Best 5 Free Browsers for Android in 2013

Browser is inevitably becoming an important web tool to get great web experience on smartphone and tablets. Certainly there are many choices of android web browser, but what is the best web browser for android is really a confusing thing. Here I would like to suggest the best 5 free browsers for Android from my point of view.

1.Dolphin Browser/Mini
Dophin can be one of the top rated and fastest android web browsers. Featured tabbed browsing along with Dolphin Connect, you can easily sync and send contents (links, phone numbers, maps and more) between your mobile and desktop browsers. Besides, you can sync history, passwords, and bookmarks and open all the tabs that are currently running on all the other synced devices. Also, the ‘voice search’function Sonar supports speech-to-text. What’s more, you can use gestures and third-party plug-ins and tools to extend its features. It includes HD version which gets all of its features and Mini version for device to get speed.

Bad things: No Adobe Flash support and bad HTML 5 support

2.Chrome for Android
Google Chrome is one of the best and most reliable web browsers for desktop, so is it for both smartphones and tablets. The thing will be automatically synced between the pc and mobile devices simply by sign in with your Google account. It still remains the ‘incognito mode’ of desktop version. The speed and the compatibility with most web sites are very good. Also, you can easily add your favorite bookmarks with it.

Bad things: Requires Android 4.0+, no native support of Adobe Flash and takes up a lot of memory.

3.Opera Mobile/Mini
As one of the oldest web browsers, Opera is fast, smooth and easy to use. It can be easily adapted from Desktop version to mobile UI. The Opera Link can also sync the contents (Speed Dial screens, bookmarks, tabs and others) between desktop browser and the mobile one. In addition, it has built-in support for Twitter and Facebook sharing. The text wrapping makes it convenient to read news. Best, the Opera Turbo can help you save data by detecting slow connection and compressing websites with Opera Software Turbo servers. Also, it includes two versions. Apart from those, Opera can be the flash player for android device.

4.Firefox Browser for Android
If you just want to find a smoother alternative to Dolphin Browser, Firefox is without doubt a great option. Packed all the features from the desktop variant, Firefox Browser for Android is fast and smart. Firefox Sync will bring you your favorite sites, bookmarks, passwords and history on your phone/tablet if you use Firefox on the desktop. Also, you can customize it with add Add-ons/ extensions to block ads, download YouTube videos and more. It's the first mobile browser to truly support Do Not Track, and the "Awesome Page" start screen that shows you all of your recently visited tab. Also, it has Adobe Flash support and best HTML5 support.

5.Boat Browser/Mini
Boat Browser is a fully customizable Android web browser. You can easily change the buttons locations, install add-ons and set Volume Buttons and more. Besides, you can use the Bookmarks Manager tool to create new folders, drag /drop contents, delete / import / export and sync multiple files at the same time. The powerful voice control engine is very helpful and if you say “Twitter” and the browser will bring up Twitter for you. If you like the customizing browser, Boat is definitely your taste.

So which one do you want to use?

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Xbox One vs PS 4: What’s the New Battle?

Finally, the next-gen of Microsoft game console Xbox One rather than rumored Xbox 720 was announced with all-in-one living room entertainment. Since PS 4 has been launched in February, so Xbox One vs PS 4, which one will be better? Following list the comparison.

Processor Power 
Sporting an 8-core x86-64 AMD Jaguar processor, 8GB of GDDR5 RAM and an enhanced PC-style GPU, the Sony PS 4 means more of a PC’s performance than any of its predecessors. The new announced Xbox One also comes with an 8-core AMD processor, 8GB of RAM and 800MHz D3D11.x GPU, kind of similar in power to the PS 4. In the graphics department, however, Microsoft may surprise us.

Control Controller
The Xbox One controller or PS4 DualShock controller? For most game player, this seems to be a useless question owing to the locked-in preference of gamers. But I still would like to talk something about it. PS4 DualShock controller mix and match components with the PS Vita’s controls while Xbox One gets 40 design innovations including the tweaked D-Pad on the bottom-left of the game pad.

Older Games Compatibility
The PS 4 has a completely compatibility of the older model games, and it allows gamers to live stream older games to their machines and play remotely hosted older games on your new device with fees.

But Xbox One doesn’t follow the PS 4 in this term and it hasn’t the Xbox 360 games support. It tends to let developers to release the new game discs and Microsoft promised to add 8 new games professionally for Xbox One. To get better experience of Xbox One or to leave old games discs is just a question for us.

Social Entertainment
The Facebook-similar interface of PS 4 offers the serious "real names" friend-making gaming network to communicate. And players can share their video chips and chat with other games on the network. Even, one can invite an online friend to ‘watch’ or even ‘play’ your game in real time.

It seems that the Xbox One cannot compete with PS 4 in the social sharing when it focuses in Home entertainment. But we can also expect is that Microsoft can really find something new or cool to in the social sharing domain.

Xbox One Kinect vs PS4 Eye
The PS4 DualShock 4 controller will come into play with the PS4 Eye benefitting from its multi-colored light bar. The PS 4 Eye will contain two 1280×800px cameras, according to Sony’s statement.

