Android 4.2 is not Key Lime Pie, sticks with the Jellybean name

I'm sorry to say that the latest version of Android is not Key Lime Pie. Version 4.2 is staying with the Jellybean name, most likely because it is a smaller update that adds only a few new features. Speaking of features. Let's take a look at the upcoming features that you can expect in the new version.

Multiple user accounts
In this new version, users can make multiple log in accounts for children, a spouse, or anyone else they would like. Each user can customize their home screens, apps, and email addresses. Changing accounts is easy, it is done from the lock screen very similar to a Windows log in screen. This will allow parents to control what apps the child has access to and keeps contacts, emails and other important information away from them. As a parent this is a huge feature. My son has bought apps on more than one occasion, but those issues are a thing of the past.

Google Now updated
Google Now is a virtual assistant that can give you reminders of appointments, weather conditions, traffic, and many other things. It is by far a much better solution than Apple's Siri virtual assistant. However, it isn't perfect. It's getting closer with the new updates in the form of more cards. Now you will receive flight reminders, dinner reservations, local events, movie times and locations, and you can track your shipments all in one place. I personally loved Google Now before the update (it is my favorite thing about Android by far) and now it's just gotten even sweeter.

New camera app
The camera app has been stripped of all the confusing menus opting for another confusing, ring style menu. Just hold the viewfinder to bring up a circle of options and drag your finger over an option to select it. That's not the only thing that has changed, though. A new feature called PhotoSphere has been added. It's like a panoramic photo on steroids. It allows you to take a full 360 degree photo of your surroundings as well as taking vertical panoramic shots. It's a pretty cool feature, but I personally have had access to panoramic photos and I almost never use them.

New keyboard with gesture typing
It seems like Google is never happy with the stock keyboard because every minor update seems to modify it in some way. This is a major update to the keyboard as it adds gesture typing natively. My favorite alternative keyboard is Swype. I use it all the time and I find it much faster and more accurate than the stock keyboard. However, Swype seems to crash...A LOT. It's nice to have the same style of typing integrated into the stock keyboard experience. One improvement over Swype and other gesture based keyboards is that a word bubble pops up showing you what word the keyboard is predicting that you want to type. Neat, but you'll be too busy typing quickly to really make good use of it.

New screen saver
This feature is called Daydream and is totally pointless on a phone, almost pointless on a tablet. Daydream is an old school style, desktop screen saver for your device. It will cycle through random pictures in your camera roll. I have an iPad which has a similar feature but I barely ever use it. Now imagine putting that on a small 4.5" display that is meant to be in your pocket when you aren't using it. Sound very useful? I don't think so.

Miracast, aka Airplay for Android
I don't care what people say, copying Apple is almost always a good thing. Google's latest Xerox is called Miracast. It operates almost the exact same way as Airplay for iOS. It will mirror what is on your display wirelessly to your HDTV, assuming your HDTV is compatible. This makes gaming and sharing photos and videos much more enjoyable on your phone or tablet.

So those are most of the features you can expect in the next release of Android. No news on when it will be released for specific devices but you can expect to wait about a year or so. It is heading to the Nexus 10 and 7 tablets, as well as the Nexus 4 on November 13, 2012. Current Nexus 7 owners should expect the update around the same time. No news yet on Galaxy Nexus or any other Nexus phones receiving the update just yet. As soon as I hear about specific device updates I will let you know.

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new group* - Windows Phone 7 app

Windows Phone is a great operating system, I don't care what other people say. Everyone I know who has used it is a big fan of it. One thing that needs improvement is the start screen. Windows Phone 7.8 and Windows Phone 8 will add a new start screen. But until the upgrade to 7.8 is available or you buy a new Windows Phone 8 device, I have a great app that will help you organize your apps a little better. The app is called new group* and essentially creates headers to organize your apps into groups. Check out the video to see how to set it up.

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Pictures from the Halo 4 midnight launch!

It's been a couple of days, but I finally got pictures from a local Halo 4 midnight launch. It was crazy to see all the people in line. My friend Sam was there and took some great photos. Here are some photos from the festivities.

