Nexus Media Importer (5.2) – Paidware Android App Review

Nexus Media Importer (5.2)

Tested On: Asus Nexus 7 (Model: ME37OT) with Android JellyBean (V4.2.2) Installed.

Cost Of App: $2.98 CAD (Google Play App Store)

Cost Of 100% (Necessary) USB OTG Cable: Which can run you anywhere from $1.99 CAD/USD to $20.00 CAD/USD. It all depends on which type of plating you go for. You can get a basic model with just a non-coated steel metal connector. And by the way that is basic steel for both ends the min-USB (AKA. Male End of the connector) and the Max-y USB (AKA. Female End of the connector). Or you can go all the way to the gold or platinum plated connectors. Now just because you go all expensive on your USB OTG cable. Does not guarantee the best fit for your device.

Now, I say this as I have bought 4 of these very handy USB OTG cables and have had very mixed results. The platinum or very high end connector actually fit my device on the very low end of the 4 I bought.

Now, I have to point out. I went very OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) here. I wanted the best fit regardless of the price tag. So, I went to my local computer store and asked for the top of the line USB OTG cable they had in stock. That would work with my Nexus 7. So after paying close to $20 CAD. I came back home and tested it out and it was a poor fit. The best fit was the the gold plated one from Amazon.ca. That cost me $6.99 CAD with free shipping. The second best fit was an eBay buy for $3.99 USD also with free shipping. Oddly, enough it did not mention a lot about the type of metal the connectors were plated with. But, if I were to guess with the price point and and magnet test. I ran. (Please don’t run any magnet tests on anything electronic or tech related. You may in fact damage or alter your device. You may even render said device or devices unusable) It is just very common steel alloy mixture or perhaps pure steel. It was not a perfect fit. But better then the so called top end platinum USB OTG cable. At least in my experience. Some cables will be more still and other a little looser. Just don’t force it, nor should you leave the connector on while you are not using your tablet.

App Description: (See Below)

Nexus Media Importer allows you to stream and transfer music, video, photos and documents from a USB flash drive or card reader connected to your Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Galaxy Nexus, Xoom or other Android 4.0+ devices with USB Host support. See technical notes for a list of supported file types and file systems. This is the only non-root solution for devices that do not provide native support for external storage.Requires the following hardware:1. An Android 4.0+ device. Known compatible devices include the Google Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7 & 10 and the Motorola Xoom. Please try the free “Nexus Photo Viewer” first if you do not have one of these devices. Due to hardware limitations, the Nexus 4 is not supported.2. An USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable. Costs range from $1-10 USD, see screen shots for examples.

3. An USB Flash Drive or USB Card Reader with a flash memory card inserted, see screen shots for examples. Please see the FAQ on our website if you are trying to connect an external hard drive or other device.

To use:

-If you are using an card reader, put the flash memory card in the reader first.

-Attach your USB device to the OTG cable.

-Attach the OTG cable to the Nexus or other device.

-The application should launch automatically.

-Photos can be browsed by selecting from the list then swiping back and forth.

-Videos can be streamed with the Play icon.

-The Advanced tab can be used to manage and transfer files.

-Use the Connect screen to determine the viewed device and the destination device for the Copy/Move operations.

Are there in App ads ?: No

A. Ease Of Use: 4.5/5 – Very easy to use once you get use to it.

B. Security: There is the possibility of importing viruses and or other software and or other files that may in fact damage your device. So causation is advised when trying to important unknown files and or file types to your Nexus device.

C. Usefulness: 4.5/5 – Very useful. It is an ever expanding application as each new update hits. You can now upgrade your previously non-upgrade-able “Nexus 7 32 Gig Wi-fi version.” I still find that running TV shows and or movies off of a USB flash stick or a USB external hard drive. It does tend to skip and buffer like crazy. But if you decide to transfer it to your Nexus 7 and run it off of that. then you are way more likely to have a buffer free experience.

D. Tablet Slowdown: No slow down, that I noticed.

E. Type Of User I Would Recommend To Use This App: Anyone who wants to drastically increase the usefulness of their Nexus 7 device. Will find this app not only useful but needed.

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Remy “Se7en”

Cheat-Database (1.6.8) – Android App Review

Cheat-Database (1.6.8)

Cost Of App: Free (Google Play App Store)

Is there a paid upgrade option ?: No

App Description: (See Below)

Find cheats, tricks, hints, or walkthroughs super fast on the go for your favorite video- or PC games with this handy application. Cheat-Database contains over 130’000 cheats and tricks – growing daily!

Earn rewards using Cheat-Database with Pocket Change!

