Thursday 28 February 2013

Use FileExpert to move apps to external SD card for Android ICS

move apps to external SD cardFileExpert is a file manager and transfer app. Though there are many apps with better feature than FileExpert hidden within it is a very useful utility which lets you move apps to external SD card; a task which is not possible in stock Android 4.0.

I have been using Zync Cloud Z5 phablet which comes pre-loaded with vanilla Android ICS 4.0. Due to some reasons I had to format the phone recently and wanted to move all my apps to external SD card.

The functionality provided within is Settings > Apps Manager lets you move the apps to SD Card. But it actually moves the apps to Internal Storage of the phone which Android recognizes as SD card as well.

I tried Apps2SD to move the apps but faced the same problem, it was moving the apps to internal phone storage rather that external SD card.

Having searched through many forums and after trying different apps from Google Play, I found a solution with FileExpert app (free version also works). Besides this, the App  also offers many amazing features such as file sharing over Wifi and Bluetooth.

How FileExpert can help you move apps to external SD card:

  • Search and install the FileExpert app in your device from Google Play.
  • Fire up the File Expert app. Just at the bottom of the home screen you will see a pull-up tab. Touch on it and you get few more options. Touch on 'Settings'.
FileExpert Home
FileExpert Home
  • In Settings, scroll down to 'App Manager Settings' and then touch on 'App Backup Folder'
FileExpert Setting
FileExpert Setting
Apps Backup
Apps Backup
  • A new window pops up prompting you to enter the path to the backup folder.
  • It will have the pre-populated value as 'mnt/sdcard/backup'. Edit the value to 'mnt/sdcard2/backup'.
  • The entry 'sdcard2' now ensures that all the apps will be backed up to external SD card, which is also recognized as SDCARD2 within the Android system.
Apps backup SD card
Enter "mnt/sdcard2/backup'
  • Goto home screen and touch on 'Apps'. The list of all installed apps in your phone will be populated. Select the app you want to back up and new menu appears at the bottom.
  • Select 'Backup' and the apps will be backed up to your external SD card in the folder named 'backup_apps'.

Now you can format your phone whenever you like and all your Apps will be safe in an external SD card. If you experience any issues, do drop in your comments.

Link: File Expert Manager

-- This Post Use FileExpert to move apps to external SD card for Android ICS is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Google adds Books to Play Store’s catalogue in India

It's been a long time since Google has moved from Android Market to Google Play, aiming to create a store for all kinds of content, including Apps, Music, Books and Magazines. But in many countries, Play store is restricted to Apps, nothing more than that.

Until today, India was one of those. Thankfully, Google has added new kind of content to its store – releasing Play Books in India.

play-books-india

If you open Google Play in your browser or the app on your Android, you should be seeing a Books section inline with Apps. You'll be prompted to download Play Books app for Android, which is what you need if you want to read any books you've bought.

The collection seems to be pretty huge, especially for a first time release. There are a good number of books you can get for free, too – check out the 'Top Free' section for those.

You can preview the books before buying which is nice to have. Apart from Play Books app on Android, you can even read the books on your library from the site itself. If you're on iOS, you can get the Play Books app, it's also optimized for iPad.

Flipkart has been doing pretty great with their eBooks collection and Apple has recently brought music to iTunes store in India. It'll be interesting to see which service people will go with for buying content.

Link: Google Play

-- This Post Google adds Books to Play Store's catalogue in India is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Wednesday 27 February 2013

Google+ Sign-In: Registration and Authentication tool for 3rd party apps

Google has announced a new feature for app and website developers. It is called Google+ sign-in, which allows users to sign-up/register with apps and websites. This is possibly the first big step towards seeing a lot more of Google+ outside the Google ecosystem. In other words, it will compete with Facebook Connect.

Google Plus Sign-in Features

What exactly is Google+ Sign-in about

Google authentication is already a feature that is used by many websites. But a lot of them prefer using Facebook, mainly because it helps the app get social.

With Google+ Sign-in, the app user can share stuff based on their Google+ Circles. This can be done through interactive labels like Check-in, Subscribe, Download and many more.

Google+ also suggests that they are against social spamming. Basically that is taking a swipe at Facebook. Facebook's friction-less sharing from apps was a unpopular idea.

