Category Archives: Games

Simplify Your Social Life with the Top Five Best Social Media Apps for the Tablet

If you’re one of those people who get a rush of separation anxiety every time you log out of Facebook, then having all the best social media apps on your tablet is crucial for staying in touch no matter where you go or what device you’re using. Social media apps help connect you with the world in a more convenient and efficient manner than accessing each website from your laptop.

To make sure your tablet is equipped with all of the best tools for keeping in touch, consider the following list of top five must-have social media apps for tablets:

1. imo

For those who tend to gravitate toward the chat feature of every social media site, imo is the perfect choice for integrating all of your conversations into one convenient platform. With this app, users can simultaneously log into Facebook Chat, MSN Messenger, AIM, Google Talk, Yahoo, Skype, Jabber, MySpace and more to share the latest gossip and exchange notes about an academic assignment or personal project. The best part? imo is 100 percent free to download and use, so you can take full advantage of chatting convenience without compromising your budget.

2. Facebook

No tablet app collection would be complete without the social networking staple of Facebook. When tablets first came onto the tech scene, Facebook claimed that the site didn’t need an app, and would be best experienced through a Safari web browser. Clearly, they changed their minds. The Facebook app is now available for essentially any tablet device, with an easy to navigate and customizable interface for optimal browsing convenience. With some of the latest versions of the app, you can even click on the “Nearby” feature to view a Google maps page pinpointing the whereabouts of all your friends on a world map.

3. Trendster HD

Twitter enthusiasts will love this user-friendly new app, which allows you to keep up with the latest Twitter trends whether you actually have your own Twitter account or not. Trendster HD not only lists the most recent trending topics on Twitter, but also offers an explanation in the form of a sample collection of tweets and a quick definition and overview of the subject. If the subject is particularly interesting to you, you can even click the “learn more” tab to receive a more detailed understanding of what everyone is talking about. Trendster HD lets you filter by location, so you can keep up with what your peers are talking about a little closer to home.

4. Skype

If you’re looking for more intimacy from your tablet social life, Skype provides the face-to-face interaction you crave while you’re on the go. When opening the app, the screen automatically splits in two—with your contacts list located neatly on the left and your conversation window on the right. However, when conducting a video call, these features clear the area so you can enjoy a clear, full-screen view of your chatting partner. Since Skype for tablets is 3G compatible, it offers a clearer and larger image than alternatives like FaceTime.

5. GetGlue

Feel like a wine and movie night but aren’t sure which one to choose? There’s an app for that. The GetGlue app for tablets allows users to share their choices for movies, TV shows, books, music, games, wine and more, so you can get a quick, friend-approved entertainment fix after a long and stressful day. Convenient search and share features allow you to find your entertainment of choice, post it for all of your friends to see, and receive recommendations to plan ahead for your next relaxing evening.

Social media apps for tablets provide users with an ideal range of interaction capabilities in between computer and phone usage. With a bigger screen than your phone without the bulk of your laptop, tablet social media apps ensure a convenient and high-quality socializing experience.

Lindsey Harper Mac is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area. She specializes in writing guest posts covering social media and education on behalf of Colorado Technical University. Currently, Lindsey is completing work on her master’s degree.

Common Problems in Online Storage Software and How to Fix Them

Online storage software is a service whose time has definitely arrived. Online storage lets you store and restore the entire digital contents of your computer or smart phone. If you’re looking to store music, video files, or large documents, online storage makes more and more sense. Compared to local hard drives and flash drives, there’s substantially less potential for data loss. And you have greater storage size capabilities, too. Online storage systems are changing the way people and businesses store data, share files, and collaborate.

Of course, even as the market and capabilities for cloud computing increases and improves, it’s not the perfect world.

And while a large percentage of computer savvy consumers use cloud services, only about a quarter of you actually understand how the service works. While cloud based services are relatively secure and trouble free, outages can happen – and it’s important not to panic, notify tech support, and allow a little time for the problem to be fixed.

Sometimes, common problems have little to do with service outages, and more to do with fairly minor personal issues. Simple user-based problems do arise, and you need to be able to fix them with a minimum of inconvenience.

Here are some basics. If you’re utilizing an online storage system for music or video files, and you’re finding that your storage service is not effectively backing up those files, take the time to make a simple check – make sure that the file extensions are not restricted. Whether the extension is .mp3 or .mov, restrictions can happen. The fix is simple: rename the file.

