Following on from my post on the Top HTC Desire Cases, I thought I’d take a look at some of the other ‘must have’ items for the HTC Desire – the Apps.
It’s been just over 7 months since I posted my last top ten of Apps for Android and though it was time to take another look at what’s out there.
Android Market is available on the HTC Desire
I’ve been playing with the HTC Desire & Android Marketplace for a few days now and have been trying out some of their most popular apps. I’m still using my iPhone 3G so again you’ll see some comparisons between the two, but having spent some time with the Desire I’m extremely tempted to switch!
ShopSavvy was featured heavily in T-Mobile’s first TV ad (the one where they all start dancing in the train station). It allows you to scan in the barcode of a product using your phone’s camera and it will then compare prices locally and online so that you can check to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
You can also see reviews of the product and set the app to alert you when the price of the item falls below a set limit. This is a great app that is currently only available on Android.
I’ve been using Movies on my iPhone for about a year now and it’s definitely one of the best movie apps available, so when I saw it available for Android it’s gone straight into my top ten. Movies allows you to search for nearby cinemas using your GPS location, search by film, see upcoming films & trailers and share ratings with your friends on Facebook. It provides contact details for all cinemas, but lacks the ability to book your tickets through the app – hopefully this is on it’s way.
Opera Mini is probably the most popular third party web browser that you can get for mobile phones. Instead of rendering pages in the standard way, your request to view the page is handled by Opera’s servers instead of the phone. This process strips out any unneccessary information and compresses the data being sent to your phone. Not particularly exciting to the end user, but what it does mean is that your web pages load almost twice as fast as they would using the default browser – especially when you’re connected to 3G.
Augmented Reality is still the next big thing to hit Smartphones. Layar is still leading the way, but we’re still way off from it being a llife changing app! Having said that Layar really takes a step in the right direction. If you’ve not come across augmented reality before it’s where the ‘real world’ and internet based information services come together.
Your Desire uses its GPS and compass to determine where you are and which way you’re facing and then uses the camera to show your surroundings on screen. Augmented reality applications such as Layar then display information on top of what you’re look at – hence the name. These ‘layers’ of information can be turned on or off and there are layers available to show you information such as nearest cashpoints, train stations hotels – even which of your friends are nearby.
As you move the camera around this information updates in real time, with Icons on screen indicating where things are. To find out more information about a hotel for example, just press it’s icon and you’ll be presented with information such as address, phone number, website, reviews etc. It’s still in its early stages but it’s growing quickly and you now have a number of ‘layers’ that you can turn on and off as and when you want..
I’m still not a huge Twitter fan, but this app is highly rated by staff and customers.Twidroid used to be the leader in twitter apps on Android but Seesmic has knocked it off it’s perch.
Seesmic shows more than just your friends tweets. It brings all your timelines into one simple screen, allows you to share videos, photos and location information with your tweets as well as the usual direct messaging and tweeting options.
Meebo is an Instant messaging application that allows you to communicate with your friends regardless of the messaging program that they’re using. Meebo can connect to AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk/Jabber, MSN, ICQ, Facebook Chat & MySpace IM using just one log in.
I loved this on the Hero and still love it on the Desire. It uses your location to adjust settings on your phone. It might seem a little confusing at first, but you can program your phone to perform certain functions when you get to predefined locations. For example – You can set the phone to remind you to charge your battery when you walk through your front door or you can set it to switch to silent mode as soon as you arrive at the cinema.
Recent updates to the app allow it to post messages to twitter when you get to work or sms relatives when you’ve arrived home. The list is endless and you can configure it to do exactly what you want.
This is one of those apps that really makes you wonder how they do it. Shazam has been around for a few years now, but instead of paying premium rates for dialling 2580 on your mobile, you now have a free of charge app that can tag songs for you.