Not the best spot in line...

Perfect companion

Awesome box art

Fun times, but it's time to go home and play!

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My favorite Android launchers

When I used to work in retail selling phones about half of my customers had no idea what Android was and the other half thought they knew what Android was. I would ask them basic questions like, "Why do you like Android?" and they would say something like, "Because it's customizable." Then I would take a look at their old Android phone and it would be completely stock with widgets thrown all over the place with a terrible background of their dog or significant other. That is what customizing meant to them. But the true test to see if anyone knows anything about Android is to ask them what their favorite launcher is. I would bet that if anyone here asked a friend or family member who owns and Android phone what a launcher is for Android that they would have no idea what you are talking about.

So what is a launcher and why is it important?

Let's answer the first question. What is an Android launcher? A launcher is simply the main home screen and app drawer for your phone. It will display all of your apps, widgets, wallpapers, etc. so you can interact with it. Android is set up in a way that if you don't like how the stock launcher looks, is organized, whatever, you can download an alternative launcher to the native one. For example, the Galaxy S3 uses Samsung's Touchwiz launcher. If you were to look in the manage apps list you would find TWLauncher, that's the stock launcher. This is what it looks like:

homescreens

app drawer

All of the icons and widgets are completely stock and haven't been changed. However, you can really customize the way your phone looks and operates by changing your launcher. Here are some examples:

You can change quite a bit with new launchers. This is what customizing Android is and it can be very beneficial. So why would you want to change your launcher?

One of my favorite reasons is performance. Using a different launcher generally increases the speed of your device. The reason is that most stock launchers use much more memory than ones you can download from the Play Store. By decreasing the amount of memory needed to run the launcher, your other apps and games can use the extra memory. Another reason why you would want to do this is to adjust the way your phone behaves. Additional gestures and customized docks and notification bars can really help you do more things faster than with a stock launcher.

There are some things you need to watch out for when downloading a new launcher. Make sure the launcher is compatible with your version of Android. Some launchers require that your phone be rooted for features to work. Make sure you read the description of each launcher to find out if it requires root access. Also, you will want to download icon packs for certain launchers to customize the look even further. Don't be afraid of messing up your phone. You can always restore your original, stock launcher through the "Manage Apps" settings panel.

Experiment with a new launcher and see what works for you. My personal favorites are Nova Launcher, Go Launcher EX, Launcher 7, and Apex Launcher. Just know that any stock widgets will most likely be disabled in the new launcher so you might have to find replacements in the Play Store. Check out all these great launchers in the Play Store and don't forget to check out my How To videos for more tips and tricks.

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Best Halo ever? - Halo 4 midnight launch

I remember back in 2004 I was working at Gamestop for the Halo 2 launch. It was my first retail job and I was excited and nervous at the same time. I hadn't worked there long and this was my first ever midnight launch. It seemed like hundreds of people lined up to get the game, but little did they know that we had been playing it all day and had already had our own personal copies of the game. Ahh, memories...

Well, it's that time again! Halo 4 is set to release tonight at midnight. It is sure to be one of the biggest launch titles for the Xbox 360 this year and people will be lining up for it once again. Since I've been working retail for a while I figured I would share some tips for finding copies of the game if you didn't have a pre-order.

If you weren't smart enough to pre-order the game (don't think you didn't have the money because you could have put only $5 down to reserve a copy) then here's what I suggest. Go to the lesser known stores for video games like Sam's Club or Costco. These stores require a membership but people almost never think to buy games at a wholesale store. Not only that but you'll get the game at a little bit below retail. Use craigslist.org to find one. I'm sure people will beat the game in the wee hours of the morning and will then want to get rid of it. Craig's list is great because it is completely free to post for sale ads. Just be careful to make sure you test the game first to make sure it's a legit copy and not a blank disc with the label printed on it.

Have fun out there guys and make sure to send me your pictures and videos. I'll be posting them tomorrow for you guys to enjoy! Oh, and here's the trailer for the game to get you guys pumped up for it.

