Android is Google’s software for mobile phones, tablets and a growing range of devices encompassing everything from wearable computing to in-car entertainment. It’s been in development since 2003, and today it’s the world’s most popular mobile operating system.

There are Android phones, Android tablets and Android smartwatches, and you’ll even find Android inside some cars and TV set-top boxes. But what can you do with it? 

What is Android OS?

Android is an operating system, which means its job is to act as a translator between you and your gadget. When you take a photo, Android provides the button you tap and tells the phone what to do when you tap it. When you make or receive a call, Android tells your phone how to do that. When you play a game, Android tells the game what movements you’re making and what buttons you’re pressing. It’s like Windows, but for mobile devices.

Where does Android originated from?

It comes from Google, which actually acquired Android in 2005 (no, Google didn't invent it). Google provides Android to anybody who wants to use it, so for example Samsung, HTC and many, many other companies use Android on their smartphones and tablets. Android is based on the Linux kernel, which, if you have IT nerd friends, you would have heard about before.

Alternatives to Android

The big ones are Apple’s iOS, which is only available on Apple hardware; Windows Phone, which is only available on a handful of devices such as Nokia phones (and both the Nokia name and the Windows Phone name will soon be dumped; in the near future it’ll just be called Windows); and the BlackBerry OS, which only runs on BlackBerry devices. There are other operating systems too, such as Samsung’s proprietary Tizen and Firefox OS, but Android and iOS are the most popular.

Why is Android differ from other OS

Choice. For example if you want iOS, you have a choice of iPhone, iPhone or ipads. If you go for Android there are stacks of great devices to choose from, from cheap and cheerful handsets to really impressive flagships. Those flagships are often cheaper than the equivalent Apple devices, too.

Android’s choice isn’t just about hardware. It’s about everything else too. Android is incredibly easy to customize, both in terms of how it looks and how it works, and the various app stores aren’t as tightly controlled as its rivals’ stores, like Apple.

Latest Android version

Each new version of Android gets a code name based on consecutive letters of the alphabet, so for example the current version is known as KitKat because it is the Android K release. Previous versions have included FroYo (short for frozen yogurt) and Gingerbread. 

What’s the best thing about Android?

Rooting it. If you root an Android device you can get into its most secret places and change anything you like. The possibilities are endless, and we’ve put together a safe guide to rooting your android.

What’s the worst thing about Android?

Getting updates. In many cases manufacturers don’t seem to care about providing software updates for devices they’ve already sold to you, and even when they do provide the updates they can take their sweet time about it. That’s one more reason to consider rooting: you can download the updates yourself and apply them instead of waiting for the manufacturer to get around to it.

What is an Android APK?

APK is short for Android Application Package (yes, we realize the letters don't match up), and it’s the file format Android uses for software downloads. If you’re sideloading Android apps, which means copying them across from a computer rather than installing them directly from the Google Play Store, you’ll need the APK file. When you install an app from the Play Store, you're installing the same APK, one method simply lets the Play Store handle it, the other lets you do it.

How do I get Android tips and tricks?

Simple. Visit  jonesarena.blogspot.com  everyday. We’ve got everything you need to know from how to take screenshots to how to speed up your device, charge its battery faster and share its Wi-Fi connection with other devices. You should also visit  our dedicated android page to check out every tip we have for your specific device, along with hardware comparisons, news and more, specific to the phone you care most about: yours!

What about Android TV?

Android TV is Google’s attempt to make existing TVs into smart ones. It’s tried that before with limited success, but in late 2014 and into 2015 we should see a range of new devices that bring Google Play entertainment to your lounge room. Android TV isn’t the same as Chromecast, which is a device that you can stream TV programmes to via the Chrome web browser.

What about Android Wear and Google Fit?

Android Wear is a version of Android designed for wearable devices such as smartwatches, and it powers smartwatches like the Motorola Moto 360, Samsung Gear Live and LG G Watch. Google Fit is actually part of Android: in the next version of Android, Android 5.0 L, Google Fit will take data from devices such as fitness trackers and share that data with apps.

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Just recently, Google revealed that it was working on making a number of Android apps run on ChromeOS. The idea of moving apps from the likes of the Galaxy S4 to a Chromebook led to some people providing instructions about how to do make any Android app run under Chrome. To help make things easier, Chrome APK Packager is an app that does the hard work of converting Android apps into Chrome extensions.

