![Instagram photos come alive with Canvaspop, a service that prints your pics on canvas to mount on your wall [Reviews]](http://rajeshrr.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/f3489_canvaspop-02_wall-70x70.jpg)
Instagram hit the ground running when it debuted last month, amassing more than 10 million downloads and $1 billion in the process. To celebrate the launch, Androinica.com partnered with CanvasPop to give Android users a chance to turn those filtered digital photos into tangible canvas prints that they can place on their wall. After a month of giveaways, we decided to check it out up close and personal.
CanvasPop agreed to send me a 12 x 12 print of an Instagram photo to review how it looks. After going through my 15 photos, I settled on an image of a local performing arts center. The original photo taken with a Samsung Infuse featured a greenish-blue tone because of reflective glass, and by the time I applied the Walden filter in Instagram, the resulting image just made me feel peaceful.
The 12 x 12 print arrived a few days later. My photo was printed smoothly on a nice canvas and surprised me. I expected the image to be blurry, grainy, or pixelated because Instagram by nature diminishes photo quality. It pretty much has to when you force a square resolution on a picture taken with a smartphone designed to share photos online. Then common sense kicks in and says, “Hey, an image meant for phones probably won’t scale that great when printed.” That’s not exactly the case. Yes, the print does look like you’re zoomed in when you’re up close, but how often will you be a foot away from something hanging on your wall? The print has clarity as long as it’s held from a distance of two feet or farther, which you will be most of the time.
An Instagram print might not be the best solution if you plan to keep the canvas in your cubicle, but it’s perfectly fine when on the wall in an office or mounted on a wall with other images. I love my current canvas, but the 12 x 12 size is too small for the living room. I decided to place it on a smaller wall in a bedroom until I can anchor it with other prints or objects. (FYI Canvaspop has a larger 20 x 20 size for Instagram prints.)
The canvas material and mounting quality were all good. A pair of plastic knobs is at the bottom to prevent scratching or unevenness, and the image bleeds nicely into the black edges. I’m pleased with the results and plan to order a couple more that will complement my current canvas.
CanvasPop prints are available starting at $39.99 plus shipping. Visit Canvaspop.com to upload your image and place an order.
here’s the original image:
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Google Maps is the premiere navigation Android app on Android, but it’s not the only one. A handful of worthy alternatives exist, especially in places where Maps is sometimes unreliable or incomplete, but they cost money. CoPilot creator ALK Technologies has created a new app that tries to play both sides of the fence. The basic features of directions and POI search are free in CoPilot GPS, but the full slate that includes voice-guided navigation will cost you. Is it worth it?
That’s tough to say. In most ways, CoPilot GPS is just an improved version of the CoPilot Live apps previously covered on Androinica.com. Unfortunately, it still uses a backward address input system that requires users to enter an address in sections rather than one continuous line. CoPilot GPS is an otherwise solid app that offers point to point directions and helps users plan the best possible route. CoPilot offers directions and searches multiple points of interests along the way. That means you’ll have an easy time knowing where and when to stop to eat, find an acceptable restaurant or hotel, get gas, or find places to party, shop, and play.
CoPilot GPS offers those features, along with three route alternatives, and more for free. Users are able to get 2D street maps stored on the device and available for offline use, which is a distinct advantage over the cloud model used in Google Maps that requires a web connection. However, to truly be on par with Google Maps, there needs to be voice navigation. CoPilot GPS offers that and these premium features through a $14.99 in-app purchase:
- Turn-by-turn voice navigation
- Speed limit warnings
- ClearTurn lane indicators for complex intersections
- 3D map views
Google Maps is still all that most people need, which puts a serious drain on CoPilot’s business prospects. But for people who are traveling and need offline storage, or only need quality directions, CoPilot is a solid competitor. Those who love the app can decide to upgrade to the premium features, that will probably be a small sector of users. Download the app from Google Play to see if it’s good enough to be your new navigator. Android 1.6 or higher is required.
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We’re always happy to see companies make their apps more in line with the Android user interface conventions, and Evernote is the latest to embrace the change. The latest version of Evernote features an ICS-inspired design that aims to be swifter, look better, and easier to use.
Evernote has a new Action bar that puts common functions just one tap away. That means you can quickly edit, share, or tag a note while you’re viewing it, or you can search, filter, and create new notes when browsing a list. Speaking of lists, notebook lists have been redesigned to have shared and personal notebooks in one area. It’s a nice change to go along with the thumbnail previews previously seen when a note contains photos.
