Monday 21 October 2013

Useful Android Apps


This a post about some useful android apps that I use on my phone. 
My phone is a not particularly powerful , has that much storage space or even has a large screen so the apps I mention below are chosen with that in consideration. 
So if you have an older android phone that is what these apps are geared towards. 
Given the ridiculous length of contracts in the UK I imagine many are in the same situation as me with an older phone so I hope these help !


Kii Keyboard

An excellent multi-language keyboard combining features such as swyping , split layouts, multiple keyboard layouts and next word prediction with support for multiple themes.
It supports Android 2.1 and above so very much backward compatible.

Kii Keyboard App Screenshot Kii Keyboard App Screenshot

Kik is a messenger service that operates over your data or wifi connection. It is a simple , quick easy to use messenger app. It featured typing, sent and read notifications. It integrates with your media apps so you can share photos and other media. 
Kik does not integrate with your phone book so it is more private than other apps.
It supports Android 2.2 and up.

Kik Messenger App Screenshot
Kik Messenger App Screenshot
Opera mini is part of the Opera range of browsers for Android platform. Opera Mini is the lightweight version of the browser but definitely not lacking in useful features.
Like the desktop version it has the speed dial start page where you can save your favourite sites.The layout is also clear with large buttons and tabbed browsing for ease of use.
The browser also compresses the data to speed up loading times and web pages can be saved offline for later reading.

Opera Mini App Screenshot
Opera Mini App Screenshot


Power Toggles

Power Toggles is an app that allows you to add toggles to the top notification bar. 
You can add toggles for WiFi  sound, screen brightness , Bluetooth and GPS to name a few.There over 40 toggles to choose from.
The toggles can also be added to the screen as widgets if you prefer for even easier control. The app allows for creation of custom application shortcuts as well.

Power Toggles App Screenshot
Power Toggles App Screenshot

Twicca is a lightweight twitter client app. It has all the standard twitter functions you expect such as posting, re-tweeting, searching, trends. It can also set colour labeling for specific users. 
Images are automatically previewed within client itself. It features automatic URL shortening and ability to share media in tweets.
The app has its own widget as well . There are notifications for mentions and direct messages built in.

Twicca Twitter App Screenshot
Twicca Twitter App Screenshot



Shuttle Music Player

Shuttle Music app is a lightweight but fully featured music player.
Its has an optimised and simple beautiful layout based around the Google Holo theme.
Amongst its many features include playlist creation, gapless playback of songs, album artwork automatic downloading, lockscreen controls , gesture support , last.fm connectivity and a selection of different widgets for desktop screen.

Shuttle Music Player App Screenshot
Shuttle Music Player App Screenshot

Hopefully some of these will be of use in the never ending battle with Android!


Saturday 12 October 2013

River Thames in London At Night

One of the wonderful things about London is the way the city lights up at night. 
No where is this more true than along the River Thames with its multitude of iconic bridges and tourist landmarks such as the London Eye and St Pauls Cathedral. 

I personally very much enjoy walking around the River Thames at night. In the middle of the urban hustle and busy nature of London it is actually quite relaxing. Standing across the London Eye as it lights up the night sky and river is quite breathtaking.

I heartily recommend anyone visiting should go for a walk along the Thames in the evening. It is most rewarding and worthwhile !

Hungerford Golden Jubilee Bridge Across Thames Charing Cross
The Hungerford / Golden Jubilee Bridge which leads into
Charing Cross Train Station from the South Bank

The London Eye on south bank of River Thames
The London Eye

The London Eye as viewed from the Victoria Embankment River Thames
The London Eye as viewed from the Victoria Embankment

Westminster Bridge which connects Palace of Westminster  with County Hall and The London Eye
Westminster Bridge which connects Palace of Westminster
with County Hall and The London Eye

The National Theatre on the South Bank River Thames
The National Theatre on the South Bank 

St Pauls Cathedral and The City Of London
St Pauls Cathedral and The City Of London

The City of London and Blackfriars Bridge River Thames
The City of London and Blackfriars Bridge

German Christmas Market on the South Bank
Christmas Market on the South Bank