25 Apr 12 How to use Google Drive on Android
You may have noticed shortly after the official announcement of Google Drive that Google Docs was no longer on your
Android device. Instead, you can find the Google Drive app in its place. If for some reason your Google Docs app hasn’t made the switch yet, you can download the Google Drive update to your device from Google Play. Let’s take a look at how the Android app integrates and works with Google Drive.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)
The main screen of Google Drive provides a few options for navigating the new service. You will have quick access to files in your Drive, any documents that have been shared with you, any files or folders you have starred, recently opened, or edited, as well as any files you have downloaded for offline access.
The account name (blurred out in the screenshot) at the top of the screen acts just like it does in all other Google apps; tapping on it will allow you to quickly switch between Google accounts and the respective Drive accounts.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)
To create a new item on your Drive, tap on the menu icon then select New. You will then be given the option of creating a document, spreadsheet, document from photo, or to upload a file. If you used Google Docs on your device previously, you should be familiar with the first three options. Upload, however, is new and specific to Google Drive.
When you select upload, you’re able to browse and upload files stored on your Android device to your Drive account. One important thing to note, however, is that installing a file manager, such as Astro File Manager, is required to browse files outside of your music and photo galleries.
Keep in mind if you want to place the new item in a specific folder, you will need to navigate to that folder in the app before you upload or create it. If you create a new item from the home screen, it will be placed in the root directory of your Drive.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)
The settings for the Google Drive app allow you to set the amount of data you will want the app to cache, starting at 50MB topping out at 250MB. You can also enable/disable encryption of offline documents as well as enable a reminder to be displayed when you are updating files over a wireless connection, not Wi-Fi.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)
When viewing your folders and files, you can favorite any item by tapping on the star located next to the item name. If you tap on the arrow icon located on the right-hand side of the listing, you are presented with a list of options.
These options allow you to save the file for offline viewing, sharing, sending, renaming, deleting, and opening with another app.
You can share, rename, and delete entire folders, but you cannot make them available for offline viewing or send them.
At anytime in the app you can tap on the familiar search icon and search for a specific document or folder. The items stored in your Drive aren’t automatically updated in the Android app. So, if you have recently placed new items on your Drive and they aren’t yet appearing in the Android app, tap on the menu icon and select refresh.
If you have any extra tips or tricks we missed for Google Drive on Android, please share them below in the comments.
Article source: http://howto.cnet.com/how-to-use-google-drive-on-android/8301-11310_39-57420195-285.html
Tags: Astro File Manager, Credit Screenshot, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Play, Wi Fi
24 Apr 12 Hide YouTube Comments with Chrome extension
My kids love watching videos on YouTube and now that my daughter has learned how to read, I worry about the words she may encounter in the comments section below a video she’s watching. Thankfully, I found a Chrome extension, YouTube Options for Google Chrome, which lets me tweak the appearance of the video player page on YouTube.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)
After installing the extension, a small icon shows up on the right edge of your URL bar when you view a YouTube video. (It’s a small red button with the letters YTO.) Click on it and a narrow window opens below it with a small, sample YouTube page. You can click on the various components of the page — header, title, description, comments, suggested videos, footer, playlist — to toggle between hiding and showing them. You can also adjust the size of the video player, and if you click the Options link at the bottom of this window, you’ll be taken to the extension’s settings page where you can tweak further options. The extension remembers your preferences for subsequent visits.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET)
In related news, you can replace YouTube comments with Facebook comments with another Chrome extension.
Article source: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57419340-285/hide-youtube-comments-with-chrome-extension/?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=
Tags: Credit Screenshot, Google Chrome, URL, YTO
21 Apr 12 How to expand Google Reader articles in the current tab
(Credit:Google)
With so many Web sites to follow, I find myself relying on my Google Reader regularly. Unfortunately, I also find that many RSS snippets will cut off right when I’m about to get to the good stuff. This is generally because the sites want you to click on their links. I understand the reasoning behind it (and am guilty of it myself), but this sometimes leaves me with 10 open tabs to read, making me wander and lose focus on 10 different Web sites.
To prevent this, I’ve started using Google Reader Inline after checking out a recent article on Lifehacker. This is a very useful extension for Chrome that allows you to load the full article without leaving your current tab or opening a new one (and still gives the writer’s site a page view). So after I’m done reading, I can move on to the next article in the queue, instead of wandering aimlessly through a Web site for 3 hours — like I do on Wikipedia.
