Write with Write

I have been looking for a reliable method of crafting blog entries on the Nexus device, but had so far been frustrated one way or the other. None of the available softwares have the slickness of Day One app on iOS with its seamless integration between the iPad, iPhone and the Mac desktop. Occasionally I do fancy updating from the Nexus.

So, I came across a new app called Write. Well, not exactly new, but something I just explored. It allowed for direct upload into the SquareSpace app. No more need for cut a paste. Hopefully the transfer and upload worked flawlessly. So, here we go .....

Beta testing

I was invited to beta test the new Android app for my blog platform SquareSpace. After using the service for the last two and a half years, I'm certainly very familiar with the system, and for the last year or so, I have more or less exclusively been using the mobile app for blog entries - explaining the typos.

I usually used either my iPod or iPad. The app made entry in the fly very easy. The main issues I have with it was the photo upload. My blog width on the website was 750 pixels and the maximum width on mobile photo uploads were only 600. The other issue was integration with html scripts for my adverts and other blog elements. I would still need a PC to do adjustments afterwards.

The Android app appeared robust. It has yet to crash so far. The stats panel looked more extensive compared to the iOS app. Photo upload also appeared quite fast. I plan to blog on the fly using this app regularly for the next couple of weeks.

Blogged using my SquareSpace Android App.

S2 First Impressions

The first 24 hours of using an Android device was a mixed bag. There were definitely pluses with Android but the "safer" option of the iOS does have its advantages. Suffice to say that I was not planning to root the device, and since booting it up for the first time, it has yet to crash. In terms of the specs on paper, it was leaps and bounds over the iPhone 4, but speed was not everything.

It was pretty clear that even though the S2 packed a higher resolution camera, the output or at least the ability to produce a better photos was better on the iPhone. This was helped the the range of well-developed apps that the iTunes App Store had to offer. There were comparable camera app such as Instagram or my favourite, Camera+. I was also not able to easily update my blog due to the lack of a SquareSpace app on the Android.

Battery life was also a concerned, as my iPhone can last a whole working say with all the push services switched on. By the time I left the office earlier today, the battery on the S2 was down to about 15%. Maybe it was still early days for the battery, at the beginning of its charge cycle.

In the coming weeks, I would be in a better position to give a more objective opinion on what the platform had to offer. In the meantime, it would be one hell of a journey of discovery ......

Suraiya's Birthday

Suraiya's birthday party really went well today, although a few people couldn't make it at the last minute. The boys enjoyed themselves. Chicky, the mascot was there of course. Of course both Idlan and Irfan had their moments - with their tantrums of course. Idlan planning on sabotaging the birthday cake.

It was always a good idea to have birthday party at a venue rather than at home. You can rest assured that the caterer will not be late, plenty of food will be available. Decor will always be provided, with a party organiser usually. But the beat thing of all, you don't have to do the cleaning up. I have been to some well-organised venue party in the past. McDonald's and KFC were very good at these usually. We, of course had Idlan's at the Bird Park, and although we spent quite a bit of money, I thought it was well worth the price.

Chess anyone?Next stop was Wangsa Walk Mall to get a new pair of school shoes for Irfan. He was certainly growing up fast indeed. I reckon that he will need a couple of pairs of new one for the next school year. There was a giant chess competition in the middle of the Walk which was quite interesting.

Irfan's new shoesLet's kick the AndroidUnfortunately I had to do a bit of work in the afternoon. Right after that, I went to Sg Wang to sort my credit cards and had a quick tea there. There was no new DVD out from the looks of things. I headed over to Low Yat next. There were showing off the new Android tablet by CSL. I ha a quick look. They were running 2.1 and was a bit buggy still from the looks of things. They were certainly smaller than the iPad. Will I invest on them? Not yet at least.