Smartphones posts - How To- Page 9

How to set your Android ringer volume based on ambient noise

Have you ever adjusted the volume on your phone's ringer then forgot to set it back to normal? Subsequently, you either missed calls because it was too quiet or got startled because it was too loud. A new Android app called Intelligent Ringer aims to do away with the constant volume adjustments by setting the ringer volume automatically, based on ambient noise levels.

Launching the Intelligent Ringer app gives you the option of starting or stopping the app. When it's running, you'll see the icon in the notification bar. If you go to Menu > Settings, there … Read more

How to set up two-step verification for your Apple ID

Apple took a big step in helping Apple ID users in securing their accounts this week with offering two-step verification.

Two-step verification (or authentication as it's commonly referred to) adds an additional barrier of security between would-be hackers and your account. The extra barrier comes in the form of a four-digit code, which will be sent to a device of your choosing via the Find My iPhone app or SMS, after you've entered your password.

Step one: To add the extra layer of security to your account you'll need to visit the Apple ID settings page on … Read more

Browse Instagram with universal app Gramatica

With yesterday's release of universal Instagram app Gramatica, I wondered if it would be the answer to the question I asked last year, "Which app should you use to browse Instagram on an iPad?" Thus, I first installed it on on my iPad to see how it would stack up to the competition.

Gramatica is undoubtedly slick-looking and responsive, and it includes some useful filtering options, which I'll get to in a minute. It lacks the two features, however, that I am looking for in an Instagram iPad app. I want to be able to read … Read more

Get started with Google Keep

Google just made an announcement introducing Keep, its new note-taking service. Keep is currently available for devices running Android 4.0.3 and up, or through the Google Drive Web site. Notes will automatically sync between the Web site and the Android app.

After installing the Android app you'll be prompted to select the Google account you want to use with Keep. Once that's done, you can begin keeping notes. There are four different methods you can use to enter a note:

A quick note directly from the text box on the initial screen. Add a checklist by … Read more

3 Android apps for Wi-Fi calling with Google Voice

Google Voice allows you to give out one number to reach all of the phone numbers you're using at a given time. The ability to schedule "quiet time," and organize contacts into caller groups really make Google Voice a handy service. However, making Wi-Fi or data calls is a feature that has yet to make it to the app. That's where Android apps like Talkatone, GrooVeIP, and Phone for Google Voice and GTalk come into play.

Using one of these apps will allow you to sign in with your Google Voice number/account and dial calls … Read more

How to get the most out of Feedly on your desktop

Google Reader is going to be retired on July 1, 2013, giving users of the RSS service about four months to find alternatives. With more than 500,000 new users since the announcement of Reader's demise, Feedly appears to be one of the more popular choices to replace Google Reader.

Feedly may be receiving a lot of interest because it's one of the few alternatives with clients on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Kindle, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari). If you're interested in trying it out as your Google Reader alternative, we've got some tips to help you … Read more

Change your Facebook cover photo using the iPhone app

Facebook released an update to its iOS app this week. Included in the change log was group-messaging enhancements, along with adding the ability for users to change their cover photos.

The feature was once in the Facebook iOS app, but was removed when Facebook released the completely native, revamped iOS app. Android users received a similar native update, and shortly after its release the ability to change cover photos was added.

You will only be able to change your cover photo using the iPhone app, not from your iPad. Perhaps Facebook is trying to help stop people from taking pictures … Read more

Turn a Photo Stream album into a public Web site

Photo Stream is a great way to view photos across your various iOS devices. Snap some shots on your iPhone and -- boom! -- thanks to Photo Stream, they can be viewed in full on your iPad. That's how I have been using Photo Stream to date, but I've overlooked a feature that makes it easy to share a Photo Stream album with anyone, Apple and non-Apple folk alike. From either your iPhone or iPad, Photo Stream includes a feature that will create a quick Web site with your photos, whose link you can share as you wish.… Read more

How to enable night mode on Slacker Radio mobile apps

The screen on your smartphone can be uncomfortably bright when viewing it in the dark. Slacker Radio recently updated its Android and iPhone apps to include a night mode feature that makes it easier to see at night or in dimly lit environments. It's a useful feature, especially if you enjoy listening to Slacker Radio in your vehicle at night. By using a dark theme, it helps prevent an overly bright screen from distracting you while you drive.

To enable night mode on Android, just go to Settings and check the box next to Night Mode. On the iPhone, … Read more

How to add local news, traffic, and weather to iHeartRadio

Internet radio and music services offer a lot of customization options that allow us to focus on just the music. However, if you feel a bit out of touch with what's happening in the world around you, iHeartRadio's new Add-ins might be able to help. The new Add-ins insert local news, traffic, and weather updates to your custom stations every hour.

To enable Add-ins, log in to your iHeartRadio account on the Web and go to the Add-ins section in Settings. iHeartRadio will use your current location to provide local updates, or you can manually set a location … Read more