iBolt ProDock Alumina

iBolt ProDock Alumina review

Driving hands free is not only safe; it’s the law in many places. The iBolt ProDock Alumina keeps your phone in view so you can stay focused on the road.

iBOLT ProDock Alumina Buy Now $34.95

Your new Samsung Galaxy S III (S3) or other Android phone can serve as a great navigator or in-car entertainment center. You can control lots of the functions with S voice or other voice control software, but you still need to be able to see your phone.

The iBolt ProDock Alumina is a great way to keep your phone in sight, but mounted and safely accessible when needed. No matter which Android phone you have, it should fit on this dock.

iBolt ProDock Alumina

What’s in the box

The iBolt ProDock Alumina comes with everything you need to quickly get up and running.  The iBolt contains:

• The dock
• Suction cup mount for windshield or plastic disk
• Plastic disk for the dashboard
• Vent mounting kit
• Extra set of long feet (for phones with thick cases)

Set up suction cup mount

The iBolt ProDock can either be set up as a window or dash mount or, using the vent mount kit, as a vent mounted dock for your phone.

The easiest way to mount the phone is via the window mount:

1. Unscrew the ring on the back of the mount
2. Put the ball joint into the housing and push
3. Screw the ring in to tighten
4. Mount the suction cup to the window of your car
5. Put your phone in the dock
6. Tighten the fastener by pushing down (or to the side if mounting in portrait mode)

To attach the unit to your dashboard, you first need to attach the plastic disk to your dash. Then, do just as you did above, but attach the suction cup to the disk instead of the windshield.

To release the phone from the fastener, just push in the button on the side of the iBolt mount.

Set up vent mount

The iBolt ProDock comes with a vent mount kit as well.  Some folks like using a vent mount because it places the phone closer in reach and closer if you use the speaker phone of the  Galaxy S3 or otherAndroid phone.

To use the vent mount:

1. Snap the two legs into the top of the vent mount unit
2. Slide the legs to best position them for your car
3. Squeeze the legs to attach to upper vent
4. Adjust bottom of vent mount for support
5. Unscrew ring on back of main mount
6. Push in ball joint and screw in ring
7. Put phone in dock
8. Tighten fastener

To release the phone, push the button on the side of the iBolt dock.

Using the iBolt

The iBolt can be used in either portrait or landscape mode. Rotate the dock to any position desired. Thanks to the ball joint, you really can have this in just about any position desired.

The legs on the bottom (or on the side if in portrait mode) can slide to either side. This is particularly helpful so as the buttons don’t press on the Volume buttons or Power button or Camera button on other phones.  If your phone has a particularly bulky case, you can attach the included extra long legs in place of the standard ones to accommodate the phone in the case.

Once you have the orientation of the dock set, put in your phone and push down (landscape mode) or to the side (portrait mode) on the locking fastener. To release the fastener, just push the button on the left-hand side (landscape mode) or the bottom (portrait mode.)

NOTE: If you are using the phone in portrait mode and push the release button, make sure you are holding onto your phone or it will just fall straight down!

Design and Build quality

Overall, the iBolt ProDock seems like a solid product.  The dock is made of a durable and strong plastic. The ball joint snaps in securely and seems very secure when attached.  The suction cup has a lock and release and really held in place – even with road vibration.

The vent mount, as is the case with pretty much every vent mount I have tested, used plastic feet than can snap if forced into place.  That being said, I was able to attach and remove the vent mount with no problems in my particular car.

The Wrap up

The iBolt ProDock alumina does just what it claims to do. It hold your Galaxy S3 or other Android phone securely in place. It is versatile, in that it can attach to your window, dash or vent and it can easily be rotated form portrait to landscape mode.

The Good

• Easy to use and set up
• Strong suction cup
• Solid construction
• Easy to rotate between portrait and landscape
• Adjustable feet to avoid buttons

The Bad

• Vent mount feet are not as sturdy
• Nothing to protect the phone from falling out of dock in portrait mode

The Verdict

The iBolt ProDock is a great way to dock your HTC One X, EVO 4G LTE, Galaxy S3 or other device in your car.  The flexibility of portrait or landscape use, window or dash or vent mount makes this a very user configurable product.

