The top 10 most useful features on Android. Modern smartphones, like the LG G3 or Samsung Galaxy S4, are loaded with features and special functions to simplify people's lives. This often backfires like we underlined in our article about the ten most useless smartphone features. Today we put an emphasis on the opposite: here are the top ten best smartphone features which score points for being super useful and for making the life of a smartphone user just a little bit easier.
LG: Knock On and Knock Code LG’s relatively new and super useful feature took the hearts of consumers and the press alike by storm. Tapping twice on the display when turned off will activate it, no need to press on a key. Knock On also works in reverse: double tap the home screen and the display turns off again. HTC: Motion Launch HTC has also followed the trend of gesture controls with the HTC One (M8): swiping over a turned-off screen launches different functions depending on the direction. Oppo: Quick start by self-selected sample Immersive mode OK, Google. Android Keyboard lag: what causes it and how to fix it. There was a time when, if you wanted to type something on your smartphone, you’d just type it. No muss. No fuss. It was simple. You pressed the keys of the letters you wanted to appear, and that was that. Unfortunately, that wasn’t good enough. We had to get auto-correct (and the hilarious fails that came as a result). However, all that “intelligence” comes with costs: processing power and lag – not to mention the “creepy” factor.
CPU Scaling Let’s switch gears for a moment. At the core of every computer, smartphone, and tablet is the Central Processing Unit. That sounds really smart, but again, it comes at a cost. To take things one step further, ARM has a feature called big.LITTLE. In both cases, the process happens very quickly, but it’s still noticeable. Keyboard Lag That brings us back to keyboard lag. Keyboards these days are really amazing. Unlike a game, which has a pretty consistent processor load, typing on your keyboard is “bursty”. What can you do? 20 best mobile phones in the world today. Buying the best phone in 2020 is an expensive investment no matter if it comes from Samsung, Apple, or Google, meaning your decision is all the more important.
It's now May, and we've seen most of the new phones for the first half of this year. We're constantly updating our best phones list for this reason: to make sure you're buying the absolute top smartphone for your needs. The Samsung Galaxy S20 series shook up our rankings, but also consider the iPhone 11 or Galaxy Note 10. Why we have more than one pick: We have a top pick, but not everyone looks for the same smartphone features.
Likewise, AT&T plans, Verizon plans, or T-Mobile plans may sway your a preference; the best AT&T phone may not be available on Verizon, and vice-versa. Almost all smartphone prices have crept up to – and above – $1,000 so you'll want to take your decision seriously. The best phone in 2020? Image 1 of 5Image 2 of 5Image 3 of 5Image 4 of 5Image 5 of 5 1. Latest and greatest specs Great 30x zoom max 1. Google’s new Android location-based services may arrive as “Nearby” About three months ago, we heard about a change Google was supposedly working on for Google Now, that would allow users to set location-based reminders connected to people: if you wanted to pay back your friend Bob for that $5 he spotted you the other day, your phone could give you a heads-up when it detected that Bob was nearby. So far, though, we haven’t seen that happen, but that doesn’t mean it won’t – in fact, such an ability may be just around the corner, arriving as part of larger new location-based system called Nearby.
We’re used to seeing mock-ups of screenshots for these new-feature reports Android Police regularly provides, but this time it’s sharing the real deal: those three pics below are reportedly how the currently available version of Nearby presents itself. Unfortunately, the copy the site has seen isn’t very functional, so much of what Nearby actually does is still unclear.
Source: Android Police. No more cracked smartphone screens, claims maker of transparent electrode. Polymer scientists at the University of Akron have developed a layer of transparent electrodes that is flexible, durable and, although unconfirmed, more efficient than modern touchscreen technology. If all you want are the CliffsNotes: this technology could eliminate the shattering of screens on your average smartphone. In their recently published scientific paper on the process and material, Dr. Yu Zhu and his team, mostly students, explain the details of their transparent electrodes. The resulting layer of electrodes offers the same transparency as the indium tin oxide (ITO) layer that is used on most current smartphones. Traditional ITO screen technology is fairly brittle and expensive, both of which are things you learned the hard way if you have ever dropped or sat on your phone. We like the sound of all this, but we are reminded of another device that offers flexibility, plus a curved design, the LG G Flex.
