2.1

Karnaugh maps are graphical tools used to simplify or minimize Boolean expressions by taking advantage of human pattern recognition capabilities to drastically reduce what would otherwise be complex calculations. They're used by engineers and academics for applications ranging from designing digital devices to working with formal logic expressions. Logic Minimizer from Vikhetan Appa is a unique Windows application for step-by-step simplification of Karnaugh maps, but its full complement of features makes its suitable for working with all forms of logic expressions.

Logic Minimizer's efficient interface sports specialized icons in the toolbar as well as its unique graphical depictions … Read more

DBGallery is a photo management program that lets users organize their photos using more sophisticated techniques than the standard folders. Alas, DBGallery falls into the category of potentially useful software that is undermined by its poorly designed interface. Although we are familiar with many of its photo organizing features, the program's layout makes it frustrating to use.

We understand what the program aims to do. Images can be sorted and stored in collections using a variety of different parameters that are included in image EXIF information, including date, camera, ISO, aperture, and more. The program has a tool for … Read more

Motorola expected to have Android 2.1 on Cliq and Cliq XT handsets by today, but it's unfortunately not going to happen.

A posting on Motorola's forum says that the company is working to deliver the "best possible user experience" as soon as it can and that sadly, it will miss its expected Q2 deadline. The handset maker has updated the status of the two phones to "testing in progress." I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I bet it's better than the "upgrade under evaluation" status that is … Read more

Plenty of people have aspirations of writing a novel or screenplay, and most of those people have a lot of ideas about the plot and characters of their masterpiece. Actually getting those ideas down on paper in a way that makes sense isn't always easy, though, and many potential writers get overwhelmed before they even begin. PlotBuilder is a simple program that breaks the writing process down into manageable steps, making it easier for writers to get started and keep going.

The program's interface is simple and intuitive, reminding us of more recent versions of Microsoft Office. The … Read more

Acer America announced Wednesday that its Liquid E handset is now available through an exclusive deal with Rogers Wireless. Effective immediately, customers can pick up the Android 2.1 device for as low as $49.99 as long as they agree to a three-year contract. The Liquid E features a 3.5-inch WVGA touch display, a 5-megapixel camera, and support for Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) and HSDPA 7.2Mbps. The underclocked 768MHz Snapdragon processor and 256MB of RAM might not stand up next to phones like the EVO 4G, but it should be more than enough for your typical … Read more

Accurately estimating construction costs is the key to preparing bids that win contracts without bankrupting the contractor. Misronet's e-STM8 Construction Estimating Software is a useful tool for estimating job costs and submitting winning bids, but it can also manage jobs, material costs, and subcontracting. It's suitable for both the U.S. and international construction markets, too.

The efficient interface is typical of Windows utilities: File menu, icon-based toolbars, left-hand tree view for navigation and selecting functions, and a main display window subdivided into smaller windows, entry fields, and other features as needed. A Help menu and useful examples … Read more

Even if you never use the free Fring app for making VoIP or two-ways calls using Skype or SIP services, it's still a more-than-decent program for chatting with friends on multiple IM networks.

Fring helpfully pulls in contacts from your address book so you can choose to chat, call, or place a video call--the latter depending how fast your phone's processor is and if your chat service will support video calling. You'll be able to IM on GoogleTalk, ICQ, Yahoo, Windows Live Messenger (MSN), and AIM, and you can view Twitter messages as well. Unlike Fring on … Read more

Making good on its word from a couple of days ago, the Android 2.1 update is now available for the HTC Hero.

Aside from getting a taste of Eclair, the update also brings enhancements to the HTC Sense user interface and corporate e-mail as well as a number of bug fixes.

Sprint will not be releasing the update over the air, so you'll have to head over to the carrier's support site for instructions on how to download and install the software. Happy updating!

As Google gets ready to unveil Android 2.2 "Froyo" at Google I/O next week, Sprint announced that the Android 2.1 update is finally available for the Samsung Moment.

Download instructions are posted on Sprint's Web site as well as a list of update features. These include Google Maps with Navigation, voice-to-text entry, live wallpaper and such improvements as increased speed and performance and Bluetooth fixes.

Also, HTC Hero owners, don't fret. Sprint said via its Twitter account that you're up next.