FREE WALLPAPERS & VIDEO TUTORIALS

100% unofficial www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk

App reviews Tips & advice

Hardware tested Hacking
GALAXY S7 BECOME
DISSECTED A CHROME
POWER
Samsungs latest flagship
GENIUS
Expert tips for getting more
from Googles brilliant browser

BQ AQUARIS
ON TEST
The value handset with
Cyanogen OS on board
XIAOMI
NOTE 3 TOUGH PHONES
PRO
The fastest
They can take on the elements,
but how will they fare in our test?
phone yet

SAMSUNG
VS ANDROID
YOUR
Which digital wallet
deserves your hard-earned cash?

BARGAIN
PRICE VR
Mattel reimagines the
ViewMaster as a VR toy
PHONE
Get Marshmallows best features
on your Lollipop device now
no update required

T
ISSUE 062
 THE WORLDS BEST
TV-BOOSTING SOUNDBASES
JUST GOT BETTER

Youre one connection away from award winning TV sound

Sits under or in front of TV, transforming sound with
powerful 2.1 stereo and surround performance
Enjoy wireless music from all your devices via aptX Bluetooth
Great bass: no subwoofer required
Voice mode for super-clear dialogue
Easy, single-cable install
Includes learning remote
Available in white, silver & black*
* DM100 silver & black only

Praise for Canton soundbases

[The DM55] sets the standards for Hands down the best sounding Reaches a level of sophistication you Super-sized soundbase makes movie
affordable soundbases soundbase on the market simply dont expect from a soundbase night unmissable with killer sound quality
What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision Trusted Reviews Home Cinema Choice Trusted Reviews

Buy the best now from Richer Sounds, visit richersounds.com


One of these
tough phones
is crowned
champion of
Welcome
the world on
p60
Recently Google added up how many Android permissions, screen rotation and more. Our
users had Marshmallow installed and the gure complete guide explains how you can get these
came to a measly 1.2 per cent. That means exciting new features without Marshmallow.
that a whopping 98.8 per cent of us are still Elsewhere in the issue, we take a look at the
waiting for our handset manufacturer to roll digital wallets from Google and Samsung that
Marshmallow out to our device. And given that are making a play for your cash (p12) and
Marshmallow is packed with interesting explain how you can become a Chrome genius
features that can lock down your security, and get even more from Googles brilliant
preserve your battery life and much more, most
of us are getting pretty fed up of waiting.
browser (p18). Plus we review the toughest
phones around (p60), take a look at desktop
If that includes you, then head straight over to Android experience Remix OS (p68), and show
p45 and take a look at our feature in the Hacker
Zone this issue. You can have all of those
exciting Marshmallow features some of them
you a myriad of ways you can get more from
your Andr
Enjoy t
. facebook/littlegreenrobot
more advanced and more customisable than in
Android 6.0 if you root your phone. From there,
there are apps, modules and much more that April Ma
can give you Doze mode, granular app Editor
FREE exclusive with this issue
Unboxing videos
Video tutorials
Wallpapers
ww.lesilo.co.uk/android
Welcome
To issue 62
MEET THE TEAM
What feature would you most
like to have on your phone?
April Madden
Editor
I love the idea of LGs plug-in
modules for the G5, and I also
love gaming. Id like a controller
I can pop my phone into so that
I can game without relying on
often-aky Bluetooth.
Adam Markiewicz
Senior Designer
An extremely powerful CPU
would be the best option for
me. Hopefully with the
Samsung Galaxy S7 and other
agships coming out this year,
my dreams will come true!
GET IN TOUCH
What do you think?
Let us know!
email
qa@littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Drop us an email and let us know what
youd like to see in the mag
Like us on Facebook to send us
your comments
twitter @lgrobot
Follow us on Twitter and send us
your thoughts
Watch us get our hands on the
new BlackBerry Priv smartphone
Expert video guides on getting
more from your Android device
Stunning backgrounds for phones,
tablets and Chromebooks
3
Contents www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Inside issue 62

CONTENTS
26 Exclusive subscription offer 67 Special offer for international readers

Launcher
Previews, news
and speculation
from the world
of Android

VS

Android Pay
vs Samsung Pay
06 Inside the Samsung
Galaxy S7
We take a peek under the
12 Explore the two leading payment systems
helping to make cash a thing of the past
hood of the latest agship

Become a Chrome genius New Tab

08 10 things you need to

know about unlocking
new Android functions
Get more from your Android
device with these tips

BECOME A CYANOGEN
CHROME GENIUS MASTERCLASS
10 Control a camera
Pulse lets you control a DSLR
with your Android phone
18 Master the worlds best
browser today 28 What you can do with the
best Android fork

4
 HackerZone This months top mods and tweaks Visit the Android Magazine online shop at

45 Power up your phone for back issues and books

Get Marshmallow features on your
device now, no update required

52 Hacking Tips & Tricks

Essential hacking advice, including
how to make your own media server
Tutorials
Get more from
54 Check who is using your Wi-Fi your Android device
Fing helps you to see who and what is
using your Wi-Fi connection 28 Masterclass:
Cyanogen
Get more control over your phone with
56 Boost your devices display the worlds best Android fork
with Textdroider
Improve your devices screen density 32 Tutorials
so that you can see more on screen 32 Perfect dingy photos
with Snapseed
57 Banish time-consuming 34 Get Cortana on your Android
app redirects device now
Cut out the middleman and open 36 The ultimate home screen

45
weblinks directly in their apps 37 Block unwanted callers
38 Categorise apps into
58 Manage your ROMs on the go Power up your smart folders
h ROM Toolbox Pro phone
40 Create your own platform game
42 Expand your
notications shade
43 Create and share narrated
60 photo stories
The toughest
smartphones
Reviews
Latest tech tested
92 Droid Support
Readers questions answered

60 The toughest smartphones

68 Remix OS
34
Get Cortana
70 Honor 5X on your Android
72 BQ Aquaris X5
73 View-Master Virtual Reality
74 Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro

76 Accessories
Earphones and a printer

70
Honor 5X
88 Buyers Guide
Our ofcial top 10 lists

Your complete guide

to Google Play
78 App reviews
The latest and greatest

86
apps tested in full

82 Head-to-head Star Tek

Timelines
Google Now vs Cortana

84 Game reviews
The best new games reviewed
30+ APPS
Check our website daily
for even more news www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk 5
 All the latest from the world of Android devices

A key aspect of
the Galaxy S7 is its
IP68-certied water
resistance. Samsung has
released tough phones
before but including this
feature in its latest
agship has caused a
sensation.

Inside the Samsung

Galaxy S7
After weeks of leaks, teasers and speculation,
Samsung nally revealed the hotly anticipated
Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge at Mobile World Congress
in Barcelona. The two new agships add some new
features and, intriguingly, bring back some that
were missing from the S6, notably microSD
expansion. While the announcement of the S7 and
S7 Edge may have been slightly overshadowed by
the surprise presence of Facebooks Mark
Zuckerberg at Samsungs Gear VR presentation,
Samsungs new agships debuted at
MWC 2016. We take a look at whats
under the hood
theres still plenty to get excited about with
Samsungs new phones.
Design-wise theyve taken a slight departure
from the standard Samsung model. Theres no
white colourway this time round; instead theres a
choice of black, silver or gold (a colour that really
seems to be having a moment in mobile design),
although overall theres a strong resemblance to
the S6. The streamlined, curvy design is an
interesting nod towards the look and feel of Sonys
Xperia Z line, and this is borne out by the advanced
water resistance that Samsung has introduced in
this iteration. The company was initially quick to
deny that this would be a feature when a press
shot of the S7 being used during a rainstorm
leaked onto the web, but sure enough its been
included. The S7 and S7 Edge are water-resistant
to a depth of 1.5 metres for up to half an hour. You
wont be taking them for a swim any time soon, but
equally an accidental dunk in the pool or being

6
caught out in a downpour wont do them any harm
either. Happily theres no need to cover up jacks
and ports either, suggesting that their IP68 rating
has accidents more in mind than deliberate or
lengthy immersion.
The cameras have been given a once-over as
well. Samsung has always produced excellent
smartphone cameras and these latest are no
exception. The 12-megapixel main camera has a
professional-grade Dual Pixel Sensor, which
basically means that it can pick up more light than
ever before, allowing you to capture fast-moving
action and shoot in the dark. Samsung has also
introduced motion panoramas and motion photos
to add more interest to your snaps, as well as the
new Spotlight feature in Beauty Mode, which is
designed to play up your best features in seles.
Results here are hit-and-miss though, with vaguely
sh-eyed shots that seem to magically contour
your face Kardashian-style. You have been warned.
Mobile gamers are in for a treat though, as the
S7 and S7 Edge are the rst smartphones to
support Vulkan API. This is designed to allow
games to get more from the phones graphics
processor while reducing the load on the CPU itself,
which should translate to better graphics, better
performance and less overheating. In fact, the
phones have a tiny tube of water called a thermal
l t h l with cooling. Performance-
wise, the CPU is 30% faster than that in the S6,
while the GPU cranks it up to a whopping 64%
faster than its predecessor. Meanwhile, a new
Game Launcher keeps games organised and
accessible, while built-in game recording will make
life easier for Twitch streamers.
The Always On Display offers the opportunity to
view the time and incoming notications without
waking the phone or leaving the lockscreen, which
is handy for those whove chosen the S7 over the
S7 Edge. With the optional LED View Cover, LED
Performance-wise, the CPU is 30% faster
than that in the S6, while the GPU cranks it up
to a whopping 64% faster
lights animate to show these right through the
phone case, which is a nice touch, and the phone
is clever enough to realise when its face down or
shut away in a bag, so that it doesnt activate this
unnecessarily and waste power. Backing all this up
is a signicantly improved battery 3000mAh for
the S7, 3600mAh for the S7 Edge, which Samsung
claims will charge in 90 and 100 minutes
respectively plus the capability for wireless
charging. There are also optional extras including a
battery pack and a backpack, which functions like
a camera grip to enhance the phones battery life,
though it does signicantly increase the units
width and weight. Theres even a BlackBerry-esque
snap-on keyboard cover, which adds a diminutive
QWERTY keyboard onto the bottom of the phone.
The modular approach is interesting, but doesnt
go nearly as far as the LG G5 and its Friends,
which Samsungs smartphone rival announced at
the same event, although Samsung is certainly
aiming to play in the same ballpark, as the S7s
pre-order program offered consumers the
opportunity to get a free Gear VR with purchase.
Despite its outward similarity to its predecessor,
the S7 and S7 Edge do offer some noticeable
improvements, especially now that Samsung has
included microSD memory expansion once more.
Is this enough for one of 2016s most hotly
anticipated agships? Well be doing a full
hands-on review in issue 63 of Android Magazine
(out on 14th April 2016) to nd out.

xt-gen phones all have

edge MWC was packed with brands showing off phones
that all have their own unique selling points
ung wasnt the only manufacturer showing Meanwhile Kyocera made a splash by going
ew devices and features at Mobile World one better than Sony and Samsung and unveiling
gress both agship brands and smaller phones that are not only waterproof but can also
ce makers had plenty of new tech to cope with a dunk in saltwater (the Torque G02),
wcase too. or with being washed in 40-degree soapy water
G made waves with the innovative G5 and its (the Digno Rafre). Sadly, the two bathing beauties
ends a host of optional plug-in modules are currently only available in Japan.
uding battery-boosting camera grip the LG
m Plus, audio booster the LG HiFi Plus (which
o comes with a pair of Bang and Olufsen H3
adphones), plus a dual-sensor spherical
mera, VR headset and the Sphero-style Rolling
ot. This was a huge sensation at MWC and we
ant wait to get our hands on the entire bundle!
BQ launched the M10 Ubuntu tablet, packing
n a full PC-style Linux distro, plus the updated
Aquaris X5 Plus smartphone, while Huawei
showcased the MateBook, a two-in-one tablet/
laptop running Windows 10. Huawei has also just
announced a partnership
with iconic camera brand
Leica, so were anticipating
incredible lenses and
sensors to be included in
the Chinese brands future
phone offerings.

7
 things you
need to know
about...
unlocking
new Android
functions
Most extra functionality Small screens can take Chromecasts streaming
is actually free control of big screens quality can be adjusted
Wed be preaching to the converted, stating the Check if your Android device has an IR blaster. If so, You can stream Spotify audio with the latest
obvious and sounding rather out of touch if we said you can use it to control your television, set-top Chromecasts, but to unlock more functionality
phones did more than make calls these days. But box, media player o All you need is a from video, you can quickly optimise it. We know
the truth is your device decent app such a WiFi its annoying when your streaming icks are
is most likely capable which works with i g and interrupting your viewing. If youre
of doing more than such as Samsung ter though, you can
youre currently using Panasonic and S lity. Grab the
it for. Android has lots of television rome browser and
become rather companies suc 480p and a high
versatile over the Sky have their o 1080p for when
years and there are apps and serv it should be.
always new and useful that enable yo
tricks to learn, whether exert extra co
its delving into Use the Sky+
Settings to change the to record sh
font size or pressing on your Sky
power twice to open box when y
the Camera app. and about

8
 Theres a Night Light function
for easy reading
To make it more pleasurable to read a book on your
device in the dark, Android gave users a night-light
as an early Christmas
present, but a lot of
people still havent
opened it. Fix that by
updating Google Play
Books on your tablet or
smartphone. You will
see a pop-up
You can remotely control a explaining the new
desktop computer function, but if you
Should you be out and about and suddenly realise miss it tap the A menu
that theres something on your desktop PC that you icon and select the
really need to get hold of, your Android device can mode from there. It will
become your lifesaver. Using a Chrome browser on adjust automatically
your desktop, install the Chrome Remote Desktop from that point on.
extension and itll steer you through the whole
process of tying your Android device to it. Its great if
you want remote access to les and apps and it
Hear crystal-clear audio
Audiophiles are always looking for ways to get the
means you dont have to cart laptops around with you.
best sound from their music and it looks like one
company has come up trumps. Chord Electronics
Mojo is a both a Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC)
and headphone amplier that connects to an
Android device and pumps incredibly clear sound
into your ears. Its on the pricey side at 399 (hey,
we didnt say all extra functionality was free) but it
will turn your device into a professional-sounding
music hub.
USB-C is currently a USP, see?
Android lets you plug a USB OTG cable into a
handsets micro-USB port and plug peripherals
including keyboards and mice into your device. This
is great when your stubby ngers dont hit the
touchscreen quickly or accurately enough, but new
Android 6.0 devices also support USB Type C,
which lets you transfer data at top speeds, and
multitask as well. Of course, you dont always need
a wired connection Android devices let you add
peripherals via Bluetooth too but USB Type C in
particular widens a tablet or phones functionality.
Devices can be turned into Finding a hidden game is part
big-screen gaming controllers Your handset can become of the fun
As well as downloading the Tincore Keymapper app a wallet Android likes to hide treats in the operating system
and using a traditional controller with your device Android Pay is being widely used in the United and Marshmallow is no exception. Go to the
(letting you create a keymap that corresponds to States but if you like us here in the UK can only Settings and select About before tapping
the buttons and sit and wait while the service rolls out where you numerous times on
movement of the h t e banks the section labelled
controller), more Android Version. In an
games are being nstant a large
supported by marshmallow will
Chromecast. Cast appear on the screen,
games to the big and if you tap and hold
screen and use an on this then youre
Android device as a taken to a Flappy
controller. Given that Bird-style game. Press
touchscreen the + button that
technology has been appears and you can
revolutionary, this even add other players
opens up further for some cool
possibilities. multiplayer action.

9
 Great control
With Pulse nestling nicely

NEW TECH Pulse camera control on the hotshoe of a

camera, you can take and
view images from your
camera on your phone.

Control
Pulse dongle The app lets you control
This slim Bluetooth device has the aperture, shutter and
a range of 30 metres (100 ISO and there are
feet), which means you can self-timers and previews

a camer
place your camera just about
anywhere and not worry about
touching it when youre about
to trigger a shot

Although many professional photographers

have been casting aside high-end gear in favour
of the convenience and spontaneity of the
multi-megapixel cameras within todays
smartphones, a DSLR camera is still the top
choice for the best photos. But that doesnt
have to mean your Android device cant continue
to play a vital role. With Alpine Labs Pulse both
a gadget and an app you can use your phone to
control your DSLR or mirrorless camera and get
the best of both worlds. USB port
Pulse attracted $1,110,820 on Kickstarter and Pulse makes use of the
its easy to see why. By connecting the light USB port rather than the
trigger port, which is why it
Bluetooth Pulse device to a Canon or Nikon can also control video.
camera via the USB port, you can enjoy image Advanced USB control
previews on your phone, take photos remotely software is contained
within the app and it will
and produce an effortless timelapse. Even
even tell you when the
better, you dont have to touch any equipment battery is running low
while you take a shot. We like that you can
control up to three cameras with one app and
we reckon itll gure highly as a key gadget.

At a glance
Product name Pulse
Available from alpinelaboratories.com/pages/pulse
Price $89 (62 approx)
Compatible with Canon and Nikon cameras, this
Kickstarter camera gadget is now available for
pre-order and delivery is estimated to be in April 2016.
Alpine Labs says Pulse is compatible
with more than 60 cameras, most of
them Canon and Nikon (it will work
with a Panasonic GH4, too). Up to
three Pulse-equipped cameras can be
controlled from one smartphone.
Anyone with a Sony camera is out of
luck though as theyre not supported

Greg Horvath, president of
Alpine Labs, discusses how you
can take better images with an
Android phone
A lot of people take photos with their
phones so why is a DSLR preferable?
DSLRs just take better photos. The
A sensors are larger and higher quality,
which gives you way more dynamic range. This
really comes out in low-light conditions but
even daytime photos will come out much
sharper and more professional looking.
Was the idea for Pulse addressing a
particular problem you faced?
The concept of Pulse came together as
A a combination of ideas from both our
team and feedback from our Michron and
Q&A
Radian users. We have had the frustration of
working with low-quality external triggers as well
as wanting wireless camera control. We even had
a [Canon] 6D, which has Wi-Fi capability, but the
set-up process and interface were so
cumbersome we wanted to build something new.
How will Pulse improve photographs?
Having the ability to take a photo without
A touching your camera is kind of a must for
any serious photographer. Pulse lets you do that
but also steps beyond basic external triggering by
having camera settings control and image
preview. Quite simply, your images will just come
out sharper and better exposed. There are also a
bunch of advanced features for time-lapse and
we are excited to see peoples creativity as they
get used to not having to stand next to their
camera while they shoot.
Is the app the most important part of
the setup, and will you be adding extra
controls to it as time goes on?
The app is an important aspect of Pulse
A but I wouldnt put it in competition with
the actual hardware. They work together. We
are absolutely looking into new features to
add and we are interested to hear feedback
from our Kickstarter backers as well.
One of the killer applications is
controlling multiple cameras. Has there
been a lot of interest in this?
Yes, there has been a lot of excitement
A around this feature. Weve usually only
had one prototype on hand at a time, so Im
really looking forward to playing with this
feature. I think it will open up possibilities for
single photographers and lmmakers.

