Android »
[Android] CPU-Z is a powerful system and hardware monitoring app
CPU-Z is a pretty powerful system monitoring tool for PCs. It includes a simple interface that efficiently displays information relevant to the system it’s installed on. For example, you can see installed hardware, temperature readings, fan speeds, and even frequency timings for memory or processor clock rates. Essentially, it’s a [...]
Samsung Galaxy S4 Stress Test shows the phone is very durable [Video]
See that image up top? Bad things happen when you do that to your phone. But Samsung knows that for everyone who keeps their phone in mint condition, there a bunch more that will probably drop theirs down the stairs or into the toilet. Enter the Samsung Galaxy S4 Stress [...]
Read More »[Android] Get a Windows-style taskbar and Start Menu with ‘Taskbar- Windows 8 Style’
The Start Menu and taskbar are invaluable tools that mobile devices do not take advantage of. In fact, Windows Phone devices don’t even use the iconic Start Menu. In some ways, it makes sense that Microsoft bucked the tradition. Still, I happen to think that if implemented correctly, the Start [...]
[Android] Automate tasks and actions based on time, day, location, battery level, and more with Profile Flow
Automation is a pretty useful function, especially for mobile devices. If there’s a particular task you find yourself often performing, or there are various functions that you migrate to frequently then automation can help you get those things done without requiring manual input. For example, you can set your Wi[...]
[Android] Change the display resolution and aspect ratio of your device with Resolution Changer
One thing in particular that you can do with any computer is change the screen resolution. This is helpful if you want to increase performance for graphic intensive games, and in some cases it even allows you to output content to a monitor or display. What I mean by that [...]
[Android] App Stats allows you to track updates, ratings, and more of any Google Play apps or games
So I was part of a team recently that launched a game, or more specifically an app in the Google Play store. Needless to say, I check on the game’s status daily. It’s good to read the customer reviews, see what kind of ratings the game is getting, and even [...]
[Android] Read and reply to texts remotely with your tablet connected to your smartphone using MightyText
I was sitting around today playing with my tablet, and the whole time I kept receiving text messages on my smartphone. It made me remember one feature that Blackberry devices took advantage of with Blackberry Bridge in the past. Blackberry users could synch text messages from their Blackberry smartphone[...]
[Android] Automate repetitive tasks by creating macros with Android Bot Maker
If you’ve ever heard of a macro, then you probably already know how useful they can be. If you’ve never heard of them, well then just take my word for it that they’re a blessing. Macros essentially allow you to program various actions, which can be run on a loop [...]
Sony’s flagship Xperia Z is the next Google Edition Nexus-style phone [Rumor]
For users that prefer stock Android over the usual manufacturer skins that we often see, it’s been a pretty good year. During Google’s I/O 2013 developer conference, the company dropped a bomb and announced that a Samsung Galaxy S4 with stock Android and unlocked bootloader would be making its way [...]
Read More »Mad Catz to launch Android game console Project MOJO, more info coming during E3
It turns out the OUYA isn’t the only Android game console in town. Well, aside from the NVIDIA Shield, GameStick and upcoming Gamepop, of course. You know, that was all wrong let’s just start over.
It looks like the OUYA is going to have even more competition in the Android [...]
Read More »[Android] Next Browser is a great web browser with a couple unique features to mobile browsing
The stock Android browser has improved significantly over time, but there are still features missing that many of us would like to see. For example, cross platform support with Chrome would be nice just like we see with Chrome for Android. Many would think it seems silly to have the [...]
Samsung updates Galaxy S4 with ability to transfer apps to SD card due to complaints of storage space
Early last month, users that purchased the 16GB version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 had an unpleasant surprise waiting for them. Despite being called the 16GB version, people soon discovered that they only had around 9GB of storage left to them for personal use.
When asked to comment on this [...]
Read More »[Android] Earn points that can be redeemed for rewards by watching TV with Viggle
There are a lot of rewards program apps out there. For example, Shopkick is fantastic app that I absolutely adore. You earn points just for walking into your favorite stores and checking in, on top of that you can earn extra points for scanning the barcodes of feature items with [...]
Google makes official stock Android keyboard available on Play Store, download it now
Why, this was a pleasant little surprise. If you’re unhappy with the virtual keyboard that comes default on some Android phones like HTC or Samsung, you might have downloaded one of the many available replacements like Swype. But if Google’s stock Android keyboard is what you’ve been eyeing, now you [...]
Read More »[Android] Alarm Clock Ultra is a comprehensive clock and alarm app
I think it’s safe to say that most of us don’t even really need a traditional alarm clock anymore. The modern smartphone has pretty much replaced most other electronics. Heck, smartphones and tablets have replaced a lot of things. Using your phone or tablet as a wakeup clock, cooking timer [...]
Tales of Illyria is a game crafted with love by RPG lovers, for hardcore and casual gamers alike
Aside from writing for dotTech, I do other things. One of these other things is writing content for the newly released game Tales of Illyria. Typically we avoid self promotion here on dotTech but Ashraf asked to do a writeup on the game, so here I am. (Note: This is [...]
Read More »EA is taking Origin mobile, brace yourselves Android users
EA’s digital distribution platform is not exactly loved by the gaming community. It is clear, however, that EA is trying to compete with Valve’s Steam, another popular distribution platform. Though, Origin has nothing on Steam in terms of functionality and support; when you factor in some of the incredible deals [...]