If you’ve not come across Shazam before, it’s a music tagging system. If you hear a song that you like but don’t know what it is, launch the app, press ‘tag now’ and hold the phone towards the speaker. Within seconds you’ll get information on the song, including Name, Artist, Album, Year of release, Amazon MP3 Store link, Artist MySpace Page and YouTube Video Links. It’s amazingly fast and surprisingly accurate.
One of the most frustrating things that I’ve come across on the Desire is the keyboard – particularly in portriat view. With the iPhone, it knows which letters should come next when you’re typing and (invisibly) greys out the letters that you are unlikely to need. This makes typing a little easier as you don’t need to be 100% accurate when pressing the letters.
Android doesn’t have this as standard, but thankfully this App adds a similar feature which makes typing a lot faster and easier. Instead of ‘greying out’ keys, it makes them laarger or smaller, depending on how likely they are to be the next one pressed.
Imagine you’ve spent forever and a day installing the best apps possible on your Android phone. What happens when you switch phones, or your handset breaks and you have to get a replacement? Apple have this covered as your Apps are backed up to iTunes everytime you sync, so how do you deal with this if you’re using an Android phone? Simple – use AppManager.
It allows you to back up all your apps to the Micro SD card in your phone. If you need to switch phones, you can simply move the memory card and restore all your apps once you’ve reinstalled Appmanager. Appmanager is a free download from the Android Market on your device.
Appmanager for Android
These are just my top 10, there might be other apps out there that are even better than these and I’ve just not found them yet, so if you’re using an app that you think should be in the top ten leave a link below!
As accessories go, the Sony Ericsson IM920 probably isn’t the most exciting one out there, but it’s pretty useful and something that most people will never even know exists.
What does it do?
The IM920 has two functions – it’s a Micro SD memory card reader that connects to a USB port on your computer and a desk stand for your phone. It is an unusual combination, but it seems to work pretty well as you’re hardly ever likely to need to use both functions at the same time.
It’s designed to be portable, it’s got an eyelet for you to attach it to a lanyard or your keyring, but personally I think a pocket or your bag is a better place to store it.
Sony Ericsson IM920
Memory Card Reader
There’s not a lot to the IM920, it’s not much bigger than a regular USB flash drive and weighs just 18 grams. To use it as a memory card reader, just slide the switch on the top of the device across to extend the USB connector and expose the memory card slot.
Video Stand
To use it as a desk stand just flip it over and slide the holder out of the bottom of the IM920. It extends by around an inch, so will take pretty much all phones or media players up to 2cm thick. The concept is extremely simple, you just place your phone in it and then retract the arm to keep it in place. It’s a very simple process that takes just seconds and can be done easily with one hand.
Video Stand with the Sony Ericsson X10
Sony Ericsson show the IM920 holding a phone by it’s bottom edge, but I found that it covered part of the screen and the weight of the phone kept pulling it forwards and making it unusable. A better option is to mount it on the top of the left or right sides of the phone. This holds it securely and doesn’t block any of the screen.
Compatibilty
Obviously Sony Ericsson only push this as compatible with Sony Ericsson phones, but to be honest there’s no reason why this won’t work with just about every phone on the market as a desk stand – having said that, I tried it with the Vivaz and found that the curved ends of the phone made it just about impossible for it to hold the phone securely. Attach it to a Sony Ericsson X10, iPhone or a Nokia 5530 and you’ll have no problems as the handsets are quite square.
The IM920 works well with all makes of phone
In terms of memory card compatibility, it works with both Micro SD and MicroSDHC memory cards, but doesn’t support any Memory Stick formats found on older Sony Ericsson phones.
Summary
While it’s not a must have item, if you’re a frequent traveller on coaches, trains or planes that spends time watching movies and TV shows on your phone then you’ll find that the video stand function comes in extremely handy. As a memory card reader, it’s nothing special, and to be honest, the amount of time and effort it takes to remove a memory card from your phone, it’s probably quicker to just connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable or Bluetooth.
You wait ages for Sony Ericsson to release a new phone then 2 come along at the same time! Sony Ericsson have just released their latest handset – the X10 and it’s their first phone to run Android OS. The Sony Ericsson X10 is another great looking, easy to use touch screen phone with some exceptional features such as a 4″ capacitive touchscreen and 8MP camera.
