How? The basic process is:

1. Download an application called Astro File (or [...]]]> The Android app market is steadily increasing. And if you are an owner of an Android phone, it is time to rejoice. Why? Because you can download all of the apps on the Android market. For free. Whether the app is free or not.

How? The basic process is:

1. Download an application called Astro File (or similar apps);

2. Download an application called 4shared (or going to 4shared website);

3. Search/download android apps from 4shared;

4. Use Astro File to database the files;

5. The phone installs the downloaded files.

(Visual tutorial at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8u5slHSSfU.)

Anyone who can download an application can hack the entire Android market place. This is clearly a red flag that the marketplace is too open. If these applications gain popularity (which, they are bound to), there will be no incentive for developers to develop paid applications for the Android OS. Beyond free apps, an open marketplace is a great marketplace for viruses. So, Android, where’s the regulation?

Michael here: Just thought I’d chime in with another viewpoint. The iPhone, with all it’s restrictions and walled gardens, isn’t much different. A jailbroken phone can easily download any app in the App Store, free of charge, at the touch of a button. iOS developers are also reporting extremely high piracy rates. Some have seen rates as high as 90%. Clearly a closed and regulated store isn’t the solution. I think at some point we’re going to have to accept that as long as copyright laws exist, pirates will find ways to break them.

Michael has a great point. So what do you guys think – should developers focus on restrictions or accept that rules are meant to be hacked?

So, what’s been going on in these past few months? Well, Textopoly is now one of the fastest growing companies in Orange County, we won the 2010 Interactive Marketing [...]]]> Fans rejoice! Your favorite blogger is back! It’s been awhile since my last blog post, I’ve been a busy man. Happy New Year to all of you!

So, what’s been going on in these past few months? Well, Textopoly is now one of the fastest growing companies in Orange County, we won the 2010 Interactive Marketing Award, our mobile lab has been running on all cylinders with projects for Yamaha, Google, Scanbuy and others, and on top of all that, my brother just got married! Needless to say, it’s been a busy few months. And yes, for those who are wondering, the bachelor party was awesome!

Now that we got that out of the way, what’s going on in mobile!? Well, as always, A LOT! With the high success of the iPad, and the app store in all its glory, rival companies have been trying to get a piece of the action! Samsung’s Galaxy seems to be OK, its running off the popular android system which leaves an open market for applications. However, the more anticipated Blackberry Playbook seems to be a more comparable rival. As of now, we don’t know much about it, except for the fact that it’s going to have the fastest processor available, a video chat function, true multitasking (although it just so happens to be very reminiscent of Palms’ multifunction technology), and a much needed USB drive.

My personal opinion is that this Blackberry product will finally give the developers a reason to improve their app store! Because really, besides downloading the Facebook and Pandora application, what other application would you ever download from the blackberry app store? I’ve always loved blackberry, I think they have a high quality product, but it just needs to be attractive! I’m hoping that with the playbook (great name) they can finally start getting the high recognition that will eventually lead to more app development.

The other highly anticipated product is Palms Topaz Tablet. As many of you know, HP acquired Palm, and initially had not intention of continuing the mobile side of Palm! However that’s changed (thank god) and we’re all awaiting the big announcements of the tablet, as well as the new mobile handsets rumored to be show cased on February 9, 2011.

I for one can’t wait for all of these new products to come out! I’m definitely going to purchase one of the personal tablets, just not sure which one yet!

- Want to chat more about the iPad, Playbook, and Topaz!? Contact me at asif[at]Textopoly[dot]com. You can help me pick one! Till next time friends!

So, here is my tale… my co-work Karla and I are driving down Bristol in Costa Mesa because we were trying [...]]]> This is going to be a ‘rant’ filled blog about how much I hate Google Maps.  So, if you like Google Maps, sorry, bottom line it’s unreliable, and for god sake, blue dot? Come ON!

So, here is my tale… my co-work Karla and I are driving down Bristol in Costa Mesa because we were trying to get to Jo-Anna’s Fabric (don’t ask), and since I had no idea where one was, I opened up my Google Maps, clicked on search, and typed in Jo-Anna’s Fabric; within an instant I was given 10 optional locations. So, I picked the first one as it was the nearest to us. The directions clearly stated, head North on Bristol, turn Right on Warner, turn Left on Fairview, etc… well, we went North on Bristol, then turned Right on Warner, but were unable to turn Left on Fairview, want to know why…? Because it wasn’t there! I was supposed to turn LEFT on Warner not RIGHT!  But, according to the blue dot, and the route summery, I was headed in the right direction! Then, all of a sudden I run into a dead end! *$&#*

I’ve always said, I hate Google Maps, it’s never right! I love Sprint Navigation. Truly if you are ever deciding what carrier to jump on, I would suggest Sprint. I’ve had their service for over 6 months now and I’ve had zero dropped calls, great customer service, very fast mobile browsing, an amazing Sprint Navigation System, and great television on Sprint TV! I’ve had AT&T, horrible reception, never got anyone nice on the phone, very slow 3G speed even when I had the iPhone 3GS, and way too pricey!