Another common issue: large files that are not backing up. If this occurs, you’ll want to be certain there’s no file size limit. And what if there is? Talk to your cloud server’s customer service and ask them to remove it. There are plenty of choices in the online storage marketplace, and letting them know that if the limit isn’t removed you’ll take your business elsewhere should get their attention.

Sometimes online storage software simply isn’t working after install – or it won’t install properly in the first place. If this happens, make sure you’re using an administrative account to activate. If you’re not, this can make the difference between smoothly working software and an unworkable install.

You should also be aware of server issues in regard to confidential data and hackers. Read your cloud based storage system’s agreement and don’t hesitate to question safety. Research what provider is best for you and what level of safety and storage capacity is right as well. Make sure you’re aware of the security level offered.

If you’re a gamer and storing games via the cloud, be sure that your cloud storage of a game doesn’t include game settings. If it does, launching the game on a computer with a different resolution screen from the one you’re originally played on creates an Unsupported Resolution error. To fix it, you’ll have to manually edit the configuration file for the correct screen resolution, then play, save and exit.

Another potentially common issue can occur if you never delete any files from an unlimited online storage system. Let’s say you want to restore your computer and you don’t want all that information back on it, or you want your computer to run faster without some files. Simple solution: spend a bit of time every month cleaning your online account. Not only will this prevent an accumulation of unwonted material, but it will also help you verify that your data is all being backed up and no glitches or lost files have occurred.

Eric Greenwood is a technophile whose interests range encapsulates all things related to the cloud computing movement which has led him to study everything from software as a service to online storage. Get more tips and advice on the blog Online Storage!

Key Features of Windows 8 That You Should Know

Last month, Microsoft released a consumer preview of next generation Windows 8 OS. The company announced scores of features in the recent Build Conference held in Anaheim. In a nutshell, the features which are largely discussed and debated in various forms of media include Touch-screens support, Metro interface, enhanced performance and countless of features. Here, we are bringing some of the most attractive features in windows 8.

1. It is compatible with desktops to tablets

Among the many enhancements found in this OS, the major difference in windows 8 is the compatibility factor. This operating system can be easily installed in any system including desktop, laptop and tablets. The company has introduced a very striking interface known as Metro, which will help the users to get a metro view or any other accustomed desktop view with some clicks or tap. To make things easy for the tablets, this OS comes with a design of touch-screen. Above all, they can function on ARM based processors which are usually discovered in smartphone and tablet devices. These are termed as energy filled processors which make smaller devices magical with great speed.

2. Metro and touch-screen feature promise a great future

The Windows 8 is designed keeping in mind the Touchscreen devices. But it works smoothly with the help of a keyboard and mouse. The company is now seen flaunting with Metro UI by calling it as a main element of windows 8 with a promising future. This means that you can use windows 8 at any system you please including desktop to tablets, however, the its real charm can be experienced when you move around the tile interface by playing games, launching the charms bar in any touch-screen based devices.

3. Everything becomes fast with windows 8

Talking about the performance feature of this firebrand operating system, it seems to be way ahead than its predecessors. The memory has decreased as you can see the booting happening in just eight seconds flashing the metro UI instantly. The Hyper-V and USB 3.0 gets a support from windows 8, which makes this OS pretty sleek unlike what you see in the operating systems iOS and Mac OS X Lion. Certainly, the features like lightning speed and quick loading of applications is an important element of Windows 8.

4. The Windows App Store

Windows 8 would encompass App Store, the same feature which you see in the Apple’s devices better known to rock the tech ecosystem making the users crazy about it. This gives enough room for the developers and app programmers to write interesting programs for windows 8. Hence with App Store, Microsoft is likely to hit Apple’s unique area of expertise.

With Windows 8, Microsoft is seen giving a bold and clear message that it is known for innovation and does not stick to any Stone Age technology. In the coming future the idea of mobile computing is going to dominate the world. The desktops and laptops would soon become obsolete or will have a limited use. At such point of time, when users are looking out for smaller devices like tablets and smartphones, Windows 8 with these key features are going to rule these smaller machines.

Kate is a writer & blogger by profession. So far, she has written on cellphones, décor, locks, kitchen appliances, radio, weather clock and lamps. These days she is busy in writing an article on Wedding décor for her blog.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3: The All New Gaming Experience With PS3

Have you played the Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3 fighting game ever? If you answered yes, then you have every reason to be happy, for Hori has finally introduced special arcade fighting sticks for those who own PS3 gaming console. This will not only accentuate your gaming experience but the fact that you now get to use an arcade stick (used for fighting) and connect it to your gaming console, will make things really exciting for you. So, if you are desperately looking for some unbeatable and genuine arcade experiences, then you must get these sticks right away!

