Google Play Store Tips and Tricks

Like virtually all of its Android software, Google has vastly improved its Play Store over the years.

Nowadays it's a bright, sharp, and relatively speedy virtual shopfront for the million-odd apps available on the Android platform. No, it's not perfect, but for our money it's a lot better than the App Store. - See more at: http://smart-phones-how-to.blogspot.com.ng/2014/10/google-play-store-tips-and-tricks.html#sthash.mdVodO3j.dpuf

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - How to explore Google's virtual shopfront

Like virtually all of its Android software, Google has vastly improved its Play Store over the years.

Nowadays it's a bright, sharp, and relatively speedy virtual shopfront for the million-odd apps available on the Android platform. No, it's not perfect, but for our money it's a lot better than the App Store. - See more at: http://smart-phones-how-to.blogspot.com.ng/2014/10/google-play-store-tips-and-tricks.html#sthash.mdVodO3j.dpuf

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - How to explore Google's virtual shopfront

Like virtually all of its Android software, Google has vastly improved its Play Store over the years.

Nowadays it's a bright, sharp, and relatively speedy virtual shopfront for the million-odd apps available on the Android platform. No, it's not perfect, but for our money it's a lot better than the App Store. - See more at: http://smart-phones-how-to.blogspot.com.ng/2014/10/google-play-store-tips-and-tricks.html#sthash.mdVodO3j.dpuf

But are you using the Google Play Store to its fullest? Google has supplied a number of nifty little features for it, but in typical Google style it doesn't always make those features abundantly clear to the user.

Here is just a small selection of tips and tricks for the Google Play Store.

How to earn money with your smartphone

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Make use of the info icons

The latest version of the Google Play Store has a great new icon bar that gives you a lot of information at a glance, as well as some handy shortcuts.

To the left you have the number of downloads. If it's a million seller, you know there's got to be something in it, right? This is colour coded, so if the icon's red you know at a glance that it's hot.

Next to this icon you have the average user rating (out of five), as well as the number of users who have contributed to that rating. Tap on this icon, and you'll jump straight to the user reviews themselves.

Next we have the category the app belongs to, as represented by a little representative icon. Tap this, and you'll be taken to that category in the Google Play Store.

Finally there's the Similar icon which, when tapped, assembles - you guessed it - similar apps in a simple grid should you wish to check out the alternatives.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Don't like an app? Get a refund

One thing you can do on the Google Play Store that you can't on the App Store is 'return' an app if you're not happy with it. That is, you can wipe it and get your money back if you opt to do so within a limited window.

Until recently, that window was a rather useless 15 minutes long. Just last month, though, Google extended that period to two hours.

So how do you get your refund? Simply go into the Google Play Store app within two hours of purchasing your app, select My apps from the menu, and navigate to the app you just purchased. You should see a Refund button alongside the usual Open one. Press it and follow the instructions.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Watch a preview of your app or game

Of course, you'll still want to make an informed decision about whether you want to buy an app or not. On many of the apps on the Google Play Store you can watch an intro video that shows how that app works.

It's most common - and arguably most useful - when it comes to games. Just click on the app you're interested in, and look for the play icon at the very top of the app listing.

Press that play icon and see whether what the developer has to show you is of any interest.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Stop the update notifications

For the most part, Android handles notifications brilliantly, but the way the Google Play Store bombards you with notifications every time it updates your apps (which is pretty often) can get a little tiresome.

To deactivate these irritating notifications, go into the Play Store settings menu and deselect the Notifications option. There you go - no more bothersome messages telling you your fourth favourite game has added support for the Lithuanian language.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Stop apps being added to home screen

If you're like us, then your Android phone's homescreen is pretty stuffed with icons and widgets. You've probably spent time crafting the perfect, most concise set-up for your needs.

So the last thing you need is a new app messing things up by depositing an icon on your homescreen - especially if it's a passive app like a new keyboard.