10
 1 2 3

GALLERY OF...
RETRO-STYLE GAMES

4 5 6

1 You Must 2 Crossy Road 3 Superbrothers 4 Minecraft: 5 Dragon 6 Fist of

Build A Boat Not only does it Sword & Pocket Fantasy Awesome
This game feature post- Sworcery Edition 8-bit RPG While there are
involves matching modern visuals that This old-school While not that The Play Store is numerous ofcial
tiles to battle dungeon combine pixel art with arcade adventure great on mobile, crammed with Android ports of classic
monsters encountered isometric 3D, but its combines stylish pixel updates have restored retro-style, top-down- beat-em-ups, a special
by the running hero. also based on the art and an original most of the PC games view dungeon crawlers mention must go to this
Back on his boat, RPG classic coin-op Frogger: soundtrack to great missing features. In this including some ofcial delightfully daft parody.
elements include tap and swipe to guide effect for a memorable open-world block- conversions but this is A side-scrolling brawler,
upgrading weapons. your character safely experience. There are builder with RPG one of the best indie it features a lumberjack
Cute pixel-art graphics across roads and rivers. also two distinct game crafting elements, the offerings, harking back hero who undertakes
and chip-tune music Very simplistic, but oh modes sword and only limit youll nd is to the glory days of battling bears in order to
add greatly to its charm. so addictive. sorcery to explore. your own imagination. Zelda on the NES. save humanity.
Price: 2.29/$2.99 Price: Free + IAP Price: 2.99/$4.99 Price: 4.99/$6.99 + IAP Price: 5.50/$7.99 Price: 2.49/$3.99

11

Android Pay
vs Samsung Pay
Explore the two leading payment systems helping make cash a thing of the past
There may well be a certain attachment to
notes and coins but everyone, it seems, is
getting ready to go cashless. The European
Central Bank is considering getting rid of the
500 note, the US Treasury is being urged to
do away with the $100 bill and even
Monopoly is entering the high-tech world: it
has offered a cash-free version since 2014
VS
and its latest board game has an ATM. This
cashless vision also means the person on
the street is walking around with more room
in their pocket or bag.
The UK reached a tipping point in 2015
when just 48 percent of payments were
made in cash and similar stories are being
told in other countries. So step forward
payments by phone. The concept is
admittedly being popularised by Apple Pay
but Android is hot on the Cupertino giant's
heels with two major competing
technologies in particular Android Pay and
Samsung Pay vying for attention. Here we
put the two head-to-head to see which one
offers the most to consumers.

How it works
The idea of mobile payment systems is that they
replace the need to whip out cash or cards,
ensuring transactions at the till are not only
secure but relatively effortless, too. They combine
encryption methods with Near Field
Communication the same technology that
enables Android Beam to work effectively and
they make use of a rapidly growing network of
retailer terminals.
Compatible handsets contain an NFC chip
which, during a transaction, is able to
communicate with a similar chip inside a
merchants' terminal over a short-range wireless
connection. By speedily sharing tiny bits of data
using the magic of inductive coupling, it not only
gets around the need for Wi-Fi, but also barely
draws any power, which is perfect when handsets
are running low on juice.
Processing transaction
Terminals take the transmitted
information and send the one-time
account number to the card's
payment network for decryption
and authorisation. You'll then be
UGPV C RC[OGPV EQPTOCVKQP
Verifying transaction
Handsets must be close to the
terminal (it means data can't be
plucked from the air by a passing
VJKGH 2WTEJCUGU CTG XGTKGF D[
PIGTRTKPV
/CTUJOCNNQYQPN[ 2+0
password or pattern.
The systems also ensure that no actual credit or
debit card details are shared. Android Pay does
this using cloud-based Host Card Emulation to
produce a one-time replacement number, while
Samsung Pay achieves the same through a Secure
Element chip built into its handsets. With the
number generated, the merchant can then share
this information with the card provider or bank
along with verication that you're authorised to
make payments.
But what if there is no NFC reader? Interestingly,
Samsung Pay can also use an additional but
equally as secure proprietary system called
Magnetic Secure Transmission. By mimicking the
magnetic signals created by swiping a credit card,
this system is able to make use of the most
commonplace type of card reading terminal out
there. You'll be ditching that wallet in no time.
Taking payments
Your card shows on-screen but your
account number doesn't. Samsung
Pay and Android Pay don't store or
share actual account numbers,
generating and transmitting a
one-time digital number instead.
Feature
Android Pay vs Samsung Pay
Other digital wallets
Apple Pay
Created for use with iOS devices
containing a Secure Element
chip, Apple Pay works in the
same way as its Android equivalents. With
2,500 banks and more than 1.75 million
retailers in the UK and US alone, it is currently
the world market leader.
Information apple.com/apple-pay/
Works with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Pro, iPad
Air 2, iPad mini 3, Apple Watch
Availability UK, US, Australia, Canada
Bitcoin
This digital currency is quickly
gaining ground. ATMs are
emerging which convert Bitcoins
into world currencies and there is a roaring
Bitcoin trade among eBay users. A growing
number of shops are also taking advantage of
lower transaction fees, accepting Bitcoins as
payment for goods via mobile wallet apps.
Information bitcoin.org/en/
Works with Android, iOS, Windows Phone,
Blackberry
Availability Worldwide
PayPal
Now that PayPal is accepted in
many stores and restaurants, it
has the potential to be a major
player in the digital wallet space, with the
bonus of being able to request and send
money to individuals, too. Thanks to eBay, it's
widely known and trusted.
Information paypal.com
Works with Android, iOS, Windows Phone
Availability Worldwide
V.me by Visa
Able to store up to 10 cards in
your digital wallet, V.me lets you
pay for goods online while
protecting your details. Only 1,388 UK retailers
are signed up, though, and while it has bank
support, it is only currently being used by
Nationwide. One for the future, maybe.
Information eu.v.me
Works with Android, iOS, Windows Phone,
Blackberry (all via browser)
Availability UK, Europe, USA (as Visa Checkout)
13
Feature
Android Pay vs Samsung Pay

ndroid Pay
Android Pay was released on 11
September 2015 for all NFC-
enabled devices supporting Host
Card Emulation, but it is already
having a huge impact on retail in
he US. With the backing of 42 nancial
nstitutions and more than a million stores signed
p, there's no doubt that Google's entry into the
igital wallet space is so far proving to have a
ositively disruptive effect.
As well as letting you store credit and debit
ards, Android Pay also enables digital copies of
ift and loyalty cards, with cashiers simply
canning the on-screen barcodes. If there are any
oints or offers to be had, the system applies
hese at the checkout, and should you want to
turn an item, refunds are made simple too.
Android Pay also lets you make payments via
pp-based stores and, as a growing sign that it
wants to cover all bases, there is talk of it being
compatible with ATMs in the near future, enabling
cash withdrawals for those moments when mobile
payments can't be used. It's certainly a more
expansive and useful system than its predecessor
Google Wallet, and cashless-advocates have high
hopes for it.
As well as using NFC and PIN code
authorisation, Android Pay can also make use of
ngerprint scanning to identify the user, providing
an enhanced level of security in stores where this
is available. It can also offer smart authentication,
deciding when it's appropriate to simply go ahead
with a payment when the device is considered
secure (for example, if your phone has been
unlocked in the last ve minutes) or whether to
issue an additional security challenge for unlock
information. Android Pay is expected to launch in
the UK by the end of March 2016, but bear in mind
that your phone will need an NFC chip for you to be
able to use the service.

It's more expansive than its predecessor and

cashless advocates have high hopes
It only takes a few simple steps before you are ready to
scover how to set up and start using Android Pay go out and enjoy a cashless existence

Add a payment card 2 Enter manually

If Android Pay is not on your If the camera is having
phone, download it from problems picking up the
Google Play. You'll need to card number, manually add
add a credit or debit card so it. Type in the full number,
either choose the one together with the last three
already associated with security digits on the back
Google or line up a different of the card and your name
card within the on-screen and address. After checking
frame. Android Pay will read your details are correct, the
the name and number card will be processed into
written on the card. the system.

3 Into the settings 4 Now go and buy!

The card will be stored in Android Pay knows when
Android Pay but before you you are making a purchase
rush to the shops, take a (but, alas, it doesn't act as a
few seconds to look at the voice of reason). Unlock your
settings and decide if you phone if you see an Android
want to receive notications Pay logo at the till, hold the
of your transaction details. back of it against the shop
Those adding a gift card to terminal and then enter a
Android Pay can select to PIN if you are prompted.
receive relevant offers as You'll be told when the
notications, too. transaction is complete.

14
 Feature
Android Pay vs Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay
The USP of this service is its On the downside, Samsung Pay is not available via allow you to associate the same card with multiple
widespread acceptance. Whereas ATMs, so while it's compatible with a whole host of devices for example, if you share a card with your
rivals are solely relying on NFC, retailers, you can't use it to draw money out should partner which is a handy feature, although you'll
Samsung throws a proprietary you nd yourself in need of cold, hard cash. It's need to check that your card issuer will allow this.
technology called Magnetic Secure also incompatible with the more old-fashioned pay Samsung Pay is expected to launch in the UK
Transmission into the mix. It kicks in when there is points that require you to insert your credit or debit in 2016 alongside the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7
no NFC available and it enables Samsung Pay to card into a slot in the machine but do not support Edge, but at the time of going to press Samsung
work with virtually every merchant terminal around. contactless payments. What it can do, however, is hadn't yet conrmed the UK release date.
This makes Samsung Pay the only service that
could realistically tempt you into leaving your wallet
at home. The South Korean company reckons 30
million stores worldwide have the technology
needed for this payment system.
Like Android Pay, Samsung's offering is well
supported by banks and credit card providers and
it lets you buy, send and redeem gift cards from
retailers, too. Its emphasis is on face-to-face
purchases rather than online, though, and it relies
greatly on its own tech (you need a compatible
Samsung device for a start). But it's more than a
match for any competitor when it comes to
ease-of-use (swipe, secure and pay, Samsung
says) and it is just as secure thanks to Samsung
KNOX and ARM TrustZone. It's not beyond offering
encouragement, either: sign up your rst d d
you get some free Level U wireless headp

Get yourself ready to use Samsung Pay Ifread

you are seduced by its claims of easy use and a super-secure system,
on and discover what's needed to get it up and running

1 Set up the security 2 Add a payment card

You will nd Samsung Pay With your ngerprint in the
on your compatible system and a back-up
Samsung phone and, after password created, tap on
watching an introductory the Add a credit or debit
video the rst time you open card button and take a
it, you'll be signed in using photo of it via the app, being
your Samsung account sure to keep the card within
details and be prompted to the frame. It will
assign your ngerprint as automatically detect the
the verication method (or a card but you can add one
PIN if you prefer). manually if needed.

3 Verify the card 4 Head to the shops

The payment network and Once installed, swipe up
the issuer will take up to ten from the lock or home
minutes to verify the card screen to launch Samsung
but other credit and debit Pay. Select the card you
cards as well as gift cards want to use and either
can be added. It is also press your ngerprint on the
possible for you to share home button or input your
cards across devices. For PIN before hovering the
security purposes, your full handset over the terminal in
account numbers will never order to speedily complete
be displayed. the transaction.

15
Feature
Android Pay vs Samsung Pay

Stay secure
Android Pay and Samsung Pay both make use of
Near Field Communication, which means that
data can only be transferred when the handset
and reader are in close proximity so near, in fact,
that we're talking mere centimetres. At the same
time, they promise never to store your actual
credit or debit card numbers on your phone or on
their own servers.
Instead, they use what's called tokenisation to
generate one-time unique numbers representing
your payment card. Your nancial data is encrypted
and stored as a 'secure element', which is sent
with the merchant's unique identier to the card
provider. You're also forced to personally verify
every purchase.
Even if someone intercepted a data transfer, the
result would be encrypted gobbledegook to him or
her. But just to be on the safe side, you get instant
conrmation of all payments so rogue activity is
easily spotted, and if you lose your phone you can
remotely lock it and even wipe it clean. That's
certainly something you can't do with cash.

How to use
Both systems are easy to use you don't
even have to open an app. Just unlock the
phone (it must have screenlock enabled) and
use a PIN or ngerprint to conrm the
account belongs to you, then simply place
your handset next to the reader when it's
time to pay and receive a purchase
conrmation. Android Pay also enables you to
make purchases within apps. Just select the
payment option when prompted.
Availability
Android Pay
Supported devices: Any Android device with an
NFC chip running 4.4 KitKat and above
Supported cards: American Express, MasterCard,
Visa, Discover, with debit card support from the
Bank of America, Citi, Navy Federal Credit Union,
PNC, Regions, TD Bank, USAA, US Bank and Wells
Fargo among others
UK/Europe: No
USA/Americas: Yes
India/Asia/Australasia: No
Rest of the world: No
Additional info: Available in the US, with Australia
and the UK coming very soon
Samsung Pay
Supported devices: Only the Samsung Galaxy S6,
S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, Galaxy S6 active and Galaxy
Note 5, plus the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge on release
Supported cards: American Express, MasterCard,
Visa, with debit card support from the Bank of
America, Citi, Chase, Navy Federal Credit Union,
PNC and US Bank among others
UK/Europe: No
USA/Americas: Yes
India/Asia/Australasia: Yes
Rest of the world: No
Additional info: Available in South Korea and the
US, with Australia, Brazil, Spain, Singapore and the
UK coming soon

16
 Feature
Android Pay vs Samsung Pay

Head 2 Head
Android Pay Samsung Pay

Since 70 percent of all Android devices Samsung Pay is limited to Samsung devices
now contain an NFC chip, the number of at the moment but that could change as early
WIN potential handsets available for use DEVICES as this year. Still, it does narrow the options LOSE
with Android Pay is vast. down somewhat.

Only the US has Android Pay (with Australia Samsung is available in South Korea and the
coming soon) yet the NFC reader network is US with vast expansion plans already laid out.
LOSE growing fast, ensuring a vast infrastructure AVAILABILITY Its use of MST makes it compatible with WIN
for when it widens its scope. standard magnetic credit card readers.

Generates one-time-use credit card numbers Creates one-time-use credit card numbers on a
in the cloud. Not all Android devices have secure element chip inside the device. It uses
DRAW ngerprint scanners; so arguably less secure SECURITY ARM's TrustZone for added security and DRAW
PINs and patterns are used. ngerprint scanning is widely available.

Android Pay supports the four main payment
systems operated by MasterCard, Visa,
DRAW American Express and Discover. Some banks
don't support all card types.
Samsung Pay doesn't support Discover but
SUPPORTED it's coming. Indeed, there is a mad dash for
CARDS both sides to get as many cards providers DRAW
and banks on-board as possible.

A transaction can be completed by unlocking The same process applies with Samsung Pay
your phone and placing it near a contactless but it makes life even easier thanks to being
LOSE reader. A quick tap and you're done. But the EASEOFUSE able to make use of credit card swipe WIN
reader must be NFC-compatible. terminals as well as NFC.

And There is actually little to truly distinguish these two services but if you have
a compatible Samsung device, the exibility of having Magnetic Secure
the Transmission just edges it. Yet while Samsung Pay may have won the battle
winne for now, Android Pay is likely to win the war given its ability to work across
is... devices and set a well-used standard.

17
Feature
Become a Chrome genius

BECOME
A CHROME
GENIUS
Master the world's best browser
As Android users, were fortunate enough to have a
plethora of options available to us when it comes
to browsing the web on our devices. New browsers
are constantly appearing on the Google Play Store,
offering new ways to get the content you want in a
matter of seconds. But while even some of the
classic Chromium-based browsers (such as Opera)
have kept up to date with a constantly charging
market, Chrome still holds its title for being the
premier mobile browser around with over one billion
downloads achieved from its Play Store listing
alone. Googles ofcial browser has undergone a
substantial transformation in the past 24
months, moving from a slow and sluggish interface
to a lightning-fast solution. The reason we
especially like it here on Android Magazine is that it
enables users to create their own personalised
browsing experience. Theres an enhanced
bookmarks system to explore, experimental
features to toggle with and even a sync system to
keep Chrome working alongside your other Google
apps. No matter whether youre moving across to
Chrome for the rst time, or youve been using it for
years, our master guide will give you all the
information you need to improve how you use
the world's best mobile browser.

Make Chrome work for you Get Chrome to do more with these handy extensions. You can
pick all of them up from the Chrome Web Store

Showgoers TLDR Search By Image Panic Button

Sync your Netix viewing
with friends and family,
and share a movie together even
when you're not in the same
location. It even has built-in chat so
you can discuss the lm that
you're watching.
Can't be bothered to read
that entire webpage? Let
TLDR create a summary of its
content for you, pulling out the most
important information. It's ideal for
quickly digesting online documents
and news stories.
If you need to know what
the source of an image is,
or you're searching for something
that's hard to describe but that
you've got a photo of, then this free
extension from Google is exactly
what you're looking for.
Need to quickly hide your
browser window if you're
buying gifts (or skiving at work)?
This extension quickly closes
everything, but remembers what
you were doing and where so that
you can come back to it later.

18
 Feature
Become a Chrome genius

Make use of weblinks New Tab

Make use o Make Chrome

invincible
weblinks
Get instant access to your favourite sites
by implementing homescreen links
One of the key features in Chromes arsenal of tricks is its facility t
bookmark sites. Being able to access your favourite websites quick
isan important aspect of effortless browsing, and while the
bookmarking feature in Chrome works a treat on the desktop versio 1. Adjust your cookies
there are better alternatives available for smartphone users. Thats Dodgy sites may attempt to place malicious
not to say that bookmarking on your smartphone isnt useful, but its cookies onto your device, which can ultimately
vastly superior on a desktop computer or Chromebook. have an adverse effect on its performance.
One of the main benets of the mobile version, however, is being Through the Web Content Settings page in
able to add direct weblinks to home screens, providing an even quic Chrome, you can adjust the permissions that
way to open up your must-visit sites. Instead of badly formatted links cookies have.
Chrome transforms the links into small widgets, which can then be
formatted, resized and removed when necessary. Use the steps belo 2. Follow the warnings
as a guide to creating these weblinks and knowing what to do with Chrome is quick to ag up any site it deems
them when added to your devices home screen. malicious. A red splash will appear over your
screen after entering a dangerous URL, giving
you a rundown on why Chrome deems it
unsafe. Its imperative that you follow Chromes
advice to ensure a safe browsing experience.

3. Add some security

While a full-blown virus security suite isnt
necessary, an extension like Avast Online
Security can be a highly useful tool. Security
extensions can quickly gather data on phishing
sites and provide reviews on sites that other
users have encountered problems with.

