Virtual Content Has No Border

Tag: android

How to Set Custom Charging Notifications on Android

Android phones allow users to set custom charging notifications to monitor their battery levels and extend the lifespan of their devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up custom charging notifications on Android phones.

Setting Up Custom Charging Notifications on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Samsung Galaxy phones offer a built-in feature called Bixby Routines that allows users to set up custom charging notifications. Here’s how to set up Bixby Routines to receive alerts about battery charging levels:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Advanced features.
3. Select Modes and Routines.
4. Tap the Routines tab.
5. Tap the + icon to add a new routine.
6. Tap the + icon under the If section.
7. Select Battery level.
8. Type the battery level percentage and select Equal to or above.
9. Select Done.
10. Tap the + button under the Then section.
11. Select Notifications.
12. Tap Show custom notification.
13. Enter the details and tap Done.
14. Tap Next.
15. Enter your routine name and select Done.

Setting Up Custom Charging Notifications on Any Android Phone

If you do not have a Galaxy phone, you can install third-party apps to receive custom charging notifications on your Android phone. Here are some popular apps that offer this feature:

Battery Guru: This app lets you set custom alerts when your battery reaches specific charging levels. The app is free but you’ll see ad banners.
AccuBattery: This app shows your phone’s battery usage and capacity. It also lets you configure a charge alarm that notifies you to unplug your charger.
Full Battery Charge Alarm: This app lets you configure notifications for your phone’s battery levels. You can download it from the Play Store, but you’ll have to suffer through video ads if you don’t upgrade to the Pro version.

Setting up custom charging notifications on Android phones helps users monitor their battery levels and extend the lifespan of their devices. By following these steps, users can set up custom charging notifications on their Android phones and ensure their devices are always charged efficiently.

June 19, 2024
Transforming the Rabbit R1: A Surprising Success with Android

It turns out that Android works very well on the Rabbit R1. It seems like Android was meant to be on this device from the start. The Rabbit R1 has been a controversial gadget. It was supposed to use advanced AI technology but ended up disappointing many people. The device uses a custom operating system made by Rabbit, which is different from typical systems because it is supposed to understand and act on spoken commands.

This didn’t work well in practice. The device was slow and did not do what Rabbit promised at its launch. Many see it as an unfinished product from a startup trying to release a device too soon.

A YouTube channel called HowToMen changed the software on their Rabbit R1. Instead of using Rabbit’s custom software, Facundo, a member of HowToMen, installed Android on it. This made the device work much better.

The Rabbit R1 is actually built on a version of Android designed for it, even though the company initially denied this. Soon after it was released, someone installed a common Android version called LineageOS on it.

HowToMen did something similar, and they got Android to run almost perfectly on the Rabbit R1. With Android, the keyboard works better, the camera can be used freely, and even a new feature lets you easily control the camera’s privacy settings.

One of the best things now is that Google’s AI assistant, called Gemini, works great on this device. The Rabbit R1 now has useful buttons that make it easy to take screenshots and adjust the volume.

If you want to install Android on a Rabbit R1, you can find the instructions on a website called GitHub, under the project name “R1 Escape.” HowToMen used these instructions, but be careful if you try it because we haven’t tested it ourselves. If you follow the steps, you might end up with a fully working device.

June 13, 2024
HTC Comeback: A New Android Phone Launches Next Week

HTC used to be a big name in the world of Android phones. Many people loved their phones, but over the years, HTC has become less popular. Despite this, the company hasn’t given up. They continue to release new phones every now and then. This month, HTC is getting ready to launch another new phone. Let’s take a closer look at HTC’s journey and what we can expect from their upcoming release.

Around 2018, things started to go downhill for HTC. The competition in the smartphone market became tougher. Companies like Samsung, Apple, and many others were making amazing phones, and HTC struggled to keep up. As a result, their popularity declined, and they fell out of the spotlight.

Last year, HTC tried to catch people’s attention by launching a phone focused on the metaverse. The metaverse is a virtual world where people can interact with each other. Again, the idea was unique, but it didn’t make a big impact.

In May 2023, HTC launched the HTC U23 Pro. This was another mid-range phone, but it was one of the most interesting phones HTC had released in a while. It had some good features and was reasonably priced. People who bought it liked it, but it still wasn’t enough to make HTC a top player again.

HTC is getting ready to launch a new phone on June 12. They have been teasing this new phone, and people are curious to see what it will be like. The new phone is expected to be part of the HTC U series, possibly named the “HTC U24” or something similar.

Some details about the new phone have already surfaced. Here’s what we know so far:

– RAM: The new HTC phone will have 12GB of RAM. RAM is important for multitasking, as it allows the phone to run multiple apps smoothly at the same time.