You can stop this from happening by bringing up the Play Store menu, selecting settings, and hitting the Add icon to Home Screen option to deselect it.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Add apps to your wishlist

Really like the look of an app or game, but aren't quite prepared to shell out the asking price, or can't buy it there and then? Then add it to your wishlist.

To do so, simply navigate to the app you're interested in and hit the little banner icon at the top (the one with the plus sign in it) to add it to your wishlist.

You can then access your wishlist from the Google Play Store menu (swipe right from the main page).

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Install apps from desktop

As easy as it is exploring the Google Play Store from your mobile phone, it's even easier on your desktop - especially if you don't really know what you're looking for.

The good news is, if you find something you like whilst navigating in this way, you don't then have to find it on your phone or hook your phone up to your computer in order to install it.

When you first set up the Google Play Store on your Android phone and logged into your account on your computer, the two were linked. So, if you click Install on an app on the desktop, it will automatically start downloading on your active phone phone. Clever, eh?

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Track your phone from your computer

The Google Play Store lets you track, remotely lock, ring, and even erase your Android phone should it be lost or stolen.

Just hit the gear icon at the top right of the page, then click Android Device Manager. Accept the terms, and you'll see your device(s) on a Google Maps display, as well as a prompt to ring, lock or erase it.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Remove all trace of apps

Google keeps a track of all of the apps you've ever installed on your Android phone. You might not want some of these apps to be remembered - maybe it's a terrible game, maybe you installed a dodgy app by mistake, or maybe you're just fastidious about these things.

Whatever, just navigate to My apps, hit the All tab, and hit the X symbol corresponding to the app that you don't want. Confirm, and the app will be gone from your personal list forever. Well, unless you contrive to re-download it, of course.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Find the classiest, most buzzy apps

The Google Play store is vast, with a constantly shifting front page that updates with the latest offerings.

There's also no denying that there's a high proportion of crud on there. That's what you get with a more open approach to app submissions, folks.

One reliable way to shop for high quality apps, though, is to simply navigate to the Apps section and hit the Editors' Choice option. This is a carefully curated list of top notch new apps and games that you can download with confidence.

But are you using the Google Play Store to its fullest? Google has supplied a number of nifty little features for it, but in typical Google style it doesn't always make those features abundantly clear to the user.

Here is just a small selection of tips and tricks for the Google Play Store.

How to earn money with your smartphone

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Make use of the info icons

The latest version of the Google Play Store has a great new icon bar that gives you a lot of information at a glance, as well as some handy shortcuts.

To the left you have the number of downloads. If it's a million seller, you know there's got to be something in it, right? This is colour coded, so if the icon's red you know at a glance that it's hot.

Next to this icon you have the average user rating (out of five), as well as the number of users who have contributed to that rating. Tap on this icon, and you'll jump straight to the user reviews themselves.

Next we have the category the app belongs to, as represented by a little representative icon. Tap this, and you'll be taken to that category in the Google Play Store.

Finally there's the Similar icon which, when tapped, assembles - you guessed it - similar apps in a simple grid should you wish to check out the alternatives.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Don't like an app? Get a refund

One thing you can do on the Google Play Store that you can't on the App Store is 'return' an app if you're not happy with it. That is, you can wipe it and get your money back if you opt to do so within a limited window.

Until recently, that window was a rather useless 15 minutes long. Just last month, though, Google extended that period to two hours.

So how do you get your refund? Simply go into the Google Play Store app within two hours of purchasing your app, select My apps from the menu, and navigate to the app you just purchased. You should see a Refund button alongside the usual Open one. Press it and follow the instructions.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Watch a preview of your app or game

Of course, you'll still want to make an informed decision about whether you want to buy an app or not. On many of the apps on the Google Play Store you can watch an intro video that shows how that app works.

It's most common - and arguably most useful - when it comes to games. Just click on the app you're interested in, and look for the play icon at the very top of the app listing.

Press that play icon and see whether what the developer has to show you is of any interest.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Stop the update notifications

For the most part, Android handles notifications brilliantly, but the way the Google Play Store bombards you with notifications every time it updates your apps (which is pretty often) can get a little tiresome.