Along with the announcement of Xbox One, the packed-in 1080p Kinect 2.0 was unveiled by Microsoft. It is said to be the advanced camera as "human control for a human experience,", which means to be able to process 2GB of data per second, analyzing more joints.

It seems the Kinect can be more attractive, but Sony may put something mystery about the Eye when PS 4 is really released.

Which one?
Of course, PS 4 owns the high specs while Xbox One has expected features, so which one is better? You may have your own opinions, just leave your comment here.

Tips:
Other Special Features on Xbox One

• Blu-ray support when Xbox 360 doesn’t have.
• Tablet-based SmartGlass experience.
• A system that knits games, TV, and entertainment.

Top 5 Best Free Media Players for Windows as VLC and Windows Media Player Alternatives

Because of the limited video formats and lack of certain features of built-in windows media player, you might want to find the third-party media player for windows. VLC player is one of the most widely used free player, but the "Rebuilding Font Cache" thing and unfriendly UI may annoy you. Here I just list top 5 best free media player software which can be the alternatives of VLC player and windows media player. Read on and pick up one to get the best video experience.

Alternative 1. Leawo Blu-ray Player(Windows XP/Vista/7/8)
Leawo Blu-ray Player is a totally life-long free windows media player for DVD, AVI, MKV, MP4, FLV, MOV, up to 1080p HD video playback and much more. For audio, it supports .aac,.flac, .m4a, .mka, .mp2, .mp3,.ogg,.wav, .wma and others. The player can adjust subtitles and audio tracks at will for your better movie enjoyment, as well as the full-screen playback support. Besides, you can control the playback with the full friendly menu.For playing Blu-ray, you need to pay $59.95 for it.But now it is only $19.95.

Tips: How to Play Blu-ray on PC?

Alternative 2: KMPlayer(2000/XP/Vista/7)
KMPlayer is also one free media player for Windows. The easy-to-use interface lets you get easy access to screen control, subtitles, screen capture and many more. It features the built-in video and audio codecs and supports a wide variety of music and video formats. Also, you can customize the player like slow down or increase playback speed, select parts of a video as favorites, do A-B repeats, choose your favorite skins and color schemes, etc.

Alternative 3: DivX(Windows XP/Vista/7/8)
DivX is another great alternative to VLC and Windows Media Player. Most popular video formats are supported by it. The attraction of it is you can watch streaming videos in DivX, AVI and MKV formats through the web player. Another great function is its file converter which allows you to create and backup content or convert them into DivX, AVI, MP4 or MKV to transfer to mobile device.

Alternative 4: RealPlayer(Windows XP/Vista/7/8)
RealPlayer is a very popular media player on the web all the time. It can play lots of poplar formats including WMV, WMA FLV, AVI, MP3, MP4, 3GP and more. Apart from that, the player can convert your video files into different formats and download streaming content online. Better, you can even share your clips with friends on Facebook. But for more features, you just need to pay $49.99 to get the RealPlayer Plus 16.

Alternative 5: GOM Media Player(Windows XP/Vista/7/8)
With the popular built-in video and audio codecs, GOM Player is another greatly free multimedia player. You can play wide range of file formats such as AVI, DAT, MPEG, DivX, XviD without installing any additional codecs. Good thing about it is that it can play incomplete or damaged AVI files by skipping the damaged frames, as well as the locked or partially downloaded files. What’s more, you can alter the brightness, contrast and other video settings to the videos when you view them.

Best 5 Free 3D games for Android Phones or Tablets

The higher development of Android technology has made it possible to playing high quality 3D Android games, which without doubt gives the game addicts more excitement. If you want to look for the best free 3D games for Android, check out the below list.

1.Drift Mania Championship 2 LE

With the ultimate drift experience with its highly addictive gameplay and High End Graphics, Drift Mania Championship 2 LE is a very great Drift game at Google Play. It includes the 3D graphic effects to optimize your android device to get the maximum enjoyment.

2.3D Bowling

3D Bowling is the best and most realistic 3D bowling game on the Android. It is also the only 3D bowling game at Google Play.It features the stunning 3D graphics and state-of-the-art 3D physics engine for real pin action. The game is simple to play, but kind of hard to go through.

3. Hills of Glory 3D

Hills of Glory 3D is WW2 reverse tower defense game with stunning 3D graphics. In the game, you are required to defend your bunker against hordes of enemies with the military arsenal at your disposal. The attraction of the game is its great multi-touch experience, funny cartoon animations and humoristic war movies references.

4.Castle Master 3D

Ranked as the first download in some stores, Castle Master 3D is a full 3D Action Strategy Siege game.300 vs 300, exciting? You can also customize your character’s stat points and develop your character to be Paladin-style knight with one-hand sword, speedy knight with two swords, fearsome knight carrying giant blade with great damage .Choose weapons and armors to be more thrilled.

5.Raging Thunder 2

Raging Thunder 2 is a great 3D multiplayer racing game. You will go through abandoned temples, tropical beaches, snow-covered mountains, the Great Wall and a range of other breathtaking vistas. The game is fun and the graphics are very good.

Have you got any other great 3D games?Just leave your comment to share with us.