You can grab a copy of Chrome APK Packager from Google Play and you can quickly convert just about any of the apps you have installed, or even from an APK you've downloaded. The process is very simple – just select the app, choose between tablet and phone mode, and select portrait or landscape orientation. The resulting zip file can be extracted on your computer and loaded as an extension.

Keep in mind that this is still a beta tool, so it's not guaranteed to work in every instance, and there may be a few bugs here and there. But it's worth checking out the tool as it shows great promise.

Are there any apps you'd like to convert into Chrome extensions? Share details of the conversions you've had success with us.

Microsoft Corp will unveil a new name for its best-known product on Tuesday when it offers the first official glimpse of its latest Windows operating system.

The project, known for the past few years as "Threshold" inside the software company and "Windows 9" outside it, will likely get an entirely new brand, or just be called Windows, analysts said, ahead of its full release early next year.

The name change is symbolic of a new direction and style for Microsoft, which is veering away from an aggressive focus on Windows and PCs, the hallmark of previous Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer. The new, quieter emphasis is on selling services across all devices and is championed by new boss Satya Nadella.

The switch also represents a desire to erase the ill will generated by Windows 8, an ambitious attempt to redesign Windows with tablet users in mind, which ended up annoying and confusing the core market of customers who use mice and keyboards.

"Windows 8 was not a shining moment for Microsoft," said Michael Silver, an analyst at tech research firm Gartner. "Probably the biggest issue that lingers is the negative brand equity in the name."

Many users howled in protest over the death of the start-button menu and the introduction of a colorful grid of squares or tiles representing apps in what became known as the modern user interface, even though they could easily switch to a traditional desktop mode.

Judging by recent leaks online, which Microsoft has not tried to discredit, the start-button menu will come back in the next Windows, with an option of tacking on tiles if preferred.

But the problem of users having to toggle between the modern interface and the old-style desktop - for instance to use the full version of Excel spreadsheet software - has yet to be solved.

"The schizophrenic behavior between the modern user interface and the Windows desktop has got to go away," said David Johnson, an analyst at tech research firm Forrester. "They have to smooth that out."

Microsoft declined to comment on the new name, or what it plans to unveil on Tuesday.

The Redmond, Washington-based company has said only that it will have a "discussion" about where Windows is headed at a stylish event space in San Francisco on Tuesday.

The choice of wording and venue are key to a humbler, lower-profile Microsoft under Nadella, who is keen to rebuild respect in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley as it moves away from the PC and to play a bigger part in the mobile computing world fashioned by Apple Inc and Google Inc.

Nadella's slogan is "mobile first, cloud first," and although he will not be at the San Francisco event - he is traveling in Asia - that theme will be at the fore.

"This is a launching pad and catalyst for Nadella's holistic cloud vision over the coming years," said Daniel Ives, an analyst at investment bank FBR Capital Markets. "Windows 9 is a potentially game-changing product release for Microsoft."

Nadella is resigned to the fact that sales of PCs have leveled off, and with it sales of Windows. With the explosion of smartphones and tablets, Windows now powers only 14 percent of computing devices sold last year, according to Gartner.

His response is to focus on selling high-quality services - such as the Office suite of applications or storing documents in the cloud - to people on whatever device or system they are using.

"Microsoft is changing from a company that was Windows-centric to one that is services-centric," said Silver at Gartner. "It has to be that way. Windows revenue is likely going to decline, and Microsoft's task is to replace that Windows revenue with revenue from services on all sorts of platforms."

The challenge is to come up with killer apps and services users can't live without.

"Microsoft built their business on being very good at delivering what people needed in the moment, for example Excel in the 1990s," said Johnson at Forrester. "That's what Microsoft has to get back to, innovating and creating things that people find indispensable."

What is MTN SME Data Share?

MTN SME Data Share is a prepaid service
that allows business owners to buy data
bundles and share with their staff. This
service is specifically designed for growing
businesses offering them the ability to
centrally manage internet usage per staff
across their business.

MTN SME Data Share has also been designed to
be simple, intuitive self-service solution,
putting you in full control of your spend on
data across your business.

How To Activate And Use

To activate and enjoy this service, you will need to first
migrate to the MTN SME Plus tariff plan by
texting 460 to 131.

The Key Features is that
1*  Data is transferred to beneficiaries
using SMS or USSD,

2*  Data can be shared with anyone

3*  The sharer of the data (sponsor) will
have control of allocating data/
Multiple data plans Benefits

4*  You are able to provide internet
access to all your staff even when on
the go.