Whenever you check out cheats with Cheat-Database you will be rewarded with Pocket Change points. You can use these points to get awesome gifts from books to tablets to fashion accessories. If you want to collect even more Pocket Change points submit your own cheats to us using the submission form. For each submitted cheat you will be rewarded with extra Pocket Change points.

Cheat-Database currently offers cheats for following systems:

Android, C64, Dream Cast, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Game Gear, GameCube, iPhone, Jaguar, Lynx, Macintosh, Master System, Mega Drive / Sega Genesis, Neo Geo, Neo Geo Pocket, NES, N-Gage, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, PC, PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, Sega Saturn, SNES, Virtual Boy, Wii, Wii U, Wonderswan, Xbox, Xbox 360

Are there in App ads ?: Yes and they are very intrusive as well. they will take you out of your flow with great ease. You can easily tell how this app is free and how it will remain that way. Just don’t get sucked into in app purchase or exchanging coins for needless garbage.

A. Ease Of Use: 5/5 – Very easy to use pick console or hand held and enter name of game into search box press SEARCH. If there are cheats for that game they will show up. Even thou I found this app to be very hit and miss. But I was very impressed by both how current gen the database is and how retro the databases is as well.

B. Security: No effect on tablet security. Not tested on a Android Smart Phone.

C. Usefulness: 2.5/5 – Very hit and miss and the formatting of the results are a horrible mess.  Even on a large tablet. The white text on black back ground hurt my eyes and often found it hard to decipher when a code started and when one ended.

D. Smart Phone Slowdown: Not Tested On An Android Smart Phone.

E. Tablet Slowdown: No slow down, that I noticed.

F. Type Of User I Would Recommend To Use This App: Anyone who wants a moderately passable Android app version of a all around cheat guide. Without having to open up Google or go to main stream video game website like IGN may want to this app a go.

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Remy “Se7en”

Ghostery (2.9.4) – Mozilla FireFox Add-on Review

Ghostery (2.9.4)

A. Ease Of Use: 3.5/5 – Fairly easy to setup (But fairly difficult to understand what this add-on actually does). Just select what you want blocked. By checking off the box or boxes you want and your good to go.

B. Security: 4.5/5 - Ideally this add-on can pretty much cover all the Internet browsing protection you will need. (If setup correctly and paired with NoScript)

C. Usefulness: 5/5 – Ghostery sees the “invisible” web, detecting trackers, web bugs, pixels, and beacons placed on web pages by Facebook, Google Analytics, and over 600 other ad networks, behavioral data providers, web publishers – all companies interested in your activity.

D. FireFox Slowdown: Depends on the web page. But generally there is some mild to heavy lag (But will vary based on computer and Internet connection)

E. Computer Slow Down: No lag that I noticed. But FireFox does seem to use more memory faster. When Ghostery is active and in use.

F. Type Of User I Would Recommend To Use This Add-on: A more advanced Firefox user would find this add-on way more useful. Then a novice no doubt about that.

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Download Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ghostery/?src=ss

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Kirbe

SMS Counter (1.4.0) – Android App Review

SMS Counter (1.4.0)

Cost Of App: Free (Google Play App Store)

Is there a paid upgrade option ?: No

App Description: (See Below)

Do you know how many SMS you have sent this month? Threaded message dialogs don’t make counting easy. This app will help you tracking how many SMS you have sent and received. It even provides counting for the past months. No more busting your sms quota! With the latest version 1.4.0 it is possible to set your carriers billing cycle and count SMS for your current cycle!

Are there in App ads ?: Yes

A. Ease Of Use: 5/5 – Super simple. I would be hard pressed to say this app would take any real time to learn and apply to your own smart phone uses.

B. Security: No effect on Smart Phone security.

C. Usefulness: 4/5 – Again only really useful if you intend to use it. If not it is just taking up space on your phone.

D. Smart Phone Slowdown: A slight hiccup when it is calculating your total amount of SMS sent and or received.

E. Type Of User I Would Recommend To Use This App: Anyone who wants to keep track of their smart phone SMS usage for any giving month. Then this is a no brainier. Unless of course you already have Call & SMS Stats app. That I previously reviewed.

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Remy “Se7en”

WOT -Web Of Trust- (20130402) – Mozilla FireFox Add-on Review

WOT -Web Of Trust- (20130402)

A. Ease Of Use: 3/5 – Very easy to use. But very deceptive reporting practices overall.

B. Security: 3/5 - You will be more secure no doubt. But at what cost.

In the end it comes down to TRUST. Do you trust WOT (Web Of Trust) reporting of websites ? Or would you rather use one of the dozens of other link scanners out there.