To really get the most out of your Xperia X10, you’ll need to invest in a few accessories but with so many X10 cases, Bluetooth Headphones and Car Kits available, choosing the right one can be a bit of a mission.
The X10 is quite a power hungry beast and you’ll soon notice that as you start emailing, going online or watching videos your battery will start to drain quite quickly. For this reason a car charger is a worthwhile investment. Unlike most previous Sony Ericsson Handsets, the X10 doesn’t have a ‘Fast-port’ conenction, but instead uses the (now standard) micro USB charging connection. This genuine Sony Ericsson X10 charger will work in both 12v and 24v vehicles (Cars, Lorries and Trucks).
Despite the X10 being a great Multimedia handset, it only has a limited amount of internal storage. Some will come with a memory card to get you started, but in most cases these tend to be the smaller 2GB or 4GB cards. As a result, one of the first purchases you will need to make is a bigger memory card. This 16GB memory card can store upto 14000 high quality photos, 3000 songs and 18 hours of video. Using a SanDisk 16GB Memory Card with the X10 will allow you to store more music, games, photos and videos on your phone. Images and video taken using the HD Camera will take up lots more space, so more memory is a must. A 16GB memory card will let you store over 6000 high quality photos, 3000 songs or around 80 hours of standard definition video. A 16GB card is the largest memory card that is currently available, although a 32GB Micro SD HC memory card is due for release in the next couple of weeks.
Sony Ericsson have always been one of the best brands for stereo Bluetooth headsets and the MW600 doesn’t disappoint. Not only does this compact headset allow you to stream music from your phone, it has full music controls and is the first stereo Bluetooth Headset to feature a built in FM Radio.
If you’ve tried to listening to the radio on your phone using a Bluetooth connection in the past, you’ll know it’s nearly impossible as the headphones act as the radio’s antenna. The MW600 solves this by having an FM receiver built into the control unit. Considering the price of previous Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Headphones I was amazed to see that this is on sale for less than £40. For more details on the MW600, take a look at our Sony Ericsson MW600 Hands On Review.
Sony Ericsson MW600 Stereo Bluetooth Headset
If you want Bluetooth headphones that are completely wireless, then I’d recommend the Jabra Halo. You can find out more about it in my Jabra Halo Hands on Review.
The last thing you’re going to want to do to the gorgeous 4″ screen of your new X10 is scratch it. Martin Fields screen protectors are without doubt the best quality screen protector you can get. They’re crystal clear and will make your phone look like new. They don’t reduce the clarity of your screen and colours look exactly the way they’re supposed to. If your screen protector gets dirty, they can be removed easily from the phone, cleaned and refitted. For more information on choosing a screen protector for your phone, take a look at our guide to choosing the best Screen Protector for your phone.
Martin Fields Screen Protector - Sony Ericsson X10
If you want to listen to music from your X10 in your car but don’t have a 3.5mm line in port on your stereo, don’t panic there is another way to do it – and what’s more, you won’t need to have wires trailing everywhere to do it!
The Jabra Cruiser is a small, slim portable car kit that combines an FM transmitter with a Bluetooth Car Kit. The Jabra Cruiser simply clips to the sun visor of your car and pairs to your Samsung Jet Ultra using Bluetooth. The Cruiser supports both the A2DP and AVRCP profiles which means that you can stream your music to it over Bluetooth and control your music using the controls on the Cruiser instead of your phone. The Jabra Cruiser lets you choose whether to play your music back through the built in speaker or through your car stereo using it’s built in FM Transmitter. It ‘s currently the only car kit to have dual microphones for improved noise reduction. If you spend a lot of time in the car taking calls and are bored of listening to the radio then the Jabra Cruiser is a must have item.
