Archive for February, 2012
Fragger Android Game, Grenade Launching Action
The Fragger Android Game is a grenade launching action adventure, where hundreds of tricky levels meet hundreds of exploding enemies.
- Version: 1.0.6
- Size: 19.09MB (apps2SD enabled)
- Category: Games
- Price: Free
Fragger features over 370 challenging levels spread across 12 different worlds. The mission of each level is to obliterate every single enemy using the limited supply of grenades provided. Throwing grenades is a simple process aided by a large arrow to help fine tune the direction and strength of your throw. Move your finger around the screen to adjust the angle and then move toward/away from Fragger to set the strength. You can perform these actions from anywhere on your device’s screen so that your finger doesn’t obstruct your view.
This Android game boasts solid graphics and an accurate physics-engine that add significantly to its extended playability. Also, a convenient design feature is the fixed menu attached to the right side of the screen, which enables you to pause or reset a level with one quick click (you’ll use this menu more and more as levels get progressively more difficult).
If you get stuck on a level, the developer has built in a couple neat options to help thwart any serious frustration you might experience. For one, there’s the option to view the working solution so that you can then try to execute it yourself. Second, you can also choose to completely skip a level. Note that these options are limited and once they’ve been exhausted you’ll either have to purchase more or earn them for free (the in-game link for free coins/credits was not available at the time of this review).
Pros:
- 370 levels of fragging enemies
- Attractive, cartoon-like graphics
- Physics-engine provides consistent, accurate gameplay
- Options to save you from seemingly impassable levels
Areas for improvement:
- Mitigate problems that arise from having to download large level packs only as they are unlocked (not ideal unless you’re around WiFi at that time)
Conclusion: The Fragger Android game is quite reminiscent of Angry Birds but with the added explosive power of grenades!
Fragger Android Game, Grenade Launching Action is a post from: Best Android Apps Review
SanDisk Memory Zone Android App, Manage All Files
The SanDisk Memory Zone Android app is a centralized hub for controlling, managing, and backing up your local device and cloud-based memory.
- Version: 1.2.1
- Size: 2.00MB (apps2SD enabled)
- Category: Productivity
- Price: Free
The SanDisk Memory Zone app supports your Android device’s local storage sources (e.g. internal memory and external SD card) as well as cloud services (e.g. Dropbox, Box, Google Docs, Picasa, and SugarSync).
The app’s main page displays a list of all the memory sources/accounts you use along with their current usage/limits. By clicking on a specific memory source you can view a breakdown of exactly what’s being stored, like the number of files in categories such as music, photos, videos, documents, and apps. By swiping up and down you can quickly switch between your various memory sources.
Furthermore, a list of each file can be viewed and sorted by its name or size in the file-type categories mentioned above (tap “A-Z” or “Size” to sort). Long-pressing a file brings up the options to move a file to your memory card, upload it to an online storage service, delete it, or make it private. Making a file private locks it with a password (which you’ll be prompted to create the first time), however, it’s important to mention it will not remove it from the file list view. Also, make sure to enable multi-select (in the Menu) for managing multiple files all at once.
Pros:
- Local device and cloud memory management
- Quick transfer and backup of files between storage services
- Elegant and efficient graphical interface
- Lock and secure local files with a password
Areas for improvement:
- Ability to view a list of files categorized as “Other”
Conclusion: The best Android app for managing and integrating your storage connectivity between your Android device, memory card, and files kept in the cloud.
SanDisk Memory Zone Android App, Manage All Files is a post from: Best Android Apps Review
APP Lock Android App, Secure Private & Personal Info
The APP Lock Android app is a simple solution for protecting some (or all) of your applications with a number passcode or lockscreen style pattern.
- Version: 1.21
- Size: 600KB (no apps2SD)
- Category: Tools
- Price: Free
When you launch APP Lock for the first time, you’ll be asked to choose a passcode or pattern that will be required to open APP Lock and any secured applications. As many of you already know, it’s best practice to use a completely unique password that would be difficult for someone to guess. Also, avoid using the same passcode or lockscreen pattern as you’ve set for the phone itself.
The app’s main screen displays a comprehensive list of every app you have installed on your device. For app’s with potentially private or otherwise sensitive information, flip the lock switch to instantly make it password protected. Some Android apps you might want to lock are Email, Facebook, Gallery, Google+, or Messenger. For those who prefer ultimate protection there’s even the option to lock every single app (whether or not it’s practical is up to you).