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Dual Boot Your Android Phone between Different ROMs

Have you tried installing multiple ROMs on Android Phone to experiment different experience? It is really amazing if your phone is rooted. But it will be annoyed to flash and re-flashing new ROMs just to try them out, so can we find a way to dual boot Android Phone between ROMs, such as dual boot Android and Ubuntu? Answer is yes，we can use some Android apps to do the job . Just let’s see the detailed operations.

Boot Manager($2.99)
Boot Manager has been used in the past all the time for dual booting your phone, and it let you flash the new ROM to your SD card so that you can try out multiple ROMs in your phone.

How to Use it?

• Download the ROM zip files that you wanted to install to your SD card
• Download and install the Boot Manager(Ensure that you make a nandroid backup of your current ROM before), back up your boot.img and click "Install ROMs" to choose the zip file you have saved. (check all three boxes: Wipe System, Wipe Data, and Wipe Cache.)
• When finished, download the Google Apps zip file for the ROM you just installed and go back to BootManager to install Google Apps' zip file just as the step one. (Leave all three "wipe" boxes unchecked). Also, you can install other add-on zips with this method.
• You can switch between ROMs by going into BootManager and choose "Boot Installed ROM".

BootManager cannot support every Android phone, at the moment it can only support Samsung Galaxy Nexus, some HTC devices and Moto devices.

Safestrap(Free)
Safestrap is a CWM recovery program that allows you to toggle between your stock system and your custom ROM. You can create up to 4 virtual ROM-slots for flashing ROMs. 

For the details to use Safetrap, you can refer to detailed Safestrap instructions at droidforums since the process is kind of complex.

Now if you have tried one of the method, you can freely experience different ROMs on your Android phone.

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Enjoy Galaxy S4 Experience on Other Android Smartphone

Samsung Galaxy S4 is inarguably the most attractive smartphone in this period with the new amazing fiction-like software and powerful hardware. On the other hand, plenty of people will not get the Galaxy S4 with the high budget. Good news is there are some Android apps helping you get the new Galaxy S4 features on your existing Android phone without buying the S4.Next let’s just have a look.

Smart Stay
Smart Stay technology is firstly introduced with Galaxy S3 but carried forward by Galaxy S4.It uses the front camera to check in intervals the position of your face and it will automatically adjust the screen backlight by detecting the location of your face. On Galaxy S4, Smart Stay features the Smart Pause which can pause videos when your look is away from the screen and continue video playback when you look back the screen, and Smart Scroll which enables scrolling by tilting the phone up or down.

At the moment, there are some Android applications that can imitate this smart function such as Smart Stay, ISee You , SmartStay Ex.


Air View(or Floating Touch)
You will find the first existence about Air View on Samsung Galaxy Note.It allows you to move your S Pen over the screen to play videos or read emails, messages etc. And S4 improved the feature with more than S Pen, that means, you can also use your fingers to enjoy the Floating Touch feature. With the great feature, you can control your phone more conveniently.

For this feature, you can find a few apps to act as it like Wave Control which provides the the basic functionalities though it is not as fluent as Air View , and GMD GestureControl which makes you control device with multitouch gestures.

Sound and Shot
Maybe you haven’t noticed this great feature Sound and Shot, which will record the audio when you are clicking a picture. Amazing?

Although there aren’t many apps which can actually record audio at the same time when you click a picture, there are apps allowing you to record audio just before or after the click like PhotoSpeak and StoryMark.

S Translator
The S Translator on S4 can help you translate foreign language and even the locals by directly listening to them when you travel to other country.

For this feature, of course , we can find many, but the best one is without doubt the Google Translate App which provides you with translations in over 60 languages from text to speech support.

Pop-up Play
You can see the Pop-up Play feature in all of the Galaxy S series of phones including the Galaxy S4. The feature allows you to change the video screen into a pop up box and work in the background, in doing this, you can do others things without the need to stop watching a video or movie, that is to say, multi task.

The great Pop-up Play similar Android apps includes Mobo Player (Free) which supports multiple video formats and gesture controls, and Stick it!($1.79) which comes with some predefined themes like Windows 7 or Mac OSX .

With the above Android apps, you can get a very similar Galaxy S4 features to feel the fashion of Android. So, take your action and download to experience them.


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Galaxy Note 8: Setting Up Reading Mode for Better E-Reader Experience

OK, got or decided to get a New Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Tablet? Then you can enjoy its special S Pen writing experience, expanded storage and Watch On feature and more, compared to iPad Mini and Nexus 7 .For E-book Reading lovers, what can be more fascinating than the unique Reading Mode of the Note 8, which can simply alter page backgrounds and adjust the brightness in e-book apps to look more like paper to prevent mild eyestrain.

Reading Mode isn't turned on for, however, all of your apps only by tapping on the icon in the notification panel. So you just need to do some setting about the Reading mode to apply more apps with simple steps.

• Press the Menu button on one of your Galaxy Note 8‘s Home screens, choose Setting option or just pull down the notification shade and tap on the Settings cog.
• Tap Display，and then tap on the slider next to Reading Mode, and you will see a list of apps load which is enabled in Reading Mode.
• Press the Add button in the top right-hand corner to add the apps you want to access to Reading Mode. After finished, tap the Done button to save the setting.

Then you have done the job, and now you can get happier eyes when reading with the apps you selected.

