Waze for a Free GPS

The iPhone has been a great device for users of Apple products. It offers a fantastic battery life and easy to use interface. While it does come with an included map program there hasn’t always been a free GPS service to navigate you while you drive…until now. Waze is a free app you can download from the Apple App Store that will help you find the quickest route to where ever you need to be.

“When you download Waze, you not only get a free navigation, but also become a part of the local driving community n your area, joining forces with other drivers nearby to outsmart traffic, save time, and improve everyone’s daily commute”- Waze.com

This is a driver generated service. As you and other users locate elements in your route that could slow down a commute, the program automatically warns you of what is ahead and will reroute you to save time in your travels. If you find any issues with street names, roads or other discrepancies, you are able to correct them.

Know where speed cameras, road hazards, accidents, traffic jams or other driving delays are before you are affected by them. You can even report sightings to others on the same path with a touch of a button.

This program is not restricted to only the iPhone or apple products but can be used by Android users as well. For more information check out the Waze Guided Tour video or stop into any Express Verizon location.

-Sarah and your friends at Express Verizon

 

Are You On Voxer?

Over the last few months, we have seen an app called Voxer grow in download popularity. In short, it is a walkie-talkie application for both Android and Apple smartphones. But, it really does pack a lot more than just that.

As soon as you set up the app on your phone, you will see that the layout is clean and easy to use. It automatically pulls in your Facebook friends and contacts that are using Voxer so that you can start chatting with them at the push of a button. You will also be notified as soon as another one of your connected friends joins the Voxer network. Also suggest the app to any of your other contacts.

You can chat with one other person or a group but, the most useful part is the versatility of how you can talk. Send a text message, a photo, or a voice note. The messages you send can include your current location on google maps. This could come in very useful if you are trying to meet with someone else; you no longer have to write out where you are and how to get there. For privacy, this is also a function you can disable.

Texting had become a huge part of the current communication, Voxer doesn’t take away from that but, reintegrates walkie-talkie use that you aren’t constantly stuck typing in messages to your phone. Talk to the people on your Facebook easily while also sending photos and location information.

Voxer is free to use and free of advertisements. Making it even more easy and enjoyable to use. For more information on Voxer and how to use it, stop into any of our stores in Ellington, Enfield, Vernon, or Stafford.

– Sarah and your friends at Express Verizon

 

The News on Nexus

Recently, a new device has joined the Android lineup at Verizon Wireless. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is on a whole new level and new software version. It is the first device to be launched with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The phone itself has some pretty impressive specs, boosting a 1.2 GHz Dual-Core processor and 4.65″ screen with a High Definition Super AMOLED contoured display. For those who don’t speak tech, it’s super fast and has a screen with clarity that could knock your socks off. Multiple programs will run smoothly simultaneously and all of your pics, videos and games will have crystal clear, vibrant clarity.

Android 4.0 also brings in its own bag of upgrades to make your phone even more responsive and easy to use. Voice search and command is available from any of the home screens and new folder types will pop up also to shorten your access time to the programs you need.

Probably the coolest feature of the 4.0 upgrade is the new unlock option. Instead of fumbling with PINs and passwords you can know scan your face to unlock the device. No longer worry about forgetting the login to get into your device and ensure that no one else can access your most protected information.

Another new feature with the latest software is Android Beam. It is the next level of programs similar to Bump and Bluetooth transfers. Instantly share contacts, webpages, directions, apps and more with one touch. Not only can you show a friend the new program you are using, you can literally send it to them.

To check out the Samsung Galaxy Nexus stop in to any of our four locations in Ellington, Enfield, Stafford, or Vernon Connecticut.

– Sarah and your friends at Express Verizon

 

The Gift For The One Who Has It All

Everyone has that one person on their holiday shopping list; the person who already has everything and you have no clue what to get for them. The answer is simple; a great new Verizon phone or tablet. Instead of buying a simple GPS system for their car, a gaming system, a daily organizer, a gaming system, or an eReader, why not get them one device that does it all?

We have new Android smartphones that will be sure to please any person who is hard to shop for. Have complete access to any information in the palm of your hand with the super-fast HTC Rezound. The new Motorola Razr is smart enough to automatically adapt to your surrounds and incoming information with Smart Actions.

