Techiy

If you are a cheapskate bargain hunter like me, you might want to check out AppSales . Remember to set the minimum discount to 100% to be notified when an app becomes free.

You want to remove password protection from a PDF, for example, your credit card statement. You do not like paying Adobe or don't feel safe uploading to a website. Well, try Xodo . Xodo for Android, which I am using.

Image credit: Xiaomi Singapore Facebook Finally it is here! I first mentioned Xiaomi's plan to extend to overseas markets in my review on Xiaomi MI-2 . Few days ago, the mid range Android phone, Redmi has been selling in Singapore.

Facebook addicts rejoice! Facebook just introduce Home, a group of apps that change your Android phone into a Facebook phone. Besides the overhaul of Android lock screen and home screen by Coverfeed, one notable feature is messaging, it appears everywhere, on top of the app you are using. Facebook Home would be available from 12 April, but initially on HTC One, One X, Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, and Note II. You can expect more phones to be compatible with Facebook Home as Samsung, Sony and HTC have already signed up the Facebook Home Program . Accompanying the launching of Facebook Home, the first phone optimized for Facebook Home, HTC First , is also announced. Sounds good eh? Unfortunately, Facebook Home will not be free from ads , just not at launch. SOURCE The Verge

If you are an avid user of Google service, you might want to check out Google Keep , a note-taking app released recently as an alternative to Evernote. The notes are saved in the cloud via Google Drive.

Updated 23 Dec 2013. Update 25 Feb 2014: WeChat has revamped their UI to have a much smoother navigation experience in version 5.2. Update 9 Oct 2014:Many have changed in few months, I will be updating this article later. Whatsapp Viber Line KakaoTalk WeChat Icons Available on Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Symbian, Nokia S40. Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), Windows 8, Symbian, Bada. Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, PC (Windows, Mac), Windows 8, Nokia Asha. Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, PC (Windows), Bada. Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Symbian, Nokia S40, Browser. Version 2.11.152 4.1.1.10 3.10.0 4.2.2 5.0.3.1 Origin 1 US Cyprus Japan Korea China License First year free, USD 0.99/year thereafter. Free, digital sticker store. Free, digital sticker store. Free, digital item sto...

Left: Phone image from Xiaomi website. Right: Box contents. Finally, I got my hand on the highly sought-after Xiaomi MI 2 phone. Besides reading my personal experience with this phone, I would suggest you to also read the article from Engadget and, if you understand Chinese, the in-depth review from Zealer . The package comes with the phone itself, a battery, a back cover (white), USB data cable, and USB power adapter (standard China 2-pin). A few notable missing specifications are no 4G, no NFC, and no card slot (and the total available storage for user is only about 10 GB out of 16GB). I have nothing to complain considering the price of about RM 1000 / SGD 400. MI 2 has very similar pricing and  specifications ( official page ) to another highly demanded phone, the Google Nexus 4 (quad-core, 2GB RAM, same chipsets, etc.) This phone is currently available only in China but there are plans to extend the market to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore .

It is such a basic function that got neglected in the mobile app, but I am glad that the Facebook mobile app team finally added this long awaited function to Android. Well, another step in the right direction, next in my list would be the ability to post as page admin. Facebook, can you hear me?  Update: Looks like iOS got the same update too.

Yes, you heard it right. Google Maps Navigation (beta for now) is finally available in Singapore for phones running on Android 2.2 and above. Unfortunately, Apple iOS and Windows Phone 8 users would have to wait until further notice . Okay, Google, Malaysia next please?

It's the pay-what-you-want Humble Bundle time again! This 4th bundle includes 5 games: Crayon Physics Deluxe, Eufloria, Splice, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP, and Waking Mars. If you pay higher than the average, you will get another game, Machinarium. All the games are DRM-free and even could be unlocked on Steam if you pay more than $1. Please check this link for system requirements on Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is actually interesting to read the average payments by different platform. Windows users pay the least, whereas Linux users make the most expensive purchase. Some games might have been included in the past bundles, but who cares? You pay what you want. Go grab your bundle here .

