Droid | A FEW WORDS

5 Comments 349 days ago PERMALINK

PicPlz closing: Looks like Instagram wins out!

I have written before about the pending adoption of Instagram by the Android user base in February. It seems the effects of the Instagram offerings to Android users have finally taken hold. A brief email went out today to PicPlz users saying that they will be shutting their doors and deleting all content on July 3.

On July 3, 2012, picplz will shut down permanently and all photos and data will be deleted. Until then, you can log in and download your photos by clicking on the download link next to each photo in your photo feed. Thank you for your support of picplz and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

The PicPlz blog didn’t add anything about what has happened other than they will pursue other ventures.

My thoughts are that when Instagram was finally released to the Android market, that could have been the nail in the coffin for the Instagram competitor. PicPlz had tried to add some more statistics to its offerings, but that was not enough to be a differentiator.

I picked up the Instagram app for Android in February and have used it several times. I can’t say that I like it more than PicPlz, but I guess that I have no options now.

One of the ironic things is that every PicPlz pic I took was copied to Dropbox. Now, I have no need to even go back to the site. All I need to do now is delete the App from my phone and remove the plugin from my blog. What can I get from Instagram to replace it? I’m sure there are many options out there.

3 Comments 408 days ago PERMALINK

First impressions of a new Android Instagram user … one little change.

Instagram for Android launched on Tuesday. There were some immediate bumps in the road with the launched program crashing. But, Instagram was quick to get an update out on the market to solve that issue. I went to download the app and had no issues getting it installed and hooked up to my Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare and Tumblr accounts.

First Impression

The Instagram app is well designed and runs smoothly. It does look better than the apps I have used before. The pictures come out good and the filters work as expected. Sending the pictures out to Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare and Tumblr accounts worked seamlessly and appeared to take little to no time at all to make their way there.

What needs to change

There was one element that I was really disappointed about with the Instagram app. It accesses the camera on my Droid X instead of using the native camera program. The issue is that my phone is set up with buttons to take pictures horizontally. Notice the circled buttons on the picture on the right. There are zoom buttons and a dedicated camera (app launch) button. The Instagram app allows you to take vertical images or images horizontally, but the horizontal images need to be rotated for them to display. That takes an extra step in the process to complete the process. I find that extra step fairly annoying as the other photo applications I have used do very close to the same thing and do not make me do this extra step. So, please make the application rotate when taking a picture.

UPDATE: This issue only occurred on the first run through of the program. Issue not still happening.

Will I keep using Instagram?

I wrote before whether or not Android users will adopt Instagram and I was really excited to try Instagram. It took e a day trying to figure out what my first Instagram image would be. I then gave up and took a picture of my keyboard. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed in the DNR (Does Not Rotate) inability in taking a picture. That disappointment has not worn off yet as I think I may have expected a bit more from Instagram.

After trying to take a picture, I got a better feel for the application. I really like the friends activity stream. It works very well and this is something that may keep me using the Instagram application.

What are your thoughts on Instagram? Are you just now using it on Android?

Will Android Users switch to Instagram?

For months, Instagram has been kindly teasing the Android community with the release of their version of the photo sharing application that has been a staple for iOS/Apple users. Earlier this week, an Instagram co-founder announced that the application is in private beta at this point. That leads me to believe that it will be out in upcoming weeks or months.

Then I got to thinking…. (scary, right?)

Will I make the switch to Instagram?

What does Instagram have to offer that I’m not currently getting with my other applications? I currently use PicPlz for my photo needs. Here’s a nice little chart to compare their features:

The only other item that I thought of that was not included in this chart was integration with this blog in WordPress. I already have a feed coming from PicPlz, but I’m sure there are just as many if not more options coming from Instagram. So, that became a non-issue.

The only item of difference between Instagram and Picplz that I really have any concern over is the line for Klout integration. Dropbox is nice to have for archiving photos, but not necessary. I also really don’t think that I need to have blur effects. So, that leaves us with Klout Integration. Is that enough to push me over to Instagram? Possibly.

What does Klout have to do with it?