Buy it now

iBOLT ProDock Alumina Buy Now $34.95

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link: http://www.androidcentral.com/ibolt-prodock-alumina-review

Google Listen

Google Listen is officially dead

A long, long time ago, in an Android ecosystem far away, Google Listen was our favorite podcatcher app. It was easy. It was simple. It synced with Google Reader, making adding new podcasts a snap. But it never seemed to be a very high priority, and today Google has put Listen out to pasture, as was first noticed by some of our own, as well as by folks on Twitter. The reason? There are other, better apps out there.

Says Google:

We launched Google Listen through Google Labs in August 2009, to give people a way to discover and listen to podcasts. However, with Google Play, people now have access to a wider variety of podcast apps, so we’ve discontinued Listen. People who have already installed the app can still use it, but after November 1, podcast search won’t function. You can access your podcast subscriptions in Google Reader in the “Listen Subscriptions” folder and download them from the Import/Export tab.

We're a little sad to see it go, but there really are a number of great podcatchers out there. Oh, and if you're needing to re-add the feed to the Greatest Android Podcast in the World, here's the audio feed.

Source: Google

link: http://www.androidcentral.com/google-listen-officially-dead

How to add and arrange Home screens on the Galaxy S3

Home screens on the Samsung Galaxy S III (S3) are very configurable; you can even delete complete Home screens and add brand new ones. 

Out of the box, the Galaxy S3 comes with seven home screens. As we have learned, you can customize each screen with App icons and widgets and really tailor make each page to better suit the way you use the phone.

One great feature is that you can delete complete Home screens and start over and add new ones. You can then rearrange your Home screens so that what you need is available in exactly the way you desire. 

Getting to the Home screen edit screen 

The first step to deleting and adding new Home screens is to get to the Home screen-editing screen on the Galaxy S3.

Go to any Home screen and long press – (touch and hold) the screen

1. Choose Add to Home screen
2. Touch the Page tab
3. All of your Home screens are now displayed and can be edited, deleted or rearranged.

  

Deleting a Home screen 

To delete a Home screen, just pick the screen from the seven now shown on the phone and drag it to the Trashcan icon. Confirm the delete on the next screen and the screen is now deleted.

  

Adding a new Home screen

You will now notice in the place of the deleted screen is a blank screen with a (+) indicated.  Simply touch the blank screen with the (+) icon and a new, blank screen will be placed on the Home screen editing screen. You can now add App icons and widgets to the new Home screen.

  

Rearranging Home screens

Once you are set with your seven Home screens, you can rearrange them in any order you wish. The screen in the middle is usually the default Home screen to which the phone will immediately go to when turned on.  The screens to the right and left are the screens you would normally swipe to on the left or right of the default screen, which is in the middle. To rearrange Home screens:

1. Touch and hold any of the Home screens
2. Drag it to its new place – either next to the Default screen or in another location
3. Confirm the new placement by exiting from the editing mode and swiping through Home screens

Changing the Default Home screen

The usual Default Home screen has the Clock/Weather widget at the top. If this is not the screen that you wish to make “default” you can easily change that. In this example, I want to make the screen with myFlipboard widget my default screen.

1. Notice the House icon in the upper right of each Home screen
2. Touch the House icon on the screen you wish to become the Default screen
3. The house icon turns blue on the new screen
4. A message is displayed that the Default Home screen has been changed

  

Play around with this a bit. With a little bit of experimentation, you can really make your Galaxy S3 your own.  Each Home screen can really reflect the way you want to use your phone and can appear in the order you want them to as you swipe through your Home screens.

link: http://www.androidcentral.com/how-add-and-arrange-home-screens-galaxy-s3

Nexus Q

Poll: Did you preorder a Nexus Q?

You might have heard that Google is postponing the retail launch of the Nexus Q, and as compensation they are giving one to everyone who preordered for the low price of free. It's a shocker, and more than anyone expected to hear when we found out that the Q would be held back to add some more functionality. I'll leave the comparison to Oprah for the comments.

We're all busy discussing what sort of awesomesauce Google could bake into the Q, and words like mirroring and Wifi Direct are getting thrown all over my Gtalk. We're just speculating of course, but we're genuinely excited to see what G has in store for the cannonball. All we know for now is that it's been delayed for a it, and that Google is handing them out for free if you preordered.

