Trick to Order the Nexus 4

I have found a trick that let me order a Nexus 4 16GB just moments ago (around 1:10pm EST). I plan to use the device for reviews of upcoming “Holo” apps.

Here’s how it works:

1) Go to https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=nexus48gb 2) Where you see the option to “Choose another Nexus 4″ click between the 16GB and 8GB versions.

After doing this a couple of times I was able to “Add to Cart” both the 8GB and 16GB versions (I only went ahead and ordered the 16GB).

Trick is still working this moment (1:15pm).

Good Luck! :)

Update: You may see an error in the cart when you try to check out, just go back and retry the process above (after three failed attempts we got through, and just received our confirmation email).

Also, for those wondering, we were able to checkout using Chrome (but IE8 also appeared to work as well) and I can only confirm that this works in the US.

By admin Nov 13 in Uncategorized | Comments (5)

Review: Circle Alarm

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What is it?
Circle Alarm is an application by Timothee Jeannin that aims to be your new Holo alarm clock.

What does it do?
The main function of the application is to replace your bedside (or your current phone app) alarm clock. The beauty of Circle Alarm is in the well designed interface that incorporates several Holo elements. Specifically, the wonderful circle design, that reminds us of both Holo Compass and the excellent Timer application, is well implemented and very easy to use. And to be honest, it feels and looks much more exciting then the default number sliders in the stock Clock app.

All of the expected functionality is there (repeat options, custom rigntones, labeling of alarms), but there are also some additional options that were especially useful such as Fade in volume (a must), and the ability to flip over the phone to snooze.

The developer also calls out some highlighted features, as well via the Play store description Read More »

By admin Oct 24 in Review | Tagged , Comments (2)

Review: Playboard

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What is it?
Playboard is an application by 42 Matters AG that provides an alternate to the Google Play Store for finding and discovering Android apps.

What does it do?
The main function of the application is to find apps that match your interests. The way the app goes about doing this is by breaking up apps into “subscriptions” that allow you to and and remove apps from a particular subscription (Ex: the “Holo Everywhere Apps” subscription that features all of the apps that have been covered on Holo Everywhere!). You then go about subscribing to feeds that are of interest to you, and can install the applications straight from the feed (this will open up a new window in the Google Play Store allowing you to install).

You can also go to the Playboard website and register to create your own feeds that others can subscribe to as well. We are currently working on a HoloEverywhere feed that will list the apps that we have previously covered. Once we are approved, and the list is live, we’ll be sure to let you know.

Additionally, there is the ability to share app listings using Androids built in Share abilities.

Read More »

By admin Oct 03 in Review | Tagged Comments (8)

Holo IV: Pt 1

Holo IV is a new series that takes a quick look at four apps that deserve recognition and feature a well-implemented Holo interface.

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HoloCompass

A beautifully designed compass app that tries to incorporate the Holo design but misses on a couple of small areas. Specifically, the menu options should reflect the holo design, and the actionbar should scale properly for all devices (instead of being a bit small on the Galaxy Nexus for example). Outside of these minor issues, it features a great circular design that is simple yet functional.

Timer

Simply the best timer app on the market. Highly recommend this app to anyone looking for a timer or countdown. Timer has a Beautiful interface, that incorporates holo light and dark themes.

Trackthisforme

Need to track something? Whether it is weight, push-ups, or mood, if it can be quantified this app can track it. And of course it features wonderful graphs and a heavy visual look for any quantitative tracked measurements.

Quotes

Quote is the prettiest stock and portfolio tracking application I have had the pleasure to use. It features a well implemented Holo look and gorgeous fonts and graphs to display stock data.

UPDATE: H/T to Hannah Mittelstaedt and CS in the comments for the corrections on Holo Compass and Timer.

By admin Sep 21 in Holo IV | Comments (14)

Review: NINE

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What is it?
NINE is an application by Faruq Rasid that provides a clean interface for reading the popular “Just for Fun” site 9Gag.

What does it do?
The main function of the application is to view and browse 9gag posts. The application allows the user to switdch between Hot, Trending, and Vote options (provided you are a registered 9gag user). Additionally, there is the ability to comment, like, and share 9gag postings through the app.

From a design perspective, the app features a clean UI that is easy to use and navigate.

The developer also calls out some highlighted features, as well as upcoming features via the Play store description

Highlighted features:
– Infinite Scrolling
– View Hot, Trending, Vote sections
– Full Screen Gag Viewer
– Fast, Very Fast Loading Times
– Easy sharing to social networks
– Supports login so you can Like gags [Pro only]
– Save Image to Gallery [Pro only]
– Facebook Commenting [Pro only]
– …and many more!

Upcoming features:
– Tablet Layout support
– Landscape support
– Like/Dislike
– Upgraded Holo UI
– Favorites
– Random

Design Highlights:
- Spinner Implementation for navigation
- Use of the Action bar that properly follows the Android Design Guidelines.
- Use of a bottom bar (when viewing individual posts)
- Holo icons throughout the application
- Two-Tone Holo Light/Dark theme
- Scrolling sticky title bars/floating headers (hard to describe, but see Roman Nurik’s post for some similar examples.

Design Requests:
- Themes for the app (Holo Dark option would be great for night reading)

Feature Requests:
- Widget that features scrolling through posts

Final Thoughts:
Nine is the application to have if you are a 9Gag fan. The app is beautiful, elegant, and easy to use and closely follows the Android Design Guidelines. That being said you may want to investigate in the Pro version to unlock some of the core features (universal sharing in particular). Also, we’d like to see a widget added. Overall this app is a joy to use, and beautifully designed, and definitely worth checking out.

Holo Score: 8.8/10 “Highly Recommended”

Alt text NINE // Free
Pro $0.99 (via In-App purchase)

Via: 9gagforandroid

By admin Aug 22 in Review | Comments (3)