We’ve been waiting for this for a long, long time. Finally, the wait is over. Facebook has released an update to its mobile app for iOS and Android that brings in some much needed additions. Care to know what all is in store? Here’s a sneak peek: Tag friends, Share posts, Emoji icons .. Oh yes, you read it right.

The update, Facebook v5.2, finally lets us tag our friends in posts, comments and statuses. The ability to tag friends from the mobile app is one feature users have been longing for. Simply hit ‘@’ in a comment or post and your friend list will appear.

Another thing you can now do is share pages. A share button has been placed next to the comment and like buttons, so that users can re-post stuff on their wall.

That’s not all. Now you can use your favourite emoji emoticons in your Facebook chats and messages. The new update also has some features reserved exclusively for Android users, like improvements to photo tagging and the ability to create an album from the Photos tab on Timeline.

If you’re a Facebook Junky, mind it , this update is a must. Here are the download links for Android and iOS.

Wanna know more about Facebook?

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Android’s been something of a damp squib when it comes to tablets, partly due to the massive success of the iPad and partly because we’ve been subjected to a deluge of Android devices which for various reasons have been a disappointment.

But with the arrival of Android’s Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich system updates matters have been improving, there’s an interface suited to tablet use and the hardware has gotten significantly better with superior displays and advanced features to set Android apart from Apple.

Since the beginning of 2012 a large number of new devices have hit the shelves, but if you’re looking to buy the sheer choice can be confusing. Wouldn’t it be easier if someone just told you the best Android tablet of the year? Well you’re in luck, because in our opinion the best tablet of 2012 is the…

Google Nexus 7

Google’s Nexus line is as close as Android gets to a reference device. They use a plain version of Android without any network or manufacturer additions and will therefore receive updates sooner. The Nexus 7 is the first tablet in the Nexus family and it’s a really impressive first go.

Powering the Nexus 7 is NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 CPU, a powerful quad core chipset which allows for amazing high-end gaming as well as high-definition video. It’s accompanied by 1GB RAM and also includes GPS, Bluetooth, compass and accelerometer plus NFC for short range data sharing.

None of those features are unique to the Nexus 7, but when it’s priced from around $199 USD then it becomes seriously interesting. Most other Tegra 3 or quad core tablets are double the price so the N7 offers real value for money as well as processing power.

The low price hasn’t resulted in hit in other areas either. Its 7-inch display uses IPS technology which ensures excellent image reproduction with wide viewing angles, and remains usable in sunlight unlike AMOLED screens.

Build quality is excellent too. While its shell is plastic, it’s a high quality material with grippy rubberised back cover and the front is covered in toughened Gorilla Glass to help prevent scratches and damage from falls.

When added together the Nexus 7 is an amazing Android tablet and will prove a tough act for others to follow. It’s got the power to handle games and HD video but its small size and low price makes it the perfect travelling companion as an alternative to an ebook reader.

Buy Google Nexus 7 Tablet (16 GB)

Also consider:

Asus Transformer Prime

The Asus Transformer Prime has a unique selling point in the form of its removable keyboard dock. When plugged into the keyboard the TFP becomes an ultra-thin netbook with a battery life in the double digits thanks to both the tablet and keyboard parts having a battery each.

The keyboard dock also includes a full size USB port and SD memory card slot to go with the microSD on the tablet, which means that with the 64GB internal memory and two memory cards you can have up to 128GB of storage.

The tablet itself is of the highest quality too. It’s built from brushed aluminium which feels as good as it looks and boasts an astoundingly bright IPS display, and is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 3 chipset just like the Nexus 7.

Unlike Google’s tablet though the TFP is larger and more expensive. While still very portable its 10.1-inch screen is not as pocket-sized, and the price is more of a stumbling block. But it’s in the unusual position of managing to satisfy those that want both a tablet and an ultra-book laptop, so the higher cost can be justified.

Buy ASUS Transformer Prime

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

The Nexus 7 has the entry-level sown up and the Transfomer Prime occupies its own high-end niche, but if you’re simply after an equivalent of the iPad then the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is worth considering.

Priced somewhere between the other two tablets, the 10.1-inch Tab 2 offers a great mix of media consumption, portable web browsing and gaming and includes all the extras you’d expect in a modern touch-slate.

Its 1GHz dual core CPU and 1GB RAM power an Android Ice Cream Sandwich system that’s been customised by Samsung with some of its own UI touches and a wide variety of bundled apps, including media tools and various desktop widgets.

It’s kitted out with two cameras – one rear facing 3-megapixel snapper and a front-facing VGA sensor for video chat. And in addition to the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and wired USB connectivity some versions of the Galaxy Tab 2 include mobile data support for wireless net access anywhere, anytime.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

Author Bio: Matt Powell has written this article on behalf of Smartphone Genie, the information site for tablets and smartphones.

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Android,
Asus Transformer Prime,
Galaxy Tab 2 10.1,
Google Nexus 7,
Tablet

A physical keyboard and computer are simply easier to use for some tasks, but for other things, a phone or tablet proves to be much better.

AirDroid is an Android app that bridges this gap by allowing you to control your Android phone or tablet from your favorite web browser. With AirDroid, you can manage your Android device wirelessly from any modern web browser.

The app is easy to setup and does not require you to install any additional client or driver on your PC. Once you download the app, you simply need to connect your phone and computer to your WiFi connection and go to the specified URL from your computer’s web browser and scan the QR code. That’s all that is needed to set it up.