Google is in much better position to leverage Google+ Sign-in compared to Facebook connect because it has its own mobile platform, search engine, email service, maps and Google Play, a store for apps.

Video

Resources for Developers

If you are a developer, then you might like looking through this handy guide for Google+ Sign-in feature.

Developers can also additionally check out their sample app called PhotoHunt, which demonstrates all features of Google+ Sign-in.

Here is a quick question for you! If you visit a website and come across a Facebook connect button and a Google+ Sign-in button. Which one will you use? Do drop in your comments.

-- This Post Google+ Sign-In: Registration and Authentication tool for 3rd party apps is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Tuesday 26 February 2013

Buy apps on Google Play with EntroPay’s Virtual Credit Card

Google Play never officially supported debit cards for app purchases, but few debit cards like that of ICICI Bank's do work. But if you're like me, you're left out with a debit card which Play store doesn't support. This was the case only until I found out EntroPay, which lets you get Virtual Credit cards (VCCs), and guess what, Play store supports them.

entropay-vcc

Getting an EntroPay card

The process is pretty simple. You head over to EntroPay, fill the sign up form with details that match the one on your credit/debit card (which is just a precaution).

As the account is created, you'll be asked to recharge your card for the first time, the minimum amount you can deposit is 20$. You can deposit via credit/debit cards or even bank transfer.

EntroPay takes certain amount of money you deposited as fees, which depends on whether you deposited via credit/debit card or bank transfer. For example, if you have deposited via a credit/debit card, 4.95% of the deposited money is taken as fees. Check the Fees page on the site for more information.

After all this gets done, you'll be granted a virtual credit card, which looks something the screenshot above.

Using EntroPay card on Google Play

After that's done, you have to go to Google Checkout (which is basically what's used in Play store) and enter details of the EntroPay VCC.

This is the tricky part, as it asks for address – while denying your actual home address. The solution is to put address of EntroPay's headquarters which are located in Malta. You can get the address from the contact page on their site.

This is how the address should look (including country, pin code and city):

google-wallet

And you're almost done.

Next time while you're buying an app on Play store's website or the Android app, select the VCC which you just created (you'll be shown a list of cards available from Google Checkout).

I've tried all this personally and can assure that it works.

This is not restricted to Play store, though. It should work for others too, like Skype credits (haven't given a try for App store).

-- This Post Buy apps on Google Play with EntroPay's Virtual Credit Card is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Micromax Canvas HD A116: Quad-core, Android Jelly Bean, 5-inch display, priced at Rs. 14000

Packed with a Quad Core processor, the Micromax Canvas HD A116 smartphone is a real smasher in the Micromax arsenal. This Android Jelly Bean powered A116 smartphone comes with great features. The phone has a 1.2 GHz Quad Core Processor, 1 GB RAM, 5 inch screen and runs on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. These are surprising features for a phone that is priced only at Rs 14,000 ($260).

A116 - Front View
Front View
Micromax Canvas HD A116 - Back View
Back View

Canvas HD A116 Specs and Features

  • The phone packs a 1.2 GHz Quad Core Processor.
  • Supported networks are 2G/3G, WiFi enabled, Bluetooth 4.0. It also supports dual SIM.
  • The screen is a 5-inch IPS screen which is multi-touch enabled. The screen resolution is 720 X 1280 pixels.
  • Primary Camera is 8 MP with LED flash and secondary one being 2 MP.
  • Internal memory is 1.77 GB with 1 GB RAM. Thankfully it is expandable upto 32 GB.

The disappointing part of this phone is that it does not have a Gorilla glass which I think is a must for touch devices. Also its performance on how well it will handle the powerful Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean version is still unclear.

The real attractive feature of this phone is its price at Rs. 14,000 ($260). The phone will literally cost half of what most other high-end phones with similar features will cost. But this is not exactly a replacement for a high-end smartphone device either.

Link: Canvas HD A116

-- This Post Micromax Canvas HD A116: Quad-core, Android Jelly Bean, 5-inch display, priced at Rs. 14000 is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Monday 25 February 2013

Samsung Galaxy S IV will be unveiled on March 14

Samsung has confirmed in a tweet that there is a "unpacked" event in New York City on March 14. The event will be where Samsung will unveil Galaxy S IV. Samsung has had a fantastic year in 2012, with record sales for Galaxy S III handset. It is almost certain that Galaxy S IV will be sold in very large numbers.

