Mobile17 Blog

iPhone & Android 'Ringtone Maker' App versions 1.2.0 released!

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:36:00 -0800

A little while ago, we updated our iPhone App to 1.2.0 and we have now done the same for Android!

This version features numerous updates and social media sharing for your completed ringtones. It’s a recommended update for everyone, and also includes the ability to instantly set your ringtone as an Alarm or Notification sound almost instantly.

Check it out, and please send us feedback if you can! Enjoy. This is an update for both Free and Pro ($0.99) users, and both Apps still offer full ringtone creation functionality.

Download now: http://mobile17.com/android/download/

Our Android App launched 1 year ago!

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:09:00 -0800

We’ve had a ton of downloads from you guys! The App is a year old today (since 11/10/10), and it feels like time has really flown by. Thank you very much for all of your support, and we’ll be sure to have an update out for your shortly.

To check out the official Ringtone Maker for Android, visit: http://mobile17.com/android/

Android Support: An Infographic

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:17:00 -0700

According to Michael Degusta at TheUnderstatement.com, Android is seemingly creating “orphans” – often neglecting to upgrade or update any of its products, even sometimes selling products that are 2 major updates behind.

I went back and found every Android phone shipped in the United States¹ up through the middle of last year. I then tracked down every update that was released for each device - be it a major OS upgrade or a minor support patch - as well as prices and release & discontinuation dates. I compared these dates & versions to the currently shipping version of Android at the time.

The most important question that comes to mind is, why don’t android phones get updated? One of the main problems seems to be the delivery of any updates is very complicated. While iOS goes from Apply directly to the devices, Android “has to go from Google to the phone manufacturers to the carriers to the devices.” It’s the cell phone equivalent of the childhood game, whisper down the lane. According to Degusta, there’s seemingly no incentive for smartphone manufacturers themselves to update the operating systems, because manufacturers don’t make money after the sale.

Don’t think that these issues go unnoticed. Baird Research polled 250 working developers on the matter, asking them: “Do You View Android Fragmentation As A Problem?” The results speak for themselves:

To read more about Degusta’s conclusions, visit his site here.

Mobile17 "Ringtone Maker" Windows Phone App released.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:16:00 -0700

Today, we’re announcing that the first version of our Windows Phone App called “Ringtone Maker” is now available on the Marketplace.

This brings our website to three smartphone platforms, to date, including iPhone and Android. Stay tuned for more updates and more features.

The App is a free download and works nicely in pair with our website.

UPDATE (2011/10/21): For help activating and syncing your ringtones to our Windows Phone App, visit: http://mobile17.com/help/windowsphone/

AT&T Announces Five New Android Smartphones

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:35:00 -0700

AT&T previously announced that they had plans to introduce 12 news Android devices this year, and they weren’t kidding around. The company has just released five new Android smartphones, making AT&T’s total 19.

The news phones are – Motorola Atrix 2, Samsung Captivate Glide, Samsung DoubleTime, Pantech Pocket and one other smartphone for the pre-paid customers called the AT&T Avail. Pricing and availability are both unknown at the moment, but all five smartphones will hit the market in 2011.

Leading the pack is the powerful Motorola Atrix 2, with a 4.3-inch, 960×540 (qHD) screen, 1 GHz dual-core CPU, 1 GB of RAM, a 8-megapixel camera capable of full HD video capture and an additional camera for video chat.

Samsung Captivate Glide, as its name suggests, has a side-slide QWERTY keyboard. It also packs decent specifications: a 4-inch, 480×800 Super AMOLED screen, a 1 GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 CPU, 1 GB of RAM, and two cameras, a 1.3-megapixel one at the front and a full HD 8-megapixel one at the back.

Both devices support AT&T’s HSPA+ fast data transfer standard and both are running Android 2.3.

The Pantech Pocket is a mid-range device running Android 2.3, with a 1 GHz CPU, a 4-inch screen, a 5-megapixel camera. To like it, you’ll have to appreciate its form, as the device’s dimensions are 114.7 mm x 7 8mm x 11.3 mm, which makes it a lot wider than most candy bar phones.

Samsung DoubleTime is a device for those who want something different. Its specifications are nothing to write home about – a 600 MHz CPU, 3.2-inch screen and Android 2.2 – but its candy bar form opens to reveal a second 3.2-inch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard.

