2.1

USB security to go

Lost or stolen mobile devices are a growing data security threat, yet there's no need to panic over sensitive data falling into the wrong hands if it's protected. That's where USB Flash Security from Kashu System Design comes in. It's a free USB security utility for mobile devices.

USB Flash Security's compact, tabbed interface displays all installed disk drives on your PC, but the software will only install on those drives with USB access. It's a keep-it-simple layout: there's a display window, file menus for Operations and Help, Exit and Update buttons, and … Read more

Super searches

The built-in Windows search feature often leaves a lot to be desired; it's slow, clunky, and not always very thorough. For occasional or inconsequential searches it's not bad, but users who are serious about finding particular files on their computers often turn to a third-party search application. If you're in the market for such a program, Super Finder XT is a great choice. This powerful program makes quick work of serious searches.

The program's interface is attractive and intuitive, with a design that's reminiscent of recent versions of Microsoft Office. We liked that Super Finder … Read more

Sony Ericsson UK: Android 2.1 coming to Xperia X10 in September

If you own a Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, you're probably not too fond of the fact that it's stuck running Android 1.6. Sony Ericsson's projected Q4 release for an Android 2.1 update doesn't sit well either when other devices are already getting Android 2.2, but there might be some good news on the horizon.

Responding to one of its Twitter followers, Sony Ericsson UK said that the Android 2.1 update is due for release before the end of September, ahead of the original Q4 timeframe. The company didn't provide any further … Read more

Easy .exe

Self-extracting files are one of the easiest ways to transmit large amounts of data, especially software. The ubiquitous .exe file extension denotes a compressed file that can be extracted with no outside applications, making it easy to download and install programs. JIJI Self Extractor is a simple program that allows users to create self-extracting files, a useful feature for software developers and anyone who routinely needs to package large amounts of data in a manageable format.

The program's interface is plain but intuitive, with an easy-to-navigate wizard-style design. Users first select the files they want to include in the … Read more

Unofficial Android 2.1 for Motorola Cliq sneaks out

The last we heard, Motorola was still testing its Android 2.1 operating system upgrade for the T-Mobile Cliq. Originally scheduled to be released last quarter, Motorola pushed the update back to a rumored August debut. So with July passing quickly, it makes sense then that a leaked version of the ROM has made its way online.

Engadget Mobile loaded the ROM onto itsown Cliq to give it a run through. According to the blog, the phone runs a bit snappier than it did before the update, even with its 528MHz processor. Apps such as Google Maps and the Web … Read more

Highly logical

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

Frustrating photo tool

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 delays Android 2.1 for Cliq and Cliq XT

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

Plotting along

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 Liquid E comes to Canada

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