Which of course means we have to ask, just how many folks did preorder the $300 Nexus Q? Everyone who doesn't have one seems to hate it, and those that do have one (Google handed out about 6,000 of them at Google I/O 2012) seem to be divided about how useful the device is in its current state. We don't imagine very many folks jumped at the chance to get one, and that now everyone wishes they had, but rather than guess, we'll just ask. Let us know in the poll!

link: http://www.androidcentral.com/poll-did-you-preorder-nexus-q

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Square Enix showing off Final Fantasy

Square Enix showing off Final Fantasy Dimensions and other titles for Android at Gamescom

Square Enix is bringing the big guns of late when it comes to Android. In recent weeks we've seen the release of the mighty Final Fantasy III, and the original Final Fantasy that sneaked out just last week. It doesn't stop there though, as the prominent game developer is headed to Gamescom, in Germany, to show off their next Final Fantasy title for Android, Final Fantasy Dimensions. 

While Dimensions will undoubtedly be the main attraction, Square Enix will also show off a number of future Android titles. There will be a couple of matching, strategy based games called Qwirkle and Motley Blocks, KooZac which is described as a mix of Tetris and Sudoku, and their own brain training game known as Mensa Academy will be out for testing. It's fantastic news for Android as a gaming platform, to see big name developers such as Square Enix getting on board. 

via DroidGamers

link: http://www.androidcentral.com/square-enix-showing-final-fantasy-dimensions-and-other-titles-android-gamescom

LG Nitro HD

LG Nitro HD sees another Android 4.0 ICS leak ahead of official update

As we already know, AT&T will be updating the LG Nitro HD with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on July 31st but just in case you simply cannot wait, there is a new leak now out there claiming to be to be the official final build. You'll need to use the notably crappy LG Windows Suite to get it loaded up but it's there and available for download.

As with all things not officially official, we suggest some caution loading it but if you're one to tosses that suggestion to the wind, you'll find the link below. If you're on a different carrier, say Bell Mobility you're going to want to read through it all to ensure compatibility but that's where those cautionary measures come in once again.

Source: XDA

link: http://www.androidcentral.com/lg-nitro-hd-sees-another-android-40-ics-leak-ahead-official-update

Google's New Nexus 7

Google's New Nexus 7 How-To Focuses on Google Apps

Following closely behind their first "Getting Started" tutorial for the Nexus 7, Google has produced another video to help new users gets acquainted with the device. The short video pokes around a Nexus 7's "Google" folder in the dock, highlighting the important aspects of the headline Google Apps. This is all easy stuff for the hardcore Android nerds among us, but really useful if the Nexus 7 is your first time using Android, especially Jelly Bean. Take a look at the video, you may learn a thing or two.

Source: Google Nexus YouTube Page

link: http://www.androidcentral.com/googles-new-nexus-7-how-focuses-google-apps

Seidio ACTIVE Extended Case

Deal of the Day: Seidio ACTIVE Extended Case for OEM 2100/2000mAh Extended Battery for Galaxy Nexus

The July 23 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Seidio ACTIVE Extended Case w/ Metal Kickstand for use with OEM 2100/2000mAh Extended Battery for Samsung Galaxy Nexus. This dual-layer case combines a silicone sleeve and a durable custom-fit exoskeleton to protect your Samsung Galaxy Nexus with the OEM 2100 or 2000mAh extended battery. The case covers the power and volume buttons while leaving ports, controls, and camera lens accessible. The back of the case also features a retractable metal kickstand.

The Seidio ACTIVE Extended Case is available for just $16.95, 52% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy, fast shipping and friendly support. Grab yours while supplies last!

link: http://www.androidcentral.com/deal-day-seidio-active-extended-case-w-metal-kickstand-use-oem-21002000mah-extended-battery-galaxy-n

Apps of the Week

Apps of the Week - Shine Runner, SMod Forever, Camera Launcher and more

Android Central's editors have once again picked their favorite apps for the week. We've got a lot of games this go around, but also a few utilities you might find handy. Anyone who picked up a Google Nexus 7 will definitely want to check out our picks this week. Dig in after the jump!

Shine Runner

Richard Devine - This isn't a new title, but is one that may have been overlooked in favor of other racing games. Shine Runner is from the same developers as Riptide GP, which for some would be enough to warrant trying it out. The aim is to pilot a fan boat through the bayous and fill your cargo hold with all manner of booty and sell it on to the highest bidder.

