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Showing posts with label android. Show all posts
Showing posts with label android. Show all posts

Thursday, 12 May 2016

Google Translate now works in any app on Android 4.2 or newer, iOS gets offline mode

 

Google last year introduced a new and very useful feature to Google Translate for Android, called the system-wide support for quick translations. Unfortunately, this new feature has so far only been compatible with devices running version 6.0 Marshmallow of Google's OS.

This has however changed as the simplified in-app translation functionality is now compatible with any device running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean or newer. Whenever a user selects a bit of text - in any app on your Android phone or tablet, a translation button will instantly pop up.

If a user tap on it it will open into an overlay that will present to the user, the translation of the selected text right then and there, with no need to copy text first, then hop into the Google Translate app to have it converted into your language. This saves time for users and makes translating languages you randomly come across in various apps much simpler.

Apple iOS version of Google Translate is now joining its Android iteration in supporting offline mode. Furthermore, the data packages it uses are around 25MB each, so small enough to always have on your phone if you want to. The total number of languages that support this feature is presently 52, after Filipino was added.

Lastly, Google Translate also added Word Lens in Chinese. So users can point the camera at something that's written in Chinese and it will be instantly translated for the user. It works from and to English for both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. This is the 29th language that now supports instant visual translation. And like all the others, this works offline too.

All of the new features described above are going to be rolled out to the Google Translate apps for Android and iOS in the next few days.

Sunday, 13 December 2015

How to use Microsoft's Cortana on Android devices

 

Microsoft's virtual assistant app 'CORTANA' is now compatible with Android devices. Unlike Google's own assistant 'Google now', Cortana offers is richer in terms of offering more services than its contemporary.
Android users can also benefit from this amazing voice activated assistant. Simply go to your Playstore app and search for Cortana - download and install the app and your journey into the world voice activated assistant has begun. Many virtual assistant works better when it knows a bit about its master such as places you like to eat or your favorite sport and so on.
Similar apps like Siri and Google now does this automatically, however Cortana needs to be configured manually. So open Cortana app and swipe from the left to show the Notebook page as seen below





Tap "About Me" to enter information about yourself, such as your name. For the rest of the page you can enter your favorite news, your top bands, the sports teams you support and more.

Note that the more information you give Cortana, the better the app will be providing you with information and suggestions based on your preferences.


Similar to Siri and Google now, Cortana can be used to operate your device with just your voice. While your Android smartphone is not in lock mode you can get Cortana to listen by saying "Hey Cortana." The ability to use Cortana while your phone is at lock mode is exclusive to Windows Phones, for now.

With the app in listening mode you can use your voice to open apps (by saying "Open Instagram,"), and set alarms and reminders.

Users can also use their voice to find nearby hotels or search the internet and bring up weather forecasts.

Have tried this? Share your experience with us

Monday, 30 November 2015

Support for multiple accounts on Instagram for Android now available

 

Picture sharing platform - Instagram has begun rolling out multiple accounts availability for its users on the Android platform. The new Android update tagged version 7.12.0 supports multiple accounts for users.


The photo sharing platform has never supported multiple account for users ever before both on its mobile and PC platform, however Android users can now smile as multiple accounts is now allowed in the newly released version of the application. 

 We have observed that not everyone who downloads the newest version of the app will immediately get the feature. We predict it's being rolled out in stages although Instagram has not released any official statement.

If you happen to be one of the lucky users, you would observe “Add Account” right under the “Clear Search History” option all the way down the settings list. You can create or add an account to use alongside another account already logged in.

No sign of this feature has been found on iOS even with the same version 7.12.0. Perhaps it could be due to a couple of factors like the individual device or account status of the rollout.

I couldn't get the feature working on my Android but you can download the recent Instagram file from APK Mirror. Share your experience with us by leaving a comment...

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Built-in Adblocker introduced to Firefox for Android

 

In its latest update of Android browser, Firefox has introduced Adblocker. The browser has apparently been no stranger to ad blocking before, but has been done via dedicated extensions such as AdBlock Plus.


With the recent update the functionality is there without the need for any add-ons. Users just have to use the Private Browsing feature also called Incognito Mode in other browsers. The update also comes with tracking protection that blocks certain Web elements like cookies that could be used to record your behavior across sites, according to the Company change-log. 