Google Reader Inline.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
Step 1: Download Google Reader Inline for Chrome.
Step 2: Open and log in to Google Reader.
A truncated article in Google Reader.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
Step 3: Browse through your articles in the RSS feed, and press on the small magnifying glass in the upper left-hand corner for any article you want to expand.
That’s all you have to do! How do you deal with text hidden “after the jump”? And do you see this extension being helpful?
Article source: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57418245-285/how-to-expand-google-reader-articles-in-the-current-tab/
Tags: Credit Screenshot, Google Reader, Google Reader Inline, RSS
19 Apr 12 How to request desktop version of a Web site in Chrome for Android
Earlier this week Google released an update to Chrome for
Android. The update added some great new features, including the ability to request the desktop version of a Web site that just isn’t looking that great in its mobile form.
Requesting the desktop version of a Web site can be done in just a couple of steps.
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When viewing the mobile version of a site, open the menu and check the box located next to Request Desktop site. The Web page will automatically begin to reload in the background.
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With the box checked, you will see the desktop version of the site loaded for only that tab. As you can see in the background of the screenshot above, the desktop version of Google has loaded.
(Credit:Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)
To change back to the mobile version of a site, simply uncheck the same box. The page will again automatically refresh for you.
There’s nothing fancy to this method, but it’s one that is sure to come in handy. Some mobile sites are less than user-friendly, and getting to the desktop version of the site can be cumbersome at best. This new feature is a welcome addition to Chrome for Android.
Article source: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57415775-285/how-to-request-desktop-version-of-a-web-site-in-chrome-for-android/?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=
Tags: Credit Screenshot, Request Desktop
18 Apr 12 Android Chrome starts to fill out features
Chrome for Android beta.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)
Google has pushed out a new version of the Ice Cream Sandwich-only Chrome for Android beta today, with minor feature changes that will nevertheless make it more usable.
Along with broad multilanguage support, the browser now lets you reload a Web site in Desktop mode. The support for the desktop user agent means that the occasional site that looks funny on your phone or
tablet can appear in its more familiar Chrome-for-desktop clothes.
You can also now add Chrome bookmarks as shortcuts on your
Android Home screen, so you can launch directly into frequently visited sites. App support has improved, too, as links opened in Chrome that recognize a complementary app installed on your phone give you the option in most cases of jumping into the app. This can be useful on sites like Yelp.
On the more technical side, Chrome now properly interacts with the device Wi-Fi proxy, if you have one configured. Web developers ought to take note: this version of Chrome for Android also tweaks the user-agent specification, which is the code that tells a Web site which browser is being used to view it.
Article source: http://download.cnet.com/8301-2007_4-57415336-12/android-chrome-starts-to-fill-out-features/?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=
Tags: Android Chrome, Android Home, Credit Screenshot, Ice Cream Sandwich, Wi Fi
17 Apr 12 Android Chrome starts to fill out features
Chrome for Android beta.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)
Google has pushed out a new version of the Ice Cream Sandwich-only Chrome for Android beta today, with minor feature changes that will nevertheless make it more usable.
Along with broad multi-language support, the browser now lets you re-load a Web site in desktop mode. The support for the desktop user agent means that the occasional site that looks funny on your phone or
tablet can appear in its more familiar Chrome-for-desktop clothes.
You can also now add Chrome bookmarks as shortcuts on your
Android Home screen, so you can launch directly into frequently-visited sites. App support has improved, too, as links opened in Chrome that recognize a complementary app installed on your phone give you the option in most cases of jumping into the app. This can be useful on sites like Yelp.
On the more technical side, Chrome now properly interacts with the device Wi-Fi proxy, if you have one configured. Web developers ought to take note: this version of Chrome for Android also tweaks the user-agent specification, which is the code that tells a Web site which browser is being used to view it.
Article source: http://download.cnet.com/8301-2007_4-57415336-12/android-chrome-starts-to-fill-out-features/
Tags: Android Chrome, Android Home, Credit Screenshot, Ice Cream Sandwich, Wi Fi
14 Apr 12 Why Facebook needs to build a browser
Microsoft is getting its ass kicked by Google.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Ben Parr/CNET)
Sometime in the next 12 months, Google Chrome will become the world’s most popular browser, knocking Microsoft’s Internet Explorer off the mountain it has ruled for more than a decade.
