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Samsung Galaxy Note 3 rumored to have 4K video capture

Penulis : Pada Hari : Tuesday, August 27, 2013 | Jam : 5:40 PM
The forthcoming phablet could be the first mobile device to offer Ultra High Definition video recording in 4K resolution, but we think that's a long shot.

The forthcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 3 could be the first smartphone to boast Ultra High Definition video recording, reports The Korea Economic Daily (translate).
With only days left before the expected official IFA announcement, new rumors like this have bubbled to the surface.

According to the Korean news outlet, the phablet will be the first to offer 4K (3,840x2,160-pixel) video capture. What's more, the device is alleged to provide 24-bit/192KHz music playback, a step above the 16-bit audio found in previous generations.
While the Ultra HD video sounds fantastic, it's worth noting that there are currently no smartphones capable of playing back video at such a resolution. Going a step further, it's hard to imagine the Galaxy Note 3 having enough storage to hold said videos. It also isn't clear what the purpose of videos would be at such a high resolution, since 4K TV sets are still a long ways off from being the norm.
As one rumor that must be taken with not just a grain, but a handful of salt, I am reminded of the 3D display and video recording fad from a few years back. Remember how smartphones were going to spur the adoption of 3D televisions? Now, consider that a recently reduced rate Samsung TV can still cost $4,999. Recording 4K video on a mobile device seems like a feature that would be wasted on most users.
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Use NetLive for Android to find data-hogging apps in real-time

Penulis : Pada Hari : | Jam : 5:23 PM
Use NetLive for Android to find data-hogging apps in real-time
Ready to find out which app is eating all of your data each time it's running? NetLive knows exactly how much data your other apps are using right now.

As Sharon Vaknin recently pointed out, unlimited data plans are in short supply. You may have a 2GB or 4GB data limit because the next package up is either too much data, or doesn't fit in your budget. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to enjoy your smartphone to the fullest.
One of the first things you should do on a limited data plan is find ways to conserve data. But what if you've followed all the tips for saving data, and you still seem to be running out too quickly? There may be a data-hogging culprit in your mix of apps.
NetLive is an Android app that will show you data usage in real-time, so you can see what's really hogging your data plan. The way this app differs from the built-in data manager and other data reporting apps is the real-time feature. For instance, if you use Facebook, Gmail, and Pandora more often than other apps, they will undoubtedly be at the top of your list. But what if another app you don't use that often keeps running in the background and pilfering your data allowance? Ready to check it out? Here's how to get started:

First, install a copy of NetLive on your Android device. The app requires Android version 4.0 or higher. Open the app and select the unit of measure for viewing data usage. For starters, I'd recommend setting this to kBps.

It's time to decide if you want the data usage information shown in the notification shade, in a widget on your Home screen, or both. The widget has sizing options (from micro to large), unit of measure options, and even text color choices so you can read it on your wallpaper. If you're using the widget, you can disable the notification shade information from the app's menu.
 
Now you can start using your phone as usual, and whenever you're curious how much data is being used at the present time, open the notification shade or check the widget. The app using the most data, and its current transfer rate, will be displayed.

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The complete guide to using SwiftKey on Android

Penulis : Pada Hari : | Jam : 5:14 PM
The complete guide to using SwiftKey on Android
Learn how to use the world's best Android keyboard in a few short minutes.


One of the advantages of using an Android device is having the ability to change the default browser, keyboard, and messaging apps, among other things. Google's operating system gives the user complete control of their device.
The Google Play store is home to thousands of different apps, but there is one that stands out from the pack and ranks among the very best. SwiftKey, a popular third-party keyboard, is arguably the best Android keyboard available today. While Google has made strides to improve the stock Android keyboard, SwiftKey's customization features and prediction engine are unmatched.
Here's how you can become a SwiftKey master:

Getting started

Installing the app
SwiftKey is available in the Google Play store for $3.99, a rather steep price for a keyboard; however a trial version is available for free for 30 days, which should be more than enough time to get you hooked.

