Android 2.4 : More Than Just an Ice Cream

Over 2 years, Android has released 7 versions of its product. The very first, version 1.1 was released on March 2009. 2 months later, a newer version which offered better features appeared on the market. Not long after, Android kept upgrading its operation system to Android Donut, Android Éclair, Android Froyo (Frozen Yoghurt), Android Gingerbread, Android Honeycomb and Android Ice Cream Sandwich, planned to be introduced at the end of 2011.
This latest version is said to be Google’s most ambitious update in 2011. Android 2.4 A.K.A Ice Cream Sandwich will be seen not only in smart phones, but also in tablet and computers. Google is planning to release this operation system that can do anything, in November. Which means, all smart phones and tablet devices trying to enter the market in December, will probably have the new version running in it. Not only new devices, it will also work on the old ones. Since Android Ice Cream is approaching, let’s see what features you can expect to see.

FACE TRACKING

Facial recognition is no longer a high-technologic feature only seen on sci-fi movies. It’s actually coming to Android Ice Cream for real. This feature is able to follow and track you, instead of you moving to get into the camera. It will also work the same while having video conference. The camera will autofocus on anyone who began to speaks.

USB HOSTING

This means Android Ice Cream is able to work as an USB and allows the user to plug anything into it. For example, an x-box controller, keyboard, mouse, etc.

NEW APIs

Along with the release of Android Ice Cream, developers are going to have an easier life designing application that suits the device. Google realized that this is important and promised to release a new set of APIs.

It takes a lot of creativity to always innovate updates that offer improvements in order to compete in the market of technology. Google has never disappointed its users. Android Ice Cream Sandwich is definitely something worth looking forward in 2011.

Android Operating System, The Reality Advantages

Android operating system that is used in mobile phones is a relatively new operating system. However, the operating system is experiencing many very significant developments. This system was created to emulate the iOS operating system. The development could not be separated from the generous support of the participating mobile phone manufacturers and presenting a variety of mobile products by using the Android operating system. Of course, like any other operating system, this system also has various advantages and disadvantages.

various advantages offered by mobile phone that uses the Android operating system, among others, can run various applications. Users can use a Facebook application while listening to music or open an incoming message. In addition, mobile phones with this system also can have easy access to thousands of Android apps through Google’s Android App Market. Another plus phones that use the Android operating system could also facilitate access to various settings quickly and easily with the widgets on the home screen.
Although there are many advantages of the Android operating system, this system also has shortcomings. One drawback of the phones that use this system is the need for internet connection continually. In this case, users should be prepared to subscribe to GPRS packet as needed. In addition, by using this operating system, users will get ads that are displayed when using the application. Therefore, users should make a consideration before he decides to buy a phone with Android operating system.

Samsung Galaxy S2 Review

Samsung’s been busy. Since the galactic success of the Samsung Galaxy S last June, the Korean giant has refined its hardware chops, constructing the iPad-bothering Galaxy Tab, building the excellent Nexus S at Google’s behest, and now crafting its masterwork: The Samsung Galaxy S2.

The Samsung Galaxy S2 is a luxury smart phone with all the trimmings, including a ginormous 4.3-inch display, an 8-megapixel camera and a 1.2GHz processor powering Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Masterfully sewn into a shockingly slim and light body, prepare your soul for the satin embrace of one of the best Android phones to date.

Samsung Galaxy S2 Features

Apeing Apple?
At first glance of Samsung Galaxy S2 you’d be forgiven for thinking Samsung had purloined a page — or perhaps a whole chapter — from Apple’s design manual. The rounded-rectangle look, chrome edging and central home button on show here put us very much in mind of the iPhone 4. But the design isn’t entirely derivative. Turning it over, the back has a textured, grille-like appearance, and the 8-megapixel camera is set toward the top of the chassis, dead in the center.
Light and bright
The Samsung Galaxy S2 is so light, in fact, we weren’t convinced the battery had been inserted at first. Samsung must have some kind of antimatter research lab tucked away, because this mobile is unbelievably lightweight considering all the gubbins lurking inside. You won’t feel the Galaxy S2 weighing you down once it’s ensconced in your pockets or handbag.
The Galaxy S2′s display doesn’t have the highest of resolutions — it’s an 480×800-pixel panel, so it’s not as pin-sharp as the iPhone 4′s 640×960-pixel screen. But this screen isn’t blurry at all — text looks very clear, and we didn’t spot any irritating fuzziness around icons. The Galaxy S2 uses Super AMOLED Plus display tech, which, despite being a meaningless string of letters, actually makes for a really impressive screen.

