28
Jul
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Not content to wait for manufacturers to get in to shape and update our phones to the latest and greatest versions of Android, most of us here at Android Police have had a brush with a number of custom ROMs in the past.

Whether it's the latest version of Cyanogen or a more obscure mod, there is always a ROM floating around on my phone, and until now I've always had to uninstall one before installing the other. Fortunately, that's about to change thanks to a new application on the Market called BootManager.

This article deals with a couple of advanced topics.

27
Jul
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In this day and age, we don't talk about minutes all that often, because, let's face it, most of us don't really use our phones for voice all that much anymore. For those who do, however, there is a specific need to monitor minutes -- whether prepaid or post-paid -- to prevent service disruption or, in the case of the latter, any overage charges. To help people in this situation, Yudiz Solutions developed an app that does exactly that.

The app is called Limit Your Call, and it will monitor your minutes, notify you when you're getting close to a user-defined amount, display your minute  usage in the notification area, and even automatically end calls after a set amount of time, if you so choose.

27
Jul
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Angry Birds loyalists and lovers, rejoice! Everyone's favorite bird flinging game received an update this morning that adds 15 all-new Mine and Dine levels to the irritated franchise.

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The update is now live in the Android Market, so grab your device and enjoy.

Angry Birds

Download Angry Birds from Google Play
QR code for https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rovio.angrybirds

27
Jul
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There are a number of security applications available for Android, such as WaveSecure and Lookout, which lock down your phone if it is lost or stolen, but few come close to being as secure and robust as Theft Aware 2.0.

We took a look at the application at the end of last year, and were thoroughly impressed by its ability to take advantage of rooted devices, installing itself into the system partition of your phone so that it isn't affected by even a full system wipe. It's also completely invisible on rooted devices, not only in the app launcher, but also in the app manager, to protect itself from being uninstalled.

27
Jul
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Last Updated: July 31st, 2011

Did Asphalt 5 and Asphalt 6 not quite cut it for you when it comes to racing games on Android? Can I not tempt you with N.O.V.A. 2 either? Fear not! Gameloft is back with a new title, GT Racing: Academy Free+, which is available to download right now on the Android Market.

Although the title is free, you will probably have coughed up some money by the time you've finished playing. In-app purchases include XP multipliers and credit packs to buy new cars, of which there are 111. It's probably safe to assume that the in-game models are somewhat cheaper than their real life counterparts, though, so there is a realistic chance that you'll be driving a Ferrari by the time you're done.

26
Jul
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Last Updated: August 2nd, 2011

Android seems to have become infested with games that have a large amount of things in common: they all pay homage to an extremely-successful Xbox game, and have won the hearts of players the world around.

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Spirit plays a lot like Hyperlight, a game I've previously reviewed. The graphics are extremely similar in that they pay homage to Geometry Wars, and both take place on a flat, 2D plane. Spirit, however, has different mechanics that set it apart: instead of relying on twitchy tilt controls, your faster-than-light spacecraft is steered by your finger.

Lacking an on-screen joystick, I can only describe Spirit's controls as "relative." They don't require any specific positioning - instead, drawing a circle anywhere will make your ship fly in that pattern, even if it's nowhere near where your ship actually is.

26
Jul
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Popular home entertainment equipment manufacturer Onkyo is set to release its own Android app next month that will allow owners of any 2011 model network A/V receiver to wirelessly control them directly from their Android-powered smartphone. Using a wireless network as its means of connection, the app will also allow users to stream media stored locally on their Android phone, control the volume, select an input source, and more.

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An exact release date hasn't be announced as of yet, only that it will be "available in August."

[Onkyo Blog]

26
Jul
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Last Updated: August 2nd, 2011

 Usually, when video games and zombies cross paths, the latter end up being our enemies. Because of their slow, plodding and plentiful nature, target practice against zombies is a fun (and scary) endeavor. However, in Com2uS' newest title, you're put in a unique position: this time, you're trying to save a zombie from his untimely death.

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In Zombie Runaway you take control of a zombie who is running away (duh) from "evil" humans. In its way are multiple gravestones, monuments and spiky barriers that can all spell doom for our unlikely hero.

These obstacles come at you from one of three lanes; you can shift left or right to dodge, or jump straight over them to continue.

26
Jul
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When I got my Galaxy Tab 10.1, one of the first apps I installed was Dolphin HD, and while it worked great, it still had that "phone" feel to it. Thankfully, the Dolphin Team has been hard at work prepping a version designed specifically for Android tablets (although, they're saying it's for "pads").

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Since this is a beta version, it's clear that it's based off of Dolphin HD, as some of the menus still retain the phone vibe. However, the main features are definitely tablet optimized: the address and tab bar are both larger, and the settings menu takes full advantage of fragments.

25
Jul
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Last Updated: August 2nd, 2011

Mech games are popular for a few reasons: everyone loves giant robots, and blowing things up while crushing the little guy underneath your armored boot can definitely be a satisfying sensation.

Today we have two games that are definitely worth your attention if you've enjoyed mech games in the past. More importantly, they're two different flavours of mech games: there's Death Cop for those of you who love the American-style Mechwarrior franchise, and for those who loved the fast-paced, anime style of Virtua ON or Zone of the Enders we have Destroy Gunners. Both are free on the Android market.