Android App Review: Grenadier

Grenadier is a grenade throwing game from BitWhiz. It’s basically an android version of Fragger on the iOS devices, and a poor version at that. The game can be fun, but the controls often ruin it, and graphics could really use an overhaul.

The game has you throw grenades from a fixed position. You control the direction of the throw and the force behind it. You have to kill every enemy in a level with the limited number of grenades provided to you. There are some other obstacles introduced, like breakable boards blocking certain enemies or rockets that you can launch. The game can be quite difficult at times, but never for the right reasons. It’s almost always because of the poor controls. Aiming is difficult, and doesn’t seem to follow the arrow like it should. This is a constant issue in the game, and drags the entire experience down with it. Even after you get used to the controls, the levels just aren’t very fun. Something that really kills this game, for me at least, is that it isn’t just a clone using the same mechanics of another game. That’s a common occurrence, but those games often add a new element or two, and a different art style. This game rips of Fragger in multiple ways, from the arrow to some of the aesthetics, and even some exact duplicates of level designs, identical to Fragger. That just bothered me.

The game doesn’t look very good. It’s not awful, but several things just look awkward. It’s also a pretty glitchy game, which can actually help you at some times, but hurt you at others. On one hand, it’s just a mediocre clone. On the other hand, there really aren’t many games of this kind on the Android. And since this app IS completely free, I guess there’s no harm in trying it out for yourself. There is another version of the game called Grenadier Pro, but the only thing it does is subtract advertisements, so avoid it unless you really can’t stand advertisements. Check it out.

Gameloft to Release 9mm Gunfight Game like gta to Android

Gameloft has released info and a new trailer for its up-coming title 9mm, a GTA style game with lots of gunfights. The game will be available soon for iPhone, iPad and Android. Here is more info along with a couple of character art and a video. Be aware: the video includes some mature content:







John "Loose" Kannon is the leader of a special team of hardened cops that aren't afraid to bend the law to clean up the streets. But when they kill a local drug lord's brother and steal millions in cash, Kannon's whole team becomes a target of revenge. Now Kannon has only one option: Take down the gang leader that's hunting them, legally or not, before his team gets taken out first.

Key Game Features:
- Up to 12 players multiplayer in both online or local mode with free for all and team deathmatch, 4 unique maps
- Dive headlong into stylish gunfights where you’ll jump, shoot and fire clip after
clip in stunning slow motion stunts to take out rooms full of criminals
- Become engrossed in the dark story of gang wars, crooked cops and betrayal
that will take you through 12 levels and lead you from the dankest slums all the
way to Mexico.
- Arm yourself 16 different weapons & numerous power-ups that can be bought in the shop
- A hip-hop/rap soundtrack that emphasizes the tone of the game, including
artists such as: Apathy, Beanie Sigel & Freeway & Jake One.

Enjoy Skype Video Calls on your Android Phone!

Android phone owners can now have their fill of free video conferences with the updated Skype application! Got 3G and WiFi connections? If you do, you’re on your way to a series of enjoyable video chat!

Some of the handsets that can have this updated Skype app for Android are HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro, Sony Ericsson Xperia neo, and Google Nexus S. And if you are an owner of Samsung Galaxy S or S II, no worries because there’s a patched version that will work on both courtesy of theoS0o at XDA.

Take note, however, that your phone needs to have Android 2.3 version or above in order to run the Skype app for Android. And of course, video chat calls for a camera, so yours must have one, specifically a front-facing camera.

With Skype in your handset you can easily make video calls to your contacts in various platforms including iPhone, Mac, Windows PC, and even a handful of TVs! Talk about convenience!

And that’s not all! Skype app for Android has a handful of new features that you’d love! Check it out for a new main menu, dial pad, new mood message box, and ability to send SMS messages from the Android app.

Don’t have the Skype app for Android yet? Head on now to the Android market or Skype.com/m to get it!

HTC Desire Android 2.3 Update Coming Soon

HTC Desire was one of the company's flagships at the time of its launch, but the handset has been left behind today, with the arrival of other HTC droids (as is the case with any Android smartphone). As a result, the company had announced that the Android 2.3 update will not be provided to the Desire, a statement it retracted almost immediately. Yet there was no specific time frame mentioned by the company. While some users in the UK have already received the update, others around the world are still left waiting.

HTC has put out the word on Facebook that the company has finished testing the Gingerbread update and it's only a matter of time before they roll it out to users all over the world. The company says that most users around the world will get the update by the end of this month. However, HTC Desire users may be disappointed to learn that the update comes with certain limitations. Since the HTC Desire has limited ROM capacity (512 MB), some of the application will be removed from the update. Nevertheless, the applications can be downloaded to the smartphone without much trouble from the Android Market or HTC's app hub.

It's good to know that HTC will be rolling out the update to most of its users, which shows that old customers are still a priority for the company. That being said, most users will have already opted for custom ROMs to get the Gingerbread experience. Developer groups like XDA and Cyanogen Mod make it easier for the users to get the latest Android experience without having to wait for the update provided by the manufacturer.