Jabra Cruiser Bluetooth FM Car Kit
If you don’t want all the bells of the cruiser, but still want to play your music through your stereo then take a look at the Jabra SP700. It does almost the same job, but doesn’t feature the music controls or dual microphone.
It’s a bit quirky this one, which is probably why it’s made it into my top ten. At first glance, the IM920 looks like any other card reader, but this one has an interesting twist. The USB connector retracts inside the housing, and the opposite side folds out to reveal a hook for your phone. This allows you to use it as a stand to prop your phone up at just the right angle for viewing films and videos.
Brodit Holders are phone specific cradles that will hold your X10 securely in the car and don’t restrict access to your phone while it’s in the holder. They are made from a strong ABS plastic and are designed to be screwed onto your dashboard, although if you don’t fancy doing this you can use a Brodit ProClip. These are secure mounting pads that clip on to your dashboard and can be removed without causing any damage to your vehicle. ProClips provide an ideal base for fixing a Brodit holder on to.
Brodit Car Holders - Sony Ericsson X10
If you want a more flexible holder that will work with several different handsets then you should consider the Dash Genie. It works with pretty much any phone and on any dashboard. Mobile Fun’s very own Stig took it for a test drive and you can see the result on the Mobile Fun YouTube Channel.
InvisibleShields are still one of the best ways to protect your phone. They’re made from a tough, thin plastic film that covers pretty much all of your phone. The film has been vigorously tested and can withstand scratches from hand drills, screws, nails and being kicked across the floor (although we wouldn’t suggest trying it for yourself). They can be removed from the phone in no time at all and it won’t leave any sticky residue behind either. They add little/no bulk to your X10 and can be used in conjunction with other cases and covers.
InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector - Sony Ericsson X10
Jawbone changed the way that noise cancellation in bluetooth headsets worked. Jawbone’s work slightly different to other noise cancelling headsets, as they use a ‘voice activity sensor’ to help make your voice stand out. This sensor needs to maintain contact with the side of your face as it picks up vibrations as you speak. It then uses this information with the sounds picked up from the two microphones to eliminate almost all background noise.
The X10 is a stylish looking phone that deserves a smart, stylish case. What I love about them is the way that they hold your X10 securely, but without having to slide the phone into a stitched pocket that interferes with the light sensors or blocks the edges of the screen. It uses a tension system to hold your phone securely in place leaving the screen and keypad fully accessible. The Noreve case looks excellent, is made from high quality leather and is surprisingly slim once it’s on your phone.
Noreve Tradition A Leather Case for Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
If you’ve not seen the accessory here that’s right for you, take a look at our full range of Sony Ericsson X10 Accessories or let us know what you’re looking for using the comments below.
Yesterday saw the release of a major software update for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The update brought over 100 new features, but one of the best new features is that the iPhone 3G and 2nd generation iPod Touch now support Stereo Bluetooth. Stereo Bluetooth lets you enjoy your music in stereo and without wires connecting to your phone. As Stereo Bluetooth has been around for years there are plenty of Stereo Bluetooth Headsets to choose from.
Thereare a couple of points that you’ll need to remember though, the iPhone and iPod Touch support the A2DP profile only. If you have an iPhone this means you can answer & end calls, play / pause your music, but not control it fully. If you have an iPod Touch 2G then you will be able to play / pause your music and adjust the volume, but you won’t be able to use these headsets with any of your VOIP apps (such as Skype) on your iPod.
In order for you to be able to control your music fully, the iPhone or iPod Touch would need to support the AVRCP profile – hopefully we’ll see this in a future software update from Apple. Stereo Bluetooth is not available on the first generation iPhone or iPod Touch.
UPDATE: It appears that volume control when using a Bluetooth Headset is a bit of a mystery – it works on some headsets, but not on others. We’ve tested the headsets shown here and listed whether or not the volume levels can be adjusted.
UPDATE: April 9th 2010 iPhone OS 4.0 was previewed yesterday by Apple and early development previews show that Apple have now included support for volume adjustment, but music controls still don’t work as the AVRCP profile still seems to be excluded. It’s a step in the right direction, but still not ideal. Hopefully this will change between now and the official release of iPhone OS 4.0 in June. Look out for an updated post nearer the time.