The first time you open the application you will be prompted to choose your language, make SwiftKey your default keyboard, and enable SwiftKey Cloud and SwiftKey Flow.
SwiftKey Cloud
Switching between devices used to be a hassle when using SwiftKey. After listening to its users, however, the company recently updated the app to now save your settings in the cloud. That isn't all it can do, though. SwiftKey Cloud can also add trending phrases to your dictionary and learn about your typing habits from other applications such as Twitter, Facebook, and Gmail.
 
Assuming you didn't already enable the cloud feature during the SwiftKey setup. The app can be configured by going to your phone's Settings and selecting the Language & Input option under the Personal settings. Next, ensure SwiftKey is enabled and set as your default keyboard, click on the settings icon, and open the SwiftKey Cloud option.
Here you will be able to enable, disable, and manage SwiftKey's syncing behavior, check other devices you have connected to the cloud, access the Facebook and Twitter personalization settings, enable or disable Trending Phases, and delete your cloud account.

The Keyboard

Making it your own
The customization tools included in SwiftKey are nearly endless. There is support for 60 different languages, six keyboards, and 11 themes. Other options include the ability to change the vibration duration on keystrokes, add accented characters to letters, customize long-press speed, enabling arrows for navigating the interface, and changing the functionality of the spacebar.
Changing your keyboard
The traditional QWERTY keyboard is enabled by default, but if you are feeling adventurous you can choose from AZERTY, Colemak, Dvorak, QWERTZ, and QZERTY keyboards. To do this, open the SwiftKey settings and select Languages. Under your selected language will be the name of your current keyboard and a small keyboard icon, click the icon, and choose your new keyboard. You can also change your language from this screen, SwiftKey allows for up to three languages to be installed at one time.
 
Choosing a theme
Now it's time to customize your keyboard to make it more appealing and personal. Open the Theme & Layout option in the SwiftKey settings, here you will be able to change your theme and add special features to your keyboard. The 12 themes to choose from are Cobalt, Pitch, Dusk, Regal, Berry, Sky, Fuchsia, Holo, Dark, Light, Neon, and Pumpkin.
These settings will also give you the opportunity to add another row at the bottom of the keyboard with arrow keys to help when you have to go back and delete a word. Other options included the ability to enable accented characters when long-pressing keys, splitting the keyboard while in landscape, and adjusting the keyboard's height.
Adjusting sounds and vibrations
Typing on a virtual keyboard can be a difficult adjustment for some. Luckily, SwiftKey, like many other keyboards, has an option to enable sounds or vibrations when you press a key. The app takes it one step further, however, giving users the ability to customize the volume of a keypress and duration of the vibration. 
Adjusting the sounds can be done inside of the SwiftKey settings by entering the Sounds & Vibration option.
Setting up the spacebar
Venturing into the Advanced settings will reveal even more options to customize SwiftKey, including changing the functionality of the spacebar, enabling quick periods, and more.
The SwiftKey spacebar can be configured to do one of three things: inserting a space, completing the current word, or inserting a prediction.
Other options that can be enabled include inserting a period with a double tab of the spacebar, or automatically capitalizing sentences.
The Advanced settings will also allow you to adjust the duration of long-presses on keys, enable or disable notifications that contain tips and achievements, and wipe SwiftKey data from the device.

Using Swiftkey

Choosing your Input method
There are quite a few input methods in SwiftKey. You can choose between traditional typing on the keyboard, using your voice, or a gesture method known as Swiftkey Flow. The method, which debuted in the keyboard this past February, is similar to the gesture-based typing feature found in Google's keyboard and third-party competitor Swype. Without lifting a finger, users can swipe over letters to complete a word.
 