Finally, the AT&T Avail is for those that don’t like contracts (the other pre-paid smartphone in AT&T’s roster is LG Thrive). It’s a fairly standard candy bar mid-range smartphone, with Android 2.3, a 3.5-inch screen, a 5-megapixel camera and 512 MB of RAM.

1 Year of iPhone "Ringtone Making" — Let's celebrate. Our App is now Free, for 1 day only!

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:00:00 -0700

UPDATE: The celebration was a great success! Enjoy the Apps, everyone.

Last year, on October 11th, we published our first iPhone App — Ringtone Maker for iPhone. This year, as a thank you to everyone for making our free App so popular, we’re making ‘Ringtone Maker Pro’ available for Free (normally $0.99), for 1 day only!

This version of the App, which you must download in the next 24 hours, does not contain advertisements and, in the future, may contain secret “bonus” features. By getting the App today, and staying up to date with the latest versions, you may get an even better Mobile17 experience!

It costs nothing to download today only, and there are no rainchecks! Grab it, and enjoy, as a thank you for being such loyal Mobile17 fans. — Don’t forget to ‘like us’ on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/mobile17

Run Android Apps On An iPad

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:01:20 -0700

New software will allow you to run Android apps on nearly any device:

Announced yesterday, Myriad’s Alien Dalvik 2.0 will support Android apps on tablets, e-books, TVs, and even cars.

Initially unveiled for the MeeGo OS earlier this year, the software allows most Android Package—also known as APK—files to run on a myriad of devices with little or no tweaking, according to the company. Users can simply trigger the APK file to install and then launch the app on their chosen device.

Dalvik 2.0 is set to be unveiled next week at the CTIA 2011 Conference.

NASA Releases Ringtones

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 06:55:31 -0700

Imagine everytime your phone rings, you hear Neil Armstrong’s “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind” or how about “Houston, we’ve had a problem” everytime you receive an email. It’s possible now thanks to NASA’s decision to scourits audio archives for a selection of what it’s collaing “historic and interesting sounds.”

“NASA has been making historic sounds for over 50 years,” NASA App project manager Jerry Colen said. “Now we’re making some of these memorable sounds easy to find an use.” The sounds are organized into four categories: shuttle and station, Apollo and Mercury, current missiongs and beeps & bytes. There are 36 audio clips available.

In addition to the memorable lines, there’s plenty of sounds you’ve probably never heard. “Landing comments begins with the speaker tapping the microphone to check it’s working, before saying, ‘Nose gear touchdown. Having fired the imagination of a generation, a ship like no other, its place in history secured, the space shuttle pulls into port for the last time, its voyage at an end.’” There’s even a clip from JFK’s historic moon landing speech.

All of the audio clips are available in MP3 and M4R formats. Android users can download the clips by first downloading the NASA App. iPhone users should follow the instructions here. To listen to all the available sound bites, click here.

Android Use: An Infographic

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:37:43 -0700

SMS Web Browsing

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:00:12 -0700

A new Android app offers users the ability to browse the web even if they don’t have a data plan. The app, called Smozzy, circumvents the traditional mobile browsing experience. By utilizing Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Smozzy delivers web content.

The app is free to download and looks and acts like the regular Android browser. Smozzy receives website and search term requests via SMS. The data is received and that’s when Smozzy’s servers go to work to find the information you’re seeking. The results are then zipped and sent back as a PNG files via MMS. The app itself receives the files and displays them on the phone in a functional webpage, complete with links and relevant content.

Don’t go cancelling your data plan just yet, though. According to Smozzy’s Android Market page, it’s only available in beta version for T-Mobile subscribers in the United States. Not to mention that the data exchange between the app and their servers isn’t encrypted — don’t enter any passwords or sensitive material. Also, the app itself recommends that the user have unlimited text messaging as it sends and receives numerous SMS and MMS messages that could result in overages for users on tiered messaging plans.

Nokia Ringtone Competition

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:52:02 -0700

Nokia is offering $10,000 to the person that can create their next “classic” ringtone. Using AudioDraft, a crowd-sourced sound design contesting site, the company is accepting entries until October 2, 2011. The winning ringtone will be included on selected handsets from Nokia’s 2012 product portfolio.

