2.1

Construction cost estimator

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

VoIP + IM

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

Sprint releases Android 2.1 update for HTC Hero

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!

Samsung Moment finally gets Android 2.1 update

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.

Verizon begins rolling out Android 2.1 update for Droid Eris

I'm sure many of you thought this day would never come, but all you HTC Droid Eris owners are finally getting your Android 2.1 update.

Verizon announced via its VZW Support Twitter account that it has begun rolling out the over-the-air update and will continue to do so over the next couple of weeks until it reaches all customers. The update is being released in random batches and you will receive a notification on your phone when it's ready for download.

Once installed, you'll be able to enjoy new features and improvements, such as pinch-to-zoom support … Read more

New details emerge on unique Motorola handset

New details have emerged concerning a handset we previously reported as being codenamed the Motorola Twist. According to Italian blog HDBlog.it, the phone will end up bearing the name of Motorola Flipout when it arrives in June.

With nothing officially announced from the handset maker, we only have rumors to work off for now. Hardware is said to include a 3.1-megapixel camera, a 2.8-inch touch display, and a QWERTY keyboard that flips out from behind the screen. The processor is listed as 700MHz with memory coming in at 512MB ROM and 256MB RAM. In terms of software, … Read more

Sony Ericsson delivering Android 2.1 to Xperia X10 in Q4

Sony Ericsson's Product Launch blog is reporting Thursday that the entire Xperia X10 lineup of phones will see Android 2.1 updates. The problem, however, is that this upgrade won't arrive until the fourth quarter of this year.

Aside from strictly updating the handsets to Android 2.1, this UXP (UX platform) update will enhance the Xperia X10's Timescape and Mediascape applications, as well as add wireless connectivity via Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).

A minor update is scheduled for the next few weeks, although it isn't mentioned what will be addressed. As of right now … Read more

Find that song

When most companies offer free versions of premium apps, it's not unusual to see a substantial portion of the feature set fly out the door. Thankfully that's not the case with music-finding app SoundHound. The company, which has changed names and pricing structures throughout the course of its modest lifetime, has wisely left the bulk of its feature set intact while limiting the number of times per month you can access its core feature, identifying (or "tagging") and app.

Unlike competitors that require you to hold the app close to the source of recorded music before … Read more

Find that song

Music-finding app SoundHound has changed names and pricing structures throughout the course of its modest lifetime, but its philosophy and core functionality remain unchanged. Unlike competitors that require you to hold the app close to the source of recorded music before it can ID your song title, lyrics, and artist information, SoundHound Infinity (the premium version) works even when you sing, hum, speak, or type a request into the stylish interface. Though the app is now faster than before--returning results in as few as 4 seconds--ambient noise may still interfere with accurate results, and typing usually prevailed in the rare … Read more

Sprint's Hero getting Android 2.1 in early May

If a pair of recently leaked photos are correct, Sprint's HTC Hero may only be a few short weeks away from getting the Android 2.1 update. The images show screens from an internal Sprint system that indicate that "the much-anticipated Android 2.1 software is coming in early May."

Indeed, it's been a long wait for many Hero users. We can trace the start of the rumors as far back as December when Sprint said they'd have an upgrade in the first half 2010.

Sprint remained largely mum on the rumors until earlier this … Read more