5*  You are able to better plan/manage
spend on internet for all your staff.

Steps To Activate The Monthly Plan

GB=> 10 GB Price=> 10,000

CODE=> SMS 465 to 131 or dial *461# and follow the prompt

GB=> 20 GB Code=> SMS 466 to 131 or

dial *461# and follow the prompt Price=> 18,000

GB=> 50 GB Code=> SMS 467 to 131 or

dial *461# and follow the prompt Price=> 40,500

GB=> 75 GB Code=> SMS 468 to 131 or

dial *461# and follow the prompt Price=>52,500

All packages have validity period of 30 days.

If you’ve already downloaded the iOS 8 update to your existing iPhone or iPad, or if you’re getting used to it on your new iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, you’ll be finding out that it brings plenty of changes and new features. Although some of the improvements will be obvious, there are some that are not so evident. We have a you-tube video to share that shows some of the more hidden iOS 8 features and settings.

Apple’s iOS 8 hasn’t been without problems, but many are enjoying all of the enhancements it offers. The YouTube video link on our article today shows 20 aspects of iOS 8 that you may not have discovered yet for the iPhone 6, and also the iPhone 5S, 5 and 4S as well as the iPad mini.

The first of the hidden iOS 8 settings and features shown is the Emergency Card and this one is really useful and could help to save your life. If you check out the iOS 8 home screen, to the bottom left you’ll see the word ‘Emergency.’ If this is tapped you’ll then see ‘Medical ID’ and if you’ve set this up in the Health app it will display your medical conditions. In a medical emergency this access could make all the difference.

That’s just one example, and there are many more. Just a few of these include being able to hide photos in the photo app, the use of rich text in the Notes app, sharing your current location, an updated Weather app, and Siri’s ability to identify songs that are playing. One of the favorites features is “Hey Siri”, which opens the Siri feature when the device is plugged into a power source, enabling hands-free access

Many more new hidden settings and features for iOS 8 are shown in the video, and you can get the full picture when you view it. You might also be interested in our previous article  about iphone6 and apple iwatch.

Let us have your comments.

The FIFA 15 app is a hot topic of discussion among football fans and this is the same whether you support Chelsea FC, or Man Utd, Liverpool FC, Arsenal or anyone else. Many people are looking forward to the FIFA 15 release date, and now the FIFA 15 app for Android and iOS countdown has started.

Last year the FIFA 14 iOS app arrived before the Android version but this year it’s expected that the new FIFA app for both platforms should join the console release date next week. For those who don’t yet know that’s September 23 for the US, September 25 for Europe and September 26 for the UK.

However, an interesting article over on Product Reviews gives the news that the FIFA 15 Ultimate Team app appears to be live on iTunes now for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, but in Canada only! PR also points out that this is NOT the FIFA 15 web app that many are waiting for, as this has been delayed.

The fact that the iTunes download of FIFA 15 UT appears to be up for download in Canada seems odd to say the least, particularly when you consider that it isn’t even a country known for a passion for soccer. However, we don’t know the app is working for those who have tried downloading it in Canada, so we’d be really interested in hearing from readers who can let us know?

Download FIFA 15 for Android

Google Inc launched in India on Monday a $105 smartphone, the first device from its "Android One" initiative which is aimed at boosting sales in key emerging markets through cheaper prices and better quality software.

The Mountain View-Based company tied up with Indian handset makers Micromax, Karbonn and Spice Mobiles to launch the 6,399 rupees phone, which is powered by Google's operating system and targets the booming low-cost segment of the world's fastest growing smartphone market.

After launching in India, Google said it plans to expand Android One to Indonesia, Philippines and other South Asian countries by the end of 2014 and in more countries in 2015.

The company is working with partners including Acer Inc, HTC Corp and Panasonic Corp to build more devices under Android One, Sundar Pichai, who heads Google's Android and Chrome units, told reporters at the India launch event in New Delhi.

"When (handset companies) look to make a phone, they will get a menu. They can put together a device in a much quicker fashion, knowing we've already tested the software," he added.

Android One

With Android One, Google aims to improve the quality of hardware and software by giving handset makers a frame of reference. Strong sales of Android One smartphones should mean more Internet access, and more usage of Google's suite of products.

Currently, many cheap smartphones in India and other emerging markets run different and somewhat customized versions of the Android operating system. The many variations they produce make the phones prone to glitches, and leave Google with almost no control over its platform

Pichai said eventual software upgrades on the Android One phones would come directly from Google. This gives the company better control of the operating system and ensures users get a consistent service.