– Processor: It will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. This is a mid-range processor that offers good performance for everyday tasks.

Based on the information available, it seems like HTC’s new phone will be another mid-range device. This means it will likely be priced lower than flagship phones from other companies, but it will still offer decent features.

HTC has shown resilience by continuing to release new phones despite the challenges. Their efforts to find a niche in the mid-range market could eventually pay off. If they can offer great value for money and innovate, there is hope for a comeback.

June 8, 2024
Android 15: A Glimpse into the Future of Mobile Technology

As the digital world eagerly anticipates the release of Android 15, the latest iteration of Google’s operating system has already begun to reveal its potential through the Beta 2 version. Despite a subdued presence at Google I/O 2024, Android 15 is shaping up to be a significant update with a suite of innovative features designed to enhance user experience and security. Here’s an overview of the top features that Android 15 promises to bring to your device.

Enhanced Theft Protection
In an era where mobile security is paramount, Android 15 introduces the Theft Detection Lock. This AI-driven feature leverages internal sensors, such as the accelerometer and gyroscope, to detect unauthorized movements indicative of theft. Upon detection, the device locks down, necessitating a PIN or biometric authentication to regain access. Additionally, Factory Reset Protection ensures that even after a factory reset, a device cannot be set up without the original Google account credentials.

Private Space: A Sanctuary for Apps
The Private Space feature, initially seen in Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1, has been officially integrated into Android 15. It allows users to create a concealed area for select applications, keeping them hidden from the home screen, app launcher, and notification alerts. Accessible via Settings → Security & privacy → Private Space, this feature is ideal for maintaining privacy on shared devices.

App Archiving: Smart Storage Management
Android 15 brings App Archiving to the forefront, allowing users to “archive” apps rather than uninstalling them completely. This retains user data and facilitates seamless resumption upon reinstallation. The system also offers to automatically archive seldom-used apps, optimizing storage space efficiently.

Selective Screen Recording
The new Partial Screen Recording feature in Android 15 enables users to record or share specific app windows, avoiding the capture of unintended content or notifications. This targeted approach to screen recording adds a layer of privacy and convenience.

Seamless Continuity for Foldables
Addressing the unique needs of foldable devices, Android 15 introduces a gesture that allows users to continue their activity from the inner screen to the outer screen with a simple swipe-up motion. This feature, inspired by OnePlus Open, enhances the user experience on devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Satellite Connectivity: Beyond Conventional Networks
Expanding on the connectivity options, Android 15 incorporates Satellite Connectivity as a system-level feature. This enables apps to adjust their data usage based on satellite connections, supporting SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging beyond just emergency services.

Multitasking Mastery on Large Screens
For users with large-screen devices, Android 15 enhances multitasking capabilities. The new version allows for the taskbar to be pinned for quick app switching and introduces the ability to save favorite split-screen app combinations, creating shortcuts for instant access to dual-app views.

As Android 15 gears up for its final release, these features represent just a glimpse of the advancements that await users. With a focus on security, privacy, and user-centric enhancements, Android 15 is poised to redefine the mobile experience this fall.

May 18, 2024
Android 15’s Innovative Features Set to Enhance Samsung Devices
Android 15, with its innovative Gemini AI assistant and enhanced scam detection, is set to elevate the user experience. Samsung device owners can expect the official rollout of Android 15 to commence shortly after Google achieves platform stability in June 2024.

Historically, Samsung has been prompt with updates, releasing them for flagship models within a month of Google’s Pixel updates. Therefore, it’s reasonable to anticipate the update to be available for Samsung users soon after the expected Google Pixel 9 launch in October 2024.

Eligible Samsung Models for Android 15
Samsung’s commitment to updates is evident, with four years of major OS upgrades for flagship and mid-range models since 2022, and two years for budget smartphones. The following devices, which launched on Android 13, are set to receive the Android 15 update:
- Samsung Galaxy A15 (both the 4G and 5G handsets)
- Samsung Galaxy A24 (4G)
- Samsung Galaxy A25
- Samsung Galaxy A35
- Samsung Galaxy A55
- Samsung Galaxy F14
- Samsung Galaxy F15
- Samsung Galaxy F34
- Samsung Galaxy F54
- Samsung Galaxy M15
- Samsung Galaxy M34 (5G)
- Samsung Galaxy M44 (5G)
- Samsung Galaxy M54
Additionally, devices that launched with Android 11 or higher, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 series and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, are also in line for the upgrade.

Samsung’s Pledge for the Future
The upcoming Galaxy S24 series will benefit from an unprecedented seven years of OS updates, ensuring its compatibility with Android 15 and beyond.