To deactivate these irritating notifications, go into the Play Store settings menu and deselect the Notifications option. There you go - no more bothersome messages telling you your fourth favourite game has added support for the Lithuanian language.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Stop apps being added to home screen

If you're like us, then your Android phone's homescreen is pretty stuffed with icons and widgets. You've probably spent time crafting the perfect, most concise set-up for your needs.

So the last thing you need is a new app messing things up by depositing an icon on your homescreen - especially if it's a passive app like a new keyboard.

You can stop this from happening by bringing up the Play Store menu, selecting settings, and hitting the Add icon to Home Screen option to deselect it.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Add apps to your wishlist

Really like the look of an app or game, but aren't quite prepared to shell out the asking price, or can't buy it there and then? Then add it to your wishlist.

To do so, simply navigate to the app you're interested in and hit the little banner icon at the top (the one with the plus sign in it) to add it to your wishlist.

You can then access your wishlist from the Google Play Store menu (swipe right from the main page).

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Install apps from desktop

As easy as it is exploring the Google Play Store from your mobile phone, it's even easier on your desktop - especially if you don't really know what you're looking for.

The good news is, if you find something you like whilst navigating in this way, you don't then have to find it on your phone or hook your phone up to your computer in order to install it.

When you first set up the Google Play Store on your Android phone and logged into your account on your computer, the two were linked. So, if you click Install on an app on the desktop, it will automatically start downloading on your active phone phone. Clever, eh?

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Track your phone from your computer

The Google Play Store lets you track, remotely lock, ring, and even erase your Android phone should it be lost or stolen.

Just hit the gear icon at the top right of the page, then click Android Device Manager. Accept the terms, and you'll see your device(s) on a Google Maps display, as well as a prompt to ring, lock or erase it.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Remove all trace of apps

Google keeps a track of all of the apps you've ever installed on your Android phone. You might not want some of these apps to be remembered - maybe it's a terrible game, maybe you installed a dodgy app by mistake, or maybe you're just fastidious about these things.

Whatever, just navigate to My apps, hit the All tab, and hit the X symbol corresponding to the app that you don't want. Confirm, and the app will be gone from your personal list forever. Well, unless you contrive to re-download it, of course.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Find the classiest, most buzzy apps

The Google Play store is vast, with a constantly shifting front page that updates with the latest offerings.

There's also no denying that there's a high proportion of crud on there. That's what you get with a more open approach to app submissions, folks.

One reliable way to shop for high quality apps, though, is to simply navigate to the Apps section and hit the Editors' Choice option. This is a carefully curated list of top notch new apps and games that you can download with confidence.

Read more smartphone tips and tricks - See more at: http://smart-phones-how-to.blogspot.com.ng/2014/10/google-play-store-tips-and-tricks.html#sthash.mdVodO3j.dpuf

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - How to explore Google's virtual shopfront

Like virtually all of its Android software, Google has vastly improved its Play Store over the years.

Nowadays it's a bright, sharp, and relatively speedy virtual shopfront for the million-odd apps available on the Android platform. No, it's not perfect, but for our money it's a lot better than the App Store. - See more at: http://smart-phones-how-to.blogspot.com.ng/2014/10/google-play-store-tips-and-tricks.html#sthash.mdVodO3j.dpuf

Here is just a small selection of tips and tricks for the Google Play Store.

How to earn money with your smartphone

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Make use of the info icons

The latest version of the Google Play Store has a great new icon bar that gives you a lot of information at a glance, as well as some handy shortcuts.

To the left you have the number of downloads. If it's a million seller, you know there's got to be something in it, right? This is colour coded, so if the icon's red you know at a glance that it's hot.

Next to this icon you have the average user rating (out of five), as well as the number of users who have contributed to that rating. Tap on this icon, and you'll jump straight to the user reviews themselves.

Next we have the category the app belongs to, as represented by a little representative icon. Tap this, and you'll be taken to that category in the Google Play Store.