"After China and the United States, India is the third largest smartphone market in the world and Google won't like to leave such a huge market in control of brands looking to use a custom-forked Android OS as is happening in China," said Neil Shah, research director for devices and ecosystems at Hong Kong-based technology research agency Counterpoint Research.

LOW COST AND LOCAL

India is an attractive market for companies that make low-cost smartphones because more people are now able to afford a smartphone, often for the first time.

Just 10 percent of the India's population currently owns a smartphone, brokerage Nomura said in a recent research note, and that figure is likely to double over the next four years.

There are at least 80 smartphone brands in India and analysts say the Android One phones must offer customers more than just affordability if Google wants to compete with Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Motorola and China's Xiaomi, which all make similarly priced devices.

"The initial pricing never sticks but it'll be tough for them to compete if they don't come down further," said Counterpoint's Shah.

Customizing web content to suit Indian customers is a priority for Google, country head Rajan Anandan told the media last month. The new Android One phones can be used in seven Indian languages, including Hindi.

Google is also working on allowing users to watch YouTube videos offline in a country where access to the internet is often pricey and patchy.

Android One Technical Specification

In terms of specifications, the phone have a 4.5-inch, 854x480 resolution IPS display, MediaTek MT6582 SoC with 1.3GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and Mali 400 MP2 GPU, 1GB RAM, 4GB storage space with microSD card slot, 5 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front camera, FM radio, dual SIM support, and replaceable 1,700mAh battery, Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0 and A-GPS are the narrow range of connectivity options available

The best thing about this phone is that it run stock version of Android, 4.4.4 KitKat in this case. The phone will get OS updates directly from Google for two years since launch. The phone will also be first in line with the Nexus devices to get Android L, or any future release.

Google also has done partnership with Airtel, India's biggest mobile carrier. Users on Airtel will be able to download Android updates for free (that is, without being charged for data downloads) for the first six months. Airtel users will also be able to download up to 200MB worth of apps from the Google Play Store every month, which won't be counted towards their mobile data.

It’s easy to be pre-occupied with all of the new devices that are being introduced at the moment (think Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and iPhone 6), so it’s easy to forget that some people are more interested in updates for existing devices. If you have the Samsung Galaxy S4 this one is for you, as the S4 on T-Mobile is now receiving the Android 4.4.4 update.

Earlier today we brought details of the same 4.4.4 KitKat update rolling out to owners of the Sony Xperia Z, so this latest news should really satisfy T-Mobile Galaxy S4 owners in the US. Information about the update has now been published on T-Mobile’s support page for the Galaxy S4, bringing build number M919UVUFNH7.

If you are a T-Mobile customer with this device you should be receiving notification about the official OTA (over-the-air) update soon, although these updates can take a few days to roll out. The 403MB update offers various bug and security fixes and also Wi-Fi calling improvements.

If you don’t fancy waiting for a notification you can check for the update manually by heading to Settingsfollowed by About Phone followed by Software updates. Alternatively you can use Samsung Kies on your PC. If you check out the official T-Mobile source link below you’ll see that the Android 4.4.4 KitKat update began being pushed out this week, along with further details.

Source: T-Mobile Support
Via: SamMobile

Apple introduced its flagship samrtphone Apple iPhone 6 and flagship Phablet iPhone  6 plus with even slim design then the iPhone 5s.

Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus:

Tim Cook said, “Today, we are pleased to announce the biggest advancement in iPhone. ”. As expected the iPhone 6 features an 4.7 inch 1,334 x 750  display while iPhone 6 Plus features a 5.5 inch 1920×1080 401 ppi display.

The device is powered by the A8 processor, it also have an 8 megapixel iShigh camera just like iPhone 5s but with different sensor.

The device also features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to take better picture. New software improvements help you take better pictures. The device is also better to better at detecting faces near and far.

The device also have the HDR mode. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus both runs on company’s latest software iOS 8. With 802.11ac, iPhone 6 Wi-Fi speeds are up to three times faster than iPhone 5s.

iPhone 6 supports over 200 LTE carriers around the world. Including all three in China.

The iPhone 6 will be available three storage capacities and cost, 16 GB cost $199, 64GB cost $299 and 128 GB cost $399.

The iPhone 6 Plus also available three storage capacities and cost, 16 GB cost $299, 64GB cost $399 and 128 GB cost $499 while both devices will be available for pre-orders from September 12.