1 Find your site
Use Chromes search bar to nd your site.
Once the site has nished opening, use the menu
icon (three dots) located on the top-right of your
display to open up Chromes built-in side menu
that's packed full of different options.
4. Prevent downloads
2 Add to homescreen
With the side menu now open, look for the
Unscrupulous sites may try to download some
software to your device, so preventing
Add to Home screen option that sits at the
automatic downloads should be one of the rst
bottom of the menu. Once selected, Chrome will
things you do. Access the Content Settings
take a few seconds to put together your weblink,
menu in Chrome, then look for the Disable
but bigger sites can take a little longer to process.
Automatic Downloads option.

3 Give it a name
Youll now be prompted to give the new
weblink a name. Due to the look of the widget, its
advised to make the name as minimal as possible.
Preferably keep it to just the name of the website,
but without a description.
4 Try it out
Once added to your homescreen, tap on
the widget to open it up. Instead of going through
Chrome, the website will load independently. After
a few seconds, you should have the website open
in front of you and ready to use.
5. Manage pop-ups
Even though they arent dangerous until you
click on them, pop-ups are a nuisance for
Chrome users. One of the best security
options within Chromes settings enables you
to prevent all pop-ups from appearing, while
theres also the Ad-Block extension for a quick
pop-up free browsing experience.

19
Feature
Become a Chrome genius

Get experimental with Chrome New Tab

Get experimental
with Chrome
Discover Chromes experimental feature list to improve
your browsing experience
There are a lot of features to play around with within the Chrome app, but what if we told
you that some of its best are hidden out of public view? Google has implemented an
extensive experimental feature list, which, for the most part, offers great ways for
improving different aspects of the browser. Things like decreasing loading
times, tinkering with fonts and cutting out frivolous animations are all
viable features that can be enabled, but we must stress that they
are still in their early development stage.
Without the necessary knowledge, it can be easy to cause more
damage than good within Chrome, so its imperative that you use these options
carefully. Follow our steps below and well guide you through the process of nding these
experimental features, which ones you need to use and how to use this feature list in the future.

1 Access hidden features

Open up the Chrome browser and type
chrome://ags into the URL bar at the top. After a
few seconds, Chromes list of experimental
features will load. Make sure to read the warning
at the top of the page before continuing.
Password generation
2 Near the top of the list youll nd the
Enable password generation option. By enabling
this option, Chrome will automatically generate
passwords for you whenever you sign up to a new
website through it.
3 Speed boost
For the next set of enhancements youll
need to be scrolling nearer to the bottom of the
list. Find the Default tile width option and set it to
128 from the drop-down menu provided. Well
explain the benets in the next step.

4 Repeat the process

Do the same for the tile height option
underneath. Setting a smaller tile width and height
can help to dramatically limit loading times of
sites, but make sure theyre both set to the same
number as any difference can cause issues.
5 IfRemove data
you dont store too many things on
6 Save and restart
Once youve enabled th
Chrome, make sure to enable the Clear data options, select the Relaunch Now option at t
savings on startup option. This will help make your bottom of the page. This will save the changes
Chrome browser perform like new every single youve made and restart Chrome, so you can try
time you start it up. your improved web browser.

Essential Chrome shortcuts

Ctrl + N Home End Alt + W W Ctrl + F Ctrl + Shift + D

Chrome will open a new Need to get to the bottom Dont bother going to the If youve got a large portion Save all the open pages in
window for you to use. of a webpage? This History to open a previously of text to look through, this your browser as bookmarks
Replace N with T to shortcut will help you jump visited webpage use this shortcut will open the Find in a new folder. Trust us,
instead open a new to either the beginning or shortcut to jump to your most menu, where you can search youll be using this one
Chrome tab. end of a webpage. recently visited webpage. for a specic word or phrase. more than you think.

20
 Become a Chrome genius
Feature
Master your bookmarks New Tab

Master your bookmarks

Keep track of your favourite sites in one place
For desktop users, theres no better solution for
keeping track of your favourite websites than
setting up a series of bookmarks. One of the
things that Chrome offers, and many competitors
d i f j If
Search with ease
highly customisable too. Links that are stored in If youve got too many
Chrome are then made accessible across any DQQMOCTMU DWV PGGF VQ PF QPG
other devices where you have the browser link in particular, use the search
menu at the top right of the
installed, creating a simple synced system for you
screen. Itll sift through the results
k b k k CPF JGNR [QW PF YJCV [QWTG
looking for

Add something new

If you right-click underneath your
current selection of folders, youll
be able to add a new one from
scratch. Its particularly useful if
you need an extra folder to help
split up your bookmarked links a
little more

Sort through folders

The various folders you use to
store your bookmarks are listed to
the left of the Bookmark Manager
screen. Through this you can
move different links into different
HQNFGTU CU [QW UGG V
Open a new tab
Perform an edit Its also possible to open a link
Double-click on any of the stored within the Bookmarks
weblinks youve added to your Manager into a new tab or
bookmarks to rename them. This window. Right-click on the link
can be particularly useful for links and select either the Open in
that are particularly wordy and New Tab or Open in New
that look out of place on your Window option
bookmarks bar

Use DevTools
Chrome has a built-in suite of developer tools,
enabling web developers to access not only the
internal workings of the browser, but also the
web application. Its a valuable source for
developers to track down potential problems
with layouts, get insights for code optimisation
and manage network performance. For the
everyday user, it can be a little overwhelming, but
its an invaluable tool to have as a developer. To
access it, press on the menu icon when in your
web application, select More Tools and then the
Developer Tools option listed within.

21
Feature
Become a Chrome genius
Check a sites credentials Make use of your history
The best Chrome
extensions
Add these essential tools to your
browser
Pushbullet
Seamlessly sync and share your les,
notications and weblinks between
both your smartphone and desktop
computer. Pushbullet can also be used to
manage phone notications and calls from
within the browser.
Hola
VPN proxy services are of great use
when it comes to accessing content
thats behind a region lock. Hola
reroutes the web connection from your
computer to a different proxy server based
within another country.
Turn off the Lights
Turn off the Lights automatically dims
the background of your open Chrome
windows, so that you can watch a
movie or YouTube video without any added
glare. A must-have for media buffs.
Readability
For an easier way to enjoy long
passages of text on a webpage, the
Readability app can be of great use. It
renders articles into a plain interface, with
some great formatting to remove ads that
break up text.
AdBlock
What can we say about AdBlock that
hasnt already been said? If awful
adverts and bad product placement
arent your thing, then AdBlock will remove
them from your browser altogether.
22
New Tab
Check a sites
credentials
Prevent potentially malicious sites from attacking your
computer with Chromes credential checker
No matter whether youre accessing Chrome on a leaving on your computer. If you then select the
smartphone or desktop computer, you always run Connection tab from within this menu, you can
the risk of running into a malicious website. seethe sites credentials and whether or not the
Thereis, however, an easy way to quickly identify site has been veried for safe usage. If you do
these sites before its too late. After typing in a runinto a malicious site, make sure to perform
URL, click on the icon to the left of it to view the aquick virus scan of your computer or device to
permissions it has requested and the cookies its identify potential threats.
The site credentials will instantly alert you Check the stored cookies to see what kind
1 to anything that could possibly harm your 2 of data is being stored on your device. You
device thats included on the site. can delete any you deem unnecessary.
Make use of your
history
Your web history goes much further than
being just a b f listings
Okay, okay we admit it, your web history isnt the
most exciting of things to look at, but Chrome
adds an assortment of options to make it an
integral part of the browsing experience. As well as
having the mandatory delete option for your entire
web history vault, theres a handy listing delete
option, so removing individual listings is entirely
possible. For the best possible browsing
experience, make sure to delete your history
frequently, as youll be surprised how much of an
effect it can have on loading times.
If you want to nd a specic listing among your
reams of weblinks, use the search bar at the top of
the menu. Its a simple way to skim through various
entries until you nd what you need. Plus, if you
access it on a desktop version of Chrome, youll be
able to manage the history across your entire
portfolio of Chrome-enabled devices, as long as
theyre logged into the same Google account.

Sync and share websites in seconds New Tab
Sync and share
websites in seconds
Send your favourite websites to your family and friends
If you discover something cool when browsing the
web through Chrome, the browser has a plethora
of ways you can send the details of it to any
contact. The share menu includes a choice of
social media platforms, Google apps and internal
device features to send a direct link within
Open the site
1 Go
ahead and open the website youre
looking to share within Chrome. Once open, press
on the menu icon to the top right of the display
and select the Share option thats listed within.
Email the links
3 Gmail
is one of the easiest ways to send
text-based sites to a contact. Your email will
contain a direct link to the site, and the title will be
relevant to the specic link youre looking to send.
Manage apps in Chrome
One of the greatest things about Chrome is that it
seamlessly integrates into Googles impressive
library of apps, for the most part. Apps like Gmail
and Drive are all easily accessible via extensions or
direct site links, while some of their lesser-known
apps also work wonders within the browser.
For a quick way to view the Google apps and
programs that you have direct access to within
Chrome, head to the browsers homepage and
seconds. Not only is it good for text-based sites,
its also a viable option for those who want to send
a series of pictures, albeit the sharing platforms
will be a little more restricted. Use the steps below
to guide you through sharing interesting websites
with your contacts in seconds.
2 How to share?
A small menu will appear at the bottom of
the screen, but by scrolling up on it youll be able
to see all the sharing options at your disposal. You
can also nd the Copy to Clipboard option here.
4 Upload to the cloud
Alternatively, you may upload a website to
the cloud. Select the Google Drive option provided,
make sure your Drive account is connected and
select the folder to save the link within.
select the app drawer icon located on the
right-hand side. A new menu will now open up with
the details of your various accounts that are
synced within the browser. Its also a helpful menu
to discover some of the features and apps that you
may not have tried, or even heard of yourself. The
amount of choice can be a little daunting at rst,
so make sure to use the various submenus to
navigate through the apps.
Feature
Become a Chrome genius
Replace mobile
siteswith desktop
counterparts
There are some differences between the
desktop and mobile versions of Chrome, but
most are negligible. The design of the websites
youre browsing, however, may vary
dramatically between mobile and desktop
versions and for users transitioning between
the two, it can sometimes be an arduous task
trying to navigate certain sites.
Fortunately, Google has implemented a
simple system to help bring the desktop
version of many of your favourite websites into
Chrome. Open up one of your preferred
websites and tap on the menu icon to the right.
If the site is compatible with this feature, youll
see a Request desktop site option listed near
the bottom of the menu.
By then tapping on the option, the website
will load a second time, but on this occasion
the desktop version of the site will load. You
can then repeat this step to go back to the
mobile version whenever you want.
23
Feature
Become a Chrome genius

Personalise your browser New Tab

Personalise your browser

Make Chrome your own with these customisation tips
Although it wont be the main reason why people convert to the Chrome browser, the app
The app includes a plethora
includes a plethora of great customisation tools to help really make the browser your
own. Whether these are built in to the app itself, or enabled through extensions, the
of great customisation tools
options are plentiful and look great, for the most part. With just a few minutes work, you
can transform the way your homepage functions, implement a new theme from scratch
to help really make the
and even make Chrome easier to read. Follow our quick-re tutorials below for a guide to
these customisation tricks.
browser your own
Build a new
homepage
The homepage of your Chrome
browser is a little bland, but through
the MyMenu extension you can kit it
out with different functions and
menu items to really make it your
own. Its a relatively simple way to
breathe life into your browser without
1 Add menu items
When you rst open up
2 Edit it further
If you want to change the
3 Change style
Now select the Change Style
having to spend a thing to download MyMenu, youll be prompted to look and key function of a menu option on the left side of the app.
it. Make sure to follow the setup select the items you want to show item, select the Edit button. Users Use the options within to customise
instructions provided here to get the on your new menu. You can remove can even assign their own icon to the look of the drop-down menu that
most out of it. items with the Delete tag. the item, if necessary. will be added to your menu.

Add a live
weather feed
For something a bit different, why not
add a live weather feed to your
browser? With the Currently
extension, you can see a live feed of
the weather in your local area every
time you open a new tab. There are
plenty of extra features to really
1 Install and view
Once youve added the
2 Colour changes
Click on the menu icon to the
3 Make it your own
Now move across to the
make it your own and customise how Currently extension, click on the new top-left of the screen to open the Options tab to alter some of the
Currently tells you the current tab option at the top of Chrome. Themes section. From here you can ner details. We recommend altering
conditions in your local area. Here's Instead of your normal menu, a change the background colour of the zoom level if youre struggling to
how to set it up. weather overview will appear. the weather screen. read the font.

Scale the text

When browsing Chrome on your
smartphone, you may nd that on
occasion some of the text you
encounter is a bit too small for you to
read without straining your eyes.
Instead of having to zoom in
constantly, theres a permanent x at

1 Open settings 2 Accessibility 3 Scale how you like

hand. Through the Accessibility
menu, it's easy to change the size of
the font, making it much easier to
read. You can scale the text to your
heart's content and experiment with
different sizes.
Navigate to a site you have
trouble reading and press the menu
icon (three dots) on the top-right of
the browser. From here, press on
the Settings tab near the bottom.
To access the desired text
scaling option, youll need to head
down to the bottom of this menu
and select the Accessibility option
thats provided.
Move the slider left or right
to adjust the text size to your needs.
To help you, an example of the
enlarged text will appear underneath
for you to check out.

24
 Feature
Become a Chrome genius

Manage memory-hogging tabs Go incognito New Tab

Manage memory- Extra tips for a

hogging tabs
Did you know that Chrome has its own Task Manager?
Despite Chrome being one of the fastest browsers
around, it isnt immune to the occasional bout of
sluggishness. Processer-intensive tabs, unruly
Chrome apps or problematic extensions are just
some problems that can affect it. Luckily, Chrome
has a built-in Task Manager: to get to it, open the
Chrome side menu and choose Task Manager from
better Chrome
experience
the More Tools section. The manager will instantly
collate data on the various tabs, apps and
extensions you have open and enabled, and list the
memory theyre currently using. If anything seems
overly intensive, highlight it and click on the End
Process button to temporarily disable it. Youll
notice some speed improvements almost instantly.

nect to Chrome via

ote desking
the Chrome Remote Desktop app,
e able to access other computers
ir own. Its a great way of being able
work you may have left at home, or
ur screen with someone if they need
l support.

up automated
il checks
Mail Checker is a fantastic extension
e who want to keep up to date with any
ncoming emails from their Gmail
Its heavily customisable, to the point
where it can delete certain emails for you.

Go incogn
Mute a tab
f having to manually switch tabs to
e of them, users can
wser and
Browse privately in a
matter of seconds
There may be occasions where youd prefer to
browse the web without leaving a digital footprint in
your wake. One of Chromes leading features is its
Incognito Mode, which enables full use of the
Chrome browser without your website history being
tracked. While it offers a great amount of secrecy,
its an essential feature to make use of when usin
public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Enabling
Incognito Mode is simple, whatever device youre
on. Load up Chrome, select the menu icon and e
then the Add an Incognito tab option. An outlin ect
a spy-like man will appear in the top left of the you
display, letting you know that the tab youre on
completely secret.

25
Masterclass

Whether it was installed on your phone, or

Cyanogen
Cyanogen OS is a true rags-to-riches story.
you ash it as a custom ROM, Cyanogen is
the best Android fork around
What makes Cyanogen so special is a
From humble custom ROM to multimillion- well-considered feature set that enhances the 5 reasons to switch
dollar business, it now stands as one of the Android experience without the bloat of some
most important names in Android. The devices. It retains the look and feel of stock to Cyanogen
reasons are simple: its powerful but lean, Android but also supports a comprehensive 1. Lockscreen
secure yet easy to use. And it is available for array of themes, enabling you to personalise
Cyanogen OS has an enhanced lockscreen
virtually every device. your device without affecting its usability. In that presents more information, in a
Cyanogen-powered software comes in two short, Cyanogen feels like it has been built by more visually dynamic way, than stock Android.
versions: the community-developed custom people who are in tune with the wishes of This includes an awesome full-screen music
ROM CyanogenMod, and the commercial Android enthusiasts. visualiser that augments all youraudio apps.
edition Cyanogen OS, pre-installed on some The ROM is also pushing Android forward 2. Gestures
devices. The two are broadly the same in in key areas, with security biggest among Instead of needing to reach your thumb to tap
terms of features, although if you take the them. Although the secure messaging app icons on your big-screen device, you can simply
custom ROM path youll have access to faster WhisperPush was recently discontinued, swipe a specic gesture to launch a function.
and more regular updates, including if Cyanogen OS continues to offer the best For example, drawing a V shape on screen will
youre brave enough the nightly builds, privacy protections for Android users, as well launch the ashlight app.
which may result in a less stable device. see over the next few pages. 3. Themes
Themes can be as simple as changing your
How to get your hands on
Three ways to get Cyanogen OS Cyanogen OS today
phones colour scheme and icons, or more
advanced. Better still, you can download them all
from the Play Store, just like normal apps.
Wileyfox Swift BQ Aquaris Flash the ROM
This great budget X5 You can root your current phone and ash the 4. Audio enhancement
option is one of the Available via O2 in ROM yourself. Builds for many devices can be The Cyanogen ROM comes with the AudioFX app
natural successors the UK, its built downloaded from cyanogenmod.org, and most
other models have unofcial builds available. built-in. This helps you get the best sound from
to the Moto G. It largely from
costs just over aluminium, giving it
your phones speakers. It doesnt work with every
100, has a 5-inch a much better nish app, but is very effective when it does.
HD display and than most at this
comes with the price point. The
5. Nightlies
latest version of Cyanogen OS If you have CyanogenROM, then your phone will
Cyanogen OS software grants it be rooted and you have the option to install the
installed. One of the smoothness and nightly builds. These are experimental and may
most exciting stability and makes
phones to launch in its look and feel easy
contain bugs. If you have Cyanogen OS, then you
the last 12 months. to customise. will need to root rst.

