The applications talked about below all have the same theory behind them – they allow you to schedule times where your Android phone will automatically silence or turn the notifications back on after the allotted time. Each of these applications is a free or Lite version and most of them have an inexpensive paid version if you want a few more features.

1. Husher

Husher seems to be the most feature-packed free version of the group. The key features that set Husher apart are the option to set up to 5 keywords to automatically include or exclude. What I mean by this is, you can sync your calendar with Husher. Husher will automatically look at the appointments and when it sees a word you have chosen (e.g. meeting, interview, court, date night), it will automatically silence your Android phone for the duration of that appointment.

There is a feature that allows you to quick activate silence by turning your volume down using the volume keys. When you do this, a screen will pop up asking you how long you want the phone to be silenced. There are always last minute times when your boss may pull you into his office for a quick sit-down.

2. Ring Scheduler

Ring Scheduler lets you make rules for how and when you want your phone to be silenced. There isn’t any association to your calendar like some of the other applications in the list. The way Ring Scheduler works is you can choose a time of day, what days you’d like it to repeat and the ringer settings. What I thought was neat here is, you can have your Android set to Airplane mode. There is also a blacklist application letting you create a setting for a specific phone number.

3. Phone Silencer

Phone Silencer does one thing. When you turn your volume down manually, you are asked for how long. When that time is done, the volume is restored. Pretty straight forward and useful if you don’t need all of the other bells and whistles. Phone Silencer would be more for the person who remembers to silence their phone but not to turn the ringer back on.

Conclusion

There are 3 different levels of Android automatic ringer and notification silencer applications. Depending on your needs, you can see that Husher offers the most personalization. If you are constantly in meetings or varied places where you need a silenced phone, this should fit your needs. However, if you are an occasional user or have a pretty set schedule, one of the other two apps will do the trick.

How do you remember to silence your Android phone before a meeting?

image: Sarah G

Out for the Night

Your partner has decided that for this year, they want to go out to dinner. You think, “perfect, relieves me from having to find the perfect dish to cook”. However, you are now presented with a new problem. You want to make sure that they get the best restaurant in town, but you may be a little pressed on money or maybe the dream restaurant has somewhat of a waiting list.

OpenTable

Those situations are no problem with the OpenTable application. It is the perfect app to help in this situation. If you know the exact restaurant that you are interested in, perfect, just search it in the app. If not, you still have many options. If you want to search for restaurants maybe closer to the city center or near home, you can search based on proximity. If your loved one is feeling Italian or Japanese, OpenTable allows you to search based on cuisine. No worries on price, the application has your back with the ability to search based on price. You can search the restaurant’s reviews to see what the patrons have to say. Once you find the right place, you can reserve a seat right from the application. This will be your inside friend when scheduling dinner plans for Valentine’s Day.

Forgot A Gift!

It happens to the best of us. We are preoccupied with the Superbowl the week before and other things in between, that once we are the day before Valentine’s Day, we find ourselves remembering to go find that perfect gift. We are now presented with two options. Either go to the mall and find a decent gift or use our iPhones to do some research on the best gift we can find in our current situation.

Zappos Mobile

The best application that can help with last minute gifts is Zappos Mobile. We all know the famed Zappos.com, a website that is popular for those interested in finding new shoes. However, you may not have known this, but Zappos has a great selection of other clothing and accessory items at reasonable prices. What makes it perfect for the last minute shopper? Zappos is well known for their shipping. It’s standard to have second day shipping, but many times, the website automatically bumps it up to next business day shipping well…just because. That’s how nice they are. That’s also why I recommend Zappos Mobile for anything from bags to clothing and everything in between.

Loved from Afar

There are many situations when loved ones just can’t be together during Valentine’s Day. From being in the military to having to go on a business trip, you might be away from each other once the calendar hits February 14th. This doesn’t mean you can’t get your favorite someone the classic Valentine’s Day gifts.

Cards for iPhone

First, let’s look at the card. Apple has a new application known as Cards for iPhone. This allows you to prepare amazing quality cards right from your card and send it off to be received in about a week. You can add personal messages and choose from various high quality designs. You can even add photos to finish off the personal touch. The cards are free, all you pay is postage, which is $2.99 in the US and $4.99 to anywhere international. You get a notification once the card is shipped and received, giving you peace of mind.

California Blooms for iPhone

But what’s Valentine’s Day without flowers. They are essential to finish off your gift on the big day. 36% of Americans say they will purchase flowers with their gifts for this year. You can be apart of that 36% with the California Blooms application for iPhone. The application allows you to choose from various variations of flowers that you can order and ship right on your iPhone. If you are like me and know almost nothing about flowers, no problem. California Blooms offers clear, professional photos of each photo they sell along with care instructions that you can pass on to the recipient. This will keep the flowers alive just a bit longer.

What other ideas do you have for Valentine’s Day? Share it with us in the comments.

Image credit: Valentine by Big Stock Photo.

Toggle Time Tracker is a great web based time tracker app that allows you to track the time spent on projects. It is cross-platform compatible and comes with desktop client for the different OS (Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS and Android).

The PRO account allows you to add tasks, track billable rates and you can integrate with Basecamp, Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and many other third party software. The best thing is you can share reports with your clients so they can have a real-time overview of the time you spent on the projects.

Update: Contest Closed.

Here’s what you need to do to win:

Tweet to Enter

All you have to do is click the link below and send out the resulting tweet (or just copy and paste), then leave a comment below with a link to your tweet. That’s it!

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, 10th February 2012 at 2359hrs Pacific Time. The winners will be selected at random and announced via email.

Share and enjoy!

Toggl Time Tracker

MakeTechEasier would like to thank Toggl for their generosity while participating in this giveaway. Interested in sponsoring? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us.

1: Open Folders in a New Process

If you understand processes, you might realize how this is a monumental feature for you. If you don’t understand how processes work, let’s just say that every single folder you open adds up to “explorer.exe” and doesn’t open a new instance of the application. That means that everything you’ve opened is governed by that same “explorer.exe” application. What if “explorer.exe” crashes? This would mean that everything you ever opened will have to be closed, including the taskbar, within the task manager application included in Windows. Believe me when I say that it’s an enormous hassle. So, what do you do?

While holding the “Shift” key, right-click “Computer” within your “Start” menu. Now, click “Open in new process” and you’re done! You should have the following result:

As in the image above, you should see two processes named “explorer.exe.” If you didn’t, re-read the instructions. Perhaps you missed something. Don’t forget to hold “Shift” while right-clicking “Computer.”

2: Reduce Volume of Other Applications When You Get a Call

This one comes handy when you’re an office user and you depend on Skype or other applications to complete calls in your daily life. Instead of lowering the sound volume manually for each other application you use, you can easily configure Windows to reduce the volume of everything else to give you better call quality. You can even mute everything else if you want complete silence – something handy when you’re conducting interviews. The whole shebang is in the “Communications” tab of your “Sounds” menu. For those of you who don’t know how to get there, just right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and click “Sounds.” It takes you to a window like this:

In the above window, the “Communications” tab has already been selected. Notice how you have the option to either reduce the volume of other sounds by 80% or 50%, or even the option to mute everything else currently playing on your PC/Laptop/doohickey. Once you click “OK,” the settings will apply automatically.