C. Usefulness: 3/5 – The usefulness of WOT will depend on what you want to get out of it. I would highly recommend this to parents with younger kids. It is a very easy teaching tool to use with your kids (our even yourself). To try to figure out the basics of what sites to click on and what to more or less avoid.

For me as an advanced Internet user. I find it more annoying then anything. I also know some sites I go to. Don’t get the scores they deserve or don’t get approved at all.

D. FireFox Slowdown: There is still some lag (But will vary based on computer and Internet connection)

E. Computer Slow Down: No lag that I noticed. But FireFox does seem to use up more memory faster. When WOT is active and in use.

F. Type Of User I Would Recommend To Use This Add-on: Parents with kids or people new to the Internet.

As I suggested above. WOT is helpful at first. But after awhile people tend to get annoyed with it and turn it off. Also important to note is that more advanced users are more likely not to need this add-on at all. As they are well aware of what sites safe and what sites to avoid.

Firefox does a pretty good job at putting up (gateways and or portals) to sites that have been reported to Firefox as potentially dangerous. But often by the time that comes up it is to late for the end user.

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Download Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/wot-safe-browsing-tool/

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Erin

Skype (6.3.0.105) – Freeware Review

AA. Cost: Free (But, there is a paid version as well)

1. Ease Of Use – Extremely easy to use. Once setup has been completed (AKA registration (Sign-up), mic, headset and or webcam have all been setup and adjusted. To you liking, it may take a little tweaking to get it just right. But once it has been setup. You can just leave it be from that point on.)

1A. Interface - Very simple, clean and straight forward

2. Quality Of Program – Skype has improved yet again. HD Audio quality has been improved, HD webcam support has been improved. There is even better screen sharing options and setup for more then 1 (HD or Non-HD) video calls. File sharing has also dramatically improved.

3. Speed of Sign-in – A lot faster then past versions. And a lot less jerky then past versions.

4. Can you run other programs while running Skype ? Yes

5. Can you leave Skype running without issue ? Yes

6. Is there adware or spyware bundled with it ? Yes, there is a Toolbar you can opt out of and a click to call. That you can also opt out of.  There are also some ads now that pop-up. I don’t really have any big issues with them (But they are rather large). But it can be bothersome to some user. Who are not use to thous types of ads.

7. Is Skype Stable ? Yes, there is no question Skype is a very stable program. But it does depend a lot on the stability and quality of your Internet connection.

I give Skype an overall score of 4 out of 5 – I truly believe once you go Skype you don’t go back. Skype is truly better then it’s competition. It annihilates it’s competition such as Team Speak or Ventrillo.

On A Side Note: The only major flaw of Skype is it lack of ability to host between 6-25. Such as playing MMOs like WOW or other such games. Skype is more of a personal experience. But since I don’t and I also don’t par-take in Facebook. I don’t feel I need anything other then Skype.

***I have had some reports of Skype being choppy and audio quality being very poor. When connecting to someone with an out of date version of Skype. In fact I had such a bad issues with my audio quality. I had to e-mail or phone my mates and ask them to upgrade to this version. Thankfully after they upgrade we no longer had any more audio or video quality issues.

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If you wish to download Skype please use the following link: http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/

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Kirbe

Skype – free IM & video calls (3.2.0.6673) – Android App Review

Skype – free IM & video calls (3.2.0.6673)

Cost Of App: Free (Google Play App Store)

Is there a paid upgrade option ?: No

App Description: (See Below)

Free voice and video calls to anyone else on Skype, whether they’re on an Android, iPhone, Mac or PC, as well as IMs to your friends and family, no matter where they are.

Features:
- Skype to Skype IMs, video and voice calls are free* over 3G or WiFi.
- Make low-cost calls and SMS to mobiles or landlines from your Android smartphone or tablet.
- Send pictures, videos and files to any of your contacts.
- Enjoy high-quality sound when you call anyone else on Skype.
- Talk face to face or show what you’re seeing with front and rear-facing cameras.
- Talk to your Windows Live Messenger friends on Skype. Sign into Skype with your Microsoft account and have your Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook contacts in one place.

For more information, visit the Skype for Android FAQ page: http://goo.gl/8OpEo.

Due to Android restrictions, devices running Android 2.2 will only be able to use the rear-facing camera. Devices with Android 2.3 or higher will be able to use both front and rear-facing cameras.

* Operator data charges may apply. We recommend using an unlimited data plan or WiFi connection.

