Why Should I Root My Android?

     Image courtesy of Lifehacker

To root, or not to root: that is the question.  Well, this question actually raises others that need to be addressed prior to any modifications of your device.  They include:

• Is the risk/reward favourable?
• Do I have the knowledge and tools to root my device?
• If something goes wrong, do I have a suitable replacement for my device?

If you're confident in your ability to hack your phone, here are the reasons why you would want to:

Performance Gains

Rooting your phone allows you to install custom ROMs to your device, which are essentially customized versions of Android that can perform better than the stock OS.   They typically vary in features, but some ROMs (like Cyanogenmod) will actually allow you to overclock the processor.

Easy Wi-fi Tethering

Don't feel like paying $40/month for the ability to use the hotspot feature from your mobile carrier?  Well, rooting your device and a free wi-fi tether app will let you mobile warriors do your thing without breaking the bank.

Software Control

Fed up with having software on your phone that you don't want?  Well, rooting your device allows you to get rid of unwelcome 'bloatware.'

Quicker Access to Features

Some manufacturers like HTC overlay their own custom user interface on top of the Android OS.  In the case of HTC it is usable, intuitive, and pleasant to look at.  But this can affect the performance of the overall system and actually prevent you from receiving updates for the Android OS itself.  This is due to the fact that the manufacturer needs to update the UI to account for these changes.  Well, if you want the most current version of Android and a custom ROM is available for your specific device, this is how you can get it.

ASUS 'PadFone' to be the final name of the phone-docking tablet?

By Richard Lai  posted May 27th 2011 1:01PM

PadFone. Well, as silly as it sounds, the name sure speaks for itself. Unearthed by our friends over atPocketnow, this USPTO trademark document was filed by ASUS merely four days ago. Such timing suggests that this could very well be the final name of the company's eccentric "pad or phone" combo, which is to be unveiled at Computex next week. As expected, no specifics are detailed in this application, but it does mention "electronic pens for computer touch screens" -- possibly hinting that the PadFone will be compatible with N-Trig's DuoSense or similar stylus technology.

Alas, that's all we have for now until ASUS lifts the curtain on Monday, but let us point you to Notebook Italia's brilliant mock-up to quench your thirst for the time being -- we, too, suspect that the phone would slide onto the back of its companion tablet, hence the bump. That said, do bear in mind that this phone is already proven to be not as tacky looking, but is likely closer to a full-fledged Android handset. Anyhow, check out the artist's impressions after the break.

Update: Oh hey, remember Windows SideShow? Good times.

Courtesy of  

Google Adds Flight Schedule to Search Results

 Melanie Pinola — Google has added flight schedule and airport destinations to its search results, with an emphasis on non-stop routes.

You can quickly get a rundown of which airlines have non-stop flights between two destinations. Googling "flights from san francisco to minneapolis", for example, results in a brief summary at the top of the results page with the number of non-stop flights per day, how long the flight is, and which airlines service that route. Expand the linked schedule and you'll get a full table of upcoming flights.

Google's also added a way to see all the destinations with non-stop flights from your airport. Search for "flights from buffalo" and you'll get a list of places you can visit non-stop from your local airport. So if you have wanderlust and want to know where to go for a quick getaway this summer, Google's got your back.

Plan your next trip with the new flight schedule feature | Google Inside Search Blog

Courtesy of     

Apple Sues Teen Over Sale Of White iPhones

Apple has decided to file suit against 17-year-old Fei Lam, the young entrepreneur from Queens that had made as much as $130K late last year from selling white iPhone 'conversion kits.'  Lam was able to connect with suppliers in China and import the smartphone parts even before Apple.  Business was good for the teenager, as his site 'www.whiteiphone4now.com' was able to drive more than 100,000 hits a day.

Soon after the initial filing, however, Apple filed for a dismissal of the lawsuit suggesting that some sort of agreement had been reached by both parties.  Looks like Mr. Lam is going to have to find another less nefarious way of paying for college.

8 Great Experimental Features to Enable in Google Calendar's Labs - Lifehacker

8 Great Experimental Features to Enable in Google Calendar's Labs - Lifehacker

Here are some experimental features you can enable in your Gmail account. To get to Google Labs simply click on the 'gear' in the upper right corner from within your Gmail account and select Mail Settings -> Labs or 'Labs' if you see it in the drop-down menu.

All about Dynamic Views for Readers - Blogger Help

All about Dynamic Views for Readers - Blogger Help