Two Must-Have Video Apps

By woozy | June 24th, 2010 at 12:04pm

When I replaced my Nokia N95 late last year, I was sorely disappointed to find that two of my favorite apps were not available on my then new Motorola Droid. Hearing word that one of the developers had no plans to offer their app on the Android market almost caused me to pass on the Droid and the Android OS completely – no joke.  But I figured it was only a matter of time.  So for months I toted around my Nokia N95 in addition to my Droid just so I had access to these apps.  But alas! Those days are over now that both apps are now available on phones running Android 2.1. The apps I’m talking about are the Skyfire browser and Sling Player.

Skyfire

There are a bunch of different mobile web browsers out there but Skyfire browser does something that no other browser can do on a mobile phone and that’s play Flash content.  With many popular websites these days you often get a dumbed down mobile version.  I don’t know about you, but this totally annoys me.  More often then not, there’s always something missing (content or function) that I desire from the original site.  Part of the reason is that these sites are data intensive but the other reason is they incorporate flash which doesn’t work on other mobile browsers.  With Skyfire, I can have nearly the same browser experience I have when I’m on my desktop or laptop computer.  But what makes this browser sweet is the ability to watch video.  Not that big of a deal if the video is YouTube content (you can simply use a YouTube app) but it’s awesome if you want to watch content from some of my favorite sites like ESPN and Hulu. (Update:  Hulu seems to be blocking Skyfire servers at this time)  I’m still testing it and haven’t decided to completely ditch the original browser that came with my phone making Skyfire my default browser, but so far I haven’t found a reason not to.

Skyfire has been available for Symbian for a while but just launched in April for Android 2.1.  Until 2.2 comes out Skyfire has got to be THE browser to use. Of course, it’s not available for iPhones (although I hear they have developed the app should Apple allow it  into their app store). www.skyfire.com

SlingPlayer Mobile

SlingPlayer on my laptop was cool.  SlingPlayer on a mobile phone is genius and to me more useful. The ability to watch TV or control my Tivo anywhere I have a 3G or Wifi connection is a great advancement in tech and a game changer.  Yes, I have Tivo and can just as well record something and watch it later when I get home, but how about having access to instant replay or insight from an announcer while at a sporting event? Having this at the Giants game (on the free AT&T Wifi) is killer and enhances the experience. Also how many times have you been stuck with your friends in a car after hitting the slopes in Tahoe trying to make it back to your cabin or home in time to watch a NFL playoff game? Or when you’re away from home traveling on business?  That’s when you can really appreciate it, especially if you’re phone has an A/V output (like the N95 or the soon to be released Droid X) that you can plug into the hotel TV.  Traveling internationally you’ll probably want to use a Wifi connection for economic reasons. SlingPlayer Mobile is game changing because I’m no longer in a hurry or feel the need to stay or get anywhere with a TV. I’m still playing around with it on my Droid but so far I must say it is very well done in the way of function and UI – way better than I expected. I’m off to the Giants vs. Redsox game on Friday to give it the true test.

SlingPlayer Mobile has long been available for Symbian, Blackberry, and Palm OS and more recently iPhone.  And now, the much anticipated app for Android 2.1 just released.  The app costs $29.99 but that’s cheap considering you will now have a portable TV. Of course you do need to buy hardware and connect it at home first (I recommend the Slingbox SOLO if you’re going to watch primarily on your mobile) http://www.slingmedia.com/go/slingplayer-mobile

As of today, I no longer miss my N95 (with the exception of its camera) as now I have everything I need and more on my Droid.

The Nokia Sports Tracker

By woozy | May 7th, 2009 at 11:09am

Here’s a cool app that I installed last year when I first got my Nokia N95.  Nokia’s Sports Tracker allows you to monitor and record your workouts – time, speed, and distance.  It was one of the first apps I install however I actually didn’t use it much mostly because as an athlete, I didn’t find it very convenient as a serious athlete and didn’t think it worked all that well.  (Admittedly, it could have been due to user error – with the N95 you need to slide the phone open in order for the GPS to work!).   So why am I talking about it now?  Continue reading this post »

Gadget Finder: Nokia Local Sensor

By woozy | January 8th, 2009 at 2:28pm

Can’t find your keys? Wallet? Favorite gadget? No problem. Turn on this Nokia app on your GPS enabled phone and follow the pointing arrow until you hear the small beeping receiver attached to your missing object. Lost your phone? The receiver can even send a signal back activating an audio beacon on your phone as well. Release date still TBD as they work out some of the software kinks but i was told sometime this year. Just one of the many cool things showcased at Nokia’s booth at CES that expand the functionality and utility of their Symbian OS/S60 and N series phones.

Cell Phone in Argentina?

By woozy | November 25th, 2008 at 4:06pm

The biggest question today is will my Nokia N95-3 work in Argentina? My buddy Scott says getting a sim card is the way to go. Of course, I want to use my phone for its data features – web access, streaming video, text, etc… might be costly. I decided to call AT&T while sitting here in DFW to see what kind of International plans they had. $5.95 for voice which gives you a discounted $1.99 per minute rate. Discount? She said the normal rate was $2.50 or something like that. And data? How about $24.95 for 20 MB or $59.95 for 50 MB. Shoot. I will rip through that in no time. and then something like .02 per KB. Fortunately some guy on DIGG seems to have the answer. more later. gotta go have drinks with Danielle… Admirals Club…

Installing Ringtones on your Nokia N95

By woozy | April 4th, 2008 at 6:32am

The Nokia N95 will play ringtones in most common audio formats: mp3, aac, dcf, and wav files.

Here are simple instructions for Nokia N95 users on how to load ringtones:
1. Download/save ringtone to desktop (easy for drag and drop)
2. Launch Nokia PC Suite on your computer
3. Open File Manager (you can also access thru My Computer and doubleclicking Nokia N95 or Nokia Phone Browser)
4. Doubleclick the external memory card
5. Drag and drop into desired folder (I usually put in Sounds)
6. Open your Tools folder. Click Settings => General => Personalization => Tones
7. Select the type of tone. Select the ringtone you just loaded.