Tips:You can also change the Font of the Android tablet to get easier reading.


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Get Free Music from YouTube, Spotify and other Online Streaming Service on Mac

Condition is that, you want to get free music from the streaming music service website like YouTube,Spotify and listen to it in your music player or your smartphone or other digital devices offline, but you don’t know how to get online music freely. Here I would like suggest your two ways to get free online music on Mac.

1.Install the music recording software on Mac (Mountain Lion Included)
Instead of downloading the music, the Mac Music Recording software lets you record the online streaming music to get free music. Fresh, isn’t it?With this method, you can get the latest and hottest music if you can access to the hottest online music streaming. Let’s see how to do it.

• Download and install the music recorder to your Mac. Then open the software.
• Choose the audio resource from Built-in Audio (Built-in Microphone, Built-in Input, Greatly System Audio) and Computer Audio (Computer audio stream and online music).Here we of course choose the Computer Audio.
• When we listen to the online streaming music,click the red Start button on the program to begin the recording, the program will automatically complete cover, title, artist, and album of recorded music files.
Tips: You can set recording start time, recording duration and after-recording by clicking the “Recording task scheduler” button on the bottom-left.
• When the recording finished, just find it under the Manage Library. Play it with the program to listen the recording music and click Add to iTunes button on the bottom-left to add recorded music files to iTunes.then you have gotten the free music.

Using the software, of course, you can get the latest music through the music streaming service website, the important point is you can get the music without quality loss.

2.Download Free Music directly from website
There are some websites which really offers the free music downloading but note that the free music will not include what’s on the radio and top 40 (for the most part).Following is some places to downloading free music.

iTunes Music:iTunes will offer free music every week and just log on and find the free music to download.
Amazon Free Music : Amazon free music covers all sorts of eclectic music on here, not only from independents but mainstream artists as well.
mp3.com:MP3.com is a web site operated by CNET Networks providing information about digital music and artists, songs, services, community, and technologies.Their collection include thousands of free tracks from small and large artists.
Last.fm: Last.fm is a popular Internet radio site for music, you can find some of the rare old songs from 60’s and 70’s on it.
MTV: MTV is also a free music download website and includes the music videos as well.

Of course, you can find some of your favorite songs, but for the hottest ones, maybe you need to use the second method to get the free music.

So, just enjoy the free music on your Mac!

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Google I/O 2013: Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, New Nexus 7 and More

The big conference 2013 Google I/O is coming from May 15 to May 17, 2012 Google I/O bring the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Google Nexus 7，and rumors said the next Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie ,next-gen Nexus 7 and more exciting things will announced in this big Apple-like conference. Next just let’s go into the rumor world of 2013 Google I/O.

1.Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie
Plenty of people may believe the Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will be announced on this conference, but considering the current Android 4.2v update is not available on many devices yet, the possibility of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie debuting is small. Google would likely announce, however, the Key Lime Pie as the strong competition of Apple and its iOS 7. Even though, we may not get the Key Lime Pie in a short time.

2.New Nexus 7 or Nexus 7.7
Nexus 7 is inarguably one of the most bestselling small tablets. Since it exists for almost a year, it is time for the next-gen Nexus 7. Rumors said that the New Nexus 7, perhaps dubbed the Nexus 7.7, will come with a Full HD display with 3G support to rival Apple iPad Mini. The new Nexus 7 is said to sell at the same price of the present Nexus 7.If it is true, the present Nexus 7 will down the price, maybe $149, $129 or $99 or others.

3.The Motorola X phone
We have heard the X phone since 2012, and we can expect this phone combined by Google and Motorola Mobility to be unveiled in this May. Some rumors said the phone will packed with Android 5.0 with a very cheap price, from this point, the X phone will be still stay in mystery for some time.

4.Google Glass
Running Android system, Google Glass has become the hot topic recently. Google Glass is an attempt to free data from desktop computers and portable devices like phones and tablets, and place it right in front of your eyes. Sounds very fiction, does it? Undoubtedly, Google will show up this new technology product in this conference to let more people know it.

5.Google Now
Google Now is an important application along with Android 4.1. It is similar as Apple’s Sari but can offer the more useful information according to your custom and operations. News said that Google Now may support iOS. New improvements of this great application may be announced at Google I/O as Sari killer.

6.Google Babble
According to Geek.com, Google will bring a new communication service Google Babble, which will unify Google's numerous communication services, including Google Talk, Messenger, Google Hangouts, Google Voice, Chat for Drive and many, many more. Obviously, it makes people communicate more conveniently. The service will reportedly work on Android, OS X, Chrome OS and Windows. Google will introduce this service at I/O conference.

7.Cellular Service for the Nexus 10
Similar as Nexus 7, Nexus 10 is an awesome but cheap tablet. But the difference is Nexus 10 will include Cellular Service, but the problem is will AT&T and T-Mobile heed the call and allow Nexus 10 device owners to make voice calls on their units. And also Nexus 10 need some upgrade to support Cellular, but if it has Cellular Service, it is without a stronger competitor of the Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1.

It looks like the Google I/O event is going to be very spectacular and it may bring us more than these above.Let’s just wait for the big moment.