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*Update* Evernote - PC/Mac/iOS/Android/WP7

Ok, so I finally finished the video and got it uploaded. This week we are taking a look at Evernote, a note taking app that syncs all of your text, picture, and voice notes across all of you devices. It's a completely free service and can help with remembering basic things, collaborating on projects, or planning events. Check out Evernote's website to sign up for your account to get things started.

I'm working on this week's video tutorial for you guys. It will be up in about an hour or so. Thanks for your patience and check back in bit!

*Update*
I'm using a new video program and it is taking a lot longer than I thought it would. I will have it up as soon as I can.

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Movies on the cheap! - Redbox

Redbox at a local Walmart

Going to the movies is expensive and taking a date just doubles the cost. A new release movie can cost upwards of $20 for a pair of tickets, and then add on the concessions which cost about four times as much at the theater than the grocery store. You can easily spend $40 for a few hours of entertainment! That's ludicrous! For $40 the movie better be good. If you are like me and have very little money to spend on entertainment then I have good news for you.

If you have ever seen the red kiosk pictured above in a store but never bothered to figure out what is was for, you are missing out. That is a Redbox kiosk which allows you to rent DVDs and BluRays for cheap. For as little as $1.20 you can take home a very recent movie for one night and since you are at the store you may as well grab some popcorn and drinks. For the same night of entertainment you can spend less than $5. Sometimes you can save even more with promo codes inside boxes of popcorn for free Redbox rentals.

Christmas is coming up and that usually means spending a lot of money on gifts. By using services like Redbox you can keep yourself entertained and still have plenty of money left for your gifts. Download the Redbox app or head over to Redbox's website to see what's available and have a date night tonight!

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Best games for the new iPad mini

With over 275,000 apps and games specifically designed for the iPad finding the right one can be daunting. Even with Apple's design, it can be hard to find the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the bees' knees, add your own cliche here. So I've come up with a list of the best games for the upcoming iPad mini, in no particular order, they're just awesome. Let's go!

World of Goo
World of Goo is a puzzle game in which you connect drops of goo to build a bridge reach toward the goal. This physics based game originated on the PC and Wii where they became massive hits. It is no less of a hit on the iPad as it make the list for the best games.

Bejeweled Blitz

If you've never played Bejeweled on the PC or Facebook before, you're in for a treat. This match 3  game is the most popular of it's kind. Made by casual gaming giant, Popcap games, this free version has one simple goal: make as many matches as you can in one minute. You can use your virtual money to buy power-ups to rack up those points. Share your high score with your friends on Facebook and see if you can get the high score for the week.

N.O.V.A. 3

The best first person shooter on the iPad mini has to be N.O.V.A. 3. With intense acions, beautiful graphics, tight controls, and great multiplayer with voice chat you can't go wrong if you like first-person shooters. These types of game are difficult to play on larger tablet because your fingers can't reach all the controls, but the iPad mini is the perfect size for this type of game.

Let's Golf 3
Who doesn't like a classic arcade-style golf game? This game has tons of courses to play, quirky characters, and lot's of upgrades and gear. You can unlock four different game modes. Play against up to 3 of your friends online with online multiplayer. If you don't feel like shooting a full round, then you can also play some mini games. The graphics are gorgeous and the controls are simple. This is definitely worth a spot in this list.

SketchParty TV
This game is designed to be a social game bringing you together with friends and family, hence "Party" in the title. The game goes like this: draw a picture of the word on the iPad mini and it displays on your TV, your team tries to guess the word, once the word is guessed the iPad mini is passed to the next team member, 2 teams of up to 8 people compete to be the first to score 8 points. You will need an Apple TV to connect it to your television. Passing the iPad mini will be a breeze thanks to its smaller size. If you like Draw Something, you will love this game. Disclaimer: REQUIRES APPLE TV

Infinity Blade 2

The original Infinity Blade was a groundbreaking game in the graphics department. It was rather short and very repetitive. Infinity Blade 2 is just a better version with a more in-depth story. Gameplay is virtually the same. It's definitely worth a look.

