We're Moving!

That's right, our bags are packed and it's time to go! We've recently purchased a choice piece of internet real estate over at "www.AndroidEdification.com". As of right now, that URL redirects you here but when then move is official, our blogspot site will redirect you there. This move will allow richer, more feature packed content in the future as well as allow us the opportunity to expand. During the next few weeks of our transition you may come across some broken links or bugs in the website. Please be patient and understand that we are working tirelessly to make this move as seamless as possible, however, some errors are inevitable. If all goes well, this will be our last post here on our blogger blog but rest assured that this is only the beginning of Android Edification!

Read more »

Game Review: Break the Bricks

What is it?
Arcade Game

Cost:
Free!

Rating:
3/5

Description:
Break the Bricks is a classic style brick breaker game. It has a ball, paddle and bricks. Throw in a couple power-ups and you have yourself a game. Brick breaker games don't seem to have much to them, which is why I am so surprised that we don't have a better selection on the Android Market. From what I've seen, Break the Bricks is the best one available, which isn't saying much. Although the game does have decent graphics and smooth game play, it seems like it's missing something. In the age of HD 3D graphics, I'd expect to see more of it in a game like this. As it is right now, Break the Bricks leans more on the side of boring and monotonous than fun and exciting but if you're jonesing for a brick breaker game, this one is free on the Android Market.

Read more »

Game Review: Can Knockdown 2

What is it?
Arcade Game

Cost:
$0.99

Rating:
5/5

Description:
I never thought that such a simple game would keep me entertained for so long. Can Knockdown 2 is exactly what it sounds like, a game in which you throw balls at cans to knock them down. There are two other game modes that change things up a bit, but only a bit. You are still only throwing balls at targets. Although Can Knockdown 2 is ridiculously simple, I believe it's simplicity is what makes this game great. No complicated story line, no intricate strategy, just hone your aiming skills and toss until your heart's content. The 3D graphics are outstanding and game play is great. This game was made very well. So is it worth a dollar? Without a doubt. Go get it now and experience some mindless fun for yourself.

Read more »

Game Review: Cut the Rope

What is it?
Puzzle Game

Cost:
$0.99

Rating:
5/5

Description:
Cut the Rope is an incredibly fun puzzle game. The object of the game to get a piece of candy (that is attached to rope) into the open mouth of a frog like creature. It may sound simple but the further you progress through the game, the harder it gets. Cut the Rope has basic but nice graphics with a bunch of levels to see them on. It is sure to keep you busy for hours on end. So is it worth a buck? Definitely. You will not be wasting your money on this game!

Read more »

Game Review: Apparatus

What is it?
Puzzle Game

Cost:
$2.45

Rating:
6/5

Description:
Phenomenal. Apparatus is the best puzzle game I have seen on the Android Market! The goal of this game is to build structures that move a ball into a basket. That may sound simple and boring but Apparatus is anything but that. It's levels apply life-like physics that are increasingly difficult as you progress through the game. It has great graphics and smooth game play. I really can't say enough good things about it. So is it worth the money? Abso-frickin-lutely! Go get it now. Right now!

Read more »

Game Review: Steambirds

What is it?
Arcade Game

Cost:
$1.99

Rating:
4/5

Description:
Steambirds is a turn based aerial combat game that relies heavily on good strategy over precision controls. In this game you must control your fighters step by step to defeat your enemy. Positioning your fighters to avoid fire and inflict damage on the enemy is the name of the game. Steambirds is more like a board game than an action shooter but it does implement some nice animated scenes. The story line is what you would expect to see in a game like this although it really doesn't add anything to the game. So is it worth 2 bucks? I think so, unless you are looking for an action packed shooter in which case I would look elsewhere. 

Read more »

Tip: Using QR Codes in the Wild

QR codes, like the one in this post, are popping up all over the place. They are a new type of barcode that hold information within their image. That information can be a person's contact info, info about a product or (most frequently) a URL to a website or video. You can scan QR codes anywhere you see them, on paper, a sticker or even a computer screen. They are like hyperlinks in real life, but you can only click on the link if you know how. Luckily for you, it's incredibly simple scan QR codes on an Android device.

To use QR codes you will need to download QR Droid from the Android Market. It's free so go ahead and grab it now. There are a bunch of code readers on the market but QR Droid is the best. After it's installed open it up, it is very user friendly and easy to use. You will see an icon labeled "Scan from Camera", tap it. That will prepare your device for scanning a code. Simply align the QR code in the sight of the scanner and let the app work it's magic. Once you have scanned a code, QR Droid will display it's information and let you decide what you want to do with it. ***Pro Tip: While on the opening screen of QR Droid, press your menu button. Select "Create shortcut" and then tap the icon "Scan from Camera". This will create a shortcut on your home screen that will allow one touch QR code scans. Happy code hunting!

Read more »