It isn’t Klout per se that matters here, but rather what it represents. The integration with the “Influence” system is more than likely due to the popularity with Instagram and it’s 27 Million users. PicPlz has by my best estimations about 10-15% of that. So, there is not a doubt that the user community for Instagram is a major win. I’ll definitely have to give Instagram a try.

What will motivate people to go to Instagram

With any new popular app coming to the market place there will always be the “shiny, new toy” effect. Excitement over the newness and popularity effect is common. See “Band wagon.” This effect will only last so long.

Before looking at the features, I assumed that there would be some big advantages to Instagram due to its popularity. I’m not able to find it.

Picplz and other photo programs are not always rated so well on App review sites or Google Play. There may be another case of “perceived advantage” in going to a new application. (All the Apple fans can’t be wrong, right?) Much of the issues here can also be based around the variety of devices that are used in the Android world.

Final Word

I’m interested in what Instagram can do outside of the pictures it takes. I want to see what effect there is in a community of users and what kind adoption takes place with Android users. In the end, I am going to have to see which one works the best for my device.

Android Users: Will you give it a try?

Apple Users: What do you like about Instagram?

Apps , Droid , Facebook , Klout , Other Social Media , Social Media , Technology , Twitter

0 Comments 436 days ago PERMALINK

Great Promos: Fruit Ninja + Star Wars = Brisksaber

This is the latest in the cross marketing attempts for bottled drinks. Recently, there was a Mountain Dew Promotion that awarded points towards in-game perks with the latest Call of Duty game. But, Brisk has gone way further with their promotion with the latest re-installment of the Star Wars franchise – Episode I in 3D.

What Brisk is doing…

On their bottles they are showing graphics that promote the movie with codes on every cap of Brisk Ice Tea products. You enter that code at uncaptheapp.com and earn rewards on the application called Brisksaber.

The Game

The title of this article sums up the game very well. You pick your type of game (time trial or survival), your allegiance (boo, dark side!), and your light saber. You then swipe your finger across the screen and destroy as many items from the other side as possible.

Why is this so Cool?

Brisk is expanding it’s work on making the brand appear edgy and defy the common stereotypes about tea. I has been using urban images on its packaging for some time now and this Star Wars tie-in only pushes the brand further from the classic tea imagery.

What also is very slick is the style of the Brisk ads related to this campaign (see video below). The style takes adored Star Wars characters (mostly from Episode I), and puts them at the center of the advertising and applications. The timing of the release of Star Wars: Episode I in 3D with this promotion is sure to make the most impact. But will it woo the die-hard Star Wars fans? Only time will tell.

One thing is for certain… Star Wars fans are sure going to go nuts over the app that let’s them wield a Lightsaber. Watch out for them screaming “My finger is a Lightsaber!”

Advertising , Apps , Business , Droid , Entertainment , Technology

2 Comments 437 days ago PERMALINK

Goodbye Android Market, Hello Google Play!

Google hasn’t just rebranded the Android Market now as Google Play, it has upped its game on the media consumption field.

Much like what Apple has done with the iStore or what the relationship is for Kindle and Amazon, Google Play serves as the central source source for applications, music, books, and movies. It is Google’s attempt to create the one-stop shop for Android phone and tablet users.

Here are some of the enhancements Google is talking about with the change…

The Power of the Cloud

All of the items purchased in Google Play will be available on Android Phones, computers and Android Tablets. That means you can buy a book and read it on your computer or phone. You can rent a movie and watch it on your tablet or computer. Google Play cloud is free to use as well.

Share, Share, Share…

As Google has been doing with other products, they are integrating their platforms. You can share posts about your favorite books, music, movies, games or apps to your circles on Google+, email, or text message in a single click.

Specials going on now

For the next week, the Google Play is offering a different album, book, video rental, and Android app at a special price. Today’s specials are Inglorious Basterds to rent, the book Fight Club , a Lil Wayne CD, and Flicka Golf Extreme app for 25 cents each.

My thoughts

Not much really changed so far on the mobile applications, but I’m sure that it will. All I saw that was different was a new Terms of Service to sign that was branded as Google Play. The app is still branded as Market as it had been.