3: Problem Steps Recorder

Have you ever had a problem that you would like to explain to someone with screenshots and concise steps? There are some things so complex that you can’t really explain them only in a couple of phrases, so you’re left with a really difficult choice: Either you bring your PC over to a technician, or you just sit there and try to put two and two together without any guidance. Fortunately, Windows 7 takes care of this issue with a little application known as the Problem Steps Recorder. The program automatically records everything you do on your computer, including keystrokes, after you press the record button, and saves a file to a place of your choosing containing all the information necessary for someone to see what’s wrong.

Just click your “Start” menu, type “PSR,” and press “Enter.” This will open this window:

It’s that simple! Be warned: Once you hit “Start Record,” everything you do will be recorded on your computer. And, by everything I mean everything. Make sure you don’t have anything private on your computer that you would not like someone else to see. There will be screenshots of every event. Make sure you take advantage of the “Add Comment” button to help make things easier for the person who’s helping you take care of the problem. Once you click “Stop Record,” the application will ask you where you want to save a ZIP file of your recording. If you open the ZIP  file and then open the recording within it, you’ll see something like this:

4: Switch Display Modes (And Calibrate Each Display)

Let’s face it: Tons of computer users nowadays need more than just one display to work efficiently. Microsoft implemented some juicy features for power users who have multiple displays that allows you to work with them quickly without moving your mouse all over the place and clicking through a labyrinth of menus. What’s wrong with indulging in the sweet, sweet taste of Windows shortcuts? That’s why you switched over from XP, right?

In order to quickly switch display modes, you only need to press the Windows key and the “P” key on your keyboard. That wasn’t so hard, was it? If you’re doing it right, this comes up:

As for screen calibration, Windows has a tool known as the “Display Color Calibration Wizard.” This can be found in the personalization menu when you right-click somewhere on your desktop, but who wants to waste time and click through a ton of stuff? There’s a simpler solution: Click your “Start” menu, type “dccw,” and press “Enter.” You’re in!

Mind you, but I think that guy looks creepy! Anyway, that’s part of the calibration process.

5: Minimize All Windows With a Wiggle

There’s nothing more frustrating when you have a bunch of windows open than, well, seeing a bunch of windows open. Sometimes, you just want to see your desktop and catch a breath of fresh air. There are three ways to do this without going through a lot of trouble minimizing each window manually. The first way is by pressing “Win + D.” That’s an easy, straightforward way, but perhaps you’re someone who’s more comfortable with the mouse.

Your second way of minimizing all windows, using the mouse, is by clicking a bar on the lower right corner of the screen. Still, you need precision and you might not be nimble enough to do this without wasting a bit of time. Here’s the bar, if you didn’t notice it:

Both of the options will get you where you want, but none of them let you explore your inner child and have a little fun. Restore a maximized window, right now, and wiggle it around a bit. Try a little more intensity. Did your computer just go nuts? Nope! It just minimized everything and led you straight to your desktop.

Let us know below in the comments section what you think about these top-secret Windows 7 features!

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That is about to change. We are coming up with a new FAQ section where you can email us your problems and we will answer them on a weekly column.

For a start, we are going to focus on Windows first. Here’s what you need to do:

Send your question(s) (please provide as many detail as possible) to windows-help [at] maketecheasier.com or send us a tweet @maketecheasier.

That’s it.

Don’t wait, send in your questions now!

Feedbacks are welcome.

Image credit: Colin_K

What if you decide to change your phone number and the person who had it before you signed up for all kinds of services to text message information to them? Or maybe they had a lot of bill collectors or a persistent ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend? All of these are pretty realistic things that can happen.

Another possible reason may be you need block calls and SMS messages while you are in meetings or on vacation. Below are a few options to take control of your phone.

1. Gang Filter – call block

Gang Filter is an Android application to block a time where you can limit calls. There are options to choose sections of the day when you can receive everybody’s calls and messages while blocking them at others. This is a great feature if you have a company issued phone. You can set the auto-reply to activate when you are done with work for the day or on the weekends.

There are some other great features too. You can whitelist numbers so they will always come through, backup and restore your settings and enable security to protect your settings.

2. Call blocker – Privacy Box

Call Blocker is a more of an on-device privacy measure than restricting who is calling you or messaging you. When starting Privacy Box for the fist time, they suggest you set a pattern lock for security. What you can do then is add the contacts you’d like to lock down to the Privacy Box app. Any calls or SMS messages to or from this person will not show up in the logs on your phone.

I am sure there are other reasons for an application like Privacy Box other than to hide communications from your spouse, but that is one of the uses they list. I would think using it to keep business communications a bit more protected is a better reason.

3. Ultimate Call Blocker Free

Ultimate Call Blocker really is the most feature filled option. What is cool is, there are multiple options from what happens when a person calls you; one is to pick up the call and hang up right away. You can get pretty specific on who you allow and who you deny. There is an option to set an auto-reply message for calls and messages when they are being blocked too.

Conclusion

I think the phone part of your phone is one of the most overlooked parts of any smart phone when it comes to apps and adding features. Adding a call blocker or way to keep your communications private is something everyone should really consider. Do you want someone picking up the phone and calling your mom? I know I don’t.

What are your thoughts on the privacy of your phone and what precautions do you take to protect it?

Image credit: spierzchala

The Hardware

To begin, you must obviously have an iPad to turn an iPad into a MacBook. At the moment, iPad 2 devices cost $499 for the entry model. This is close to being on-par with the average Windows PC that is available, while still being a little more than the average entry level netbooks on the market nowadays. This will give you a WiFi version. For 3G, you will have to cough up $629 for this model. Now, what if $499 is too much of a cost for you? No worries, you still have some options.

A great option to look into is Apple’s refurbished service. Many consumers cringe at the sight of the word, refurbished, but it is really not as bad as you may think. Refurbished, for those who don’t know, simply is when a gadget is returned to Apple and prepared for resell. This can range on the best side as a consumer wanting a different color iPad, and on the worst side, it being an iPad with a glitch that was fixed like new by Apple.

It’s important to remember that you aren’t really sacrificing anything with such a purchase. For $419 currently for a regular $499 iPad with WiFi and 16GB, you are saving some money. In addition, Apple has the previous model, the iPad, that garners even more deals. In addition, it’s important to remember that the iPad 3 is expected to at least be announced in the coming month. With reports of the possibility that Apple will keep the iPad 2 on the market at a lower price, you can find yourself with a better deal if you wait a bit longer.

The Cases: ZaggMate and ZaggFolio

The most important aspect of using your iPad as a Mac is to have the right casing. At the moment, the best company providing the most authentic iPad keyboard casing is Zagg. They have two models, the ZaggMate for the iPad 1 and the ZaggFolio for the iPad 2. Both models use Bluetooth to connect your iPad with the keyboard. The iPad itself is supported on a built-in stand, offering a laptop-feel angle. The case also has iPad specific keys and access to iPad controls like silence and volume rocker. If the $99 price tag is a little much for you, Apple also offers bluetooth keyboards for $49.99. These are the same keyboards used for iMacs, offering the exact feel as a desktop. However, you must purchase a case separately, which in the end will equal out the price.