Furthermore the upgrade tagged Firefox 42 for Android has other new features in it as well, family-friendly browsing when you create a restricted profile on a tablet, ability to open external URLs from Android apps in the background, scrollable tabs for panels navigation, direct voice input support for searching from the URL bar, and a new mobile login manager. Performance generally has improved on interactive websites that trigger a lot of restyles. Lastly, some unnamed security fixes are said to be in the update too.

You can download yours at Playstore. Share your experience with us

Friday, 23 October 2015

Google rolls out redesigned Playstore for Android

 

There were rumors last week that Google is planning a redesign of its Playstore platform, well we can now officially confirm that the rumor is indeed true. 

 The new design featuring a big reorganization of categories as well as more modern looks has since started rolling out. Some users have started seeing the update in their android Playstore.

 The new redesign comes with two big sections Games and Apps being one, Entertainment being the other. Users will find movies, books, TV shows under the Entertainment heading once the update reaches them.

No need to worry about installing a new APK for the update - as this updated UI has been built into a recent update, technically all Google has to do is flip the switch and you get the update automatically.

Have you observed the update on your device? Share your experience with us

Friday, 4 September 2015

How to increase the RAM of your Android smartphone

 

Many users low/medium priced Android smartphones have been lamenting about the RAM capacity of their phone. RAM is random access memory of a phone - this is a phone's ability to process different commands randomly at high speed. So smartphones with little RAM are susceptible to freezing and higher time before processing a command.

 A smartphone with 512mb RAM will not run smoothly as one with 2GB RAM, because the latter is limited due to its small memory. With the introduction of an app in Android Playstore, low/medium Android smartphone users with small RAM can now increase their RAM to any desired capacity. All a user needs is a Rooted phone, memory card and Roehsoft ram expander app. This amazing app can boost your RAM to 4GB But before going any further, you can check if your phone is compatible with this application by downloading Swapfile checking app here. 

 After checking and your phone is compatible, then download and install the app and follow the step by step procedure from the app to easily increase the RAM of your phone. Amazing right ! Leave your comment

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

Android Wear smartwatches now compatible with iPhones

 

Google stated that its Android wear app for Apple IOS phones will be rolled out today and will be available for Iphone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 running iOS 8.2+ for download.

 However though, there is a limit with respect to which Android wear smartwaches you can actually use with your Iphone. For now, only the LG Watch Urbane Android wear is compatible with the IOS devices. But not to worry as Google has stated that the support will be available for other Android wear devices in the near future.

 The Android will not be fully functional on your IOS like it will on an Android device according to Google. Nevertheless, you can perform some important actions like - phone calls, notification from your favorite apps, reading you messages, traffic information, when to go for your appointment, set your fitness goals, get daily and weekly views of your fitness progress, reminders and many more. 

 As usual, your Android Wear smartwatch automatically tracks your walking and running, it measures your heart rate, and then passes the information to you even if you're using the iOS app. Amazing integration by Google, what do you think?

Tuesday, 25 August 2015

Android M is now officially unveiled as Marshmallow 6.0

 

Google has officially confirmed that its anticipated Android M is now officially called Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Google's new mascot is now welcoming photographers near the Android HQ building in California.

The new operating system 'Android M' was introduced during Google's annual I/O conference last May and is expected to become available publicly later this year. This next major Android upgrade version will be trying to optimize the performance even further by lowering the RAM usage, more vigorous standby and overall battery endurance.

This new OS will also bring in native support for fingerprint sensors and security authentications. Official app permission manager will also be added, support for USB Type-C connectors and also capability for charging other devices also to be included in the new OS.

The Developer's Preview for Android Marshmallow is presently available on Nexus 5, 6, 9 and the Nexus Player. The preview is believed to be the last one before the RTM version.

Marshmallow should make it first appearance on the Nexus devices later this year.

Wednesday, 15 July 2015

How to take a screenshot on Android Smartphones and Tablets

 

Its no more news that a substantial amount of people in the Amartphone and Tablets world use Android OS, however some users are not too familiar on how to tweak their devices to get screenshots of a particular display they desire - be it chat display, highest score in a game, a particular picture on Instagram or even take a screen capture of snapchat.