The gesture and voice methods can both be enabled in the Input Method option in the SwiftKey settings.
Getting to know gestures
Outside of the keyboard's Flow feature, SwiftKey also supports various gestures to speed up the typing process. You may have not been aware that you can swipe back on the keyboard to quickly delete the last word you typed, and also swipe down to hide the keyboard. Both of these gestures are enabled by default, but they can only be used when SwiftKey Flow is disabled.
Using the SwiftKey dictionary
SwiftKey's built-in dictionary will learn words from your social networks, e-mail, and text messages. It can also pull names from these accounts, along with information from your smartphone's contacts list.
Words can be manually added to the dictionary in the prediction be at the top of the keyboard. Simply type the word you would like to add and select it in the prediction bar, or press the spacebar. Deleting a word from the dictionary can be done by tapping and holding the word as it appears at the top of the keyboard and choosing the "Remove" option.
Check your efficiency
Swiftkey keeps track of everything you do and will report back to you with detailed information that shows how it has made you a more efficient typist. You can check your typing efficiency, distanced flowed, keystrokes saved, typos corrected, words flowed, words predicted, and words completed.
One of the coolest features is the typing heat map, which shows which letters you use the most.
Updates
Swiftkey is constantly updating its app and pushing out new features, such as support for more languages, improved predictions, and added capabilities. The one-time app purchase will take you a long way and improve typing on your Android device for years to come.
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A Guide to Making Your Android’s Battery Last a Little Longer

Penulis : Pada Hari : Sunday, August 25, 2013 | Jam : 11:39 PM

A common complaint among Android users is short battery life. As we all now, Google’s platform has numerous benefits, but state-of-the-art features and constantly being connected seem to come with one drawback: comparatively large battery consumption.
I don’t suggest that you should stop taking advantage of the things that make Android great, such as streaming music players that allow you to walk around with millions of songs in your pocket, location-aware apps, background updates or all the wireless options. Still, if you’re frustrated by how often you need to connect your charger, it’s good to know what types of apps and activities that eat the most battery, so you can make an active decision whether or not it’s worth the extra juice.

Use the GPS Wisely

The GPS uses the battery like there’s no tomorrow. Location-aware software is one of Android’s many fortes, but they can be real battery drainers. The Power control widget is useful for switching the GPS on and off, and you should keep an eye on your notification bar: an icon will appear whenever the GPS is activated.
The GPS icon in the notification bar

Turn off Bluetooth When You’re Not Using It

Perhaps an obvious tip, but it’s best to disable Bluetooth whenever you’re not actually using it. The quickest way to switch Bluetooth off and on is via a widget on your homescreen.
Bluetooth button on the Power control widget

Disable Wireless Network Positioning

When your device learns your location via wireless network triangulation, it requires less battery than if it had used the GPS. But using both methods simultaneously will of course use the most power. The GPS can handle location tasks by itself, albeit a bit slower. Also, wireless network positioning is used to gather anonymous Google location data in the background, which will drain the battery further. You can turn it off from Settings > Location > Use wireless networks.
Disable wireless network positioning

Switch off Wi-Fi, or Keep it Always On

If you’re close to a reliable WLAN during the better part of the day, having Wi-Fi always turned on may be favorable from a battery point of view, since the Wi-Fi radio uses less battery than the 3G radio. And when Wi-Fi is on, 3G is off. You can confirm Wi-Fi always stays on by going to Settings > Wireless networks > Wi-Fi Settings. Press the Menu button, tap on Advanced, Wi-Fi sleep policy and select the Never option.
On the other hand, if you’re not close to a strong Wi-Fi signal for extended periods of time, disable Wi-Fi from a homescreen widget or from Settings > Wireless networks > Wi-Fi.

Disable Always-On Mobile Data

The Always-On Mobile Data option is on by default, and can be disabled from Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile networks > Enable always-on mobile data. It allows your phone to be connected non-stop, but does it need to be? I have disabled the setting, and I still get push Gmail and even Google Talk seems to perform as usual, as well as the few apps I have that use automatic updates. However, if you have a lot of apps that regularly connect to the Internet, disabling this option may actually be a bad idea, since turning the data connection on and off will require more energy than simply having it on all the time.
The Always-on mobile data setting

Kill 3G if Your Phone Often Struggles to Find It

When your Android attempts to decide which signal to lock on to, it strains your battery. If your phone often switches between GSM and 3G in your area, it can be preferable to simply disable 3G altogether, and hence abolishing the need for your phone to try and find a suitable network. Go to Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile networks > Network mode > GSM only.

Use a Quick Screen Timeout

After a certain time of inactivity, your screen is automatically turned off, and that’s the Screen Timeout. To use such a low value as 15 seconds can be annoying, but one minute is on the other hand likely too long. I use 30 seconds. You can alter this option from Settings > Screen & display > Screen timeout.

