GeekSugar

Put a Timer On Your BlackBerry, For Free!

GeekSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:09 PDT

I'm kind of a timer fanatic. I set my timer when I put my laundry in the wash, I set my timer when I put the chicken in the oven . . . you get my point. So when I found out about this free BlackBerry timer download, I knew my life wouldn't be the same without it. The Countdown Timer For BlackBerry is a simple app that gives you handy timer functionality on your BB. It also includes a 2.5-second vibrate that lets you know when your time is almost up.

To get it on your phone, just open this link on your BlackBerry browser, and a pop up should appear for the download to begin.

V-Day Date Gone Bad? Get Outta There With These Apps

GeekSugar — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:14:40 PST

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and if you're headed out on a date you aren't 100 percent sure of, then download one of these apps for your iPhone, BlackBerry, Android phones to fake an emergency call, and get the heck outta there - STAT!

Lighten Your Cellphone Bill by Texting For Free

Anna Monette Roberts — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:11:25 PST

People love the word "free," and cell phone addicts especially love the word "text." However, mobile phone services love to raise data service prices, and if you aren't careful about sticking to your service plan, you can find yourself outraged by the additional charges. Luckily, several companies have created ways to bypass the whole pay-for-texting situation. Here are six messaging services you must try.

iMessage – All iOS 5 users can send unlimited text messages with Wi-Fi or 3G from the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch to anyone else that also uses those devices. The service is already built into the messages app, and like iChat, you can even see when someone else is typing you back (if you are urgently awaiting their reply).
BlackBerry Messenger – Send and receive messages using your BlackBerry; see when your messages are read; and know when your contacts are typing. Intended for BlackBerry-to-BlackBerry communication, you can still text your non-BB friends by adding the contacts to your BBM friends list.
Viber – Text or call (also works internationally) to other Viber users over 3G or WiFi. Viber automatically shows which of your friends has the service; otherwise, simply notify your friends to download it, so you can communicate via Viber.
Text Free – Download this app on the Android Market for free text and picture messaging as well as Facebook chat capability.
Google Voice – Send and receive free text messages using the app, which is available for Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Nokia S60.
ChatOn - This new Samsung-powered service allows you to send free messages, group messages, photos, videos, and audio messages to other ChatOn users. Currently, ChatOn is available on Android devices (2.2 and above), but will be rolling out to iOS and BlackBerry soon.

How to Publish Your Own Book in 2012

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:40:45 PST

If writing a book is always the resolution left behind once the calendar runs out, make 2012 the year to finally get your novel out of your brain and onto the page. The fear of being rejected by publisher after publisher can set you back, but more than ever, self-published novelists are turning to ebooks to make their mark on their own.

Ebooks are gaining some serious ground in sales, even being recognized by the New York Times Book Review. It just goes to show that if you've got an awesome manuscript, you don't have to wait for a publisher to pick it up - you can self publish on digital formats with limited to no investment. Find out how you can get your ebooks on Kindles, Nooks, iPads, and mobile devices all around the world with the outlets below. Happy writing!

Barnes & Noble PubIt! - Easily publish your own books through the Barnes & Noble ebook store with PubIt! Just upload your files, and PubIt! converts it to an easy to read format that can be bought and downloaded to your Nook or other B&N apps, like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC. Royalty rates range from 40 percent (for any book priced under $2.98 or over $10) to 65 percent (for any book priced between $2.99 and $9.99).
Amazon Kindle Store - Get your book sold in Amazon's Kindle store and nab royalty rates of 35 to 70 percent of sale prices. The Kindle Direct Publishing program accepts Word, zipped HTML, PDF's, ePub, and plain text files, and makes your book available on the Kindle, as well as other Amazon apps for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, PC, BlackBerry, and Android devices.

But wait, there's more - see the rest of your options after the jump.

4 Free Alternatives to Siri

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:13:34 PST

Didn't get an iPhone 4S this holiday? Don't worry - there are other voice-recognition apps on the market that can stand up to Siri's voice-controlled awesomeness on your devices. In fact, a few of these apps are available for Android and BlackBerry users as well. Check out some download-worthy and free Siri alternatives below.

Vlingo - Vlingo doesn't just take voice commands to make calls, SMS, emails, search the web, or get directions, it does something Siri can't - interfaces with your Twitter and Facebook accounts to let you update with your voice . . . and it really works, even without workarounds.
Dragon Go - Available for iPhone and iPod Touch owners running iOS 4.0 or later, this app works similarly to Siri in that it will interpret and take commands from your voice. You can ask for directions, to draft an email or SMS, and get show times to upcoming movies in your area by directing you to external websites.
Google - Google Mobile's voice abilities let you find information available on Search. For example, you can search with your voice for movie times, photos, websites, nearby restaurants, and more.
Voice Control - Your iPhone's included voice search isn't as powerful as Siri (or any of these other apps), but it does the trick when making calls, searching music on your phone, and getting the time. It's a good start, anyway.