Conclusion

There’s very little not to like about the Samsung Galaxy S2. It’s astonishingly fast, with a gorgeous display, a good camera and a winning operating system. It’s somehow all crammed into a case so slim and light it seems to break the laws of conservation of energy.
You might prefer a mobile running raw Android without any manufacturer tinkering, but we’re actually rather impressed with many of the extra apps Samsung’s stuck on this beauty. It’s wonderfully slick and a joy to use, and if you opt for this mobile we strongly suspect it will quickly become your new favorite gadget.

Do let us know your thoughts about Samsung Galaxy S2, via the comments section below.

Leaked Sony tablet screens reveal Android 3.2 on the S1

As far back as February 2011 we started catching glimpses at Sony’s Android tablet ambitions. What began as a sketch that looked like a folded-over magazine evolved into the sleek-looking S1, which Sony planned to compliment with a smaller model — the dual-screen, clamshell S2. With Sony promising to launch the devices before the end of this summer, it’s getting to be crunch time. The S1 and S2 could be just around the corner, however, if a handful of freshly-leaked images from Sony’s support pages are an indication.

The new images show off a variety of screens from the S1. For starters, the S1′s “About tablet” screen is on display, and it reveals that the S1 will ship will Android Honeycomb 3.2. The support pages also show off some of Sony’s tablet UX goodies, like an onscreen keyboard with a numeric keypad and Wi-Fi connection checker.

Sony is also including a number of pre-installed apps, like its customized music player that features the company’s SensMe mood-tailored playlists. The Chumby “content streaming” app also comes along for the ride — which makes sense, since Chumby OS powers the underappreciated Sony Dash. Also on board is Zinio, which will offer S1 and S2 owners a slick, tablet-friendly digital magazine reading experience.

The screens also reveal one more detail about the S1 hardware: its charging adapter sports a proprietary connector. While not all the other internals are known at this point, both the S1 and S2 will feature dual-core NVidia Tegra 2 processors and the usual connectivity options (like 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth). The S1 also offers front and rear facing cameras and a 9.4″ display while the S2 sports a single camera and dual 5.5″ screens.

The S1 and S2 have been generating plenty of buzz, and that’s due in no small part to Sony’s clever series of teaser videos. What true geek doesn’t enjoy a good Rube Goldberg device or two?

Samsung Galaxy 550 – Affordable Android Phone with Great Features

Samsung Galaxy 550 can be one option Android phones are sold at affordable prices. When most Android phones on the market are rewarded with high prices, the productions of Samsung mobile phones are sold with a more affordable price. Prices are affordable does not mean that Samsung is launching products that are less qualified. Samsung Galaxy 550 uses the Android version 2.1 Eclair operating system that can later be upgraded to the latest firmware version 2.2 Froyo.

Features that are offered by Samsung Galaxy 550 are also a variety of advanced features such as 3.9 TouchWiz UI, AllShare DLNA, and others. These features are a variety of features that cannot be underestimated. In addition, Samsung Galaxy 550 is also equipped with the features Swype that is a feature of typing text on a virtual keyboard is done by simply sliding a finger into the desired letter. This course will allow users to type messages, email, or other typing.

The phone uses a processor capable of running up to 600MHz. Screen that is used on the Samsung Galaxy 550 is a touch screen with 2.8-inch size. In addition, the phone also carries a 2MP camera that is quite satisfying to take various images. This phone also comes with an FM radio so that users can enjoy the broadcast and radio programs with ease. The features offered are very attractive, it makes the consumer very forward to welcoming Samsung Galaxy 550.

HTC Wildfire S Review

HTC has updated one of its best smartphones HTC Wildfire to HTC Wildfire S. The new model is available now. Like its predecessor, the updated focus on the broad mass audience due to low prices and various colors of the case – four colors (black / gray / purple / white). So this smart phone from HTC can be considered a true youth.

• Do Check: HTC Sensation Review

HTC Wildfire S Features

Much of features in HTC Wildfire has changed, but remained unchanged its best side: the price / quality ratio. Here’s a little about the technical characteristics of HTC Wildfire S: Processor: 600 MHz platform Qualcomm MSM7227, with memory – 512 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM and a microSD memory card support up to 32 GB data transfer using Wi-Fi (b / g / n /), Bluetooth 2.1 (A2DP), jack microUSB (USB 2.0); display – capacitive, TFT, diagonal 3.2 “with a resolution of 320×480 pixels, 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, the dimensions are small enough – 101,3 x 59,4 x 12 , 4 mm, runs on Android 2.3 operating system with a shell HTC Sense 2.1.

