Launcher Pro - App Review

Launcher Pro
Price: Free / $3.49
One of the great things about Android is the customization it allows, the possibilities are simply endless when it comes to what you can change.  Not just the apps that you install, but the overall look and feel of the OS as a whole can be changed.  A great place to start is to pick out a custom launcher.  Launcher Pro is the tool to get the job started.  Some of the features are listed below.

• Change the number of home screens from 1-7
• Multiple transitional effects when switching between home screens
• alter the number of columns and rows shown on the home screens
• Customizable dock
• Change icon highlight style
• Advanced memory management
• Widget resizing(Paid version only)
• Launcher Pro Widgets(People, Bookmarks, Calendar, Messaging, Twitter, Facebook, Friends, Gmail)(Paid Version Only).

The app has an overall performance boost over the standard launcher due to its advanced memory management.   Layout is fairly simple and easy to understand, with most functions located only one page deep in the preferences menu.  Setting up your home screens can be a bit clunky as there is no option to move icons/widgets from one home screen to the next, but overall it's a great buy if you are looking to do a little customization.

Skyfire Browser - App Review

Skyfire Browser
Price: FREE

A few weeks back I reviewed the Opera Mini Browser.  To date this is still my go to browsers for daily use, but Opera Mini has it's limitations. So what if you have a page that just doesn't look right or work correctly?  Time to bring out the big guns, behold the SkyFire Browser.  The feature I like the most about this browser is the fact that it can trick webpages in to thinking it's a desktop computer.  So many times I have been stuck on mobile sites unable to get what I need, switching to SkyFire does the trick.  Scripts also seem to be more compatible with Skyfire compared to Opera Mini, and overall webpages look correct as the layouts seem to transfer better.  Sadly it's strong points are also it's weaknesses, as the fact that it loads the pages exactly as they should be seems to make it extremely slow compared to Opera Minis compressed pages.  Overall I find it a great backup when you need full functionality of the web.

TV.com App Review

TV.com
Price: Free

Featuring full episodes of many of the most recent CBS shows, Classic TV like Star Trek, MacGyver, Beverly Hills 90210 and more.  A full list of channels can be found below.  The app is ad supported, typically with only one commercial placed in the normal break for the show, so overall the viewing experience is pleasant.  App design is easy to understand and performance is great even on some of the low end smart phones.  Most videos are available over 3G and Wifi with only a select few Wifi only.  Video resolution is scaled down a bit on 3G but is not unbearable to watch.  A larger selection would be nice as the CBS shows typically only have the most recent episode or two, but overall a great way to kill some time.

TV.com App - Pro's

• High resolution streaming video on Wifi
• Decent selection of full episodes
• Easy to use layout
• Works even on low end phones

TV.com App - Con's

• Larger selection would be nice - CBS shows only have the most recent episode or two.
• No option to browse Full episodes only.

TV.com App - Channel List

• CBS Entertainment
• CW - Only partial episodes
• Showtime - Only partial episodes
• CNET
• CBS Sports
• CBS News
• Gamespot
• Classic TV
• MovieTrailers
• ET
• Insider
• Web Shows
• Chow
• Smithsonian Channel

Gas Buddy - App Review

APP: GasBuddy

Cost: FREE

As the gas prices rise we are all looking for ways to pay less at the pump. But did you know that there is an app that will show you which station has the lowest price? No more driving around to find that deal. GasBuddy is a great way to save a few bucks at the pump.

How it works

Based on your GPS location it can show you the closest station near you, map out the stations, and even store a list of your favorite stations. The prices are submitted by users, and so far most have been updated just about daily in my location. You receive points for every price you submit, and can use those points to buy raffle tickets for a $250 gas card. The app can also show you if the station has a car wash, air pump, ATM and more. Overall I highly recommend it for anyone with a car.