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Firefox OS logoThe HTML5 vs App “battle” has raged for a long time, with companies like Netbiscuits with obvious motivations pushing HTML5 along the way. The HTML5 camp got a boost from Mozilla’s launch of the Firefox OS, and the Keon phone. UK news source The Register is not too enthusiastic about the phone, but does give some good accounts on what the potential can be for the OS itself.

According to Mozilla management they are not trying to compete with Apple and high-end Android devices though, rather they are going after lower end phones for developing markets . In those markets, and even in mature markets, the average selling price of smartphones is going down, thus Mozilla is banking on a trend where there is a need for a cheap OS and simpler experiences that even slimmed down Android phones will not be able to provide, as Firefox uses much less memory capacity of the phone.

Firefox (Source Wedbush, Mozilla)
While the OS may succeed in carving out a niche, as they certainly have very strong backing from mobile operators, and even Apple manufacturer Foxconn. But is HTML5 perhaps an Achilles heel in the whole scenario? Mobile cross platform tool provider Appcelerator completely blasts HTML5 as a viable platform, siting a lack of monetization models, poor user experience, the fact that browser fragmentation is ever present, and that Android and iOS gets releases several times a year or once a year respectively, while it has taken 5 years to get an HTML5 standard ratified. Still, they point to that HTML5 is certainly beneficial for apps where information is constantly updating and that users sometimes don’t want to download apps. So Firefox OS may face an uphill battle, not because of substandard devices or performance of the OS, but weaknesses with HTLM5. However, we’ve certainly seen cool examples of HTML5 apps, that are awesome for displaying information, so good designers can certainly do good things with the platform. The beauty of the whole thing? CodeNgo will quite easily support distribution to HTML5 app stores when and if the market takes off!

For a more in-dept look on Mozilla and Firefox, we recommend an excellent report by securities firm Wedbush. The fox is loose – let’s see what the hens do (we don’t even know what that means, but sounds good as finish :)).

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Anyone who has identified troubled areas of their home may wonder how they can fit the time in to fix the issues – let alone the finances necessary to accomplish the task. In the past, home remodeling was a chore that usually require professionals to provide their services, but technology has made it possible for us to achieve much more on our own. In the area of mobile applications, there are a variety of tools and solutions to help us get any job done. Below, we will discuss four home remodeling applications that can be used to fix just about any area of the home.

Dream Home

If you need inspiration for your next big home remodeling task, then the Dream Home application for Android devices will make a great selection. Users can browse hundreds of different home design elements and sort them by room, category or color. Whether you are interested in architectural elements or simple furnishing to liven up a room, the Dream Home app provides them all in one easy-to-use interface. Currently available for free, users of the Dream Home app can save their remodeling and design ideas direct to their SD cards for future reference and subsequently share them with friends or professional renovators hired for a particular task.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wangsong.dreamhome

Interior Design Gallery

Anyone who sees areas in which home remodeling and design elements can be improved will enjoy the Interior Design Gallery, a free application currently available for download via the Android Marketplace. Users will be able to browse a variety of different rooms – sorted by category – in order to find inspiration and know-how for that next big project. High definition photos make it easy to see how each element of the room interacts with the ambiance of the design, and users can save these photos directly to their SD cards. Before you head to the home improvement store, be sure to give the Interior Design Gallery app your attention, and get ready to be inspired.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=house3.lsf.wallpapers

Flooring DIY Advice

One major element of home renovations, flooring, is often a popular and low-key way to add value and ambiance to the home. The Flooring DIY Advice app for Android devices allows it users to peruse a variety of valuable topics on how to install hardwood flooring, how to repair scratches and dents, how to properly clean and maintain floors and dozens of other topics. What can often cost an arm and a leg via a professional can cost you pennies on the dollar once you are armed with the knowledge that the Flooring DIY Advice app can provide. This app is available for free and can be found on the Android Marketplace.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.easysource.flooring

Home Improvement & Repair

Let’s face it: not every job is a candidate for DIY repairs or renovations. This is where the Home Improvement & Repair application can assist home owners. You will be able to find a variety of qualified contractors in your area that specialize in many elements of home repair and improvement. Whether you need gutter cleaners, masonry, painting or electrical work performed, the Home Improvement & Repair app can connect you with someone who is local and qualified. This app is free and available for all Android devices.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.friendtrusted.androidapp

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This article was contributed by Ridley Pierce; he works as a marketing at Broadway Hardwood Flooring, a leading laminate flooring company based in Toronto. He enjoys sharing his views and opinions on the latest gadgets that hit the market via his articles.