Turn Down the Screen Brightness

Android’s Automatic brightness (Settings > Screen & display > Brightness) setting is recommended. If your phone doesn’t have this option, set a reasonable value at roughly 30 % and see if that suits you.
Use the Automatic brightness options

Live Wallpapers Will Use More Power than a Static Background

Oh yes, live wallpapers can be awesome. But they will obviously use precious battery juice, albeit evidently not as much as one could think, talking the eye-candy into consideration and what they can do.

Have an AMOLED Display? A Dark Wallpaper Will Spare the Battery

When having dark backgrounds, phones with AMOLED display will use less power, because each pixel on OLED screens is photoemissive and will actually generate its own light. Since there’s no need for a backlight, the pixel can essentially turn off its light source and go total black. As a result, you can save a teeny-weeny bit of energy by having a dark or black background on AMOLED screens.

Use Widgets Wisely

A few days ago, we mentioned 10 cool homescreen widgets, and it’s great that Android supports them. Most widgets will only have a negligible effect on your battery life, but those that automatically pull info from the interwebs can be power hogs.

Use Reasonable Intervals for Automatic Updates

I personally don’t need to have automatic updates on my phone, except for emails that I want to be notified of the moment they arrive. I prefer launching the apps at my convenience and see what’s new. Most applications that connect to the Internet have an option to update upon launch, and that’s all I need. By lowering the update intervals, or by even turning them off completely, you can definitely make your battery last longer. I recommend that you reduce them to your own minimum values.
If you have an Android phone with HTC Sense, you can make sure the HTC Mail Client, the HTC Weather App, Facebook, Flickr, Stocks and Twitter update themselves as often as you want them to. This is mainly done from Settings > Accounts & sync. It’s also a good idea to look over third-party apps that grab data from the Internet, particularly the official Facebook app and the various Twitter apps, since they usually have background updates on by default.
Accounts & sync

Streaming Apps Will Use a Lot of Battery

In a recent Droid vs Droid special, Andrew did a rundown of music streaming apps, and I certainly don’t think you should avoid this type of application on your phone. But bear in mind that software that stream audio and similar apps will use plenty of power.

Learn What’s Been Drinking the Juice

Unless you have the doubtful pleasure of still running Cupcake, you can check out a built-in Android feature that tells you precisely how much your apps use the battery. You can then start using battery drainers less often, or simply uninstall them. Go to Settings > About phone > Battery > Battery use and press the items in the list for further info. You can also use JuicePlotter to analyze usage patterns.
Android's battery use screen
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Sony Xperia L Best Review : Classic Sony style for a low unlocked price

Penulis : Pada Hari : | Jam : 11:24 PM
Sony Xperia L Best Review

Occupying the bottom rung of Sony's current Xperia line of smartphones, the $299 Xperia L has attractive styling for an entry-level handset. The device also packs a colorful 4.3-inch screen, dual-core processing, and a decent camera. If you're expecting much more from this affordable unlocked phone, though, you'll be headed for a rude awakening.

Core components
A Sony flagship the Xperia L isn't. Unlike its bigger and badder siblings, the Xperia ZL and Xperia Z, the Xperia L relies on a selection of watered-down components to get through the day. Under the hood you'll find a slow 1.2GHz dual-core processor paired with a constrained 1GB of RAM.
The phone's internal storage is also cramped, topping out at 4GB. Thankfully you can add extra in a pinch via the Xperia L's microSD card slot. You'll just have to be mindful when you install apps or transfer digital media.

Keeping everything charged up is a 1,750mAh battery, which frankly is a bit on the skimpy side. Many newer smartphones, even compact ones such as the Motorola Moto X, come with power sources in capacities of 2,000mAh and upward.
Design
Thankfully Sony didn't skimp on effort and materials when designing the Xperia L. By the looks of it you'd probably never guess this was a budget handset. Its curved back makes it comfortable to hold and the Xperia's matte-black finish paired with silver highlights conveys a distinct sense of elegance.
Measuring 128mm tall by 65mm wide by 9.7mm thick (5 inches by 2.6 inches by 0.38 inch), the Xperia Z may not be the sveltest phone money can buy. That said, the device's dimensions are compact enough to slide into tight pockets without much consternation. Ports on the Xperia are the typical Micro-USB slot and 3.5mm headphone jack, plus it has a large silver power button and a dedicated camera key.
The Xperia L's LCD screen spans a sizable 4.3 inches across but has a relatively low resolution (854x480 pixels). Still, while it can't match the sharpness of other handsets with HD displays, it should be colorful enough for viewing basic mobile content.