Accessing Android 15 Beta: A Waiting Game for Samsung Users
Currently, Samsung has not released a public beta for Android 15. However, this could change, and Samsung users are advised to stay tuned for future announcements regarding beta access.
May 17, 2024
Northern Lights: How to Take Stunning Photos with Android Devices

Witnessing the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is a breathtaking experience. This natural phenomenon, typically visible in the far northern regions, paints the sky with vibrant colors as a result of solar storms and the interaction of charged particles with atmospheric gases. This weekend, an extraordinary geomagnetic storm offers a rare opportunity for many, including those in the United States, to observe the Northern Lights.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to photographing the Northern Lights with your Google Pixel or other Android devices:

Prepare Your Environment: Find a location with dark skies and minimal light pollution. A tripod is essential to stabilize your phone for long-exposure photography.

Setting Up Your Google Pixel:
– Mount your phone on the tripod and open the camera app.
– Switch to “Night Sight” mode. If the aurora is visible to the naked eye, this mode may suffice.
– For astrophotography, ensure the phone is steady. A star icon will appear on the shutter button after a few seconds of stillness. Tap it to begin a 4-minute capture process, resulting in a still photo and a time-lapse.

Using Other Android Phones:
– Standard night modes on phones like Samsung Galaxy can capture the Northern Lights if they’re visible without assistance.
– For fainter auroras, use manual shooting modes with long exposure settings. In “Night” mode, select “Max” exposure, or in “Pro” mode, set the “Speed” to 5-6 seconds.

This guide aims to help you immortalize the fleeting beauty of the Northern Lights through photography, ensuring that you can relive the magic whenever you desire.

May 13, 2024
Why Honor Magic 6 RSR Stands Out Among 2024’s Android Phones?

The Honor Magic 6 RSR is a great Android phone. It is my favorite one in 2024. There are many good Android phones this year. Samsung made the Galaxy S24 series. OnePlus has the 12 and 12R phones. Google is making the Pixel 8a.

But, I like the Honor Magic 6 RSR more. I have been using it for some weeks now. It launched in China in March. Now, it is in the EU too. That is good because more people can get it. It is my favorite Android phone of 2024.

The Magic 6 RSR is a very special phone. It is similar to the Honor Magic 6 Pro but it looks different. Porsche Design helped make the phone. The phone looks very cool indeed. It is made of titanium which is strong. It has a line in the middle like a Porsche car. The camera bump is different too. It’s big and shaped like a hexagon. I like how it looks and feels.

The Honor Magic 6 RSR is unique. It doesn’t look like other phones. It feels good to use. The camera on the Magic 6 RSR is amazing. It has three cameras on the back. One is 50MP, another is 180MP, and the third is 50MP too. The 180MP camera can zoom a lot. I took many good pictures with it. The colors are nice, and it’s good for moving things. I also like the 50MP camera. It takes good pictures too.

The screen on the Magic 6 RSR is big and looks nice. It is 6.8 inches and bright. The colors look good too. It’s an OLED screen which is good for watching videos and playing games. The Magic 6 RSR’s software is okay. It’s like iOS, but it works fine.

There are some small things I don’t like, but it’s okay. The only problem with the Magic 6 RSR is that it’s expensive. Other phones are cheaper and also good. So, you might not want to buy it if you don’t want to spend a lot of money.

May 3, 2024
5 Compelling Reasons to Choose Android Over iOS

If you’re tired of the limitations of iOS and looking for a more flexible mobile experience, switching to Android might be the right move for you. While both operating systems offer similar features, Android stands out for its openness and adaptability, catering to your specific needs without constraints. Here are five compelling reasons to ditch iOS and embrace Android.

1. Greater Variety of Options: Unlike iOS, which offers limited choices in terms of device sizes and features, Android provides a plethora of options across various screen sizes and price ranges. Whether you prefer a compact phone or a larger one, Android has something for everyone. From flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with a massive 6.8-inch display to foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Android offers diverse choices to suit your preferences.

2. Seamless Integration with Google: If you heavily rely on Google apps and services, Android offers deeper integration with the Google ecosystem. Features like Circle to Search gesture on devices like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel series, Fast Pair for seamless connectivity with compatible earphones, and native support for Google Cast protocol make using Android devices a seamless experience for Google enthusiasts.

3. Versatile Camera Options: While iPhones offer excellent point-and-shoot camera experiences, Android smartphones provide more versatility and flexibility in terms of camera capabilities. Android devices often feature dedicated telephoto lenses for improved zoom performance and larger camera sensors for better low-light photography. Models like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Oppo Find X7 Ultra offer advanced camera controls for capturing high-quality images in various conditions.