Angry Birds HD

This list wouldn't be complete without the most popular and possibly the most addicting game on iOS, Angry Birds. When I sold cell phones, I would just have to say, "You can play angry birds" and I would close the sale. This game has hundreds of levels to complete and more are added every year.

Cut The Rope HD
This is one of the more popular games recently. It has great physics puzzles and a cute little reptile. The premise is simple, the puzzles are not: just cut the ropes in a specific order with the correct timing and feed your pet the candy. Tons of fun to be had with this title and they keep adding more.

Where's My Water
Another puzzle game that will have you playing for hours. This is probably my favorite puzzle game on a mobile device. Dig tunnels in the dirt to funnel the water to the drain so the gator can have a nice shower. Collect the ducks and treasures along the way to rack up the points and beat your friends.

And that's my list for the must have games on the new iPad mini. I hope you enjoy my recommendations and feel free to let me know what your favorite games are! Send me your comments or post on my wall on Facebook.

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iPad mini released tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the big day for Apple's small tablet, the iPad mini. Hopefully you put in your pre-order so you won't have to wait in line. If you didn't pre-order the iPad mini, then shame on you and you deserve to wait in line. However, I'm going to give you a list of some things to help you pass the time more comfortably. Let's go!

Warm coat
You will more than likely be waiting outside in the cold. Bring a warm coat so you don't catch a cold. In fact, you might want a nice pair of gloves so you can feel your hands when you try to use your new iPad mini.

Energy drink/shot
Grab a favorite energy drink or energy shot to help you stay awake, since you will probably be in line all night or getting up early in the morning. Check with your doctor first to make sure that an energy drink won't have any negative effects on your health.

A book you will put in iBooks
Take a favorite book to help pass the time. When you get your new iPad mini head over to the iBookstore and get started with your new iBooks library.

Fold up chair
You may make fun of people who sit in chairs when they wait in line for movies or huge product launches like the iPad mini, however, standing for hours in a single spot without being able to move is awful. Having a chair to sit in will save your feet and back from days of soreness.

Credit or debit card
For your safety you should not bring cash to pay for your iPad mini. Having worked for Gamestop and AT&T I have experience with several product launches in which there were lines. Thankfully I haven't experienced anyone getting robbed in line, but I have heard of them from other stores. Bring a credit or debit card to pay for your purchase and leave your cash at home.

Expect a great time
Waiting for something you want right now can be annoying. When I say annoying, I mean for the people around you not for yourself. Just take a look at any 7 year old waiting for Christmas day and you'll understand what I'm talking about. Bring a sense of excitement with you and share that with your comrades waiting in line. Have fun and enjoy the event!

So that's a short list of things I recommend you have with you when you go to this event tonight or tomorrow morning. And yes, it is an event. If you have never been a part of an Apple launch then you will understand what I'm talking about tomorrow. Have fun guys and let me know what you think of the whole experience and definitely let me know how you like your new iPad mini.

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Updated Google Search for iOS brings improved voice search and voice results

I haven't used an iPhone since the iPhone 4. I have an iPad 2 and I love it. Neither of them have Siri available as an option so I've never used Siri in my everyday life. I can't speak personally to how well Siri works but I've heard a lot of people give me their thoughts. From, "It gives you really funny responses" to "It's completely useless" and "I love the hands free text messaging" there are a bunch of differing opinions about the virtual assistant. But, the one thing I have been able to try out fairly extensively is the search function. I found it slow and inaccurate. It wasn't very useful for me.

That's where the Google search app comes in. I never used it much mainly because it is built into my browser.and the voice search was slow and inaccurate just like Siri. However, Google just updated its voice functionality. It is almost instantaneous in the speech recognition and will actually talk back to you with the results. Now, it doesn't always speak back to you, but it did more times than not during my use. I used it on the iPad 2 so I don't know what to expect on the iPhone version. Now, these are just my first impressions so I don't know what you can expect with your experience. For me it was very fluid and super fast. Tell me your experiences with the new update. Will you use the improved voice functionality? Do you already use the voice functionality? Let me know in the comments, post something on my Facebook, tweet me, or send me an email.

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