Of course, the $10,000 prize is enough to make anybody want to compose their own small melody, however having your very own Nokia Tune heard over 1 billion times a day is an exciting enough reason in itself. It is the world’s most recognized audio brand asset.

The general public will be able to vote on their favorite entries, but won’t have the final say on the winner. The top five will go in front of a top-notch judge panel.

Kai Bronner, one of the founders of Audio Branding Academy; Julian Treasure, known for his TED talks and author of ‘Sound Business’; Mark Dewings, head of Brand & Marketing Communications at SoundCloud; Nokia’s SVP of Design, Marko Ahtisaari; Super8 & Tab, worldwide renowned DJ and electronic music production duo who are ranked in the DJ Mag’s Top 100 of most popular DJs; Andrew Higgins, a jury member from the AudioDraft community who has won 12 AudioDraft contests; and Tommi Koskinen, the Community Manager at AudioDraft.

If you’re interested in entering, do so before October 2. If you want to enter, but don’t quite have the skills to create an original masterpiece on your own, find a unique way to use the Mobile17 ringtone maker to simplify the process.

Smartphone Users Choose Android

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:23:17 -0700

A new study released by Nielsen shows just how much of a dent Android is making in the smartphones business. Of the most popular operating systems, Android leads the pack with a market share around 40%. Apple iPhone (iOS) came in second at 28% and Blackberry was third with a 19% market share.

Forty percent of mobile consumers over 18 in the U.S. now have smartphones, according to July 2011 data from Nielsen. Android is the most popular operating system, with 40 percent of mobile consumers reporting they have a smartphone with an Android OS. Apple’s iOS is in second place, with 28 percent.

The survey also focuses on the future of the smartphone market, asking potential buyers what kind of phone they plan to purchase. Of that group, 1/3rd plan to purchase an iPhone, 1/3rd plan to purchase an Android-operated device. Though feature phones still outnumber smartphones, there’s a clear shift to smartphones at the moment and they seem destined to overtake feature phones soon.

Here’s the Early Adopter/Late Adopter breakdown:

Do you plan to upgrade your phone this year? If so, Android, iPhone or other?

Mobile Carriers React To Irene

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 06:14:12 -0700

Mashable has a great roundup of preparations by mobile carriers as Hurricane Irene continues to slam the northeastern United States. Obviously, during a natural disaster (like last week’s earthquake in Washington D.C.), hurricane or any other major event, cell phone service is much more likely to be disrupted.

AT&T:

AT&T FamilyMap and AT&T Navigator can be used to provide evacuation routes and track family members’ mobile devices in case of separation.
Capacity is added to wireless networks to accommodate increased volume.
Backup generators are stored in safe locations for immediate use following the storm.

Sprint:

Portable generators are prepared near network towers and switches.
Resources are waiting outside of Washington, D.C. to aid first responders and public safety officials.
25,000 fully charged Sprint and Nextel Direct Connect phones are available for rent during disaster events.

T-Mobile:

Portable, fueled backup generators are ready to be deployed.
Engineers are on-call with repair equipment along the seaboard.
Cells-On-Wheels are prepared to provide wireless connections in the worst hit areas.

Verizon:

Central network offices have backup generators to ensure land lines operate when power goes out.
Trucks and emergency equipment is being removed from low lying areas.
Emergency relief kits are prepared to ease power restoration.

Ringtones For Gmail Labels

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 05:50:00 -0700

An recent update for Gmail on Android-powered devices allows users to specify custom ringtones for labels. With these custom ringtones in place, you’ll be able to react quickly to emails from your friends, family and co-workers while ignoring unimportant or unwanted emails. After ensuring that you have the latest versions of Android and the Gmail app, follow the steps below to customize your ringtones.

First, create a few labels for your Gmail account.

Next, visit the ‘Settings’ tab on your Gmail app. Locate the ‘Sync Inboxes and Labels’ section and click to adjust those settings. Select the Label you want to set a custom ringtone for and click. Select the date period for which you would like to sync emails (Sync None, Sync Last Four Days, Sync All) and return to ‘Settings’.

Now, turn your attention to the ‘Labels To Notify’ tab. Select the target label and you’ll be able to set a custom ringtone for that label. You should now have a custom ringtone set for this label. Repeat for all labels that you want to customize.