The Applications

In addition to the hardware, you must also have the software for your iPad to match. The exact software you would need differs. Here is a nice list of almost every application on my Mac right now that has an iPad equivalent. I found a match for just about each application.

Skype for iPad

This is the obvious replacement of my Skype for Mac. All of the key features are still present with the iPad version. All you have to do is sign in with your Skype account and you can get a call started in no time. Individuals with the iPad 2 will be able to have a video conference with the iPad version of this application as well. You can hold calls with both other Skype for iPad users and Skype for Mac users (and Windows). If you want to make it into a mobile phone, a feature your laptop can’t do out of the box, then you can pay a bit more and enable landline calling with Skype. This is a Skype for Mac feature as well.

iMovie for iPad

I’m a bit surprised at how many people don’t know about iMovie for iOS, but it does exist. iMovie for iOS offers many of the same features that is on the Mac. All you have to do is drag and drop media into the timeline, tap and drag to extend or shorten clips. With an addition of photos and music, you can create a great project right on your iPad. Want to narrate a funny event? No problem, just tap to record audio, and then add it into your project. Once done, you can export your high definition project to YouTube and various other social networking websites.

Pages for iPad

Pages for iPad allows you to create beautiful documents for print and sharing on your iPad. Apple offer you with various beautiful templates to create a unique document. You can add text, change color, and even add some photos to brighten up the document. Interrupted while making your creation? No problem, iCloud will save everything you were doing and will allow you to continue when you can. You can also create charts within the application, allowing you to show the data in your paper in a much better way. Once done, you can export you document to various word processing programs, even including Word, or you can make it available online for viewing. At $9.99, this is a much economical option compared to Microsoft Office for Mac.

Keynote for iPad

Keynote is Pages for iPad’s friendly cousin. Where Pages excels in documents, Keynote impresses with slideshows and power points. You can create amazing presentations right from your iPad with Keynote for iPad. Just like with Pages, Keynote allows you to use various templates, add images and text, and even add other types of media into your project. You can have your project on an automatic loop or have it manually change slides. Your presentation can be exported afterwards to Powerpoint, as a PDF, and more. If you want a desktop quality presentation on your iPad, Keynote is for you.

Internet Service

The subject that differs the iPad from a laptop is the subject of Internet. The iPad has the option out of the box to either have a WiFi or 3G option. A majority of modern laptops only have the option of WiFi. Unless you have a data card, this is usually the only option you are presented with when on your laptop.

Some Advantages and Drawbacks

There are many advantages and disadvantages to having an iPad as a Mac alternative. Let’s begin with the drawbacks. One drawback is that if you do get the WiFi only version, which is more affordable in the short term, you don’t have the option to use a data card later on. This hinders use when away from a network. Individuals who do choose to go the 3G route may have the freedom of 3G, however Verizon charges are quite hefty and AT&T doesn’t offer many options for heavy data users like myself. Lastly, you don’t have much growth potential with an iPad. For example, if you want to add more programs, you have to be mindful of your current storage. Also, you can’t just plug in your USB drive and have it working in iPad.

These disadvantages make it ideal for the basic users, not so much for an advanced user. However, the advantages are that you save money in the short term and sometimes in the long term. If you want to forgo spending close to a grand on a laptop, this is a great alternative. In addition, some Internet companies that are out there can be a little more expensive than the 3G options for iPad, allowing you to cut the Internet bill. These advantages lead to this being a great money saving option.

1. Dictionary.com

Dictionary.com is one of the best available Dictionary apps for the iPhone, and costs nothing. Dictionary.com is the iPhone version of the popular online dictionary website that goes by the same name.

Dictionary.com has a huge word bank of over 2,000,000 words, which includes definitions, antonyms and synonyms – yes, a Thesaurus is also included in the app to ensure that you do not need separate apps for both.

The app also provides the users with an option to pronounce the words to get the best way to say it. A Word of the Day feature shows you interesting words every day.

Another amazing feature is the option to speak the word after which the app will process it and search for it. Finally yet importantly, the app also works offline when looking up for words.

Dictionary.com

2. Dictionary!

Dictionary! is yet another free and portable dictionary app available for the iPhone. Just like the above app, the Dictionary! App has a word bank of over 200,000 definitions and supports an in-built Thesaurus.

The app works both offline or online, and unlike the above app follows a more “straight-to-the-point” view; where you search for the word and you are shown a definition for that word.

You can also copy the definitions to the clipboard or search for that term over at Wiktionary if you do not find the one at Dictionary! sufficient.

Dictionary!

3. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an iPhone version of the online, helpful dictionary website by the same name. As with the above given apps, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary provides a platform for a colossal word bank and also provides the user with the option to mark certain definitions as “favorite” and also provides phonetics and audio playback of the word.

The app also gives the users with sample sentences in order to make the definition more clear to the user and make the definition make more sense.

Just as with the Dictionary.com app, Merriam-Webster Dictionary app also gives the user with a “Daily Word” and a voice search feature to search for words easily by just saying the word.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

4. WordWeb Dictionary

The WordWeb Dictionary is an easy, fast and portable dictionary that every iPhone user can take advantage of with over 280,000 words, phrases, 70,000 usage samples, and 85,000-text pronunciation at the users’ advantage – the user can handle any difficult word easily.

The app also gives the users the feature to filter search by nouns, verb, adjective and adverbs. Apart from this, the app also works perfectly offline.

An interesting feature is the ability to cross-reference definitions to both Chambers and old Oxford dictionary apps from WordWeb.

WordWeb Dictionary

These four dictionary apps for the iPhone make it easy for any user to carry a portable and extensive dictionary with them easily – no need to carry out hard-copy dictionaries. Choose which ever suits your needs best and share with us any other app you think should be in the list.

Image credit: greeblie

You need to have experience in using Linux and be proficient with the app and command line. You also need to be able to come up plenty of tweaks, hacks, mods, software review and capable of explaining them in an easy-to-understand manner.

Conditions:

Passionate about Linux.
Confident and experienced writer.
Always on the loop for latest Linux news and update.
Able to come up with 1-2 articles per week.
Able to meet publication deadline.

To Apply:

Write to us at writers [at] maketecheasier.com, with the subject “Application as a Linux writer”. Do not send us your resume. Include in the mail your years of experience as a writer, the blog(s) that you have wrote for and your level of proficiency in Linux. We will certainly ask you for a sample of your writing.

PS: We are not looking for guest posters. Guest posters, please refrain from sending us email. They will not be entertained.

1. Logon Screen Changer

Sure, you can change your logon screen manually, but what if you’re not a computer whiz and you’re afraid to edit your registry? There are tons of problems that could occur because of this, and the Tweaks.com team knows that you’re not always in the mood to look through your computer’s guts to change something on it. All you have to do is download the application here, run it, and click the “Change Logon Screen” button. You don’t even have to break a sweat!