Now coming to the features, AirDroid lets you wirelessly transfer files between your Android device and your PC. It has drag and drop support and allows you to cut, copy, paste, delete and rename files on your SD card. You can type and send SMSs with the help of your keyboard, copy messages, search contacts and group text, all very conveniently. AirDroid helps you organize your music, photos, videos, contacts and call logs. You can also play music and videos stored on your Android device on your PC and view your photos on the big screen. AirDroid can also install and uninstall apps and even create a backup. With the help of AirDroid you can conveniently manage your device, view your device status, processes manager and control your SD card. The desktop interface has a variety of widgets like device screenshot, URL transfer, multiple desktops, weather widget etc.

AirDroid is a remarkable app. It operates securely and allows you to conveniently access your Android phone/tablet from the comfort of your desktop. And the best part – it’s absolutely free. Plus it works independent of the OS, ie. works on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Download AirDroid on the Google Play Store.

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Android,
Apps,
Google Play Store

Android users have a reason to rejoice – VLC has officially released the VLC Player for Android on the Google Play Store.

VLC Player has for long been the best media player around, supporting almost every video format and providing an array of options and settings. Though there are many media players available, VLC’s popularity is unmatched. VLC’s warm welcome at the Google Play store is an indicator of just how much people love VLC.

Though there is a clear warning that the build is unstable and might cause problems, user reviews have been positive and report mostly smooth playback. Any bugs or errors will be resolved over time as the app is updated with newer versions. The best part is that it’s still open-source. VLC for Android is available for devices running Android 2.1 and up.

Download VLC on Google Play

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Android,
Google Play Store

Lately there have been a lot of rumours about RIM porting the BlackBerry Messenger to other platforms like Android and iOS. Leaked screenshots have been all over the web showing a beta version of the BBM for Android app. The screens actually show a BBM for Android version 0.8.87 running SitSLIP debugger 1.3.45 on a device with a 320 x 240-pixel resolution display. At the same time according to a new rumour RIM CEO Thorsten Heins has taken BBM for other platforms off the development line. Well I can’t say say if it’s legit or not, but I’m pretty convinced that we’ll not be seeing a BBM version for Android and iOS for a long long time, if at all.

BBM for Android and iOS : Why not?

It’s the very reason why we buy a BlackBerry:

I’m myself a BlackBerry user. The main reason I own a BB device is the BlackBerry Messenger and I’m sure this is the reason why millions of people own a BlackBerry. Frankly speaking BB does not have much apps or a user interface to desire for. I mean come on, who buys a BB thinking of apps? It’s just coz of the classy look of the handset, the keyboard or the BlackBerry Messenger. The BBM gives the BlackBerry platform a USP.

Security Concerns:

The BlackBerry platform is very secure and tightly gripped. That’s pretty much the reason why even Barack Obama uses a BB. Security and user privacy is a top concern for RIM and that’s why millions of customers have faith in BlackBerry. Now what about BBM being installed on an open source platform like Android? It sure doesn’t ring a bell. RIM itself wouldn’t risk on having BBM in an environment where it doesn’t have full control. So the security concerns occur as a barrier to porting BBM to other platforms.

BB 10:

RIM recently announced it’s upcoming BlackBerry 10 OS which has some really cool enhancements. Plus there’s a new UI and we’ll be seeing more iOS-Android type apps. Isn’t that cool? The BlackBerry platform will get all it lacked – Apps, a new UI, games and much more. Now if RIM release BBM for other platforms simultaneously then why would someone invest in a BB 10 device? People will simply install BBM on their respective devices, coz rest everything they have.

Until RIM can’t sell BlackBerry phones:

If there comes a day when RIM is unable to find buyers for it’s devices, then the company will have to port BBM to other platforms to open up a stream of revenue. But until that day, I don’t think there’s a chance.

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Android,
BBM,
BlackBerry,
iOS

Samsung has outed an official teaser of it’s upcoming Galaxy phone, most probably the S-III.

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Android,
Galaxy S-III,
Samsung

The  MoneySupermarket.com car insurance comparison app is finally here and while it is not available in the US for the time being, it is worth checking to see whether its merits will eventually be beneficial to the American market.

The app itself is available for iOS and Android devices, which include the iPhone, iPad and an array of Google-powered smartphones and tablets.

It will cost you nothing to download and will also be free to use, provided you either have a data plan built into your mobile tariff or access to a Wi-Fi hotspot for comparison purposes.

Those in the UK can save an average of £374.93 by using MoneySupermarket’s car insurance price comparison tools. The app gives full access to quotes from more than 100 different companies so that the best possible price rises to the surface.

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Android,
Apps,
iOS,
Mobile

The Prada III, being LG and Prada’s latest offering is their first attempt at an Android device. The device has a 4.3-inch NOVA Plus display, a dual-core processor and an 8-megapixel camera.  The Prada Phone 3.0 runs Android 2.3.7, with LG faithfully promising a jump to Ice Cream Sandwich in the future.  The WVGA (800 x 480) resolution display is a bit disappointing.

The device will set you back by £500 ($787).

Buy LG Prada 3 for under $300

Read the full review.

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LG

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Widgets

So even Amazon finally has a tablet now and frankly speaking it looks like Amazon has done a pretty good job. The tablet named Kindle Fire runs an Android version and has a 7 inch IPS panel with Gorilla Glass coating, a 1GHz TI OMAP dual-core CPU, 512 MB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. A plus is that you can store your stuff for free via the Amazon Cloud Storage. While there is WiFi, the Kindle Fire lacks 3G, an embedded camera and a microphone but when it comes to pricing, it’s just wow – $199. Sure seems like a winner to me!

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Amazon Kindle Fire,
Android,
Tablet