Tunes - Tuneflow

Ever since I installed a barcode-scanning app on my phone, I see QR codes everywhere—so naturally I wanted one of my own. If you're a barcode-scanning fool, the QR code to the left links to my personal web site. Fun!

We talk a lot about using smartphones to stay productive here at Lifehacker, but those with regular cellphones shouldn't be left out. Weblog MakeUseOf offers a handy guide to keeping up on social networks and staying productive through SMS only.Photo by Jeramy Jannene.

Android: Most phones don't make it easy to switch cellular data connection on and off, even if doing so really helps save your battery. JuiceDefender toggles wireless data and Wi-Fi on and off every so often to preserve power.

According to Android fan site Android and Me, every Android phone in the U.S. will eventually receive an update to Android 2.1. That's great news for Android users (like our own Kevin Purdy) who've been frustrated with how quickly Android devices are left in the upgrade dust.

Ed. note: When we saw that Wichita-based coder Chad Smith had automated Google Voice phone ringing with GPS, we had to ask for details. With an Android phone, a $10 app, and some web server space, here's how he pulled it off.

Google Voice hasn't been in the spotlight much since the iPhone debacle, but Google continues to pack on the features. If you're still not sure what Google Voice has to offer, here's Google's comprehensive Voice guide in video form.

Email has become the default form of communication for many of us—as evidenced by overflowing inboxes despite our best attempts to wrangle them—but actual voice communication still has its place. So we're wondering:When do you pick up the phone rather than sending another email?

Charged and synced portable devices keep us connected and get us through the day, so it's extremely annoying when you need to connect but don't have the right cord nearby. FlipSync puts one on your keychain for iPhones and generic USB devices.

Browser maker Opera plans to unveil an iPhone version of its Mini browser at a mobile conference next week, promising "six times faster download speeds" and reduced data use over mobile Safari. Now all that remains is, well, App Store approval.