free
Bringing broadband to the boonies, part 3: Fiber’s not free
The broadband options are piling up in this tiny town… if you can access them. (Credit: Eric Mack/CNET) PENASCO, N.M. — So far in this five-part series on my five-year attempt to bring decent broadband to my remote mountain home, I’ve struck out with cable and DSL and struggled with overpriced, under-performing satellite access. Technology [...]
Seesmic for Android updates with Instagram viewing, adds ads to the free version
In a case of being careful what you wish for, Seesmic for Android got itself an update today that brings along some added functionality — as well as the inclusion of in-app advertising. But we’ll get to that in a second.First, the good: Seesmic — which long has been my Twitter client of choice, even if [...]
Temple Run is now available for free from the Google Play Store
The wait is officially over, Temple Run is now available for Android. This is a free download for Android 2.1 and up devices. The game comes in at 25MB and it doesn’t seem like you need to be running on something with awesome specs. Nearly a device that runs Android 2.1 can efficiently run this [...]
Samsung offers extended-life battery free with Galaxy Nexus
Buyers of Samsung’s 4G LTE Galaxy Nexus smartphone can now score a free extended-life battery with the usual two-year contract. The free battery bundle consists of the i515 2100 mAh battery and a special cover for added protection. This package normally sells for $ 49.99 directly from Samsung and runs anywhere from $ 30 …
Comixology offers free upgrade to HD comics
Somebody with a chiroptera obsession has a shocking experience in this week’s Batman #7. On the left, as viewed through the new iPad’s Retina Display. On the right, the iPad 2. (Credit: Screenshots by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET) Comixology continues to dominate the mobile comics reading app market with new features for its iOS app, including high-definition [...]
New App Offers Free Conference Calls Worldwide
SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Socialdial, Inc. today announced the release of CrowdCall, a new, free mobile app for both iPhone and Android that lets you instantly create free conference or group calls with up to 20 people anywhere on earth. Users simply select the people they want to include in their conference [...]
With free adapter kit, Legos can mate with Tinker Toys, Zoob
Legos are cool. Tinker Toys are cool. Zoob is cool. But you know what’s really cool? Building a hybrid gizmo out of all of the above (and other construction toys as well). That’s possible now–without tape, glue, chewing gum, or earwax–using the Free Universal Construction Kit, a set of adapters that let you snap together [...]
15 best free iPad games
Congratulations! You’ve just gotten an iPad. Your first question, of course: what are the good games, and how much do they cost? Editors’ note: This post was updated on March 20, 2012, with four new games. Now, obviously, those are separate and quite different questions. However, even though iPad games tend to cost more than [...]
Free Android Apps Packed with Ads are Major Battery Drains
Free Android smartphone apps loaded with advertising such as Angry Birds may be a boon for your wallet, but the apps cost your handset some battery life, according to a new study. Researchers from Purdue University in collaboration with Microsoft claim that third-party advertising in free smartphone apps can be responsible for as much as [...]
Study: Free Android Apps Can Steal Your Phone’s Power
A study by Purdue University and Microsoft has revealed that as much as 75 percent of the power a smartphone application draws is used for third-party ad serving. The study examined several popular smartphone applications, including the Android browser and Angry Birds, Rovio’s popular smartphone game. The New York Times app’s download manager also appeared [...]