It looks fantastic and has been enhanced for Tegra 3, so it's a stunner on the new Nexus 7. Environments are fully destructible - who doesn't like the idea of sending a cop flying through the air while you're on your moonshine run? The controls are simple, and there's full support for OpenFeint and game controllers. It's great fun and proving very difficult to put down.

Download: Shine Runner ($0.99)

SMod Forever!

Sean Brunett - I have a variety of podcasts that I listen to and one of my favorite networks is Kevin Smith’s SModcast. You may know Kevin Smith as director of films like Clerks, Mallrats and Dogma. It has a bunch of shows that cover a variety of topics in the realm of pop culture. He hosts many of them with colleagues such as Jason Mewes and Ralph Garman. SMod Forever Is not an official app, but one made by devoted fans and it is done really well. It gives you a nice UI to view and sort through the various SModcast programs. You can subscribe to a particular show’s feed (which also tells you the episode frequency), download episodes and make playlists. If you’re a fan of Kevin Smith or are interested in the shows he produces, I’d highly suggest this app.

Download: SMod Forever! (free)

Sonic 4: Episode 2

Alex Dobie - With so many people picking up the Tegra 3-powered Nexus 7 this week, here's a Tegra-optimized game that looks great on the new Jelly Bean tablet. Episode II is the latest installment in the Sonic 4 series, and it comes in both regular and THD flavors, with the latter offering superior graphics and being available only to Tegra device owners. Sonic's sidekick Tails returns this episode as the two speed their way through four zones to fight Dr. Eggman and Metal Sonic.

In terms of visuals and gameplay, Episode 2 is a significant step up from its predecessor with more emphasis on the speed - the very thing that made classic Sonic titles a hit in the series' hayday. With Tegra-powered graphics backing up the experience, the game is a visual treat. In addition to the paid versions, there's also a Tegra-only "lite" version that gives you a short sampling of levels for free.

Download: Sonic 4: Episode 2 (free/$6.99)

Gyro

Anndrew Vaaca - Gyro is a simple little game that came out of nowhere and managed to ruin my entire day, yet I still feel compelled to suggest it. The concept is pretty straightforward: spin the wheel to match the colors of the flying dots (Gyro calls it "neutralizing the viruses"). Collect power-ups along the way and work towards achievements to land yourself on the online leaderboard. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Well, it's not. In fact, you may just end up spending your entire day with Gyro. Consider yourself warned.

Download: Gyro (free)

Camera Launcher for Nexus 7

Chris Parsons - So you got yourself a fancy new Nexus 7 only to find out there is no camera icon on the device and no way to access the camera unless you launch it within an app, like Instagram. No worries, Paul O'Brien has you covered with Camera Launcher for Nexus 7. It allows you to use the Camera and Video Camera applications on your Nexus 7. Sure, you'll likely not need to use them often, but Camera Launcher makes sure they're readily available when you do.

Download: Camera Launcher (free)

Bloons TD 4

Jerry Hildenbrand - The Bloons tower defense games have been a staple of flash websites forever, and Bloons TD 4 for Android keeps that trend going on our smartphones. It stays faithful to the Bloons series of games, and brings all the towers and balloon types to Android. There are plenty of tower defense games for Android (I know, I've probably tried them all) and plenty of them are great, but I find myself Installing Bloons TD 4 on every phone or tablet I sign into. It's a great way to kill a few minutes and runs on every modern version of Android (1.5 and higher). You won't mind spending the three bucks on this one.

Download: Blooms TD 4 ($3.15)

vTap QuickSearch

Simon Sage - vTap QuickSearch is a light, easy to use search utility that serves up results from all over your Android device (settings, messages, contacts, and mail) as well as the web. Over time, it figures out which searches you make most frequently and generates a custom home screen with shortcuts to your favorites. Real-time results are pulled in from a bunch of sources, like IMDB, Wikipedia, Fandango and Google Play, in addition to location-based results. There are a few gaps, like no voice search, but on the whole, it provides some added depth of search to the default search bar without having to install extra apps.

Download: vTap QuickSearch (Free)

As always, we welcome feedback on the kinds of Android apps you'd like to see in this weekly feature. Are there any big ones we didn't cover here? What would your personal picks be? Feel free to drop us a tip on the hint line if you find a particularly awesome app that you'd like to see us cover next week.

link: http://www.androidcentral.com/apps-week-shine-runner-smod-forever-camera-launcher-and-more