[Accessory] Poetic Slimline Case | Nexus 7

If you're like me, then you probably have a few cases/covers for your devices.  I probably have 3 or 4 just for my Nexus 7.  I recently grabbed the Poetic Slimline case and I couldn't be happier.  It's the perfect combination of sexy, slim, and functional.  I got mine from Amazon for $15.

If you're looking for a great case for your slate, I highly recommend this one.  Despite some early reviews on Amazon reporting poor build quality, I kept checking in noticed how Poetic was not only trying to make it up to their customers, but they were also upgrading the design on this model.

They've done a great job and I'm really impressed with the attention to detail that's gone into it, to date.

Hit the links below for the all the details on the awesome case by Poetic and maybe even pick one up for yourself:-)

Link:  Poetic Slimline case- Nexus 7 (Official Site)

Source:  DroidHorizon

[App] Music Remote - Control Your Stereo With Your Android Device | WITHOUT Wifi or Bluetooth

    One of the great things about Android is the ever evolving, open, and increasingly easy ways to connect everything we use on a daily basis.  This has become a major selling point for the platform, and there are so many apps that lend to this.  Some apps shine and actually make our lives a bit simpler; the way it should be.

For example, have you ever wished you could use your Android device as a remote control with your stereo?  Music Remote by Ubergrund, is a free app that lets you do this, easily and best of all - without the need of a wifi or bluetooth connection.

    I have personally been using this app for a few months and I highly recommend it.  It's reliable and fairly simple to set up and use.  It's also an easy and cheap way to breathe new life back into those old Android devices you may still have lying around or in a drawer.

The premise is simple:  

1. Install the app on your old Android device, enable the app in Settings, then connect it to your stereo.  This can be done via the headphone jack.
2. Next, install the app on your other Android device, as well.  Set it up same way you did the first one and choose which device to use as the server (the device connected to the stereo).
3. Choose a playlist/tracks and remotely control playback, as well as volume, with your other device.  Simple. 

Via the Browser Interface URL (mobile)

Another great feature if you don't want to install the app on the other device or don't have a second/spare Android device to use, is the ability to control it with your Mac/PC/Chromebook via the web.  

Operating this way is just as simple:

1. On the connected Android device, go to Settings > Browser Interface > Enable.
2. Then tap Share Browser Interface URL.
3. Send the link to your email, open it in your web browser, use the on screen controls to operate your connected device remotely.  Be sure to bookmark it, baby...

Via the Browser Interface URL (pc)

So, head on over to the Google Play Store and grab it.  It's easy to use and it's free!  Don't forget to rate the app after you try it for a bit.  Devs need love, too...

Link: Music Remote  (Google Play Store)

Nexus 4 Factory Image Is Back

If you own a Nexus 4 and need/want the factory image, you'll be pleased to know that it is now back online and available for download here.

For whatever reason, Google pulled the Nexus 4 image from the site shortly after releasing the device.  Unless you were one of the few that grabbed it before it disappeared, access to it was a bit tricky.  Fortunately, it has been restored to the site... for now. 

Source: Droid Life

iPhone 5 better bring it...

To my surprise, I've been hearing the same comment more & more lately, from iPhone users & diehards. That comment goes much like this: "If Apple doesn't impress me with this new iPhone, I'm seriously considering switching to Android."
This is a bit shocking to me in some ways because most of my friends who own iPhones say they prefer them over Android phones because of the quality familiar interface. Until Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), I didn't dare push back too hard, frankly because they were right about the build quality, no doubt. Interface-wise, well, that's more of a user preference. Not everybody's going to like the same thing, obviously. But with ICS, the whole thing changed. It literally put the user experience between the two operating systems on par (i.e.: slickness, ease of use, uniform controls & look across apps menus). Then, of course, Android released version 4.1 (Jellybean). This has now pushed Android past iOS in the same categories previously mentioned. So now, you better believe I push back. There's no reason not to. Every argument iPhone users have used against Android are now null & void.
Bottom line is, iOS on both the iPhone & iPad (yes, the iPad as well...) are at least a generation or two behind Android. Apple began copying many features from Android & now seems to take sort of a wait and see approach on everything. Not to mention suing everybody that remotely looks or sounds like it could ever compete with them. Pathetic.
So, this all brings me to my point: Are you in the "Apple better bring it" group, too? Do you want Apple to implement into iOS what Android users have been enjoying? Most, if not all, the reasons for choosing an iPhone or iPad over a top-tier Android device with 4.0+ are no longer valid. The Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note, Asus Transformer series, and Google Nexus 7 are proving this. Android is consistent, reliable, innovative, and fun.
Apple will announce their newest iDevice today. No doubt, the geek in me is excited because I love tech. But with Google expected to announce the next generation of Nexus phones very soon, do you think Apple will be able to maintain their user base after today & moving forward?

Upcoming Devices and What I Want (Need...)

    This is the time of year when the tech world becomes a prism of ideas, rumors, speculation, wishes, & demands. The heavyweights of the world- your Apples, Googles, etc. - all converge numerous times in convention centers around the globe to launch or announce their newest, baddest, most glorious devices & innovations to the mass public. This is the season I enjoy most=)
    Google i|o was a great day for Android purists as Google announced the Nexus 7 & Nexus Q.  The 7 has taken off & doing really well. It could possibly be the best selling Android tablet on the market. I was reluctant about grabbing the N7 at first, because I've seen & used several other Android tablets over the last couple of years & figured this would be no different.  Why buck for another tablet that would be more of the same. As it turns out, I was very surprised & more than pleased with the performance so I got one. I've hardly put it down...  The Q hasn't done nearly as well, mainly due to Google's pulling it from the Google Play Store to "enhance" it.
    Motorola announced, today, that it was releasing 3 new RAZR models on Verizon. I'm sure they're gonna be really good but my question is why are they making all the new models look so similar?  Even the new Atrix HD looks like a RAZR?!  I'm not sure if this is to distance itself from Apple's trigger-happiness or they just really, really like the top-heavy design.  I'm on the fence...
    Apple should be having their lil get-together pretty soon, as well.  From what I gather, they're giving their faithful some things Android users have been enjoying for awhile, now.
    Personally, I'm holding out for a new Nexus phone.  This is going to be a bit interesting this time, as there will be 3 dropping this time, rather than only 1, as usual.  3 different manufacturers. I'm giddy=)

So what device(s) have caught your eye so far?