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wstark
Member since: June 2011
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Yes, you can easily recalibrate an Android phone’s compass. Basically, just hold it up in front of you and wave it around in a figure 8 pattern. Yes, I know that sounds silly, but I am being completely serious. I think you can also spin it on its 3 axises, but the figure 8 thing is much easier.
2 days 8 hours ago
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wstark answers Re: How to download apps from Google Play on devices that are listed as incompatible? Yes, there are ways. Since you mentioned Titanium Backup, I can safely assume that you are rooted. One thing to keep in mind though, is the Android version required pretty much means REQUIRED. If you are running 2.3 and the app requires 4.0, you shouldn’t waste your time.1 week 3 days ago
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I’ve had this happen, and I went through the same, “Now what?” process as you did. What worked for me was holding down the power button for a long time, I would guess 20-30 seconds, and then it just restarted normally.
1 week 4 days ago
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Not too much, it was only 8mb. In addition to the ubiquitous “performance and stability improvements,” it also makes some improvements to user account management. Some Nexus 7 users also report improved touchscreen performance, but this could be a placebo effect. As far as I know, Google didn't release a changelog.
2 weeks 2 days ago
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It looks more like Android 4.2! I’m being a little glib, but in all seriousness, the new control center to allow users to quickly access things like Bluetooth and Airplane Mode (which really is pretty much a copy of what’s been on Android for years) is a nice feature.
2 weeks 3 days ago
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I’m not certain about the new Nexus 7 since it is running Android 4.3, but on the first gen version with Android 4.0 you can sideload flash. I’d give it a try, you can install it from here:. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931671
3 weeks 5 days ago
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I’ve never rooted that particular device, but it will be a two step process. You have to unlock the bootloader to gain root access, so first you will need to unlock the bootloader. Sony actually provides an overview and basic on how to do this. http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/
4 weeks 3 days ago
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I am not familiar with that device, but if it doesn’t have a GPS receiver, that is a question of hardware, not software, and you clearly can’t download hardware. However, even without GPS you can get location data by using a combination of WiFi and cell tower data.
4 weeks 3 days ago
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Yes, but you will have to dig around to change it. There was a guide on Android Central recently that should walk you through it. http://www.androidcentral.com/google-plus-update-plus-one-history
4 weeks 4 days ago
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Basically, because it takes less power to ping a WiFi network than it does for a cell tower, and even when in sleep mode it is still checking for IMs, SMSes, etc. Here is a more detailed explaination, if you are interested: http://www.androidcentral.com/android-101-save-battery-keeping-wifi-alive
8 weeks 2 days ago
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The only way I know of is to root the device and flash a custom ROM. The way to avoid it in the first place is to buy the unlocked Google Play version, but you are going to have to ante up $649 for that. You can just turn off some features such as Motion and Air Gesture, but you can’t turn off TouchWiz.
9 weeks 3 days ago
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In addition to the very valid points Christopher made, I also think many people install an app launcher because it can make their Android device look cooler. It also opens up new Widget options, and let’s you more easily access those apps you decide are most important. So basically: Widgets, app access, and looks cool.
9 weeks 6 days ago
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wstark answers Re: How to get Google applications like Gmail, Play and YouTube back on a rooted Android phone with custom ROM? Yeah, those are proprietary apps and not open source like the Android OS. It’s not too bad though, Google makes the GAPS available. Here is a little explanation about it from CyanogenMod forum that explains it more and also has a link to a source for GAPS. It’s just one of those things that goes along with flashing a new ROM.10 weeks 3 days ago
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There was a recently leaked (or planted or fake) document from Office Max that said it will be on sale next week and the 32GB model will retail for $269.99.
11 weeks 3 days ago
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I suspect RT is a Windows OS branch that will soon disappear. Hardware wise, it’s a pretty decent tablet for the money, but I still would not choose an RT tablet. Windows 8, fine. RT, nope. Software isn’t fully compatible, and I’m not a fan of gimped OSes.
11 weeks 4 days ago
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wstark answers Re: What’s the best way to extend battery life on a smartphone without making it useless? Your screen uses a lot of power when it is active. Decreasing brightness can add to battery life significantly. If you are used to 100% brightness, try dropping it down to 80%.12 weeks 4 days ago
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I like Christopher’s solution to get an S4 without the issue....except the unfortunate paying for it part. Otherwise, choose the apps you install carefully, and if possible install them from Google Play.
12 weeks 6 days ago
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There is a difference. The Nexus is running pure unadulterated Android. The Google Play Editions apparently still use the manufacturers kernels, but do not have the bloatware and the UI stuff on top of Android that both Samsung and HTC love to skin their devices with.
13 weeks 6 days ago
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I don’t think so (and the link posted by jimlynch seems to confirm that), and of course you wouldn’t be able to use Google Play to download apps. However, I expect that it will be pretty easy to port applications from Android to Ubuntu, should there be an install base large enough to encourage developer support.
15 weeks 2 days ago
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It’s not exactly a case of hacking with the PRISM system.
16 weeks 2 days ago
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It is a know issue.
16 weeks 2 days ago
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It won’t be free. Considering the companies current dismal state in the US, I don’t see how it could hurt sales much, after all taking a little away from a little still leaves you with a little. Now that IT has been supporting iOS and Android for a few years, I doubt there is a huge amount of unmet demand for BBM.
16 weeks 6 days ago
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I would say there is still a significant difference, although not as much as there used to be. Screen resolution will probably be the first thing you notice compared on a second tier brand compared to a top shelf device.
17 weeks 5 days ago
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I have seen the app icons disappear from time to time on android phones while the apps are actually still installed. First of all reboot your phone. Then, check to see if your apps are still present. I would use a file explorer, but at least check your “app drawer” on the bottom of your home screen and look for the missing apps.
18 weeks 3 days ago
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If you already have an HDMI cable, you can get an after-market adapter for about $10. I only looked on amazon, there may even be cheaper options out there somewhere.
21 weeks 3 days ago
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