Are there in App ads ?: Not that I noticed

A. Ease Of Use: 5/5 – Very straight forward. If you have ever used Skype before this is not gonna be a shock to your system. If you have not used Skype before ! Where have you been ?

B. Security: The only real big issues I can see. Is that you decide to use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection or if you accept a file transfer or click on a rouge link. But other then that enjoy the mostly free voice and video chat. (The latter would be based on your device you are running Skype on.

C. Usefulness: 5/5 – Only really useful if you intend to use it. If not it is just taking up space on your phone or tablet. But if you do decide to use it you won’t be sorry. Unless of course your planning on doing some risk-key video chats.

D. Smart phone Slowdown: There is a little lag on older Android devices.

E. Tablet Slowdown: No lag, that I noticed.

f. Type Of User I Would Recommend To Use This App: Anyone who wants to keep in touch with family and friends. Or if your work for a company that uses Skype as a method to bring your team together for meetings. Then this app is a no brainier.

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Remy “Se7en”

NoScript (2.6.6) – Mozilla FireFox Add-on Review

NoScript (2.6.6)

A. Ease Of Use: 3/5 – Not as easy as it should be.

Often people just end up getting very frustrated with this add-on. Which often results in the person deactivating and or un-installing this add-on. But for the people who stick around long enough. End up having a very powerful tool to help stem the tide of pop-ups , banner ads and other Internet annoyances.

B. Security: 4/5 - NoScript is very helpful in securing your computer from a lot of seen and unseen Internet threats. All across the net during your day to day activities. This add-on will not impede your security. Instead it will boost it, if used correctly.

C. Usefulness: 5/5 – NoScript has enhanced my life on the net. By giving me more options to control my day to day Internet experience.

D. FireFox Slowdown: There is some lag (But will vary based on computer stats and your Internet connection)

E. Computer Slow Down: Some minor lag on older computers.

F. Type Of User I Would Recommend To Use This Add-on: A more advanced Firefox user, would find this add-on way more useful. Then a novice.

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Download Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noscript/

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Kirbe

AVG AntiVirus FREE for Android (3.2.1) – Free Smart Phone Android App Review

The Rating Scale Breakdown:

• 0  – 0.5 – Abysmal
• 1.0 – 1.5 – Terrible
• 2.0 – 2.5 – Poor
• 3.0 – 3.5 – Average
• 4.0 – 4.5 – Great
• 5.0 – Excellent

• Undetermined – Too soon to tell or lacking evidence to provide a solid answer
• Not Tested – Has yet to be requested or there is some limitations to prevent accurate test results
• N/A – Not Available and or Not Applicable to this program

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V. 6.0 - “AVG Anti-Virus FREE Smart Phone App“ Review Template

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Tested On A: Samsung Galaxy Q (Model: SGH-T589R

Operating System: Android (V2.2.2)

Price: Free (Google Play App Store)

A. Installation AVG Mobile Anti-Virus Free - 5.0 “Excellent” – Very easy just click on AVG Anti-Virus Free  App icon and press Install.

B. Uninstalling AVG Mobile Anti-Virus Free – 4.5 “Great“ – It could be a little easier to remove. Just follow the steps below to un-install your AVG App.

B1. Go to your “Settings“

B2. Then go to “Applications“.

B3. Then choose the “Anti-Virus App“.

B4. The press and hold your finger on the app

B5. There should be a screen that appears where you can un-install the AVG App.

B6. Wait a few seconds till the App is fully un-installed

B7. Then your good to go

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C. Stability Of Program - 5.0 “Excellent” – No crashes or freezing. Since I downloaded the app.

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AVG Anti-Virus FREE for Android – Protection

D1. App(s) Protection – 5.0 “Excellent” – AVG will tell you is the app is rouge and not affiliated with the Android App store. It does an excellent job at this. Thus far it has warned me 3 times.

D2. Settings Protection – 5.0 “Excellent” – This option is very simple yet very important. It makes sure in your options to install and download apps of “unknown sources” will not be allowed to occur. Other then that super important job. I saw no other reason for this Protection option.

D3. Content Protection – 4.0 “Great” – This feature is by no means outstanding. But I have had a few “AD” detection’s. I’m assuming that means “AD”-ware. But I can’t be sure at this point.

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E. Real Time Scanner – 5.0 “Excellent” – This feature works like a charm. You can ever see it in action.

E1. SD Card Scanner - 3.5 “Average” - Nothing special here. This is pretty much an external SD card memory scanner.

E2. File Scanner – 5.0 “Excellent” - This feature works as expected.

E3. Safe Web Surfing – 3.5 “Average” – Nothing special here. No detentions or warning. I’m still unclear as to what this protection is suppose to do.

