Android

Samsung Internet 101: How to Password-Protect Your Private Browsing Sessions

Whichever web browser you use, each comes with a way to surf the net "secretly." While nothing on the internet is truly anonymous, private browsing modes can help keep your movements hidden from those who might have access to your data. The "secret mode" for the Samsung Internet app goes a step further on Android, by locking your private browsing behind a unique password.

News: Watch JerryRigEverything Scratch, Burn & Bend the New All-Glass OnePlus 6

With the change to a glass back, many of us are concerned about the durability of OnePlus 6. While glass does offer some benefits such as lighter weight, without proper reinforcement, it can easily shatter in one drop. Now we have our our first look at its durability thanks to JerryRigEverything.

How To: Enter Split Screen Mode in Android P to Run Two Apps Side by Side

In the new Android P, the multitasking view is reminiscent of webOS days. As a result, enabling split screen mode no longer works as it once did. However, it's still easy to use, whether or not you're using the new "Swipe up on Home button" gesture or have stuck with the old-style navigation buttons that include the "Recents" aka "Overview" softkey.

How To: Use Screen Pinning in Android P to Lock Apps in the Foreground

Screen pinning is a fairly unknown feature despite the fact that it's been around since 2014. It's a helpful security tool that limits access to your device to only one app — perfect for those times when someone asks to borrow your phone. While previous versions kept this feature exactly the same, Android P's new multitasking UI changes the way it works.

How To: Enable the iPhone X-Like Home Button Swipe Gestures in Android P

While Android P introduced some significant changes to the core operating system, the feature most people will be talking about is the native gesture controls. By default, these gestures are disabled — but for those of us wanting to try to the future of Android, here's how to enable the new controls.

How To: Install Android P Beta on Your Essential Phone

Earlier this year, we got our first taste of Android P in the form of Developer Preview 1. As with all past Android previews, DP1 was limited to Google devices — but at Google I/O 2018, Google announced that Developer Preview 2 would be accessible to other devices, including the Essential PH-1.

How To: Unlock & Use the Morse Code Keyboard in Gboard on Your Android Phone

At the Google I/O conference on May 8, Google revealed a new feature that adds a Morse code keyboard to Gboard so that people who cannot talk, type, or swipe normally will still have a way to communicate in the digital age. While it's mainly an accessibility feature for those who actually need it, it's a good way for anyone to learn or brush up on their Morse code skills.

How To: 24 New Features & Changes the Android Oreo Update Gives Your LG V30

Its official: On May 8, T-Mobile finally released the Android Oreo update for the LG V30 and V30+. Now, every major US wireless carrier has pushed the update. For me, this update is a big deal. Not only does Android Oreo bring some new tools and features, but LG has also included a few additions as well.

How To: Get OnePlus' Gorgeous Weather App on Any Phone

The OnePlus 6 will be available to consumers in early June 2018, along with its top-of-the-line specs — and yes, a notch. But you can start getting some of their stock apps as early as today, thanks to XDA user erayrafet, who ported this Weather app directly from the source.

How To: Android P's Lock Screen Weather Not Working? Try These Tricks

Among its many new features, Android P returns the spirit of lock screen widgets to users by presenting the current temperature and weather conditions underneath the clock. It isn't flashy, but it's a fun and useful addition that, unfortunately, does not always work. If your lock screen weather isn't showing up, you might want to try these steps to fix it.

How To: Steam Controller Not Connecting via Bluetooth? Here's the Fix for Steam Link on Android

On May 17 2018, Valve released the Android beta version of their Steam Link app, which allows you to stream Steam games from your computer directly to your phone. You'll probably also want to connect your favorite controller to your phone, but you may run into some issues if you prefer Valve's own Steam Controller.

How To: Get IMDb Ratings in the Netflix App for Android

I don't need to remind you that Netflix is a holy bastion of both outsourced and original content. I probably also don't need to remind you that Netflix's rating system sucks. It suggests content based on how much you'd like it, as opposed to how highly it's rated. After all, Netflix wouldn't admit that some of their own material isn't good.

How To: Install Android P Beta on Your Google Pixel or Pixel 2 Right Now

Earlier this year, with the Developer Preview, we got a tantalizing glimpse of Google's upcoming Android P and a whole slew of new features that comes along with it, such as iPhone X-like gestures and improved security features, to name a few. With its announcement at Google I/O, Android P just got a lot more accessible.

