The Kindle Fire is no doubt a powerful device even though it is pre-loaded with Amazon’s own user interface with some restrictions. In order to get the most out of the device you need to be rooted which opens up a whole new world. First, you can have access to the Google Play Store with its larger app collection compared to the Amazon Appstore. But even better is the ability to change the software and interface of the Kindle Fire with custom roms like the latest Android 4.0 software. Previously I had discussed the Energy ROM in this blog but today I will cover all the new ICS ROMS that are available for the Kindle Fire. [continue reading…]
The Kindle Fire and other Kindle devices are a great way to enjoy and read e-books. Although Amazon has made all attempts to keep e-book prices low the publishers have been pushing prices higher. If you are someone who read frequently or on a budget then $10-15 per books starts to add up over time. One alternative to get free and legal e-books is your local library. Indeed most libraries have an online e-book program allowing you to checkout books with your library card. But ultimately you’d like to get those library books on your Kindle for the best experience. The OverDrive Media Console app is the current standard but with limitations. The interface is not great and you have to use their built-in reader which is not optimal. Recently a new app called Free Library Books to Kindle has arrived to solve this problem. [continue reading…]
I have rented most of my life and I absolutely feel no need to own a house. But lets face it, renters take a back seat to owners. Everyone is always asking why you’re renting and that you should buy. We’ve all had that conversation with family and friends. But it’s that buy at all cost mentality that led to a serious financial mess and has also led to a lot more renters than buyers. As a renter you now have a powerful tool in your hands to find that perfect apartment or rental house. Zillow just released a dedicated rental app for phones and tablets with some cool new features. [continue reading…]
There are a lot of games both on the Google Play Store and the Amazon Appstore and here at Android Cowboy we try to find the best and coolest. Sometimes you want a high-end intense action game like Shadowgun and other times a casual game like Temple Run. Indeed casual are some of the most popular like Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja and more. I’m always on the look out for good games specially if it’s different and stands out from the crowd. Relaxing Birds definitely fits that bill as unique match puzzle game with birds. [continue reading…]
Here at Android Cowboy we are dedicated to covering exclusively content about Android tablets. But today I want to discuss news of the Galaxy Nexus which is the flagship Google phone. It is currently available on both Verizon and Sprint with 4G LTE. The big news that happened yesterday was the appearance of a Shop Devices in the play store. The only device for purchase is the unlocked GSM Galaxy Nexus for At&t and T-Mobile. But there is no doubt more devices will show up soon (Nexus tablet anyone). The page can be found here. [continue reading…]
Asus had definitely stepped up their game in the Android tablet market. They went from over a year ago with the Asus Eee Pad Transformer with its innovative keyboard dock to the high-end Transformer Prime. In my opinion they currently have the best Android tablet in the Transformer Prime but technology moves fast so that could change easily. The Transformer Pad is an attempt to bring a cheaper and more affordable version of the Transformer Prime. [continue reading…]
The first thing in the morning that I usually check is the weather on my phone or tablet. A good weather app is definitely critical for any mobile device. At least that’s the case for most of us who don’t live in always sunny southern California. I prefer to use weather widgets on my home screen but that’s not an option on the Kindle Fire. There are more than a few good weather apps available for the Kindle Fire but considering price and functionality the AccuWeather app is a great choice. [continue reading…]
Comedy Central is by far one of my most watched channels and Jon Stewart’s the Daily Show is one of the best shows. A political news satire that brings the news exactly the way you want it. Now you can take Jon Stewart and the daily show everywhere with the brand spanking new Android app. Before you get too excited be warned that the app doesn’t include full episodes of the show. That’s to be expected because otherwise you would never watch the show. The point of the app is to keep you interested in the show so you tune in and watch. [continue reading…]
Samsung has finally revealed pricing and launch of the 7 and 10 inch Galaxy Tab 2. The 7 inch tablet will be released on April 22 for $250 and the 10.1 on May 13 for $400. Now you may be asking what’s so interesting about the Galaxy Tab 2 and should I ditch my original Galaxy Tab. Well, unfortunately the answer is that there isn’t any real hardware improvement on the new Tab 2. Basically, Samsung decided that instead of upgrading the original Tab to the latest Ice Cream Sandwich software they would release a new device. This means that the original Tab owner will not be getting Ice Cream Sandwich (insert groan). [continue reading…]
