Application Name: Smart Ruler
Description: Measure lengths of objects placed on the Android unit’s screen
Publisher’s website: Android Boy
Cost: Free basic version; $0.99 Smart Ruler Pro version adds protractor, level, goniometer; $1.99 Smart Tools version combines apps from pro versions of Smart Measure, Smart Compass and Smart Ruler.
Version/date reviewed: v.1.1.3 / 12-21-10
Phone/OS: Droid X / Android 2.2
Android Market link (mobile app only)
Android Market link (browser)
Figure 1: This is a simple app that displays a scale on the screen, measurements increasing left to right; tap or tap/draganywhere on the screen to put a red marker line, and display the distance at that point. You can change units, font sizes and colors from the Settings menu. On my phone, distances were perfectly calibrated, but if you have a problem, you can manually enter a phone calibration distance into the Settings as well.
Figure 2: Place an object flush against the left side, and tap/drag the red marker to the end of the object to measure its length.
Other issues: If you don’t have a screen protector, you run the risk of scratching the screen with the object. Even with tough Gorilla Glass, there are some objects (like rocks) that can scratch a screen.
Final thoughts:
Not much to say; does what it’s supposed to. The entire Smart line is pretty good (I’ve already reviewed a few others), and the $1.99 Smart Tools package, containing all these Smart measuring apps, is a bargain.