 Today i want to show you how to easily do this for all types of Android smartphones and Tablets. It is paramount to note that this process is not the same across all Android Smartphones and Tablets. For instance the procedure for taking a screenshot with your Samsung Galaxy is different from HTC. Not to worry, no matter the Android device you use - if you follow this general method you should be successful.

 When you are on the display page you wish to capture on you Tablet of phone, you can press and hold the power button first - followed by the volume down button. Please ensure not to remove your hand from the button before pressing the volume down button or else your phone screen will shut.

 If you were successful with this process you will notice a brief flash stating that the screenshot has been saved in your gallery.

 If this method did not work for you then try this - hold the power button first then tap the home screen button on the screen of your Smartphone or Tablet. This method is so dynamic that it even works on devices that use Power and volume down key.

 Have you tried this? share your experience with us by leaving a comment...  

Saturday, 20 June 2015

BlackBerry now set to fully produce Android OS smartphone

 

We could be witnessing BlackBerry's first handset running Android as early as August this year according to new rumours.

The device, which is presently codenamed BlackBerry Prague, is clearly a low-end smartphone that could be based on the BlackBerry Z3, a budget phone that was unveiled in 2014.

We speculate the specs of the BlackBerry Prague might end up being rather modest. The company is also preparing to release another handset, the BlackBerry Venice, which will come with a 5.4-inch curved QHD display and a six-core Snapdragon 808 chip – and could potentially run Android as well.

Consumers who are addicted to BlackBerry's smartphones but not been too impressed with the software it ships with, then these two new phones might change your mind.

However,with all this new directions, Blackberry has reiterated its stance that its not giving up on BB10 operating system.

Saturday, 13 June 2015

Google introduces an online tool to help you choose the right Android smartphone

 
Are you confused on which Android smartphone to choose when buying a phone, do not worry anymore as Google has found a way out for you.

Google yesterday introduced an online service to help its Android users get the best suitable Android Smartphone he/she desires. In so doing Google will use the information you provide on the online platform to choose for you the best smartphone that matches your information. 

Find out about it here


The whole process follows a step-by-step interface that is easy. Users have twelve different criterias to choose from as illustrated in the picture below. A you go step by step, a minimum of three choices is allowed to choose for you the best smartphone that suits  your needs.


If a user chooses Gaming for example, the next step is to ask you how many hours you spend on Gaming a day as shown in the picture below. The process is easy, simple and straightforward.


Next step is to choose a network carrier, but this section is for only users in the US, just choose all network carriers and you will be shown a page where the best match for you are displayed.


Furthermore you can still filter your search for size, price and most recent phone or even network carrier (only US).

Very interesting innovation by Google. Try your experience here and leave us a feedback in the comment section.



 

Friday, 29 May 2015

Preview, features and release date for Android M as Google announced its best ever Android upgrade

 

Google during its 8th annual Google I/O revealed that new version of Android operating system is "M" and it will be coming out via a Developer Preview at first. Android M is believed to improve some features of the previous Lollipop versions and also some new added features. Some of the improvements and new features are given below...


1. The first added feature is selective app permissions, which allow users to pick and choose which permissions you allow an app to have. Users will no longer grant all permissions when you install an app, instead users will grant them when the app tries to perform an action that requires additional permissions.


2. Second in the added feature for Android M is the new payment initiative, Android Pay. According to google, this new feature is all about simplicity, security and choice. Users unlock their android phone, place it on an NFC terminal, and you've just paid. Ofcourse this only possible when you sign up for Android Pay. Each transaction made your account hands over a unique number, so your main card number remains safe and secured. This service (android pay) is also available inside of other apps that integrate with the service, including banks and merchants.

Hand in hand with this new feature is integrating with fingerprint sensors at the system level (only for smartphones with fingerprint sensors). That means users will be able to unlock their device, make Play Store purchases and authenticate payments through Android Pay all with your fingerprint if your device has a sensor.


