which launcher get for my Nexus 7

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Benjamin

Depends on what you want out of a launcher. There are several on the play store, some free and some not (most of the paid ones have free versions), so play with them to find the one you like best. Nova is popular right now, but I’m using smart launcher right now mainly because i like the simplistic nature of it. 4 isn’t much, but they do have a free version you can check out first if you like, then depending on whether or not you want it you can spend your money.

Nova! I ran with the free version for a few days. Brought Nova Prime without thinking about it. Running it with Stark Icons on all my devices Im a real big fan of Apex Launcher. it keeps that vanilla feel but adds all the features stock forgot. swipe actions and long press icon control it really is great just give it a try

have both Nova Prime and Apex Pro. My personal preference is for Apex. Of course everyone is gonna tell you what their favorite is (remember that; it’s not the “best,” it’s just their favorite). That said, why don’t you give the free versions a test drive, then decide. Only you can decide what’s best for you and your uses.

add to the madness, Nova Launcher is popular right now AND a real good launcher with tons of customizations to mess with. Of course it has a paid version that you can purchase but I, personally don’t like paying for launchers even if its a few bucks. They’re not worth it to me but that’s my point of view.

I like Apex Launcher and ADW Launcher which is good for older phones running older OS’ such as 2.3.6. Stock on the Nexus 7 is still an awesome choice w/an awesome experience! Download any that you haven’t tried and see how they look and feel to you. Good luck and happy hunting launcher is the best and the fastest I’ve ever used, but if you want something different use Atom.

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Nexus 7 for over half a year love it

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Benjamin

I’ve had my Nexus 7 for over half a year and I love it. I was wondering how I could redesign the home screens it a mini malistic way like I’ve often seen on here. Also I wanted to ask what you all use your Nexus 7 for and is it worth me getting a Chromebook as well for better browsing and homework. Keeping in mine I am only 14 and have very little money,

I think a Chromebook would be an excellent addition to your arsenal. It is a wonderful product.  best you can afford. You could have bought a crappy 7″ Polaroid tablet for 89 bucks but chose the N7. Research the Chromebook makers.

I wouldn’t buy a chrombook unless you need desktop apps (and even then a lot of those won’t work on Chrome OS yet), I’d buy a Bluetooth keyboard you like and maybe a Bluetooth mouse so you don’t have to reach up to the screen when doing lots of desk work. As for redesigning home screens, I use Nova and then consign my widgets to the top and bottom, using gestures for most shortcuts. And of course, folders on the dock make life so simple .

You’ll sometimes find tutorials and instructions for many setups.I use Apex Pro, Minimal Text, Zooper, Simi Folder and UCCW in varying combinations or solo for various effects.

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my nexus 7 battery is OK

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Benjamin

I’ve never gotten the want more apps thing. Just checked a few times again and nothing like that.and they’re so i never notice them anyway. Very unobtrusive. I don’t find its function any more limited than Battery Doctor.

Of course I don’t let Bat Doc do half the crap it wants to do in the interest of saving my battery. I can do that on my own when and if I want to. I use it mainly for information purposes. And Bat HD does things that Bat Doc doesn’t when it comes to info so, limited is subjective. In any case, like I said, I use both. I like both. Different strokes and all. I just think OP should give it a look and decide for himself. Just my opinion.

I use Battery Doctor on my S2 and love it. On the N7 i’ve been using one called Battery HD that is beautiful to look at and provides all sorts of useful information. I think I will keep it instead of Battery Doc on the tablet. Take a look at it. but this is my first tablet.

I am at 49% and has been unplugged for 11 hours and 50 minutes with a screen on time of 6 hours and 12 minutes. just been using it for general web stuff and a little bit of YouTube watching throughout the day.  I had to check and ask as it seemed to drop fairly quick the other day but I think it was the wife playing her games.

Sounds good to me. I use Battery Dr by ksmobile. It manages your battery and charge time and in the long run you will get more out of your battery. Battery Dr watches the charging and helps you keep up the condition of the battery and help prolong over all usage.  I did, but battery Dr is full no adds app that’s free. Battery HD free has adds and is limited in function, and when leaving the app it spams you each and every time asking if you want more free apps. Battery Dr is clean full featured and NO ADS

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Is it possible to watch stuff from my Nexus 7 on my TV

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Benjamin

Is it possible to watch stuff from my Nexus 7 on my TV? i just started digging into this a bit. I started with looking up Micro USB to HDMI adapters, which is semi-promising, but I’ll admit they all appear to be designed for MHL technology and phones. And I can’t seem to find if a Nexus 7 would have MHL tech inside…

Well, honestly, a plug-in option is kinda my preferred route, since my WiFi at home isn’t that grand… so the idea of streaming it over to the TV wouldn’t end too well. I figured it was looking that way. I could probably stream from it to other devices, from what I’ve found, it’s just not the best quality to do so in my house. Generally speaking.