2. CSMenu – Go “Retro” With Your Start Menu

Windows 7 includes a very versatile Start menu, but not everyone has a taste for the shiny and flashy Aero design on it. That’s why CSMenu’s developers came up with this nifty little application that reverts the W7 Start menu back to something you used to see in Windows 2000. The newer version of the application doesn’t need any dependencies and even allows you to make the Start menu translucent. You can download the application here.

3. GMail Notifications on Your Desktop

You can literally count the amount of Gmail notification applications for Windows on two hands, so why’s this one special? Well, it includes an interface that integrates taskbar features unique to Windows 7. When you right-click the application icon, it shows you the subject line of every unread message you have, a unique feature that helps you save time and wade through what’s not important when you’re busy. You can download Gmail Notifier Plus here.

4. NeoSmart Windows 7 Repair Disc Creator

Just bought a new computer and noticed it doesn’t have a recovery disc? Tons of PC retailers, aside from loading their PCs with really crappy cheap hardware (and software), are now making the Windows recovery disks a proprietary feature you have to buy. Instead of dishing out the cash, just create your own W7 recovery disk with NeoSmart. The company’s software lets you repair damaged files, use System Restore, and back up your system completely. Don’t let the fat cats in fancy suits take your money. Download the application here.

5. Winfox – Adding Taskbar Features to Firefox

When you right-click an icon on a task bar, you often get a list of things you can do with the application the icon belongs to. This is called a jump list. Mozilla seems to have forgotten to include such features in Firefox in recent versions, so Winfox comes to the rescue with a small program that modifies Firefox to do this. If you have Firefox 4 or above, you have nothing to worry about, but for those of you that chose to stick with older versions, you can download the application here.

6. Hulu Desktop Integration

For those of you that use Microsoft’s Windows Media Center and Hulu, someone had you in their mind. Hulu Desktop Integration allows you to switch between W7 Media Center and Hulu quickly, without having to go to your desktop. The application gives you a Hulu button in Media Center. Once you click it, Media Center closes, and Hulu comes up in full screen. Download the application here.

7. Stack Up Your Important Programs With StandaloneStack

Windows 7 has some very interesting features integrated in its taskbar, but it doesn’t integrate a stack of important applications like Windows XP did. StandaloneStack is your alternative to solve this issue. It integrates something like the quick start menu and lets you see all the icons in it with one single click. Download the application here.

8. Find Hidden Settings Easily With XdN Tweaker

Tired of looking through an overly complicated W7 control panel? XdN Tweaker solves this problem by including all those settings that are difficult to find in one simple package. Click here to download XdN Tweaker.

9. Make Alt+Tab Interesting

Are you tired of the oversimplified “Alt+Tab” window switching screen that has no new features? Developers at Ntwind Software came up with a free application that lets you get an elegant and complex interface for window switching, even showing you a preview of the widow you’re switching to. Once you install VistaSwitcher, you’ll feel like your OS has wings. And yes, as the name implies, it works both for Windows Vista and 7. Click here to download.

10. Get All Your Favorite Apps in One Interface

Are you planning on reinstalling Windows, or did you just get a new computer without any applications? Skip all the boring app installations you do whenever you’re breaking in a new OS and install all those applications using a custom installer by Ninite. The program works with almost every version of Windows up to W7. Click here to give it a shot!

The Run-Down

When I first heard about some of these programs, I’ve been wondering where they’ve been all my life. Every one of these tools does something wonderful to your computer and turns it into something that interacts with you in a way you probably didn’t think possible. All of them are free, meaning that brave developers took the plunge and dedicated their time to something they’ll never profit from.

If a project has a “Donate” button, and you feel like you’ve got the pockets for it, go ahead and give the project the recognition it deserves. Our contributions inspire new ideas and innovation in open application development that allow people like these to begin projects which benefit more people.

I certainly hope you enjoy these applications and benefit from at least one of them. Make sure that you leave a comment below. We’d love to hear what you have to say about the programs and your experience trying them.

1. Instagram

Who doesn’t know about Instagram? It’s been a favorite for iTunes and many iOS users and I use this application almost everyday. It’s quite easy to use. Just simply take a photo, add a filter or no filter at all, add a caption, select the social networking sites you want to share the photo on, and upload. It’s fast, easy, supports flash, and even allows you to use the rear or front facing camera on iPhone 4/4S. Instagram is the fun application that brings out the creative bug in all of us.

The free application has a simple interface. The bottom part of the application allows you to access the feed. This is where you get to see all of the photos added by you and the individuals you follow. You can click “comment” to voice your opinion of the photo. You can either click “like” or double tap the photo to like it. Popular shows the best of the best Instagram photos. News shows all of your notification and you can access your profile by click the farthest right icon.

2. Camera+

Camera+ is my favorite photography editing software for iPhone. This application allows you to transform your photo into a masterpiece. To begin, simply take a photo as normal within the application. The photo is then sent to the “Lightbox” where you have the ability to edit. From the Lightbox, you can adjust brightness and light, rotation, cropping, and filters. Camera+ even allows you to add borders for a nice final touch. When done, click “done” to go back to Lightbox.

From Lightbox, you can then share the photo on sites like Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, and even email and text message. Don’t want to share? No problem, just click save to add the edited photo to your camera roll. For $1.99, Camera+ may be the only photo editing software that you’ll need for your iPhone.

3. Pic Stitch

When on Instagram a couple of weeks ago, I came across an image that seemed to look like a nice collage. I was surprised by the discovery for the fact that Instagram doesn’t yet have such a feature for photos. I asked the photographer how they did it, and that’s how I was introduced to Pic Stitch. This application allows you to extend your photo creativity in multiple ways and on various websites.

With Pic Stitch, you can choose from various layouts, then double tap the space to get taken to the camera roll. From there, you can then choose which photo you want to include. Some drawbacks are that you can’t choose multiple photos at once. You can even do some light editing to the photo, including the ability to add filters, crop, choose aspect ratios, and more. It’s also compatible on iPad as well, meaning you can extend your photo editing to a larger screen. Pic Stitch allows you to group your photographic memories into one space.

Postagram

Ever wanted to physically cherish some of your Instagram memories? It seemed like it was impossible to do this at first, but not with Postagram. This application allows you to get your photos printed and sent to you for only 99-cents. The application itself is free to download. The ability to have the photos printed on high quality paper makes Postagram a great and inexpensive last minute gift to your friend or loved one. You don’t even need an Instagram to take advantage, Postagram allows you to take a photo in-app, use Facebook photos, or even use photos in your camera roll.

Creating a Postagram is quite easy to do. Simply click “create a Postagram”. Then choose the photo you want to use from Facebook, Instagram, camera roll, or from right in front of you. Great, the photo is taken, now here’s the fun part. You have the ability to add a personalized message on the left. For more personalization, you have the option to use your Instagram/Facebook profile photo next to your name or even take one. Next, add the recipient(s), and complete the order. It’s as easy as 1,2,3.

What other photography apps do you use?