  Google had recently announced two new additions to the Nexus family, Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 ( official page ). Nexus 4 is basically a Google version of LG Optimus G, and the Samsung-based Nexus 10 is a direct competitor to iPad. Both devices come with the new Android 4.2 . Together with Nexus 7 by Asus, Google is setting standards for all other Android tablet manufacturers. Even Apple has hopped on the bandwagon and announced iPad Mini . Meanwhile, Samsung has sold more than 30 millions Galaxy SIII within five months.   In China, we have two new quad-core smartphones, Xiaomi 2 and Huawei Honor 2. Both devices come with 2 GB of RAM, 720p IPS screen, and 8MP rear camera ( detailed specifications ). Although these two phones have comparable, if not better, hardware specifications than the current line-up of flagship phones from Apple and Samsung, they only cost less than RM 1000. These phones also confirmed that the quad-core 2GB RAM era has arrived.   The n...

When it comes to the good old debate of Android vs iOS, some netizens did not actually own both devices and merely judging based on online reviews and hearsay. A YouTube user wicked4u2c posted an in-depth video series (5 parts!) trying to convince the audience that Android is a much more polished OS and offers more flexibility. Be warned: your experience of Android may vary from device to device. (One of the major rants on Android.)  For example, Galaxy Nexus uses stock Android, no customization. Samsung and HTC phones apply Touchwiz and Sense, respectively. The second point is Android versions . The latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich has come a long way in improving user experience. Last but definitely not the least, variation of hardware specifications. Unlike iOS, Android could be found on handsets from different manufacturers, even those with low hardware specifications. You can expect a smoother experience of Android on a faster processor and RAM. The YouTube user is ...

Edited 29 May 2012. May 3, 5 3, S 3, a nice play on the date I must say. Yes, wait no more, Galaxy S3 is officially announced today. S3-2-1. SOURCE Engadget The Galaxy S III phone packs a 1.4Ghz Exynos Quad-core, 4.8" 1280x720 HD Super AMOLED (this means PenTile, unfortunately), 2100 mAh battery, NFC, 1GB RAM, 3 different internal storage to choose from (16/32/64GB with microSD slot), 8MP camera in a 133g and 136.6x70.6x8.6mm form factor (still with a physical home button). It is available in two colours: pebble blue or marble white. For a full system specification, you can find it in GSMArena . It runs a Android 4.0 (ICS) with Touchwiz, it also features an early exclusive Flipboard App, S Beam (similar to Android Beam), S Voice (Siri alternative), Pop up Play (a pop up window playing movie), Direct call (call directly if you put S3 near your ear while viewing SMS), and many more. (You can learn more about the features of the phone via SoyaCincau and Lowyat.NET .) Y...

Apk Extractor Whatever your reason is, sometimes you need to obtain the APK file of your favourite Android app (.apk is the file format used for installation in Android, just like the .msi file extensions in Windows). Although the UI is simple, this app does not require root access and it gets the job done. All you need to do is press and hold the app you want to extract. The APK file will be extracted to the folder  named "AppManager" in your phone storage.

Samsung sure know how to promote their flagship smartphone. Until today, Galaxy S2 owners still can get free games from Samsung Apps , an Android Market equivalent offered by Samsung. Last year, in accordance with WCG 2011, one Gameloft full game (Asphalt 6: Adrenaline) was provided free of charge to Galaxy S2 owners. Then, Samurai II: Vengeance was available for free as well. Unfortunately, both of them are not complimentary anymore. At the time of writing, Samsung Apps is charging RM 18 or S$ 5.35, but both games are available much cheaper in Android Market (refer to the picture above, price of the games are shown in USD, convert normally). There are currently two not-to-be-missed, high quality 3D games that are available for free in Samsung Apps: Dead Space and Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation. Be sure to check the compatibility with your device; for example, the MC3 promotion is only for Galaxy S2. Back to the games, I personally was astounded by the excellent graphics in ...

At first glance, Galaxy Nexus has a lower spec compared to Galaxy SII , but a mobile phone is not just about the hardware, as Galaxy Nexus is the first phone to run Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). This is a major selling point of the device, introducing a pure Google experience, no Sense, no Touchwiz, just vanilla Android. You can find the technical specifications here and a benchmark report here . Notable specifications includes NFC and a 4.65" HD screen ( not Super AMOLED Plus though).

Last edited 13 March 2012. Samsung has finally rolled out an Android answer to the popular Apple iTunes Podcast. You can download it from Android Market now. Round 2 fight!

It is Christmas time again. Techiy wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Android Market exceeded 10 billion apps downloads this past weekend! You might say: "This has nothing to do with me." Let me give you a reason to counter that: Android Market is making some popular apps available each day for only 10 cents each. Err, what are you waiting for? SOURCE Android Developers Blog VIA @keithwoo