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Many of us have lost our enthusiasm for driving because it just seems like an uphill struggle most of the time. The roads are full of cars and the situation is getting worse on a daily basis. More learner drivers are passing their tests and as a result we are seeing levels of congestion like never before. To make matters worse, there are millions of experienced drivers who seem to have forgotten most of the stuff that enabled them to get their license in the first place. Thankfully, Android have released some clever driving apps that promise to remedy some of this difficult situation that faces motorists every day. This article looks at a few of them and gives an unbiased review.

Canadian Driving Tests by Monologix Inc – Free https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kep.driving.canadian&hl=en

Our first Android driving app is a real corker that will help learner drivers and experienced ones at the same time. This ranked as the number one Driving Test App in Canada and rightly so! This application will help any driver to learn all about the present driving rules in Canada, and many experienced drivers could do with a thorough refresher course. It contains over 3200 province specific questions and covers every sign and rule you could imagine. Each test you take will automatically reshuffle the contents so you will never get the same sequence twice. You can take this test offline so you are never restricted to requiring an internet signal at any time. All of the questions are taken from the latest version of the Canadian rulebook and you will see exactly the same ones in the official theory test. The interface is extremely user friendly and very intuitive indeed. We love this app and believe it will be a real boon to those learning to drive and those who should know a little better!

I’m Driving by imdrivingapp.net – Free http://imdrivingapp.net/

One of the biggest causes of driving related accidents is when the driver becomes distracted for whatever reasons. The cell phone tends to be a chief culprit and it can be so annoying when you are trying to concentrate and that pesky device just won’t stop ringing! Well that will no longer be an issue if you care to opt for a free download of this bad boy app! I’m Driving is an ingenious piece of software that has your safety at the forefront of its ‘mind’. When your buddies keep on calling your phone, they have no way of knowing that you are driving a vehicle. They may have some important news and will persist in calling you until you pick the darn phone up. This is where the I’m Driving app steps in with its size nines. It will automatically send any caller a pre-defined message to let them know you are otherwise engaged (driving).  You can select the option that only replies to people on your contact list if you’d rather not reply to unknown callers. We love this app and believe that it will reduce the amount of accidents on the Canadian roads, if you are interested please download it when you have a chance!

Android Loves Safer Roads!

So there you have it, 2 very cool Android Apps that are doing their bit for Canadian road safety!

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The author of this post, Harry Blake, is a freelance blogger who works for Get Me Tires. He has many years of experience in the automobile industry and has sound knowledge about car parts and accessories. He loves swimming and plays tennis every weekend.

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It’s a great feeling when you are home for the day after a hideous 8 hours at work with a nasty commute tagged on the end of it. Your close the door and feel grateful for your lovely home and even lovelier family! But are you certain that the safety of your home will not be compromised? Due to the current economic recession, there are more and more desperate individuals who would like nothing better than getting their mitts on your possessions. The sad fact is that your family are also at risk as long as these people have a way of entering your home. We are looking at a number of products on the market that will give you a little more security in your home. The good news is that most thieves are lazy incompetent devils that will always shy away from a little extra effort. Please read this article for some information about a few rather clever little helpers.

Lockitron – $179 – Available from Summer 2013


We get the ball rolling with an outstanding application form the geniuses at Lockitron. It is not available for a couple of months but there are already 14,704 people who have reserved this app! The idea behind this product is very simple indeed, and you install the physical locking device over your existing deadlock/deadbolt system. The device will then let you know, via your smartphone, whether or not your door is locked or open. You can simply lock or open the door using your application. This will work from any location in the world. You can give your friends and family access to the door and you will be alerted when they use the appropriate entry method. This will work with any smartphone and even older phones will be able to open and shut doors protected by Lockitron!  There is even a Bluetooth feature that will open the door automatically from your iPhone as long as the app is installed correctly. In a world of doubt and insecurity, thanks heavens for this brilliant and innovative device!

Locked Door Reminder – Android – Free

How many of us have driven or walked away from our homes and suddenly wondered whether or not we have locked the front door? Rush back and see the darn thing is still open, after a quick check inside we lock the door and go on our merry way. And then the doubt sets in, did we check every room? And maybe someone is hiding in our home? Well, those days will become unpleasant memories thanks to this absolutely free app from those clever folk down at Android.  All it takes is a peek at your Android device and you will soon be in the picture, it is as simple as that. You can even add your vehicle’s entry system to the application and it will take care of that too! If your door is forced open whilst you are away, you will get an instant notification to alert you of an intruder.