3. While noting battery life woes of Android devices, Android M also includes new power features. Android Phones and tablets running M will now use a new feature called "Doze" to drop into a lower-power state as often as possible to save power, while also staying awake for high-priority messages and notifications. Google reports that a Nexus 9 running on M can get almost twice the battery life as one running Lollipop.


4. Added to android M is a new Google Chrome experience, which allows individual tabs better integrate with the apps that they're associated to. For example an app can push you out into Chrome into a "custom tab," where you can access saved data that you only have in Chrome.

Also contained in Android M is the app-to-app linking, which will allow apps hand off data between each other much in the same way that you can follow links between websites.

The Android M Developer Preview will be released in the Nexus 5, 6, 9 and Player, and it will launch in full capacity in around September this year.

What do you think of this upgraded Android OS? Leave your comment

Monday, 11 May 2015

Google introduces pre-registration and alerts for Android apps

 

Android just keeps getting better by the day as Google has updated the Play Store with a new feature allowing publishers to put their apps up for pre-registration.

This new feature will be helpful for both developers and users, as users will be notified when the app is actually released and also developers, as it will help gauge interest in their apps prior to release. There’s also an Un-register button available for users in case you no longer want to receive alerts.

Android games giant Glu, has its Mobile’s Terminator Genisys: Revolution game (see image above) the first Play Store app to feature a Pre-register button. Amazing right! What do yo think.

Thursday, 16 April 2015

Android owners can now Google their lost mobile phone with 'find my phone'

 

Search engine giant Google is offering Android users a new way of finding their lost mobile phone.

Its new service called 'Find My Phone' which allows phone owners to locate their missing phone.

All that needs to be done is just open up Google's desktop app, ask it to locate your precious phone and you should be reunited.

Once you've raised the alarm, Google will ring up you smartphone and show you where it is on a map.

Apple inc. already offers iPhone users a similar service through iCloud.

Google wrote on its page: "We’ve all been there — you’ve searched under your car seat, tossed around the sofa cushions and you still can’t find your phone.

"If you know where your computer is, you can now ask Google to find your Android phone from your desktop. If the pesky phone is hiding nearby, Google can ring it for you — or you can see it on the map if you, say, forgot it at the bar.

"Just make sure you’ve got the latest version of the Google app!"

Wednesday, 1 April 2015

Activate Whatsapp voice calling service on your Windows and Blackberry device

 


WhatsApp has recently added the voice calling service to its update in the latest version of the Android app. The voice calling feature is available on the 2.12.19 update and for now has to be downloaded through the company’s official website, although it should soon be available for download in the Play Store as well. Android users can download it here.


For Blackberry and Windows users to get this feature -


Make sure you have the latest version of Whatsapp installed on your BB10 and Windows phone.

Next step is to look for a friend who has the voice calling service feature already on his/her device and give him your number to put a call to you through Whatsapp and gbam the service will be activated on your device too, be it Blackberry or Windows phone. Also do you know you can save call credits by using whatsapp call service regardless of any region you are.

Whatsapp initially rolled out the voice calling feature a while back but instead of making it available to all users at once, they implemented a sort of an invite system, where a user who already has the voice calling feature has to call you for you to get the calling feature.

The latest update now gets rid of all that hassle and any user who installs it will get the feature automatically. Also with the calling tab is the settings to customize the ringtone for voice calls the way you had for chats and group messages.

Hurry now and leave a comment

Monday, 23 March 2015

Samsung Galaxy S6 to have 'disable' option for unwanted preinstalled apps

 
Samsung galaxy S6
Many users have often complained of crowded and packed pre-installed applications on most smartphones. Some users even hardly use 50% of pre-installed apps and this apps consume a reasonable amount of RAM.


However, Tech giant Samsung has given respite to most samrtphone users and put many critics to rest, after finally addressing the main issue on users minds 'how do i disable unwanted pre-installed apps. With Samsung's recent iteration of the its proprietary overlay, which debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S6, users are now given the option to disable unused or unwanted apps that are part of the original smartphone package.


Please note, the main action word here is “disable” and not uninstall. The pre-installed apps can only be disabled while regular apps you download off the Play Store can be removed completely.