Software and interface
The Xperia L doesn't have the freshest software either, running the now-outdated version 4.1.2 of Android Jelly Bean. The current iteration, Android 4.3, boasts quite a number of enhancements but has made it to only a select number of devices.
As with its other phones, Sony layers its own software skin over the Xperia L's Android OS. Along with useful tweaks like the customizable app tray, the photo and video galleries are Sony's own creations. You also find apps for diving into the company's Music and Video Unlimited entertainment storefronts.
Camera
Sony loves to make a lot of noise about its smartphone cameras, and the Xperia L is no exception. Equipped with an 8MP sensor, though, the handset is less sensitive than its more expensive siblings the Xperia Z and ZL, which boast a sharper 13MP imaging system.

Outlook
If you're committed to the Sony brand and perhaps the company's online roster of digital entertainment, the $299 Xperia L might be worth a look. That's especially true if you're also on the hunt for an affordable unlocked Android phone. Its unimpressive specs and dated software, however, make it hard to recommend to everyone else. A better buy is the tried and true $299 (unlocked) LG Nexus 4, which for the same price trumps the Xperia in practically every other important area: components, Android software, and display.

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How to Install Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on Samsung Galaxy S7500

Penulis : Pada Hari : | Jam : 11:18 PM

How to Install Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on Samsung Galaxy S750

Samsung Galaxy S7500 can now be updated to Android CyanogenMod 4.3 Jelly Bean via a custom rom. This is a new Nightly experience stock Android 4.3 jelly Bean on your Samsung Galaxy S7500 with this custom firmware. But please take care that this is an Nightly rom which means it’s under development stage and it might have some bugs and this is a custom ROM not any Google or manufacturer official firmware, so please do make sure your device is rooted.

In this tutorial we will guide you through how to update your Samsung Galaxy S7500 to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Official Nightly Custom Firmware. If you want to install CM4.2 ROM Jelly Bean 4.3 on Samsung Galaxy S7500 then you can follow the instructions below
Note: This Rom Not at available at this time (Please Waite updated coming soon)
Disclaimer: The procedure given in this tutorial is considered as risky and may cause damage to your phone. It is recommended that you should not follow it unless you are familiar with these things. Follow this guide completely at your own risk.

I. Before You Begin:
1. The following procedure works for Samsung Galaxy S7500 only.
2. Make sure your device have at least 80% battery power.
3. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled
4. Make sure your device must ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM) installed

II. Downloading Required Files:
1. Android 4.3 CM4.2 ROM
2. Google Apps

III. Install Android 4.3 CM4.2 Jelly Bean on Samsung Galaxy S7500
1. Download Android 4.3 CyanogenMod 4.2 ROM for Samsung Galaxy S7500 and also download Google Apps on computer.
2. Connect the Samsung Galaxy S7500 to computer via USB cable.
3. Copy the downloaded firmware zip to the root folder on device’s SD card.
4. Disconnect the Samsung Galaxy S7500 from computer and then Power it off
5. Boot the Samsung Galaxy S7500 into recovery mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Power buttons together.
Note: In recovery mode, use Volume buttons to navigate between options and Power button to select the desired option.
6. In recovery mode first a Nandroid backup of the existing ROM.
A Nandroid backup, select Backup and Restore then select Backup again on the next screen. When backup is completed return to the main recovery menu.
7. Select wipe data/factory reset then select Yes on the next screen to confirm the action.
8. Then select wipe cache partition and after the wiping process completes select Wipe Dalvik Cache under advance option. Once the wiping process is done, return to the recovery menu.
9. Select Install Zip from SD card then select Choose Zip from SD card. Now locate the Android 4.3 CyanogenMod 4.2 ROM zip which was earlier copied to the Device’s SD card. Hit the Power button to select it and confirm installation on next screen.
4.   Once the installation process is complete, return to the main recovery menu and hit Reboot System Now. 
The Samsung Galaxy S7500 should now be successfully updated with Android 4.3 CyanogenMod 4.2 ROM. Navigate to Menu Settings About Tablet  Software info to verify the new firmware installed.
NOTE: To go back to the previous ROM in Step 6, boot the tablet into recovery mode. Then select Backup and Restore and restore the ROM by selecting it from the list.
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How to use the HTC One to control your TV