28

How to flash Get the full Cyanogen
experience on virtually
CyanogenMod any Android device
CyanogenMod has ofcial builds for a huge number of devices phones and tablets and
unofcial builds for pretty much everything else. In order to install it (or ash it, as its called),
your device will need to be rooted and have a custom recovery installed. Check the forums at
xda-developers.com for info on rooting your device.
1 Download the ROM
Head over to download.cyanogenmod.org
to check for an ofcial ROM, or go to your devices
forum at xda-developers.com to look for an
unofcial build. Download it straight to your device,
saving it in the internal storage.
3 Flash the ROM
Once the backup is done, you may want to
save it to your desktop. Next, move to the Install
section of the Recovery software and locate the
CyanogenMod ZIP le you downloaded. Select it
and conrm you want to ash it when prompted.
mCya
as nog
ter en
cla
ss
CyanogenMod is in a
perpetual state of
development. New
min
gu de
builds are released
every night, and more
stable builds every few
weeks or months
Stay up to date
Go to Settings>About This Device to
1 nd the CMUpdater app for managing
updates. You can choose how often to look
for new versions of your operating system.
2 Make a backup
Turn your phone off and reboot into
Recovery mode (hold power and volume-up keys).
Now navigate to the Backup section and follow the
instructions to create the backup. Itll take several
minutes, so dont touch your phone until its done.
Select the frequency, as well as which
2 updates you want to be alerted to,
including stable builds and the more
experimental nightlies.
4 Set up CyanogenMod
Dont touch the phone until its nished;
best to keep it plugged in, too. When done, reboot Install new versions automatically, or
3 ash them manually. For major
it may take a few minutes. Now you can set up
your phone, adding Google account details and revisions, a manual ash is recommended, as
creating a Cyanogen account if prompted. you may need to reinstall Google apps.
29
Masterclass
Control permissions with
ard
Prevent apps from snooping on your
information with Cyanogen OSs
built-in controls
ing control over app permissions has
g been the most requested feature in
droid. While some level of permissions
ntrols were introduced in Marshmallow,
anogen goes a whole lot further. With the
ivacy Guard feature, found in Settings>
ivacy, you can allow or revoke permissions
n an app-by-app basis. So, if you dont want
wallpaper app rooting through your
ontacts, or a game tracking your location,
1 Activate Privacy Guard
For most users, Privacy Guard will be
turned off by default, so you need to head into
the settings to activate it. Go to Settings>Privacy
and open Privacy Guard. Tap Enabled by default
to turn it on.
Allow, deny, or ask?
3 Tap 4 Grant permission
the app to ne-tune your controls. By default, new apps will request
Some permissions have a Yes/No option; others permissions every time they need them. When the
can be congured to Allow, Ignore or Always ask. app is open, a box will appear asking you to allow
You can also see how many times the app has or deny the request. To avoid being overloaded
used each permission. with requests, tick the Remember my choice box.
30
you can now prevent it. Its important to note
that Privacy Guard can interfere with the
functioning of certain apps. Most will be ne,
but some may crash or otherwise stop
working if they cannot access the data that
they need. If you experience this, wed
recommend nding an alternative app with
less aggressive permissions requirements,
rather than simply allowing the app to grab
as much data from your phone as it can.
2 Con gure your apps
Youll see all your apps listed (tap the
three-dots icon for an option to control built-in
apps too). Tap the shield icon next to the app
name to turn Privacy Guard on for specic apps
itll be on automatically for new apps from now on.
5 Reset the permissions
If you have problems with some apps not
working, you can roll back individual permissions.
Alternatively, tap the Reset button at the top of the
Privacy Guard interface to reset everything and
start again with your controls.
 Message us! facebook twitter

mCya
Got a top tip for Cyanogen? /littlegreenrobot @lgrobot

as nog
Get help from our Follow us to send your
Let us know!

ter en
Facebook community questions and thoughts

cla
ss
Create custom The System Proles feature in Cyanogen OS puts the smart in
smartphone. It enables you to automatically change system settings when
triggered by a specic event. This trigger may be turning on Wi-Fi, or

profiles
plugging in your headphones, or touching against an NFC tag, and you could
use it to keep your phone unlocked when youre at home, or to change the
volume when listening to music. All the tiny settings adjustments you make
every day to overcome minor annoyances can become fully automated. Its like
a less ambitious version of Tasker, only a lot more user-friendly. The triggers
Automate common tasks using can also include a set time, or you can activate proles manually with a
Cyanogens System Proles feature long-press of the power button.

1 Find the proles

Go to Settings>Proles to begin. Tap the +
icon to create a new Prole, and give it a name if
prompted. Were going to make a quick Battery
Saver prole. You will now see a list of settings you
can congure. Select Wi-Fi and then tap it.
2 Congure the prole
Youre given the option to choose what to
do with the Wi-Fi setting. For our battery saver
example, we want to Disable it. Now work through
any other features you want to turn off to save
power, such as data or Bluetooth.
3 Activate a prole
When done, save your prole. You can
activate it every time you need to save power by
holding down the power button and selecting the
prole from the list. You could also set a trigger so
the prole works automatically at night.

min
gu de
Customise Android with Cyanogen
Cyanogen offers many ways to customise the look and feel of Android here are some of the best

1 Quick settings 2 Live display 3 Change DPI 4 Power menu

Go to Settings>Notication
Drawer>Quick Settings Panel and
you can adjust which options you
have quick access to. You can add
extra ones including your proles
or remove some. The functionality
depends on the version of CM.
Go to Settings>Display>Live
Display to congure the brightness
and colour temperature of your
display. This can be used to make
the screen brighter outdoors, or to
lter blue light at night to make the
display easier on your eyes.
Located in the same place as Look out for the enhanced
Live Display, and needing root power menu. You can use it to
access to work, LCD Density lets you reboot (or boot into recovery if using
change your screens pixel density, CyanogenMod), as well as activate
to alter the size of text andon- proles or take screenshots. Its a
screen elements a smaller number good option for the power user, but
makes things bigger, and vice versa. its easy to forget its there.

31
Tutorials
Apps used Snapseed Works with Android 4.1 and up
Perfect dingy
photos with
Snapseed
Use this free app to bring dim
and dark photos back to life
with a few swipes
Weve all done it trying to capture that
perfect moment but instead ending up with
a dark and dull image that isnt good
enough to show anyone. Smartphone
technology might have sped up in the past
few years, but that doesnt mean youre going
to be taking perfect snaps all the time. That
camera on the back of your phone is no doubt
impressive, but it can still let you down.
Thats where Snapseed comes in. As well as
letting you add a range of lters to your
photographs, it also enables you to bring dim
photos back to life. In this tutorial well walk
you through how you can sort out those
images that arent quite up to scratch. Its not
the most complex thing youll attempt on
your phone, but well give you a few hints
and tips to make sure youre not going to be
ashamed to show off those snaps ever again.
All youll need to get started is your phone
and an internet connection.
Load an image
1 You
can download Snapseed for free from
the Google Play Store. It wont take very long to
install, and so long as youre running a device on
Android 4.1 or higher, itll work ne. Once its
installed, this is the rst screen youll see. Tap on
the Open photo button.
32
Check progress
The button in the top right
lets you swap between the
image you took and the one
youre editing. Press on it and
you can flip between the two
to check out your progress.
Its handy to get an idea of the
changes youve made
Help is at hand
Tapping the question mark
button in the top left-hand
corner will walk you through a
brief explanation of how the
screen works. If you get stuck
Uninterrupted editing
This is the screen of the app
its worth having a watch of
where you can brighten up your
that, although it doesnt
actually give any details on images. It doesnt look like
what the options do theres much UI, but its actually
all controlled with long presses
and swipes, leaving your view
QH VJG KOCIG [QWTG ZKPI
uncluttered when youre
working on it
Assess the problem
Along the bottom of the screen
youll see the pictures
DTKIJVPGUU RTQNG 6JKU UJQYU
you where the light is strongest,
and lets you get a better idea of
the changes youre going to
have to make in order to get the
best from your image
2 The choices Find the photo
3 For
Youll be presented with a selection of now though, tap on Gallery. This will
places you can open your images from. If its an open up the Gallery app on your Android device.
image youve taken, then its going to be in Gallery. You can tap on the different folders to look for the
However, you have the option to download images image that you want to correct. Once youve found
from Drive, meaning you can use Snapseed to it, tap again to select it and then move on to the
clean images that arent from your phone. next step.
 Get better pictures
1 Work in increments 2 Conrm the functions 3 Check and check 4 Dont like it? 5 Really hate it?

tips
Dont instantly whack the Have a Google to nd out what Keep ipping back to the Tap the X button in the bottom In the Options menu, tap
brightness up all the way, try the various other settings original photo to make sure left-hand corner to get rid of Revert to get rid of everything
and do it bit by bit. change on your image. youre not just making it worse. current changes. and start over again.

Ask your own

question online at
littlegreenrobot.co.uk

What other options

are there for
playing around
with my image?
The most useful in terms of
cleaning up dingy images is the
Selective option. Here you can

4 Tap thumbnail 5 The image pick specic parts of the image

Youll now be shown a thumbnail of the
image youve selected. Its a slightly odd step in
the process, and it doesnt seem to serve any
particular purpose. Just tap the image again to
proceed. From here youll be taken back to
Snapseed with the image that you selected open.
to change. You can only change
This is the screen youll be presented with.
the brightness, saturation and
You can already check out the prole of your
colour of the selections, but it
picture along the bottom of the screen. If you want gives you more control and
to see it without the UI, tap on the image itself. enables you to make use of the
When youre ready, tap the pencil button in the images prole.
bottom-right corner.
Is it good to use
the lters as well?
It is, but only after youve had a
play with the other settings. A
lter can make a good picture
look more interesting or
individual, but itll make a dingy
image look like a dingy image
with a lter on top. Fix it rst,
and then try and make it look
even better by adding a lter.

6 Tweak brightness
The pencil menu will show you the variety
of changes you can make to your photo. The one
were interested in is the very rst one in the list
Tune image. Well mention some of the other
options later, but right now were interested in
tweaking the pictures brightness.
7 Take control
The controls can be a little bit confusing to
begin with. To increase or decrease the
brightness, you just need to drag a nger left or
right along the screen. Youll see a percentage
changing at the bottom, and youll also be able to
see the difference in the image.

Need help?
Got a problem with your
Android phone or tablet?
Get in touch with us...
facebook /littlegreenrobot
Get help from our
Facebook community

8 Thats not all

Theres another menu you can access that
9 Get it saved
When youre happy with the look of your
twitter @lgrobot
Follow us to send your
questions and thoughts
lets you change a swathe of other options. To get photo, tap on the tick button in the bottom right.
to it, long press on the screen, then slide your
nger down. When youve selected the process
you want, lift your nger off the screen. You
From here you can tap the Save button in the
top-right corner. Itll take a moment to make all
your changes, and then itll save in the Snapseed
email
qa@littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Send your questions for our team of
change the percentage in the same way. folder of your gallery. experts to tackle

33
Tutorials
App used Cortana Works with Android 4.0 and up

Get Cortana on your

Android device now
Bored of Google Google Now may be Androids default personal
assistant, but if you want to trial a new assistant
Now? Strike up a you can install Microsofts Cortana.
conversation with Like Google Now, Cortana understands vocal
commands and is on-hand to help you perform a
Microsofts wide variety of tasks everything from writing
ssistant emails, to getting directions, and even helping you
split your bar bill. In this tutorial well show you how
p Cortana and cover some of its most
eatures, plus a few bonus tricks
that are just for fun. Like Google Now, the more you
interact with Cortana, the more it will learn about you
and the more value youll get out of it. But if you
havent got that kind of patience, well show you how
to manually tweak your Cortana settings so you can
get the most out of it from day one.
Although Cortana does appear on Google Play, its
currently only available in the US at the time of going
to press. So if youre located elsewhere, youll need to
follow the steps outlined in this tutorial to get it.

1 Grab the Cortana APK

Download the latest version of Cortana via
www.apkmirror.com/apk/microsoft-corporation/
cortana. Make sure you have Unknown sources
enabled by opening your devices Settings followed
by Security, and selecting Unknown sources. Open
a le explorer app and go to the Downloads folder.
2 Enter your name
Find the Cortana APK you just downloaded
and give it a tap. Read the disclaimer, then tap
Next and Install. Exit the le explorer and launch
your new Cortana app. Watch the intro, read the
on-screen disclaimer and then tap Agree. Enter
your name and tap Enter.

Strike up a conversation
3 Cortana
will prompt you to log into your
Microsoft account, or create an account if you
dont already have one. Once youre logged in,
Cortana is ready to start taking your commands.
To use voice search, tap the microphone icon and
ask a question, or issue a vocal command.
4 Communicate via text
If youre in public and dont want to be
seen talking to your smartphone or tablet, you can
communicate with Cortana via text. Just tap the
Ask me anything bar and start typing. All the
following commands work the same whether
youre communicating via text or via voice.
5 Maths and conversions
Cortana can launch apps (Open
Facebook), perform calculations (what is 154
divided by 2) and help you pen emails (create a
new email.) You can also use Cortana to perform
conversions, such as converting one currency into
another, and converting inches into centimetres.

34
 Get in touch
Were on Facebook and Twitter, or
facebook twitter email
/littlegreenrobot @lgrobot qa@littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Like us on Facebook and Follow us to send your Need help? Got a question? Drop us
just drop us an email join our community comments and pics an email and let us know

Ask your own

question online at
littlegreenrobot.co.uk

6 Set location reminders
You can use Cortana to set yourself
reminders. Speak or type the Set a reminder
command and a menu appears where you can
enter your message. Then either tell Cortana to
display this message at a particular time, or when
you arrive at or leave a certain location.
Can I delete
everything Cortana
knows about me?
Yes. To clear your personal
information, open Cortanas
menu and select Settings,
followed by Manage My Prole.
Enter your Microsoft username
7 Set and cancel alarms
To set an alarm using Cortana, either type
and password if prompted. You
can then clear different
or say Set an alarm for 6.30am or use a categories of data: Interests,
command such as Set an alarm for half an hour Saved Places, Search history,
from now. If you change your mind, you can and Other, just by tapping that
disable alarms using the Cancel my alarm for sections Clear button.
6.30am command.

8 Get driving directions

Cortana can give you directions if you ask
How do I get to X. By default, Cortana assumes
your preferred method of travel is driving, but
change this by opening Cortanas menu and
selecting Notebook. Tap Getting around, followed
by Driving and select a new method of transport.
9 Customise the Notebook
Notebook is where Cortana tracks
everything youre interested in. Once you select
Notebook from Cortanas main menu, youll notice
a list of options. You can give Cortana a head start
by tweaking Notebook settings, so start by tapping
About Me, followed by Edit favourites.
10 Add locations and teams
Enter some locations that are important to
you, such as a favourite restaurant or your place of
work. Return to the main Notebook menu and see
what other options are available; for example you
can tell Cortana which teams youre interested in
by selecting Sports followed by Add a team.

11 Get weather reports

Back in the main Notebook menu, tap
Weather, followed by Add a city and let Cortana
know what cities you want weather forecasts for.
There are lots of options in the Notebook menu,
so spend some time exploring and tailoring them
to suit your preferences.
12 Block certain topics
If there are any options in the Notebook
menu that you arent interested in, give them a tap
and youll see a selection of sliders that relate to
this particular topic. If you turn all these sliders off,
Cortana wont pester you with any more
information relating to this topic.
13 Have fun with Cortana
Cortana has some hidden tricks and
easter eggs. If youre struggling to make a
decision, Cortana can help you out by ipping a
virtual coin (ip a coin). It can also sing to you
(Sing me a song) and test your movie knowledge
(Play the movie game).

35
Tutorials d HomeUX (Beta) Works with Android 5.0 and up
eate the ultimate
omescreen
uild a new Android home screen that is
minimalist, effective and completely original
Android is known for its exibility and for
enabling you to make it work in any way you like.
But you can also change how it looks by using
theme apps such as HomeUX (Beta). There are many
of these apps available, but this one is considered
efcient in terms of the power it needs and is
extremely easy to set up. Not only this, but you will
be able to organise your apps and widgets in a
creens 2 Add QuickApps
n the app you will see a You will be given the option to add up to
should take some time ve QuickApps, available with just one swipe no
p is done within these matter what home screen you are currently in.
peed up the process Choose the ones you use the most often and you
any choices later on. will save lots of taps every single day.
Your new home screen
4 Once 5 More HomeUX options
you have completed the set up, you Change the wallpaper, select from installed
can use your new home screen. At the top will be icon packs and access HomeUX settings from the
the time, your QuickApps and a handy search icon new panel. Notice how the icons at the bottom
to nd any app you need immediately. Scroll to the stay the same for consistency. The top and
right in the top panel to see more options. bottom panels work independently of each other.
36
natural way, and also take advantage of new gesture
controls to make using your phone without thinking
a standard activity. You no longer need to live with
the interface your phone provider gives you because
you can now make your own choices and breathe
new life into your mobile experience. We shall now
show you how to create the ultimate home screen
on your phone in just a few minutes.
3 Select some icons
Icons will be displayed for you to select
from when making changes. The idea is to offer a
minimalist and consistent approach, but you will
still need to pick the right one for each app to
make your future selections obvious and quick.
6 Time to experiment
Tap UX Settings to play around with your
new home screen. You can change icon sizes,
install icon packs and manage how the top Action
Panel works. There really are no limits to what you
can change in HomeUX. Make it your own.
 Set the time
App used Calls Blacklist Call Blocker Works with Varies with device The option to block calls and
messages can be scheduled
VQ V VJG VKOGU YJGP [QW

Block
PGGF KV VJG OQUV %GTVCKP FC[U
ECP DG EJQUGP CPF [QW ECP
CNUQ UGV VKOGU HQT YJGP [QW
YCPV VJG DNQEMKPI
RTGHGTGPEGU [QW JCXG UGV WR
to be enabled

unwanted
callers
Gain full control over who can call
Control SMS
There are three options in the
5/5 UGEVKQP ;QW ECP DNQEM
texts from blacklisted
UGPFGTU DNQEM CNN WPMPQYP
you with the Calls Blacklist app PWODGTU CRCTV HTQO UCXGF
contacts; or block messages
HTQO GXGT[QPG /CMG UWTG
Many Android phones include call-blocking [QW EJQQUG CP QRVKQP VJCV
functionality, but some do not. Even those FQGU PQV UVQR [QW TGEGKXKPI
that do tend to only build in the most basic OGUUCIGU [QW PGGF

functionality and so you may nd yourself 6WTP PQVKECVKQPU QHH

left wanting if you receive lots of annoying Incoming calls and texts from
DNQEMGF PWODGTU YKNN DG
calls or messages. With Calls Blacklist Call KPXKUKDNG VQ [QW DWV [QW ECP
Blocker, however, you will have full control UVKNN UGG PQVKECVKQPU VQ NGV
over your incoming communications and be [QW MPQY VJCV VJG CRR JCU
able to block large groups of numbers or YQTMGF HQT [QW 6JG DGUV
solution is to turn the
individual callers the moment they have PQVKECVKQPU QHH CPF VQ GPLQ[
contacted you. You wont know its there once the peace
set up and it should save you lots of time and .GV VJG TKIJV QPGU KP
Adding important numbers to
hassle in the long run. We will show you how VJG YJKVGNKUV KU C XGT[ IQQF
to initiate call blocking and what the most idea because it ensures that
impressive features of the app are, so that [QW YKNN PGXGT CEEKFGPVCNN[
you can take control of who can call you and DNQEM PWODGTU QH RGQRNG YJQ
[QW TGCNN[ PGGF VQ VCNM VQ %CNN
ensure that cold calls, autodiallers and sales blocking is as much about
pitches will be blocked from contacting you. letting important calls
through as stopping
WPYCPVGF QPGU

You will control your

incoming communications
Manually block individual numbers
The most popular way to block calls is to do so on an individual basis, so we will
show you how to block annoying callers %JGEM RGTHQTOCPEG
.QIU CTG CXCKNCDNG VQ UJQY
GZCEVN[ JQY YGNN VJG CRR JCU
YQTMGF QXGT VKOG CPF YJCV
ECNNU JCXG DGGP DNQEMGF ;QW
also get the option to hide the
text of blocked messages
HTQO VJG NQIU YJKEJ UJQWNF
help make them much easier
to read

1 Open the blacklist

Tap the Blacklist tab at the top
of the screen to see which numbers
currently belong to blocked callers.
Chances are that it will be empty
when you start so tap the + icon to
block a number.
2 Pick from the list
A short list will be populated
which you can select from. If you
want to enter a specic number pick
Manually, but there are also options
to block contacts and numbers that
appear in the messages log.
3 Time to block
Now simply select a contact or
type in the exact number you want to
block. If that number is used to
contact you, it will never be able to
get through while the app is installed
and active.