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What is HDR and How to Use HDR on Android?

HDR, stands for “high dynamic range”, is another amazing photograph technology that is not much discussed as the Photo Sphere or NFC.People can use HDR mode on Android to get the awesome panoramic pictures at ease if you have master the technology. So, what is really the HDR? How to use it in the best way? And is it available to every Android device? Next, we will discuss it.

What is HDR?

HDR refers to the method of capturing images having “greater dynamic range between the lightest and darkest areas of an image than current standard digital imaging methods or photographic methods” according to the Wikipedia. To put it simply, it means improving the image quality in contrast ratio and color effects.

The process of HDR working involves shot the same subject three times at three different exposures--low, regular, and high--and then merged to one highly detailed image. The image you have created will looks very closer to what your eye sees. Some photographers prefer to use the HDR software to merge and edit the images to get more dreamlike images.

The most high-quality HDR photos are taken with dSLR cameras and then edited in a program like Photoshop. HDR on Android follow the same principles but simpler than that, it usually correct the instabilities of exposure in great details on both the background and foreground of the subject.

Check out the HDR Mode on Android

HDR isn’t common among Android devices but some customer interface like HTC One X include the feature in the camera app. To check out whether your phone has the capability of HDR, you need to look for the HDR option in your device’s Camera app, try Shooting Mode,Camera Scenes or camera’sSettings menu. For Nexus device, only Nexus 4 supports HDR mode which can be easily turned on by long-tapping the viewfinder and tapping the HDR icon.

If your Android phone doesn’t have the built-in HDR feature, you can still download HDR Camera App(for example, Pro HDR) directly from the play store to take striking images.

How do you use HDR Mode on Android?

It is not difficult to use HDR on your Android device. All you need to do is enable HDR Mode launch camera app and shot the subject as usual. Just remember make the camera stable because HDR doesn’t perform well on the movement when capturing photos. The process will takes a little longer.

For Samsung Android device, there will be two pictures, one is the HDR image and the other one is the one with normal exposure. You can make a comparison between them.

When to Use the HDR Mode?

• Landscapes photos.Landscape photos usually need a lot of contrast between sky and land especially when the sky is too bright and the subject has a dark foreground. With HDR, you can capture the rich details of background and forground.
• Portraits in Sunlight or with bright background.To take a portrait, too much light will lead to underexposed, and HDR can help to solve the problem and make the photo look better.
• Low-Light and Dim Scenes.To make bright photo in low-light or dim scenes, just use HDR which can brighten up the foreground without washing out the well-lit portions of your photo.

When You Shouldn’t use HDR

• Taking photo with moving subjects. HDR will take three photos and combine them into one picture, so if the subject is moving, use HDR won’t make good final image. 
• Capturing realistic colors.If you just want the black shadow or the original color of the subject or the high contrast scene, then turn off HDR as it will enhance a photo’s details. 
• When flash is needed. Some Android devices will disable flash when HDR is enabled.

Finally
HDR is just another interesting and fun function of Android camera. It can of course be a great tool to help you take better photos. But it is also not suitable for every condition, and you need to make good control of it. For other Android devices which don’t have the HDR mode, just get a HDR camera app to experience HDR if interested.

How to Download and Install Facebook Home on Any Android Phone or Tablet?

Last Friday Facebook has launched its new and immersive app Facebook Home , which is officially available only on Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, HTC One, HTC One X and HTC One X+ and only in USA.

The new app Facebook Home is designed to replace your home screen that makes your social networking connections the star of your phone. The app can conveniently display your Facebook news feed with scrolling images and quick access to Facebook Messenger and app drawer. But the cons are no widget support, wallpaper cannot be changed and the app consumes high Internet data and memory.

Although the rate of the new app is not positive, but if you just want to try out the Home or find the fuss of it, but you don’t own one of the supported devices above mentioned, just follow the below guide which lets you easily download and install Facebook on Android devices.

Note: The guide works well on Xperia S, Xperia T, Samsung Galaxy S Duos, Nexus 7, Galaxy S2, Xperia X8 and many more. And also for both rooted and non-root devices.

• Uninstall the Facebook and Facebook Messenger app on your Android (If you have installed). For pre-installed Facebook device, you need to root to do this step. 
• Download the Facebook and Facebook Home apk (.rar file), extract it to SD card.Also,download the Facebook Messenger apk file to SD card of Android. 
• With a file manager, install the official Facebook app (com.facebook.katana), the Facebook Home launcher (com.facebook.home), and the Facebook Messenger app (com.facebook.orca) in sequence.
• Enable Facebook Home under Facebook app settings and reboot your device.

Warning: Installing the app could break things, so if you have issues, reboot into recovery and "wipe the Dalvik cache"

Now you have the latest Facebook Home launcher on your Android device, and just enjoy it.


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Feel the BlackBerry 10 on Your Android Phone or iPhone

Are you curious about the new Blackberry 10 run by Blackberry Z10, but meanwhile you are not deciding to change from your iPhone or Android phone? Or you just want to try out the new blackberry OS before buying one? Good news for those of you, you can preview the Blackberry 10 just on your own smartphone including both iPhone and Android smartphones.