Penulis : Pada Hari : | Jam : 11:12 PM

How to use the HTC One to control your TV

The HTC One smartphone can control your TV, tell you what's playing, and even recommend new shows for you to watch. Here's how to set it up.

Phones these days can be used for more than making calls. In an effort to compete and stay relevant in an increasingly crowded market, smartphone manufacturers are incorporating more features into their devices. One feature that is gaining traction is the inclusion of an IR blaster, which can be used to transform a smartphone into a universal remote.
We already told you how to use the IR blaster in the Galaxy S4, however you may not have been aware that another high-end Android smartphone also includes the technology. The HTC One running the company's Sense 5 user interface includes an IR blaster, along with remote control and recommendation software that can enhance your TV experience.
Here's how you can set up the HTC One to control your TV and more:

Getting started
 
Setting up the application is a long and tedious process. Start out by launching the TV application that comes preloaded on the device. You will be asked to provide your location, TV provider, and specific channels you receive, along with other video services you may subscribe to like Hulu Plus. Next, you will be given the opportunity to select your favorite shows, which will help HTC recommend similar programs and let you know when your favorite ones are playing. 

Connecting the HTC One to your TV
 
Click the remote icon located at the top of the TV app, select the Start option, and choose which components you want the HTC One to control: your TV, cable box, or home theater system. Next, select your TV brand and follow the steps the app provides to set up your device. 

Each TV, cable box, and home theater system is different. Some will automatically sync with your HTC One, while others will require you to perform additional steps to configure your device.

HTC included support for a majority of manufacturers in the Sense TV app. In the rare case that your TV isn't listed, however, there is also an option to manually set up your device.
To do this, select the "Manufacturer not listed" option and manually enter your TV's brand. At this point you will be asked to point your TV's remote at the IR blaster in the HTC One, which is located at the top of the device behind the power button, and perform a variety of tasks, such as holding down the Power, Mute, Volume, and Input buttons to program the remote.
You will then be asked to select your cable box brand. This will allow you to change the channels on the TV and control the DVR using only your HTC One. As I mentioned above, every cable box is different; those from Verizon and Direct TV will automatically sync with your device, while boxes from Samsung and AT&T will require additional steps.
The last item on the list will be setting up the HTC One to control your home theater system. Depending on the specific brand, you will be asked to perform different tasks, such as powering the system on and raising the volume.
Your HTC One should now be able to power on your TV, change the settings, control the volume, and switch between channels. I found the HTC One's IR blaster to have exceptional range, it even worked when it wasn't pointed directly at the TV or cable box.
Getting to know Sense TV
 
The Sense TV software is extremely powerful. It provides detailed information on TV shows and movies, and gives you the ability to easily switch between them. The app provides complete TV schedules through the channel guide and includes built-in notifications to ensure that you never miss your favorite shows again.
The first time you enter the app you will be greeted with a list of recommended shows that are currently playing or coming up next. A drop-down menu at the top left-hand corner of the screen lets you to choose between different movies, TV programs, sports, and a channel guide. There is also a social tab that will display what your friends on social-media networks are watching.
 
Scrolling to the right will reveal upcoming shows, videos stored locally on your device, and your scheduled reminders. Clicking on a show or a movie will provide a summary, along with information on upcoming episodes, a share feature, and even when a specific episode will be playing.
Perhaps one of the most useful features is being able to quickly access TV controls from the HTC One's notification bar. A simple swipe of the finger will allow you to mute the volume, switch to a new show, access the full remote, or power off the TV.
 
The HTC One and Sense TV offer an enjoyable experience. However, the app doesn't offer support for features like Netflix integration, something the Galaxy S4's competing Watch On app includes.


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