Download of the Day: TripIt Travel Planning

Kelly Schwarze — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:30:54 PDT

Rather than printing hotel directions and frantically searching for a confirmation number at check-in, simplify travel planning and sign up for a TripIt account. This website and mobile app pulls all travel plans into one easy-to-use itinerary. Forward the confirmation emails from any travel website to your TripIt account, and the service will automatically create one trip itinerary to access on the website or mobile device.

Each master itinerary includes maps, directions, and destination weather and provides the option to book restaurant reservations or other activities directly from the itinerary. No more wasted time searching for local hot spots and directions on your own.

The basic TripIt service is free with added features like automatic mobile alerts available for premium and business subscriptions priced at $50 per year and $30 per month, respectively. The mobile app is available for iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone devices.

3 Ways to Protect Your Mobile Phone During Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:39:30 PST

Mobile shopping is on the rise. In fact, nearly 60 million users will shop on their mobile phone for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales this year. Just because you might be using your smartphone to shop for gifts this year doesn't mean you aren't at risk for hacking, viruses, malware, or identity theft (especially if you're an Android owner, just sayin').

Since we increasingly put more personal information on our phones, including photos, emails, current location, and finances, you might want to consider downloading these services to protect your cell phone from malicious hackers. It's better to be safe than sorry!

McAfee VirusScan Mobile - Protects against viruses, worms, spyware Trojan horses, and battery-exhausting malware. In addition, it offers security for email, instant message, and Internet downloads.
Lookout - An award-winning mobile security service for Android, Windows Mobile, and BlackBerry to scan and detect viruses, malware, and spyware. Lookout also acts as a backup system to restore data.
Norton Mobile Security - Offers protection against cell phone loss, theft, and malware for Android.
In addition to these, AT&T is working with Juniper Networks to release an antivirus and antimalware app for mobile phones, especially for Android, BlackBerry, and Windows phones. The scheduled release is for 2012.

While iPhones tend to be safer than Android phones, iPhone users aren't out of the clear. As people start to use their phones as a wallet and way to manage their money, iPhone hackers will start to creep up. Do you plan on investing in mobile protection, or do you think that it's unlikely that your phone will be hacked into?

Best Black Friday Deals Roundup

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:08:53 PST

It's hard to believe that we're halfway through November already, but it's true. Not only is it time to start thinking about your guest list for Thanksgiving dinner, but also your Black Friday shopping list. Get a head start on your planning by checking out these Black Friday ads that are already posted online for your browsing pleasure.

Amazon

Motorola phones will be on sale for just a penny. Some of the available models include Droid Razr 4G, BlackBerry Torch 4G, HTC Inspire 4G, HTC Rhyme, Samsung Focus Flash 4G, and more. This sale is available now through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28.
Verizon and Sprint customers are eligible for some extras. If they activate a mobile hotspot data plan on their hotspot-capable smartphone, they will also receive a $100 Amazon gift card.

Apple

Apple's sales will take effect on Friday, Nov. 25 at physical locations and online.

Get $101 off MacBook Airs, Pros, and iMacs. The 11-inch MacBook Air will be on sale for just $898!
Save up to $41 on iPods, including iPod Touch and Nano
iPads (first and second generation models) will be discounted up to $61.
Accessories for Macs, iPods, and iPads will be discounted as well.

Best Buy

Stores will be opening at 12 a.m. on Black Friday. Get a closer look at the Best Buy Black Friday ad here.

An insane deal, the Sharp 42-Inch LCD 1080p TV is only $200. Better get in line early for that one.
Capture precious moments with the Canon Power Shot ELPH 300HS Digital Camera for $150.
Alternatively, you can grab the Kodak PlayFull 1080p HD Camcorder for just $70.
Insane prices on DVDs - just $1 and up.
Or, grab Blu-rays starting at $5 and up.

GameStop

Stores will be opening at 12 a.m. on Black Friday.

Trade in your old DSi XL and get a 3DS bundle (that includes the system and a game) for $100.
The black Wii bundle, which includes Super Mario Bros. Wii and the official Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack, will be selling out at $150.
There's also a Xbox Kinect Bundle, which includes 250GB Xbox 360, Kinect, wireless controller, three-month Xbox Live membership, and two games for $300.

