You have ICS on your phone, you have it on your tablet. Well that is if you are lucky enough to have a working rom yet. Life is good and your taking a moment to sit back and take pride in the new lease of life your device now has. Then you get thinking “What I really need is ICS on my laptop, then I would have the full set.”

Now you can have have the full set. Android-x86 have released Android x86 4.0 RC1 that is based on Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. Now you can have a full taste of Android 4.0 on your laptop. You can install apps, add widgets, shop on the Market just about anything you could normally do on your phone or tablet.

Features include:

Kernel 3.0.8 with KMS enabled. Most netbooks can run Android-x86 in the native resolution.
OpenGL hardware acceleration for AMD Radeon and Intel chipsets. You may disable it by adding HWACCEL=0 to the cmdline if you have trouble to enable hardware acceleration.
Support Multi-touch, Wifi, Audio, Bluetooth, G-sensor and Camera.
Enable v8 javascript engine, ~ 10x faster than old jsc engine. (tested by V8 Benchmark Suite)
Enable chrome http stack to suppoer media streaming.
Simulate sdcard by internal storage.
Experimental support of Renderscript.
External usb drive and sdcard are auto mounted to /mnt/USB on plugging.
Support hybrid mode of iso images.
A text based GUI installer which supports ext3/ext2/ntfs/fat32 filesystems.
Compressed filesystem (squashfs).

Now while all that sounds good in theory how does it work when you get it all up and running? I am afraid I cannot tell you first hand. However one of readers has managed to get it up and running and was kind enough to let us know his first impressions of it.  Over to Keith Rea:

For the most part it works as expected except as I mentioned I have a weird bluetooth issue where the mouse pad stops working if bluetooth is enabled and if I use the lock screen option I cant use the mouse to unlock (still trying to figure that one out as the mouse works fine otherwise). I have access to the Android market, sync works fine for all Google related apps (gmail, calendar, contacts, docs etc), over all it works just like ICS on my tablet, same apps same ability. Of course some apps work strange with no touch control some apps misbehave for example Just Pictures will not work with the mouse at all but I can tab through the menus the stock gallery app works fine. Speed is great, boots fast runs, apps fast and closes apps fast.. I saw no lag what-so-ever. Device wise (other then the weird bluetooth issue) everything was found and sorted correctly, even the sdcard slot worked as well as the usb port. Since its an RC I imagine the quirks will be worked out.

And there you have it, once I have a bit of free time I will be giving it a test myself. But if there are any others out there flashing this drop us a line and let us know how you get along with it.

To download head over to the Android-x86 site and also check out the Web Upd8 site for help in installing it. And also thanks to Keith for letting us know how he got along with it.

(via WebUpd8, images from them also)

The security of your personal data is something every smartphone user should be aware of in this day and age.

Most people I talk to have no idea the amount of information that their phones hold about them. Or more importantly what the apps on their phone have access too. Most people I talk to do not even look at the permissions listing when installing any new app.

Recently an Android and iOS app for Path was discovered to be uploading the address books of its users to its servers. And in the case of iOS users doing so without their permission. Us as Android users gave permission to Path do that when we clicked ‘Accept’ during the install. The fallout from this is now most regular users are, at least to some degree, understanding that apps can do all kinds of things to our phones because the user has not paid enough attention.

Let me ask you a question.

How many times have you gone to install an app, looked at the permissions it has asked for and decided not to install the app?

For me it has been quite a few times. So many I can no longer count. Let’s take the Facebook app. I am not a Facebook user. I do have a profile, for various personal reasons, however I do not have the Facebook app installed on my phone. Most of my friends are surprised by this and then I explain to them why. I go to install it on my phone and show them the permission listings and point out 2 of them

Your messages

Edit SMS or MMS, read or SMS or MMS, Receive SMS

Services that cost you money

Send SMS message

I then explain that I do not believe that they need to be able to access that part of your phone. Some laugh and call me crazy but the Twitter or Google+ apps do not ask for that kind of access to your phone. So why does Facebook? But will all that out of the way you can say I take the security of my devices seriously.

And that brings us to the app I want to talk to you about aSpotCat by Sam Lu (yes the very same Sam Lu that has brought you 1 Tap Cleaner and App 2 SD, 2 of my personal must have apps on all my devices).