Google’s going to continue to expand it’s areas of influence and take on the competition of Apple and Amazon as a company of its size can. The top black bar of Google will continue to be refined and improved. Currently, the Google Books link takes you to a transition screen saying that it has been added to Play, then redirects you to Google Play. Google Music redirects you automatically to Google Play with a new Terms of Service Agreement. (NOTE: as I was writing and checking info for this post, Google Music disappeared from my Google Bar at the top completely. In the “More” selection, Google Play has now appeared.) So, things are still in a state of transition.

I’m both excited and concerned about the sharing ability that has been added to Google Play. The excitement is over the ability to more quickly share and explore more types of entertainment with those people in my circles. The concern that I have is over the continual growth of information collection by Google. I’m certain that the items that are shared by my friends and I will be reflected in my search results and Adwords advertising. We’ll just have to wait and see.

What are your thoughts?

Apps , Droid , Entertainment , Games , Google+ , Literature , Movies , Social Media , Technology

0 Comments 462 days ago PERMALINK

GetGlue : Incentivizing Timely Media Consumption

One of my goals for this year is to extend my participation social channels from what I was doing in 2011. One tool/site that I started looking at in 2011 was GetGlue.

Here’s what GetGlue has to say about what it does:

GetGlue is a social network for entertainment. Users check-in and share what they are watching, listening to and reading with friends; get fresh recommendations, exclusive stickers, discounts and other rewards from their favorite shows and movies.

GetGlue is a recognized leader in social television and second screen applications. GetGlue has 2M users that checked-in over 100M times in 2011. 75 major networks and 10 movie studios use GetGlue to promote their shows and movies to fans.

How it works

Droider Sticker from GetGlue

The basic model is that you check-in when you are consuming some media or thinking about some task. So, you can watch The Office on TV, or listen to the latest Coldplay CD, or watch a new Star Wars in 3D flick. You can also say you are thinking about Blogging, on turntable.fm, in a meeting, or going to sleep. You check in 5 times and you get a sticker for that topic. Check in more and you get additional Fan stickers after you like the topic. There are also special “event” type stickers that you can earn as well (these are what I’m going to focus on). Unlike badges from other services such as FourSquare, Gowalla, etc., GetGlue will actually send you out a sheet of printed stickers once you reach 20 unlocked stickers.

It’s a lot like Elementary School

4th Quarter of the Superbowl Sticker from GetGlue

You remember. Do something good on a paper and your teach draws a smiley face or puts a sticker on your paper. This is positive reinforcement for doing something good. That is exactly what GetGlue is doing. While it rewards you a sticker for ton of different things, it sets up a number of things that you can unlock using only one check in.

These one time check in rewards give the instant gratification without all the work. Oh, and I am sure you can guess what types of things are targeted on GetGlue for these instant rewards. These are primarily new show or opening weekend, one-time events that you can get these special stickers for. (See my SuperBowl example.)

Final Words

Like I’ve said, I’ve been pretty excited about GetGlue for a while. And, now that I thought about it a bit more, I think it is a very smart model for rewarding timely media consumption. How many ways are there to get people to take action? Tons, but how much more success will you have when their choices are rewarded or validated. The numbers will shoot right up. With quality sponsors/partners/advertisers this should be a successful outlet as long as the levels of interest can be maintained for new users.

Apps , Droid , Entertainment , Games , Literature , Movies , Other Social Media , Social Media , Technology , Web Applications

0 Comments 469 days ago PERMALINK

Keep up with all of your Netflix program info with Instantwatcher.com

In the last week or so I have discovered that content expires at vastly different rates. One of the best sites I have found to check up on some of my favorite shows is Instantwatchter.com.

All of this started when That 70s Show was taken off of Instant Watch with Netflix. I started to look around, and it appears that unless you know anything about the API or how to manipulate a feed, that you may never know when a show will expire. Read the rest of this entry »

Apps , Droid , Entertainment , Netflix , Technology , Web Applications

0 Comments 502 days ago PERMALINK

My Top Android Apps of 2011

Just looking back this year, I wanted to take a moment to share some of my favorite Android applications I use on my Droid phone. All of these are free versions of applications or completely free to begin with. These are mostly personal preference and may not suit all people, but these are the best for me.

