Change is always happening, sometimes it’s good and other times it’s bad. Google is a company that embraces change, constantly updates its apps to increase functionality, introduces new features, and solidifies and integrates other apps into a single app or retires redundant apps. A recent update to the Android Marketplace has managed to do all four of these things.

Google have killed off the existing Android Marketplace and replaced it with Google Play. Android Marketplace was an Android only marketplace, and this did not mesh well with Google’s current goal of integration across platforms. What Google has done with Google Play is integrate movies, books, apps and music into one central hub. Any movies, music or books users have previously bought through their respective services have also been moved to Google Play.

The Marketplace, Music, Movies and Books apps have also been renamed: Google Play, Google Play Music, Google Play Movies and Google Play Books. This has been done to promote integration across the Google platform. You can buy a book from your tablet, start reading, switch to your phone and pick up where you left off. When you get to work, you can continue reading on your browser.

What does this mean for my business?
If your company uses Android devices it means that the Android apps and other related software can be purchased all from the same place. It will also make it easier to roll out and install apps from one browser. Other than that, there aren’t that many major changes aside from the name changes – Google Play looks and acts exactly the same as the Android Marketplace.

This change seems to be for the good, and will give Android users a centralized place for their entertainment and apps. For more information on Android, or Google, please give us an email. We’re here to help.

Smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate and do business. These phones can do almost everything computers can, and then some. Phone makers have been releasing new units at a pace that seems to be a new phone every week. The majority of these phones run on the Android OS, which makes up nearly half of the total market share.

There is one drawback to these phones: battery life. Let's face it, while battery life is increasing, it is still poor on many devices. With moderate usage, a phone like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus will last about 12 hours - not ideal for people who are on the go and away from a power source for an extended time. Here are some tips that can help extend battery life of your Android phone (these tips are for Android 2.2 and 2.3-Gingerbread):

Turn off 3G The majority of new phones are set up to automatically connect to a 3G network. This is great if you have constant connection with 3G. However, if you live in an area where it isn't established, or there is spotty service, your phone will constantly search for a 3G network to connect to. This can drain your battery. To check if your phone is using 3G go to:

1. Settings, press wireless
2. Select Mobile Network
3. Select Data enabled
4. Uncheck connect to 3G

Decrease your screen's brightness The biggest drain of battery by far is the screen. Battery life can be conserved if you turn the brightness down. To do this go to:

1. Settings
2. Display
3. Brightness, and adjust the level down.

Use a Battery Saver app The Android market has a number of apps that have been developed to help you observe and conserve battery consumption. The most popular: GreenPower - A free app that will automatically adjust settings after it has been set up. JuiceDefender - One of the more comprehensive free app with lots of different settings A warning: Be sure to check that the program is legitimate before you download it. It is recommended that you download the app directly from the Android Marketplace.

Carry an emergency charger For extended trips and when you know you are going to be away from a power source for an extended time, there are many different types of chargers that cater to your needs. The majority of chargers use AA batteries and can provide a needed extension to your battery life.

For more information on increasing your battery life and Android, please contact us.