TIP OF THE WEEK
Brought to you by the BlackBerry Guy.
So, what exactly is SMS?
You’ve probably heard the term – but what is it exactly? It’s actually an acronym for Short Message Service. It is commonly referred to as text messaging or “texting” as well. SMS is a method by which messages can be sent to a cell phone via another cell phone, a computer connected to the Internet, a regular land line, or a handheld device such as a Blackberry.
Interesting factoid: In 2000, less than 20 billion SMS messages were sent; by 2004 that number had grown to in excess of 500 billion messages. The largest market for SMS is Southeast Asia, with Europe just behind. The United States has seemed to be a slow adopter for the early years of the 21st century, but the pace of texting appears to be increasing in the United States as service providers make its use, particularly between networks, easier.
Type fast, Swype Faster.
What is SWYPE you may ask? Simply put, it’s a new way of entering text on emails, documents, and text messages from your touchscreen phone.
Instead of hitting each letter individually (which can be a hassle sometimes, no?), you can swipe your finger across the virtual keyboard without lifting it from your screen. Swype can even allow you to type up to 50 words a minute! The software uses unique algorithms and a word-matching search engine and database to detect words in your finger’s path. It can not only be used on cell phones, but on tablets and PCs as well. Ready to give it a shot? If you’re using an Android device, visit the Google Market to download the latest version. More information can be found online – simply “Google” the word Swype.
Google Search, Powered by Text Messaging
Don’t have a data plan but you need a snippet of information right now? While it would be better to use a full Google search on your cell phone, the popular search engine also has a free SMS service that give you almost anything you’d need. Google doesn’t charge anything for this service, but you’ll want to make sure that you have a suitable texting plan with your chosen carrier.
Using Google Mobile Search, you simply send a text message to 466453 (“GOOGLE” on most phones) with your search query. In a few moments, Google will reply with what it feels is the best response. This includes looking for local sushi restaurants, getting weather reports, and receiving stock quotes.
How to delete words from the Swype dictionary
If you love Swype as much as we do, you probably already know how easy it is to add words to the Swype memory (or dictionary). It’s only logical now to explain how to delete words from the Swype dictionary. I’m sure we’ve all managed to accidentally add words that we don’t really want in the dictionary.
To delete the word you will need to type it by Swyping it, then highlight it (hold on it and then choose “Select word”) and press on the “Swype button” (the button in the bottom left corner with a blue S and a finger). Pressing the “Swype” button will see a pop up on the screen asking if you want to “Confirm Word Deletion”. If you are sure you want to delete the word press on “OK” and it’ll be gone.
Of course you are able to re-add words if you delete a word that you do use.
What is the difference between the Android versions?
According to the latest figures, Google’s Android operating system is now the most popular OS in the world; and this barely three years since the first Android device was launched. Of course, in that short time, Google have released several versions of the software, adding stacks of functionality each time, to the point that today there are now both phones and tablet PCs using three different versions: Android 2.2 (codenamed FroYo), Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). So, if you’re planning on going down the tablet route and want to join the 33-million people now using the OS, how do you know which flavor of Android is the right one for you? Let’s find out.
Android 2.2 FroYo:
Samsung’s first generation Galaxy Tab uses this version of Android, as do many of Hannspree’s tablet offerings. Currently in the process of being superseded by Android 2.3 Gingerbread, that doesn’t mean 2.2 is any less important to those looking to try out Google’s software for the first time. Android 2.2’s key calling card is in the area of productivity. As well as adding an excellent virtual QWERTY keyboard to the Samsung device, which makes tapping out lengthy emails a breeze while you’re on the go, 2.2 comes with a series of work-focused features, meaning that if you use Microsoft Exchange servers to access work email, administrators at your office can set-up secure passwords and even remotely wipe the device if it gets lost. FroYo also gives you the flexibility when out and about with your tablet to check out shared work calendars through Exchange, the option to set all updates to automatic, back up your apps, utilise tethering and benefit from mobile hotspot support. Plus 2.2 also brings Flash to the tablet world for the first time too. So despite the arrival of 2.3 Gingerbread, this powerful OS is as relevant today as it was when it first arrived, making it the ideal option for anyone’s first steps with Android.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread:
The cutting edge of Android right now when it comes to the smartphone side of the equation, Gingerbread can be found on a series of top-end devices including the HTC Sensation, HTC Desire S, Samsung Galaxy S2 and Google Nexus S. Aimed at power users and early adopters, this is most evident in the advanced power management tools which let you tweak the power settings to ensure certain features aren’t killing your battery. Work is also a big focus here, with improved copy and paste functionality and an even a more accurate virtual keyboard.
Adnroid 2.X Ice Cream Sandwich:
We don’t know much about this upcoming operating system, but it’s expected to launch later on in 2011 – and will be an updated version of Gingerbread.