When you first run the app you are given 3 main options “List apps by permission. List apps by bookmarks. List apps. ” It is really simple and easy to use. By default system apps are excluded from the list, hitting menu allows you to go into the settings and adding them into the list along side every other app.

It may surprise you to learn what apps are asking for what permissions. And if it makes you think twice about downloading an app in the future then I feel it will only help you in the long run. This is a great little app and one that everyone should download.

Hit the market link to download

aSpotCat Market Link

Nova Launcher, if you have been one of the lucky few to pick up a Galaxy Nexus or if you have a handset that fortunately has managed to get an ICS port then you will have come across Nova Launcher by now.

Made by the same people who brought you Widget Locker, Tesla Software, Nova Launcher promises to bring many improvements over the stock ICS launcher.

Here is what the Market entry has to say

Highly customizable, performance driven, home screen replacement for Android 4.0+ Features include: Custom Grid Configure the rows and columns to fit all your app and widget needs.

Scrollable Dock Keep all your favorite apps on the dock, with up to 7 icons per page and up to 3 pages.

Scroll Effects Enjoy eye candy when scrolling your desktop and drawer. Effects include Cube and Cardstack and more for Prime users.

Infinite Scroll Never be far from your favorite page, loop through your desktop continuously.

Folder Icons You can chose a background, preview style or even replace the whole icon.

Backup/Restore Export your settings and layout before a wipe to quickly get back up and running.

Nova Launcher Prime Features (Paid version) Gestures Quickly start Nova Actions or Apps from gestures on the desktop, such as pinching, swiping or two-finger swiping.

Hide Apps Keep a clutter free drawer by hidding never used apps.

Dock Swipes Get more use out of your dock apps by setting swipe-actions

Additional Scroll Effects

If you have not yet tested this out then give it a run. It is my favourite ICS launcher.

Market Links

Free Version

Prime Version

I discovered an interesing little lightweight launcher recently.FTL. Created by XDA member lowveld.

Make no mistake, this is the fastest launcher you’ll ever run. Small, light, configurable. The Gingerbread launcher as it should have been. No useless stuff, no compromises. Performance and usability are the driving forces here.

I started this for my own ROMs for the Desire S. The end result was so good I published it on the market. There are currently two versions, one light and one paid.

This Lite version has some of the configurable options pre-loaded and cannot be changed. That’s the only limitation, performance or user experience are in no other way impaired

I have been giving it a quick test and sure enough it is fast and lightweight. However at the moment it will only work for  HDPI WVGA(480×800) devices. Which I think is a bit of a shame. There are many budget or older phones that a stripped down launcher would be great for, it would being a whole new lease of life to the phone.

The full list of features are:

-Based on Gingerbread Launcher2 source code
- Tweaked for extreme speed
- Fully accelerated 3D Waterfall app drawer
- 4 configurable quick launch apps on Dock
- Configurable Support for launcher auto-rotation
- Configurable Infinite looping of homescreens
- Wallpaper scrolling disabled (configurable in the full version)
- Configurable support for scrollable widgets
- 5 homescreens (Configurable to 3, 5, 7 or 9 in the full version)
- Fixed transition speed of homescreens (set to “Fast”, in full version there are two faster options, and one slower)
- No bounce effect on homescreen transitions (configurable on the full version)

If you are after a simple, light launcher to change things up a bit why not give this a try. Head over to the XDA thread to read more about it or hit up one of the links and give it spin.

Market Links: Free Version & Paid Version

The greatest puzzle game, Portal, is making it’s way to Android and we have had a little hands on with it tonight.

Before we get to the bones of what it is like there are a couple of things that are worth pointing out. First this is not official. This is from a Russian dev from what we know and it has nothing to do with VALVe or Steam. This means you are never going to see this in the Android/Amazon/GetJar market or any other real market. Unless that is VALVe suddenly pop their heads up and off the back of this create one. Second, don’t ask us for the apk. We won’t give it to you. If you look hard enough you can find it. However if you do go down that path think long and hard about installing software onto your phone you know nothing about. If something goes wrong you have been warned. With that out of the way, lets install it.