No there is no mhl support or any other on the n7 The nessasary hardware isn’t there u can search this on XDA. Sorry bud Get a better router the Cisco e4300 is awesome  I know what wifi-direct is, just I was scanning and not really reading lol  yup I’m almost all caught up just jokes and crap that can be left for tomorrow.

So hey one thing about WiFi Dir. I’m not so sure about. My blue ray is WiFi enabled so I can connect to that? Or does my blue ray have to be WiFi direct as well? it does awesome I’ll test it out tomorrow Ah got ya. My blue ray isn’t connected to my home network never did set that up. But I’ll give it a whirl tomorrow and post the results

You can, however, use Wi-Fi Direct to throw your screen to a compatible screen or device. The only problem is just finding a compatible screen or deviceI meant that the Nexus 7 already supports slinging the screen around via Wi-Fi Direct.  You don’t need a good router, the whole POINT of Wi-Fi Direct is that it uses Wi-Fi frequencies and protocols to communicate DIRECTLY with peripherals like screens and printers without any middle devices like routers and switches.

Think of it as a much higher-speed, high-powered Bluetooth for peer-to-peer video, printing and other functions.  I’m not surprised that this is a new term for most people. I think it does need to have Wi-Fi Direct support to do Wi-Fi Direct functions.  Between my Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus, I’m not having much luck testing out Wi-Fi Direct here.  This is the first time I’ve even tried it out despite knowing it’s been there all along. heh   I think the problem is that you can’t be connected to a Wi-Fi network while using Wi-Fi Direct.  If that’s true, I’m not likely to use it since I can’t tolerate re-entering my WPA2 password over and over again just to connect back up to our home’s Wi-Fi network.

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Chromebook the Acer model

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Benjamin

I am looking at the Chromebook the Acer model with the 4 Gb of Ram, and the larger battery that is suppose to have 6 hours in it. I want to order it. Anyone have any experience with it? I want the Samsung, but I understand that there is a bad cracking problem on the screen that they refuse to acknowledge or fix. So I looked at the acer. I can C7 for 199 still here at best buy as well at the Samsung, the other model I need to order. I understand what you mean now. OK. Yeah. I thought that for only 30 bucks higher then the Samsung, you would get more Ram, and as much power. And a better display. So, I was thinking of that. I would need to order it though. No one has it around here as far as I can see. But for some reason I am still drawn to the Samsung. I like that face that it does not have a spinning hard drive that can mess itself up upon jaring. Oh, and that I am a git disappointed that with the Samsung, you can not repace the battery if you need to. But then again, will it last that long?

The Samsung ARM does have build quality issues, but once you have a good one community members seem to love it. Regarding the Acer I  believe its more cost effective to buy the base model (199) and upgrade the RAM and battery yourself. Assuming you don’t mind the smaller HDD and voiding the warranty. Normally warranties become void as soon as you open up a machine. By upgarding the ram yourself I believe that would void the warranty. Although I’m not expecting the budget chromebooks to be refreshed (i’m thinking mid range) it would be sensible to wait…just in case.

Wait until Google I/O, which is in under two weeks. The new Samsung Chromebook should be announced there. I/O is so close now, you’d be silly not to wait. means is that to get into the machine and swap hardware out then the warranty is affected. Clearly, if you buy the cheaper models then you will get the cheaper hardware too. I have the ‘Samsung’, an SS5 and a Pixel (with a 550 on the way). The Samsung is a fine little machine – the screen is on the smaller size, though, which is the only real bugbear. If I had the choice between all the models (apart from the Pixel) I would go for the 550 every time. The best balance of speed/cost. Oh, and the 3G version so you can use it out and about.

Have you considered a 550? You can still get them via eBay and if you look around a bit you can find them for as low as 330$ which is a great price point for a 4Gig chromebook with a slightly faster processor. Waiting for Google I/O is also a good idea as I’ve heard that in the coming months a whole lot of new Chromebooks are going to come out

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Switch permanently to Google Voice as your primary number?

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Benjamin

Any of you guys made the switch permanently to Google Voice as your primary number? Are you satisfied with the experience? that’s what I’ve been reading. Hoping they’ll address Google Voice at I/O. Even though I highly doubt it. Do you use the GV app to send SMS? or Have it routed through the Stock SMS app. I’ve been using it as voicemail for a little over a year now. I love it. your SMS set up on your phone? Do you use the Google Voice app for SMS? I’ve been testing the waters with voice and text using Growl Voice on my MBP and I absolutely love it. If you call out using the GV app on your phone does it use up minutes or run off your data plan or wifi?