Another popular option is one of our tablets. If there is someone on your shopping list who asked for a new laptop this may be a better choice. Battery life is much better on our Samsung tablet or iPad. Blazing fast Verizon mobile internet will keep them connected where ever they are. Tons of apps are available to download on these super portable, easy to use, masterminds.

I’m sure we can help find something for the person you need a gift for. Lose the stress of holiday gift giving and stop into one of our four locations to find the solution.

– Sarah and your friends at ExpressVerizon

 

A Droid For The Ladies

A new look for Android arrived at our stores a few days ago and its name was Rhyme. HTC has released a new phone to add to the Droid line-up which is was created with women in mind. This doesn’t just mean that it was created in an attractive color (which it was) but, it comes with some outstanding accessories that can be valued at $30 on their own.

Of course HTC packed their new phone with a superfast processor and amazing camera capabilities but, the real jaw-dropper is the boost of functionality that comes with the device via the accessories. Most phones come with just a charging source and an instruction booklet. HTC Rhyme comes with three very unique tools to help you get the most out of your new phone.

• Tangle-Free Headphones

Listen to your favorite tunes without the worry of wires getting knotted together so your wasting time untangling them before you even get to listen to your music tracks.

• Charm

Not only does the phone have its own style but, there is a brand new accessory called the “Charm” that is included. This handy and fashonable tool is a small lighted cube that you plug into the headphone jack in your phone. Simply drop your HTC Rhyme into your purse as you usually would and clip the Charm around the strap. When you get a phone call or message,  the cube will blink. You now have visual confirmation of a notification that is discreet and makes it so you don’t have to have the phone out to recognize incoming information.  HTC even recommends using the reenforced cord to pull your phone from your purse so you no longer have to miss calls searching for your phone buried in your bag.

• Multipurpose Docking Station

Set your phone on this sleek dock and get even more functionality. Your HTC Rhyme will charge while also creating an alarm clock setup to help you keep tabs on events and let you wake up to your favorite songs. Discreet, built-in speakers help you to play your music at any time with great sound quality. Another item that is included to give you the best experience with less hassle. No cords into the phone and less for you to have to struggle with.

HTC has created the ultimate phone for women who like to stay connected and have the latest and most convenient accessories, not only available, but included! This is absolutely the one-stop purchase for the girl-on-the-go.

For more information or to see the new HTC Rhyme stop into any of our four locations in Ellington, Enfield, Vernon or Stafford.

– Sarah and your friends at Express Verizon

 

Google Buys Motorola Mobility

It has recently been announced that Google has made moves to purchase Motorola Mobility for the hefty price of $40.00 per share totalling $12.5 billion dollars. The segment of Motorola that is to be acquired by Google is their mobile device division that produces all Motorola brand mobile devices including the Android cell phones, such as the Droid X2.

Motorola Mobility has been a dedicated Android partner and the purchase is believed to “enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem” and “enhance competition in mobile computing.” Google has informed the public that they still intend to run Motorola Mobility as a separate company. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2011 or early 2012, as explained in Google’s official press release.

What does this mean for you? Through the combination of these two Android giants we are looking forward to huge leaps of advancement in our Droid products. Joining together can only help in the way that these companies are able to make improvements to our beloved devices. It will be interesting to see how Apple and Microsoft respond to the change. Hopefully, Google is correct in their idea that it will spark more advancements in all segments due to the drive to compete above other operating systems.

My advice to you: be sure to stay in tuned to what will come out next from these two amazing companies. It will be sure to impress.

– Sarah and your friends at Express Verizon

 

Androidify Yourself

As we have mentioned before, the Express Verizon team loves to find apps on our Droid phones to help us with productivity and staying connected, but on occasion we also love to find programs that are simply for fun.

The app we are playing with this week is Androidify. This program allows you to create your own versions of the little green Android icon that we have grown to know so well. With the app, you can change skin color (because most of us are not naturally green), hair style and choose your outfit. When you have finished your Droid creation you can even share your character on Facebook or through email. See what you and your friends can come up with and what you would look like as a Droid. Shown here is my own Droid to represent myself and, yes, it has already been posted on my Facebook.  