37
Tutorials
App used Smart Folder App Organizer Works with Android 4.0 and up
Categorise apps into
smart folders
Find items faster and If you use lots of apps your home screen
can become cluttered, making it tedious to
declutter your home screen nd what you need. Organising apps into
by grouping apps groups of tools that do similar things can
reduce clutter and speed up searching while
tically still enabling you to launch your apps with
only two taps. The standard Android
pproach to grouping apps requires you to
ually drag them into a folder on your
me screen. This can be a long-winded
1 Install the app
There are several folder-organising apps in
the Google Play app store so look for Smart Folder
App Organizers round grey icon. Its free to
download the basic version and it should only
request permission to offer in-app purchases
when you install it.
3 r 4 Make your changes
Smart Folder s into You dont need to use every category and
categories that include System, Games, Business you might not like some of Smart Folders
and Entertainment. Tap on the tabs in the app to classications. If you want to move an app to a
see what it has assigned to each category. To different tab, long press on it, select Move and
change to a grid view, tap the three dots in the top- choose its new category. Also follow these steps
right corner and select View as grid. to relocate apps listed in the Unclassied tab.
38
process, however. Thankfully, there are
third-party tools that will scan your app
drawer and automatically sort apps into
categories in seconds. The result isnt likely to
be perfect but it will save time if your device
is well-stocked. One of the best apps for this
purpose is Smart Folder App Organizer.
Although its not the most versatile app for
this job, it is easy to use and highly effective.
Read on to nd out how it can help you.
2 Give it a minute
Once you have downloaded and installed
Smart Folder, tap on the icon. At rst it will look like
nothing is happening because all you see is a
mostly empty screen. Go to your Notications
area, though, and you should see an alert saying
that Smart Folder is auto-classifying your apps.
Add folders to home
5 When
youre satised with how your apps
are sorted, you can put shortcuts to each category
on your home screen. This is as simple as tapping
the folder icon with the + sign on Smart Folders
menu bar. You can add seven shortcuts with the
free version of the app.
 Tips and tricks to help you use Smart Folder cleverly
1 Look and nd 2 App be gone 3 By the numbers 4 Erase and rewind 5 Folders within folders

tips
To search for apps, tap the To uninstall an app directly from Swipe from the left in Smart Selecting Restore Default from Smart Smart Folder shortcuts can be
magnifying glass icon in Smart Smart Folder, long press on the Folder to see how many apps are Folders Settings menu erases its grouped into folders by dragging one
Folder or folder shortcuts. icon and select Uninstall. in each category. classication data and settings. on top of another.

Sort apps into

min smart tabs
guide This handy and attractive alternative to
folders is easy to set up with Smart Launcher 3

6 Open a folder
Tapping on a shortcut icon on your home
screen brings up a box displaying a grid of all the
apps in the category that its linked to. You can
change to a list view, search for a particular app or
open the Smart Folder app by employing the icons
along the bottom.

1 Say yes to sorting 2 State your preferences

To get started, nd Smart Launcher 3 in Smart Launcher needs to know your
the Google Play app store and install it. When preferred apps for music, web browsing, photos
you open it for the rst time it will ask for and camera so it can display them on your
permission to sort your apps. Tap Start First home screen. Select these as prompted. When

7 Smart Folders settings Setup and then tap Accept when the done, Smart Launcher will announce that its
permissions request is displayed. ready for rst use and prompt you to start it.
You cant create new categories with
Smart Folder but you can turn on or off auto
classication and notications. You can also set it
to auto-classify any apps you install later (only via
Wi-Fi, though). To access these options, tap the
three dots in the top right and choose Settings.

8 Upgrade for more features

Purchasing the full version of Smart Folder
also enables you to select Skip Empty Categories
under Settings so you can hide tabs for categories
you arent using. To upgrade, select Get Unlocker
and enter your payment information. Then return
to the Settings menu to activate this option.
3 Enter the ring
Smart Launcher displays your default
apps in a ring on your home screen. You can add
apps and folders with a long press inside the
ring. To access your apps classied in tabs, tap
the icon in the bottom left that shows a grid of
four boxes.
4 Tap on the tabs
The free version of Smart Launcher
sorts apps into six categories: Communication,
Internet, Games, Media, Utility and Settings.
Long pressing an icon brings up options and
explains how to move an app to a category. Add
more categories with an in-app purchase.

39
Tutorials
Apps used Draw Your Game Works with Android 4.1 and up

Create your own

platform game
If youre a fan of platform games and want
Its easy to design and play a
basic platformer with this app

Keep the best Finger painting

to try your hand at designing your own,
If you dislike your design, you can return to the If you dont have paper and coloured pens
theres an Android app for that. Draw Your previous screen by tapping this arrow and available, you can use this screen to draw your
Game or DYG in the developers shorthand answering No to the Save prompt. You can also game world. The app isnt compatible with a
makes it easy to create a simple, two- trash it by tapping the dustbin icon on the other stylus so youll have to be able to draw with your
side of the screen and answering Yes to Clear PIGTU DWV [QW ECP UVKNN RTQFWEG ETGCVKXG TGUWNVU
dimensional world with the essential
elements of games in this genre: walls,
platforms, springboards, movable objects and
deadly enemies. All you have to do is draw
them on white paper with four designated
colours, take a photo of your design and the
app does the rest. You can even use it if you
dont have any stationery because an update
to the app has added virtual pens and paper.
With these you can draw, edit, import and
play your game without leaving the screen.
You can also share it with the DYG community
and try out other peoples designs. Its
surprising what you can create with patience
and imagination so when youre ready for your
rst taste of game designing, use our tutorial
to get up and running.

Draw Your Ga
makes it easy to Colour codes
Use these icons to add different categories of
Control the details
These two icons can be used to influence the

create a simple, two- object. Black is for stationary objects, green is for
springboards, blue is for movable objects and
red is for things that will kill you if you touch
level of detail in your design. The number in the
blue circle represents the thickness of your lines;
the higher the number, the thicker they are.
dimensional world them. Use the eraser if you make a mistake Tapping the cross allows you to zoom in and out

Load the game

1 Draw
Your Game is free to download. Find
it on the Google Play app store and tap Install to
get going. When you start it for the rst time, it will
prompt you to create an account. To do this you
will need to enter a name and year of birth, in
addition to your location.
2 Learn the tools
DYGs main screen has two options: Create
and Play. To design your rst game, tap the former
and follow the brief tutorial. It explains how to draw
in black, blue, red and green to create different
objects in your game and then import your design
using your devices camera.
Picture your world
3 Once
you have read the tutorial, you will be
taken to the Create World screen. Here you have
the option to take a picture of a world you have
drawn on paper, import an existing design from
your photo gallery or draw something directly on
the screen.

40
 Advice to help you get the most out of Draw Your Game
1 Spread it out 2 No-win scenario 3 Attention to detail 4 Boing, boing, youre dead 5 Quick demise

tips
Dont cram too much into one Dont try to share games that For the best results, draw your You can make your course more Before playing ensure you place
game world. Instead, string are too difcult or unplayable. game on paper using marker difcult by putting springboards at your avatar on your course properly
multiple worlds together (step 6). They will be rejected. pens and a ruler. different angles. or itll die immediately.

Ask your own

question online at
littlegreenrobot.co.uk

Exactly what kind

of games can I
create with Draw
Your Game?
The developers of DYG have
created an app that makes it as
easy as possible to design your

4 Get creative 5 Page to screen own platform game. You need

To draw something directly on your device,
tap the blue pencil icon labelled Draw thats on the
right of the screen. This brings up a blank version
of the screen shown in the annotated image. To
create a world, select a colour and draw on the
screen with your nger.
no computer graphics,
When you are satised with your creation,
animation or coding experience.
tap the green tick mark icon in the bottom-right
As a result, the app is limited in
corner. Then select Yes when prompted to what it can produce. With the
Compute?. DYG will convert your design into a tools available you can design a
two-dimensional game world and display the result very rudimentary, but still
on a new screen with additional options. entertaining, platformer. Just
dont expect it to look like
Yoshis Woolly World.

Are there other

tools available for
creating games for
Android devices?
Yes. One similar Android app is
Playir: Game & App Creator.
With this you can create games
from templates. You can then
share these through the app,
online or in an iframe. Its only in

6 Set the objective 7 Name your game beta, however, so you might
Before trying out your design, you can set DYG gives your game worlds a default title encounter bugs. Game-creation
whether the object of the game is to destroy blue that is based on your username. If youd rather resources are also available on
other platforms. One example is
elements or to escape. You can also extend your have something more original, tap the title bar in
a subscription service called
world by adding sections and change the size of the top left to be taken to a text editor. Type in the GameSalad, which offers
the avatar. Tap the three dots on the right to title you want and then tap Done to go back to the software for Windows and OS X.
access these settings. previous screen.

Need help?
Got a problem with your
Android phone or tablet?
Get in touch with us...
facebook /littlegreenrobot
Get help from our
Facebook community

8 Press Play
When youre ready to play, place the avatar
9 Share your achievements
If youve played your game at least once,
twitter @lgrobot
Follow us to send your
questions and thoughts
at the start using the icon that looks like a cross. you can share it with the DYG community. In the
Then press the triangular Play icon. This will bring
up a gameplay screen with a timer, directional
arrow icons for controls and the option to convert
screen showing your computed course (step 6)
tap the icon that looks like a globe. In the next
screen tap Publish. Then answer yes to the
email
qa@littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Send your questions for our team of
your world to 3D. conrmation prompt to upload your design. experts to tackle

41
Tutorials
App used Clipboard Actions Works with Varies with device

Expand your notifications

shade
Notications are an Android innovation
Do more than copy and paste text, images and
URLs with this notications shade addition
Visit Google Now
card history
Youre shown some options
depending on the type of clip
you have saved. If you
choose a single word, for
that have been much copied but even instance, then you will be
the out-of-the-box version of our View details UJQYP C FGPKVKQP CPF C NKPM
favourite OS can be improved, as With the Clipboard Actions to further online information.
app downloaded, whenever Larger chunks can be used
Clipboard Actions so nimbly shows. By to create a new event in
you copy a chunk of text and
copying text, pictures, website addresses, save it to the clipboard, it will Google Now
phone numbers, emails and more, you DG UJQYP KP VJG PQVKECVKQPU
can not only view them in the UJCFG ;QW IGV VQ UGG VJG TUV
couple of lines of the text as
notications shade, but you can do all well as an option to delete it
manner of wonderful things with them by
simply tapping on the relevant icon.
This enables you to create QR codes,
shorten links, share content or open links
in another browser. You can copy Enhanced actions
addresses and use them with any map The app is able to pick up on
app you want or you can tap on a price email addresses and phone
numbers in any clipped text.
and have the currency converted (you can It offers options to dial the
choose the currencies you want via the number or send a message,
app). Indeed, the app lets you tailor your opening the relevant apps in
experience with search settings, Bitly the process. Its a very fast
way of making the most of a
Access Token creation and the ability to clip you create
turn certain functions on and off.

The app lets you tailor your

experience with search settings
Making use of an image
If there is an image you wish to clip, then
Clipboard Actions enables you to do just that
Clip options
These are some of the most
common options. You can
share the clip, use it within a
)QQING UGCTEJ QT PF KV
referenced on a map. If its in
a foreign language, then you
can quickly convert it with
Google Translate
Make codes
If you copy URLs, then
Clipboard Actions will
shorten them into bit.ly links
for you. Alternatively you
can have it produce QR
codes, which can then be
shared or printed. When
[QWTG PKUJGF LWUV UYKRG
VJG PQVKECVKQP CYC[ HTQO
the shade

Highlight an Open or shorten Media sharing

image The image will not be If you click on the option
Tap and hold on any shown unless you tap labelled Media Share,
image that you want to Open and go direct to the then you will be able to
copy and use. From the online page. Tapping upload the image to
menu that will appear, Shorten replaces the URL Photos, email it, in
select Copy Image. Now on screen with a bit.ly addition to sending it to
pull down on the screen address a new option Google Drive or to
to call up the shows up called another device via
notications shade and Statistics, informing you Android Beam among
select from the options it of how many people have others. Simply select the
will show. clicked the link. option you want.

42
App used everyStory Works with Android 4.0.3 and up

Create and share

narrated ph
Slideshow app everyStory lets you record
your own narration for a series of photos
Offering a way of preserving and sharing
memories, everyStory enables users to record Slideshow count
voice narration for a series of photos. The The number by the mic icon
resulting slideshows can then be shared with shows how many stories (ie
user-created groups, to which you can invite slideshows) the currently
shown image has been
other members either as read-only viewers, or added to. Tapping the icon
as collaborators who can upload their own brings up a side menu where
photos and stories to the group. The latter could you can tap on one of the
listed stories to play it
prove useful for a local history society, for
instance. Once a group is set up, its time to add
some photos to it: note that since the app can
only access locally stored images, you must Image details
Tapping this icon brings up a
download them from Google Photos rst. side menu with details for the
Theres also an upload limit of 500 photos for current image, including
free unlimited cloud storage costs $3.99 per which albums it has been Text messages
added to. There is also an The number by the speech
month, although you can earn extra space by option to tag people shown, bubble shows how many text
inviting new users. In this tutorial well explain who will then appear in the comments have been added
how it all works and guide you through main screens People tab for the current photo. Tapping
creating a narrated story. the icon reveals the
comments along with the
person who made each one.
The resulting slideshows can then be You can also write your own
comment if you like

shared with user-created groups

Record a photo story Upload images
By creating a sharing group and uploading photos, You can create stories using
you can start the process of recording narrated any photos already added to
slideshows to share with others the current sharing group
after uploading them to
everyStorys cloud storage.
Theres a free storage limit of
500 photos by default,
although more can be earned
or bought

Tell a story
Create a group Add some photos Narrate your story Tap the red mic button, then
In order to share stories, With a group set up, you Select a starting image enter your speaker name and
you rst need to create a must then add some from your group and tap start recording your voice
sharing group, to which photos to upload to the red mic button to narration after a helpful
you can invite new everyStorys cloud storage start recording a story. XGUGEQPF EQWPVFQYP
members via Contacts, so that they can be added Enter the speaker name During the recording process,
Facebook or email. For to stories. Note that the and start talking after you can swipe between
each, you can specify app can only access locally the countdown. Swipe photos or select one from a
whether they are a stored images. Just tick between photos, or tap RWNNQWV RCPGN
collaborator or a the ones you want to the top-left icon to
read-only viewer. include and tap OK. choose one.

3
 From the makers of

Samsung
GalaxyThe Complete Manual
No matter what Galaxy device you have, this book will help you
get the most from your phone or tablet. Packed with easy-to-
f llow guides to all the essential features, functions and apps,
l u master your Galaxy.

Also available

A world of content at your fingertips

Whether you love gaming, history,
animals, photography, Photoshop,
sci-fi or anything in between, every
magazine and bookazine from
Imagine Publishing is packed with
expert advice and fascinating facts.

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

Print edition available at www.imagineshop.co.uk
Digital edition available at www.greatdigitalmags.com
 HackerZne
Top mods and
tweaks for your
rooted device

Jargon Buster

POWER
Get up to speed on all the terms you
will need to know when hacking
your phone
OS
Short for operating system. Often the Android ROM will
be referred to as the OS this just means the system
les on the Android device that make up your user
experience, similar to Windows, Mac OS X or Ubuntu on
a desktop computer.

ROM
Stands for read-only memory. In the context of Android,
the ROM refers to the les that make up the operating
system installed on your device. Gaining root privileges
allows for replacement of the standard ROM
with a custom one.

Root
Rooting your phone gives apps access to parts of the
OS that are normally hidden from consumers. This
enables you to run more powerful software and install

YOUR
custom ROMs on your phone.

ROM Manager
An app available from the Android Market that enables
you to install a whole new version of your OS with a
single click. It requires a rooted phone to use and is
ideal for those new on the scene.

Titanium Backup
This app from the Market enables you to back up

PHONE
everything on your phone apps, data, settings and all.
It means that you can restore your phone to how it was,
even after youve updated or changed the ROM.

Unrevoked
Available from www.unrevoked.com, this is a
one-click tool that can be used for rooting many
popular HTC smartphones.

ADB
Stands for Android Debug Bridge. ADB is mainly used
Get Marshmallows best features
for software development, but it also has some uses for
hacking your phone. It can be used to push les onto
on your Lollipop device now
the system folder, for instance. no update required
Nandroid
You might come across the phrase perform a Nandroid
backup. This means using a custom recovery tool
to make a back-up image of everything currently on your
phone: OS, apps, data, etc. Its very useful should you
wish to restore your phone to its previous state later.

Radio
Radio refers to the software on your Android device
that deals with making phone calls and data
connections. Updating your radio version can bring
better battery life and signal strength to your device.
Some ROMs require the latest radio.
Flash
The storage in your device comprises ash memory,
a type of solid-state storage. The terms ash or
ashing mean installing new software onto your
devices storage.
features into Android, but for those who arent in
the 1.2 per cent of Android users who actually
have Marshmallow installed on their phone, the
wait to use these exciting new features has been
a long one. Now the wait is over, because even if
your phone manufacturer is still sluggish about
rolling out Marshmallow to your device, you can
make use of root, the Xposed Framework and a
our
Lollipop phone. From replicating the battery-saving
powers of Doze mode to getting granular control
over app permissions, you can get all of
Marshmallows great features.
This does require you to root your phone, so as
ever, make sure that youve fully backed up your
device before you get started, and youll be
rewarded with Marshmallow features today.

