Android: A Gamer's Guide
Sunday, 9 January 2011 09:13
You may not realize it, but your Android-powered smartphone or tablet PC could be a gaming monster--if it's in the right hands. Here's everything you need to know about playing games on your Android gadgets.
The Android OS: It's on your phone (and maybe even your tablet PC), and it lets you run thousands and thousands of apps--including games. But which phones are ideal for gaming? What kind of specs do you need to play the latest and greatest? Can you use a hardware keyboard? Read on if you're looking for answers (and good games).
The current crop of Android phones, however, leaves the G1 and the MyTouch 3G in the dust, and has inspired the development of games (such as SpeedX 3D) that require more graphical power than the first-generation handsets can muster. For a handset with a reasonably current version of the Android OS (1.6 to 2.2), anything available on the Android Market should work properly. Users of first-generation devices, however, should stick to graphically simple 2D games (Jewellust and other puzzle games, for instance) due to those devices' limited 3D capabilities.
The Android Market organizes games into genres (Action, Strategy, and so on) and sorts them by user rating. It's a good idea to start with user ratings and then check the comments section for a potential purchase--not only do you get more-detailed opinions, but you may find notes about compatibility issues or missing features that would otherwise not be apparent.
Unlike the Apple App Store, the Android Market offers an especially valuable feature: a return policy. Any application you've paid for and installed may be uninstalled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase. If you've paid for a game and you decide you don't like it, you're only one tap away from a return and a refund credited to the payment source linked to your Google Checkout account. You have a 24-hour try-before-you-buy window, and you can take your time playing the game before deciding whether to keep it.
First, decide which features you consider must-have in both a phone and a portable gaming device. A speedy processor, ideally 1GHz or faster (such as those in the HTC Nexus One, the Samsung Galaxy S phones, or the upcoming Motorola Droid 2), makes for smoother gaming and a longer effective life for the device--any of the midrange-to-high-end devices from major manufacturers (HTC, Motorola, Samsung) should perform well.
Also, would-be Android gamers should keep several other factors in mind:
Though most games will run just fine on several versions of the Android OS, each update of the platform has included substantial speed improvements for games, as well as support for better 3D graphics. If you use an unofficial Android update that isn't supported on your handset, be careful: It can help gaming performance, but you run the risk of breaking some OS functions that your games depend on.
Developers have taken notice, too, and have issued cross-platform iOS-Android releases for high-quality games such as the wonderful Legend of Zelda-inspired Zenonia from Gamevil, and two great shooters from Hexage named Radiant and Buka.
For the classic-gaming aficionado, Android has a fantastic selection of emulators for classic consoles (legality issues aside), including the Game Boy, Game Gear, Genesis, NES, and SNES. Full-speed mobile emulators are a real treat. Older phones like the G1 are capable of running NES games with sound, while more-powerful devices (Motorola Droid or better) can easily emulate newer consoles without issue.
Also, don't forget to check out our Android App Guide and Must-Have Apps for Entertainment for more Android fun and games.
If it's not enough for you to play the latest and greatest, here's a tip for keeping up on what's new in Android gaming: Follow the publishers that make the games you like. At the moment, it's hard to find some highly hyped releases--the best games seem to just fall from the sky, so to speak--but a few publishers, such as Hexage, HyperBees, and Larva Labs, are worth keeping tabs on.
Leave your favorite game suggestions in the comments!
Playing on Older Android Phones (G1, MyTouch 3G)
Android phones have been gamer-friendly since the very first HTC ("Dream") G1, which had a hardware keyboard, a touchscreen, a trackball, and a very capable processor--all of which were practically begging game developers to step up to the plate. Some of my favorite games debuted in that first generation, including Twiggle (which is unfortunately no longer available) and Bust-A-Move, to name a couple.The current crop of Android phones, however, leaves the G1 and the MyTouch 3G in the dust, and has inspired the development of games (such as SpeedX 3D) that require more graphical power than the first-generation handsets can muster. For a handset with a reasonably current version of the Android OS (1.6 to 2.2), anything available on the Android Market should work properly. Users of first-generation devices, however, should stick to graphically simple 2D games (Jewellust and other puzzle games, for instance) due to those devices' limited 3D capabilities.