Image credit: Big Stock Photo

The key to keeping track of where your money is being spent, is using the tool you choose regularly. Having a money managing tool on your mobile is a great way to get in the habit. Below is a list of some money managing apps for your Android device.

1. PageOnce

PageOnce is a really neat mobile money and bill tracking app. You can put in all of your creditors, investments and bank accounts. For most, you will need to give them login information to your web account. This is how they will monitor your current bills and account balances. There are reminders and options to pay your bills right from the app. How great is it when you are traveling and you remember you need to pay your credit card and can pay it right on the spot?

2. Mint

Mint is a really popular money management web app. It lets you keep track of all of your expenses, income and retirement funds. There is an option to have Mint check your bank account and automatically add the current statement data and categorize it for you. Having mobile access to this is great because you can input your purchase right on the spot so you don’t forget.

3. TaxCaster by TurboTax

It is a bit early in the US for a lot of people to be thinking taxes, but this handy little app from the folks at Turbo Tax will help you guesstimate what your refund will be. While there are a lot of variables to account for when you file, TaxCaster will ballpark your return or tell you how much you need to pay so you can make a plan early.

4. Expense Manager

Expense Manager is a simple application to track your monthly money flow with. You can set monthly reoccurring transactions. You simply add in a transaction like groceries or your morning coffee right then and there. If you cash a check instead of depositing it, you can add that as income. Think of this app as a digital checkbook registry.

5. Google Finance

For those of you who dabble in the stock market, you can download Finance by Google to help you track the daily ups and downs for the stock market. Finance for Android will sync with your Google Finance portfolio so you have current information about what matters to you.

6. EasyMoney (30 day trial)

EasyMoney is a mix of simple and features. There are basic money tracking features like adding in expenses and income, but you can also categorize the transaction. A bill payment reminder is a must have feature for anyone who has ever forgotten to pay a bill on time. You also have the option to set a budget, well several budgets actually. Some people need a different budget for different times of the year, so this would work well for them.

7. Money Lover

The neatest feature in Money Lover is the budget planning. If you have every tried to save for anything instead of just putting it on a credit card, you know how hard it can be. Setting a savings budget for buying a new laptop or taking a trip is a breeze… well, the tracking part is easy anyway. Many times when you see growth in your accounts you are more motivated to save, I know I am.

8. Easy Envelope Budget Aid: Sync

Using paper envelopes to separate your money is one of the oldest budgeting methods I can think of. Easy Envelope Budget Aid is a digital version of this. I found it pretty easy to use. You will need a free account and to create a few envelopes to get you started. You can always add more envelopes and change the budgets for each later on.

Conclusion

Whichever way you decide to manage your money, it is rarely time ill spent. Having a cushion so you are not living paycheck to paycheck helps you rest a little easier and chip away at one of life’s biggest stress creators.

Do you manage your finances on your mobile? What are your tips?

Image credit: image

1. TagCrowd

TagCrowd is a website that allows you to create a tag cloud from plain text, a link or even an uploaded plain text file with the words to mention in the tag cloud.

Using the service is really easy, just enter the words you want to visualize in a tag cloud fashion and configure the settings. Click “Visualize” to see your tag cloud.

If you want to find out the most searched words of a website, just enter the link of a website in the URL bar and you will be displayed the tag cloud for that website with the most visited/searched words bigger than others, and the least visited/searched the smallest.

TagCrowd

2. Wordle

Wordle is an online tool that allows users to create world clouds, or tag clouds in a more different fashion and layout.

As with TagCrowd, you can create a tag cloud based on plain text, a URL link or del.icio.us user name. Once you create the tag clouds, you can edit the layout, change the colors and even arrange the words in a different manner to bring creativity to your tag cloud and make it look more special.

Wordle

3. ToCloud

ToCloud is an online website that allows visual representation of some text as a bunch of words based on a weight associated to each word. Using ToCloud on a blog, news website will allow users to find about topics that are being discussed.

Just enter the link to the blog/news page to find the tag clouds for that website, or enter the text you want to visualize in the tag clouds. You can even enter some “Stop Words” to filter out words that you do not want visible in the tag cloud – these may include abusive words, junk, etc.

ToCloud

4. Tagul

Tagul is a website that allows you to create tag clouds in a creative way.

Unlike other websites, you need to first start an account on Tagul. Only then you can enter the words or choose a website for which the tag clouds need to be generated. Once the tag cloud is created, you can change the fonts of different words, change the color and even the position of the words to arrange them in a manner to form a symbol or anything you want (heart, horse, etc).

Tagul

5. Tagxedo

Tagxedo is another online website that allows for tag clouds to be created. However, unlike other websites, they allow you to create tag clouds from more than just URL links and plain text. Tagxedo is a website that even allows you create tag clouds from Twitter ID, Del.icio.us, and RSS (lookup).

You can choose the shape if you want to arrange the tag-cloud in one, or just choose the classic shape to arrange them in a normal way. You can further edit the tag-cloud later on if you want to.

Once done, you can save the tag cloud in an image format, a print format or for the web if you want to embed it on your website or blog.

Tagxedo

There you have it folks, these are some of the five websites on the internet that allows you to create a tag cloud from different things – text, URL, Twitter ID and much more.

Image credit: Big Stock Photo

1. Regina 3D Launcher

Regina 3D Launcher is a great looking replacement for your home screen. You have access to a new set of widgets that match the layout of the launcher. You can also download different wallpapers and themes if you don’t like the default wood grained look.

There is a really cool feature with Regina 3D. It is called Secret Workspace. To access the Secret Workspace, you need to tap a code you create using the 4 corners of the screen. It is a whole different set of screens where you can load different icons onto the pages. In the Secret Workspace, settings, you are given the choice to hide applications. Yes, this means it hides them from the app drawer when you do not have the Secret Workspace open. Wrap your head around the possibilities.

2. Zeam Launcher

Zeam Launcher is a very minimalist launcher. After you have installed it and activated it, all you see is the background picture you had. There is are no apps or widgets on the screen other than in a task bar at the bottom. Even then, there are only 4 app icons and an app drawer icon. You get 3 home screens to do with as you please.

In the settings, there are a few settings like Action bindings. These are gestures like swiping up on the screen or double tapping a blank spot on the screen.

3. Launcher 7

Launcher 7 gives your Android the tiles and the app drawer the look of a Windows 7 Phone. Personally I like the tiled menu on the Windows 7 Phones. It is very functional and lets you make adjustments to the color of the tiles, background and aspects of the app drawer. You can add widgets as tiles too.

4. [SSKIN] Butterfly+ launcher

Probably the coolest feature of Butterfly+ launcher is the option to transfer the settings from your previous launcher. Granted, it may not keep everything, but in my opinion, adding all of the apps and widgets to your screens again has kept me from trying new launchers.

Butterfly+ comes with its own set of widgets. Aside from being able to change the wallpaper and add and remove home screens, there are not many adjustments.

5. MXHome Launcher

MXHome Launcher is a pretty simple launcher. You start with 5 screens but can change that number from 1 – 7. There is a screen all the way to the left that is a cool looking analog clock with the gears showing. There are spots on it to get to your mail, contacts or the Internet. There is also a battery gauge along with options to put your phone on vibrate and turn both your Wi-Fi and your Bluetooth on and off.