The biggest change occurs in the home screen that appears when someone launches Evernote. The four main buttons for creating a note, taking a picture, recording an audio note, and attaching a file to a note appear with large icons. Below that is a list of Notes, Notebooks, Tags, and Places that users can browse, as well as search. The home screen has a new look and is easily accessible via a swipe to the right or tapping the elephant icon in the top left corner.
Evernote’s changes are primarily cosmetic ones, but there’s also a “Places” tab that shows notes created with location services enabled. A map plots out notes created in certain areas, which might be relevant if you travel often or wish to have some location data associated with your notes.
Download Evernote from Google Play to see the changes up close. Android 1.6 or higher is required to use the app.
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If you are a Galaxy Nexus owner chances are you have been wondering where in the H-E-double-hockey-sticks the 3-pin navigation mount is. It was only recently that the GSM version of the device received access to the other 3-pin accessories and until now the nav mount was nowhere to be seen. UK online retailer Clove UK has finally gotten word that the official 3-pin mount will be in stock next Tuesday, May 22nd and will retail for £49.99 ($79). You can place your order now and they will ship out the mount first thing on Tuesday. Hit up the source link to place your order.
We still haven’t heard a peep about when, or if the accessory will be available here in the states but you can bet your bottom dollar that we will let you know if it does ever become available. The navigation mount is one of the main features that I was looking forward to when purchasing the Galaxy Nexus and I am still a bit bitter that Verizon hasn’t approved the official navigation mount. Way to go Big Red. Hopefully you Sprint customers have better luck.
source: Clove UK
With Google continuing its push into the TV market and not letting Google TV die it’s hard being an early adopter of new technology. The Logitech Revue is a prime example of an early adoption device that didn’t receive much fanfare. The once $299 device dropped to just $99 in hopes that the product would move. Well if you’re hesitant about Google TV and are not wanting to drop a serious chunk of change on a device then this deal might be for you. Newegg is selling a refurbished model of the Revue for just $73.99.
This box goes beyond Apple TV and the Roku media streaming option by packing in the ability to download apps, having a web browser and coming with a keyboard. It was knocked, however, for lacking support for Hulu and having a lack of app selection options. Netflix and Pandora seem to be the only highlight in regards to media sources.
The device was updated to Google TV 2.0 in hopes to remedy the fully admitted flop the device was. However even though it was reported that the device was sold out it’s still safe to say the device did not fair well. So why would you want one you ask? Well because it’s yet another Android device that can be tinkered with. I know that appeals to some Android fanatics out there. While I am waiting on the next batch of Google TV devices to arrive, it’s hard not to jump on this deal.
Speaking of deals, while you’re at it you can check out Daily Steals as they are selling a refurbished Motorola Xoom 10.1 WiFi/3G tablet for $269.99. The kicker, it’s unlocked too. It comes with support for any GSM network, Android 3.0 (upgradable to Ice Cream Sandwich) and 32GB of storage.
Hit the links below to snag your Android deals. What about you guys out there? Have you had any luck with your Logitech Revue or is this a good enough deal to consider one? Let us know either in the comment section below or over in the forums.
sources: Newegg, Daily Steals
via: c|net
As a blogger in the mobile tech space we receive plenty of requests from companies looking for help on the Kickstarter programs. Sometimes it a smartphone stand, other times it’s a tablet holder. Once in a while it’s software. While we try to help spread the word as much as possible, sometimes it’s tough to get behind products or services. That is hardly the case with this new Android-related app/home screen. It’s called Chameleon and it’s the future of home screens on Android tablets.
Set to arrive later this fall (September), Chameleon is a time-aware and location-aware way of presenting you with your most important and often-used apps. If you’re like me then you wake up and head right into RSS readers, emails, the calendar, and weather. At night, I find myself reading a different set of news sites, checking IMDb, catching up on books and magazines, and maybe getting in a game or two. Chameleon can be set up so that it gives me an entirely different home screen based on time of day or where I am (GPS) on the map. No, this isn’t just a panel with widgets or a customizable launch bar. This is much more than that. It’s a totally sexy and smart way of presenting your most relevant information and applications.
You can pledge as little as $1 to help the developers (Teknision) reach their goal of $50,000 but $5 will ensure you get a copy of Chameleon ahead of time. You can also buy it once it arrives in the Google Play store and load it on your tablet. If you don’t have a tablet just yet then we say cough up a buck and sleep better tonight. If you do own a tablet that meets the requirements then you’re going to want to contribute at a higher level.