Two Of The Best?

We think that both of these apps are pretty much on the money, even though one is free! If you like the sound of either, well just let your touch screen do the hard work whilst you sit back and look forward to a more secure family home!

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Today’s featured contributor, Mark Victor, is a security consultant at Protector Locksmith. He is a frequent blogger and likes to update his readers about the latest door lock and other security systems available in the market.

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Anyone who travels for work or pleasure on a regular basis knows how much of a hassle it can be to find the perfect flight at the best rates. For the longest, the act of comparison shopping for airfare revolved around the concept of calling multiple airlines to see which ones had the best rates, or using an expensive travel agency to find the best deals. These days, though, technology has empowered everyone from casual travelers to experienced businessmen as they search for the best rates through a variety of mobile applications. Below, we will discuss four applications that can help you find the best rates on flights to and from anywhere in the world.

KAYAK

Known worldwide as one of the largest travel accommodation hubs, the KAYAK app for Android and iOS devices, gives users access to millions of great deals on flights, hotels and car rentals. If you need to find a quick flight, KAYAK’s advanced filtering features can pull last-minute deals for you to consider. Likewise, those with a finite amount of cash can quickly use the KAYAK roaming feature to see where they can travel for a certain amount. You will also be able to browse baggage fees, view your scheduled itinerary and access any and all airline contact information.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kayak/id305204535?mt=8

Orbitz

Whether you wish to book a reservation or simply compare rates between airlines, the Orbitz app is a definite top contender for its versatility and huge selection of flights. Available on both iOS and Android devices, the Orbitz app can be used to find hotels near your destination airport, to observe current flight status and booking details and even be utilized to find ‘Orbitz Mobile Steals’ – deals on airfare that can be up to 50% off regular price. With an array of airport-related tools integrated, you can check the status of your baggage, grab gate information and of course, the current status of your booked flight.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.orbitz

Skyscanner

If your top priority is to save money on a flight, then Skyscanner is the best solution by far. With connections to thousands of discount airlines, Skyscanner combines these offerings into one easy-to-use app that displays more than 1,000,000 different flight routes worldwide. You will be able to compare discounted airfare, explore amenities and flight options for each offering, share flight details with friends and family via email and can be used in nearly thirty different languages. Available on the Android Marketplace, Skyscanner is a free download.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.skyscanner.android.main

CheapOair

The CheapOair app for Android and iOS devices offers discounted prices on both flight and hotel accommodations. With options to browse various results by price, date, destination and number of stops, you can select the perfect flight without any compromise. Once you have made your reservations, you can use CheapOair to select your meal and seating preferences to ensure quick and accurate service once on the plane, and a packing list section allows users to create complex check-lists to ensure nothing is forgotten at home or while on vacation. CheapOair is a free download and can be found on the Android Marketplace and the iTunes Store.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cheapoair-flight-search/id436858222?mt=8

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Today’s guest author, Jane Austen, is an operations manager at Go Vietnam Visa, an agency that provides assistance in all your Vietnam visa requirements. After a long day at work, she is seen winding up with a cup of coffee and a good book to read.

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With more than 750k apps available in the Google Play store, the big boys from Mountain View have come even with Apple in terms of the total number of mobile applications. Developers now face the same issue with discoverability as in the Apple App Store: limited features by the editors, competitive categories and keyword exploitation. App Store Optimization for Google Play can help to position your app on top of the rankings, increase visibility within your category and drive additional organic installs. My clients have seen an uplift of downloads by up to 20% after applying the basic tactics in Google Play ASO. The search and result algorithm within Google Play is actually the lean and simple version of Google´s equivalent for the web. So as you might know from web SEO seminars and learning, Google applies certain factors to define one´s website (or in our case app´s) ranking position after a search request. Based on 20 active Google apps I am able to manage and analyze, I found out that the most prominent factors are:

  • Download volume
  • Number of Active Installs
  • Number and Quality of Ratings
  • Keyword Density with the Apps Metadata
  • Number of Google+ mentions
  • Number of Backlinks