Samsung’s apps and Microsoft package can be disabled, in-turn hiding them from the app drawer and transfers them in list within the Application Manager where they remain dormant. You can easily access it again from the Settings menu and re-enable the apps if you decide to.
 To me its a great compromise between keeping both the products users and producers happy at the same time, and its a commendable step in the right direction.


What do you think of this introduction from Samsung? Leave your comment please

Saturday, 14 March 2015

Full specifications for Samsung Galaxy S6

 
The smartphone world is eagerly awaiting the release of the Samsung galaxy S6 that will be released next month (10th April). With its slim, seamless, full metal and glass construction, the sleek, ultra thin edged Galaxy S6 and unique, dual curved Galaxy S6 edge are crafted from the finest materials. Believe it, when you're on the move and short on time, do not fear as the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge feature the ability to fast charge your battery with wireless charging technology - letting you watch 2 hours of High Definition video from just 10 minutes charging. 
Alot of analysts have given their score for the Galaxy S6, with an average of 73% for design, 74% for features and 76% for performance. But before its release, you may want to know the Galaxy S6 specifications

=> The phone comes with a network technology of GSM/HSPA/LTE standard, simply meaning, it comes with a 2G, 3G and 4G network.

=> It has a dimension of 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm (5.65 x 2.78 x 0.27 in) and a weight of 138g

 => It comes with a Corning Gorilla Glass 4 back panel and a Nano/Micro sim with Fingerprint sensor (PayPal certified), Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified).

=> Its display is packed with Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors and resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
Galaxy S6 edge

=> Internal memory of 32/64/128 with 3GB RAM with no card slot support. A new feet from Samsung, its first smartphone with no card slot.

=> Operating system is Android OS, v5.0.2 (Lollipop) with CPU - Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 2.1 GHz Cortex-A57.

=> Camera features -16 MP, 2988 x 5312 pixels, optical image stabilization, autofocus, LED flash with Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, Auto HDR, panorama, 5MP front camera.
For video camera - 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, dual-video rec

=> Non-removable Li-Ion 2550 mAh battery.

=> Others include
Browser - HTML 5
Sensors - Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Radio - No
USB port - microUSB v2.0 (MHL 3 TV-out), USB Host
NFC - Yes
Bluetooth - v4.1, A2DP, LE, apt-X
WLAN - Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
GPS - Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
CPU - Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 2.1 GHz Cortex-A57

Monday, 9 March 2015

Tips and Tricks for android and blackberry smartphones

 
If you are an Android or Blackberry user, you may want to know some simple tricks you can perform with your smartphone. Today i will write about some helpful tips that are not known to so many. Please note that most of this tricks can be done only on android 4.4 kitkat and blackberry OS 10.

 i. You can double tap press down for few seconds on a word to highlight and then copy it. When you are reading an article and you want to search for a word or copy a particular word, just double tap on the word and it will be highlighted for you to copy easily.
An example of an highlighted word to copy of search 

 ii.Taking a screen shot at any display in your phone. Sometimes you might want to grab a particular chat in your BBM or Whatsapp or even grab a picture from Instagram, all you have to do is just press the volume buttons of your phone at the same time and hold for a few seconds. Your screenshot will be saved in your gallery automatically.
A screen grab of  whatsapp group conversation
iii. Zooming your camera to get a better picture. You can zoom in or zoom out your camera when about to take a picture, this can be done in two ways:
a. Tap the screen of your phone continously till you get your desired zoom out and zoom in on your focus. 
b. Secondly you can decide to use your volume keys, just as + is for increase in volume its also zooms out and - is for decrease in volume, it also zooms in your focus.

 Note this is not applicable to BB10 smarphones

 iv. You can also take photos now while recording a video with you phone, just press the screen of your phone while still recording and a picture will be taken and stored in your gallery.

 v. To get special letters or characters and accents on your keyboard, long press on the particular letter for a while and a list of accent will appear for you to select.
vi. Set your voicemail number and password. Setting your voicemail number allows your phone to automatically input your voicemail password. Open your Dial pad App. Press the Menu key and scroll to Call settings. For BB10 from the dial pad, do a pull down from the top and you will see settings  After that scroll down to Voicemail settings and set a Voicemail number. Please try and check with your carrier for the correct number.
More tips will come soon in my next write-up please check back and also leave your comment here

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