As a bonus, there are specific system functions you can lock like the ability to install/uninstall apps from the device or Android Market as well as even answering an incoming phone call.
APP Lock also includes a few convenient settings like whether or not you’ll need to re-enter the password for an app after toggling the screen on/off or how much time can pass before being asked for credentials again.
Pros:
- Individually secure applications and important system functions
- Protect with a number passcode or lockscreen pattern
- Straightforward interface/lock management
Areas for improvement:
- Remove need to press “Ok” button after entering numeric passcode
Conclusion: APP Lock Android app is a simple, elegant method for protecting various apps’ private information from snoopy friends, family, or total strangers.
APP Lock Android App, Secure Private & Personal Info is a post from: Best Android Apps Review
CloudMagic Android App: Fast, Personal Search Engine
The CloudMagic Android app (and browser extension) lets you search across personal data services using a single query, minimizing the time it takes to find what you’re looking for.
- Version: 1.1.3
- Size: 1.16MB (apps2SD enabled, removes widget)
- Category: Tools
- Price: Free
- Gmail
- Google Apps Email
- Google Docs
- Google Calendar
- Google Contacts
CloudMagic works by indexing upfront the data (e.g. email, documents, contacts) found in the services listed above. Each individual search you place with CloudMagic combs through all of the data simultaneously and returns results separated by the type of data. For more targeted searches, make use of descriptive qualifiers like “from:” “to:” “filename:” and “tweet:”. Search results are updated instantaneously as you enter more detailed text in the search field. The search algorithm is even sophisticated enough to handle partial searches, which if you’re forgetful like me are an extremely common occurrence.
As a productivity tool, this app cuts down significantly on the amount of time you spend trying to find a certain email, calendar event, or twitter follower. And one of the largest conveniences is that you don’t even have to open a specific app in order to perform a search within it.
Because the app and service are currently labeled “beta” it’s understandable that the number of services it supports is small. It almost goes without saying that the addition of popular networks/services like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Dropbox will make this app that much more powerful and popular.
Pros:
- Multi-account support for Google and Twitter services
- Save time, increase productivity
- Instantly updated search results
- Search with the app, desktop, or browser extension
Areas for improvement:
- Expand the list of supported services!
Conclusion: The CloudMagic Android app is an efficient, multi-service search tool that saves you time and effort by finding emails, documents, or even tweets all at breakneck speed.
CloudMagic Android App: Fast, Personal Search Engine is a post from: Best Android Apps Review
Blast Monkeys Android Game, Barrel of Fun
The Blast Monkeys Android game is as “fun as a barrel of monkeys” thanks largely in part to its cute graphics and rapid-fire gameplay.
- Version: 2.5
- Size: 4.22MB (apps2SD enabled)
- Category: Games
- Price: Free
Blast Monkeys currently features over 270 levels across 9 worlds with more promised to be coming soon. Each level starts with Moki the monkey in a cannon ready to be launched. To fire Moki just tap the large, green button directly on the cannon. If the cannon is rotating, make sure to time your shot to happen at the precise angle.
Each level’s objective is to reach the rainbow-colored “goal” surrounding the targeted banana bunch. Depending on the complexity of the level you may need to bounce off walls, shoot by moving platforms, or use the blue bubbles positioned throughout certain levels. When Moki comes in contact with a bubble it will envelop him and then float upwards until you pop it by tapping it (which will release Moki). These bubbles are vital to the second objective of each level which is to collect all three single bananas. Each banana earns you MokiCoin which can be used to unlock new worlds as you progress through the game.
Pros:
- 250+ levels to conquer
- Unlock more challenging worlds as you improve
- Quick-fire gameplay offers uninterrupted fun
- Charming, but very simple graphics
Areas for improvement:
- Rectify issues where Moki gets stuck without falling or any option to move (forces you to restart level)
- Enhance graphics quality and smoothness
Conclusion: If you’re ready to fire monkeys from cannons, eat tons of bananas, and be challenged by hundreds of levels, download the Blast Monkeys Android game.
Blast Monkeys Android Game, Barrel of Fun is a post from: Best Android Apps Review