Compared with the old model, the new HTC Wildfire S has a new screen, smaller size and greater obbem RAM with nonvolatile memory of ROM.

The HTC Wildfire S is smaller and particularly long with completely plastic shell. The absence of a central button, is a well thought-out navigation to the smartphone. Front – the protective glass behind – the panel with an external speaker, camera lens, LED-flash, as well as rough, soft to the touch cap are some of its best features. According to tradition – there is no camera button on the panel, which is a minor flaw in this amazing smartphone.

The Display of HTC Wildfire S is the same old 3.2”diagonal, but it is upgraded TFT. The screen resolution has increased to 320 * 420 pixels. There is a multi-touch option. The Camera is not the best side of this new model. 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash. When recording video there is no HD quality. There is also poor color rendition and sharpness.

In conclusion I would say that the HTC Wildfire S youth phone is for people who want to surf the Internet, to communicate in social networks, while having small dimensions. This smartphone is one of the best representatives of the lineup on the market in price / quality ratio.

Get HTC Wildfire S

11 Top Travel Apps For Business

Selecting business traveling applications is like trying to choose some candy in the candy store. Overwhelming! However, these top travel apps are ones that every business person should have on their iPhone or Blackberry.

• Do Check: Ten Top iPad Travel Applications

Top Travel Apps

1. Line2

No cell phone reception or traveling internationally? No problem! Using Wi-Fi and Line2, you can easily make calls – and even send text messages while on the plane. This app is a must have for travelers!

2. TripIt

Say good-bye to keeping multiple file folders in an effort to organize your travel information. Keep everything in one place – on your phone. Simply send all of your e-mail confirmations to TripIt and stay organized. Sweet. Cost: free.

3. FlightTrack

Get real-time status for flights, gates, delays, and cancellations. It covers flights inside the U.S. and 1400 international airlines and syncs with your phone’s calendar. Cost: $4.99.

4. My Lists

Have you ever arrived at your destination and found that your toothbrush is languishing back home? Before you even step out the door, use My Lists to create a list of things to pack. With this application, you’ll always have everything you need when you travel. Cost: $1.99. This is one of the top travel apps.

5. iCarPark

Gone are the days of wandering glassy-eyed in a parking garage wondering where you parked your car. iCarPark is your memory-on-your-phone application. It also tracks your parking meter and gives you walking directions back to your car. (No more parking tickets. Woot, woot!) Cost: $0.99.

6. Lodging.mobi

With over 75,000 hotels worldwide, Lodging.mobi helps you find and reserve your hotel. Search for ones located nearby or search by entering in a specific destination and travel dates. Cost: free.

7. The Weather Channel

See current weather reports and extended forecasts. Use the interactive radar map. Get seasonal information and watch weather and road cams. This is a must have if you travel during the winter, the rainy season, the hurricane season, or ANY time of the year! Cost: free.

8. USA Today

Stay up to date and get the latest news, money, tech, and life stories. Want to know the scores for your favorite college team or the NFL or NBA? No problem. This top travel app gives you that, too. You’re in the know and on the go with USA Today. Cost: free.

9. Expensify

Take the headache out of keeping track of expenses while on the road. With Expensify, you can easily enter in cash transactions and take a photo of the receipt to create and submit expense reports. Good-by aspirins! Cost: free.

10. Taxi Magic

Never stand in the rain waiting for a taxi. With Taxi Magic, you can find and book a taxi with a few taps on your phone, track its arrival, charge it to your credit card, and get an e-receipt. Cost: free.

11. Instagram

One of the hardest parts of business travel is being away from family. Instagram is one of the top travel apps which will let you to stay connected with your family easily. Is there something you’d like your family to see – a resident macaw in a palm tree at your hotel, the convention center, the snowbound airport? Snap a photo and Instagram posts it in Facebook so your family can share in your experiences. Cost: free.

For the business traveler, applications on your phone are a boon. They iron out the kinks and wrinkles giving you a smooth traveling experience. And at a minimal price!

Author Bio: Annie is a stay at home entrepreneur and frugal blogger for Dobovo, the free app to pick Kiev accommodation and plan a safe trip to Europe.

If you are aware of any other top travel apps for business persons, do share it with us via the comments section below.