The app drawer is really neat if you are an app’o’haulic. You can sort the apps by date, alphabetical order or even by category. You get the applications in the categories, you can drag the app into the appropriate folder.

6. ICS Launcher

ICS launcher is the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich look-a-like launcher. It gives you the look and feel of Ice Cream Sandwich on your older OS. There are different widgets and the font is different. You will gain gestures so you can swipe up and open the app drawer if you set it to do that. You can add a banner too. This may not seem like anything special, but most launchers do not have this feature.

Conclusion

In the end, your Android home screen needs to be pleasing to the eye, but still needs to be functional. It make take some time to find the right launcher. I have personally tried several on my newest phone and haven’t found the right one to balance fun and functional.

What is your Android home screen launcher of choice?

1. Locavore

The Locavore application is an ultimate application for the new years. Not only does it promote healthy eating, but you are also helping the environment and saving money. Locavore, which means someone who eats locally grown foods, encourages healthy eating and decrease carbon footprint due to the fact that the food you’re eating travels less distances, promoting a better environment. You are also helping out local businesses, a great way to boost your local economy.

Locavore (iTunes link)

2. Nike Training Club

A big resolution on the list of many individuals is a healthier 2011. This can be in the form of exercise for some people. However, without the added encouragement, it can be a lot harder to get the motivation to exercise continually. Nike Training Club is your free personal trainer in your iPhone. The application offers easy to learn routines, tips from celebrity trainers, and step by step exercises based on your weight loss goal. Nike Training Club shows you that you don’t need to spend a much to lose a lot.

Nike Training Club (iTunes link)

3. Fooducate

When resolving to eat healthier for 2012, you may choose to eat out less or cook healthier, but where does eating healthier begin? Eating healthier begins when shopping at the grocery store. There are so many products labeled healthy, whole grain, and organic, but what do these terms really mean? Fooducate is your personal Dietitian in your pocket. Simply scan the barcode of an item in the grocery store. Fooducate will then give you a letter grade, calories per serving, warnings, and even better alternatives. This application makes healthy eating not only easier, but also fun.

Fooducate (iTunes link)

4. Lose It!

Any iPhone user losing weight should not only know about Lose It!, but to also make the application their best friend. Lose It! for iPhone is not just a weight loss log, but a lifestyle log as well. The application has a food log feature that allows you to know what foods affect your caloric budget the most and how much exercise helps decrease your intake. The application also encourages more activity by providing badges for good, healthy activities and eating. To prevent falling off the wagon, Lose It! reminds you when to log in your meals or activities. Lose It! allows you to share your progress through social networking websites and even view reports online. Lose It! makes a healthy lifestyle easier to obtain.

Lose It! (iTunes link)

5. Learn a Language with Michel Thomas

A commonly broken resolution for New Year is learning something new. One of the most common things to learn for the year is a new language. Nothing impresses the significant other more than ordering in French at the hottest French restaurant in town. Learn a Language with Michel Thomas is a great application for staying committed to language learning. Michel Thomas, an acclaimed linguist, helps you to learn a language the natural way, not through repetition and memorization. The current languages available are French, Spanish, German, and Italian. While the application is free to download, you must pay per lesson, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

Learn a Language with Michel Thomas (iTunes link)

6. Quitter

Quitting an addiction is not only an amazing resolution, but also a lifesaving one. Quitter for iPhone helps you to quit an addiction through motivation. Quitter offers motivation by showing how far you’ve gone and how much money you’ve saved from not indulging in your addiction. Quitter can help any addiction, from smoking to candy. To track how much you’ve saved and for how long, simply enter when you began your resolution, how many units of the addiction you used a day, and how much it costs per unit. Quitter helps you to see the benefits of quitting.

Quitter (iTunes link)
NewYears_Mint

7. Catalista

Most New Year’s resolutions are about helping us and having a better year for ourselves. However, the best resolution is one that can help other individuals. Catalista is the application that helps you to become a good Samaritan for the 2012 year. The application helps you find great non-profits near you to volunteer your time. Catalista bases your recommendations on what you enjoy doing, when you’re available, and where you are. You can also pass the gift on by sharing an opportunity on Facebook or through email. Catalista helps you to help others throughout the year.

Catalista (iTunes link)

8. Mint

With the current economic condition of the country, getting a better handle on your finances is the best resolution for many people. Mint for iPhone does this by asking you to add your financial information, including credit card information and bank accounts. The application automatically pushes information from these accounts and tracks your spending. But that’s not the best of the application.

Mint also bases what is left in your account to create a budget for you. You can also get reminders for paying bills, and track cash spending through manual additions.

Mint (iTunes link)

Which apps do you use to keep your New Year’s resolution in check?

Image credit: Big Stock Photo

In case you have joined us only in the middle (or the later part) of the year, here is a recap of the most popular articles in year 2011.

1. 3 Ways to Install Applications On Android Without The Market

Several Android phones and tablets don’t come with the Android market installed, which means installing third party apps has become a difficult task. In addition, even with the market, there are some apps that are not available for your country and you can’t install them from the market. This is where an alternative method of installing apps come in handy. While we have highlighted 3 ways to install applications without the market, do check out the comment section too for more useful and innovative ways of installing applications.
Best Of Make Tech Easier 2011

2. Fedora 15 vs Ubuntu Natty Narwhal – The Battle for Your Next Desktop

Ubuntu Natty is the first version of Ubuntu to come with the unpolished and Best Of Make Tech Easier 2011restrictive Unity desktop, and many users are flocking away to alternative distro. At that time, Fedora 15 was released with Gnome shell as the default desktop manager. Even though a newer Ubuntu (Oneiric) has been released, this comparison article is still an interesting read.

3. Growly Notes Is The OneNote For Mac, And It Is Free

Mircosoft’s OneNote is a very popular app for note-taking and it is a hot-favorite among students. Unfortunately, there is no Mac version. Growly Notes is a free app that looks and functions just like the OneNote. You can create folders, tags and insert images, videos, content anywhere in the note. It may not be as feature-rich as OneNote, but it is definitely one of the best alternative for Mac users.

4. How to Transfer Contacts From Blackberry and Android to iPhone

Before the rise of Android, iPhone was dominating the World. Almost everyone was holding an iPhone on their hand while walking in the street or in the train. There is no surprise that plenty of people are looking for ways to migrate their contacts and address book over. Check out the article for the detail tutorial.

5. Browsers War: The Search For The Best Android Browser

The default Android browser is good, but it is not great. With plenty of browsers out there in the market, people tend to go to review site to check out which one is the best, so they can install it without having to check out every single browser themselves. In this article, we reviewed several of the most popular browsers in the market and listed down their pros and cons.

6. The Complete Guide to Set Up a Minecraft Server

Are you addicted to MineCraft? How about setting up and run your own MineCraft Server? Here’s the detail guide for you.