4. Enhanced Notification System: Android’s notification shade offers a more streamlined and convenient notification management system compared to iOS. With Android, there’s only one notification panel accessible from anywhere in the OS, making it easier to stay organized and keep track of your notifications. This unified approach simplifies the notification experience and prevents clutter on your device.

5. Keyboard Clipboard Support: Android keyboard apps come with built-in clipboard functionality, allowing you to store multiple items for quick and easy access. This feature is especially useful for users who frequently work with multiple documents or need to copy and paste text across different applications. Android keyboards also offer smart features like automatically copying the last screenshot taken for quick sharing, further enhancing mobile productivity.

March 23, 2024
Unlock Your Car with Android Phone: Introducing Android Digital Car Key

The Android digital car key is a feature that allows you to use your Android phone as a car key. This means you can lock, unlock, start your car, and perform other functions directly from your compatible Android device. But how does it work, and is it secure? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) based technology.

Introduced by Google as part of the Android 12 update in 2021, the digital car key feature aims to provide the same level of convenience as physical keys, offering a seamless driving experience. Similar to Tesla’s digital car keys, Google and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have embraced this technology to enhance user convenience.

Setting up the Android digital car key is straightforward. With a compatible car and Android phone, you can configure the digital key on your device and leave your physical keys behind. Once set up, you can use your Android phone to lock, unlock, start your car, and even open the trunk.

For users with the latest Samsung Galaxy phones, the setup process involves using Samsung Wallet, while non-Samsung device users will complete the setup using the Google Wallet app. However, it’s important to note that while Google announced the feature in 2021, car manufacturers have been gradually implementing it in their offerings.

Currently, digital car keys are available on devices such as the Pixel 6 and later, select Samsung Galaxy flagships, and certain Android devices running Android 12 and up. However, availability is limited to specific markets, including the USA, South Korea, the UK, Germany, Spain, France, and Italy. Additionally, only a few car manufacturers like BMW, Genesis, and Hyundai have announced support for digital car keys on select models.

To authenticate your identity and start the car, a digital car key relies on Near Field Communication (NFC) or Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology. NFC-compatible phones allow you to lock or unlock the car by positioning your phone near the car doors or start the engine by placing it over the car key reader. However, for enhanced convenience, UWB technology enables passive entry, allowing you to unlock or lock the car simply by getting close to or stepping away from the vehicle.

While the idea of unlocking and starting your car with your phone may sound convenient, security is a primary concern. Google offers several security features to address this, including the ability to turn off passive entry, add screen lock settings for the digital car key, and protect sharing links with activation codes.

Sharing your digital car key with friends and family is also straightforward. You can share the key with others, granting them access to your vehicle without the need for physical keys. Google provides options to protect the sharing link with an activation code, ensuring security during key sharing.

In conclusion, the Android digital car key feature offers convenience and flexibility for users, allowing them to control their vehicles directly from their Android phones. With robust security features and compatibility with a range of devices and car models, it represents the future of automotive technology.

March 20, 2024
Experience Galaxy AI on Any Android: Try Galaxy App Launches

Now you can test Galaxy AI on any Android phone with the Try Galaxy app. This app gives you a guided tour of several Galaxy AI features found in One UI 6.1, right on your own device. Samsung’s latest Galaxy S24 series has some impressive hardware upgrades, but it’s the software that really shines. With One UI 6.1, Samsung introduces various Galaxy AI features that go beyond just the specifications.

These features greatly enhance the user experience, but not everyone can switch to a new phone based solely on hearsay. To address this, Samsung has updated its Try Galaxy app to allow users to test out these Galaxy AI features on their Android smartphones and decide for themselves if they live up to the hype.

Initially launched on iOS to target iPhone users, the Try Galaxy app is now available on Android as well. This means even those who don’t own a Galaxy phone can experience what Samsung has to offer. The app showcases several Galaxy AI features, including Live Translate, Chat Assist, Note Assist, Photo Assist, and Circle to Search.

To give these features a try, simply visit www.trygalaxy.com from your phone’s web browser and follow the instructions on the screen. For Android users, the website suggests installing a web app to get the full experience.

Using the Try Galaxy app makes it feel like you’ve installed One UI 6.1 on your phone. However, it’s important to note that the experience is somewhat controlled, and you’ll only be taken through demos of the features. It’s a step up from watching a video, but you won’t have full freedom to explore.

The Try Galaxy experience supports 20 languages, allowing users to get a comprehensive demo of what the Galaxy S24 series has to offer. Give it a try and share your feedback with us in the comments below!

February 28, 2024