45
 Hacker Zne
Get started with Xposed Some of the tips in this guide use the Xposed
Framework. Heres what you need to know
Where to download Xposed
For Android 4.x devices, download the Xposed
APK le from this thread at XDA Developers:
bit.ly/1ioBRjp. On Lollipop, you need the APK as
well as the ashable ZIP le from this thread:
bit.ly/1DLOwEr. You must be rooted for it to work.
46
Marshmallow
features now
Still waiting for your ofcial update? Wait no longer
heres how to hack the best features of Marshmallow
onto your Lollipop device
Android moves at quite a pace, and it can be
frustrating waiting for your phone to catch up.
The notoriously patchy update schedule for the
majority of Android devices leaves many of us
eyeing up the hot new features in OS releases
and new handsets, knowing that we may never
actually see them in ours.
Fortunately, theres a solution for every
Android user: rooting. Theres almost no new
feature that will not eventually become
available for any device that has been rooted.
Marshmallows highlights better battery
life, permission controls, an enhanced
interface can all be brought to Lollipop or
older devices. Theres no need to wipe your
device, or change your ROM. All of the new
features can be integrated into your existing
setup with no disruption.
Well work our way through the list in this
guide. The only prerequisites are that your
device must be rooted, and you should have the
Xposed Framework installed (see the box below
Install the tool Get the modules
On KitKat or earlier, install the APK le as you Open the Xposed Installer app; tap Download.
would any other app, then reboot. For Lollipop, All the Xposed modules featured in this guide
ash the ZIP le rst, then install the APKand can be downloaded here. On downloading, youll
reboot. To uninstall on Lollipop, download the get a notication prompting you to activate and
uninstaller ZIP from the same thread. reboot. Do this for each module you install.
for info on that). Xposed is an incredibly
powerful hacking tool that enables you to tweak
your phones software in an almost unlimited
number of ways, and its available for just about
every device from the last few years.
5 more Marshmallow
features you can try
1. Instant app backups
Android 6.0 belatedly introduced app data
backups, and it works okay. Not all apps
support it, so its quite hit and miss. A better
option is Carbon, an app from the Play Store. If
youre rooted, it makes backing up and restoring
your app data as simple as tapping a button,
and you can even store it in the cloud.
2. Better copy and paste
Copy and paste has always been a bit clumsy
on Android. Native Clipboard is a fantastic free
app that takes all the pain out of it. It works
without root, but has additional functionality for
Xposed users as well.
3. Fast browsing with Opera
If you want to speed up your web browsing, take
a look at the Opera Browser. It uses the same
rendering engine as Chrome, so is as fast and
accurate under normal use, but also has a data
compression utility built in. This can signicantly
reduce load times for larger webpages.
4. Quick app uninstalls
You dont need to go into the Play Store to
uninstall apps if youre using the Google Now
Launcher. Simply locate the app in the app
drawer,then tap and hold on it and drag it
upwards to a new Uninstall option that will
appear on your homescreen.
5. Homescreen rotation
Rotation in the homescreen still isnt supported
natively in Android phones, although some
manufacturers may have implemented it. If
yours hasnt, but you would like to use your
device in landscape mode, you will need to
install a different launcher. Nova Launcher is our
choice for this.
Hack the new app launcher
Experience the feel of a brand-new Nexus phone with
the Google Now Launcher
The easiest way to give your phone a new, refreshed feel is to install a new launcher. With the
Google Now Launcher, available for free from the Play Store, you can instantly get the look of
Marshmallow, complete with the new homescreen and app drawer.
1 Get the app
The Google Now Launcher is free from the
Play Store and can be installed on any modern
Android phone. After installing, hit the Home
button, then choose the launcher from the list
when prompted. Youll need to set up all your apps
and widgets once again.
3 Hack the launcher
The Google Now Launcher has no built-in
customisation, but you can tweak it using the
Gravity Box Xposed module. Open the Xposed
Installer to install and set up Gravity Box. Launch
the app and scroll down to Launcher Tweaks.
2 The new app drawer
The launcher includes the new app drawer.
This incorporates a row of your four most
commonly used apps at the top of the list, which
now scrolls vertically. To add new pages to the
homescreen, tap and hold an icon and drag it to
the left edge of the screen.
4 Add more icons
In this section you can add or remove rows
and columns for app icons, so you could squeeze
more content onto the screen. Theres also an
option to be able to resize any widget, although
the results of this may not always work out so well.
2
With Fliktu you
can choose an app
to open a link with
minutes just a quick swipe
guide of your thumb
Power up app
sharing
Fliktu is a paid app in the Play Store, so
1 you get two hours to try it out. Launch
the app and youll be asked to activate its
sharing feature. Tick the box to continue.
Swipe to the Links tab and tick the box.
2 When prompted, select Fliktu and
choose Always. Now, when you tap a link in an
app, itll open in your browser as normal.
However, if you tap a link then quickly
3 ick or shake your phone, the Fliktu
menu opens and you can choose another app
to open the link. Swipe up for more options.
47
 Hacker Zne
Massively increase your
fe This Xposed module gives you a more powerful
variant of Marshmallows Doze mode
ne of the most interesting new features in
Marshmallow is Doze. This battery-saving
eature automatically cuts off non-essential
background apps and functions when you
arent using your phone, reducing power
consumption while on standby to the lowest
possible levels. It guarantees your phone will
make it through a full day comfortably.
Theres no way to get Doze in earlier
versions of Android. It isnt an app, but is
built into the system, so cannot be ported
across. But thats not to say that you cannot
Set up the app
1 Install
Deep Sleep Battery Saver Pro (DSBS)
from the Play Store. Launch it and grant it root
privileges. If youve already got the Xposed
Framework installed, you also need to activate
DSBS within that and then reboot your phone.
ugh
4 Set up a whitelist
The whitelist option lets you choose which
e apps are unaffected by DSBS. By default, all apps
phone wakes from deep sleep (less oft ends will be closed. But if you want, say, Spotify to
battery life), and Duration is how often it will stay continue running in the background (because
awake to allow your apps to sync. youre listening to it), add it to the whitelist.
48
get equivalent tools. One of the best is Deep
Sleep Battery Saver. This app is available
from the Play Store in free and Pro versions.
Well use the latter, as it is congurable. It
works on non-rooted devices, as well as
rooted ones, and even those using the
Xposed Framework. Needless to say, you get
more features and greater control in the
latter cases. In this guide well look at the
full Xposed option, and how to congure it
for best results. All-day battery life is just a
few clicks away.
2 Choose a prole
To congure the app, begin by selecting a
prole. There are six, ranging from Off (the app
does nothing) to Slumberer (it shuts off all tasks
and functions when the screen is turned off).
Theres also Custom to create your own prole.
5 Final ne-tuning steps
On rooted devices, tap the Tune CPU
button to power down all but one of your CPUs
cores when the display is off, and choose which
days you want your prole to work you can create
different options for weekdays and weekends.
Enhance Androids Lollipop introduced a Smart Lock feature that attempts to make security
on your phone more seamless. By using a variety of factors, including
location, you can determine when the phone should be locked and when

Smart Lock feature its safe to be unlocked. Its a much-needed feature that takes some of the
pain and inconvenience out of accessing your phone.
But Smart Lock lacks one important and obvious option: the ability to
Get granular control over your remain unlocked when connected to a specic Wi-Fi network. With the
Xposed module No Lock Home, you can add this. It means your phone will
phones permissions on Wi-Fi stay unlocked when youre at home or in the ofce, but will require a
password or pattern as soon as you move out of range of the network.

1 Set up No Lock Home

Install No Lock Home through the Xposed
Installer, then activate it and reboot. Theres no app
icon for this utility. To congure it, open Xposed
again, tap Modules and then tap the No Lock Home
icon. It will now launch into the apps settings.
2 Choose a network
Tap MAC Addresses or Names. A box shows
the address of the Wi-Fi network youre connected
to. Tap OK and then hit the Back button to save
your settings. Now, whenever you are connected
to this network, your phone will remain unlocked.
3 Stay unlocked
Alternatively, tick Any Connected Network.
This will keep your phone unlocked whenever you
are connected to any Wi-Fi network. So long as you
dont auto-connect to all open Wi-Fi networks, this
can also be a relatively safe option to use.

2 CustomisetheQuickSettingspanel
minutes System UI Tuner is a hidden feature in Marshmallow: long press the Settings icon on the status bar to activate it.
guide
You can also add the same functionality and a whole lot more using the Gravity Box module in Xposed

1 Get Gravity Box

Install the Gravity Box module
through the Xposed Installer app,
then activate it and reboot. Launch
the app, go to QuickSettings
Management, activate Master
Switch, then reboot again. Go back
into these options to start tweaking.
Add/remove tiles
2 Open Statusbar QuickSettings
Tiles to congure the options for the
Quick Settings pane. Remove default
tiles by unticking; there are plenty of
new ones to add. Tap the three-dots
icon to decide which are accessible
when the phone is locked.
3 Tile settings
Tap Tile Specic Settings to
tweak how some Quick Settings tiles
work. For example, you can set the
battery tile to show a percentage, or
to be highlighted in a different colour
when power saver mode is on. All the
changes take place in real-time.
4 Quick shortcut
The last option to change is
Quick Pulldown. Activating this
enables you to quickly open the
Quick Settings panel by swiping
down either screen edge. Its very
useful for pre-Lollipop devices,
where the panel is less accessible.

49
 Hacker Zne
Take control of app
permissions
Marshmallow takes app
permissions to the next
level, but you can do this
right now by using the
XPrivacy tool for Xposed
1 InSet up XPrivacy
the Xposed Installer app, go to
Downloads and search for XPrivacy. Swipe to
Versions and tap Install. A notication will then
appear, telling you to activate and reboot. Once
you do this, the XPrivacy icon will now be
available in the app drawer. Tap on it to launch.
Take back control
4 The
refreshed list will show only apps
with the Contacts permission. The green key
icon conrms the app has the permission, while
a yellow warning icon tells you it has actually
used the permission. If you want to revoke the
permission, tick the box next to the apps name.
50
Android 6.0 nally introduced the concept
of granular app permissions to the OS.
This enables users to take control of what
third-party apps are allowed to do. So, next
time that ashlight app wants to scan your
contacts list for no obvious reason, itll need
to ask for permission to do so. You can get
even greater controls on permissions with
Restrict by app
2 You will see a complete list of all the
apps installed on your phone. To restrict the
permissions any app has, tap on it. Any
permissions with a green key icon next to them
are ones that the app has. Tick the box
alongside it to revoke that permission.
5 Restrict on demand
In the main apps list, you can tick the
pink box alongside an app to place a question
mark within it. This means you will be prompted
each time an app attempts to use a permission,
and its a good way of keeping a close eye on
any new apps that you have installed.
XPrivacy, the powerful Xposed module. Via a
simple interface, you can either be prompted
to all permissions requests as and when they
occur, or limit an app the moment you install
it. And unlike in Marshmallow, you get to
control every single permission, including
internet access. For this reason, XPrivacy is a
great choice for Android 6.0 users as well.
Restrict by type
3 From the apps main screen, tap the
drop-down list labelled (by default) All. You can
now lter the list based on specic permissions.
For instance, if you want to see and manage
which apps are able to access your contacts list,
select Contacts.
6 Allow or deny
When an app tries to use a permission, a
box will pop up telling you which one is being
used (eg Contacts) and give you the option to
Allow or Deny it. If the box is coloured red, you
must allow it, as this is an essential system
function and the app wont work without it.
 BUILD A BETTER WEB
www.webdesignermag.co.uk

E s FREE
SU Available
from all good
EVERY IS

RE

newsagents and
SOURCE

supermarkets
DS

DO
WNLOA
ON SALE NOW
Show-stopping HTML5 & CSS3 | Whats new in WordPress 4.4? | Build VR with A-Frame
PRACTICAL TIPS BEHIND THE SCENES INDUSTRY OPINION

BUY YOUR ISS

Print edition available at www.imagineshop.co.uk
Digital edition available at www.greatdigitalmags.com
Available on the following platforms

facebook.com/webdesignermag twitter.com/webdesignermag
 Hacker Zne
status update
Which devices are best for
the hacking scene?
LG Nexus 5X
Rooted?: Yes
Active development:
QQQHigh
So many custom ROMs
are available for this
Tips & Tricks Down, this is increasingly an option
excellent little phone, in the Power button menu,
which is surprising essentially saving you a nger. Just
considering its less press and hold the Power button,
than six months old.
and tap the Take Screenshot option
in the menu.
Huawei Finally, if your phone is frozen and
Mate 8 you need to restart it, holding the
Rooted?: Yes Power button down might not do the
Active development:
QQQHigh trick. Instead, hold Power + Volume
Another recent phone Up to restart.
with a fast uptake in
developer users, the
Mate 8 has a wide
Accessibility
collection of ROMs and
is simple to root.
features for all
While you might think that Androids Dont overlook Android accessibility features
Its easy to take a screenshot with the
Pixel C correct button combination accessibility features are purely for
Rooted?: Yes those who need alternative access Enjoy no-root
Active
development: Android buttons do options, the fact is that the
Settings>Accessibility menu stock Android
QQQMedium
Googles a lot more features a host of options that are Wouldnt it be nice if your version of
Chromebook- Hardware buttons continue to be useful to everybody. Android looked exactly how Google
beating Pixel C
important, from the volume buttons There are two that you should intended, rather than how Samsung,
tablet is making waves in the dev
community, and can be unlocked using to the camera and power buttons. take a look at immediately. Switch Sony or HTC would like it to? While
the same fastboot command as the But are you aware of the ways in Access, once enabled, will monitor many people root their phones and
Nexus 6P. which all of these hardware buttons how you use your phone and install a stock ROM to achieve a
can be used, alone and in suggest congurable key Nexus-like, Material Design
Samsung Galaxy Gear conjunction with each other? combinations to save time with experience, its actually easier than
Rooted?: Yes
Active developme For instance, if your phone is certain tasks. Magnication you might think, and can be done
QQQHigh ringing and a call is incoming that Gestures is also handy, enabling a without rooting.
This popular you would rather not take, rather triple-tap gesture to zoom into Your rst step should be installing
smartwatch, comp than picking up the phone, possibly images and webpages. the Google Now Launcher, free from
with camera, can n
be synced with opening its case and tapping reject Options such as display auto- Google Play, which will replace the
non-Samsung pho call, you can just press the Volume rotate (theres also a toggle for this phones default launcher. Say
And thats without Down button. in the notication area) and the goodbye to TouchWiz and HTC
rooting. Perhaps th While you may know about the ability to end calls by pressing the Sense, and say hello to a new
ultimate hackers
smartwatch. screen capture option (usually Power button might also be worthy launcher, complete with a
available by holding Power + Volume of review. customisable Google Now screen.

q hacks
Turn an old
Android into a
media server
Whether you have an old Android
device lying around, or you want to
send video content from your
phone to your TV, several apps can
help you out. This is achieved with
Bubble UPnP for DLNA/
Chromecast, free from Google Play.
Save media
1 Begin
by ensuring the media you
wish to stream is saved to your
Android storage (internal, SD card, or
even a USB drive connected via USB
OTG), and your Smart TV or DLNA
device is switched on.
Install Bubble UPnP
2 Bubble
UPnP for DLNA/
Chromecast requires Android 4.0+,
but little conguration. If streaming to
Chromecast, open the right menu
and select it under the Renderer
option, then your device as a remote.
Stream to Your TV
3 For
network media
streamers, youll need to use the
devices interface to browse for
your Android media server,
identied by device name. Browse
the contents, click Play and enjoy!

52
 Share your tips
Got a custom hack?
facebook twitter email
/littlegreenrobot @lgrobot qa@littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to Discovered anything good about
Let us know about it! join our online community send us your tips & tricks your Android phone? Let us know!

stay under your data limit), keeping
abreast of calls can be difcult.
Start by opening the Android dialer
and looking for call history. By
selecting a contact here (or an
information icon, or long pressing and
selecting the appropriate menu
Google ecosystem via your Android
device, theres a good chance that
youve spent some time wondering
just how much the search giant
knows about you.
But did you know that you can still
use your Android without your
internet activity, purchases and
movements being recorded by
Google? Several options are
available, such as abandoning
Google apps manually and using
replacements (F-Droid for apps,
DuckDuckGo for browsing, OsmAnd
for navigation, Swiftnotes for
note-taking and so on).
A better solution might be to ash
a new, Google-apps-free ROM. One
such example is OmniROM, which
has just launched nightly releases of
Android 6.0 Marshmallow for a wide
range of devices.

Dont be caught in Googles

data net

Install a few Google apps to enjoy a pure

form of Android

If your phone has been upgraded

to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, your
next step should be to install the
Android Dialer and Contacts apps,
which will give you the pure Android
experience when making a call.
Forolder OS versions, search
apkmirror.com for an earlier Google
Dialer, but note that this needs to be
installed manually.
Finish off by installing the free
Google Keyboard for Android, which
tops off the Material Design refresh
of your smartphone.
View detailed call
information
Are you getting the best use out of
your phone? Are you keeping within
the contracted minutes, messages
and data limits? While you can stay
on top of data with the Data Usage
tool in the Settings menu (which can
be congured with alerts to help you
Keep on top of your phone calls and
messages with Callistics
option), you should be able to see a
list of calls and durations. But rather
than wait for more detail in your
monthly bill, why not install an app like
Callistics, free from Google Play (with
in-app purchases)? It not only shows
you how long youve been talking to
each contact, but also monitors text
messages and shows how much
data your apps are using.
Use Android
without Google
Privacy concerns continue to haunt
anyone with an internet connection,
and if you have bought into the

Hacking the easy way Get great new features without getting your hands (too) dirty

ClockworkMod ROM Manager Root Checker

Tether Price: Free/3.99 Price: Free
Price: Free/5 in-app From: Play Store From: Play Store
purchase Need root? Yes Need root? Yes
From: Play Store Flash recovery, manage Rooting Android can be a
Need root? No and ash ROMs, back up tricky procedure. Even
Your mobile network will and restore Android and when you think the
no longer be able to block more with this phone is rooted, you
you from accessing the near-legendary app. With might nd that things
internet with your Android the premium version arent quite right. In
device. After the 14-day installed, you can disable thiscase, use Root
trial, upgrade to disable adverts and access Checker to nd and x
the download limit. premium ROMs. rootingproblems.

Check our website daily

for even more tips & tricks
www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk 53
 Hacker Zne
Difculty Advanced

Check who
is usingyour Fing helps you see who
and what is using your
Wi-Fi connection
ommonplace
that it is easy to
you are even using A clever app
1 Go
rgetfulness has been to the Google Play Store
nded by the fact that and search for Fing Network Tools.
households, the use The app (by Overlook) is completely
ple devices is not free to download and use, and does
mon. From games not require any special permissions.
s to smart TVs to Therefore you can safely download
hones to tablets and so and install it as you would any other
ist really is endless. app. Once installed, go to Settings on
uld, however, consider your Android device.
y what and who is
our Wi-Fi connection so
can make the most of
lable bandwidth and
secure at all times.
e ability to check what
s connecting to a router
s available in the admin
ettings screen when
essed on a PC, but it is
ually unwieldy and most
uter manufacturers have
ailed to grasp the concept
f ease of use. The process
complex, inefcient and
en time-consuming in the
xtreme, but there is an
alternative. Fing is an
Android app that lets you
heck what is using your
-Fi connection at any time
nd it is much more user
6 Check and
endly than most compare
ernatives. It helps explain If you are unsure as to which device is
ore advanced functionality which, just go and use one: you will be
be opened at any time if you able to locate its Wi-Fi MAC address
ncerns about who may be in Settings>About phone/tablet>
our bandwidth. You can also Status on an Android device. You can
ion using the app. In this then compare them so that you know
we will cover everything there exactly what device you are checking
ow about it so you can get the details for.
d straight away.

