Home » Tips
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts

Sunday, December 1, 2013

How To Try The Google Experience Launcher With Google Now And Translucent Bars

      Comment  

Now that the KitKat update has started rolling out to various Nexus devices, we're, unfortunately, seeing no traces of the Google Experience Launcher, which confirms an earlier report stating as much. No GEL means no transparency in the default and a pretty barebones boring AOSP launcher. It also means no Google Now integration and no "Ok Google" hotword support while on any home screen.


However, not all is lost. There are several ways to obtain the coveted transparency in the status and navigation bars, and even a way to get GEL and Google Now. The latter doesn't work 100% - there are very minor quirks, but it should satisfy those of you craving Google Experience for the time being.
Since the stock launcher does not seem to come with the transparency flag ticked (seriously, Google?), the solution is to install a secondary launcher.
Note: The Nexus 10 may very well not support transparency at all, as it may have been disabled for performance reasons. We'll see when we get our hands on the OTA.


NOVA LAUNCHER

The latest Nova Launcher beta is a great way to go and looks like this:


As you can see, it enables transparency once you tick the appropriate box in the launcher settings and generally matches the KitKat theme pretty well. My favorite differentiating feature (there are many) is a freely scrollable app drawer as opposed to the horrid pagination in Google's own launchers. It's not as bad on tablets, since each screen fits a lot of apps, but on phones I find pagination unbearable.
There is only one problem with Nova, and that is the lack of Google Now home screen integration. If you're into that sort of thing that is - personally, I'm going to stick with Nova.

GOOGLE EXPERIENCE LAUNCHER

Since Google decided the new launcher is going to be exclusive to the Nexus 5 for now, we're going to have to rip it out of there and install manually. The good news is all of the Google Experience Launcher code is already inside Search 3.0, which ships with the KitKat OTA.
The only thing we need to install is a little APK called GoogleHome, a.k.a. Launcher, a.k.a. com.google.android.launcher. This APK weighs 12MB, but don't let that fool you - 99% of the space is occupied by KitKat wallpapers, and only a minimal amount of code is present to enable the entry point into the new launcher.
Before we go on, I have to warn you - while the launcher does work quite well, it's not without flaws. After all, we've ripped it out of a phone and are trying to stick it onto a tablet.
The biggest problem is every time you press Home while in another app, the keyboard pops up for no apparent reason. Pressing Back gets rid of it, but it happens again, which gets annoying rather quickly.
Other very minor niggles are:
  • the Search box is not centered
  • the app drawer icon does not look like the KitKat one on the Nexus 5, probably because the appropriate resource is missing







Download the APK, install it, then tap Home or go to Settings -> Home for easy launcher management. You will see a new option called Launcher with the blue icon.
File name: com.google.android.launcher-0.9.6.886092.apk.
Version: 0.9.6.886092.
    MD5: 9d2a84831bf537a48fc630b8a219fbf4.


Thursday, August 1, 2013

How to Fix “RPC:S-5:AEC-0″ Error while Installing or Updating apps Google Play Store

How to Fix “RPC:S-5:AEC-0″ Error while Installing or Updating apps Google Play Store

      Comment  
Google’s play store is one of the biggest repository for apps for Android phones and tablets and comes with a lot of apps. But while downloading or installing apps, you might have encountered the error “RPC:S-5:AEC-0, Error retrieving information from the server”. If you are facing this error, you will not be able to download or install new apps or update existing ones. Here is a solution to this problem on Android phones and tablets.


There are two ways to fix the error.
Method 1:
  • Go to System settings->  Accounts->Google and then remove your Gmail account from there.
  • Now from settings->Apps->All, select Google Play Store, Google Service Framework etc and Force stop, Clear data and cache for these apps.
  • Now again go to settings-> Accounts->Google->Add your Gmail account
  • Accept all the Google terms and setup Google settings  and now once again run the Google Play store, you will be able to install and update apps.
Method 2:
  • Open System settings
  • Go to Applications (or Apps) -> All
  • From all apps select Google Play Store -> Clear Cache and Uninstall updates
  • Now, All -> Google Services Framework -> Clear Cache and Data
  • Now, rerun Google play store.
Method one has better chance of solving the issue, but needs more time as you need to delete your account and then create it again.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

5 Ways To Improve Your Android Battery Life

      1 comment  
Android-based smart devices can work like a laptop or netbook. Unfortunately, without the use of the correct settings, Android smartphones often wasteful batteries.
If you want your Android battery last longer, you should take a few tips 

1. Turn off unnecessary applicationsYes, you should turn off any applications that you think is not too important or infrequently used, such as application widgets, tasker, including GPS, Wi-Fi, 4G and network connections, Bluetooth and NFC. The connectivity features can drain the battery even when your smartphone is being standby.

