Give credit where credit is due: Microsoft's Windows Phone team did a fine job throwing us a curve ball by inviting us to one of the more unusual tech-related invitations in recent memory, Cooking with Windows Phone. The intimate press event was held to showcase many of the latest Windows Phones (including the rare all-white glossy Nokia Lumia 900) right before BlogHer Food '12, all under the guidance of an unexpected spokesman... More

Renovation season is here, and it's time to give your home sweet home some maintenance. Whether it's fixing a few pesky problems around the apartment or breathing life into old walls with a new coat of paint, the warm weather buries any reason for procrastination. Smartphones can make the experience go smoother with apps that keep facts and figures on hand, obtain measurements or converting them. There are countless flashlight and level apps out there, but these 6 truly deserve a spot on your tool belt. More

Photosynth
• Free (Windows Phone/iOS)
• Microsoft

I've been leaving my point & shoot travel camera at home these days, mostly because my smartphone is quite capable for typical snapshots. But physical limitations of a camera phone's lens means photos are normally limited in scope. That's where Photosynth comes in, offering the ability to snap and stitch panoramic 360 degree images with a user friendly interface that guides your hands along a vertical or horizontal plane using realtime color coded feedback, informing you whether you're aligned or need to adjust positioning. The resulting photos are impressive, near seamless... More

2012 is a big year for sports around the globe, with both the Summer Olympics in London and the European Football Tournament hosted by Poland and Ukraine happening this summer. With so much to keep track of for the global sports fan, turning to a suitable app for reminders and updates can be the difference between the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat... More

This year the summer season not only brings warmer weather, but also the Summer Games. The Olympics are a time when people of the world get together with friends, families, and compatriots to cheer on their nation and favorite athletes. As someone who is excited about the coming Summer Games, I've gathered a few (tech-related) ways to fly your national pride wherever you go, whether on your computer or mobile device... More

As we move into the hotter months of the year, many of us are making preparations for vacations to distant lands. Smartphones can not only come in handy for taking pictures or listening to music, but also make the trip run smoother and enhance your vacation. The most important thing to consider is to turn off the radio signal to avoid unnecessary international texts, calls and data costs. With that in mind, here are 6 apps you can safely use only while on vacation. More

Technology has opened up avenues for the creative at heart to construct and share multiple mediums of entertainment and culture. We live in an age where making music doesn't require a recording studio, and entire albums can be constructed on computers that fit in the palm of your hand. More

We all have our personal desktop browser preference, like Firefox or Chrome, because they fit us best, whether it's because of aesthetics, speed or the features they offer. There are similar reasons to exercise the power of choice when it comes to smartphone browsers. Some maximize screen size to get the most out of every pixel, while others chew on web code with the greatest appetite to deliver content faster. Alternate browsers for smartphones can reap many benefits and can make mobile surfing enjoyable rather than a last resort. More

If you've been in love with Instagram for the past year like I have, you may want to check out Viddy, a video application available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad (Android and Windows Phone versions supposedly coming soon). Designed with the snapshot philosophy in mind, users can capture 15 second snippets of video, apply a stylizing filter, add music, then upload your mini-movie moment to a social network... More

When we think about technology beyond the year 2000, we think of flying cars and holodecks. Although we don't need a license to fly for our daily commute quite yet, technology like augmented reality is here and accessible in the latest smartphones. To some it sounds gimmicky or unrefined but the truth is augmented reality has made leaps and bounds to become a formidable tool for daily life. Here are 12 apps that offer a glimpse of your smartphones hidden potential. More