Android 3.0 Honeycomb:
This is Android’s Tablet operating system, found on some high end devices like the Motorola XOOM and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Managing Data Caps
It’s closing time at the all-you-can-eat mobile data buffet. More operators globally are moving away from unlimited data plans and moving towards tiered pricing with hard ceilings on the data available for you to use. These data caps leave consumers to wonder just how many times they can browse their favorite sites, read their email, or watch videos before getting hit with an overage charge for exceeding their plan’s limits. Manage your data plans wisely with these few tips:
1. Open the full email only if necessary. Open email attachments sparingly, if at all.
2. Manage your apps’ hunger for mobile data. Disable push notifications.
3. Consider using a smart mini browser, like Opera Mini. These keep you from downloading too much data to your phone.
4. Spotify is awesome, but use your locally-stored playlist when on the go.
5. Update and download apps over WiFi.
6. Consider using mobile-friendly webpages. Our research shows they shave off a significant amount of data that otherwise would count against your cap.
7. Turn off images when nearing your cap. Most browsers make it easy. In Opera Mini, just click Settings > Load Images.
8. Avoid HD video on YouTube when browsing on a mobile connection. Just 10 minutes of HD video per day fills a standard 2GB plan.
Smartphone Battery Life Tips: 12 Tricks To Make Your Device Last Longer
You can check your email, browse for shoes, play with Angry Birds, and do a whole host of other things on smartphones–unless the battery dies. As anyone who’s owned a smartphone knows, it can be incredibly stressful when you see your battery life ticking down towards zero, leaving you stranded and out of touch.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to help extend your battery life, not only when it’s about to die, but over the course of its existence. Check out our helpful tips:
- Charge your phone frequently. Recharging when the phone is almost dead too often will make the battery do more work and lower its life expectancy. Charge when your phone is 40 percent full, not 10 percent.
- Don’t Vibrate. It takes more energy for the phone to vibrate than to ring.
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Kill Unnecessary Apps. Apps running in the background of your phone will make it run out of juice faster. Shut down all the apps you don’t need to keep it going a little longer.
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Turn Off Wi-Fi. If you don’t need to download big files, and you aren’t performing some crucial task online, turning off WiFi will let the battery rest.
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Disable Location Services. Apps that use location are constantly communicating with cell towers to pinpoint where you are. While they’re doing it, your battery is dying. Turn them off in settings when you need to get that last bit of life.
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Dim The Screen. Dim the brightness of your screens to give battery life a boost. Lowering the default brightness will ensure that the phone uses less charge over time.
- Lock Your Screen. Locking the screen on your phone not only keeps strangers from snooping, but will also keep the phone from turning on–and using power–if it accidentally brushes up against things.
- Get Accessories. While some people already tote around chargers in the dire case that their phone might die, an easier way to prepare is to outfit your phone with a “battery extender case” that packs a spare battery within its skin. When your phone’s battery runs out, it will draw power from the case battery.
- Get A New Battery. After two years, there’s a good chance your battery is running on its last legs. At this point, it might be better to replace it in order to get the full battery life you once had.
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Put The Phone In Airplane Mode. Even when you’re not up in the air, putting your phone in Airplane Mode will keep the battery from dying, as it prevents the phone from receiving and sending signals. Of course, when it’s in Airplane Mode you won’t be able to call, text, or get online, so this may be a last resort.
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Keep Your Battery Cool. Overheating can damage your phone’s battery cells and make it die faster after a charge. Keep your phone out of the sun and other hot places. A phone that gets too hot while in use could be experiencing some kind of charge malfunction and should be checked out.
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Turn Off Push Notifications. The function that allows your phone to automatically download new email, and notifications from third-party apps, also makes your battery run out faster. If your phone’s almost dead, go to settings to turn off this feature.
How To: Turn On/Off Calendar Reminder Pop-ups On Your BlackBerry
A little known fact about the BlackBerry calendar is the ability to turn off (or turn back on) “pop up” reminders for your Calendar.
Here is how you can manage that:
1. Go into your BlackBerry calendar
2. Bring up the menu (hit the menu key)
3. Scroll down to Options
4. In the Options list, choose the calendar you are wanting to manage the pop up connections on and select it.
5. You will notice in the options for that calendar, the ability to “Display Reminders” and “yes/no” choices
6. Save your changes!
Top 3 Repair Fixes for your Phone
1. Frozen Device? 80% of phone issues can be solved by removing the battery for a minute then turning the phone back on.
2. Wet phone? Take out the battery and put the phone in a bag of rice. This will help absorb the excess water.
3. Scratched screen? Find a clean pencil eraser to buff out the scratch, wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Separate Texts and Emails
By default, a BlackBerry will merge both text messages and emails into the same “messages” inbox, causing some users to not realize they have received a text message.
To create a separate “SMS” inbox on your BlackBerry, do the following:
1. Click on “Messages” icon
2. In Messages, press the Menu Key
3. Scroll down and choose “Options”
4. Choose “General Options”
5. Scroll down to “SMS and Email Inboxes” and change to “Separate”
6. Press the back button and save your changes
You will now notice a new icon on your BlackBerry homescreen that says “SMS/MMS”, where all of your text messages will now appear.