2. Prioritize Wi-FiIf you need an internet connection, you can search for Wi-Fi signal that you can use to surf the Internet, select Wi-Fi is better than using the mobile network. because the mobile network connection can drain the battery faster than Wi-Fi.

3. Adjusting the screen brightnessIn general, the more light, the more the power source used. It is also valid on your smartphone screen. for example, when you are indoors, you can adjust the screen brightness up to a certain level that makes you comfortable.
In addition, you can set the screen timeout with short intervals. For example, If you usually set the limit of screen time approximately five or ten minutes, you could replace it up to thirty-or fifteen seconds alone.

4. Wallpaper and themesLive wallpaper always make an appearance on your smartphone look more cool, however, if you use a regular wallpaper with a darker color theme, of course, can save your Android battery.

5. Power Saving modeIf you are using an Android device continuously throughout the day, then you can consider using the Power Saving mode. because this feature can extend the battery life of your smartphone.

As we all know, battery is one of the important things to consider when buying a smart device. However, that does not mean you are free to use without care for and look after it.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Featured: Top 6 Best Custom ROMs

      4 comments  
There are tons of Custom ROMs available out there for you to throw on your device. But many of them are only for one or two devices, which makes it hard for everyone to try them out. So we’ve put together our Monthly Power Rankings for March of 2013 with the top 10 best Custom ROMs. All of these ROMs are available on many devices. Most of them are available on the entire Nexus family of devices as well as the Galaxy S3, and a few other popular devices.
Of course, not everyone is going to agree with our rankings, but that’s fine everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If you feel a ROM was not mentioned here that should have been mentioned, leave a comment below and we’ll check out that ROM.

6. CarbonRom



CarbonRom is a new ROM that is of course an aftermarket firmware based on Android 4.2.2 from AOSP. Of course, it does have some nice added features from Paranoid Android and AOKP. Some of the features included in CarbonRom are: PIE, Unofficial Voodoo sound support, lockscreen options, Chronus Clock widget (from CyanogenMod), customizable hardware and software keys, and much more. CarbonRom is available for the following devices currently:

  • Samsung Galaxy S3 (d2att , d2spr , d2tmo , d2vzw , d2usc , d2mtr , d2cri , i9300 )
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (i605 , i900 , t0lte , n7100 )
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus (maguro , toro , toroplus )
  • Samsung Galaxy Note International 
  • Samsung Galaxy S2 International 
  • Nexus 4 
  • HTC One X International 
  • HTC One S 
  • Nexus 7 
  • Nexus 10 
  • Samsung Infuse 4G 



5. Vanilla RootBox


This is another newer ROM you may or may not have heard about. It was the first ROM in our weekly Custom ROM Spotlight, this one is built from source with some features from CM, AOKP, and Paranoid Android. Including features like Per app DPI, Per app Tablet UI, OTA updates, Navigation bar color and much more. You can download Rootbox for your device by hitting this link , and it’s currently available for:
  • Galaxy Nexus (maguro only)
  • Nexus 4
  • Nexus 7
  • Galaxy Note 2 (N7100, L900, i605)
  • Samsung Galaxy S2 (I9100, I9100G)
  • Samsung Galaxy S3 (I9300, I747, T999, I535)


4. SlimBean


SlimBean is exactly what the name hints at, a very slim version of stock Android. It does come with quite a few options, like Codename Android did. Including the ability to undervolt/underclock your CPU, set up profiles, theme engine, and much more. SlimBean is currently available for many devices, but we’ll just include the most popular ones below. You can find all the downloads on their website .
  • Nexus 4
  • Nexus 10
  • Nexus 7 & Nexus 7 3G
  • Galaxy Nexus (maguro, toro, and toroplus)
  • Nexus S & Nexus S 4G
  • Galaxy S3 (I9300, d2att, d2tmo, d2spr, d2vzw)
  • Galaxy Note International & Galaxy Note AT&T