I’ve been using Google voice exclusively for about 6 months now for my 7 inch tablets. I have used it to a lesser extent about 2 years prior but made the complet switchover then. I really like it and with the exception of it being down for a day or 2 following hurricane Sandy it has been pretty much flawless. It is super convenient and I love the integration with my desktop for listening to voice mails and sending/receiving text messages. The only issue is that it can not receive group text messages or MMS, not a deal breaker for me but  my wife switched over last year as well and it was a bit of an issue for her and her friends who do lots of group and MMS messages.

I’ve been 100% on Google Voice (text and voicemail) for the last 2.5 years and I would never go back. Makes it so much easier to route calls (I can answer calls on my computer or phone) and answer text messages anywhere (phone, tablet, web, etc). Sprint so it is completely integrated. Absolutely love having it that way. Makes texting and calling (Groove IP is a must have) on all my android devices a breeze

I’ve been using GV for a couple of years or so. I LOVE it. my mms goes to email or iPod. I also use groove up if I don’t have a data connection for whatever reason, and use the GV application for texts. I’ve also been able to text people thru GV with my iPod or galaxy tab if I’ve forgotten/lost my phone. it’s awesome.Google Voice has been my primary service for the past couple years and will remain as so. I love having one number that remains on my account and can always reach me, as well as having access to my call history/voicemail/messages anywhere, anytime!

It’s been my number for over 2 years, freaking love it, installed it on all my Androids and installed the Chrome extension, boom texts from anywhere! But also voice mails too from anywhere, free phone calls from my account on my computer too, I never use any minutes haha love it! Google Voice itself uses call minutes for making/receiving calls. If your mobile plan includes unlimited data, but not talk/minutes, you may want to purchase and setup GrooVe IP with your Google Voice account, which enables you to make/receive calls over either Wi-Fi or mobile data.

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Nexus Phone Battery Life

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Benjamin

Let me just cut to the chase – I m super unhappy with my Nexus battery life…. it seems that unless I give it a full charge (0 to 100%) , I need to keep it on charging practically all through the day… I ve tried several optimization apps such as NQ Android Booster and have recently got my self a nice case from Amazon for the phone as well…. I also read somewhere that one should not charge any smartphone with the case on as it affects the battery…. please do let me know all you can on how I can work around this and what are the best optimization methods for my phone usage.typically, it seems shutting off apps and clearing the cache are the two normal solves  Yes its the nexus 4… My network does fluctuate…

I think thats a factor too… it keeps moving between 3G and Edge and it shows me two bars at times and sometimes full as well…. My major usage revolves around calling and Whats App…. I do shut my apps regularly… at least 6 or 7 times a day definitely when I realize I have lots of them opened up…. I do random browsing as well on the Chrome app…to be honest, I havnt checked the battery page much since I got the phone as I just use those optimization apps…but I can see the Screen pulling off most of my battery.. it for about 2.5 months now… airplane mode does help it … I thought as well it had improved in the middle but now off late its been really bad

Kind of network do you have on avg through the day? (Full bars, low bars, etc.) What are you doing with the phone? What does the battery page in your settings say is drawing the battery? (After the screen). On a modern phone you shouldn’t need to do anything to administer the battery charge. True, some apps may soak up more juice than others. Get rid of those and tell the developers to get back to the drawing board I know mine seemed really bad at first but after about a week or two battery life seemed to improve quite a bit. Plus, doing things like keeping data off when you won’t need or use it and flipping on airplane mode when you have little to no service will all help improve battery life dramatically.
Some batteries need to be exercise when this purchase a new phone… I know my note 2 was like that but battery life started leveling out after a couple of charges.. And you should always charge you phone when it’s at 25%… Completely draining a battery is not good for it

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MS Wedge Mobile Keyboard and Mice paired with my Nexus 7

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Benjamin

My mobile office setup, using a MS Wedge Mobile Keyboard and Mice paired with my N7. Works like a charm! Bought both on nextbuying. Both of them are very easy to pair and don’t require any extra configuration (well, the Keyboard in fact cost me an extra app to anable the US-International layout). And another great thing is: the keyboard cover works as a stand for the tablet.. I am over it already… I don’t care if this is Apple, MS, Asus or whatever… as long as the product give me the desired benefits for the money I paid, I am good with it. don’t have any lag when using the mice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have the very same setup here… Well, except for the mouse than. Easy to pair indeed. You just need to select the keyboard layout if you’re on azerty or alike. Btw, it’s the cheapest quality keyboard around. And yes it’s Microsoft but that’s OK…

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Verizon customer couldn’t get the nexus 4