E4. Deep File Scanner -  5.0 “Excellent” - This feature works as expected.

E5. Text Message Scanner - 3.5 “Average” – Nothing special here. No detentions or warning.

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AVG Anti-Virus FREE for Android – Performance

F1. Task Killer - 3.0 “Average“ - This option is exactly what you would expect and nothing else.

F2. Battery Consumption – 3.0 “Average” – This option could of been so much more then. Here your phone or tablet is at ##%.

F3. Data Usage - 4.0 “Great” – Great, if you are on a set data plan.

F4. Storage Usage - 4.5 “Great” – A really great option to check on both your Internal Memory and your SD card memory stats.

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AVG Anti-Virus FREE for Android - Privacy

F. App Locker – N/A – Not available in Free version

FF. App Backup - N/A – Not available in the Free version

F1. Wipe Device  (AKA. Factory Re-set) - 4.0 “Great” – Great tool for people who unwittingly corrupted their device.

F2. Wipe SD Card – 5.0 “Excellent” – Great for when you are upgrading your devices memory or if you wish to trade or sell your SD card.

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AVG Anti-Virus FREE for Android - Anti-Thief

G. Anti-Theft – Not Tested

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H. Speed of Scan – 4.0 “Great“ – A little slow. But what do you expect with very limited Smart phone system resources.

I. Updating – 3.0 “Average“ – It needs to be updated manually and it won’t always update the first attempt.

J. AVG Support – Not Tested

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My Overall Score: 79.5/100

84.5 % = A -

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My Final Verdict -Part 1- The main difference with AVG Anti-Virus FREE Smart Phone App. Is that is it split into 4 different layers of protection.

The 1st layer would be your - Protection

1. Apps -This is where the scanner will pick up any rouge apps. That are not certified via the (Google Play App Store).

2. Content – This is where you’ll find out if you downloaded or transferred a virus on to your smart phone. Via Wi-Fi, USB or Bluetooth.

3. Settings – Is also very important and often overlooked when people first get their phone. Often there are settings with in setting that make your smart phone less then secure. Such as letting unknown or un-certified apps to collect your private data, Or transmitting your location without your permission (Also known as Geo-tagging).

The 2nd layer is the AVG Anti-Virus FREE Smart Phone App - Performance

1. Task Killer

2. Battery Consumption

4. Wipe Personal Data

5. Data Usage

6. Storage Usage

The 3rd layer is the AVG Anti-Virus FREE Smart Phone App - Anti-Theft

1. Device Locater

The 4th layer is the AVG Anti-Virus FREE Smart Phone App - Privacy

1. App Locker – Only 10 day limited trial

2. App Backup – Only 10 day limited trail

3. Wipe Device

4. Wipe SD Card

My Final Verdict -Part 2- Now performance wise. This is no watered down version of the full blow PC version of AVG. Yes, there are less options and scanning is a little slower. Due to mobile phone limitations. But other then that you get what you would expect. A rather good free Anti-Virus program.

**As per the norm it is highly recommend that you upgrade to the newest version of AVG Anti-Virus FREE Smart Phone App when available. Also important is to update your AVG virus definitions as often as possible. Which in the case of this App there are new virus definition updates (Nearly) everyday.

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Here are 2 links to download AVG Anti-Virus FREE Smart Phone App:

1. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus (Google Play App Store)

2. http://free.avg.com/us-en/for-mobile (AVG’s Main Site)

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Remy “Se7en”

World Clock & Widget (1.4.4) – Android App Review

World Clock & Widget (1.4.4)

Cost Of App: Free (Google Play App Store)

Is there a paid upgrade option ?: No

App Description: (See Below)

If your location is missing, find a place in the same time zone & change the clock title.

Features:
* Customizable widget background.
* Multiple clocks support.
* Quick search for locations.

KW: world time, time zone

Are there in App ads ?: No

A. Ease Of Use: 5/5 – Super simple. Select your desired location (AKA. Place like London or Time Zone like GMT) Then decide is you wish to have a widget on your home screen or no widget and only have the clock in your Google apps list.

B. Security: No effect on Smart Phone or Tablet security.

C. Usefulness: 4/5 – Again only really useful if you intend to use it. If not it is just taking up space on your phone or tablet.

D. Smart phone Slowdown: None

E. Tablet Slowdown: None

f. Type Of User I Would Recommend To Use This App: Anyone who wants to keep track of different time zones other then there own. Then this is a very easy call to make. So go ahead and download it and don’t by accident call your mate at 3am his time. Because you were unaware of his time zone difference.

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Erin