Google+ mentions and backlinks were recently introduced to the algorithm and are more important than ever for ASO: I ran a campaign for a news app in Germany in late spring, promoting only the opportunity to “G+” the app´s page in the social network as well as on the app´s Google Play page. We generated 1.500 “G+” within two weeks and saw an increase of the daily download rate by 250. No other promotion was done within those two weeks. With regards to backlinks, Google itself mentioned the importance of good inbound marketing for your app during I/O 2013 (Video link). So how you actually conquer the Google Play algorithm? I’ve always try to boil it down to the following 10 basic tactics:

  1. Use keywords wisely in your App Title: it is limited to 30 characters, so make sure, the title is readable and contains at least 2 keywords.
  2. Additionally, work your keywords into your description text. Do this intelligently, make the description readable above all other things and do not violate trademarks. I.e. a quote from a review site might help or a testimonial from one of your users. Make sure you apply a keyword at least 3-4 times.
  3. Be supportive: simply have a nice footer ready, promoting your support email, social accounts or even a dedicated landing page for anyone, who wants to get in touch.
  4. Promote your G+: On each appstore page, there is a G+ button making it possible to share the apps information and metadata via Google+. Promote this opportunity within your apps description text as well as in update texts.
  5. Take advantage of the update texts a.k.a. “What´s new”. Whenever you are running an update, user will recognize your commitment to improving the app, giving them an improved experience with it. Do not fall short here. Instead, address the user personally, thank them for their patience and support and promote any other news. I.e. I even worked out a sweepstake for a client, and had the registration email promoted to retained user via the update text field. Lookout
  6. Localize all meta data. Apple App Store and Google Play let you adjust title, description, keywords and artwork to various language settings. Use the opportunity and streamline all your marketing activities for local markets: your app is translated, your mobile marketing campaign is localized – so should your app´s meta data be.
  7. Put all your heart and soul into the icon design. Do not miss out on that one, an icon appears next to the title in every app search result. Make sure icon stand out and attractive enough to make people click. If you want to A/B test various icon designs in a simple and efficient way use an AdWord campaign during your creation phase.
  8. Have great screenshots and a promotional graphic available. Tell a story, show the nature and features of your app. Again, make the user click and download. You can be as much creative as you´d like: use mashups, photos, paintings, feature VIPs or your social accounts or even cross-promote your other apps. A great source of mobile app designs (icons, landingpage, screenshots etc.) is my partner Kristian´s Pinterest Board.
  9. Make use of your app promo trailers. Video trailers are supported by Google Play and Amazon Appstore. Go for it, companies like Apptamin or AppVideos.tv provide smart and affordable production services and can help you to make a great video for your app.
  10. Nothing worsens a user´s first impression of an appstore page than stupid mistakes. Try to proofread all your metadata before launch and before an update. Check all the links to your website, privacy policy and support email (and make sure you have them set-up in a mobile version too).

I hope these 10 basics help you, to kick-start your app in the Google Play store. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to share them with me: stefan – at – stefanbielau.com. Stefan BielauStefan Bielau has more than 11 years of experience working in the media industry. Currently he helps companies to achieve their goals in terms of mobile revenues, content distribution and digital expansion. His clients include companies like Lookout Inc., HAILO, simyo, ImmobilienScout24 and various publishing houses. Prior to his consulting assignments, he founded dailyme, the leading application for mobile video and TV in the German-speaking area. Stefan has been in various executive management positions in Poland and Germany and invests in early-stage startups and is an advisor to Codengo. He blogs about App Store Optimization (ASO), a new type of mobile marketing. App Store Optimization is the SEO approach to mobile, improving an app´s visibility in the major app stores. His blog: www.appstoreoptimization.tumblr.com He is an avid user of social media tools, feel free to follow via www.twitter.com/StefanBielau or connect via www.linkedin.com/in/StefanBielau

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Insomnia and Sleep Apnea are no laughing matter and either of these can seriously affect your ability to function properly during the daytime. The problem with having a drowsy and lazy day is that you’ll find it just as hard to sleep again the following night. A vicious circle that nobody enjoys putting up with! Your doctor may advise you to try some sleeping tablets, but you should think twice about that suggestion. Your body may allow these artificial aids to knock you out for a few times but eventually you will build up a resistance that requires even stronger ones to have any effect. You will also find it really hard to shake these off the next day. Instead of this route, why not have a word with your Smartphone and see what Android has to offer you? This article looks at some very swish applications that promise to help you get a good night’s sleep – every night!