54
 2 The right
connection
Tap on the Wi-Fi option in Settings
and make sure that you are
connected to the router you want to
check with Fing. The app will use
only this Wi-Fi connection and then
interrogate it, so connecting to the
wrong router will defeat the entire
aim of the process.
7 Change
name
the
Holding on to any name in the list
will let you change the name of it so
that you can discover it more easily
in the future. This simple feature
enables you to give proper names
to each device, which makes it
easier to spot new devices when
they connect.
3 Time to scan
As soon as the app is
opened, Fing will immediately
startscanning the network your
Android device is connected to and
will populate a list of devices that
are using it. Be patient and wait for
the scan to complete, because it
can take time for some devices to
show up.
8 Check device
performance
Tap the Ping option when a device is
selected. You will see the
percentage packet loss, estimated
hops and minimum and maximum
pings. Together, this should reveal
how efciently a device is
connecting to your router so you
can spot potential problems.
4 Check the
numbers
Count the number of devices that
are connected and compare them
to what should be working in your
home. Many will have names
alongside the entry, which will help
narrow down each device, but
some may display unknown which
will require further investigation.
9 Trace route
You can also use the
Traceroute option to see the path
that the connection from a device
to the Wi-Fi router takes. Ideally,
youwould want to see 0 hops, for
the most efcient and quickest
path. This option enables you to
check forunnecessary hops via
Wi-Fi extenders.
5 See more detail
Tap on any device in the list
to see more information about it,
including its MAC address, IP
address, vendor, rst seen date
andtime, and a variety of other
useful data. You will notice other
options at the bottom of the
screen, which can be tapped to
delve deeper.
10 Block a device
To immediately block a
suspicious device from accessing
your router, tap the MAC Address
eld to copy it to the clipboard.
Youcan now use this in the router
settings, accessed via a PC, to
block that device from ever
connecting to your network in
thefuture.
55
 Hacker Zne
Works with Android 2.1 and up Difculty Intermediate

Boost your devices

display with Textdroider
Improve your When you think about the quality of your devices
display, you should be thinking about screen
devices screen density, not resolution. Screen density is a ratio of
density, or shrink resolution and screen size, measured in dots per
inch (dpi). The higher the dpi, the smaller each
your UI to squeeze individual pixel, which means greater clarity and a
more content more detailed display.
The Textdroider app lets you improve your
on screen devices display by increasing dpi. You can also
create a zoomed-out effect by lowering your
displays dpi, which allows you to t more content
on screen and can be used to bring a tablet feel to
Android smartphones.
Although Textdroider is straightforward to use, it
can cause your device to go into a bootloop or
encounter other errors. For this reason its essential
you create a full backup so youll have something to
restore if your device goes haywire.

1 Download Textdroider 2 Change your dpi 3 Reboot your device

Textdroider can cause your device to go
into a bootloop, so do a full backup before you
start. Once youre fully backed up, download
Textdroider DPI from the Google Play Store.
Launch the app. Read the on-screen warning,
and then tap I get it to proceed.
The main Textdroider DPI screen
displays your current dpi; in the screenshot
above, this is 480 dpi. To change your dpi
settings, tap the New DPI eld and enter a new
value. Tap the Apply button. Conrm that you
want to change your devices DPI by tapping Yes.
Grant Textdroider superuser
permissions when prompted. After a few
moments, DPI after reboot will be updated to
the new value. The new setting will only be
applied upon reboot, so tap Textdroiders
Reboot button, and conrm by tapping Yes.

4 View your new screen 5 Stuck in a bootloop? 6 Push and pull

Once your device reboots, the new dpi
setting should be in effect. However, theres a
chance your device will show an error message
and refuse to boot properly. If this happens, you
can x it by booting into your devices custom
recovery and restoring your last backup.
Textdroider may also cause your device
to go into a bootloop. If this happens, then once
again the x is restoring a backup. Alternatively,
if youre familiar with the Android Debug Bridge
(adb) that comes as part of the Android SDK,
you can x this issue using adb commands.
Attach your device to your computer and
use adb commands to adb pull /data/data/
com.texdroider.texdroider_dpi/les/backup/
build.prop from your device and onto your PC.
Then, adb push this le onto your device so that
it overrides the /system/build.prop le.

56
Works with Android 4.0 and up Difculty Easy

Banish time-consuming
app redirects
Cut out the Some apps have a nasty habit of redirecting you
to the web browser. For example, when opening a
middleman and Facebook link, your device will sometimes open it
open weblinks in the web browser rst, or ask you to select an app
to open it, when it could have opened the link in
directly inside their the Facebook app directly. This redirecting makes
default app opening links time-consuming and annoying. With
no root required, App Redirect removes this issue
by extracting the original link and opening it
directly in the dedicated app. App Redirect can also
recognise shortened URLs and pair them with their
supported apps. Rather than getting redirected to a
shorter domain and then being forwarded to the
original webpage, App Redirect can extract the
original link from the shortened URL, and open this
link directly inside the relevant app.

1 Enable app redirecting 2 Find a link 3 Set default action

Download App Redirect from Google
Play. Launch the app to see a menu listing all
the installed apps for which it can enable
redirect. Select these apps, then put the App
Redirect functionality to the test by opening
your devices web browser.
Find a site containing a link to one of the
apps for which youve enabled app redirecting.
For example, if youve enabled it for Facebook,
head over to pretty much any website and nd a
link to that websites corresponding Facebook
page. Give this link a tap.
In the pop-up, select App Redirect as the
default action, then Always. The Facebook app
will open with the websites page already
selected. Now, whenever you try to access this
kind of link, itll open automatically inside the
dedicated app and not in the web browser.

4 Add more apps 5 Rooted? Try CrappaLinks

Repeat this process for every app youve
enabled app redirecting for. App Redirect can
also recognise shortened URLs to a number of
apps; for example, if it encounters an on.fb.me
link, itll obtain the original, unshortened URL
and open it in the Facebook app automatically.
If you have root, you may want to try the
CrappaLinks Xposed module. Similar to App
Redirect, it removes redirection, masking and
tracking from various apps, so links open within
the default app. You can download and install
CrappaLinks through the Xposed Installer.
6 Enable masking
Open the Xposed Installers Modules
screen and enable CrappaLinks. Reboot your
device to activate it. Launch the CrappaLinks
app. For best results, select Unshorten URLs
and Resolve All URLs, then choose from Always
or Only on WiFi when prompted.

57
 Hacker Zne
Works with Android 1.6 and up Difculty Advanced

Manage your
R Mson Manage ROMs with ROM
Toolbox Pro its slick,
advanced and super-useful

If you want to swap between

ROMs on your Android device, or
have customised every level of
your phone or tablet, it is likely
that you have spent substantial
periods with your mobile device
nected to a computer. When
t root an Android device,
lmost certainly need to
f apps on your
lete the process,
be tied to a
age your
ed ROM
want.
o
Check the root
1 Before
you do anything else,
youll want to use an app such as
Root Checker to ensure that the root
on your device is still valid and that it
is recognised by ROM Toolbox Pro.
Your root access should always stay
active, but on occasion parts can
become corrupt, so its always a good
idea to check rst.

he
ould
e most
n. It
n lightly,
u will need to
nderstanding of
ange means before
t. But if you are
in your Android
ge, there will be nothing to
6 Time to reboot
Once you tap the Install
e you here. We will show you option, you will be asked if you are
w to install ROMs via the app and happy to reboot your device into
how to back up all of your Recovery. The app is merely a starter
important data before you make for this process and you will then
changes. We will also highlight need to follow standard processes,
some of the more unusual features but it does take everything away from
that are available. By the end of this the need to use a separate computer
tutorial, you will realise just how to install ROMs.
powerful this app is.

58
 2 A big range
Take some time to browse
around the main features of ROM
Toolbox Pro, but try to look for the
ones you will need to use most
often, and then familiarise yourself
with how they work. Everything is
logically laid out and very easy to
understand, including text
descriptions of features.
7 Select a recovery
Tap the settings icon
(third from the right at the top) to
choose a Recovery method. Tap
Select Your Recovery and then
choose the one that you want to
use. Ideally, you should stick with
the same method if possible for
theinstallation of all ROMs on
yourdevice.
3 Download
utilities
extra
Some features will require you to
download extra utilities, but feel
free to check what they are before
you install anything new. The
le-browsing feature, for example,
needs these extra utilities to work.
They wont take long to install
because they are very small.
8 Back up a ROM
Tap on ROM Installer at the
top of the screen and then select
the Backup & Restore option to
enter a new menu. Select the
Backup Current ROM option and
then give it a logical name in the
next window. You will now need to
reboot into recovery to complete
the process.
4 Download a ROM
You can download a new
Android ROM directly to your device,
but please ensure that it is 100 per
cent compatible with your
hardware, and that reviews of it are
positive. ROMs that are not
compatible can still be installed, but
may cause fatal problems to a
phone or tablet.
9 Back up and
install
When installing a new ROM, the app
will prompt you to do the right thing
by asking to Backup Existing ROM
and Wipe Data and Cache. You
should do both of these every time
you install a new ROM on your
device because they will give you
extra security.
5 The ROM installer
Tap the ROM Installer tab
located at the top of the screen
andthen tap Add Zip to search for
the ROM that you have just
downloaded. Once located, it will
bedisplayed in the Install Queue,
ready for you to install it fully. A
queue of updates can be added to
this list.
10 Check
compatibility
There are many utilities and extras
that you can install from within the
app, but dont presume that just
because they are listed they will
work on your Android device. Always
check that they are compatible with
your phone or tablet and that they
are reviewed as being stable.
59
Group test
The toughest smartphones

60
 Group test
The toughest smartphones

The beauty of Android lies in the choice that consumers have. No matter
how hard to please you are, the Android ecosystem is sure to have a huge
range of options. With the booming popularity of premium devices, the good
old rugged phone doesnt get much love these days. But if you spend your
days going from one building site to another during the day and love outdoor
pursuits at the weekend, and need your smartphone to withstand a few
bumps and scratches as well as the elements, what exactly are your
options? More than likely you dont want to spend 500 on a smartphone
that could be destroyed within a week. Well, weve scoured the market and
found four devices that pride themselves on being tough, and put them
face-to-face to discover which one deserves your hard-earned money.
Weve got two entries from CAT, which claims to be redening what rugged
means with no-nonsense design and good specs, as well as a surprise
contender from Samsung and the little-known RugGear RG730 looking to
upset the apple cart. Theres lots to get through, so lets make a start.

61
Group test
The toughest smartphones
Samsung
Xcover 3
information
Price 180
More information samsung.com
Supplied by Samsung
technical specs
Operating system........Android 4.4.4 (KitKat)
Processor...........................ARM Cortex-A53
1.2GHz quad-core
Memory ...............................1.5GB RAM, 8GB storage
Dimensions.......................132.9 x 70.1 x 10mm
Weight...................................154g
Display size .......................4.5-inch
Display resolution........480 x 800 pixels (207ppi)
Connectivity.....................Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
Expansion slot................microSD (up to 128GB)
Camera ................................Main: 5MP, autofocus,
LEDflash
Front: 2MP
head-to-head
Toughness
In extreme conditions the Xcover 3 will
take most of what you chuck at it. It
survives in water, when covered in dust,
and manfully absorbs blows when it is
dropped from considerable height.
Specifications
The specications arent great, but youre
getting value and features for the price
point. The screen has been woefully
neglected by Samsung, but everyday
performance is more than acceptable.
Build quality
We had no qualms about the build quality,
even if it was a bit lightweight in the hand
for a rugged phone. The back casing clicks
reassuringly into place, and the textured
body and controls stop unwanted slips.
Battery
Battery life is not spectacular, so youll
want to make the most of the removable
Li-ion 2200mAh battery by carrying a spare.
Talk time averages out at just about 10
hours per charge.
Samsung
Verdict
is punching above
its weight. General specs
are average, but an IP67
certificate makes the Xcover
a genuine contender
62
Xcover key
You can customise the
blue Xcover key in the
top-left corner of the
smartphone to perform a
common task, such as
opening the Camera app.
A nice touch when youre
busy outdoors
Design
At just 154g, the Xcover 3
isnt the sturdiest device
VQ JQNF +VU RTGFQOKPCVGN[
plastic, so it never feels
RTGOKWO +V OC[ YGNN
RCUU VJG VQWIJ VGUV DWV
KV FQGUPV TGCNN[ NN [QW
YKVJ EQPFGPEG
Samsung Xcover 3
Is this usual suspect tough enough to mix it with
the kings of ruggedness?
If you asked people to name a manufacturer that
springs to mind when you mention toughness, its
unlikely Samsung would be high on the list. Samsung
does have a habit of making sure it has every market
covered, though. Its Xcover 3 handset ticks the
rugged box by shipping with an IP67 rating that gives it
protection from water and dust. It can survive in one
metre of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Drop it in a
puddle, or down the toilet, and the Xcover 3 will live to
tell the tale. The Xcover 3 is also MIL-STD-810G (yes,
thats a real thing), meaning this Samsung device is
resistant to salt, humidity, rain, vibration, solar
radiation and thermal shock. In other words, this is
one tough little cookie. Its a line-up of features that
will satisfy even the most extreme smartphone user.
The Xcover 3 is a year old now, though, so in terms
of smartphone specs, it doesnt match what weve
now become accustomed to. A quick glance at the
asking price tells you that, inside, this is basically a
Added features
Samsung has built in a
compass sensor for those
taking their phone on an
extended hike. Theres
also the standard
accelerometer and even
C RTQZKOKV[ UGPUQT HQT
keen ramblers
Removable casing
The entire back panel can
be removed to get access
VQ VJG DCVVGT[ CPF 5+/
compartments. Just
ensure everything is
clicked back into place
before you go for a swim
budget phone. The 4.5-inch screen only offers
480x800 pixels, which at 207ppi is very
disappointing. Its heavily pixelated, and pales in
comparison to any of Samsungs brilliant agship
screens. It does have very good viewing angles
because of the addition of PLS (Plane Line Switching)
technology, which helps the Xcover in outdoor
situations. Still, it doesnt look great from any angle.
The quad-core processor and uneven 1.5GB RAM
ensure that the Xcover never has any problems
dealing with everyday tasks. It runs Android 5.1.1 out
of the box, which is outdated but fully expected. The
8GB of built-in storage is fairly embarrassing, so youll
need to make full use of the microSD facility that
stores up to 128GB. You wont be lling the SD card
up with many pictures, because the 5MP main and
2MP front shooters are nothing to write home about,
with images suffering noise damage and really
struggling in low light.

Well protected
The CAT S50 is IP67 rated
and holds a military-grade
/+.56&) EGTVKECVG
too as long as the
phones casings are shut.
Dont worry, youll be
warned if theyre not
Dedicated app
store
CAT bundles its own App
Store with the S50,
providing its target
audience with a selection
of suitable apps, saving
you the time and effort of
trawling Google Play
CAT S50
Can the S50 stand the test of time, or should you look
elsewhere for the ultimate tough Android phone?
The CAT S50 may be the oldest phone in this group
test, but as a pioneer of Android toughness it still
fully justies its place. The technical specications
are now well and truly out of date (though still an
improvement over the Samsung), but as far as
ruggedness goes, the S50 still has a lot going for it.
The 4.7-inch IPS screen, for example, is protected by a
layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and therefore immune
to scratches. Its full HD too, with a 312ppi pixel
density, which makes it a joy to use. The screen can
also be used with wet ngers, and given its IP67
waterproof rating, that might come in handy. At the
very least, youll enjoy the capacitive touchscreen
behaving normally even with a bit of moisture on your
nger. The CAT S50 also holds the MIL-STD-810G
rating, which means its protected fully against
elements like salt, dust and thermal shock.
It looks like a tough cookie, too. Whereas the
Samsung doesnt instil us with condence in its
0Q UGNGU
In stereotypical manly
fashion, CAT doesnt think
OWEJ QH UGNGU 6JG 5U
front-facing shooter is
QPN[ C 8)# OQFWNG DWV
you can shoot 1080p
video at 30fps with the
main camera
Audio boost
Sound output is pretty
decent, even in windy
conditions, thanks to
performance-enhancing
audio technology
developed by Waves
MaxxAudio. Sound is
neglected on the rest of
the phones in this test
ruggedness, we have no such qualms here. The back
casing might be plastic, but the furnishings are all
made from a sturdy silver metal. All four corners are
harshly cut diagonally and covered in rubber casings
perfect for absorbing any shock from an accidental
fall. The S50 has been tested to survive a 1.2 metre
drop without any adverse affects.
The spec list would have been close to agship
standards when it was released, but with 18 months
passed, it cant compete now. There is at least a
quad-core Qualcomm processor and 2GB RAM to
keep things ticking along. On the negative side, were
stuck in the dark ages of Android 4.4 and theres just
8GB of on-board storage. For the price, thats
embarrassing now, and would have been 18 months
ago too. It does have 4G options and Bluetooth 4.0 on
board, though. Having class-leading spec might not
be what youre looking for, however, in which case the
S50 is still an enticing prospect.
Group test
The toughest smartphones
CAT S50
information
Price 336
More information catphones.com
Supplied by catphones.com
technical specs
Operating system........Android 4.4
Processor...........................Qualcomm 1.2GHz
quad-core
Memory ...............................2RAM, 8GB storage
Dimensions.......................144.5 x 77 x 12.7mm
Weight...................................185g
Display size .......................4.7-inch
Display resolution........720 x 1280 (312ppi)
Connectivity.....................Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
Expansion slot................microSD (up to 64GB)
Camera ................................Main: 8MP
Front: VGA
head-to-head
Toughness
It might not hold the coveted IP68
rating, but the S50 can be dropped from
1.2 metres and survive the fall. Its Gorilla
Glass-protected screen can also be used
with wet ngers.
Specifications
If youre looking for bleeding-edge specs,
youve come to the wrong place. It ticks
over nicely, but 18 months is a long time in
the unforgiving Android spec race.
Build quality
This phone certainly feels tough. The
construction materials and build quality
are excellent. The rubber-coated corners,
in particular, will soak up the impact of an
accidental drop.
Battery
Battery life tests come up very favourably.
Though non-removable, the 2630mAh
battery will give you up to 16 hours of talk
time and last for an age on standby.
Another
Verdict
device that goes all
out on the toughness front
and pays little attention to
tech specs. You wouldnt
mess with it, though
63
Group test
The toughest smartphones

Camera woes
There might be plenty

RugGear QH OGICRKZGNU QP QHHGT

DWV VJG 4WI)GCT KU PQ

RG730 IQQF HQT COCVGWT

RJQVQITCRJGTU +OCIGU
ECOG QWV ITCKP[ CPF YGTG

information
XGT[ NQY KP SWCNKV[

Dual SIM
;QW PGGF C UETGYFTKXGT VQ
Price 549 IGV CEEGUU VQ VJG 5+/ ECTF
More information ruggear.co.uk UNQVU DWV WPFGTPGCVJ
Supplied by ruggear.co.uk [QWNN PF VYQ QPG HQT
YQTM QPG HQT UQEKCN 6JG
technical specs DCVVGT[ ECPV DG CEEGUUGF
Operating system........Android 5.1 Lollipop VJQWIJ YJKEJ KU C UJCOG

Processor...........................MediaTek MT6735
1.3GHz quad-core
Memory ...............................2GB RAM, 16GB storage
Dimensions.......................156 x 82 x 14mm
Weight...................................245g
Display size .......................5.0-inch
Display resolution........720 x 1280 Assistant app
Connectivity.....................Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 4WI)GCTU #PFTQKF UMKP KU
Expansion slot................microSD (up to 64GB) HCKTN[ DNCPF DWV KV FQGU
Camera ................................Main: 13MP EQOGU DWPFNGF YKVJ C
Front: 5MP 4WI)GCT #UUKUV CRR VJCV
KPENWFGU C UWRGTDTKIJV

head-to-head
HNCUJNKIJV C EQORCUU CPF
/QTUG EQFG JGNR
Future-proof
Toughness 6JG 4WI)GCT 4) KU )
The RG730 takes toughness to new EQORCVKDNG CNTGCF[ CPF
GXGP EQOGU YKVJ 0(%
levels. It cruised through the IP68 tests,
HWPEVKQPCNKV[ HQT OCMKPI
but it also comes with the military-grade OQDKNG RC[OGPVU +VU PQV
MIL-STD-810G certicate and impressive LWUV C DWKNFKPI UKVG YJGTG
temperature control. VJKU FGXKEG YKNN DG WUGHWN

Specifications
Finally a smartphone built for extremities
that doesnt skimp on the technical specs.