The first thing I noticed when I was installing it on my Desire HD was the above screen. No permissions. That made me stop a second but I went ahead and clicked install. And what I found was a very laggy, un-responsive game. I could do nothing. Press menu and nothing happens. Thankfully our friend Ralph Uy has a Galaxy Nexus and give it a little test for us and this was his findings.

Ok, it runs pretty smoothly on the Gnex, but it is still in development phase. Bugs all over the place. controls are slippy, jump button is tricky (tap the right cursor twice), pick up object button is in an awkward spot, which is like just above right from the centre of screen. Also, as it stands, there is only 3 rooms you can go to, as the last room has an elevator, and when the elevator goes up, you fall through the floor, I’ve tried 4 times now, and no matter what happens I fall through the elevator floor. There was only one portal incident, and that was in the jail cell, which appears on it’s own.

CPU usage must be insane, as I notice my Gnex getting hot for such a short period of time. Also, I manage to make one screenshot (RB: The one posted at the top), but now I cannot.

So there you have it. A very early Alpha of Portal. While it is bare and full of bugs it again proves that these things are possible. Here is hoping that all of this can be worked out.

(Thanks again to Ralph for letting us know how he got on with it and snapping a shot. I was not able to even snap one)

One of the great things about Android is how different people take what started off as a simple mobile OS and they have created a lifestyle from that. T-shirts, mugs. I have seen aprons and umbrellas and of course a hat for just about whatever style you like to place on top of your sporty little head.

For me it is a beanie most of the time. And while there are a few different types of Android beanies none looks half as cool or cute at these from Julie Murray from Handmade of Awesome.

We contacted Julie and asked if she would be able to spare us a little time to answer a couple of questions for us and for you our readers. The reason, I think they are great and more people need to know about the work she does. So read on to read about us tackling subjects such a Mac & Cheese, aprons, cozies, how Apple users don’t have such cool beanies and perhaps something Android related. Or head straight over to her Etsy Store and pick up your beanie now.

I cannot wait to see where Julie takes this and the new creations she has waiting to be let loose on the world. And don’t forget it is coming up to Valentines Day. I doubt that it would be made and delivered to you on time (I cannot say for sure I don’t make them), but even if they were not you would be content with the knowledge that one would be on its way to you. So drop a few hints, leave the Etsy Store page open so the other half sees it – it’s better than getting something you don’t really want in the first place.

To find out more head over to the Handmade of Awesome Google+ page or the Etsy Store. And don’t be scared to ask Julie anything you are not sure about, she is great person and I am sure she will answer any questions. Oh, and she is responsible for one of the coolest wallpapers I have had on my phone in a long time.

Check after the interview for more pictures

Robert Best: Julie, I have been a fan of your hats ever since I came across, I guess stumbled would be the right word, your Android Beanies on Google+. After my initial “They are so cool. I must own one some day” thoughts that passed through my head on thing struck me. Why? Why make them? What was the reasoning behind you deciding to start doing this.

Julie Murray: I decided to make the Android beanies when a fellow G+’er (Scott Wakeman from New Zealand) asked me if I could make them. He noticed some of my atheist crochet offerings and that was when he asked. I decided to make one and then post a picture of it. He shared that post and it just blew up from there. I didn’t expect them to be so popular.

RB: Android fans are interesting people. I know if someone had said to me would I be interested in one, before seeing what it looked like, I would have perhaps brushed the idea off. However once you see one, how cool it looks it just changes your way of thinking. What are your thoughts on why do you think they have become so popular?

JM: Well, like you said, Android fans are interesting people!

Also, that Android guy is cute. People like cute. I know that I want one, but I can’t really make one for myself until I get caught up! I want one because I want people to know that I prefer Android over Windows phones and all that other IPhone junk! I imagine that’s a big part of it, too.

RB: Andy is cute. I have been trying not to say they are cute. Choosing to say they are cool but it is hard not to look at them for any length of time without going “They are so cute” (And I am 31-year-old guy saying that lol). And I do think you are right. We like to wear the Android image like a ‘Badge of Honor’ at times. I know I am always looking out for cool t-shirts, toys,cufflinks or anything Android releated. I remember once seeing an apron.

JM: An apron would be awesome! I do have plans for more Android related things as soon as I get all my current orders caught up.