Nature sounds to sleep by Desenvdroid – Free https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.desenvdroid.sonsnaturezatosleep&feature=more_from_developer

Our first app has a title that may be lacking in imagination, but it certainly lets you know what is in store! It is a fact that we love to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Mother Nature and this app promises to deliver these to our pillows every night! Everyone is different when it comes to how we like to relax and this app has enough choices for all of us. You may prefer to doze off to the sound of rainfall, or perhaps the sound of waves lapping against the shore will hit the spot? Whatever your favourite natural noise happens to be, you should find it right here. You can tweak the app to allow a certain start on stop time and you’ll also be able to wake up to one of the myriad of available sounds. We recommend this to those of you city dwellers who crave a good night’s sleep once more!

Relax Timer by Master B – Free – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tobeamaster.relaxtime&feature=search_result

This is one cool Android app that brings a whole lot of sleep aid to the table and then some! You have all of the ambient sounds you can shake a stick at and it also features a sleep tracker! Choose from those oh so relaxing natural sounds such as rain storms, waterfalls and flowing streams, any of them will surely have you nodding off in a few minutes. And when you fall asleep, the device will track your sleep pattern by recording the breathing intervals you emit. Once you have a copy of your typical sleep pattern, you can use the ‘Sleep Cycle’ feature to tune in your sleep and wake up themes as you wish. So you have 2 very good functions that work together in order to compliment your entire sleeping pattern. We can’t believe that this app is totally free and suggest you download it straight away, even if you don’t have sleeping issues!

We’re Off To The Land of Nod!

Android have delivered to very good sleep-aids that we think you’ll soon be waking up to every morning!

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Abbey Brooks, the author of this article, is a fun loving person who enjoys writing about her experiences and opinions. By day, she works as a sales executive for CPAPOnly.

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The act of replacing any type of floor may seem like a burdensome chore to many. With so many home owners unfamiliar with the process of removing and installing new floor coverings, the majority seek the services of a contractor – which can be very expensive and take much more time than anyone expected. These days, though, technology is helping shrink the learning curve between contractors and home owners thanks to a variety of mobile applications available for download. For those who are interested in laying tile, continue reading to find out about four must-have applications to get the job done.

TilePlanner

Planning a new bathroom floor or simply want to liven up another room of the home? With the TilePlanner app for Android, you can now gauge the exact amount of tile that will be needed before heading to the home improvement warehouse. For use in rectangular rooms, TilePlanner will quickly assess the square footage of any room and provide an accurate number of needed tiles based on the projected width and length of each one. The app will also provide an estimated amount of loss, so you are sure not to come up short in the middle of a project. You can download the TilePlanner app for free on the Android Marketplace.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.qbit.floorplanner

Tile Calculator

Tile is often popular on floors, but many people enjoy tiled walls as well. Regardless of preference, the Tile Calculator is another way in which you can be sure that the materials you have purchased will be enough for the job. With options for both metric and imperial measurements, an option to fetch quotes for the cost of materials and customized tile gap options, you will be able to accurately determine the number of tiles needed for any bathroom, wall or patio. Currently available on the Android Marketplace, you can purchase the Tile Calculator for $2.00.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.project.tiling

ProTileHelper

Those who wish to learn the basics of installing tile can benefit greatly from the ProTileHelper app, available for free on all Android devices. Inside this app, you will be able to find dozens of tutorials on how to install tile in floors and on walls, as well as helpful advice on grout, cutting and any stonework that will be incorporated into the larger project. Rather than pay a contractor hundreds of even thousands of dollars to do the work for you, an app like ProTileHelper can put you in control of your handiwork and finances.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.parkaveinvestors.protilehelper

USG Tile and Flooring Solutions

If you are seeking additional information on select tiles, then the USG Tile and Flooring Solutions app is a great selection. Available for free via the Android Marketplace, the app provides an array of details on hundreds of different tiles that include installation guides, warranty information and photos on how to properly place and configure tile. With large color images available for inspection, you can also window-shop while you gain the best advice for each potential type of tile. A basic tile calculator is also included in the app, helping to make on-the-go calculations a breeze.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.usg.tileandflooring

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Today’s feature contributor, Gary Stark, is an avid blogger who is fascinated by interior designs and designing products. He has recently visited some houses with engineered hardwood floorings in Toronto and suggests that these floors can give the house a modern look.

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We live in an age where we need to take extra precaution over the safety of our homes and families. This is especially true nowadays because the western world is in the grips of a serious recession that is affecting billions of lives. Sadly, there are is a breed of individuals who like nothing better than taking what is rightfully not theirs. They don’t mind who they steal from, they do not discriminate. Any opportunity and they are there like a bolt of lightning. We do what we can but we could use a little help now and then. Thankfully there are some clever apps available from those wizards over at Android that are just the ticket. Let’s take a look at some of their best ones and see if they can’t help you win the war against house crime.