This fact should scare the pants off of Facebook.
In July 2008, IE controlled 68.5 percent of the market, according to Statcounter, while Chrome wasn’t even on the market. Now Microsoft’s browser is down to 34.8 percent market share while Chrome controls 30.9 percent of total browser usage. Chrome has grown by a percentage point the last few months, while IE has dropped by around the same amount.
It’s only a matter of time until Google dominates the browser market.
Now you may be asking yourselves: why should Facebook care about the fate of the browser market? Facebook’s a social network, not a desktop software company — why do the browser wars matter?
The answer lies in Google’s ambitious plans for Google+, the company’s “social spine.” It’s no secret that Facebook and Google are at war, and that Google would love to take the wind out of Facebook’s sails. Nothing less than control of the Web (and billions in ad dollars) is at stake.
Google+ as a standalone product hasn’t made a dent in Facebook’s growth, though. Google+ may have 170+ million users, but Facebook is still on track for the IPO of the decade.
Google+ wasn’t designed as a standalone product, however. It was made to augment and unify all of Google’s products. Google wants to become Voltron — each separate piece (Gmail, Chrome,
Android, Google Search, and so on) is strong on its own, but combined it’s unstoppable. That’s why Google launched Search + Your World, and that’s why Google+ integration in Chrome is inevitable.
Google wants to become Voltron.
(Credit:
Toei Animation)
Think about that for a moment. In a single update, Google could turn Chrome into its own version of Rockmelt — it would be a social browser that puts Google+ in front of users before they even have a chance to type Facebook.com in the address bar.
Don’t think Google will do it? It’s already started releasing extensions that integrate Google+ into Chrome. I suspect that these extensions are just precursors to their eventual integration into Chrome.
Facebook may be king of the Web right now, but the browser is still the gateway users must pass through to access the Web. Facebook can’t allow Google to control how 30.9 percent of its users access its Web site, especially as its ally (and investor) Microsoft continues to falter in the browser wars.
Facebook could try to counter Chrome with Facebook integration in IE, but it wouldn’t be the game-changing move Facebook needs to put Google on the defensive. The only way Facebook can knock Google off its feet is to build its own browser and use its massive reach to promote it.
The next battle in the war for dominance over the Web is going to be waged at the browser level. The only question is whether Facebook will take up the fight before it’s too late.
Article source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-33617_3-57414140-276/why-facebook-needs-to-build-a-browser/
Tags: Credit Screenshot, Google Chrome, Google Search, IE, IPO, Microsoft Internet Explorer
07 Apr 12 Spring cleaning tips for your Android device
Spring is here!
(Credit:
Photo by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
Spring cleaning is about more than actual cleaning — it’s about getting a fresh start. The latter of these can simply mean changing things around so that the experience feels new. Here are some of the cleaning basics for your
Android device, and also some tips on how to make other parts you can’t change feel a bit of that spring rejuvenation.
Clean out space for new stuff
(Credit:Dropbox)
We all have too much “stuff,” as the famous comedian George Carlin told us, and chances are that you can afford to get rid of some of it.
- Remember that app you tried and didn’t like? Or the game your friend suggested that you couldn’t get into? Start removing Android apps and games you haven’t used or played in quite a while. If you change your mind later, just redownload them!
- Often, an app will create a folder and configuration file with user data that gets left behind after an uninstall. Grab a file explorer app like Astro File Manager, which will let you explore the data folders created by apps, to get rid of these.
- You may not realize it, but your Call Log and SMS history can eat up a more than healthy portion of memory. Cleaning them out will not only make these apps run more efficiently, but other apps will, too.History Eraser for Android can do the work for you, if you’re not sure how.
- If data consumption isn’t an issue, or you often find yourself on a Wi-Fi connection, there’s no reason you can’t move some of your files off your device to the cloud. Get your data migration started with apps like Dropbox and Google Music.
- The previous suggestions not enough to make your Android feel faster? There’s always the option of performing a Master reset on your device, which will erase ALL apps and data.
Boost your battery life
(Credit:Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
The best place to start saving battery life is within the device’s settings area — but there are also other options to help you out.
- Maximum screen brightness is only needed in direct light. Therefore, it makes sense to set your brightness level to auto, so the screen can adjust with your current lighting situation.
