With every new Android update, hidden features are lurking under the surface. Google hides these options to prevent unnecessary tinkering by average users, leaving them in place for power users to discover. These secrets range from silly to really useful, with the latter opening up new ways to manage your phone.
You can view battery information in the Today View, you already know what carrier services you, and you can quickly figure out with normal use whether your display orientation is locked, so what do you need the status bar at the top of your iPhone? If you don't find much use for it and would like to see more of your wallpaper, there's a way you can get rid of it for good.
The last quarter of 2017 brought us some downright excellent smartphones. Between the iPhone X, Pixel 2, and Note 8, consumers have more fantastic options than ever when choosing a new device. It's now the perfect opportunity for Samsung to set the tone for 2018 smartphones with their exceptional S9 and S9+.
With so many Chromecast-powered devices available, chances are, you're near something with casting abilities right now. Whether it's Android TV, Google Home, or any one of the various gadgets with Chromecast built-in, you can use a more powerful speaker to play media from your smartphone. The only caveat is that the app you're streaming from needs to support Google Cast, but thankfully, Tidal does.
Have you ever been listening to the radio and a song comes on that you can't identify? But you're driving, so you can't open your phone and use your favorite app to find the song's name. Well, with a feature called "Now Playing" on Pixel phones, Google has solved this problem.
Most newer phones come with a grayscale mode that you can activate when you want to save some battery life. The way it works is simple: If your graphics chip only has to render elements in black and white instead of full 32-bit color, it won't consume as much power.
Well, get ready to have your battery depleted if you use Google Photos. The backup app has just removed the "Backup While Charging" feature in their app.
Video chatting has become an important factor in the overall smartphone experience. Even just a few years ago, 37% of teens were making video calls on a regular basis, and that number has surely grown. 85% of households with infants have used video chat apps to call relatives in other cities, and it's been shown that toddlers can create bonds and learn from visual cues in video calls.
Ever been in an argument, only to have the other person cop out by saying "I never said that," when you know full well they did? Or how about one of those times when you're sitting in the lecture hall, half dozing off to your professor's monotone ramblings, when your ears perk up because they somehow know you missed something important that was just said?
Exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, "Information stream" is a screen feature that lets you see quick, at-a-glance information with a simple swipe while the screen is off. It also supports plug-ins, or additional streams of information that can come from third-party sources. So developers are starting to come up with nifty little add-ons for Information stream, and the team at 3C has some cool new system feeds that might come in handy.
Screen mirroring was a long-awaited feature for the Chromecast, now available for select devices (and even more with root). While great news for those who couldn't wait to play games, watch movies, and browse pictures on a big screen, it did mean that you had to keep your device's screen on the entire time it was being mirrored.
Samsung catches a lot of flak for all of the "bloatware" it preinstalls on its Galaxy line of devices. Many users complain that "TouchWiz," Samsung's custom Android skin, causes lag with its overabundance of features. But some of these features can actually be pretty handy, like Multi-Window Mode or Milk Music.
The status bar is where we get all of the important need-to-know information for our phones. At a quick glance, you can see what time it is on your Samsung Galaxy S3, how much battery power you have remaining, your current signal strength, and more. But after a while, things can feel a little stale up there.
Jailbreak your iOS 4.2.1, 4.2 or 4.1 mobile device with Redsn0w 0.9.6b4! One catch: If you're using an iPhone 4, 3GS (new boot ROM), iPad, iPod Touch 3g or 4g, this will be a tethered jailbreak. That is, you'll need to rejailbreak your iOS device every time your battery dies. Which is a bummer. But, hey, jailbroken iPhone/iPod/iPad!
Tired of your old front entry doorknob? Get rid of it in lieu of something a little classier (and safer). A handleset is the perfect way to make your front door stand out, and this video will show you how to install one— specifically, Schlage Plymouth Handleset. You'll need a phillips head screwdriver, tape measure, battery drill, 3/8" drill bit and a Sharpie or other marking device. To see how to install the matching deadbolt, click here.
This video tutorial is in the Electronics category which will show you how to make a Beetlebot from your parts bin. The Beetlebot project can be found in Make Volume 12. You will need a couple of small motors, 2 momentary switches, 2 AA battery holders, a piece of metal, a small bead, 2 paper clips, heat ring tubing and a couple of connectors. Cut off two pieces of the tubing and using a soldering iron melt them over the ends of the motors. Hot glue the 2 momentary switches at an angle with t...