Apple flexible iWatch 

Apple finally launched its flagship wearable long waited device Apple iWatch with flexible display in its September 9 event. 

The company known for setting new trends as it doesn’t disappoint either. The company introduced its flagship smartphone Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus now introduced its conic iWatch here at IFA 2014 event.

The smartwatch has the flexible display which allows you to go forward in time and see the moon phases. The iWatch also estimates vary on the potential size of the wearables market, with some analysts predicting it to soar and others forecasting its demise.

Infrared and visible-light LEDs, along with photosensors, detect your pulse rate. Working with other technologies in Apple Watch, these help provide a comprehensive picture of your daily activity.

iWatch’s glances allows you to swipe up from the bottom and chose what ever you want to do. The watch also have the 3D capabilities as you can enjoy a smiley face in 3D.

We also looked at how you could carry your photos with you. we have a photos app here. Can see an overview much like on iPhone but can use digital crown to zoom in.

The iWatch also supports the calling facilities like the Samsung Gear S. Tap on that to bring up a list of favorite contacts. You can call or message them, or send them a tap.

The device also supports the fitness capabilities like Gear S. Fitness app monitors all activity. Workout app lets you set specific goals for specific types of workouts.

The iWatch will be supportive up to Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5.

i-Bell, a WiFi-enabled camera doorbell, is among the connected gadgets to be approved as one of Apple's HomeKit partners, ahead of the launch of iOS 8.

As anyone who's ever come home to a Royal Mail red slip of doom can attest, missing a much-needed delivery is one of life's many irritations. But a new smart doorbell hopes to change the way we interact with our postman forever, under Apple's HomeKit umbrella.

First announced at the company's event in June, HomeKit is one of the key new features of impending operating system iOS 8. The new software is expected to be downloadable from  Wednesday following Tuesday's 'special event' - widely expected to be the launch of the iPhone 6, and potentially the iWatch.

The framework has been designed to allow you to control your smart home appliances through your iPhone or iPad, such as turning off lights or locking doors. These products' apps can be grouped under HomeKit in order to work together, for example, setting your thermostat to lower at the same time lights are dimmed.

i-Bell is a WiFi connected doorbell complete with camera, which syncs with your smartphone, smart TV, laptop or tablet to alert you when someone's at your door. Once the bell is pressed, a call is made or text sent to the linked device, while live video is automatically streamed from when they approach (the guest / visitors cannot see the homeowner).

One of the main attractions is the ability to let callers know a safe place or designated neighbour you'd like your delivery left with, regardless of your location. It also has a night vision camera for visitors calling after dark.

The device senses a visitor is approaching through a motion detector, and will store images for security purposes in the cloud, explains chief executive Graham Kershberg.

"The images will be available for seven days for free, after which the user can pay to store the images for longer periods," he says.

The sensitivity of the detector can be customised for the location of your home, for example, those living on a busy street can opt out of being alerted when something or someone is detected as moving outside of a certain range, up to eight metres.

Users can also turn the camera on through remote activation to check if anyone's passing by at any time, Mr Kershberg says, helping to deliver peace of mind if you're abroard or wanting to keep tabs on who may be calling on an elderly relative.

Launched on KickStarter at the end of July, the i-Bell initially sought £30,000 to help make the project a reality. The project eventually raised over £60,000

"It was something I thought 'why doesn't this exist', and started looking for it, and I couldn't find it this time last year," he says. "It took us 10 months to get it to the stage when we could launch it on KickStarter, and we've now been working on it for a year."

Alerts are sent via the internet, meaning that while your phone will need to be connected via 3G/4G or WiFi, the i-Bell maintains a standard connection through your home's router.

"It's connects to the router inside your home, and if for whatever reason the broadband fails, or there's a loss of power, you'll receive an alert. It is battery powered as well, and you'll be notified once the power begins to run down and it needs to be recharged."

Mr Kershberg expects the product to go on sale around November, retailing at around £170.

In the future, the i-Bell could be used to grant access to properties through secure connected locks, outside lighting or home irrigation systems. Advances in facial recognition technology could also be used to alert owners to when family members or other specified individuals are outside their front door. From homeowners looking for peace of mind while on holiday, to workers who can't be at home all day waiting for a package, the i-Bell could be the gadget to banish the 'Sorry we missed you' slip from our future doormats.

Will you replace your security guard with an i-Bell?