This is exactly the kind of stuff that Android needs for its tablet interface. Not only can it run atop of anything else that your manufacturer loads ahead of time, it’s the prettiest looking stuff we’ve seen thus far. Our only hope here is that Teknision isn’t bought out only to arrive as a specific experience for one particular tablet maker. This needs to be everywhere.
The future of Android tablet home screens looks like this… originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
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Earlier this month we saw the announcement of the LG Optimus LTE II. While details on specs were fuzzy we did know that it would come with a whopping 2GB of RAM and a TRUE HD IPS Display. Other than that mum was the word in regards to the other specs. However that’s all changed as it appears that more details have surfaced and it appears that it’s going to be a powerhouse of a phone. Besides the 2GB of RAM and True HD IPS display here is what it’ll have under the hood:
- 1.5GHz Dual-Core Processor
- 4.7-inch 1280×720 display
- 1.3 MP front Camera with 8 MP rear camera
- NFC
- 16GB of storage
- a Micro SD slot
- 2150mAh battery.
- Android 4.0 with LG’s new Optimus UI 3.0
This device is looking to be released in South Korea this week and will be seen in the U.S. and Canada, among others, later in the summer. However as per the usual, there isn’t an exact launch date or information on which carriers will sport the device. Given that AT&T (Nitro HD) and Verizon (Spectrum) have their own versions of the original Optimus LTE. But it looks as if we will only have to wait a few short months to get this sequel device. Does that excite you folks out there?
source: phonedog
It’s a shame that the HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint and the HTC One X are being held up at Customs until a review is completed of these two devices as result of an ITC ruling. The HTC EVO 4G LTE was scheduled to launch tomorrow across Sprint and other third party retailers, but the date is going to pass as Sprint informs its customers of the issue at Customs. Unfortunately, Best Buy has been heavily promoting its pre-order promotion for the EVO 4G LTE, but those orders will clearly not be delivered on time.
Today, however, Best Buy has been reportedly emailing customers who pre-ordered the EVO 4G LTE saying it would ship on May 23. Now, there isn’t an official post from Best Buy, Sprint, or HTC on the shipment matter, but the email screen below (received by AndroidCentral) does look legitimate.
I imagine we will find out in a couple of days whether the HTC EVO 4G LTE will, indeed, ship to Best Buy customers who pre-ordered the device.
[AndroidCentral]
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Description
Smart Ball is a logic and strategic video game in which the ball has to reach the end of the path. In order to do that you should strategically place the pieces in each level.
The videogame has 21 different pieces 100 levels with raising difficulty and 5 worlds.
Moreover you have a scenario editor where you can create your own levels and play it save in your device or share them with others and see if they can beat your level.
Features
* 5 Worlds
* 100 Levels
* All Users Levels
* 6 Diferent Scenarios
* 21 Diferent Pieces
* HD Game
* Nice Music
* Full Level Editor
The great thing about Android is the fact that if you don’t like the way it looks, you can use a slew of various launcher applications to change it to work for you. NOVA Launcher and Go Launcher are just a few of the launcher options you have. However the one thing I find with every launcher I’ve used is that even though I set it to work great for me, it still feels not as efficient as it should be. Mind you I am talking about my tablet UI. Ice Cream Sandwich on the Nexus works perfectly in my opinion. Enter Chameleon. The launcher we told you about back in March looks to make inefficiency a thing of the past. While this UI is nothing short of revolutionary it didn’t hit the target market the company intended it for. Intended for OEMs the company behind the UI couldn’t find a buyer.
Rather than give up they’re taking to the UI to Kickstarter. Their goal is $50,000. Now I know what you’re thinking. Why the heck would we pay for a UI that’s only in the prototype stage let alone at all? Well the company has more than just a Photoshop rendering of the the UI as you will see from the videos below the UI looks amazing. And if you’re still skeptical the company behind Chameleon, Teknision, is listed as one of the designers behind the BlackBerry PlayBook‘s UI.
So if you feel like supporting what should be a very well done UI that’s already in the works, hit the source link below. Here’s hoping they meet their mark because this is going to be a great GUI. Again, you can check out the videos of this UI in motion after the break. Enjoy!
sources: Teknision, Kickstarter
via: Android Police