Finally there's the Similar icon which, when tapped, assembles - you guessed it - similar apps in a simple grid should you wish to check out the alternatives.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Don't like an app? Get a refund

One thing you can do on the Google Play Store that you can't on the App Store is 'return' an app if you're not happy with it. That is, you can wipe it and get your money back if you opt to do so within a limited window.

Until recently, that window was a rather useless 15 minutes long. Just last month, though, Google extended that period to two hours.

So how do you get your refund? Simply go into the Google Play Store app within two hours of purchasing your app, select My apps from the menu, and navigate to the app you just purchased. You should see a Refund button alongside the usual Open one. Press it and follow the instructions.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Watch a preview of your app or game

Of course, you'll still want to make an informed decision about whether you want to buy an app or not. On many of the apps on the Google Play Store you can watch an intro video that shows how that app works.

It's most common - and arguably most useful - when it comes to games. Just click on the app you're interested in, and look for the play icon at the very top of the app listing.

Press that play icon and see whether what the developer has to show you is of any interest.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Stop the update notifications

For the most part, Android handles notifications brilliantly, but the way the Google Play Store bombards you with notifications every time it updates your apps (which is pretty often) can get a little tiresome.

To deactivate these irritating notifications, go into the Play Store settings menu and deselect the Notifications option. There you go - no more bothersome messages telling you your fourth favourite game has added support for the Lithuanian language.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Stop apps being added to home screen

If you're like us, then your Android phone's homescreen is pretty stuffed with icons and widgets. You've probably spent time crafting the perfect, most concise set-up for your needs.

So the last thing you need is a new app messing things up by depositing an icon on your homescreen - especially if it's a passive app like a new keyboard.

You can stop this from happening by bringing up the Play Store menu, selecting settings, and hitting the Add icon to Home Screen option to deselect it.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Add apps to your wishlist

Really like the look of an app or game, but aren't quite prepared to shell out the asking price, or can't buy it there and then? Then add it to your wishlist.

To do so, simply navigate to the app you're interested in and hit the little banner icon at the top (the one with the plus sign in it) to add it to your wishlist.

You can then access your wishlist from the Google Play Store menu (swipe right from the main page).

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Install apps from desktop

As easy as it is exploring the Google Play Store from your mobile phone, it's even easier on your desktop - especially if you don't really know what you're looking for.

The good news is, if you find something you like whilst navigating in this way, you don't then have to find it on your phone or hook your phone up to your computer in order to install it.

When you first set up the Google Play Store on your Android phone and logged into your account on your computer, the two were linked. So, if you click Install on an app on the desktop, it will automatically start downloading on your active phone phone. Clever, eh?

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Track your phone from your computer

The Google Play Store lets you track, remotely lock, ring, and even erase your Android phone should it be lost or stolen.

Just hit the gear icon at the top right of the page, then click Android Device Manager. Accept the terms, and you'll see your device(s) on a Google Maps display, as well as a prompt to ring, lock or erase it.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Remove all trace of apps

Google keeps a track of all of the apps you've ever installed on your Android phone. You might not want some of these apps to be remembered - maybe it's a terrible game, maybe you installed a dodgy app by mistake, or maybe you're just fastidious about these things.

Whatever, just navigate to My apps, hit the All tab, and hit the X symbol corresponding to the app that you don't want. Confirm, and the app will be gone from your personal list forever. Well, unless you contrive to re-download it, of course.

Google Play Store Tips and Tricks - Find the classiest, most buzzy apps

The Google Play store is vast, with a constantly shifting front page that updates with the latest offerings.

There's also no denying that there's a high proportion of crud on there. That's what you get with a more open approach to app submissions, folks.

How to Track Lost Device with Android Device Manager

The best thing about owning a mobile device is the mobility it provides; the worst thing is that being mobile raises the chances of you losing your devices in unimaginable ways. In circumstances where you actually lose a device, there are many third-party apps that can be used to track lost or stolen devices, but there are also dedicated tools for iOS and Android users.
For iOS devices, owners can track their iPhone, iPad or Mac with the Find my iPhone app. For Android users, the lesser-known equivalent is the Android Device Manager. Android Device Manager or ADM has been available in the Play Store since December 2013. In newer Android devices, ADM is pre-installed into your device.
We’re going to take a look at the features and functions of ADM that every Android user should know:

Note: ADM requires Android 2.3 and above to function.