Read the rest of this entry »

Apps , Droid , Other Social Media , Social Media , Twitter

0 Comments 586 days ago PERMALINK

How to take a screenshot of your Android mobile phone screen

This is the only solution that I have been able to find without having to root your Android phone. The downloading is the most time-consuming portion. I have also created a shortcut to the DDMS file and it runs flawlessly on my Windows 7 machine.

The Set-up

Download the Java Development Kit (JDK) from Oracle. (80 MB)
Download the SDK from the official Android Developer Site. (35 MB)
Install JDK, then the SDK. (On the SDK, make sure and select the Google USB Driver Package, Revision 4 . It will take a while to download all the packages.)
On your phone, go to Settings.
Then select Applications -> Development -> and enable USB debugging by placing a check in the box next to it.
Next, plug in your Android phone.
Locate the folder you unzipped the Android SDK in Step 2. Open the Tools folder and double-click ddms.bat.
The first time you open SDK DDMS, you’ll be prompted with a window asking if you’re willing to send usage statistics to Google. Enable or disable this depending on your take of the Google privacy, then click the Proceed button to finish opening DDMS.
The Dalvik Debug Monitor will open. Make sure your Android phone is listed in the upper-left window, and select it by clicking on it one time.

To Take a Screen Shot

To take a screenshot, select Device > Screen capture
The Device Screen Capture window will appear, and show whatever is on your Android phone.
On your Android phone, navigate to the screen you want to capture.
Back in the Device Screen Capture window, click the Refresh button.
The screen you want to capture (again, the one you navigated to on your Android phone) should appear. Click the Save button.
Name for your screenshot, then select a location to save the file. Click the Save button.
Repeat steps 3-6 as needed to take additional screenshots.

Final Words

This is a pretty straight forward installation of components to make it work. If you find something that is simpler that does not require rooting your phone, let me know. I’ve been able to use this a dozen times on my Droid X to the same results.

Droid , PC Tools , Technology

0 Comments 600 days ago PERMALINK

PicPlz: A great (free) way to share your photos online

Share your pics with Picplz

This is by far my favorite photo application for my Droid X. Simply put, PicPlz allows you to take a picture and share it across multiple social networks at the same time. This is available for Android phones, iPhone, as well as online at picplz.com. All you need to sign-up is a Twitter or Facebook account.

Where do I find PicPlz?

I first found PicPlz by surfing through the popular apps on the Android Market. Beyond the online site at picplz.com, you can get the mobile applications in the Android Market and on the iPhone app store.

Sample PicPlz image with 70s Vintage filter

How does PicPlz work?

What I like to do is open the PicPlz app and use the camera right from the app. You snap a picture and can apply one of several set in filters. (Check out the images to the right for a feed of some of my PicPlz images.) Most of the filters give your photos that retro camera look with effects like vintage 70s, black & white, toy camera. This app is similar to Retrocam, Instagram, Hipstamatic, Vignette and more. I tend to like the vintage 70s as my preferred filter. You do not have to use a filter if you do not want to.

Then you can tag a location, add a caption and select what services you want to post to. You can pick and choose where you want to post to including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Posterous, Foursquare and Dropbox. After you accept that, Picplz works in the background to post to all these services. Picplz also sends you an email saying that a new photo was uploaded through the service.

Final Word

I’m hard pressed to find a better all-in-one photo app that will do all this. It has been dependable in sharing to Facebook and Twitter, as well as the other services I have. Like anything else, there can always be more places to share to, but this covers the bases very well. If you’re on the iPhone give it a try instead of the Instagram. If you’re an Android user, then you should have no reason not to at least try this.

Droid , Facebook , Other Social Media , Social Media , Technology , Twitter , Web Applications

A FEW WORDS

…. from kpbergman

Archive for the ‘Droid’ Category

PicPlz closing: Looks like Instagram wins out!

Great Promos: Fruit Ninja + Star Wars = Brisksaber

What Brisk is doing…

The Game

Why is this so Cool?

Keep up with all of your Netflix program info with Instantwatcher.com

How to take a screenshot of your Android mobile phone screen

The Set-up

To Take a Screen Shot

Final Words

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