Make creations that are funny or crazy or use your characters as fun self images on your networking accounts. We all know that the Android OS is super powerful. Why not include yourself as a Droid to show your support of these great devices.

Stop into one of our locations to learn more about fun or functional apps.

-Sarah and your friends at Express Verizon

 

Amazon Offers An Alternative Market

The Android Marketplace isn’t the only place you can shop for great applications. Did you know there is yet another place you can get awesome apps for your Droid? Amazon created its own version of an App Store and opened it for users this past March. After reviewing the store myself, I would recommend it as an alternative shopping destination on your Droid.

Every day Amazon offers a “Free App of the Day” where an app that usually has a cost to download, is given away for free. I personally enjoy checking the app each day to see what the offer is and whether it is something that I would like to have on my device.

Another extra feature presented in the Amazon App Store are the personalized software recommendations. Based on programs you have previously downloaded or viewed from them, the Amazon App Store will create a list of items that you might like. It makes it easy to find more programs that are geared toward what you like or use.

Not sure if you are going to like an app that you are thinking of buying? The other markets allow you to download free trials or “lite” versions of some apps but, Amazon takes it one step further by letting you “Test Drive” many of their paid applications. The trial can be accessed via a desktop PC using an in-browser, emulated Android device to help decide whether to purchase the app for your phone.

Setting up Amazon App Store does take a few steps of verification if you don’t currently have your free Amazon account established. The only downfall that I found with the shopping arena was that you are required to have a payment source on file with them. Not too big of a deal if you already have that set up or you only plan to order free items. However, once it is running, it is worth the time of creating the account.

You can run this market from your phone while still retaining the Android Marketplace. Now you have the option to shop and compare to find the perfect apps that are right for you.

– Sarah and your friends at Express Verizon

 

Android Video Chat Launching Soon

The advancements to your Android device just keep coming! The rollout of Google Talk video chat has begun. With the new software, Droid users will be able to use video and voice chat with any Google Talk contact using another Android device (phones or tablets) or Google Talk on Gmail, as reported by Mashable.

These features will headed toward Nexus S phones over the next few weeks along with the next over-the-air software update.  Video chat via Google Talk will be available on other Android 2.3 and higher devices soon.

Express Verizon currently offers three products that would work fantastically with this program. The 4G Thunderbolt and the brand new Incredible 2 both come equipped with a front-facing camera that would work ideally with the video chat. Lastly, the Xoom tablet, which also has a dual cameras, offers great speed on the Android OS and a great sized screen with excellent portability to really provide an excellent video chat experience.

We will keep you updated as to when the full rollout will occur so that you can make sure to have a device that will work best with the latest Google creation.

-Sarah and your friends at Express Verizon

 

Never Lose an Evernote

 

I must admit that I am an offender of jotting important things down on a sheet of paper and then completely forgetting where I left the paper for ‘safe keeping’. This is where my Droid has stepped up to save the day once again. I have tried the common task-list apps and calendar concoctions but, until now we not fully satisfied with the reminders and note keeping, until now.

New York Times recently voted the app Evernote into its Top-Ten list of Apps to have and it is perfectly clear as to why this mobile tool was chosen. In your Evernote account, you can make text notes, save a webpage, save a photo and even grab a screen shot. All items that you add can be tagged and organized into separate notebooks. Everything you have in your notes is processed, indexed and completely searchable. Can’t remember which restaurant served that great dish? At a restaurant, take a picture of the menu and then Evernote will find the item on it you are looking for later via the text in the photo. You can even map and locate where each of your notes was created all over the world. Create an account for yourself on Evernote and you will be able to access all of your notes from other devices; you never have to stress about trying to remember an important piece of information.

Mashable reports that the newest version released for Androids trumps all previous editions, including the current iPhone edition. You are now free to share your notes by posting them on Facebook or Twitter. Protect and lock your notes via a PIN and use the onscreen widget to control your Evernote notes with one touch. Perhaps the best part of the improved Evernote is the ability for users to access, view and edit notebooks that have been shared with them. The new concept is to grant people a place to combine their personal and  social memories.

So if you would like to find an easier way to keep tabs on all your information and share what you find with others, Evernote on Android is absolutely the first one to try. If you do, feel free to let me know what you think.

– Sarah and your friends at Express Verizon