Tips for Navigating the Android Market
Wading through the games section of the Android Market can be challenging even for the most veteran gamer; hundreds of games are available, at many different price points. Start by keeping an eye on the 'Top Paid', 'Top Free', and 'Just In' sections to find lists of the best and newest games on offer. The first two lists are frequently updated, and new games join the "Just In" section daily.The Android Market organizes games into genres (Action, Strategy, and so on) and sorts them by user rating. It's a good idea to start with user ratings and then check the comments section for a potential purchase--not only do you get more-detailed opinions, but you may find notes about compatibility issues or missing features that would otherwise not be apparent.
Unlike the Apple App Store, the Android Market offers an especially valuable feature: a return policy. Any application you've paid for and installed may be uninstalled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase. If you've paid for a game and you decide you don't like it, you're only one tap away from a return and a refund credited to the payment source linked to your Google Checkout account. You have a 24-hour try-before-you-buy window, and you can take your time playing the game before deciding whether to keep it.
Choosing a Great Gaming Phone
These days, wireless carriers offer a fairly diverse set of Android phones. Each handset might run a different version of the Android OS, though, and some models may offer features that others from the same carrier do not. For example, Verizon subscribers who want a hardware keyboard will have to go with the Motorola Droid or Droid 2--the Droid X doesn't have one. A first-time Android buyer, especially one looking for a handset suitable for gaming, may be overwhelmed. Here's how you can narrow the selection to those phones that fit your budget and your gaming needs.First, decide which features you consider must-have in both a phone and a portable gaming device. A speedy processor, ideally 1GHz or faster (such as those in the HTC Nexus One, the Samsung Galaxy S phones, or the upcoming Motorola Droid 2), makes for smoother gaming and a longer effective life for the device--any of the midrange-to-high-end devices from major manufacturers (HTC, Motorola, Samsung) should perform well.
Also, would-be Android gamers should keep several other factors in mind:
- Keyboard type: Does the phone have a hardware keyboard or touchscreen software?
- Audio output type: Many Android phones feature a headphone jack, and some (like the Droid series) include stereo Bluetooth.
- Screen resolution and physical size: Bigger is better--consider the great displays on the Droid X and on Samsung's Galaxy S phones.
- Cost: Last-generation Android phones such as the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G can be had for as little as $50 with a two-year contract, but they won't play the newest games.
Though most games will run just fine on several versions of the Android OS, each update of the platform has included substantial speed improvements for games, as well as support for better 3D graphics. If you use an unofficial Android update that isn't supported on your handset, be careful: It can help gaming performance, but you run the risk of breaking some OS functions that your games depend on.
Getting Into the Game
Whatever your gaming tastes may be, the Android OS has terrific examples already on offer.Developers have taken notice, too, and have issued cross-platform iOS-Android releases for high-quality games such as the wonderful Legend of Zelda-inspired Zenonia from Gamevil, and two great shooters from Hexage named Radiant and Buka.
For the classic-gaming aficionado, Android has a fantastic selection of emulators for classic consoles (legality issues aside), including the Game Boy, Game Gear, Genesis, NES, and SNES. Full-speed mobile emulators are a real treat. Older phones like the G1 are capable of running NES games with sound, while more-powerful devices (Motorola Droid or better) can easily emulate newer consoles without issue.
Also, don't forget to check out our Android App Guide and Must-Have Apps for Entertainment for more Android fun and games.