Best Nokia Smartphones In The Market

The mobile phone giant Nokia, known for its low price and durable mobiles in India, has recently transformed into a high-end smartphone producer. The overriding formula of the suceess of Nokia in the Indian market has been its low price, durability alongwith excellent battery that offers longer backup time to average users and moreover the simple interface for the users. Below is the list of the Nokia mobiles at the top of the charts :

Nokia C7

This device has been designed with a stunning curved body that has really attracted a lot of attention lately. It has a 3.5 inch large AMOLED display, The device runs on a 680 MHz ARM 11 processor making it really fast. It is preinstalled with the Symbian 3 opearating system. It offers a 9.6 hours long talktime and has a 18 days standby time.
Buy Nokia C7

Nokia N8

This one is a full touchscreen mobile that offers you unlimited power. It has a 12 MP camera with Xenon flash and Carl Ziess lens. It has a 16 Gb in built memory that is expandable to 48 GB with microSD card, for storing your images and your files. It comes handy with a HDMI adaptor, WLAN, USB, A-GPS, GPS and many others. Simply said it is one of the best Nokia phones ever created.
Buy Nokia N8

Nokia E7

This one has an attractive touchscreen that is 4 inches large, for providing a clear view. The dimensions of this handset is 123.7×62.4×13.6 mm, with a slide-out QWERTY keypad. The device runs on the Symbian 3 operating system, offering a great user interface. The devices comes equipped with a 8 MP camera providing high quality images and videos. The device also provides a fantastic photo and video editing feature. The device also provides a a 16 GB internal memory that can upgraded to 32 GB with a memory card.
Buy Nokia E7

Nokia E5

Another new smartphone from the stables of the Nokia is the E5, which comes equipped with a full QWERTY keypad. The device runs on 600 MHz processor, with a 256 MB RAM for multitasking. The OS is the Symbian S60 (3rd edition) and also has a 2.36 inch touchscreen and has a QVGA display with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. It also has a 5 MP camera at the back of the device. This also supports OVI Maps v3.04 and has lifetime free navigation. It also has Ovi Chat and Communicator With Contacts.
Buy Nokia E5

Are you Nokia loyal? Which Nokia handset do you use? Share your views about Nokia handsets in the below comment column.

Micromax A70 – 3.2-inch Touch screen Android Mobile with 3G and WiFi

Micromax A70

The new Micromax A70 is a  3.2-inch full Touch screen display mobile phone running the Google Android OS . It is Google nexus one look-alike mobile targeted at the masses with its affordable price tag . The touchscreen is capacitive , so expect smooth touch experience . It is a good connectivity mobile featuring high speed 3G HSDPA connectivity and Wireless LAN WiFi support with Wi-Fi hostpot , that is share your  .It has a 5 mega-pixel camera with auto focus (no flash) and a VGA camera at the front for video calling/conferencing .
Micromax A70 mobile phone key features :

• 3.2-inch resistive touch screen
• Android OS v2.2
• Single SIM GSM Mobile
• Wireless LAN Wi-Fi
• MiFi – Wireless HotSpot or Pocket wireless internet
• USB tethering – For accessing Internet on you laptop through your mobile connection
• 3G HSDPA
• 5MP camera
• Front camera (VGA) for video calling
• Expandable memory up to 32GB

Micromax A70 mobile phone expected specifications :

• Network : Quad band GSM , 3G HSDPA
• Dimensions : 111 x 58 x 13.5 mm
• OS : Android v2.2
• Display : 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, 320 x 480 pixels resolution
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Internal Memory : 4GB + 2GB
• Expandable memory : microSD, up to 32GB
• GPRS/EDGE connectivity
• 3G HSDPA
• Wireless LAN Wi-Fi , Wi-Fi hotspot
• Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP
• microUSB v2.0
• Camera : 5 mega-pixel with auto focus
• Front camera : VGA
• Messaging : SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, IM
• Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
• Stereo FM radio
• Java MIDP
• Music Player : MP3, AMR, AAC, AAC+, EAAC+, OGG
• Video Player : MP4/H.263/H.264 player
• Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
• Google Applications : Google Search, Maps, Gmail,YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk, Picasa integration
• Battery : Li-Ion 1450 mAh
• Stand-by : Up to 200 h
• Talk time : Up to 4 h

Micromax A70 Price:

The new Micromax A70 Price in India is Rs.6,700 . It is available now .

