process, you're sure to be well served by this vide ...more
In this how-to video, you will learn how to install and use Google Maps on your Blackberry Storm 9500. First, go to the main menu of the device and go to applications. Now, find Google Maps on this list. Click on it and press Install. Now it will connect to the internet. Scrol ...more
In this clip, you'll see what it takes to install RSD Lite 4.6 to flash your Moto Droid Google Android mobile phone. Whether you're interested in rooting your own Motorola Droid smartphone or just want to learn more about the process, you're sure to be well served by this vide ...more
If you own a BlackBerry or any other wireless phone, then why not install the application Yahoo! Go! on it? Yahoo! Go! is a cool tool for your cell phone and is easily installed. So, view the weather or a map with this handy mobile phone application. This video tutorial will ...more
Learn how to install a custom ROM on a rooted HTC MyTouch Slide Google Android smartphone. Whether you want to learn how load a custom ROM on your own MyTouch Slide or just want to see how it's done, you're sure to be well-served by this three-minute hacker's how-to. For detai ...more
Though only just released, the official Skype client for Android has already been unlocked. Thanks to xeudoxus of DroidForums.net, American Android users may now do what their European counterparts have been able to do all along: make free Skype-to-Skype voice calls over 3G. ...more
These days, there seems to be an endless amount of music player apps accessible on the web, from Pandora to Cantio, and the amount available in the mobile market is constantly growing. If you have an Android device, you're probably well aware of Jukefox, which lets you listen ...more
This video will explain what you need to do to successfully download and install the Gingerblur rom for a Motorola ATRIX cell phone. Watch this video if you are interested in flashing this ROM to your Android smartphone. Using ADB is optional in this install.
Check out this video to learn how to use Set CPU for Android. This video explains how to install SetCPU, including the system requirements for doing so. Watch this video and then follow along with your phone to get SetCPU running.
Want to install and set up ADB on your Windows PC? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this rooter's guide can present a complete overview of the complete process in just over four minutes. For all of the details, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
In this tutorial, we learn how to wipe a BlackBerry using BBsak. First, download and install this program to your computer. Next, connect your phone to your computer. Open up the BBSAK program, then enter your information in. Now, make sure your device is backed up. After this ...more
For those who need security on their Android devices, the standard swipe lock screen just isn't enough, so it's necessary to install applications like GOTO and WidgetLocker to enable either pattern, password or PIN protection. This protection is great overall, but when you're ...more
Flash is now supported by the Android family of phones! You need to run two updates to Froyo and then install Adobe Flash onto your phone. Once you've done that, you can get the Flash player directly to your phone and browse Flash-based content on the web!
With Android OS 2.2, Froyo, your can tell your Android to automatically update software. You will learn how to turn on automatic updates and simultaneously install multiple updates at one time, and more @ butterscotch.com: http://bit.ly/bpNZbf
In this Electronics video tutorial you will learn how to tether a laptop to a Droid Smartphone for free Wi-Fi. For this you will need the android wifi tether application. Download the version for your device from here and install it. Then launch the app and press the icon to s ...more
Want to use an HTC-style keyboard on a Google Nexus One? It can be done! Whether you're the owner of a Google Nexus One Android smartphone or just covet one, you're sure to enjoy this Nexus One owner's guide from Nexus One Hacks, which presents a complete, step-by-step walkthr ...more
Learn how to load a custom ROM on a rooted HTC Droid Eris Google Android smartphone with unrEVOked. Whether you want to learn how load a custom ROM on your own HTC Droid Eris or just want to see how it's done, you're sure to be well-served by this seven-minute hacker's how-to. ...more
In this clip, you'll learn how to install and use text-to-speech on an HTC Droid Eris phone. Whether you're a proud owner of the Verizon Droid Eris Google Android smartphone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this video tutorial. For more inf ...more
Interested in loading a custom Hero ROM onto your MyTouch 3G Google Android smartphone? You'll need to root it first. Happily, it's a very easy process. And this three-part hacker's how-to will teach you everything you'll need to know. Learn how to root and install a Hero ROM ...more
Android smartphones have all sorts of connectivity chips built in, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, and mobile data. But what about AM or FM radio, two of the most common methods of wireless communication? The truth is, it really depends on your device. Some phones come ...more
In this video, we learn how to hack your Android phone. First, plug your phone into the USB to your computer. Now, search for telnet on your phone and install it onto your phone. Download this client to your phone from the Google Marketplace, then you can unplug your phone fro ...more
Wayne with Vodafone Help Centre demonstrates how to use the application center on a Blackberry Storm 2 phone. First tap on the Blackberry key to bring up the main menu. Then choose the application center option. Click yes to update the application list. Choose app world and in ...more
With give or take 250 million cars in America, odds are most city dwellers waste time hunting for parking spots. And while a smartphone app can't make free parking spots magically appear, it can aid in the searching process. The Parker app isn't new to the iPhone, but its fou ...more
Here are the instruction on how to download and get started: http://www.usatoday.com/marketing/brand_mkt/landing/junaio/index.html This is a pretty cool app for the android. It is actually a panoramic view of the Super Bowl stadium & a few special rooms (ie locker rooms...). ...more
You can get music from your iTunes library onto your Android phone! You won't need anything special to make this happen - it's a free download from DoubleTwist. Download and install (it only takes a few minutes), then boot up your phone and start syncing your music!