The arcade fighting sticks that have been recently launched by Hori come with a huge montage of different fighters, from the famous Marvel VS Capcom 3 game. You also get a joystick that lets you move your favorite characters, 8 trigger buttons to fight better and a start button (a replacement of your the gaming controller).

So, if you are a real gamer and want to use the appropriate hardware for your game, you must get these exciting sticks and connect them to your Play Station 3 and disappear into the world of gaming forever. If you have played the Marvel VS Capcom game before, then you will obviously be able to understand why gamers are all so excited about the arcade fighting sticks. However, if you do not know much about the game, then here’s what the game is all about. The game involves two main characters, Marvel and Capcom and you can choose to be any one of them.

While Marvel has as many as six characters on his side that include, Nova, Ghost Rider, Doctor Strange, Hawkeye, Rocket Raccoon and Iron Fist, Capcom’s team includes fighters such as Strider, Frank West, Firebrand, Vergil, Nemesis, Wright and Phoenix. Each of the fighters are very different and posses unique skills and in order to play the game you need to use your fighters intelligently. Therefore, all of you who are completely into gaming will definitely find this game really engaging. You get to fight strangers who posses all sorts of fighting skills and also choose your very own team, not only the basis of the moves that each of the fighters are capable of making but also to achieve your overall motif of winning the game.

The launch of these arcade fighting sticks is also good news for those who cannot afford to invest in a high-quality arcade machine. The arcade sticks is a perfect option for them as it can provide an almost similar gaming experience. While the Xbox 360 version has been already launched, you can also get the PlayStation 3 arcade sticks for yourself now. The price of one arcade stick is as much as $234 i.e149.99 pounds.

So, if you are still confused whether you should get these arcade sticks or not, then be rest assured that you won’t regret your decision at all. If you know the fundamentals of this game and are also aware of how to use different controls, then these fighting sticks will ensure that you get to enjoy to your fullest.

Guest post by Kate, a writer who loves splurging on tech stuff. Recently she read an article on Garden Lighting. These days she is busy writing an article on wave power for her blog.

Download Little Fighter 2 PC Game Free

Publisher: Little Fighter
Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
License: Freeware
Type: Game
Download: Download Little Fighter 2 Game

Little Fighter 2 is a great PC game which is made as a sequel to Little Fighter 1. Up to 4 players can play the game on one computer or 8 players can play the game over the Internet. You need to fight against each other. Attacking another player loses his health points. The player gets defeated when the HP (Health Points) becomes zero.

Little Fighters 2

Items will occasionally fall on the screen which you can pick up and throw on the other player. You can also set the difficulty to easy, normal or difficult.

Little Fighters 2 characters

Game modes:

There are 5 different game modes of Little Fighter 2.

VS Mode allows human and computer players to fight each other.
Stage mode walks you through 5 stages of the game.
Championship mode will let everybody fight as a single entity. The one who survives all the fights is the winner of the tournament.
Battle mode is the team based mode where two teams fight each other.
Demo mode creates random computer teams where they fight each other. No human player is involved.

Download Fifa Soccer 12 Game [Direct Download Link]

EA Sports Fifa Soccer 12 has just been released for PC, XBOX and while PS3 users have to wait for a while to get their version of Fifa 12. The demo of Fifa 12 is already available for download. The demo is limited to kick off mode and three minute halfs. Here’s the publisher’s description:

FIFA 12 brings to the pitch the game-changing new Player Impact Engine, a physics engine built to deliver real-world physicality in every interaction on the pitch. Revolutionary gameplay innovations inspired by the real-world of soccer make FIFA Soccer 12 deeper and more engaging. All-new Precision Dribbling delivers a higher fidelity of touch on the ball for attacking players, while Tactical Defending fundamentally changes the approach to defending by placing equal importance on positioning, intercepting passes and tackling. Plus, CPU players have been infused with Pro Player Intelligence, the next generation of player intelligence and performance.

See the video demo of Fifa 12 gameplay:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh5S_E_ysig[/youtube]

The PC demo is about 1.54GB in size and can be downloaded directly from the publisher’s site. I am giving direct download links below:

Download FIFA 12 PC demo

If you have any problems downloading from the above link, you can download it from Softpedia.

3 iPhone Games for People Who Love Words

While Angry Birds is a perennial favorite among iPhone game addicts, sometimes you want to play some good old-fashioned word games. If you are someone who enjoys reading, writing, and being creative with words, and if you revel in the competition of playing against friends, acquaintances and strangers alike, then you’ll love these three word-related games. The best part is that they are all free! What’s more, some are available on different platforms other than iPhone as well.