The Next Level of Android Gaming
Though the current crop of Android games offers plenty to like, a lot of awesome gaming is yet to come. Since updates to the Android OS are often ported to many older devices (for free), the Android handset you use today may be capable of much more in the near future, and might offer better 3D performance, speed optimizations, and brand-new features.If it's not enough for you to play the latest and greatest, here's a tip for keeping up on what's new in Android gaming: Follow the publishers that make the games you like. At the moment, it's hard to find some highly hyped releases--the best games seem to just fall from the sky, so to speak--but a few publishers, such as Hexage, HyperBees, and Larva Labs, are worth keeping tabs on.
Leave your favorite game suggestions in the comments!
Microsoft Touch Mouse
Thursday, 6 January 2011 03:16
Microsoft Hardware has designed a new computer mouse called Microsoft Touch Mouse which adds touch features on top of the usual mouse functionality. The mouse looks like any other mouse albeit with a weird form factor on first glance. It offers no mouse buttons in the traditional sense of the word, only a touch interface that makes up the upper half of the mouse body.
The touch interface reacts to touches. It is possible for instance to left-click and right-click by taping the finger in the right locations on the mouse surface. Microsoft states that it can do everything that a normal mouse can do which would indicate that there should be an emulation of a middle-mouse button as well. That’s however not confirmed and not shown in any of the videos.The video demonstrates the capabilities of the touch features of the mouse. It is possible to use one, two or three fingers to activate features on the screen.
One Finger lets you manage the content of a document or webpage – moving one finger lets you precisely scroll in any direction and hyperscroll through long documents with a quick flick of your finger, while using your thumb lets you move back/forward easily through your internet browser.It uses BlueTrack Technology to work on virtually any surface without difficulties. The USB Nano transceiver can pick up signals at a 30-foot range.
Two Fingers lets you manage multiple windows by maximizing, minimizing, restoring, and snapping them side-by-side.
Three Fingers lets you navigate the whole desktop – three fingers up to display all of your open windows for easy task switching or three fingers down for clearing the desktop entirely.
The mouse has been designed for Windows 7 exclusively and it is likely that drivers are shipping with it that enable the functionality on the operating system. It is not likely that the touch feature will work on other operating systems.
Microsoft concentrated solely on the touch capabilities of the mouse, avoiding other relevant information that users may want to know. This includes the mouse’s dpi and whether a middle-mouse button is emulated or not.
The Microsoft Touch Mouse will be available in May 2011 for a price of $79.95.
Internet Explorer 9 – What you Need To Know
Friday, 10 September 2010 03:00
The beta release of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 9 is just around the corner. The first version of the browser with the new interface included will be available publicly on September 15.
Users who have tested some of the preview builds that were offered without interface may have already noticed that Microsoft may be finally able to close the gap that currently exists between Internet Explorer and Chrome, Opera and Firefox.
Users who run IE8 next to one of the other browsers will have noticed that it cannot compete performance wise. Improvements in this area, and the fact that Internet Explorer 9 will improve its support of web standards are probably the two major changes in the new browser.
Microsoft has not revealed the new interface of the browser yet. There have been some leaks, and it is generally assumed that the browser will have an interface that looks a lot like that of the Google Chrome browser. Still, until we get an official confirmation it is all guesswork.
More important than the looks is the compatibility of the browser. A lot will change with the release of Internet Explorer 9.
Microsoft has already started to drop Windows XP support in the latest Microsoft Security Essentials releases, and that trend will continue with the release of Internet Explorer 9.
Windows XP users will not be able to use Internet Explorer 9. It is not as tragic as it sounds, as there are several alternatives available, among them Microsoft’s own Internet Explorer 8 web browser, and the previously mentioned third party browsers.
The lack of support will have an impact on the browser’s market share in the first years after its release, considering that more than 50% of all Windows users are still using Windows XP.
Vista and Windows 7 users on the other hand may be inclined to install the new Internet Explorer as soon as it comes out, considering that it is a major improvement over its predecessor. But that’s usually only true for home computers, and not company computers.
To sum it up in one sentence: Internet Explorer 9 will be a major improvement, which makes it a recommended update for all Vista, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 users.