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use a GPS/navigation free on a Verizon Blackberry Storm phone. Begin by clicking on Browser and go to this web address: Google Maps. Now install the application onto your phone. To access it, go to Applications and select Google Map ...more
Fed up with the standard Android home screen, but don't want to root your smartphone? Then a launcher app is what you're looking for. It's nothing new, with past home screen launcher apps like LauncherPro, HelixLauncher and any from ADW Things, which transform your home screen ...more
It's called a Quick Response code, but most know it simply as QR code, a matrix barcode dedicated to the world of smartphones. The information contained within the square black modules could be text, a URL, vCard, or some other kind of data. And even though mobile tagging has ...more
Last week, I demonstrated how to go a little deeper into your Google+ profiles, photos, and introduced cross-posting. This week, I'm highlighting a bunch of different unofficial resources that have sprung up that will help improve your Google+ experience, and give you the late ...more
We use ADB and Fastboot for so many things in our softModder tutorials, and to get them, you normally have to download the entire Android SDK and install them. But not anymore. shimp208 over at XDA Developers has made a minimal installer that we can download that'll only give ...more
There are so many apps out there that it can be hard to decide which ones you should keep on your phone, especially if you're working with limited storage capacity. Sure, you can install and uninstall apps depending on when you need them, but that can be a little tedious. Tha ...more
There are dozens of apps like Glympse, Family Locator, and Find My Kids that let parents see where their children's phones are, but they all have one fatal flaw: It's incredibly easy to spoof locations to make it look like the phone is somewhere else. Apps can't get direct ac ...more
Smartphones are now indispensable when traveling. Domestic and overseas travel alike require food, navigation, translation, and so much more to make work or vacation successful. Gone are the days of lugging multiple tourist books around with you everywhere you go — you need to ...more
Brand loyalty is one of the main factors behind our decision to choose a particular mobile device, but it doesn't have to be the entire equation. Educated consumers know that certain devices simply fit their budget and usage better than others, which means you can't always let ...more
With thousands of people across the country protesting, you might be thinking about joining the march. But as is too often the case, law enforcement has been called to oversee the protests, and interactions aren't always peaceful or lawful. One of the most effective preventat ...more
Facebook essentially strong-armed us all into installing their standalone Messenger app for mobile devices, but the recent initiative that allows third-party development on the platform definitely makes it worth your time. We've been having a lot of fun with all the new Messe ...more
Who doesn't love listening to music or playlists when driving? The open road and an awesome playlist make for a perfect pairing, but it can become quite the challenge if you're trying to navigate at the same time. That's why Waze's built-in audio controls for compatible apps l ...more
Stories are everywhere in social media today, but that wasn't always the case. In 2013, Snapchat introduced the world to these temporary windows into our daily lives. Since then, stories have infiltrated other popular apps. However, to stand out, you can't solely rely on the a ...more
The COVID-19 pandemic has practically shut down all sports except for World Wrestling Entertainment, which has continued staging matches without an audience, leaving us sports fans with nothing much to cheer for. While they can't replace live games, smartphone games provide an ...more