Continue reading →

Need For Speed Underground 2 Download

Need For Speed Underground 2 is a part of the Need For Speed racing game series. Need For Speed Underground 2 continues where the racing left off in Need for Speed Underground with new improvements and enhancements. It is a must have game if you’re a racing lover. Basically this games takes you to street racing which can be a dream for every car racer. This edition of Need for Speed was so successful that it was sold more than 9 million times worldwide. It is available for GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo DS, wii and Windows.

Need For Speed Underground 2

In the game you will be given a racing car and you’ll be tuning the car with advanced gadgets and powerful add-ons in order to step up higher into the street racing levels. The biggest added feature in Need For Speed Underground 2 was the explore mode where a driver has to drive around the city to find more races and improving the levels and adding more power to the car. The cars included in Need For Speed Underground 2 are:

Need For Speed Underground 2 car

Acura RSX Type S
Audi A3
Audi TT
Cadillac Escalade
Ford Focus ZX3
Ford Mustang GT
Honda Civic Coupe Si (only in North American version)
Hummer H2
Hyundai Tiburon GT
Infiniti G35
Lexus iS300
Lincoln Navigator
Mazda Miata MX5
Mazda RX-7
Mazda RX-8
Mitsubishi 3000 GT
Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII
Nissan 240sx
Nissan 350Z
Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Nissan Skyline R34 GTR
Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (only in European version)
Peugeot 206 GTI
Pontiac GTO
Subaru WRX STI
Toyota Celica GT-S
Toyota Corolla GTS AE86
Toyota Supra
Volkswagen Golf GTI

The other modes of racing include Circuit racing and Drifting. Circuit racing is more of a conventional racing where there are four cars who have to compete with each other on a closed circuit track. The car which finishes the track first will be the winner.

Drifting is what I like more than Circuit racing. In this mode of racing, you’ll be given a straight path where there will be traffic and obstacles. The driver has to avoid any obstacles and reach the finish line first. The one who finishes first will be the winner.

Need For Speed Underground 2 has a multiplayer mode which seems to have been disabled by EA, the developer of the game.

As always, cheat codes are available for Need For Speed Underground 2. I’m listing down some of the cheats:

Left, Left, Right, Square, Square, Right, L1, R1
$1000 in career. RX-8 and Skyline in Quick Race

Up, Down, Up, Down, Down, Up, Right, Left
Unlocks the Best Buy car Vinyl

Up,Up,Up,Left,R1,R1,R1,Down
Get $200 in career

Up, Left, Up, Up, Down, Left, Down, Left
Unlocks A Hummer H2 Capone

Up Up Up Up Down Up Up Left
Burger King vinyl

Down, R1, R1, R1, R2, R2, R2, Square
Unlocks all Circuit Tracks

Up, Down, Left, Up, Left, Up, Right, Left
Unlocks the ShineStreet Lexus IS300

Down,Up,Down,Left,L1,L1,L1,Down
Unique Vinyl

Up, Right, Up, Up, Down, Right, Down, Right
Unlocks the Chingy Lincoln Navigator

Up, Down Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Right
Unlocks D3 Pontiac GTO

L1, R1, L1, R1, Left, Left, Right, Up
Unlock Performance Level 1

R1, R1, L1, R1, Left, Right, Up, Down
Unlock Performance Level 2

R1, R1, Up, Down, L1, L1, Up, Down
Unlock Visual Level 1

L1, R1, Up, Down, L1, Up, Up, Down
Unlock Visual Level 2

Watch the Need For Speed Underground 2 original intro movie

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CLXi1al9zA[/youtube]

Download the game from the CNET download page.

Six Tips for Extending iPhone Battery Life

A guest article by Sachin from Powertraveller.

For those who rely on their iPhone for business and work, extending the battery life of their phone can be an essential requirement rather than a source of mere inconvenience. Carrying an additional battery or using a solar battery charger are supplementary steps you can take to ensure you’re always powered up and connected.

1. Turn Off or Limit These Applications and Settings

Push Email – leaving push email turned on means your phone is always connected to the server.