Speed Up Your Computer
Wednesday, 9 June 2010 22:55
A computer can pick up viruses and malicious software with everyday web surfing. This can damage the computer function, slow down your browser and cause crashes. Clean your computer out once a month and run system scans to improve speed. Run an antivirus daily in order to protect the computer from attacks.
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Clean up old and unused files
- Start cleaning the computer out by removing old programs and uninstalling the ones you are no longer using. Click on "Start" > "Control Panel" and under the "Program" tab click on "Uninstall a program." Wait until a full list of all installed programs has loaded, and go through it alphabetically. Click on the name of a program you want to uninstall and on the top bar it will give you the option to "Uninstall" that specific program and its files. Be patient, as the process can take a while if you have large programs and files to remove. Delete only programs that you are familiar with; if you are not sure whether a program is needed for computer operation, leave it alone.
Click on "Start" > "All Programs" > "Accessories" > "System Tools" > "Disk Cleanup." Select the option for all files on the computer to be scanned. This will check for any leftover files from uninstalled programs, remove Temporary Internet Files, and clean out the Trash Bin. The "Disk Cleanup" will also tell you the exact amount of space that has been freed up by running this scan.
Run a spyware scan
- A spyware scan is necessary to clean out any adware, cached cookies and malware that a browser picks up while visiting websites. AVG Anti-Virus and Avast both offer free trial versions for 30 days, and can be used to run a full-system scan. Webroot Spy Sweeper is another spyware detection program that is good to run every day. Run both a spyware removal program and an antivirus program, as it adds an extra element of security and protection. An antivirus may not be able to detect every adware infection, as some malicious scripts are written to trick an antivirus scan and appear harmless.
Run a virus scan
- An antivirus program is a must-have for everyday computer protection. Norton Antivirus and McAfee are two popular programs but have to be purchased after a 30-day free trial. Schedule an automatic full scan to run daily (or nightly) so that the computer can be checked for any suspicious files. Antivirus software will also protect from Trojan viruses and keyloggers that can steal personal information.
Defragment your computer
- Defragment your computer disk after a full computer cleanup has been completed. Allocation of files can cause your computer to fragment and misplace data, forcing it to work twice as hard to piece program files back together when you try to access them. This can impair the function of the computer.
Click on "Start" > "All Programs" > "Accessories" > "System Tools" > "Disk Defragmenter." Click on "Defragment now" and let the program run until the process is complete. The process may take several hours as it looks for data to piece together and arrange for easy accessibility. Once complete, the computer will show a significant improvement in faster usability.
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Firefox Shortcut Keys
Thursday, 3 June 2010 23:06
In Mozilla Firefox, you can use the combination of different keyboard keys to accomplish your routine task. With shortcut keys, you can speed up your surfing without lifting your hands from the keys; otherwise require a conventional mouse to select menus and buttons options. Basically keyboard shortcuts keys help you to save time and you can perform any tasks without leaving the keyboard keys.
Useful Mozilla Firefox shortcuts keys
Shortcut keys Action
CTRL+A Selects the all items on active page
CTRL+B Display the "Organize Bookmarks" dialog box
CTRL+D Include the active page to your Bookmarks list
CTRL+F Display the "Find" dialog box to search text
CTRL+I Display the Bookmarks pane
CTRL+H Display the History sidebar of Mozilla Firefox
CTRL+N Use to open new Mozilla Firefox page
CTRL+P Use to print the active web page
CTRL+R Use to reload the active web page
CTRL+T Display a new Tab in active Firefox window
CTRL+U View the source code of active web page
CTRL+W Closes the active Mozilla Firefox window
CTRL++ Use to increase the font size of active page
CTRL+ - Use to decrease the font size of active page
CTRL+Tab Move to next Tab in Mozilla Firefox
ALT+Home Use to open the home page of internet explorer
ALT+Left Arrow Go to previous page of active page
ALT+Right Arrow Go to next page of active page
ALT+B Go to Mozilla Firefox Favorites Menu
ALT+D Go to address bar of current Firefox page
ALT+E Go to Mozilla Firefox Edit Menu
ALT+F Go to Mozilla Firefox File Menu
ALT+S Go to Mozilla Firefox History Menu
ALT+T Go to Mozilla Firefox Tools Menu
ALT+V Go to Mozilla Firefox View Menu
Tab Move forward between all items on active web page
F5 Refresh the active web page
F7 F7 activate the cursor to move with keyboard
CTRL+SHIFT+DEL Use to clear all Private Data history
CTRL+SHIFT+D Use to Bookmarks all Firefox Tabs
F11 Press F11 key to view any webpage in full-screen view and then again press for normal view. Press Ctrl+Enter Windows will automatically add both "www" and ".com".