10 amazing things a smartphone can do (and you probably don't know about) 9. SuperAndroidEvo (Posts: 4774; Member since: 15 Apr 2011) That's indeed cool. Who would have thought? +1 2. naveenstuns (Posts: 172; Member since: 19 Feb 2012) 1st one is Amazing which I never heard it before 3. SuperNexus (Posts: 126; Member since: 18 Jan 2013) AWESOME! Didn't know about that.Thanks! 4. techspace (Posts: 987; Member since: 03 Sep 2012) I already knew most of them....the first one is my favorite, I saw that for the 1st time in a video on YouTube(vsauce) 14. 6. 16. nobelset (Posts: 270; Member since: 17 Oct 2012) One of the rare times we can agree with each other xD... 7. wilsong17 (unregistered) never knew about the passport but most of these thing are for android right/ 17. tyger11 (Posts: 119; Member since: 29 Oct 2012) The iPhone doesn't even have NFC, so it can't read the passport data. 8. peace247 (Posts: 147; Member since: 26 Apr 2014) Water micro lens is frikin awesome... 11. 12.
Here is the complete iOS 8 changelog. Apple iOS 8 went official yesterday at the company's WWDC opening keynote. Several interesting features were announced and demoed on during the event, but a lot more were left out of the spotlight. Luckily, Apple at least listed those on its iOS 8 conclusion presentation slide. So, Apple iOS 8 is another game changer for the company, but this time it's not the design Apple is focusing on. It's the third-party access to core system functionality and developer APIs. Here is what we saw yesterday: And here is what Apple listed, but didn't bother to detail: This is what we know so far about the new iOS 8.
Wi-Fi calling included in iOS 8. 1. brokenchains (Posts: 13; Member since: 28 Nov 2012) "The advantage to using Wi-Fi calling is that domestic calls and texts made and received while connected to Wi-Fi, will not count toward your monthly voice minutes or text cap. "T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling still docks your voice minutes. Not sure about messaging or Sprint's implementation. 2. alaw.14 (Posts: 79; Member since: 10 Sep 2013) Theres plenty of apps for that in the playstore.
Like textPlus 3. gehrig (Posts: 13; Member since: 17 Apr 2014) Wifi calling? That's what FaceTime Audio is! 5. 0xFFFF (Posts: 1493; Member since: 16 Apr 2014) Wifi calling for voice/text is far more accessible than FaceTime audio. 4. 0xFFFF (Posts: 1493; Member since: 16 Apr 2014) This may be the single best feature of IOS 8 as it enables the iPhone to work in many places that have wifi but bad cellular reception.Now whether this works for all carriers, that is the real question.
iOS App Store getting app bundles, TestFlight integration, better searches. Apple's WWDC 2014 was filled with big announcements like iOS 8 and OS X 10.10 Yosemite, but nestled among them was the impending introduction of some improvements to the App Store. Apple CEO Tim Cook described the new features on stage during the first hours of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference. The most interesting changes coming to the App Store are new tools for developers: app bundles, videos in app listings, and the integration of TestFlight.
There are some minor improvements to searches coming, as well, including some new tools for users. Tools for developers With app bundles app makers can now bundle their apps together and sell them at a discounted price, allowing users to purchase multiple apps at once with just a few taps. Devs will also be able to embed short videos in App Store listings to show off apps' features - much like in Android's Google Play store, where developers can embed YouTube videos. Searching for improvements. Apple iCloud Drive unveiled: one place to store and sync documents between Mac, iOS and Windows. 13. oldhamletman (Posts: 30; Member since: 03 Sep 2011) exactly.... Microsoft in owning Apple on platform / data integration for 5 years and Apple finally takes a baby step... Skydrive/Onedrive has had full user mirroring forever, completely transparent... 2.
RuiBacelar (Posts: 80; Member since: 25 Feb 2014) Wow...now that´s what I call inovation! 3. Antimio (Posts: 99; Member since: 11 Nov 2013) Sync files? Like Dropbox? 4. 8. bucky (Posts: 1243; Member since: 30 Sep 2009) yup, even if you dont like the iphone you have to appreciate the mac os. 5. 11. 6. 9. 10. 12. networkdood (Posts: 6088; Member since: 31 Mar 2010) Showing loyality to a corporation is like letting the wolves watch over the unsuspected barnyard animals... 14. ojdidit84 (Posts: 215; Member since: 16 Jul 2011) I'm glad that Apple is adding features such as these to iOS & Mac.