To feel the main features of Blackberry 10, just open any browser on your smartphone, and go to BlackBerry.com/glimpse to catch a glimpse of BlackBerry 10.But note that, instead of freely previewing the OS actually, this is more a premeditated walkthrough which require you to follow a set of pre-determined actions.

From the glimpse, however, you can still get the firsthand insight into what great features can be brought by the BlackBerry 10, and virtually experience some of the software’s cool functions, such as predictive virtual keyboard, the Hub, BBM Video and Screen Share and the Time Shift camera.

It seems the predictive virtual keyboard is an attracting point, that means, you may don’t need to install the third keyboard apps. In the other hand, people who are used to using the SwiftKey or others may not pay attention on it.

The Time Shifting camera means when you’re snapping up an image, the camera actually takes a bunch of images in a rapid succession. This feature is really useful.

In addition, there may be some other amazing features for you. Actually, BlackBerry 10 offers us a new way of thinking with the different features, and this preview service also gives us the chance to test out the new OS, to know the difference of it.

The experience may not be particularly fluid, but if you really have interest in Blackberry 10, just test out and feel the good of the new OS.


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How to Get Sony Xperia Z Style Homescreen on Any Android Device?

One of the important reasons why people choose Sony Xperia Z is without doubt its awesome and special user interface, as well as why Xperia Z became one of the most sold Sony Xperia series Android smartphone.

But for many other Android smartphone users, it seems to be a pity that they cannot enjoy the cool UI. Luckily, the develop has brought the Xperia Z launcher which make it possible to enjoy Xperia Z Style UI on most of the flagship Android devices (View the tested device in the below list).Also, you can use some Android apps to get the experience.Following just let’s have an overview of the Xperia Z launcher and the useful Android apps.

Xperia Z launcher
Features:

• Proper Port
• Super smooth launcher
• Xperia beautiful widgets
• Auto rotation
• 6×4 app drawer for xhdpi
• 7×5 special app drawer for xhdpi
• 5×4,4×4 app drawer for hdpi
• 4×4 app drawer for mdpi
• Tablet support
• 7 Home screen add/remove support
• Folders in App drawer
• Nice UI
• Re-sizable widgets
• Xperia Z default wallpape

How to install the Launcher?

Requirements:
Rooted ICS(4.0) or JB(4.1/4.2) phones.
Custom Recovery like ClockworkMod recovery need to installed on the phone.

Note: 

• For devices like Galaxy Note,Nexus 4, if things don't fit well then try using 340dpi
• Verson 4.0 might boot loop in your device if you are using ICS. Works fine in Jelly Bean ! So if it boot loop in your ICS device use v3.5) or install a homescreen launcher like Apex before the process.

Steps:

• Download Sony Xperia Z Launcher to your PC.
• On your phone, take a ClockworkMod recovery backup.
• Connect your device to the PC and transfer the files to your SD card.
• Switch off your device and restart the phone to enter recovery mode.(The method of entering the recovery mode is based on your device.)
• Select the option “install zip from sdcard” and flash all the zips one by one.
• When finished, your device will reboot. select the Xperia Home and select the always button when asked to select a home launcher.
• Then you have succeeded in installing the Xperia Home Launcher along with widgets on your Device.

Tested Supported Device

• Asus: Google Nexus 7,Transformer TF300T
• Samsung：Google Nexus 10，Galaxy SIII GT-i9300,Galaxy SIII AT&T SGH-i747,Galaxy SIII Verizon SCH-i535，Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet 4.1.2，Galaxy Note 2，Galaxy Note，Galaxy SII，Galaxy SII i9100G，Galaxy S， Galaxy S i9003， Galaxy S Plus i9001，Galaxy Nexus，Galaxy Note i717，Galaxy S i9000 CM 10.1，Galaxy 3 i5800，Google Nexus S，Samsung Galaxy W，Samsung Galaxy S WiFi 5
• Sony:Xperia Arc S CM 10,Xperia Arc,Xperia Pro,Xperia Live With Walkman,Xperia Active,Xperia Mini,Xperia Mini Pro,Xperia Neo,Xperia Neo V,Xperia Neo L,Xperia Play,Xperia Ray,Xperia S Stock fw,Xperia SL,Xperia T,Xperia TX,Xperia TL,Xperia V,Xperia Acro S,Xperia Ion,Xperia P,Xperia J,Xperia Sola,Xperia Tipo,Xperia U,Xperia X10
• HTC:HTC One ,HTC One X,HTC One X,HTC Desire HD Unofficial CM10,HTC Sensatio,HTC Incredible S,HTC Explorer A310e,HTC Evo 4G,HTC One S,HTC One V 
• LG: Nexus 4,Optimus 4x HD,Optimus Black,Optimus L3 E400,Optimus L9 P760,Optimus 2X,Nitro HD 
• Micromax A90S
• Wiko Cink Slim
• ZTE V970M 
• InnosD9  

 If you Android phone is not in the list, you can also try this method.
Download Xperia Z launcher（Includes V1.0， V2.0, V3.5 and V4.0)
 
Android apps

If you have the unrooted phone or your phone runs Android 2.2+ version, you can also try the Android apps to get the Xperia Z style user interface.