Use a Computer Without a Keyboard
Wednesday, 19 May 2010 22:43
If your keyboard stops working, it may seem that your computer is totally nonfunctional. However, you can operate a computer without one. The trick is to navigate with the mouse whenever possible and use an on-screen keyboard. Windows XP and Vista come with their own built-in on-screen keyboard, and there are many free keyboard software programs you can download from the web. This workaround can keep you going until you're able to find a new keyboard for your computer.
Keyboard Tricks
Saturday, 1 May 2010 22:41
There are a host of computer keyboard tricks that work with Macintosh and PCs and in various programs. Some shortcuts used in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint perform the same functions in email, Dreamweaver and the Internet. Keyboard shortcuts help you save time and cut down on aches and pains that result from over-using your mouse. Remember, when using keyboard shortcuts on a Macintosh versus a PC, the "Command" key acts like the "Control" (CTRL) key and the "Option" key works in place of the "Alternate" (ALT) key.
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Saving a Document
- Save your document by holding down your "CTRL" and "S" keys, also referred to as "CTRL + S." There are two "CTRL" buttons on a Qwerty keyboard, which is the English standard keyboard: one on the bottom left and the other on the bottom right.
Opening a Document
- Access your open file menu by pressing "CTRL + O." You can also press "F12" at the top right to do the same thing. In Dreamweaver, "F12" will enable you to view your page on the local server.
Toggling Between Programs
- If you have multiple applications open, such as Microsoft Word, your Web browser and Adobe Photoshop, press your "ALT" key, which is next to your space bar, and hold down "Tab" just left of the "Q" key. When you press "Tab" once, a pop-up window will appear showing icons for each application. When you release, it will take you to that program. You can hold your "ALT" key down and keep pressing tab to get to the other open applications.
The Insert Key
- If "Insert" is activated, you can add words in the middle of a sentence. This works in Microsoft products. If the feature is not activated, and you try to insert words into a sentence, you'll end up typing over the letters to the right of it. Press the "Insert" key once and start typing in the middle of a sentence to see if it is activated or not. Press it again to get it to do the opposite.
Undo
- If you're typing in Word, Excel or Dreamweaver and you delete or add something by mistake, press "CTRL + Z" to undo. Keep doing this if you made the mistake a few commands back.
Refresh or Find
- To refresh your screen in the Internet, press the "F5" key at the top of your keyboard. In Microsoft Word, use the "F5" key to access the "Find" feature.
Other Shortcuts
- Cut: "CTRL + X." Paste: "CTRL + V." Copy: "CTRL + C." Print: "CTRL + P." Go to end of document: "CTRL + End." Go to beginning of document: "CTRL + Home."
Access the Menus on Top
- Press "ALT" plus the letter that is underlined on top to open a specific menu. To open the file menu, "ALT + F." Use the down arrow key to scroll down.
Print Screen
- At the top right of your keyboard, press "Print Screen" or "PRTSC" on the laptop to "take a picture" of what you see on your screen. Paste that image in Photoshop or Microsoft Word to include it in a document or print it out. This feature is not the same as printing a document.
Numeric Keypad
- If you're using a desktop keyboard, press the "Num Lock" at the top left of your numeric keypad to enter data into programs such as Excel. The "Enter" key in the same key pad will take you to the next cell below.
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