News: Nova Launcher Receives Updated Google Now Page

One of the better additions in the stock Android launcher is the Google Now page. Residing to the left of the home screen, this page presents a host of information based on the user's interests, which Google bases on analyzed data. Recently, the Google Now page design received a makeover which Nova Launcher users can now enjoy.

News: LG G7 ThinQ Comes Packed with Notch, Super Bright Display, Impressive Sound & More

After delaying its launch by four months, LG revealed its 2018 entry to the flagship market on Wednesday, May 2. After years of an underperforming mobile division, the LG G7 ThinQ is the first product since a shakeup within the division to get things back on track, and it brings a number of upgrades over its G6 predecessor.

Google Chrome 101: How to Save Webpages & PWAs to Your Home Screen for Instant Access

Bookmarks and favorites are handy options for saving interesting websites you come across while surfing the web on Android but are far from ideal when it comes to instant access. Thankfully, Google Chrome gives you the added ability to save webpages and progressive web apps directly to your home screen for added convenience.

News: You Don't Need a Gaming Phone to Game Like a Pro on Android

As manufacturers try to differentiate their smartphones from the sea of Android devices, a new genre of smartphone has emerged: gaming phones. Razer Phone was the first to gain traction, but the likes of Xiaomi, Asus, and ZTE have all announced gaming-first phones coming soon. Still, you don't really need to buy a "gaming phone" to play games like a pro on your smartphone.

Chrome 101: How to Block Popups & Intrusive Ads on Android

Ads can detract from your mobile browsing experience, especially if they appear out of nowhere as popups or large annoying banners that take up almost all of your screen. If those weren't bad enough, some ads appear as extremely loud videos that can even disrupt others around you. In fact, ads have gotten so obnoxious that even Google itself was forced to act.

How To: Sideload Apps on Android 8.0 Oreo Now That 'Unknown Sources' Is Gone

Starting with Android 8.0 Oreo, the process of sideloading apps has changed dramatically. Google removed the old "Unknown Sources" setting and replaced it with a permission that you have to grant to individual apps. It's really an interesting security feature.

News: 101 Features Android Phones Had Before iPhones

When it's all said and done, it doesn't really matter who did it first — the more important question is who did it best. Still, it's nice to know who's really responsible for groundbreaking innovations in the smartphone space.

News: Why the LG G7 ThinQ's New Super Bright Display Is Actually a Game-Changer

The LG G7 ThinQ will likely be lambasted for its notch and awkward name, but one thing they seem to have gotten right is the new display. The G7 ThinQ will give many a first look at a new type of panel with lots of promise. While it was previously limited to TVs, from what we know, it should really shine on a smaller screen.

News: 12 Important Privacy & Security Features Google Added to Android P

We know Android P will be Android 9.0, but we don't know its codename just yet. Some have speculated Popsicle, Pound Cake, Pecan Pie, and even Pancake — but from what we've seen so far, that P could very well stand for Privacy.

How To: 3 Ways to Get Around Google's Uncertified Device Ban

Google has started blocking certain devices from accessing the Google Play Store and other Google services. This is part of an effort to clamp down on OEMs that skirt its certification requirements, but now millions of phones have been uncertified to download or update Google apps. Fortunately, there are a few workarounds.

Google Chrome 101: How to Unlock the Material Design 2 User Interface with Round Icons & Blended Status Bar

Google's been using their "Material Design" look in Android for years now, but a change is coming up with "Material Design 2," their updated version focusing on new colors, icons, and spacing. Whether it'll be called "Material Design 2" or not remains to be seen, but you can try it out right now in Google Chrome on your Android device right now.

Chrome 101: How to Enable the Home Page Button on Any Android Phone

The Android version of Google Chrome only shows a home button on some devices. Unfortunately, this feature isn't available to all Android phones due to several factors. But thanks to a simple workaround, you can now enable this button and set a home page regardless of what device you have.

Chrome 101: How to Make Sites Stop Asking to Show Notifications

As the go-to browser for millions worldwide, Chrome makes web surfing a breeze with its simple interface and Google integration. But many websites are starting to ask if they can send you notifications, and this can interrupt your browsing. Thankfully, you can completely disable these prompts if you prefer.