Read More »[Android] Use your Windows keyboard to type on your Android smartphone or tablet with Remote Keyboard and PuTTY
One obvious thing that touchscreen devices lack is an accurate keyboard. Virtual keyboards are acceptable sometimes, but when you’re typing a lot, a physical qwerty keyboard is just so much more efficient. There are ways around the issue like bluetooth keyboards, proprietary keyboard docks (think Asus Transformer series or Microsoft [...]
How to root Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 (Exynos 5 Octa) on Android Jelly Bean [Guide]
Did you just pick up a brand new Galaxy S4? Well if you’re looking to root your Galaxy S4 on Android 4.2.2, this guide is going to help you. But be careful, this is for the Exynos 5 Octa version only. Make sure you read this entire guide before doing [...]
Want a free Galaxy S4? Samsung gave away free Galaxy S4s to whomever stared at the phone for 60 mins [Video]
This is probably the best marketing of any kind for the Galaxy S4 yet. Samsung held a S4 stare down in Zurich late last month and offered a free Galaxy S4 for those that could stare at the handset for 60 minutes straight without looking away. Don’t worry, no eyeballs [...]
Read More »ASUS announces laptop that runs Android and Windows 8
Today kicks off Computex 2013 in Taipei, Taiwan. Early this morning, ASUS took the stage to announce a ton of new products. They announced 5 new Android devices, 4 tablets and a phablet. We’re going to start things off with the Transformer Book Trio.
The Transformer Book Trio has an [...]
Read More »[Android] Tile Launcher is a Metro-style (Windows Phone, Windows 8) homescreen replacement app
As I’m sure you already know, the ultimate beauty and convenience of the Android platform can be attributed to the incredible customization options you have at your fingertips. Unlike the other mobile platforms, you can truly change the entire appearance and operation of Android to suit your personal tastes. The [...]
[Android] Flava is an excellent journal (diary) app with optional cloud storage features
Traditional diaries and journals are pretty much a thing of the past now. These days, people have social media networks like Twitter, and apps like Path to keep track of memories. Some would even consider various Facebook albums to hold a lot of precious memories. As a writer, I prefer [...]
[Android] Flib is a comprehensive unit conversion tool with a minimalistic UI
Have you ever needed to convert time, weight or any other measurement on the go? I can think of several occasions where I wished that I had a unit or currency converter handy. That being said, there are a ton of apps available for Android smartphones and tablets that perform [...]
Google confirms stock Android HTC One on the way, arriving in Google Play on June 26th for $599
Google and Samsung have started something, something spectacular and wondrous. Of course, I only say that because I’m a huge Android lover and I feel that vanilla Android is the way to go. I’m willing to bet that a few of you out there are more than okay with the [...]
Read More »[Android] Kakudo is an invaluable multitasking tool that allows you to quickly switch between apps
Do you ever have those times where you just need to multitask? For example, as a writer sometimes it’s necessary to have a browser window open and a writing tool open simultaneously. I can read content and then translate the information into what I’m writing. In other words, as a [...]
Google X Phone confirmed by Motorola CEO, will be powered by “two processors”
We’ve heard quite a bit about the rumored Motorola X Phone over the past few months, more popularly known as the Google X Phone. Namely, these rumors were started in part thanks to Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility. Many believed that Google would be allowing Motorola to develop a new [...]
Read More »[Android] Automatically turn off your WiFi after a certain period of time with Auto WiFi Off
One of the best ways to save your data, especially when you have a limited plan is to connect to a local Wi-Fi network. It actually helps you save battery in a lot of instances too, because 4G (and sometimes even 3G) just tends to tax a battery when it [...]
[Android] HomeFlip is a unique panel-based app launcher that uses very few system resources
There are so many launchers available for Android that it’s not even funny, not that it ever was in the first place. It’s to be expected though, especially considering the open nature of the OS. Android is about customization, usability and the freedom to do what you want with your [...]
A new Nexus phone was just announced, but it’s probably not what you were hoping for
Google I/O 2013 came and went. No Android 4.3 surfaced and there was absolutely no mention of a new Nexus device. We did get a new Galaxy S4 that will run stock Android and come with the bootloader unlocked — and it looks like that might be the closest we’ll [...]
Read More »Lenovo introduces high-end Android phone K900, but it’s available in China only for now
Lenovo announced a little while ago that they were planning on entering the high-end smartphone market. With the recent release of the K900 in China, we can now see that they were serious about it. The device itself is pretty decent too, and it should be if Lenovo is aiming [...]
Read More »[Android] Check which apps access sensitive data with Clueful
One of the most obscure things to happen when installing applications on your Android handset, is that certain applications gain permissions to query data and information. Of course, apps are also allowed to take advantage of particular features and functions on the device. Sure, every app includes a ‘permissions’ page [...]
Samsung is holding “Premiere 2013″ event on June 20th, Android and Windows Phone to be hot topics?
Samsung has just announced that they will be holding an event on June 20th in London. From the invite, shown above, it appears that the event will cover both Android and Windows Phone devices. As it says “Galaxy & Ativ” and we all know that “Galaxy” is their Android brand [...]
Read More »[Android] Floating Notifications adds Chat Heads-like notifications to messaging, Gmail, and more — no custom ROM necessary
One of the coolest things introduced with Facebook Home, which has now been added to the official Facebook Messenger app is the chat heads feature. Essentially, it’s a totally movable notification icon that expands when you tap on it. With Facebook, it shows the profile picture of the person you’re [...]
[Android] Xday helps you easily calculate the days remaining until a specified date
One tool that would be incredibly useful is if you could calculate time just by entering a date. For example, what if you could enter the date of your next birthday, and find out exactly how long it will be until that date arrives? Of course, there are so many [...]