The New and Improved MyDigicel App

The new and improved MyDigicel Apps now give you more information than before. Their quick and easy sign up process give you access to Top up, Credit U, it even tells you when you activated your Sim Card.

Check it out!!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digicel.selfcare.mobile

Google Now TV Episode Reminder

So here you are again trying to remember when the latest episode of your favourite TV show is to be on TV, and little did you notice that the device to help you with that is in the palm of your hands. Android Devices has a handy little feature that many don't make use of and that's the Google Now Reminders.

Now to use this simply fire up your Google now, by saying "OK Google" or opening the Google Now app directly and speak the name of your TV show. Once the result comes up scroll down and select "Remind me about new episode" and that's it, Google Now will remind your once new episodes are release so you never have to worry about missing an episode.

Buying New vs Used Android

So here we are at the fork in the road..... new android or used android. Well it depends on the individual's pocket doesn't it?

Let's start with the new android:

Firstly, it's new...duh. Fresh out the box never used before, no scratches, earphones (maybe) and will 'maybe' get a whole year or two worth of updates. You will also get the latest hardware and software to date.  Lastly, new phones costs more, especially in Jamaica.

Now the used android:

Firstly, its used...duh. You'll be lucky if you get a box. All you will mostly likely get is the phone and the USB cable/charger. Your used phone will have scratches and it really depends on how the previous user cared the phone. Your phone may be at or getting close to the end of getting updates, not that you cannot get updates via custom ROMs if you like. Your hardware will be a little dated, mostly in terms of looks (slightly... maybe). Also, you would be in a position to get a flashed/mod phone. Lastly, used phones depending on condition and actual age of the phone will cost less.

Let's break it down:

Internal parts vary depending on the brand and what's hot at the moment. For example the snapdragon 400 processor is common amongst smart phones and the latest version is the snapdragon 500. Now we all know that the iteration will more than likely have some enhancement that utilities the processor the best way possible but the question is, is it worst chucking your older smart phone or buying new vs used?

Example: I have a 1.2ghz quad core processor. There are phones with 1.5/1.7/2ghz etc processors which are technically faster but does that mean my current phone cannot manage the same tasks? Will I actually feel the speed? If you do a comparative test using for example the 'quadrant standard' app, my phone will score less that a new phone but it doesn't mean my phone isn't powerful.

In my opinion, you will hardly notice the difference if any at all. The biggest factor should be whether the phone has enough memory. That's where the problem usually resides. 1gb of memory is the current base standard for smart phones, so getting a phone with anything less is ludicrous. Don't purchase a used phone more than two years old to the current date. That is, its now 2014 so don't buy any lower that a 2012 phone.

I know this seems like I'm promoting used over new but it was necessary to focus on showing that used/a little older phones are worthy of purchase and there nothing wrong with saving some money and getting a cool smart phone.

Motorola Moto G

Specs:
5 MP, 2592х1944 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
8/16 GB, 1 GB RAM
Android OS, v4.4.2

Great phone for a great price, that's simply what this phone is. After spending a few weeks playing with this device I must say its pretty good. With its 1.2 Quad-core processor you can just about anything without much lag, the material gives a nice feel in the hands so you wont feel like its about to fall every time you take it up. The sound quality on this device is also pretty good and its very loud (frightened me a few times when ringing).

The 1GB memory does its job but once you have a lot things up and running you might feel it lag every now and then but its not a deal breaker. The camera is not really the best thing in the world but it does take good pictures. After comparing the camera to a Blackberry Bold 9780 5MP camera I must say the bold takes better picture especially at night, but none the less if your moving up from a Blackberry such as a Bold and don't care much for a slight difference in the quality of your pictures the Moto G is a good starting point.

To sum things up the Moto G is a good phone without breaking the piggy bank, you wont be disappointed with the performance and for all those persons making their transition from Blackberry to Android its a good start.

My favorite games

We all have spare time or at least make some during the course of our day. In that spare time some of us play games, weather it be on our mobile device or gaming console.

So here are a few of my favorite mobile games (In no particular order):

1. Reaper: RPG coolness. Days of game play. Upgrade your armour, swords etc and kick butt while exploring the map. Game story is cool in my opinion.
2. Dead Trigger:  Cause blasting zombies is awesome and scary (whats with the zombie fascination lately though).
3. Fruit Ninja:  This is a classic fruit cutting game on the Android OS (Warning: you will rub your finger tips off lol).
4. Real Boxing:  Boxing game...duh.  You can customize your character and work your way through three championship belts.  Pretty decent when you get the hang of the fighting style.
5. Real Racing:  Racing game...duh.  This game is cool, your achievements are saved to your Google account (if activated) and tells you when a friend beats your time on.  Plenty of tracks and cars to purchase.  Modify your car, get an agent and make money to unlock new tracks and cars.
6. Totem Runner:  This game is a runner i.e. your character runs without your assistance, you just tap.  Story is, the world has been corrupted and your aim is to run through the level bring back life to the world.  You've got 2 animal forms you can take to help you avoid obstacles.
7. Clash of Clans: If you've ever plays age of empire, settlers, warcraft or any strategic games similar to those Clash of Clans is a good way to spend your free time building your base and taking on other player worldwide. I've personally spent month playing this game and definitely recommend it.
8. Zenonia : Good RPG game to button smash some monthers and upgrade your avatar with the good gears.
9. Plants vs Zombies 2: Its free and its plants vs zombies and its addictive what more can i say.
10. Angry Birds Go: This is a fun racing game from the makers of angry birds.
11. Major Mayhem:  Nice shoot-em-up runner.  Rescue your girlfriend and save your country against ninjas.

Well that's that for now in the games category.

Google in your Audi

Google has linked with car company Audi to place Android tech inside their automobile. The dashboard will sport a 10.2 inch modified tablet-like interface and works with the already on-board systems e.g. Navigation.

This is apart of Google's Announced "Open Automotive Alliance".

Source: AndroidCentral

Google to buy the company "Nest"

Google is shelling out some serious coin again. This time they are going to purchase “Nest” for $3.2 billion dollars (Austin Powers’s accent included).

Nest is the maker of smart thermostats and smoke alarm systems. Nest will keep their current leadership with co-founder Tony Fadell and work as a separate unit. Integration with Android OS will be a part of their later plans.

Source: AndroidCentral