SimpliSafe Home Security App by SimpliSafe Security Systems  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simplisafe.mobile&hl=en

Those chaps from SimpliSafe Security have developed a real corker of an app that will give homeowners near complete peace of mind everywhere! You will need to have the main security system already installed, and it should be the kit developed by SimpliSafe. Once you have got that sorted you can apply this awesome app to your monitoring and control features. No matter where you are in the world, you can arm and disarm your bespoke system. It also includes a handy flood sensor and a temperature monitor. The event log tells you when your front door has been opened and also allows you access to various room doors inside your home. The main system is directly connected to the SimpliSafe control centre and they will contact the police if they believe your alarm has been compromised. You can give various members of your family an individual access code and this way you will know exactly who is coming and going! We love this app and can’t believe they are giving it to us lucky homeowners absolutely free!

XFINITY Home by Comcast Cable Communications – Free  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.comcast&feature=related_apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEwOSwiY29tLmNvbWNhc3QiXQ..

Another home security app that is totally free, this must be Christmas day, right? Okay this lovely security app is brought to us by those communication giants over at Comcast and that means quality with a big Q! As with the previous Android app, you will need to have an XFINITY security system already installed before downloading this bad boy. Once you have both systems synchronised, you will have total remote control of your home’s security issues. You can arm and disarm your system from anywhere on the planet and you also get to monitor any activity via your video camera system! All of your lights can be turned on and off as you wish and you’ll have total visibility of your temperature control. Just imagine being able to keep a beady eye on the babysitter’s actions whilst you and your partner skip out for a bite to eat! You’ll never again have those niggling doubts about your home’s security, no matter where you are or what you are doing. Overall we love this app and believe it heralds a new generation of security technology – Thanks Comcast and Android!

Android 2 Thieves 0

There we have it, two fantastic apps from Android that will keep your family home safe for decades to come!

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Today’s feature contributor, Kenneth Laban, works with a security company that provides wireless security cameras. He is quite familiar with technologies involved in designing security products and likes to share some of his knowledge through his blogs.

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MoveTools is an app created by insurance company, State Farm. They provide a timeline of events leading up to and including moving day, as well as after the event. This will help you to plan out an extremely comprehensive to-do list of jobs that require completing to ensure that you are fully organised for your move.

MoveTools

Moving app 1This app will help you completely organize your move from beginning to end, without having to make multiple lists for the work that is required. You will find all the resources you will ever need in one place, and you even have the ability to customize many of the features that are included within the app. The app will ensure that everyone knows exactly what they need to be doing at specific times, so there is no need to panic as moving day arrives.

Features

  • There are a total of 34 moving tasks included within the app and you will be greeted by a week by week checklist. Simply enter the date of your move and make a to-do list personal to you of the actual tasks that you need to undertake.
  • You will find an interactive packing screen that allows you to go from room to room in your home or office and organize everything in the way it should be.
  • You can print packing labels and assign these to certain boxes, thus ensuring you can easily identify what each box holds.
  • The app provides an inventory so you will see which of your possessions are in which box, so you can easily find any item within a matter of seconds. You can use the “Pack Up” menu for this – you have the ability to interactively pack everything from a certain room into a box as well, so you will immediately know if you have missed any items.
  • There is a wealth of informative articles and pictures which will provide you with some great tips on packing, organizing and moving in general.

Availability

Moving app 2The app can be found in the Utilities category on iTunes. It is compatible with the iPad and will require an operating system of iOS 5.0 or later. The app is completely free and is brought to you by one of the most renowned insurance companies – State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. The latest update to the app was based on the feedback they received from customers. This included fixing some minor bugs with performance issues and adding retina graphics.

The app has received a variety of different ratings, but mostly positive feedback has been received. Moving from one office or home to another can be an extremely stressful experience, so it helps if you can schedule all the tasks you need to complete, thus ensuring that everything is done in a timely manner. The app is possibly most useful once you have completed your move, as the inventory of your items will make it easy to locate which boxes contain certain items, therefore making unpacking and putting your possessions into the right room even easier.

Today’s guest author, Keith Dawson, is a project manager at Office Move Pro, office movers in Toronto, Canada. When he is not working, he is seen visiting friends and family.