In this tutorial, we learn how to operate the solar powered vent system in a 2010 Prius. Prius models that come with a moon roof also have a solar powered roof. The control switch is on the left hand side of the steering wheel. With the ignition on and the switch turned on, you can exit and allow the ventilation system to start to clean the air out of the car. Since this doesn't rely on power, it will not drain your battery. This is not only eco-friendly, it's also great for your health and c...
In this tutorial, we learn how to choose which driving mode to use in the 2010 Prius. The Prius offers four drive modes: normal, eco, power, and ev mode. To activate the mode, press the appropriate button the center console and the light will appear in the center console. Now, you can press it again to deactivate it if you no longer want it on. The Prius has a driving range of 1/2 mile and can operate at 25 mph using light throttle. If the battery needs charging or the speed exceeds 25 mph th...
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to jump start a car. When purchasing a jumper cable, don't purchase the cheapest set. It is also not necessary to purchase the most expensive. Begin by connecting the black cable on the negative terminal of the healthy car. Then connect the positive side of the red cable to the positive terminal of the healthy car. On the dead car, connect end of the cable to the positive side of the battery again, except this time you connect the negative end to a so...
In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to replace a keyboard for Acer Aspire One 10.1 netbook. Disconnect the netbook from the power supply and remove the battery. You can use a small flat screw driver or a razor blade for replacing the keyboard. You don't have to remove any screws. You need to unlatch three tabs; one located above the f8 key and two on either side of the keyboard. With the razor blade unlatch the tab above f8, and then the two side tabs as shown in...
Repairs Universe demonstrates how to take apart the BlackBerry Storm 2 to replace the LCD. First, flip the phone over and take out the battery, SIM card and memory card. Then, use a safe pry tool to pry off the top and bottom covers which are held on by adhesive and clips. Next, use a T-6 screwdriver, remove the size screws on the front of the device. Flip the phone over and remove two more screws. Use the pry tool to release the clips and remove the outer casing. Flip the phone over and usin...
In this tutorial, we learn how to install a replacement LCD screen on a Blackberry Pearl. First remove the cover and battery from the phone. Then, you will take a tool and remove the clips from the left and right side of the back to remove the bottom. You will now find two more screws that need to be removed from the phone that are on the top. Once done, you will nee to pry open the top and bottom of the phone and take it apart. You can now remove the motherboard from the casing which is wher...
If you don't want to spend an extra $130 to get 3G for your iPad, you can use the app MyWi to tether your iPhone's 3G connection to your iPad. This video shows you the easy way to tether your iPhone's 3G or EDGE Data Connection to your iPad, or any other Wi-Fi enabled device. So skip paying the extra dough and get a 3G connection for free! Be careful, as this can drain your iPad's battery!
You can add full iso roms on your PSP to play on the go, for free! This video will demonstrate exactly how to download and enter full free PSP games onto our handheld.
In this home scientist video the instructor Robert Bruce talks about cheap sulfuric acid. He says that sulfuric acid is very important in any lab both as a reagent and a precursor for preparing other chemicals. He points to the battery acid saying that it is a good source of sulfuric acid which is 35% concentrated. Now he shows various methods to obtained sulfuric acid and shows how to test one of the thus obtained sulfuric acid for its concentration. In this video the author talks about sulf...
PerformanceBikes will show you how to install a bicycle computer. Whether you have a simple computer or a more advanced computer you be able to see the basic instructions. Start by reading the instruction, install the handle bell mounts, install the wireless transmitter. You then install your spoke magnet, then calibrate your computer for your wheel size. Make sure you have read your own particular directions. If its not working, make sure you re-read your instruction, check your set up or ch...
Warning: this video does not demonstrate the actual instructions for making this spooky Halloween LED light up pumpkin that blasts a truck horn. Check out http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/10/howto_tuesday_scariest_pu.html for more information and a complete build process. Learn how to make it with the text and image process step by step. Halloween fun!!
One day, your car may break down and you won't be able to afford to hire a mechanic, so what do you do... you look on the web for some how-to vehicle repair videos and become your own car mechanic, that's what. You don't need any advanced training to perform repairs and simple maintenance on your automobile, but you may need a few tools. Invest in the basic tools and you'll be prepared for just about any car malfunction you can think of. These tutorials will help get you on your way, as long ...