Getting back to Google Maps, what is the deal? Why can they not generate proper directions? I love the search functionality; however the map is so bogus! Are they not using an updated map? Sometimes they can’t even find addresses! What is up with that!? Don’t believe me? Try typing in 188 Cooper Creek, Dallas, GA doesn’t even show up! I know that house is there!

Google, please listen, the reason why Apple is so successful and hardly has any issues with any of their devices and/or products in general, is because they do one thing at a time. This allows them to perfect the product and or service allowing no room for competition. They have the perfect phone, they have the perfect music player, they have the perfect impractical (my opinion) device in the iPad, they have the best Apps (Android market is subpar), and on top of that, people always feel cooler and above the ‘rest’ when they own an Apple product! I really hope that Apple makes its own mapping system.

-Want to chat some more? Get at me at: asif[at]textopoly[dot]com-

In 2007: Ace Hardware Corp. ends bid to transition from a co-op after discovering $154 million accounting error. – http://leep.it/eE

In 2008: Total revenues for the first quarter [...]]]> When was the last time you were in Ace Hardware? Better yet, when was the last time Ace Hardware crossed your mind when doing any kind of home improvement?!

In 2007: Ace Hardware Corp. ends bid to transition from a co-op after discovering $154 million accounting error. – http://leep.it/eE

In 2008: Total revenues for the first quarter of 2008 decreased $67.8 million, or 7.2 percent, to $872.1 million. Total continuing merchandise sales in the first quarter of 2008 declined 6.4 percent while retail service revenues declined 13.1 percent. – http://leep.it/eF

In 2009: After excluding certain non-comparable items, Ace reported adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expenses) of $30.9 million for the first quarter of 2009 as compared to $31.2 million in the prior year quarter. – http://leep.it/eG

In 2010: Ace Hardware mobile ads drive 60 percent increase in brand awareness – http://leep.it/eH

Ace Hardware went from a company that reported losses, after losses, after losses, to a company now tapping into a market they never knew existed! Ace Hardware is now, all over the place – over 15,000 fans on Facebook, over 4,000 total followers on Twitter, and now a mobile WAP site! Check out .m.acehardware.com on your mobile and download coupons, find a store, and get linked to either there Facebook page, or their Twitter! All I have to say is, GO ACE!

Want to chat about mobile or Ace Hardware? Email me at asif[at]textopoly[dot]com.

I love technology. Love, love, love. Gadgets, computers, phones, all of it. If it has electrons powering its innards, I’m probably going to like it.

Yet, this video chills me to the core. Probably not for [...]]]> **This post is courtesy of Brian Leubitz and was original posted on Calitics entitled “In Which I Am a Luddite”

I love technology. Love, love, love. Gadgets, computers, phones, all of it. If it has electrons powering its innards, I’m probably going to like it.

Yet, this video chills me to the core. Probably not for its technological aspects so much as for what it portends. In it, a company called VeraFirma shows off its method of signing petitions via the iPhone. In the abstract and in principle, it’s a pretty neat idea.  Verafirma has done a bunch of research, and thinks these signatures should be valid. Sec. of State Bowen has not yet commented on the issue, so nobody knows for sure.

However, one thing that is certain? If this method of signing a petition is upheld, the current requirements for getting something on the ballot are far too low.  If this method is allowed, we will see a free for all of initiatives over the next few years until we finally do something about the initiative system.  Think you’ve seen a lot of parental notification measures? Expect them on every ballot. Likewise for marriage equality and other gay rights issues.  As soon as marriage equality passes, the LGBT community will be expected to defend that right at every election. The labor movement will see constant ballot attacks, as will consumers.

In fact, where this is getting its first go? Well, with an initiative to ban public employee unions from using dues money for politics. The measure is being pushed by the state’s many right-wing anti-tax “tea party” fringe. It is certainly an interesting choice for a company that is run by three Democrats with a history in state politics. Most notably, Jude Barry became very prominent with his role in the Dean campaign, and then ran Steve Westly’s 2006 campaign for governor.

Sure, there will be some progressive measures, but a system that lessens the cost of ballot access to something any two-bit organization with an email list can accomplish? Well, let’s face it folks, we’re not Athens, we’re too big, we have far too many voters for us all to properly consider each issue.  We can’t handle that much direct democracy.

I love the spirit of innovation, and the excitement that future holds. Yet, we must also look at the bigger questions of why and why now?

- Brian Leubitz is a recovering attorney, and just completed his master’s degree in public policy at the Goldman School of Public policy at UC-Berkeley.