Daily Bits

Mobile

5 iPhone Apps that Let You Read and Download eBooks

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A new research found out that book apps have taken over the lead as the most downloaded apps in the iTunes Apps Store over game apps. This means that more iPhone users are using their Apple device to read ebooks. If you would like to the do the same, you will need an eReader app.  We got five of the best of these eReader apps for the iPhone listed down.

eReader (free)  – This app has been in the Apps Store since 2008, and it could well be the most downloaded ereader app for the iPhone. It has around 100,000 ebooks on its catalog right now. The app has some exciting features as well including – cover flow, thumbnails, speed enhancements, improved access to other ebook sites and definitely more. (Itunes Link)

B&N eReader (free) – Before Barnes & Noble worked on its Nook ereader, there was the B&N eReader for the iPhone. This app works with B&N’s online ebook store, so you could purchase ebooks directly and download it to your iPhone. (iTunes Link)

Stanza (free) – This iPhone ereader gives you access to various sites offering both free and paid ebooks. It supports Project Gutenberg, Feedbooks and other sources of ebooks. It also allows you to purchase ebooks from Fictionwise eReader store and other online bookstores. Stanza has been the most favorited ereader app for the iPhone since its release in March 2009. (iTunes Link)

Classics ($2.99) – Don’t be discouraged by this app’s price because it’s features and the plethora of classic ebooks that it contains are definitely worth the bucks. Classics features 3D flipping of pages, bookmarking and other nifty features that mimics reading of a real-life book. (iTunes Link)

Kindle for iPhone (free) – Amazon’s Kindle iPhone app allows you to read Kindle books on your iPhone. It’s a pretty good app, however you can only purchase Kindle books from your Mac or PC and transfer it later to your iPhone.  It has loads of features as well with the pinch feature of the iPhone working while you are browsing pages of ebooks.  (iTunes Link)

Mommy Users Find Other Uses of their iPhones

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Results of the survey conducted by a research company shows that majority of moms who won an iPhone use it to entertain their kids – downloading games and educational materials. In addition, majority of them also use the iPhone as a a shopping tool – locating stores, jotting down to-buy lists and as a notepad. [Read more…] about Mommy Users Find Other Uses of their iPhones

Android turns one: a few interesting statistics

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android-logoAs Google’s Android mobile operating system turns one year old today, here are a few interesting statistics for you.

According to mobile advertising firm AdMob:

  • Android OS now has seven percent global market share. That puts it well behind Symbian, BlackBerry OS and the iPhone OS, but comparable to Windows Mobile.
  • In the UK, 10% of smartphones run Android OS, with the HTC Dream being the second most popular phone for surfing the mobile web after the iPhone.
  • Android’s key markets are North America and Western Europe, with the HTC Magic in the top 10 of smartphones.
  • The HTC Dream is ranked fourth globally.

A survey of 1,000 mobile phone users found that Android users download about nine applications per month, compared with about 10 for iPhone users and over 18 for iPod Touch users.

Though Microsoft is hoping its latest initiatives will push its flavours of Windows Mobile OS forward, I’m sure Android will continue to flourish as more handsets become available in the coming year.

Can a Nook Kill a Kindle?

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Aside from being a self-confessed iPhone addict, another gadget that fascinates me is e-book reader. Well, I should be. After all, I am a librarian by education although I admit I’m not really fond of book reading. I’ve seen, touch and used the Amazon Kindle and was in fact pretty excited about the Kindle International version. In fact, I’ve been thinking whether I should order one but suddenly that has changed. Thanks to the just announced Barnes and Noble e-Book Reader – the Nook. [Read more…] about Can a Nook Kill a Kindle?

Free laptop with mobile broadband

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The idea of a mobile internet has long been the fantasy of many a geek. With recent advances in technology over the last few years, this fantasy has now become not just a reality, it is fast becoming the norm.
If there are two pieces of tech that has really pushed the concept of surfing the internet ANYWHERE to practically a way of life it will have to be the netbook and mobile broadband.

First, the netbook has made mobile computing truly mobile. These small computers, practically, pocketbook sized laptops are so handy, light and portable you can put a netbook in a small bag. The other important piece in the equation is mobile broadband. WiFi may have untethered us from clumsy Ethernet cables, but it is mobile broadband that has truly freed us and now allows us to roam anywhere while still plugged in to the internet.

The best thing about these technologies is the cost. With netbooks, laptops and mobile broadband falling prices, anyone can have them without any hassle. Now, companies are offering free laptops with mobile broadband to advertise their product or service. Offering free laptops.