Samsung has had difficulty selling its Galaxy S I and S II handsets with patent filings against it by Apple. Thought S III was a different story and with S IV launch in New York, it is obviously trying to make a big splash in the United States.

Samsung Unpacked

Expectations from Galaxy S IV

There have been rumours that Samsung will be stepping away from Android in favour of its own Tizen. Though, it seems very unlikely that Galaxy S IV will have Tizen. It will most probably ship with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Earlier in the year, Samsung showcased flexible OLED screens. They might make an appearance with Galaxy S IV versions. I think it might be fair to expect a screen that folds over the edge, which could be useful to display notifications. It will most probably have a 5-inch display screen.

Samsung Galaxy S IV will end up competing with the likes of HTC One, Nokia's Lumia 920, possibly an iPhone 6 (or iPhone 5S) and BlackBerry 10 for top honours in the smart phone industry. If Samsung keeps doing as well has it has in the past year, it could probably mean very difficult days for HTC, Nokia and BlackBerry.

-- This Post Samsung Galaxy S IV will be unveiled on March 14 is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Saturday 23 February 2013

Why Chromebook Pixel’s Pricing Actually Makes Sense

As Google unveiled Chromebook Pixel, a high end laptop that is priced very high at $1299 (WIFI) and $1499 for LTE version. The high price for the laptop is attracting a lot of criticism and even I at first wondered what exactly was Google doing here.

It has only 64GB internal memory, it runs on Chrome OS which is basically a juiced up browser. Add a couple of hundred dollars to the that price tag and one could by a MacBook.

Chromebook Pixel

So why would someone pay $1299 for a Chromebook Pixel?

  • The answer is simple. Google offers 1 TB cloud storage for 3 years with Google Drive.
  • The pricing for Google Drive's 1 TB package is $49.99 on a monthly basis (Google Drive Pricing).
  • So for one year storage, the pricing will be $599.88.
  • Multiply it by three years and that goes up to $1799.64

So basically, if I was someone who purchased 1 TB storage space on Google Drive, it might be a great idea to buy Chromebook Pixel just for the storage. The awesome display touch-screen laptop is a bonus.

I am not sure how many people buy 1TB storage space on Google Drive, but I am sure Google has taken a calculated risk at wooing those high-end cloud users onto Chromebook Pixel.

Do you still think Chromebook Pixel is over-priced? Do drop in your comments.

-- This Post Why Chromebook Pixel's Pricing Actually Makes Sense is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Friday 22 February 2013

Chromebook Pixel: Google’s answer to Macbook Pro

Google's Chromebook experiment has always been mildly interesting. Chromebooks were lower low priced laptops running on Chrome OS. The Chromebook have everything stored on the cloud and even all the apps on it are online. That is about to change with the newly announced Chromebook Pixel.

Chromebook Pixel

Chromebook Pixel Features

  • The Chromebook Pixel boasts of screen with the higest pixel density around. Its packed with 4.3 million pixels. No prizes for guessing that this one is Google's own version of retina display screen.
  • The Pixel will feature a Intel Core i5 processor. That is a remarkably powerful processor for a device that basically will run web apps.
  • Chromebook Pixels will come in two prices – $1299 for the WIFI only laptop. The $1499 is the LTE version.
  • The internal memory of Chromebook Pixel will be 64GB.
  • The Chrome OS version on this will support touch screen.
  • Chromebook Pixel is available only in US and UK at the moment. It can be bought via Google Play. It is also available at BestBuy stores in the US and Currys PC World in the UK.

Does it compare at all with Apple's Macbook Pro?

Chromebook Pixel is a high-end laptop and it is obviously taking aim at Apple's Macbook Pro. How does it compare with the Macbook Pro? I do not think anyone using a Macbook will actually move away to Chrome Pixel. That looks very unlikely. Chromebooks Pixel simply does not have the legacy of Apple's macbooks. The only advantage it has over Macbooks is a touch-screen.

But looking at Google's advertisement (video below) for Chromebook Pixel, I can't help but wonder if they are copying not just the look and feel of Apple's Macbook but also copying the look and feel of their Apple videos.

Apple a few years ago, betted on the post-PC world. A world where your primary device to access the internet is either a smart-phone or a tablet. Google is betting on something similar. It is betting on the post-local storage age (odd sounding but its the best I could come up with).