You can use Mobile17 ringtones to completely customize your phone alerts. With your new streamlined Gmail label ringtones, you’ll be able to focus on the emails that matter to you. This easy customization can save hours of productivity.

HP Touchpad Running Android

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:14:01 -0700

The HP Touchpad was considered by many to be a deadbeat tablet until a fire sale this week (units going for as little as $99) seemed to reignite some interest in the product. Still, critics seemed to universally hate the operating system on this tablet and the app store was even less popular. Strangely enough, at least one person who purchased a last-minute Touchpad got a surprise when he fired up the tablet: Android 2.2.1! He quickly shot this video showing Android in action.

I bought this touchpad (16gb) at best buy. The touchpad is running android 2.2.1 out of the box. The product seems to be a test version from the qualcomm innovation center, since the center logo is shown when you turn the touchpad on. The video shows me walking through the developer tools and the web browser. I cannot find a way to get the android market, or download any android applications onto the device.

If you were one of the bargain hunters who purchased a Touchpad at the $99 price point, you’re in luck. Prices on eBay have skyrocketed to over $250 on this news and one intrepid user has uploaded an image of the Android install online.

Click here to upgrade your Touchpad now!

Coming Soon: A Cheaper iPhone 4

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:37:00 -0700

If you’ve been on the fence about switching to the iPhone 4, especially after rumors that a new version of the iPhone is just months away, Apple wants to encourage you a bit by offering a major price cut.

Apple Inc will release a cheaper iPhone 4 within weeks, jeopardizing profit margins to win lower-end customers from rivals such as Nokia in China and other emerging markets.

Asian suppliers have begun making a lower-cost version of the hot-selling smartphone with a smaller 8-gigabyte flash drive that will arrive around the same time Apple unveils its much-anticipated iPhone 5, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The new version, though cheaper, will not be as fast as the original iPhone 4. The question is, are you better off waiting for a late-September release of the iPhone 5 or will a very low priced version of the iPhone 4 entice you to purchase?

Buy A Keepon, Help A Child

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 09:37:33 -0700

My Keepon is set to be one of the biggest tech toys of the holiday season. If you’re not familiar with these yellow dance machines, check out the video below.

The My Keepon can be set to interact with touch or sound, either reacting to music or any person or object that it encounters. Perhaps most importantly, it looks pretty cool while doing so. There’s been some excitement over this toy for the past few years but the 2011 holiday season marks an official release date.

The toy, originally developed as Keepon, an expensive device designed to assist autistic children in the development phases of their lives, is a great conversation piece that serves an even greater good. The designers of My Keepon, Beat Bots, intend to use money from every purchase to fund programs and medical robots for therapists and practitioners.

This holiday season, when you’re thinking of a gift to buy for friends or family, consider the Keepon which will be available at Toys R Us. Expect to see this do-good gadget flying off of the shelves as soon as October for around $40.

Android Users Prefer Apps To Web

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 06:17:00 -0700

A new study from Nielsen Smartphone Analytics shows Android users prefer interacting with apps over surfing the mobile web. Of the thousands of users tracked in this study, most spent nearly 40 minutes interacting with their favorite apps every day; much of this time is spent interacting with the top 10 apps.

According to first-reported data from Nielsen Smartphone Analytics, a new effort that tracks and analyzes data from on-device meters installed on thousands of iOS and Android smartphones, the average Android consumer in the U.S. spends 56 minutes per day actively interacting with the web and apps on their phone. Of that time, two-thirds is spent on mobile apps while one-third is spent on the mobile web.

This certainly isn’t the first study to suggest a shift away from the html environment of the past in the direction of mobile applications and it certainly won’t be the last. So, Mobile17 fans, with the shift to mobile apps becoming more apparent every day, what are your favorite apps for Android phones?

Welcome to the Mobile17 Blog!

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:37:00 -0700

And now, for something new.

There’s quite a bit going on behind the scenes here at Mobile17! We’ve continued to add new features and supported platforms as our apps and website grow in popularity, and now plan to announce updates here on the Mobile17 Blog. Additionally, from time to time, we’ll post videos and news updates that are focused on technology, apps, and the mobile marketplace. Feel free to comment or submit any of our posts to your favorite social media outlets or social bookmarking sites.

To keep up with our updates, subscribe to our RSS feed, ‘like’ Mobile17 on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.