Setting up ADM

First, we need to setup ADM. To verify that ADM is installed on your device and enabled to work properly, go to the Google Settings on your Android Device.
Tap on Security under the Services option and here you can see Android Device Manager (ADM) if it is installed on your Android device. If you cannot see ADM, it means it is not installed on your Android device and you can install it from here.

Once you are done with setting up ADM successfully, it is time to explore features and functions of ADM one by one. By default, Remotely locate this device is enabled and Allow remote lock screen is disabled.

                               

•  1. How To Remotely Track Location of Lost Device

On any computer browser, go here (ADM web version) to start. Sign in with the same Google account you used on your lost Android device. If your Location is on, the location of your Android device is displayed on Google Maps, accurate to 20-25 meters of the precise location.

                                      

                    

                                   Access via Mobile Browser

If you do not have any laptop/desktop computer around and you want to access Android Device Manager on another phone, you can download the app here instead of using it on a mobile browser.
On the mobile app, sign in via Guest Mode and enter your Google Account details to track the location of the lost device.
You can check the current location of your Android device without refreshing the page or signing in again. Click on the location icon button on the right to see the location of your device.

2. How to Bypass the Lock Screen

If in the event of losing your phone, you had not set a lock screen as an added security step, it’s not too late. With ADM you can not only bypass the lock screen and lock it with another password, but also add a custom message or alternate phone number on the lock screen.
To bypass the lock screen, choose the Set up Lock & Erase option.
Click on Lock and enter your new password, repeat the password to confirm. This can help minimize someone else intruding into your contact list, emails, photo gallery, messaging apps and other important information.
You can add an optional recovery message as well. This is a message that is directed to anyone who may have stumbled upon your phone so be constructive with the message in the hopes that your device will be returned to you.
You can also give an alternative contact number here. A button will appear on the lock screen. Tapping that button will authorize the phone to call you.
 
                                                           

5 useful Android tips and tricks

Whether you are new to android and eager to try out every available option you see on the screen, or familiar with the system, including the annoyances that plague you on a daily basis, tips and tricks to get around a system is always helpful. I’m here to help you with that.
In this post, I’m featuring 5 useful Android tips and tricks that may improve your experience while using your Android device. Do note that the steps may vary a little from one Android phone to another due to the differences in the build and the OS version, but if you play around with it, the next step isn’t too far off.

1. Disable App Notifications

Bugged by annoying app notifications that just keep coming? If you don’t know already, these app notifications also drain your phone’s battery. If you want to turn them off, and you are on Jelly Bean 4.1 and above, here’s how:

1. On any of your unwanted notifications in your notification bar, long press on the notification for a message box to appear.
2. Tap on App Info > Untick Show Notifications > OK.

2. Disable Mobile Data

Whenever you don’t need to stay connected, disabling the Mobile Data can help keep your smartphone battery from draining too quickly. Turning off mobile data is as easy as:

1. Going to Settings > Data Usage.
2. Disable Mobile data by toggling the setting from ON to OFF.

3. Set Mobile Data Limit

Want to keep track of how far your usage is from your monthly mobile data limit? If you have ICS and above, there is a feature which lets you keep track of how much of the quota you have left.

1. Head over to Settings > Data Usage.
2. Set your data limit by dragging the orange line to reflect your monthly quota.
3. Set your data usage cycle based on when your "month" starts and ends, and you’re done.

You will be alerted once you hit the limit you have set. Note that the tracked data usage of your phone may vary slightly than your carrier’s tracking.

4. Disable automatic App Updates

Prefer to read through app permissions and manually pick which app updates to adopt? You can, but first you need to disable your automatic app updates. Here are the steps:

1. Open Play Store and head over to Settings.