7. How to Create Your Own Google Chrome Themes

Google Chrome has recently surpassed Firefox as the second most popular browser (behind IE) and with its huge number of users, plenty of them are looking for ways to make Chrome prettier and more beautiful. While there are many pre-built themes that you can apply, many people prefer to create their own. If you are one of those, this article is for you.

8. 17 Hidden Tips And Tricks For MIUI Android ROM That You Probably Didn’t Know

In my personal opinion, Cyanogenmod and MIUI are two of the best custom ROMs for Android. I tried MIUI once and it has been on my phone until now. If you are a MIUI fans, here are 17 hidden tips and tricks for you.

9. How to Enable/Disable Google Chrome Print Preview Feature [Quick Tips]

The Chrome Print Preview feature must be an annoying one that many people are looking for ways to turn it off. Here’s the tips.

10. How to Use Your iPhone As A Wireless Hotspot

The wireless hotspot function for iPhone 4 and above is not clearly visible to the users and some users find it confusing over the bluetooth and wifi and usb options. Here’s the clear explanation and steps to use your iPhone as a wireless hotspot.

So here you are, the most popular article of 2011. I am looking forward to 2012, what about you?

Best of Social Networking

1. Instagram

Instagram brings creativity to any iPhone user and any iPhone photo. With just a pick of a filter, you can turn a mundane photo into something akin to artwork. The social media integration also allows other individuals to appreciate your photos.

2. Facebook

Facebook for iPhone wasn’t the best application out there in its early days. However, the later part of 2011 was great for the application. The new interface makes the application a lot cleaner, and the sidebar provides for quicker access to profiles.

3. Google+

The Google+ application took a while in 2011 to reach iOS users. The Android users beat iPhone users to the punch on this one. But for many users, it was worth the wait. The Google+ application offers the full site in an iPhone friendly interface. I personally only have to go on the desktop when uploading large files.

4. Twitter

Twitter for iPhone wasn’t its best in its early users, but the social media website seemed to have hit a growth spurt during the later part of 2011. The new application now has a revamped interface known as Twitter Fly. The interface offers a simpler, better organized Twitter experience.

Best of Photography

1. Camera+

The native iPhone camera application is seen as too basic for many individual’s taste. Aside from some light editing, including enhancement, cropping, and redeye editing, you don’t have much to work with. Camera+ offers great editing features, filters, borders, and more. It’s the only camera application I need.

2. iMovie

If you have an iPhone 4S, then you most likely haven’t been taking as much advantage of the 1080p lying in your pocket than you should. The iMovie application brings on board video editing, allowing you to share amazing video to YouTube and social networking websites in a snap.

3. Postagram

Postagram offers a great complement to our other favorite application for 2011, Instagram. Postagram allows you to physically enjoy some of your Instagram photos for only 99 cents each. The photos, printed on high quality paper, are a perfect vacation memento or a wonderful, personal holiday gift.

4. Adobe Photoshop Express

This free application offers great minor tweaks and improvements to already great photos. In other words, it may not be the application for the heavy photographer, but the average iPhone user will greatly appreciate it. Features like cropping and black and white offers the final touch to great photos.

Best of Games

1. Angry Birds

This two year old iPhone application has morphed into an App Store classic. This is why the whole Angry Birds series (Classic, Seasons, Rio etc), as one of the best iPhone game apps. It’s the game that some newly popular games base off of.

2. Temple Run

Temple Run is the highly addictive game that I thought was a great hit from the start. The objective is to go through an obstacle course, jumping over road cracks and more. Temple Run is now one of the top games on the app store, so if you haven’t heard of it, you don’t know what you’re missing out on!

3. Charadium

The loners in your life would find some company with the Charadium application. This game allows you to guess the word based on the drawn image of others you play with online. When the word is guessed, you get a point. It’s a great time passer.

4. Doodle Jump

Doodle Jump’s main objective is to draw the course that your character takes as it passes by various other hurtles. This is all while trying not to miss your step and fall to your death. Doodle Jump also has support for online multiplayer.

Best of Travel

1. FlightTrack Pro

This is one of my favorite travel applications out there. FlightTrack Pro offers a great hub for all of your travel information for your next trip. You have the ability to get any updates on your next flight, have airline emails forwarded here, and know when there are delays through push notifications.

2. Packing Pro

Who ever enjoys packing must not be avid travellers, because packing is one of the most put off activities in the whole travel trip. Have you ever considered having a packing assistant? Packing Pro is that application. The application gives you sample lists for what to pack, based on your upcoming trip so you can never forget anything.

3. UberCab

When you are leaving dinner with friends or arriving in your vacation spot, have you ever wanted to say “Let me call my driver”? UberCab allows you to do this. The application allows you to call a personal driver who can bring you from point A to point B in style at affordable prices.

4. TripColor

Capture your travel memories with Trip Color. The simple application allows you to share travel photos, text, and more by using templates made according to your travel theme. This keeps family and friends in the loop, without it being stressful.

Best of Productivity

1. Dropbox

Dropbox allows you to have your online life, in the cloud. Simply upload files onto the application, and they are easily accessable on the Dropbox website on your desktop. This is the top, free, iCloud alternative for any user.

2. Vlingo

For the iPhone 4 and 3GS users out there without Siri, this is the next best thing for getting stuff done through the voice. Vlingo allows you to send text and email messages, use maps, update your status, call, and do web searches with your voice. Is it better than Siri? Some may say no, but it’s the best alternative out there.

3. Remember the Milk

This is one of my favorite to-do applications available on the app store. It focuses on the content, not just the design, providing you with a productive application. In addition, with a small work around, you can even hook it up with Siri!

4. eTodo

What Remember the Milk lacks in design is what eTodo makes up for. The application categories your tasks into three easy to understand categories, providing you with the ability to know what to focus on.

Best of 2011…

Flipboard for iPhone

Flipboard is the chosen best application for 2011. The application just became available for iPhone a few weeks ago, but it’s a hit in our books. The application allows you to consume everything important to you online, in just one application. Your Twitter feed, Instagram, and favorite news sources are all available in one area. The interface uses the photos from these posts, providing for a classic magazine look. Best of all, this application is free!

Is your favorite apps in the list around? If not, share with us in the comments.

Image credit: BigStockPhoto

Best of Games

1. Ant Smasher

Ant Smasher is a game that kids love. There are also a lot of videos on YouTube showing animals like Frogs and Dragons playing the game. The basis of the game is to squish all of the bugs that appear on the screen.

2. Angry birds

Angry birds is one of the most popular mobile games of all time. It has even transitioned into stuffed toys so you can throw them around the house.

3. Fruit Slice

Fruit Slice is a surprisingly addictive game. It is simple in theory, but can be pretty challenging too. You need to chop all of the fruit being thrown into the air while avoiding the evil looking bombs.

4. Defender

Your job is to defend the castle against the waves of attackers. You have a bow and arrow as your main weapon, but also have spells and other weapons you can buy and unlock.

5. NinJump

In this game, you start as a ninja running up a building. you need to jump over to the other building to avoid and kill your enemies. If you get hit or run into a balcony, you will fall to your demise.