How To: Here's How the iPhone X-Like Gestures Work in Android P

Android P is bringing in plenty of changes, but the headlining feature is a set of navigation gestures like the iPhone X uses. With Android 9.0, you can now navigate through your phone using a total of seven new swipe gestures.

How To: 15 Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts Every Android Pro Should Know About

There are a number of options and hidden menus within Android that provide users more control over their device. With this control, you can better manage how your phone operates. We came up with a list of tips and shortcuts that, when used, will slowly put you on a path to becoming an Android power user.

How To: 22 Features You Probably Overlooked on Your Samsung Galaxy

TouchWiz might not be the Android skin of choice for hardcore aficionados, but the Galaxy's OS still has a ton of great features up its sleeve that help provide one of the most enjoyable smartphone experiences out there. Many of these are relatively hidden and overlooked features that you may not be aware of.

How To: Permanently Stop Any App from Updating on the Play Store — No Computer Needed

App updates bring new functionality, but they can also break old features or introduce changes no one wants. Unfortunately, if you're holding onto an older app version because you don't want to accept the update, it becomes a lot harder to keep the rest of your apps updated.

How To: 33 Cool Little Android Features You Might Not Know About

One of Android's biggest strengths is its flexibility. There's usually more than one way to perform the same task, which makes it easy to find an alternate method that works better for you. Android also has some hidden features that newer users might not be aware of, so we made this list to highlight lesser-known tips and tricks.

How To: Make Apps Use the Entire Screen on Your Essential Phone — Even the Notch

In the Android community, there's a lot of discussion about how display notches should be used. For some, hiding the notch is more appealing, but others feel that hiding it wastes screen real estate. Well, Essential just provided another solution that should satisfy both sides.

News: Samsung Is Still Awful at Flagship Updates

In the Android community, Samsung's slow updates have long been the accepted norm. With the Note 8's recent Android Oreo update, Samsung completed annual version updates to their 2017 flagship lineup. Now is a great time to look back on how Samsung has fared with updates over the past few years. Hint: It's not pretty.

News: Snapchat 'Upgraded' Its Android Camera Quality with 10-Year-Old Software

You may have noticed improved photo quality in the Android Snapchat app in recent months. Believe it or not, this is because Snapchat only just recently started using a decade-old camera API that predates every Android phone in existence.

Hacking WhatsApp: How to Schedule Messages to Send Automatically

Great ideas often strike at random times, but messaging friends and loved ones at an inopportune hour not only risks their wrath, but also increases the chances of your message not being paid proper attention to. Thankfully, there's an app that lets you create and post WhatsApp messages at the time you wish for maximum effect.

Rumor Roundup: Everything We Know So Far About Google's Pixel 3

Although marked by initial scandals, many regard the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL as some of the best Android devices money can buy. With that precedent set, all Android users should be excited for whatever Google is cooking up with its third Pixel device, as their 2017 offerings have set the bar rather high.

How To: Get Android P's Volume Slider on Any Phone & Control Media Volume by Default

With the recent launch of the Android P developer preview, many are clamoring to get their hands on some of the new features. Unfortunately for most Android users, Android P will not arrive on their device until 2019. The good news is you can add one of Android P's biggest UI changes to your phone today with a simple app.

How To: See if Facebook Messenger Is Logging Your Calls & Texts (& Turn It Off)

It hasn't been a great year for Facebook. Recently, Android users had to discover on their own that the company was logging their calls and texts in Messenger. However, according to Facebook, all users did approve of the data collection, and as such, all affected users can disable logging as well.

How To: Spoof Your Location to Get Around MLB Blackouts on Your Android Phone

MLB.TV is a great service that lets you watch most Major League Baseball games in North America, as long as you're a subscriber, of course. While I personally love it, blackouts can ruin the ability to watch my favorite teams. Fortunately, MLB At Bat Android users have an easy way to bypass blackout restrictions — and with no root required.

How To: Turn Off Facebook Lite's Call & Text History Logging on Android

The Android world exploded when it was discovered that Facebook was logging the call and text histories of many of its users, although the company claims those users had explicitly given Facebook permission to log that data. The case remains that many users were unaware of this activity, which occurs on both Messenger and Facebook Lite. Luckily, it's very easy to disable.