- Leaving unnecessary wireless services on in the background is just another way to kiss your battery juice goodbye. Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS when you’re not using them. There’s even an app that can remind you when you’re too far to take advantage of a wireless network called WiFi Status.
- The cloud apps mentioned above are great for storing your data, but sometimes they can run syncing services in the background without alerting you. Disable auto-uploading when you’re on mobile networks to help circumvent this issue.
- If you don’t need to see new messages every 5 minutes, then an app doesn’t need to check for them every 5 minutes. Adjust sync intervals on apps like your Twitter client to something more reasonable like 15 or even 30 minutes.
- Widgets you’re not using are polling your device and possibly the Internet for information. Get rid of these unused power thieves to reclaim some battery life.
- As a last resort, try an app that gives you recommended settings for saving your battery, like Juice Defender.
Make your Android experience feel new
(Credit:Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
Tired of seeing the same clock, calendar, or wallpaper? Do your ringtones or notifications make you cringe because you’ve been hearing the same ones for soooo long? Time to fix that.
- Download some new widgets to change the style of your clock, weather, or date displays. If you’re not sure where to start, try Beautiful Widgets because it offers a huge collection of skin styles that are sure to impress.
- Wallpaper is the backdrop for all of your app icons and widgets, so it should be something you love to look at. If it’s not, grab a wallpaper app like Share HD Wallpapers to pick out something new.
- Ringtones and notifications are what keep you connected to other people by alerting you of new messages. You can use Zedge or a similar app to find some new sounds that won’t make you want to smother your device every time it rings. Or, if you want to keep your current sounds, learn how to automatically adjust the volume based on surroundings.
- If you’re looking for a complete overhaul of your Android’s interface, try a launcher to replicate other versions of Android or to apply a new color scheme. ICS Launcher and Go Launcher are good picks with lots of theme options to get you started.
And if you’re seeking tips on how to take care of the physical cleaning of your device, check out Ed Rhee’s post on How to clean your smartphone or tablet.
Editors’ note: As part of our spring cleaning series, we focused on one topic each day this week to get your computing life in order. Here are links to our advice for reviving your PC, speeding up and cleaning up your Mac, sprucing up your iPhone or iPad, taking control of your digital music and movie libraries, and freshening up your Facebook profile.
Article source: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57410398-285/spring-cleaning-tips-for-your-android-device/
Tags: Astro File Manager, Beautiful Widgets, Call Log, Credit Screenshot, Juice Defender, Wi Fi
06 Apr 12 How to create and share custom Chrome themes
Until recently, creating your own Chrome theme meant you either had to know some code, or you had to rely on a Web app. Google recently released a Chrome app called My Chrome Theme, that makes creating and sharing themes extremely easy and a lot of fun.
The app breaks down the theme creation process into three steps:
- Import your image: Upload an image or take a photo with your webcam.
- Add some color: Select colors for the toolbar, background, background tab, and frame.
- Install share: Install the new theme and share the unique URL with others.
Click to enlarge.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)
The next time you launch My Chrome Theme, thumbnails for your themes will appear in a list at the bottom of your browser. Clicking on them will allow you to install, delete, or share them.
That’s it. Keep in mind that the size limit for photos is 5MB and that you should only upload photos you have rights to use. Images from completed themes are stored on Google’s servers.
Article source: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57409657-285/how-to-create-and-share-custom-chrome-themes/?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=
Tags: Credit Screenshot, URL
05 Apr 12 How to create and share custom Chrome themes
Until recently, creating your own Chrome theme meant you either had to know some code, or you had to rely on a Web app. Google recently released a Chrome app called My Chrome Theme, that makes creating and sharing themes extremely easy and a lot of fun.
The app breaks down the theme creation process into three steps:
- Import your image: Upload an image or take a photo with your webcam.
- Add some color: Select colors for the toolbar, background, background tab, and frame.
- Install share: Install the new theme and share the unique URL with others.
Click to enlarge.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)
The next time you launch My Chrome Theme, thumbnails for your themes will appear in a list at the bottom of your browser. Clicking on them will allow you to install, delete, or share them.
That’s it. Keep in mind that the size limit for photos is 5MB and that you should only upload photos you have rights to use. Images from completed themes are stored on Google’s servers.
Article source: http://howto.cnet.com/how-to-create-and-share-custom-chrome-themes/8301-11310_39-57409657-285.html
Tags: Credit Screenshot, URL
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