Its too bad that those IPhone people don’t have awesome beanies, too.

RB: If I bought my good lady an Android apron I would say she would kill me Since I do now how to cook I would never use it. I have been told that sausages, bacon and toast do not count as cooking.

So this means you have more Android related things planned? You are not just going to make a handful of beanies and vanish into Droidlore.

JM: Oh yes, I have a few things up my sleeve. Many people have given me ideas. I want to make some acrylic figures and some more crochet and/or knitted items. Specifically a matching scarf for the beanies and maybe try some amigurumi crocheted Androids and even Android phone cozies.

Sausages, Bacon, and Toast is just about all you need, really. That, and macaroni and cheese.

RB: I am so with you on the scarf idea, I think I own about twenty but always seem to come back to my long handmade knitted one. I can see the figures being a hit also and cozies.

I never got the mac & cheese. It must be something from your side of the water.

I am sure this is a stupid question, but I feel I should ask anyway. Do you yourself own an Android phone? If so what it is? If not what do you use?

JM: Well I’m addicted to mac and cheese. I have it at least once a week. Sometimes more!

But I do have an Android phone. It’s an HTC Desire. Not my first choice, but I was able to afford it. This is my first Android phone. I got it in June of 2011. I wanted an Android phone from the beginning but could never afford one or there just wasn’t one I was interested in when it was time for me to upgrade.

RB: The Desire is a good solid phone. A great entry. I had the Hero it was worse but still Android and it was enough to keep me going, 6 phone later I am still here.

And what about you the person? When you are not creating Android goodness for our heads what do you do when you step away from little Andy?

JM: Well I do have a full-time job, as well. I work at an ISP in the tech department. We also sell professional wireless networking equipment so I spend most of my time on the phone suggesting the correct product and troubleshooting customer’s problems. I’m also currently completing an Associates degree in computer programming.

When I’m not at my job and I’m not playing with Andy, you can find me at a variety of metal concerts and shows.

I never realized it before, but I’m pretty busy!

RB: Well I thank you very much that you have been able to spare a little bit of time for us here tonight. Personally I cannot wait to see what you create for us next, as I am sure many others will be.

JM: You’re very welcome and thank you!

Links: Etsy Store and Google+ Page

Chrome for Android got released earlier this afternoon. At first everyone was excited and happy. At long last they cried. But then people started to complain.

First it was how it only supports Android 4.0 ICS right now and now it is that it does not come with Flash support.

Adobe had this to say earlier

Adobe is no longer developing Flash Player for mobile browsers, and thus Chrome for Android Beta does not support Flash content.

Flash is slowly being phased out and replaced with HTML5, so Flash not being supported in Chrome for Android is not a big shock to me. ICS is still in very early stages. Only 1% of handsets are currently running the OS for everyone else you still have Flash. Once HTML5 catches up with Flash and the ability to display things no one will complain, no one will notice any different.

And for those people who rushed out and got a Galaxy Nexus on day one, or have installed a custom rom on their device, you people should know by now that being on the cutting edge of this sort of thing means not everything will work right all of the time. It is the price we pay. So please stop crying about. In the grander scheme of things it is not that big a deal.

The one little thing I have always wanted for my Google Apps is for them to be inverted. As nice an clean the white theme that Google provides a black themed package would just look amazing, as well as preserving precious battery life.

Well now thanks to travp624 over on Rootzwiki we have now have blacked out Gapps.

Just look at those pictures. How beatiful looking are they. They have been designed for the Galaxy Nexus running 4.0.3. However I can confim they run on my Desire HD using LorD ClockaN’s Ice Cold Sandwich 1.4. I have not tried the standard Email app or the Calender yet. Everything else works perfect. The only missing Google App for me  is Reader. I spend so much time on it. All being well that will appear soon enough

Head over to Rootzwiki and pick them up one by one or get the total package. Don’t forget to make a backup before you do anything and read everything carefully before starting. Remember we are not responsible for a dead phone, your wife running off with the pool boy, the dog using your slippers for a toilet or anything else that might happen as a result of this.

Thanks goes out to Joshua Keene over at AndroRev for bringing this to my attention.

(Rootzwiki via AndroRev)