• Xperia z Theme go launcher Ex: Includes all the icons and Z style app drawer and dockbar.
• Xperia HD Lockscreen Go locker:Sony Xperia Z style Lockscreen.Go to Go Launcher EX press Menu>Themes>Locker>Xperia HD to set it.
• Xperia Z For All: Covers all the built-in sounds and wallpapers that come with XPERIA Z.
• Xperia Z Live Wallpaper:Offers Xperia Z style live wallpaper.

Root Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Official Firmware

A few days before, I have shared the method of root Galaxy S4 GT-9500 (Exynos 5 Octa), and now the US version Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 (LTE Qualcomm Snapdragon 600) also gets the access to root. Following is the guide that is confirmed by the recognized Android developers and XDA forum member ‘Chainfire'.

Note: 

• The method is based on Jelly Bean 4.2.2 and firmware XXUAMD2.
• Rooting is risky and guaranties loss of warranty.

Preparation

• Download and install Samsung USB Drivers or Samsung KIES to your PC to make the device can be detected by the PC.
• Ensure the device is at least 60% charged, better if the device is up to 80-85% battery level.
• Make sure you back up all the data on your device before the root process.
• Enable USB Debugging by tapping on Settings>Applications>Development>USB debugging. When everything is completed, remember to untick USB Debugging.

How to Root Galaxy S4 GT-9505 based on Android 4.2.2 with Samsung official firmware

• Download CF-Auto-Root Android 4.2.2 Package and ODIN v1.85 to your computer, and then unzip the files.
• Turn off the S4. Press and hold the Volume Down + Home buttons+ Power button till you see the construction Android robot and a triangle. Release the ‘Volume Down’ + ‘Home’ buttons and press the ‘Power’ button once to enter ‘Download Mode’.
• Double-click the file named ‘Odin3 v1.85.exe’ to run ODIN on your computer,and connect Galaxy S4 to the computer while it stays in the Download Mode.
Note: The sign of succeeding connect the phone with computer is one of the ID:COM boxes will turn yellow with the COM port number.
• Click on ‘PDA’ and select the file‘CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5′,which should be found from the extracted files in step 1.
• Ensure ‘Repartition’ is unchecked and make no other changes in ODIN.
• Click the Start button in ODIN, and ODIN will begin its work. When finished, your device may reboot into Recovery Mode and install the root package / files automatically. If not, reboot it.
• When you see the Samsung Home screen, unplug the phone from the computer.

That’s it. And to verify if your root process is succeed, you can just use Root Checker.

Source:[XDA]


Related article:
Root Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 on Official Android 4.2.2 XXUAMC6 Jelly Bean Firmware

How to Change Font on Android Phones or Tablets?

Customizations are always the great way to get our personal style on our Android phones and tablets, covering widgets, wallpapers, Lockscreen, and others. Apart from those above, have you just want to change the font on your Android device when tired of the same old-looking font? If you just want some different fonts on the device, following will introduce the ways to do the job.

Method 1:Custom OEM skins

When you use the Nexus devices, you cannot easily change the fonts since the pure Google Android doesn’t have native functionality for changing system fonts. But for other Android devices, you can just change the system fonts on setting. But for Samsung or LG devices, they just add the extra features in their custom skins for you to change the font style.

Changing to a new font, just go to Settings >Display >Font Style，tap the font you want and confirm it. Then the selected font will be displayed throughout your device’s interface like the time on the status bar, system menus, and even on your text messages.

Method 2:Custom launcher apps

Although most of the custom launchers will need to install themes to change the font style, there are some which integrate the font-changing function such as the popular GO Launcher EX, which will change the fonts of the selected parts of the custom launcher UI.

Tips:How to use GO Launcher EX to change the fonts?

• Copy your TTF font files to the /sdcard/GOLauncherEX/fonts directory and open GO Launcher EX.
• Tap the Menu button on main home screen or swipe the screen upwards to find and the Preferences button.
• Tap on Visual Settings>Font> Scan Font, find the fonts that you copied to the /sdcard/GOLauncherEX/fontsdirectory.
• Tap Select Font and tap on the font that you want to use.Then you are done.

Method 3:Font changeing apps

iFont(Samsung Devices and other Rooted devices)
You may have also heard of the iFont app which can also be used for changing fonts. The app can be only used for Samsung Devices and other rooted devices.

For non-rooted Samsung devices, you can see the following guide to know how to use the font on the list.

• Go to Settings>Security, enable installation of apps from “Unknown Sources.”
• Launch iFont. Go to the Online tab to browser the available fonts.
• Tap on a font name that you want to install and then tap the Download button.
• Go to Settings> Display>Font Style. Find the newly install fonts on the list, tap on it as system font. And you needn’t reboot, then new font will be applied.

For rooted device, do the same operations as what the first three steps above said.If you get a prompt about setting the mode to System Mode, just tap the OK button and then the device will reboot to apply the new font.

Font Installer(Rooted only)
Font Installer is a very great free app for rooted device to change system fonts.You can preview the font activated on the device with the app.

Warning:
Changing fonts modifies your system files. You should always have a current backup in recovery and know how to restore your device back to stock.

Tips: How to install a new font from Font Installer’s online font collection?