Google think and probably rightly so that in a few years we all will access to super fast internet and much of our data will be stored online and not locally.

-- This Post Chromebook Pixel: Google's answer to Macbook Pro is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Thursday 21 February 2013

What does someone wearing Google Glass see? [Video]

Google Glass first person

Google has announced that it will start opening up Google Glass to public in a limited manner. People can start applying for Google Glass by declaring what they would do with Google Glass on Google+ or Twitter. It has to be the hashtag #ifihadglass.

The initial price tag for participants is $1500 US. But how will Google Glass work? Will the display screen on the side actually be a distraction or will it be something that adds to the experience.

Now with this video it shows more or less what someone wearing Google Glass will see.

Video

I am excited about Google Glass. It is truly something that makes technology extremely personal. With products like Gmail, Google Maps, Android, Google+, Google Drive and Search, Google is uniquely positioned to deliver a product like Google Glass and make it work.

Check more details for Google Glass at its landing page.

What are your thoughts on Google Glass? Do drop in your comments.

-- This Post What does someone wearing Google Glass see? [Video] is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Wednesday 20 February 2013

SwiftKey 4 brings gesture-based typing, split keyboard to Android

Swiftkey, one of the most popular keyboards for Android, got updated to 4.0. The new version features gesture-based typing, better word suggestions and more.

swiftkey-4

Gesture-based typing was one of the big features which Swiftkey missed out previously, especially when even 4.2′s native keyboard had it. With this version, they've fixed it, introducing Swiftkey Flow.

There's also 'Flow through Space' which lets you gesture type without even having to lift the finger. It needs a little practise, but once you get used to it, you'll be able to type super fast. You basically need to swipe from word to word through the space key.

Another neat addition is the split keyboard, which you probably expect on a tablet, but worked comfortably well when I tried on my Galaxy Nexus (should do well on any >4″ device). It splits your keyboard in landscape mode, so you can type faster using two thumbs.

They have also added few themes, including a Holo theme (mimics 4.2′s native keyboard's interface) which I really liked.

The app is priced at 0.99$ on the Playstore and is available for tablets too. It's a free update for those who have already bought it.

Link: Swiftkey 4

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Tuesday 19 February 2013

HTC One Unveiled: 4.7 inch Display, Android 4.1.2 and 1.7 GHz Quad-core Processor

HTC along with Samsung is known for being a shining light of the Android world of phones. Though it has not done as well as Samsung and in reality it is a struggling company. So with their latest announcement of HTC One, they will be hoping to put a bigger ding in the smart-phone market than they have previously.

HTC One

So lets take a look at HTC One which was unveiled yesterday.

HTC One: Features and Specs

  • HTC One will have a 4.7 inch 1080p Super LCD 3 display.
  • The phone itself will run on the Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) platform along with HTC Sense 5.
  • The phone is incredibly thin at 9.3mm. Its length and breath are 139.4 mm and 68.2 mm respectively.
  • The phone packs a RAM of 2GB DDR2 and internal storage memory is in two variants. They are 32 GB and 64 GB.
  • The phone will require a microSIM and connects over WiFi, 2G,3G and supports LTE in certain countries.
  • It also has a 4 MP sensor with UltraPixel Camera.
  • The phone is designed a bit differently than its predecessors and it sports a aluminium body (iPhone inspiration?)

So what's different?

Outwardly the biggest difference for me (I use a lower end HTC One V phone) is the absence of a home button. It has been replaced with the HTC logo.

It will also feature something called HTC BlinkFeed which will allow users to pick and chose feeds from various social networks, news and feeds. It looks like HTC's own version of Flipboard.

As far as my personal preferences go, I am not exactly sold on Sense and agree with the idea that stock Android versions are better. Otherwise the phone looks great and should perform well.

The phone should be available in the month of March. The pricing will be interesting to see as by then Samsung will be cranking up its machine to make sure Galaxy S IV flood dominate the market.

Video

Would you like to buy an HTC One? Do drop in your comments.

Link: HTC One

-- This Post HTC One Unveiled: 4.7 inch Display, Android 4.1.2 and 1.7 GHz Quad-core Processor is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Apple TV Launched in India: Priced at Rs. 7900

Apple TV for India

Apple has started listing Apple TV for India on its website. The price according to BGR India seems to be Rs. 7900. Apple TV is basically small box like device that connects to a TV set. The Apple TV box can then allow your TV set to connect with your iOS device like iPhone, iPad and iPods wirelessly.