Apple iCloud Drive unveiled: one place to store and sync documents between Mac, iOS and Windows. Apple's Health app is the hypochondriac's dream: convergence of all your health and fitness data. 1. TheNeighbor (Posts: 69; Member since: 15 Nov 2013) Again, S Health? Wow, Apple, just wow. 2. HASHTAG (Posts: 94; Member since: 31 Jan 2014) Well, S Health is only available for Samsung devices. 6. 3. 7. 8. 10. maherk (Posts: 697; Member since: 10 Feb 2012) Tell that to Apple, according to them Phones shouldn't have rounded corners. 11. 12. 13. dontneedtoknow (Posts: 118; Member since: 17 Feb 2014) It's kinda like s health but it helps your doctor see how you are doing and makes your visit to doctor easier. 14. 0xFFFF (Posts: 1487; Member since: 16 Apr 2014) You'll love it until your insurance goes up because you are not exercising every day, getting enough sleep every day, etc.There have been many science fiction books written about pervasive health monitoring.
Apple's Health app is the hypochondriac's dream: convergence of all your health and fitness data. New Apple iPhoto unveiled with new cloud storage options. 1. Anshulonweb (Posts: 213; Member since: 07 Feb 2014) so you gonna make a new article for every new feature of ios 8???...... Well it ok though, there won't be many articles of ios 8 even then.... 7. oldhamletman (Posts: 30; Member since: 03 Sep 2011) they could just list Windows Phone and Onedrive features... real time media sync and contextual prediction and iCloud and everything else they've announced has been in windows phone forever. Which iPhone and iPad models will get iOS 8? Apple posts iOS 8 release details. 1. Ninetysix (Posts: 1220; Member since: 08 Oct 2012) Pretty good. That's one of the good things about Apple, they still release updates for 2-3+ year old devices.
You'll be lucky to receive an update if you have another mobile OS. 4. apple4never (Posts: 827; Member since: 08 May 2013) possibly windows phone but not on android thats for sure 16. sgodsell (Posts: 653; Member since: 16 Mar 2013) I noticed that all the devices have a dual core processor in them. 18. apple4never (Posts: 827; Member since: 08 May 2013) there is terrible ram management for iPhone 4 running iOS 7 I'm pretty sure its more a ram problem than cpu although both are a problem b/c as far as i know there haven't been any iPhones more than a dual core 7. ama3654 (Posts: 244; Member since: 27 Nov 2012) Enjoy iOS 8 Gingerbread on latest and future iOS devices. 14. 11. 12. 17. 0xFFFF (Posts: 1493; Member since: 16 Apr 2014) I'd rather get no update than get an update that cripples my phone with lag and bugs. 21. 6. 15. 5.
Apple will let you ditch Google search for DuckDuckGo in iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite. Most people aren't going to change their default iOS search provider away from Google anytime soon, but that's not stopping Apple from giving them new choices. Mixed into a slide containing dozens of new features in iOS 8 that went unmentioned on stage was something interesting: "DuckDuckGo support in Safari.
" With its latest mobile operating system, Apple will easily let users switch over to the privacy-minded search engine and set it as the default for all queries within Safari. The preview page for OS X 10.10 Yosemite also confirms that DuckDuckGo will be available as a search choice for desktop users. DuckDuckGo was designed to be a less creepy and less invasive alternative to Google. It ditches the tracking habits of Mountain View, much to the relief of internet users who've grown wary of overzealous surveillance from tech companies and the government alike.
Apple gives the 'anti-Google' a major boost. What does iOS 8 mean for Android. With today’s announcement of iOS 8, my Twitter feed blew up with one common theme: How does iOS 8 compare to Android and what does this mean for Android? Let’s take a brief moment to discuss these topics. Before we get started, you might want to read a great summary of today’s WWDC keynote provided by the Verge.
Now that you’re all caught up… Time and time again we’ve seen major iOS releases with major features revealed and the same thing always happens. There is no one feature, or couple features, that is going to totally change the mobile market. The one key thing you can takeaway from today’s iOS 8 announcement and what it means for Android is this: it’s great for Android. iOS 8 will get a ton of attention for the next couple weeks, and then Google I/O will come and Android will get a ton of attention for a couple weeks.