Kmart

If you're looking for a camcorder to capture family moments, snatch up the Sony Compact Camcorder with 60x Optical Zoom, which is on sale for $170.
Listen to your tunes on the cheap with Maxell Color Earbuds that are going for $2.50 a pair.
I love the Samsung PL120 DualView digital camera for self-portraits and videos, and on Black Friday, you can get one for yourself for just $99.
Looking for an affordable tablet that will let you surf the Internet on the fly? The Archos 8GB 101 Internet Tablet will be priced at just $219 on Black Friday.

Office Depot

The 17-inch HP g7 laptop is going for $350, but if you buy any HP laptop you can also get the HP Touchpad for $149.
The "tech bundle" from Office Depot offers a laptop sleeve, wireless mouse, and 500GB hard drive for $80.
8GB SanDisk SD cards are only $9 each.
All M-Edge Kindle accessories and cases are buy one get one free.
All tablets are on sale during the Black Friday sale. The BlackBerry Playbook is only $200, while the Lenovo IdeaPad is $300.
The Canon Power Shot A22 14.1MP digital camera is $90 and comes with a free 4GB SD card.

Sam's Club

Stores will be open starting at 5 a.m. on Black Friday and will include a complimentary egg sandwich breakfast for members!

It could be better, but for the price of this Samsung 51-Inch Class 720p 600Hz Plasma HDTV ($498), it's a nice upgrade for someone with a smaller screen.
If you don't already have one, the Sony PS3 160GB Bundle is going for $239.
Or, get a Nintendo Wii Limited Edition Blue Console for only $99.
Need a laptop? The HP Pavilion 17.3-Inch Notebook is $499.
And though model numbers haven't been released, select 4G Android Smartphones are going for just $1.

Target

Stores open at midnight on Black Friday.

Get your game on with the PS3 gaming bundle, that comes with a 160GB PS3 Slim, two games (including Little Big Planet 2 and a 30 day PlayStation Plus membership for $199.
The Acer 10.1-inch netbook is $72 off and priced at $157 on Black Friday.
Get a Westinghouse 47-inch 1080p LCD HDTV for $298. That's $250 off the regular price of $550!
Select video games start at $5 a piece and DVDs starting at just $2.
Other gaming bundles include the Kinect sensor bundle (Kinect, two games and two game downloads) for $99, and a 3DS bundle (red 3DS and a copy of Super Mario 3D Land) for $180.

Walmart

Walmart's Black Friday ad is available to view online. Electronics will be going on sale starting at 12 a.m. on Black Friday, while toys and other departments will be open for shopping at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Get your hands on an LG Blu-ray Player for movie-watching fun for just $49.
Or, if you're in need of some sweet sounds to go along with your flicks, the Philips WiFi Blu-ray Home Theatre is going for $178.
Upgrade your movie-watching experience with the Samsung 51-Inch Plasma TV, priced at $498.
Keep the fun coming with DVDs starting at just $2 and up.

Namaste on Your Way: Yoga Journal's FindYoga

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:09:36 PST

Whether you're visiting your in-laws or on a business trip, spending a few days in a new location doesn't mean you have to put your yoga practice on hold. Word of mouth is great for finding a yoga studio nearby, but if there's no one around to give you a recommendation, you can turn to your iPhone, Blackberry, or Android and use Yoga Journal's new app FindYoga.

This free app is a cinch to use and can find you a yoga studio faster than you can chant "om." Just type in the zip code, tap "Search Listings," and it will offer you a directory of reputable yoga studios in the area complete with a phone number, website, description of the studio, and a map to get you there.

Not sure about the styles of yoga offered? Just tap "Styles" and there's a comprehensive list of 25 different types of yoga so you know what to expect from a class whether it's ashtanga, forrest yoga, or vinyoga. An extra bonus is the "Poses" section that includes 360-degree instructional videos that talk you through fundamental poses like Bridge, Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend, and Butterfly. Sanskrit names of poses are included for beginners since many teachers use them in class. If you travel a lot, this is a helpful app you'll definitely want to download.

Download of the Day: GroupMe

Kristen Hawley — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 04:02:13 PDT

Perhaps the biggest trend to come out of this year's SXSW Interactive: group messaging services. One such option, Beluga was recently snapped up by Facebook. Another, GroupMe, was the clear favorite during the Austin event.

GroupMe allows you to talk to multiple friends or contacts at once, share photos, or conference call across a group of people. You can even use the app to geo-locate yourself and share your location with friends. To get started, download the appropriate app or use the GroupMe website to enter your name and number. Then, enter names and numbers of friends or contacts - search using your phone's contacts, Twitter, or Facebook.

Download GroupMe free for iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry. It also works on any phone with text messaging capabilities.