3. Euroskank


Euroskank is basically just a kang of CyanogenMod, but they do bring in new features and newer versions of Android quicker than CyanogenMod, which is why they are on the list. For the most part it’s stock Android, with a few cherry picks from CyanogenMod 10.1. And available for a slew of devices, which all downloads can be found on their website .
  • Nexus 4
  • Nexus 7
  • Galaxy S3 (i9300, d2att, d2spr, d2tmo, d2vzw)
  • Galaxy Nexus (Toro, Toroplus, Maguro)
  • Nexus 10
  • Transformer TF300T


2. CyanogenMod


This is probably the most popular ROM for anyone just getting into the flashing scene. CyanogenMod has been around since the beginning. And has gained more team members, device support and new features over the years. Including customizable quick settings, customizable software and hardware keys and much more. CyanogenMod 10.1 is available for a ton of devices, but we aren’t going to list them all here, it would take up to much space. Check out their website  for all the downloads.
  • Nexus 4
  • Nexus 7
  • Nexus 10
  • Galaxy Nexus (Maguro, Toro, Toroplus)
  • Galaxy S3 (I9300, d2att, d2tmo, d2spr, d2vzw, d2cri, d2mtr, d2usc)
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (all variants)
  • HTC Incredible 4G LTE
  • HTC One X
  • Motorola Xoom & Motorola Xoom 3G
  • Samsung Epic 4G
  • Nexus S & Nexus S 4G


1. Paranoid Android


Of course, you saw this one coming? With all the features that Paranoid Android  has introduced over the past few weeks, it had to be number one on our list this month. It’s built from Android 4.2.2 source, and includes a ton of added features like Pie, per app colors, per app dpi, tablet/phablet/phone UI, and much more. Here are some of the devices thatParanoid Android is currently available for :
  • Nexus S
  • Nexus 7
  • Nexus 4
  • Nexus 10
  • Galaxy Nexus (Maguro, Toro, and Toroplus)
  • Galaxy S3 (i9300, d2tmo)
  • ASUS Transformer TF700T

Sunday, June 30, 2013

6 Android apps to prolong your phone's battery life

      1 comment  


Android is one of the most flexible platforms in the mobile operating system world. And if you have an Android smartphone, you practically use it for everything. With Android devices coming with even larger displays and faster processors, the range of its functions continues to increase. But what suffers is the battery life. Long hours are spent charging the phones. However, the Google Play Store has come up with some amazing battery saver apps for Android devices. They are as follows:

This is practically the king of battery saver apps. It is perfectly designed to extend the battery life of the Android device. It is packed with smart functions and automatically and transparently manages the most battery draining components like 3G/ 4G connectivity and Wi-Fi. It also allows complete customization through a clean and intuitive user interface. It integrates seamlessly with power control widgets and shortcuts without interfering in the manual settings. Its features include five preset profiles, home screen battery widgets, mobile data toggle information, location aware Wi-Fi control, comprehensive connectivity scheduling, etc. Above all this amazing app is free.


This has been described as the phone’s battery’s best wife. It is easy to use and shows the battery percent in the notification bar. The app has a fast Wi-Fi/ GPS/ Data/ Bluetooth switch and an app white list for streaming apps. This app is capable of extending your battery as it automatically disables Wi-Fi and data connection. It also has the genius sync that allows app to sync every few minutes but save battery. It also can disable data network and Wi-Fi connections when sleeping. The sleeping time can be adjusted according to one’s preference.



This is a super battery savior with a gorgeous and professional UI. It delivers awesome power and yet is simply and elegantly designed. This app has the ability to make your battery last up to 50 percent longer. As a result, your phone won’t run out of battery at crucial times anymore. Moreover, you don’t have to charge your phone every day as is the case with many Android devices.





This is a unique app as it covers for tablets as well as phones unlike its competitors. It has a clean and clear interface and has a nice look. Apart from that, the app includes real time monitoring with graphs and a host of quick toggles for one to turn functions on and off. This is a huge relief for those who have Honeycomb which is stuck with a terrible battery life. BatteryBooster  is the app for your terrible battery life on your tablet till Ice Cream Sandwich comes along.



Task killers have gotten a bad name since the launch of Gingerbread but rogue processes continue to exist no matter whatever Google tells us. There are many widgets that refuse to go light with the memory. This app not only tames your battery but also goes light with memory usage.