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Benjamin

Clearly the smartphone God’s do answer prayers… being a Verizon customer I’ve been upset i couldn’t get the nexus 4.well looks like a time to rejoice!  Meh not likely…. the “nexus 5″ won’t be out till this fall most likely, though releasing a updated nexus 4 to support LTE is perfect. ALL the old nexus 4 owners will like get the new nexus 5 when released cause it won’t have LTE and then all the new nexus 4 Buyers of the LTE model will go out immediately to buy like me. long story short you have record sells for the nexus all year round! I mean even if they are a tad late they still will be earlier than other flagship models like the galaxy tab accessories or galaxy s4 and future Motorola X. Cause that’s literally the ONLY reason why I won’t use my update to buy a S4 cause I will lose my unlimited data and i dont want to pay $600 for a retail s4.  but if that nexus 4 LTE sells retail at like $350 then I’m going to be all over it!!
G-Nex is almost two years old… It’s about time Verizon carried MN another nexus device. I was just about to buy my wife a G-Nex too…. But now I’ll give her my galaxy s3 when I buy my nexus 4 LTE…. or is nexus 5 rumors say that that device will have LTE then I’ll wait
hope that more manufacturers go this route of saying to the carriers this is how you’re going to get the phone and that’s it.  No bloatware and we send out the updates like the Apple model.
The nexus line is the pinnacle halo device representing the Android OS you can have a carrier that’s notorious for rolling out updates when they feel like it to a device like that.  I’m not even a vzw customer and it makes me mad Why can’t Google just release new builds of Android via the internet for all Nexus devices and let Verizon customers flash on their own? Then Verizon could push the update when they wanted to the normal. Everyone’s happy.
you know it man. I’m in love with my current GS3 or nexus 4, don’t get me wrong, but if can empty out the swear jar and have an N4, I’m all the fuck about it. {There’s a quarter} I’ve gotten so used to using my N7 and I feel its time to merge all of it. My dream… Nexus 7  accessories with a handset speaker and VoLTE support. Let me use it as phone if my mom needs to get a hold of me. Also, I wanna run LTE and WiFi at the same time. LTE for internet. WiFi for remote control; drone helicopters, go pro cameras. Pure versatility.
something as incredibly stupid as a “new nexus” for I/O then I would question the veracity of it. I also think it would be a fatal mistake for Google to release an LTE phone when LTE bands are a worlwide disaster in terms of interoperability, specially when Google is all about standards and stuff. I wouldn’t hold my breath. nexus 4 isnt coming to Verizon most  likely. Their custom radio firmware and cdma modifications  will knock it off track from Google’s timely updates. They indicated already that there are issues with the cdma update process.just like tdma and iDen just put it to bed, and move on to LTE :)  that technology was such a bad idea for the carriers to adopt…if everyone had gone gsm we’d all be in pretty good shape
all-LTE N4 working just yet. How would they sell it? The LTE N4 for X european country and then one for y, and another for z in the US? Imagine the customer confusion and mis-purchases. Bad for business. LTE won’t reach a maturity level until bands are standarized and that’s not happening any time soon, since the interoperability or lack thereof, between carriers bands make for a great way to keep customers locked in. IV Verizon did not do a “decent job” with the GNex. Ask any informed customer and they will confirm that Verizon did horribly. It’s unacceptable for a Nexus device to get an update several months after it is released, even after some non-Nexus devices!
LTE is an overlay to an existing voice network. i was just saying that if everyone was on gsm from the start devices selection would be so huge in this market…and you wouldnt be under the control of your carrier to add your device to the network rather than just putting a SIM card into a new phone.  Cant wait for LTE Voice

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nexus 4 stolen at a restaurant

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Benjamin

Havin’ a bad day. Today I got my beautiful nexus 4 stolen at a restaurant. Good luck to those mother fuckers trying to figure out how to handle it. To me…. Just ordered a new nexus 4, cant live without it.
For this one, install Cerberus from Play Store and the thief will have a hard time to get away with your precious next time! You can precisely locate it and even take pictures of him, among other things. Remote wipe is just a bonus and a last resource.
Unfortunately all they have to do is get a sim card and go with a no-contract plan.  However, there is a number they must give which is unique to the phone, I believe.  That might be a way to try finding it.  It’s alpha-numeric, sort of like a mac address. the cell phone company knows the unique number . I’m not sure if all the cell phone companies use the same blacklist , hopefully they do Yes, but they don’t need to use the same company.  It’s an unlocked phone.  T-mobile, straight-talk etc send you sim cards you can use to pay by the month and they will provide you with a new number. yes I know. If the mahority of cell companies use a universal blacklist then the thief will have a hell of a time finding one that doesnt. Doesn’t matter what sim card or number they use

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