This video tutorial will show you how to take apart your iPod Touch (iTouch) for repair and screen removal. Why? Because it's probably broken, that's why. Disassemble Apple's iPod Touch to replace the touchscreen, replace the battery, or do other minor repairs. Be warned that this tinkering will void your warranty, so maybe don't start messing around until it's your last resort. Check out this instructional video and learn how to take apart an iPod Touch for repairs.
I love making beeps and bloops with the Arduino pitches library, but sometimes archaic 8-bit tunes just don't cut it. Whether you want your robot to terrify your enemies with a demonic synthetic voice, you just need a pocket boom box on the go, or you want to a miniature guitar amp, a simple LM386 amplifier can crank up those signals loud enough to play through any speaker.
With the first installment of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" out, don't be surprised if you find yourself more than ever wanting to whip out a twelve inch phoenix feather wand and wrist twirl your way to defeating your own personal Voldemort. While this video won't teach you how to do magic (so sad), it will teach you how to craft a very cool-looking "Harry Potter" wand that can do the "lumos" spell.
In this video we learn how to use an electric tester to test wires. You will first need to purchase a voltage tester that runs on double a batteries. When you press it the end will turn green and you are ready to use it. Test it out by pushing it into a plug you know works and see if it turns red and starts to beep. If you own a home or are renovating this can help you out a lot if you don't have switches around. You can place the tester on a wire to find out if it's on and then become safer ...
In this tutorial, we learn how to take apart the Google Nexus One. First, take the battery cover off, then remove all the screws along the side and top of the phone on the back. Next, use an opening tool to pry the case off of the back. Then, pry the bottom cover off and then remove the two T5 screws underneath that. After this, take the casing tool off of the back and then remove all the Philips screws. Now, remove the three flex connections and the cable connected and set them aside. Pry th...
In this video, we learn how to fly a BAE Hawk RC airplane. Remember that this is an electric jet so the acceleration is not very quit compared to other airplanes. Treat this as a jet that needs a place to run to get speed before they can take off. Set up the airplane with a battery and make sure the wheels and everything else are in working order. Then, use your controller to make sure everything is set on the plane. You don't want anything to be reversed for when you are flying. When finishe...
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to winterize their home. Users should begin by cleaning the gutters on the side of their house. Scoop out all the debris and seal it with caulk. Then change the batteries of the smoke detector and clean it. It must be replaced if it is over 10 years old. Prepare the lawn mower for the spring season by sharpening the blades, clean it and drain all the gas out. It is a good idea to trim off the shrubs and trees. This video will benefit those viewers who...
In this Education video tutorial you will learn how to build a wind turbine with PVC windmill blades. This project when completed will charge a 12V battery. You can turn a motor in to a generator. When you spin the shaft on the generator, electricity is generated. So you get a motor with a flywheel and attach the turbine blades to it. When the blades turn with wind action, electricity will be generated. Take PVC pipes, 8" in diameter and 24" long. Cut the blades out of the pipe as per directi...
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to choose a drill. There are 3 types of drills: cordless drills, electric drills and rotary hammer drills. cordless drills run on batteries and have a hammer setting. cordless drills are able to drill into concrete with mason drill bits. Electric drills last much more longer than cordless drills, but are limited by the extension reach. Rotary hammer drills are only used to drill into concrete. Some drills require a chuck key. Others have a key-less ch...
In this tutorial, we learn how to replace a side mirror on a 1995 GMC Sonoma. First, take a wooden wedge and shove it in the switch inside your door so you don't kill your battery. Now, remove your window handle by sliding a tool inside and popping the handle off. Now remove the panel inside the handle of the vehicle and remove the screws surrounding it. Next, remove the trim clip behind the handle and pry off the trim from around the door handle. Now, remove the door petal and the entire sid...
In this tutorial, we learn how to update the firmware on the Nokia N900. To start, go to your app manager on your phone and make sure the battery is fully charged. Next, click on the "updates" button and wait for your phone to load and search for updates. When it's finished, the updates for the phone will appear. Click on them to download and install them to your phone. You will have the option to backup your data, you can do this if you choose, but you don't have to. When finished, your phon...
In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to unblock MySpace (or any other site) at school or work or anywhere else. This is really very easy and simple to do and takes practically no time. It is like going directly to the original site. For this, you first go to the site Cool MySpace. Once on this site, simply type in the address of the website you want to go to in the surf box. For example, http://www.myspace.com and then click on 'start surfing'. That's it! You are ...