This is strictly not an app but deserves a place in this list because it serves the same purpose. It comes very handy in some situations such as when one spends a lot of time in a web browser. With the Dolphin Battery Saver one can control and optimize how long your phone or tablet will last. The app is smart, has amazing add-ons and is pretty intuitive.

5 Best Android Calendar Apps

     
Actually your smartphone is a device that can do almost everything – from calling and texting to playing music and watching movies, but one thing it excels in is being a time organizer. With an extremely versatile and powerful Calendar app on your mobile, you will never forget about birthdays and all other important events.


Usually you have a lot of that functionality covered in the pre-installed Calendar app be it an Android Phone you are rocking. But if you really want to take your productivity to the next level and make sure you have your life perfectly steady in your hands at all times, you need the best calendar apps you can get. So here let us take a look at the 5 best Android calendar apps that you can get on Google Play. Check now!


Top 1: MyCalendar 


As the most beloved calendar app by Facebook users, MyCalendar will never let you forget about your friends' birthday again! This app takes note of your friends' birthdays and sets up notification so you can easily message your friends and wish them "Happy Birthday."

    Key Features: 

    • Import birthdays from Facebook 
    • Add birthdays of all contacts from your phone and add custom birthdays 
    • Customizable reminder settings: delivers notifications straight to your iPhone) 
    • Easily message your friends and wish them "Happy Birthday " along with custom message with just one click! 





    Top 2: Jorte Calendar  

    Jorte is really great at showing you multiple views of your calendar. It shows your day's agenda under the month view when you click on it. Additionally, it lets you view tasks lined up foe each day, making it great for managing both your schedule and your to-do list. 





    Key Features: 
    • Jorte Cloud: Original Cloud feature for multi-device use and backup. 
    • Various widget settings are available. 
    • Monthly and Weekly views are available. 
    • Important appointments are shown in red. 
    • See completed appointments at a glance. 
    • It can synchronize with Google Calendar. 
    • Adjust the starting day of the week on each view; it doesn't always have to be Sunday! 
    • Import the Holidays of your choice from Google Calendar. 
    • Import and Export the contexts to CSV format. 
    • It can be controlled using Google Voice Search and Google Maps. 





    A complete calender app that is synchronizing with your Google calendars! It comes load with a great and smooth interface where you can pinch to zoom in and out. Instead of having views for "week", "4-day", "month", and so on, you start with a month view and can tap and drag on a certain set of days to shrink the view to those days. 





    Key Features: 
    • Smooth scroll- and zoomable multi-day view (1-14 days) 
    • Graphical and textual presentation 
    • Month, agenda, day and event view 
    • Quickly fade in/out calendars using the favorite bar 
    • Search function 
    • Configurable widgets in different sizes for month, week, agenda and day view (3 design themes for each widget type) 
    • Easy switching between timeline bars and event titles in month view 
    • Intuitive new handling option: just move your finger over some days of interest in month view to open them in the multi-day view 
    • Quick day overview when adding a new event 
    • Many options for recurrent events (e.g. to add a recurrent event that takes place every other week on Tuesday and Thursday) 




    Top 4: aCalendar - Android Calendar  

    Great free calendar app shinning with its unique weekly view of events. Flipping right and left takes you in monthly and daily views. The most impressive feature is the huge tiles for the weekly view, and the widget is also great. The drawback is lack of integration with Google Maps. 





    Features: 
    • Intuitive navigation with smooth transitions 
    • Day, week & month calendar 
    • 48 colors per calendar, per-event color if supported by the calendar (Android Jelly Bean with Google Calendar only) 
    • Custom event font size 
    • Fullscreen widgets 
    • Flexible recurrences (e.g., every 3 weeks) 
    • Birthdays & anniversaries with photos from your addressbook and editing 
    • Fullscreen widgets
    • Custom event font size
    • Uses Android's native calendar backend and synchronization
    • No battery drain
    • Moon phases and zodiac signs for birthdays
    • QR barcode sharing of events
    • NFC sharing
    • Free
    • No ads


    Top 5: Google Calendar 

    The Google calendar app comes built-in with the Android OS. The mobile functionality of this app is flawless due to Google and Android's intrinsic link. If you update an appointment on this app, it will instantly reflect on your mobile device. You will also enjoy the built-in functionality of shared calendars where you can simultaneously create and view multiple calendars.


    Key Features:

    • Create, edit, and delete events
    • View all your calendars at the same time, including non-Google calendars.
    • Quickly email all event guests from a notification with a customizable message.
    ▲
    Top