 

Pros :
1. Amazing features at a 8k price tag
2. Sturdy design and finishing which gives you a high-end smartphone feeling.
3. Camera although not very top notch but is perfect for shooting those casual pictures.
4. Android
5. Vibrant screen which gives you great resolution, perfect for browsing, reading text etc.
6. Decent processor performance
7. 3G equipped

Cons:
1. Comes loaded with Android 2.2 ( Gingerbread 2.3 is the latest).
2. Not much changes from stock Android verison, would have been good to see some “Unique” cosmetic changes.
3. Custom widgets are ok’ish nothing great there as well.
4. Misses touch occasionally, which can be irritating for some users.
5. Sometime sluggish (there are ways to cure this for most part).

Conclusion :
All in all, I found A70 the perfect phone for all Android beginners, with a attractive price tag and equally levelled specifications, this surely can be your next Smartphone.

Beetel MagiQ BMQ-01 – Affordable Price 7-inch Touchscreen Beetel Android Tablet

Beetel MagiQ

The new Beetel MagiQ ( BMQ-01 ) is a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen tablet pre-loaded with the Android OS v2.2 . It is the first tablet from Beetel Teletech Limited , a subsidiary of Bharti Enterprises Group (Airtel) . Beetel MagiQ is powered by a 1GHz processor and sports high speed connectivity options like 3G HSDPA and Wireless LAN . It features dual camera , front and rear , the front one for video calling and conferencing .
Beetel MagiQ android tablet key features :

• 7-inch capacitive touch display
• Android OS
• Dual Camera
• 3G connectivity
• Wi-Fi support
• Powerful performance
• Very Affordable price
• HD Video and Hi-Fi Audio Player
• Android marketplace access for thousands of applications (apps)

Beetel MagiQ Tablet specifications :

• Network : Quad band GSM/EDGE/GPRS , Single band UMTS (2100 MHz)
• Display : 7-inch touchscreen , 800×480 pixel resolution
• Operating System : Android OS v2.2
• Processor : 1GHz
• Memory :
  • Internal – 8GB
  • Expandable – Up to 16GB
• 3G HSDPA
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Camera :
  • Front – 2 mega-pixel
  • Rear – 2 mega-pixel
• miniUSB port
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Battery : 2200 mAh

Nokia Announces its first 1 GHz mobile – Nokia 500

Nokia Mobiles have Announced their first mobile phone with 1 GHz processor The Nokia 500
Nokia 500 has a 3.2 inch capacitive Touchscreen and it runs on Symbian Anna operating system
It also has a 5 megapixel camera and almost all conectivity options like Edge, HSDPA, HSUPA, Wifi , AGPS, Bluetooth and USB
According to Nokia mobiles, Nokia 500 will be priced at €150 + Taxes and its expected to be launched in 3rd quarter of the current year i.e 2011.
Nokia 500 mobile key features :

• 3.2-inch touch screen
• Symbian Anna OS
• 5MP camera
• Affordable price
• 3G HSDPA
• Wi-Fi
• 3 different-coloured back covers
• GPS navigation

Nokia 500 mobile phone specifications :

• Network : Quad band GSM/EDGE , Penta band WCDMA
• Processor : 1GHz
• Dimensions : 111.3 x 53.8 x 14.1mm
• Weight : 93g
• Operating System : Symbian Anna
• Display : 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen , 640×360 pixels resolution
• Sensors : UI Auto rotate sensor (accelerometer) , Compass (Magnetometer) , Proximity sensor , Ambient light detector
• Camera : 5 mega-pixel (without flash) , Video recording
• Stereo FM Radio
• Music Player : MP3, SpMidi, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA
• Video Player : MPEG4, H.263, H.264
• 3.5mm audio-jack
• Internal memory : 2GB
• Expandable memory : up to 32GB
• 3G  : HSDPA (download up to 14.4 Mbps speed) /HSUPA (upload up to 5.76Mbps)
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Navigation : Free Nokia voice navigation , GPS with A-GPS
• Bluetooth v2.1 +EDR
• MicroUSB port
• Unified email client – Yahoo! Mail, Gmail , Windows Live , Hotmail  , POP/IMAP services and Mail for Exchange
• Flash Lite 4.0  - Flash Player 10.1 content support
• Battery : 1110 mAh Li-Ion battery (Nokia BL-4U)
  • Talk time : up to 7 hours (2G) , up to 7 hours (3G)
  • Standby time : up to 500 hours (2G) , up to 455 hours (3G)
  • Music playback time : up to 35 hours

HTC to Add 8 More Android Devices in 3Q

In a bid to reach past its target of 13.5 million unit sales while hitting record sales revenue in the third quarter of this year, HTC is poised to add 8 more Android devices to its already long list of Android handsets.