• Open the Server tab in the Font Installer app, and tap on the name of a font that you want.
• You can preview the sample text with the chosen font or download it and set it as the system font, from the popup dialog.
• You may come across the backup warning/notice, just ensure you have back up your font files. Then the app will reboot the device to apply the font replacement.

Also, there are some other technical ways to customize your font on Android device like using ADB, but the ways are kind of difficult, for many of us, I think, we can get our favorite font with the above method. If you have the different one, I am glad you can share it on the comment.

Root Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 on Official Android 4.2.2 XXUAMC6 Jelly Bean Firmware

Undoubtedly, Samsung Galaxy S4 has hold people’s attention since it was announced. Lots of people just wait of the phone’s on sale on 26 April, and of course when you have the S4, the important thing you may think is the root. Although the S4 has not really on our hands, developers have archived the root access of Galaxy S4 GT-I9500(Exynos 5 Octa) thanks to the leaked official Android 4.2.2 firmware named ‘XXUAMC6’ firmware.

If you have decided to buy the Galaxy S4 I9500 and wish to root the phone, you may follow the detailed guide below.

Warning:

• The guide will not be held liable for any mishap and it is at your own risk.
• Root any Android phone will Void Warranty, the same goes with Samsung Galaxy S4. You can get warranty again by updating back your device to the stock version. 
• Your data on the phone may be wiped out during the process, so you had better backup the entire data.

Before Rooting

• Charge the battery to at least 60 percent mark and 80 percent charge is better.
• Download and install the USB drivers for your Galaxy S4 to your PC.
• Enable USB Debugging Mode in Galaxy S4 by going to Menu> Settings> Applications > Development > USB debugging. Make sure the USB Debugging Mode is turned on.

Root Galaxy S4 I9500 on Android 4.2.2 XXUAMC6 Jelly Bean

• Download the XXUAMC6 Android 4.2.2 Jellybean Firmware for Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500 to the computer and extract the zip file.
• Download ODIN v1.85 which will help you to root Android 4.2.2 firmware on Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500.
• Switch off the phone. Press and hold the Volume Down + Home buttons, and then press the Power button till you see the construction Android robot and a triangle. Press Power again to enter into Download Mode.
• Launch ODIN on your computer and connect S4 to computer while it is in the Download Mode. If the phone is connected successfully, one of the ID:COM boxes will turn yellow with the COM port number.
• Select the files that you need to install on the phone.
  Click on 'PDA' and select file with 'CODE' in its name
Click on 'Phone' and select file with 'MODEM' in its name
Click on 'CSC' and select file with 'CSC' in its name
Click on 'PIT' and select the .pit file
Note: Ignore the next steps in case such files are not found.

• In ODIN ,select the 'Auto Reboot' and 'F Reset Time' options in Odin. And also select the 'Re-Partition' option only in the case of the .pit file is being used.
• Check everything again and then click the 'Start' button in Odin to begin the installation process.
• Once it is done, the phone will restart automatically and when the home screen appears on the device, unplug the USB cable.

That’s it. And you have rooted your Galaxy S4 I9500 on Android 4.2.2 build XXUAMC6 software update.To make sure the root method is succeed and works fine, just verify with the Root Checker app from Google Play Store. Then Enjoy your rooted device!

Source:[ibtimes]

Top 5 April fool Pranks app for Android to Enjoy this Fool’s Day

If you have remembered this day April 1, then you may feel safer to not believe anything you hear or read. And Google has released a big April fool on YouTube , have you believed in it? In this special funny day, do you just want to fool others with the funny April fool pranks or good jokes? Aha, here are some best Android apps to help you experience a very great April Fool’s Day.

1.April Fools Pranks

To get some great April fool ideas,get the app April Fools Pranks by DaleAppStudios.Nearly 70 ideas for practical jokes are offered to prank your friends from from cute and innocent to stuff that might get you in serious trouble.If you have any creative ideas, you can also send the ideas to daleappstudios@gmail.com to have the chance to included in the list.That's it.

2.Crack Your Screen

Want to find the best way to fool your friend, just crack his screen.Just use your finger to shake screen and crack it,Better Crack, better prank, better fun.Then you may see the surprised look in your friends or family eyes when they crack" your screen or Broke your screen.It is just a very great way to prank people and get the funny.

3.Broken Screen

If you feel the above crack your screen is not that astonshing, then just try this Broken Screen.It offers the better crack screen effect for your phone by displaying glass or lcd with a transparent broken crack on top of a game, a wallpaper or your lock screen.With this one, you can easily pull a joke or fool your friends while keeping the device in a fully usable state with a damaged screen.

4.Fake iPhone 5

Trick your friends into thinking you have the iPhone 5 with the app Fake 5 iPhone 5 .This app is a full-screen working replice of the iPhone home screen, and it even replaces your phone's status bar so that your friends cannot recongnised android underneath.Cool one,is it?

5.Burning Screen

Burnning screen?With this app, it can be true.Just use your fingers to fake the LCD screen burning away, letting the circuit board shine through to surprise your friends.This is really a amazing idea, if you want to try the special one, don't foget this one.

Have you ever succeed in fooling someone? If you don't, just check out the above fool practical pranks.Just enjoy!

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