Right, on to the headsets! With so many to choose from, it can get a bit overwhelming, so I’ve been through our current range of Bluetooth Headphones and compiled a list of my top 5 Bluetooth Headphones for the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3G S and iPod Touch 2G.
Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 Stereo Bluetooth Headphones
Sony Ericsson IS-800 Stereo Bluetooth Headset These are without doubt my favourite Bluetooth Headphones, hence they’re at number 1 in my list. It’s incredibly small, and although it still has a wire, the IS-800 is pretty much the only headset that doesn’t feature a fairly bulky control unit. Instead this has a small, simple in-line control that allows you to answer and end calls. Battery life is impressive at upto 270 hours – especially considering how small this headset is. The IS-800 doesn’t support AVCRP, which in this case is a good thing as it means you’re not going to be paying for features that you can’t use. Volume levels are currently fixed when using this headset, but hopefully a fix from Apple is on the way.
Sony Ericsson HBH-DS200 Stereo Bluetooth Headset
Sony Ericsson DS200 Stereo Bluetooth Headset The DS-200 is designed to hang around your neck in a similar way to the Jabra BT3030. It comes with ‘in ear’ style headphones that can be replaced with any standard headphones with a 3.5mm jack plug. Battery life is great with upto 300 hours stand by and 6 hours of music play back, and an LCD Display will let you know when you’re running low. This headset allows you to control the volume levels by pressing and holding the play button.
Jabra BT3030 Stereo Bluetooth Headset
Jabra BT3030 Stereo Bluetooth Headset The Jabra BT3030 is probably more suited to the iPod Touch than the iPhone. The reason I say that is because the BT3030 is a Multipoint Headset – this allows you to connect to two devices at once, so you can connect it to your mobile phone and your iPod Touch to listen to your music, and when a call comes in, it will pause the music and answer the call from your mobile. It hangs around your neck on a chain or can clip to your belt or pocket, and can be used with any 3.5mm headphones. Volume control on the BT3030 is not a problem, press the ‘+’ or ‘-’ keys to adjust the volume.
These are probably the most normal looking headphones of the bunch. They’re solid, comfortable and well built and have the best battery life out of all the headphones listed here with up to 19 hours of music playback, 18 hours of talk time and 2 weeks standby. Sound quality is excellent and set up is incredibly easy. Volume is controlled using a slider on the base of one of the ear cans and worked as you’d expect.
Nokia BH-501 Stereo Bluetooth Headphones
Nokia BH-501 Stereo Bluetooth Headset
The baby brother to the BH-604. A smaller more compact design that goes around your head rather than over it, and folds away neatly when not in use. The controls for music and calls are mounted on the outside of the earpiece and are easy to use. One of the more comfortable headsets thanks to the large, padded earphones. We weren’t able to test the volume control on the BH-501, but as all Nokia Headsets work in the same way, we would expect the volume controls to work perfectly fine on this headset.
This isn’t the full range of Stereo Bluetooth Headsets for the iPhone and iPod Touch, so if you’ve not seen one here that does what you want, take a look at all our Stereo Bluetooth Headsets.
If you’ve got any questions or queries about Stereo Bluetooth on the iPhone get in touch with us using the comments form below!
Have you been patiently waiting for the latest Android handset from HTC? Well, your wait is over. The HTC Desire is finally in stock and I managed to get my hands on it this afternoon to film a quick unboxing video.
The HTC Desire is available to order now for despatch on Friday 9th April, but stock is extremely limited, so if you want one you’ll need to be quick and don’t forget to check out or range of HTC Desire Cases and other HTC Desire Accessories to make the most of your phone and keep it looking like new.
Got any questions about the HTC Desire? Want to know something specific about the phone? Post your questions below and we’ll answer them as soon as we can.
(11 votes, average: 3.91 out of 5)
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