One popular feature of Apple TV is Airplay. It allows you to basically push content or rather your screen onto the television set. This works great while watching a video on your phone and moving it to your Television set. It also uses iCloud to sync photos.

The big advantage that Apple TV will get is its iTunes store which now has India specific content. You can buy or rent popular movies and music.

Who might want get Apple TV?

Firstly, make sure you have internet WiFi with a decent speed and supports unlimited download limit. Also Apple TV seems to make sense for people who are completely married to the iOS platfrom. For instance if you have a iPhone and a iPad, then getting this device for your TV might be a good idea.

India has long been ignored by Apple as a market not ready for its products. I have always thought otherwise as Apple products have a huge demand in India for a few years now.

All that seems to be changing now.

Link: Apple TV (India)

-- This Post Apple TV Launched in India: Priced at Rs. 7900 is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Monday 18 February 2013

Backup Your Blogger and Google+ Page Data with Takeout

Google Takeout is a service that allows you to archive all your data stored on a particular service offered by Google. For example it allows you to download all your Picassa, contacts, documents on Google Drive, list of feeds on Google Reader and more. Now it has added Google+ Pages and Blogger (blogspot) as services whose data can be archived or downloaded and stored locally.

Google Takeouts Blogger

How to Download Google+ and Blogger Hosted Blog

  • Sign-in to your Google account which you want to use to download and archive data from.
  • Then look up the Google Takeout landing page and click on Choose services.
  • Select Blogger and Pages from the list and click on Create Archive.
  • A .zip file can be downloaded which contains your archive in .ATOM format files.

I have found Google Takeout very useful in the past to transfer my Google+ circles and followers from one account to another.

Do drop in your comments.

Link: Google Takeout

-- This Post Backup Your Blogger and Google+ Page Data with Takeout is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Microsoft to Retire Live Messenger & Migrate All Users to Skype on April 8

Microsoft has started the inevitable process of retiring Live Messenger software. Along with that they are pushing users to move over to Skype. Apparently Microsoft Live Messenger will in all probability be retired for good and it will require all of them to start using Skype.

Microsoft bought Skype back in mid-2011. Since then, there have been enough indications that Skype would be preferred as a messenger of choice by Microsoft instead of its Live Messenger. The option to integrate Skype account with Live ID has been around for a while.

I checked the Live Messenger page and it also prompts users to download Skype.

Messenger_Skype

It was not exactly clear when Microsoft would pull the plug on Live Messenger once and for all. But it seems that date will be April 8. Skype's blog suggests that it will be the date when desktop upgrades from Live Messenger to Skype will take place. That basically means if you are using Live Messenger on your desktop, you will be asked to upgrade straight-away.

In other words, the number of regular Live Messenger users will suddenly go down to zero.

If you are not living in China (where Live Messenger will continue) you might find the link below helpful for migrating from Live ID to Skype.

Link: Migrate from Live ID to Skype

-- This Post Microsoft to Retire Live Messenger & Migrate All Users to Skype on April 8 is Published on Devils Workshop .





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Saturday 16 February 2013

Take Screen Captures on Windows 8 With Free Software

Since Windows 8 supports touch-screen inputs, a screen capture software that works on say Windows 7 might not be suitable. I personally use Skitch for Windows, as it is free. Today, I tried out Windows Screen Capture Tool, which is a portable software that works on Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Windows Screen Capture

Windows Screen Capture Tool Features

  • Install the software from this download link (.zip file). It is portable and needs Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 on your computer.
  • The Screen Capture tool is metro styled and allow a range of options from full-screen capture, area capture, adding a watermark and Window Capture
  • There is support for keyboard short-cuts but with touch-screens for Windows 8, they might not be used as much.
  • The software allows insertion of text based watermarks on images.
  • The really nice feature of this software was that I found useful was that it could take screenshots with or without the cursor.
  • The only downside of this screen-capture tool was that it does not have a time-lapse feature that takes a screen-capture after say five or ten seconds.

If you have a Windows 8/7 desktop and need a portable software that works with metro UI, then try this one out.

Download Link: Windows Screen Capture Tool

(via TWC)

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