HTC has surpassed its sales target for the second quarter by selling 12.11 million units, way beyond its estimated target of 11.5 million units.

With HTC’s strong performance in the Android devices market, investors are confident of the Taiwanese manufacturer’s potential to reach greater heights. HTC’s combined revenue hit the NT$124.4 billion mark in the second quarter, with net profits amounting to NT$17.52 billion.

The company has vowed to continue pushing out middle- to high-end smartphones in China as part of its strategy to stay ahead of the competition.

The Taiwanese company has been providing the world with a variety of Android devices, each one catering to various crowds and market segments. Its strong affinity to the Android platform has been hailed by many as commendable and has even been said to be a chief reason for its huge strides in the smartphones market.

Do you own an HTC Android device? What made you choose HTC over other manufacturers?

Galaxy R Made Official

The Galaxy R isn’t exactly something new.However, there’s been no official confirmation about it – and no official idea of what it’s packing.

Well, the wait is over. Samsung has finally officially acknowledged the dual-core phone. And along with that is an idea of what the R has under its hood.

First of all, Samsung is still a bit cagey about the CPU that the R runs on, but considering that all the Samsung phones that have come before have been packing Tegra 2 processors, I don’t think this will be an exemption. Other important features include a 4.19-inch WVGA Super Clear LCD screen, HSPA+ 21Mbps support, a 5MP autofocus camera with LED flash and a 1.3MP front-facing camera. It uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 for connectivity and has base 8GB internal memory which can be upped to 32GB with the microSD card slot.

Software-wise, it runs on Android 2.3 OS and has 720p HD video recording and 1080p playback support. It also uses the custom TouchWiz UI with various Hubs that enable easier interfacing with data. The phone’s charge lasts 550 hours on standby, while talk time should get you over 580 minutes.

And that’s just the inside. The R’s design makes it look stylish and chic. The slim casing is thin at 9.55mm and has a metallic finish that is sure to catch the eye. Weighing 131g, it fits well into your hand.

How-To: Increase battery life of your Android smartphone

You may’ve noticed that sometimes your Android smartphone can’t take you through day. There’s a ton of high-end electronics built inside modern mobile devices which combined can drain the phone’s battery pretty quickly. Don’t worry, there are ways to go around this with a little effort on your side. You may need to install few apps and tap few additional buttons, but that’s like nothing compared to the benefits you’ll get. Let’s roll:

1. Install “Power Control” app

This little app, which must be installed in the phone’s memory (rather than a memory card), works like a home screen widget, allowing you to quickly enable and disable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, syncing and adjust brightness. With a single tap, you’ll be able to manage which of the radios are used and whether you really need your screen shining at its fullest at all times.

Let’s face it, most of us don’t need Wi-Fi connectivity while driving or GPS when in the office. Simply think about which features you need and when, and act accordingly by disabling and enabling the ones you (don’t) use at that moment. As a result, you may see a significant increase in your battery life.

Aside from the free Power Control widget that comes preloaded with many Android devices, there are also paid options like Power Control Plus.

2. Modify your Mail app settings

I’m not talking about GMail but the Mail app, which may fetch your email all day long. I know many of you love push email, but you really don’t need to know what happened at every second. What’s more, by setting the update frequency to let’s say 1 hour instead of every few minutes, you’ll be able to concentrate on the task at hand.

3. Fine-tune screen brightness

If the two methods above don’t work for you, try fine-tuning the screen brightness. Hit “Settings,” then “Display” and “Brightness” and make your screen less bright, though readable enough. The screen is one energy hungry part of the phone/tablet, so you better think twice whether you really need it shining at all times.

4. Try smart power settings apps

Aside from the apps that allow you to manually select which radios and features you need at the moment, there are also ones that can do this “work” for you, enabling and disabling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS based on your location and time of day. Power Manager is one such app, and you can also try Airplane Autoswitch and Screebl. The best solution is probably the Locale app, which functionality can be additionally expanded with plug-ins.

5. Download and update apps while charging

It’s a common sense to make all your downloads while your phone is charging. This way using Wi-Fi, which is known as one of the biggest battery drainer, won’t affect you at all. So try scheduling any phone and/or app updates as well as other big downloads when you’re phone is charging and is at the same time connected to a fast Wi-Fi hotspot.

And that’s it. The methods mentioned above work perfectly for me. If you, however, still need more juice, you should considering grabbing an external battery and/or car charger to use your commuting time productively. Good luck.