Technology & Business
Automatically silence your Android phone / tablet at night
One of the questions I get asked most often is how to silence an android device at night or during busy times. Unlike IOS, Android doesn’t include this functionality in the base OS but fear not, a free app called Silence is the answer. It is a well designed app with a clean and simple user interface that can toggle settings (sound, wireless, mobile data, etc) automatically based on your calendar. Unlike other similar apps (aka Tasker or locale) this one is incredibly easy to use and even a newbie can configure it in minutes.
App and notification volume control on Android
Like all modern operating systems, Android has some nice helpful features you need to know how to access. Using the volume rocker, you can increase and decrase the volume on your Android device (tablet or phone). When the volume menu appears (after pressing the volume rocker), press the settings button I am showing with the red arrow. You can now configure the main app volume and the notification volume separately by sliding left or right.
Built in Equalizer in Android
Many users believe they need a custom ROM or special app to get EQ goodness in Android. Google has baked in this EQ goodness in Android and using it is very easy. Open the default Google Music app, then load and play any song. Click the Menu button (three little dots) and chose Equalizer Once here, make sure you toggle the switch to on. Choose the style of equalization. These settings aren't device wide (aka they are only for the music app) but they can provide a nice punch when needed.
Android 4.2.2 prevents Nexus 4 from using LTE
Reviewers were shocked when Google's flagship Nexus 4 was released without LTE support. How could a flagship phone come without LTE? Creative users figured out a way to "trick" the phone into switching on its unsupported but built in LTE chipset (worked only on AWS band 4 LTE). Well now we learn that Google's latest Android update (4.2.2) kills the workaround that thousands have been exploiting to enjoy faster LTE speeds. With the update installed, any attempts to choose LTE as the network tech is met with an automatic switchback to WCDMA preferred.
Videotron drops Google Nexus 4 price to $99 on contract
IT's great to see carriers competing on price for a change. Quebec centric Videotron had originally prices the Nexus 4 for $149.95 on contract and $499.95 without a contract. They have now dropped the contract price by $50 to $99.95. This makes them one of the loowest cost Nexus 4 carriers in Canada right now.
Nike Fuelband app not coming to Android
We are seeing an explosion of "self monitoring and measurement" gizmos. The Nike Fuelband was one such product that won the hearts and minds of many. Those on IOS have been enjoying the Fuelband IOS app for some time. It allows Nike Fuelband users to monitor progress, see achievements and share their performance with others. Nike has now confirmed that it will NOT be releasing an Android app anytime soon: @mkoyerp Right now, we're focused on iOS and web. We're not working on an Android App.
Nexus 4 Wireless Charger available
Now that the Google Nexus 4 is finally available in decent quantities we are seeing a slow (excruciatingly slow) trickle of accessories. I am happy to report that the Nexus 4 wireless charger is finally available in the Google Play store (if you live in the US). It seems Canadians and Brits just have to wait and wait and wait. It is being sold for $59.99 and there is a 5 device max per person limit. The charger uses Qi technology and plugs into the wall.
How to get the Android 4.2.2 on your Nexus device now
Update 4.2.2 has been slowly rolling out Over The Air to devices but many people haven't received it yet. IF you want to force your device to download it, do the following: Go to Settings -> Apps -> All Find Google Services Framework App Tap on Force Stop Select Clear Data. Go to Settings -> About Tablet -> System Update My device wasn't receiving the update until I performed this little work around.
Turn off app notifications in Android
After a while, there will certainly be app notifications you never want to see again. Google has made this change very easy. Open Settings, then find Apps. Here you will see a list of all of the apps that are installed. Click on the app you want to make the change to and uncheck the Show Notifications checkbox. The app will no longer bother you.
Use voice search on your Android
IF you own an Android with Google Now enabled then this is a neat trick for you. Start Google Now (swipe from the bottom bezel to the middle of the screen on most devices). When the Google Now screen appears say "Google" followed by your query. Google Now will give you your answer. To use a second time in a row, you will have to click on the little microphone next to the search box.