Best of Productivity

6. Evernote

Evernote is a great note taking application. It allows access from pretty much anywhere with an internet connection. You can not only type in a note, but you can enter in audio notes, take pictures, make check lists and more. Evernote is like the Twitter of note management apps. There isn’t a right or a wrong way to use it, just your way.

7. Dropbox

Dropbox is pretty awesome. It lets you have 2GB of free storage with the option to add more. You can really use the storage however you choose. I keep everything I may need while away from my computer; files, a few songs, eBooks, etc. Being able to share files like a generic contract or resume while on the go is really handy.

8. GO Launcher EX

While Go Launcher Ex is the base application, there are a lot of other applications and widgets by the Go Launcher Dev Team. We have talked about Go Launcher Ex before. It is one of the smoothest operating, most versatile launchers out there; and it’s free too.

9. Google Goggles

Google Goggles offers a lot of handy features. Features like scraping the information off a business card and importing it into your contact list or even solves a Sudoku puzzles in the newspapers snapping a quick picture of the puzzle.

10. Battery Widget

While some may disagree with a Battery Widget being a productivity app, It sure makes it easier to get an exact amount of battery life versus that little battery meter in your notification bar.

Best of Photography

11. PhotoWonder

PhotoWonder is a pretty simple photo enhancing app. You can add some effects as you can with other apps. However, with PhotoWonder, you can enlarge eye, create collages and make it look like the picture you took was sketched.

12. PicSay – Photo Editor

PicSay lets you add annotations, text and effects to your pictures. There is also the option to change the saturation, tint and other editing tools to make the picture look great.

13. FxCamera

FxCamera strictly adds effects to pictures you take. The Fisheye and SymmetriCam can be fun for pictures you upload to your social accounts.

14. Adobe Photoshop Express

This version of Photoshop for Android is a very lite application. By that I mean it is not even close to the desktop application. It is however, a very cool mobile photo editing app. You can crop, add effects and edit the tint, saturation or even convert the picture to black and white.

Best of Music

15. Pandora

Pandora is a very easy to use streaming music application. The way it works is, you choose an artist or song and Pandora will play that artist and others who sound similar. So if you create a station to play Pink Floyd, you will also hear The Doors, Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull.

16. Shazam

Have you ever been listening to the radio and heard a song you like but don’t know who sings it? Fire up Shazam will listen to the song and tell you who sings it. You will also see places to buy the song and you can search YouTube for the video.

17. TuneIn Radio

TuneIn Radio streams live local radio stations as well as internet radio stations and podcasts from all over the world. Great for people who travel and want to hear local stations from back home or if you want to see what songs are popular halfway around the world.

18. Amazon MP3

You can play songs you have stored in your Amazon Cloud or the music stored on your device. You also can buy songs from the store. You have a set amount of space for your uploaded music, but can buy more. What ever music you buy does not go against this quota.

19. Slacker Radio

Slacker Radio is similar to Pandora. You can create your own stations, listen to a genre or listen to one of the preprogrammed stations.

Best of Social

20. Tango Voice & Video Calls

Tango lets you make free audio and video calls to other users. You can talk to anyone between Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and PCs. In one of the most recent updates, you now can leave video messages for someone.

21. myYearbook

myYearbook is an app to meet people near you. It is geared toward the teenage crowd. You can add pictures of yourself, buy items for your page or others with L$. You have the choice to see people near you or sift through everyone on the site when you are looking for new people.

22. Facebook for Android

The Facebook app for Android is becoming more like the website with every update. You can use Facebook chat, check in, send and receive messages, upload pictures and a lot more.

23. Google+

The Google+ application is getting better all the time. If you take a picture on your Android, you can have it instantly upload to your Google+ pictures (optional). Group messaging and being able to easily group people in circles are unique features for Google+.

24. TiKL – Touch To Talk

TiKL is a walkie-talkie app that works over the internet. Aside from having a device with TiKL installed and internet access, you do not need anything special to be able to chat with someone. You can chat with individuals or groups either by instant messenger or the push to talk feature.

25. TweetCaster for Twitter

TweetCaster is a Twitter app that offers a lot of features. You can narrow your Twitter searches with smart search, post to Twitter and Facebook at the same time, access multiple Twitter accounts and “Zip” (silence) people from your feed without unfollowing them to name a few features.

Conclusion

There are hundreds of thousands of applications in the Android Market. These few applications are not even the tip of the iceberg, they are a snowball on the tip of the iceberg. The best way I have seen to find applications is to search for something you need, download it and try it.

What are your most recommended Android applications for 2011?

1. Business Card Land

Business Card Lard is a simple and easy to use website that allows users to create free online business cards and download a PDF of the design, in high quality, to be printed later on – or just use for online purposes.

The designs found on the website are simple and plain, not too fancy. These cards are good for anyone who has a small – very small business.

Using the service is easy. Just pick the business card design you want from the design page, choose the size, enter the information you want to display on the card, choose the color and background and finally, make the PDF of your card.

Business Card Land

2. Business Card Star

Business Card Star is a website similar to Business Card Land (above). However, the designs found on the website are a little more creative and more than just your average simple, plain ones.

To make a business card, click the “Create Card” button and register for an account. Once the account is made, choose the design that you like. You will then be required to enter the required business information after which you can choose the color, the background, the image and even the text.

Once done move onto the next step to make the “back” of the card after which you can save the design and create a PDF for it.

Business Card Star

3. BizCard Creator

BizCard Creator is one of the simplest ways to create a business card online. Not only is it quick, but it is also free and has many card designs to choose from.

Just click the “Biz Card Creator” button, enter the required information for your card and move on to design the card according to your needs and requirements.

Once the card has been made, you can get it printed or saved on to your computer for later use if you want.

BizCard Creator

4. Degraeve

If you want to create a much more professional looking card, and not one of your simple, plain cards that lack any aesthetic design, you have to try Degraeve.

Degraeve is a website that allows people to create business cards for free and in seconds. Not only that, but the designs are simple and look very professional.

Just enter in the details of your card, choose the size and design it a little more to end up with a PDF that you can use to print your cards later on. It depends on where you get them printed from of course.

Degraeve

5. FreePDF Cards

This is another business card creating website, which resembles and works on the basis like Degraeve (mentioned above). If you want a professional, simple looking card, do try it.

Upload your business card information, the logo of your company (if you have one – make one if you don’t) and then move to design your card and finally download the PDF format file of your design which ensures that your card design is held in its finest quality and perfect size.

FreePDF Cards

6. Zazzle

Zazzle is a website that not only allows users to create their very own custom designed business cards, but also gives them the feature to get the cards printed and shipped to their doorsteps – all from Zazzle.

Another great feature on Zazzle is the fact that you can use your very own complete design to make the card – not bound by any default template, design or anything. The orders are shipped in 24 hours with a full color printing.

Zazzle

Conclusion

There you have it folks, these are just some of the websites that allow business cards to be created. These websites are best suited for small – medium businesses. In addition, if you have a creative designing agency or so, it would be much wiser to hire a professional artist/company to do the business cards, for as I said, “they represent your brand and make a brand identity”.

Image credit: Big Stock Photo