Anyway, how about that Samsung Z? iOS 8 bursts on the scene with HealthKit, widgets and more. 12 top iOS 8 features you need to know about. Touch ID fingerprint scanning to come to third-party apps. iOS 8 release date, news and features. iOS 8 is official - the mobile OS next major release. Google will invest over 1 billion dollars into satellites that spread internet access. Top 6 ways iOS is becoming more like Android. Apple announces iOS 8 at WWDC 2014. The GSMArena tablet buyer's guide: June 2014. Firefox OS nightly now compatible with Nexus 5. Rumor: Google Exploring 'KITT' For Eyes-Free Functionality In The Car, Always-On Listening. The fall and rise of the MicroSD card.
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Rumor: Google looking to buy Dropcam. Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chip makes it easier for phone makers to offer Duo Camera like features. NVIDIA Tegra K1 benchmarked, kills Snapdragon 801. 11 weird and unusual Nokia phone designs. Samsung and LG to use sapphire-covered screens. This solar-powered bike lock opens using only your phone | Connectedly. EE's Buzzard is less bird-of-prey, more in-car 4G LTE | Connectedly. Getting started with Philips Hue | Connectedly. New Google Voice Search Functionality Lets You Bring Up Car Rental Reservations. Zapp: the new smartphone payment system 'more secure than credit cards' Google’s 3D-scanning Project Tango is coming to small tablets. Say Hello to the New Thinnest Phone in the World, the Vivo X3L. Project Ara said to be powered by Toshiba processors.
How good is the Snapdragon 805? It’s mostly about graphics, benchmarks show. Anticipating the future of mobile by looking at the history of the Web | VentureBeat | Business. Google acquires Divide to make Android more secure. 'World's first' braille mobile phone goes on sale in the UK. Video: iOS apps running on Nexus 7. Androidcentral. Counterfeit iPad charger teardown: cheap, but low quality. Why Transparency Is The Next Killer Feature In Mobile. Tado aims to make your dumb AC unit not so dumb | Connectedly. Two weeks with a Nest Thermostat | Connectedly. Androidcentral. How Project Ara might revitalize the smaller smartphone. How important is mobile data. Federal Circuit sets off anger in Oracle victory over Google. What's in your pocket, Cam Bunton. Mobile divided: Why social media app “unbundling” still has risks. How to easily backup (and restore) using Backblaze or CrashPlan. How to make my smartphone battery last longer.
Smartphone attachment can photograph nano-scale objects - Los Angeles Times. Typing and Swiping Could be the New Energy-Efficient Way to Charge Your Smartphone. Smartphones for hire: Which personal assistant is right for you? Should we care about the spec wars? Are phones already good enough? Project Ara: building the modular smartphone. Project Ara Presentation. Google’s modular $50 smartphone set for January 2015 release | Technology. Groundbreaking Smartphone Battery Charges Up in 30 Seconds Flat. 2014 Smartphone Comparison Guide. How to keep on selling smartphones when we've nearly all got one already | Technology | The Observer. Why You Should Do More to Secure Your Smartphone. EU moves to end smartphone patent wars in landmark ruling | Technology.
Amazon Smartphone Photos: Exclusive first clear photo of Kindle Phone. New DuckDuckGo search features revealed, as service gets major update. Android & iPhone Theft: When it Happens & How to Stop It. Nokia working to bring HERE maps to iOS and Android - IntoMobile. Chromecast. What is NFC? How to use NFC Tags? Compatibility Issues? - All You Need to Know! The MicrobeScope Uses Your iPhone As A Microscopic Sidekick To Capture Views Of Bacteria In Real-Time. UK mobile customers hit by mid-contract price hikes must be allowed to leave.
Mobile Phone Insurance: Cheap iPhone insurance for £5/mth via Money Saving Expert. My mobile phone is faulty, what can I do? How QR Codes Work and Why They Suck So Hard. AMOLED vs LCD - What is the difference? Google Drive - a complete user guide. How to set up your iCloud email account on Android. How to transfer data from your old Android tablet to your new iPad Air or Retina iPad mini. How to buy a smartphone: a guide. Cult of Android - Sync Your iTunes Library, Photos And Videos With Android [Switching 101] How to transfer from iPhone to Android -- the ultimate guide.