Push Notification – if you have a lot of applications that support push notification, this can seriously drain your battery.
Fetch – turn off automatic fetch if manual fetching of emails, contacts and calendars is not a problem. Alternatively, you can reduce the frequency at which your phone fetches.
Location Services such as Maps, Camera and Compass – switching these off will definitely save power.
Wi-Fi – if there is no need to keep scanning for Wi-Fi, be sure to have it turned off.
3G – Go to Settings > General > Network and set Enable 3G to Off.
Bluetooth – if you rarely use Bluetooth, such as with a headset or car kit, keep this turned off.
Vibration – turn vibration off, especially if you play games.

2. Other Setting to Watch

Equaliser Settings – if you frequently listen to music on your iPhone turn off the equaliser settings to extend battery life.

Auto Lock Settings – one minute for the auto lock is a good time frame. This will have the phone automatically switch off the screen after one minute of inactivity.
Screen Brightness – screen brightness is one of the biggest drainers of your iPhone battery. Dim the screen brightness to a degree that is comfortable for your eyes.
Other Background Services – turn off all background programs and services that are not being used.

3. Keep Software Updated

Make sure you have the latest software updates on your phone. This not only helps with syncing with your Mac or PC, it can assist with extending battery life by making all applications and settings work more effectively.

4. Buy Songs and Applications on iTunes

If you have purchased songs and apps through your phone, you will have noticed the effect on your battery life. Purchase through iTunes on your PC or Mac where possible to avoid taxing your battery during extensive download times.

5. Battery Maintenance

Regular Charge Cycle

For the best battery performance, make sure go through a regular charge cycle at least once a month. This can be done by completely draining and then fully charging the battery. Fully charging the battery synchronises the battery with the phone fuel gauge, allowing the phone to “remember” what is full capacity.

Storage

Limit exposure to sunlight or other sources of heat. Excessive heat can damage the lifespan of your battery and affect its performance. Keep your iPhone out of the car, including the glove box, and out of direct sunlight on hot days.

6. Airplane Mode in Low Coverage Areas

If you are out of range or in a low coverage area, switch to airplane mode to maximise battery life. Airplane mode turns everything off except for Wi-Fi, so you will not be able to make calls. If you travel a lot, a solar charger can help you recharge your phone on the road.

Super Mario 3 : Mario Forever Game Free Download

If you’re a fan of games and have been playing games since the olden days of Nintendo, you’ll be familiar with Mario Bros which was a very popular game of that time. You also can’t forget Super Mario 3: Mario Forever, one of the best and addictive games of its time. Super Mario was made available as a freeware when it came to PC games. Here’s the publisher’s description about Super Mario 3:

If you remember the oldest of Mario games, you cannot just pass this title by! Super Mario 3 : Mario Forever is a free remake of the classic Super Mario Bros game, which should make you busy for long hours, even if you haven’t played Mario 3 before. Impersonate the friendly plumber once more to guide him through 8 different worlds placed on maps of this platform game, through countless monsters and obstacles, to help him beat the evil dragon Koopa or Bowser and save the imprisoned Princess Peach – all while listening to pleasant, cheerful music. Super Mario 3 : Mario Forever is really a classic Mario remake. Once again you strap on your wrench and hardhat and guide the chubby plumber through many skillfully made levels. The diversity of the levels is very impressive. Game has also renewed graphics and much better scrolling in comparison to the original Mario. You will have to get through levels ranging from underwater caverns to levels filled with hot lava. Of course, there are also many novelties in the gameplay – an option to save your game, brand new enemies and bonuses are only a few of them! However, fans of the original old Mario don’t have to fear – it is still the same game, only upgraded. Collecting coins, jumping into the pipes, hidden levels – there are still here! Don’t hesitate to download Mario Forever now – but remember, this video game.

Super Mario 3 : Mario Forever also has a mini free Mario games like Mario Minix, Super Mario Starman Running, Mario Goomba Party, Mario Funny tanks and more. For example Mario Minix pack is addressed mainly to players, who got bored playing the classic Mario platform games – but also for beginners, who are new to the Mario world and haven’t known the adventures of the famous plumber yet. This package consists of one game mode,. The objectives for this mode of is simple – your mission is to collect as many points as you can by taking advantage of means known from Super Mario Bros: not only catching the golden coins, thrown out from the pipes, but also stomping on the enemies. But be careful – if you fail to hit the enemy, it may hit you! And, remember, that spikeys cannot be stomped on – they will harm you, if you try! The only way to get rid of them and get your points is to use the Koopa Troopa shells (by using this method, you can create combos and make additional points!). There are no levels to complete and no princesses to save – this time it is all about gaining as many points.

Download Super Mario 3:Mario Forever

Super Mario 3: Mario Forever (16.6 MiB, 1,548 hits)