RugGear RG730
Its not class-leading or remotely premium,
but its a clear winner in this test.

Build quality
It screams rugged the moment you pick
it up. Its not svelte in the slightest, but
it gives you great condence that it will
withstand a lot of tough environments.
Notto be messed with.
Battery
One concern is the battery, which is
non-removable and only 3020mAh. Itll
last forever on standby, but only gives
youseven hours of talk time on 3G. It
should be better.
A smartphone that appears to set new standards in toughness,
but is the RugGear as rugged as it looks?
Within one minute of unpacking the RugGear RG730
wed already decided that this was a tough
smartphone. There was no pretence about being
pretty here just a thick, rugged design that you knew
would stand up to the test. Its a bit of a monster, too: a
big black slab weighing in at 245g and measuring
14mm thick (nearly twice that of a premium Android
smartphone). The RugGear certainly has a target
audience in mind and it proudly plays up to it. You wont
under water at a depth of two metres. Its also
dustproof to please electricians rewiring roofs. A big
selling point is the RG730s ability to handle extreme
temperature changes. It works at a massive range of
-20 C all the way up to 60 C. We couldnt quite test
those stats out, but its nice to know it can handle a
hot British summer without overheating. Its also
MIL-STD-810G certied, and can handle being
dropped from over two metres in height.

ItsVerdict
as tough as it looks. A
nd any RugGear device in a designer handbag. The
plastic textured back casing has a good grip to it, and
the phones metal edges have a premium quality to
real Swiss Army knife of an them and house all the usual home and volume
Android phone, and one that buttons. The charging point and headphone jack live at
the top and are covered by a plastic clip that in theory
has specifications that arent stops anything getting into it, but we found some sand
matched in this group test stuck inside during testing.
The RugGear RG730 does come with a prized IP68
certicate, which means itll survive for 30 minutes
The 5-inch screen is made from Gorilla Glass 3,
which makes it super-tough in our view. The display
isthe biggest one featured in this group test, and also
the best. Good brightness and 720x1280 HD
resolution make it easy to watch videos and browse
the web. A good screen makes a massive difference
to any phone, and shouldnt be underestimated.
Throw in a decent processor and plenty of memory
and youve got a rugged phone that doesnt skimp on
general specications.

64
 Group test
The toughest smartphones

Camera stats
The main camera is the
same 8MP offering that
doesnt break any
boundaries, but you do get
C UGNG ECO VJCV CEVWCNN[
CAT S40
Better
has megapixels this time.
1080p video is also
available at 60fps
connectivity
The S40 enjoys ultra-fast
4G connectivity, with
information
support for more global Price 329.99
bands (North America is More information catphones.com
its main focus, though) Supplied by catphones.com
than its predecessor
technical specs
Operating system........Android 5.1 Lollipop
Processor...........................ARM Cortex-A7
1.1GHz quad-core
Memory ...............................1GB RAM, 16GB internal
Dimensions.......................144.9 x 74.1 x 12.5mm
Weight...................................185g
Display size .......................4.7-inch
Screen-to-body
Display resolution........540 x 960
ratio
Connectivity.....................Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
The body is effectively the
Expansion slot................microSD (up to 64GB)
same size as the S50, but Camera ................................Main: 8MP
Front: 2MP
because the bezel is

head-to-head
slightly smaller you get
more screen for your
money, at 56.7 per cent Tracking sensors
screen-to-body ratio The S40 comes with Toughness
accelerometer, proximity
You cant argue with the S40s credentials
and compass sensors for
those who love the great here. The IP rating has been bumped up
outdoors. Bluetooth has to IP68 and the S40 can now withstand
jumped to version 4.1, too. repeated drops onto concrete from
Every little helps
1.8 metres (5.9 feet).

Specifications
A real letdown. CAT has decided to go
backwards in terms of the components
used to power the S40. The processor is

CAT S40
worse than the S50s, the screen is worse
and theres less RAM.

Has enough changed since the S50 to make
CAT the number-one tough guy?
Released nearly a year after the foundations of the
S50 were built, the S40 is CATs latest rugged
offering. A year is a long time in the Android world, so
we were excited to see what had changed. The IP
rating has been upgraded to IP68, which means the
CAT S40 is waterproof up to one metre for a whole
hour. It can also be dropped repeatedly onto concrete
from 1.8 metres and survive, while it manages to
easily gain military-grade MIL-STD-810G certication.
In short, itll handle pretty much anything you put it
through. If you thought the S50 was tough, then the
S40 ramps that up a notch.
Design-wise, not a great deal has changed. The
rubber-coated cut-off corners give a distinctive look
and help protect against falls, while the metal sides
are now a more vibrant silver colour. Some of the
connection points are moved around, but the main
difference is the return of hardware buttons to the
front a strange move considering the S50 had
Build quality
We really like the design and build quality,
however. Not a great deal has changed,
but theres been some nice, cultured
tweaks. Were not sure about the hardware
modern, capacitive buttons. Build quality is excellent, buttons, though.
though, giving us great condence in its durability.
Its when we look at the spec sheet and use the Battery
phone for a prolonged period of time that we start to This is one area where CATs developers
believe CAT has not built on the success of the S50 have been hard at work. The 3000mAh
properly. The screen has gone from Gorilla Glass 3 to battery will give you a whopping 18 hours
Gorilla Glass 4, but the 540x960 resolution and of talk time, and a nearly a month on
234ppi count are both inferior to the S50 model. Lets standby. Impressive.
not forget that this phone is nearly a year younger. It
doesnt make sense to us. The CPU line-up is weaker
too, and the S40 ships with 1GB less RAM. CAT has
gone backwards and it shows in our tests. You do
WeVerdict
had high hopes for the
get treated to Lollipop and an extra 8GB of built-in S40, but CAT has taken one
storage, which was a necessary boost. The main step forward in the rugged
improvement is in battery size, and that will be a
boonfor workers spending long days on a building
stakes and two steps back in
site. You get an extra week on standby and, more the smartphone stakes
importantly, two hours more talk time. The battery is
still non-removable, though.

65
Group test
The toughest smartphones

The Winner... GROUP

RugGear
TEST WINNER

RG730
This was a group test that the CAT S40
should have walked away with. With it
arriving nearly a year after its S50 sibling,
CAT shouldve worked on the foundations
already laid. The S40 builds on the
toughness front and adds a great battery
into the equation, but tech spec
downgrades are seriously hard to fathom.
Have you ever seen a smartphone
manufacturer bring out a new model with
less power and a worse screen than the one
it produced before? Exactly. Wed actually
rank the S50 higher than the S40 as a
result. Samsungs offering is more than
acceptable, but its really small in
comparison to its rivals and never gave us
the condence we got from the others.
That left the door wide open, and in
comes the RugGear RG730 to be crowned
our most rugged smartphone. Right from
the off, you know this is a phone that can
look after itself. Its IP68 certicate is class-
leading, while its extreme temperature
resistance was really impressive. Its built
with military standards in mind, and you
caneven use it while wearing gloves.
Importantly, it doesnt make concessions on
the spec front. The quad-core processor is
good and theres 2GB RAM to complement
it. The screen was the biggest in the test,
while also matching the S50s 720x1280
resolution. Chuck in 4G abilities and NFC
and you have a phone to use on the building
site and in everyday life for a long time.

Samsung Galaxy CAT S50 RugGear RG730 CAT S40

Xcover 3
OS Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) Android 4.4 (KitKat) Android 5.1 (Lollipop) Android 5.1 (Lollipop)

Processor ARM Cortex-A53 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm 1.2GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6735 1.3GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 1.1GHz quad-core

Memory 1.5GB RAM, 8GB storage 2GB RAM, 8GB storage 2GB RAM, 16GB storage 1GB RAM, 16GB storage

Dimensions 132.9 x 70.1 x 10mm 144.5 x 77 x 12.7mm 156 x 82 x 14mm 144.9 x 74.1 x 12.5mm

Weight 154g 185g 245g 185g

Display size 4.5-inch 4.7-inch 5-inch 4.7-inch

Display resolution 480 x 800 720 x 1280 720 x 1280 540 x 960

Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1

Main: 5MP, autofocus, LED ash Main: 8MP Main: 13MP Main: 8MP
Camera Front: 2MP Front: VGA Front: 5MP Front: 2MP

Overall score

66
Special offer for readers in North America

4 issuesFREE When you subscribe

FREE
resource
downloads
every The leading magazine
issue
dedicated to the
worlds most
popular mobile OS

Quote
Order hotline USA
for this
Online at www.imaginesubs.co.uk/and exclusive
*Terms and conditions This is a US subscription offer. You will actually be charged 75 sterling for an annual subscription. This is equivalent to
$112 at the time of writing, exchange rate may vary. 4 free issues refers to the USA newsstand price of $12.50 for 13 issues being $162.50, compared offer!
with $112 for a subscription. Your subscription starts from the next available issue and will run for 13 issues. This offer expires 30 June 2016.
Reviews
Remix OS
Chrome OS has for a long time been the best
option available for users who want to achieve
an Android experience without being tied to
their smartphone or tablet. But for those who
dont want to invest in a Chromebook, or pry
themselves away from the PC or Mac, then the
Remix OS could be for you. In the most simple
terms, Remix OS offers a full Android experience
on devices you wouldnt necessarily expect to
nd one. Similar to other lightweight operating
systems, users download Remix, put it onto a
Users have access to the complete Google
Play store, which has pretty much everything
and anything you could ever need
68
Theres now a whole new way to get the Android
experience on either your PC or Mac
memory stick and sideload it onto their desktop
via USB. Theres no real installation and as soon
as the USB stick is removed, your desktop will
instantly revert back to Windows or OS X. This
quick and easy system will pay dividends for
those who want to try something new, but dont
necessarily want to be tied into Remix if they
cant get on with it.
Once loaded, its a fairly familiar desktop setup
that users have at their disposal. Apps can be
placed on the desktop or toolbar at the bottom
Keyboard support
To fully replicate the desktop
experience, we highly recommend
using a mouse and keyboard.
Remix includes full support for
both, with the latter giving access
to numerous shortcuts to help
guide you around the OS
Google Play access
With so many apps available
through the Google Play store,
its easy enough to source
something for any task you
need. In some areas you can
PF VJG UVQTG NCEMKPI KP SWCNKV[
so keep that in mind
A nod to mobile
On the right side of the desktop
UKVU VJG PQVKECVKQP OGPW 6JKU
UJQWNF DG [QWT TUV RQTV QH ECNN
if you want to check up on your
social media feeds, or get
updates from your other
installed apps
of the display, or theres an intuitive app drawer
to manage your installations. Not only does it
look great, it generally performs most tasks with
ease even on ageing machines. On the app
side of things, users have access to the
complete Google Play store, which has pretty
much everything and anything you could ever
need. Some of the big-name apps are
successfully optimised for the bigger screen, but
you can nd that more obscure apps have
formatting issues. On some occasions, we did
nd one or two apps failed to load at all. Being
able to resize apps is a big plus, so tasks like
working on a project while talking to a friend on
Skype are completely plausible here.
To keep things organised, Remix includes a
handy multitasking suite of features, which
replicate some of the positives found in
 Review

Windows. Navigating between les and storage support for your mouse, which opens up new one of the best on the market. Not only does it
takes just a few clicks and menus can be customisation options when on the Remix OS seamlessly blur the lines between mobile and
resized to make them more manageable on the desktop. Again, its a system that just works desktop, it looks good while doing it. It may lack
display. It really puts the control rmly back into well, without trying to emulate the glitz and glam some of the more hardcore features found in the
the users hands and lacks the intrusiveness you of its competition. likes of Windows, but for those wanting an easy,
might normally nd in many other desktop For a lightweight operating system that works and ultimately free way of getting Android on
operating systems. straight from a USB stick, Remix is without doubt their desktop, this is the best it gets.
Despite it trumping many desktop clients in a
lot of ways, Remix doesnt forget about its
smartphone roots. A panel to the right of the
display unlocks Remixs own notication system.
It works in the same vein as your traditional
smartphone feed, with the latest messages and
alerts appearing from the top and letting you
know whats going on. Its recommended that
one of the rst things you do when starting up
Remix OS is limit the apps that have access to
your notications, as the constant alert sounds
can soon get annoying. But as a system, it works
well and helps bridge the gap between
smartphone and desktop.
In fact, the bridge between desktop and
mobile gets even smaller when you factor in both
mouse and keyboard support. Keyboard support
is a particular highlight, with a wide range of
programmable shortcuts available to help cut
corners on some of the operating systems more
mundane tasks. Plus, theres even right-click Available storage: Remix OS makes it easy to see how much storage you have remaining on your machine

Bridging the gap

6JG NG OCPCIGOGPV U[UVGO
implemented into Remix is very
UKOKNCT VQ YJCV [QW YQWNF PF QP
your standard Windows desktop. It
makes it easier than ever to explore
CNN QH [QWT UVQTGF #PFTQKF NGU
Easy installation
Remix OS is sideloaded onto your
PC or Mac via USB stick. Theres
Remix OS
no real installation as such, which Free
helps speed up the OS to a certain
degree and makes it simple to More information www.jide.com/en/remixos
revert back to Windows or OS X
when necessary
Good for
Getting a desktop experience
With full keyboard and mouse support, the bridge between
desktop and mobile is clearer than ever.

Easy multitasking
Remix uses multiple, resizeable windows to make it
simple to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Bad for
Formatting issues
Some apps dont look right when displayed on Remix OS,
but these are few and far between.
Desktop software
The lack of desktop programs will be a deterrent to some,
especially if they cant find a similar offering in the Google
Play store.

Verdict
The gap between mobile and
Formatting woes
desktop has never been smaller
Although we only experienced thanks to Remix OS. Beautifully
it once or twice, not every app designed, easy to use and
available for download will
format correctly on Remix. App completely free.
windows can be resized to
make the quality better, but it
really isnt the most
sophisticated system

69
Reviews
Honor 5X
Huaweis digital native sub-brand brings premium features to the
mid-range again with the keenly priced Honor 5X
The overwhelming response to showing off the
Honor 5X device among friends is Honor? Who?
This is largely down to the fact that Honor
doesnt spend a fortune on conventional
advertising, instead preferring to cultivate a Visionary design
Honor tells us that the 5X has
fan-club culture and face-to-face meet-ups, but
visionary design inspired by
this cost-saving approach has a denite upside Spains famous Guggenheim
Honor devices have proved to be a virtually museum. Were not sure about
unbeatable value proposition in the rapidly that, but the metal chassis is
certainly much better-looking
growing mid-range device market. than the plastic mid-range
Honors latest device, the 5X, has been devices were accustomed to!
launched simultaneously in both the UK and the
States, representing Honors rst foray into the
US market. The 5X comes in at a considerable
60 lower than the RRP of its big brother, the
Honor 7, although in reality the difference can be Three card slots
as low as 30 due to the frequent promotional A growing number of dual SIM
pricing applied in the Honor Vmall store. devices force the user to
choose between a second SIM
Honors formula is to get the basics right, cut a or a microSD card, but this isnt
few features that dont affect the user experience the case with the 5X, which has
too much and deliver at a killer price. The 5X is no three slots. With only 16GB
ROM on board, this is
different. First impressions last and your initial particularly important
experience with the 5X is sure to be positive. The
metal construction and awless t and nish feel
fantastic to hold and despite the 5.5 screen, the

Youll be hard-pressed to spot

where Honor has cut corners on the
5X the processor is very capable
phone doesnt feel excessively large. The
ngerprint reader on the back of the device falls
naturally to your nger, making it a joy to use. The
good news continues when you re the device up
performance is decent, the screen is excellent
and the camera, while obviously inferior to those
on devices such as the Galaxy S4 or LG G4, is
more than acceptable. The camera app itself is a
particular highlight, as is the high-resolution front Full HD screen
The 5X has a full HD 5.5
camera with beauty shot. screen and 72.5% screen-to-
Youll be hard-pressed to spot where Honor body ratio. The fully laminated
has cut corners on the 5X 16GB ROM and 2GB IPS display has excellent
brightness and great viewing
RAM are perfect for this area of the market
angles. Full HD is impressive in
(particularly when augmented by microSD a market where mid-range
expansion) and the processor, which was usually means 720p
upgraded from a Snapdragon 615 at the last
minute, is very capable. As with previous Honor
devices, NFC is not included and buyers will also
have to make do without 5GHz Wi-Fi. Neither of
these are likely to be deal-breakers for the
majority of purchasers.

70

One of the most controversial aspects of
Honor (and Huawei) devices is the EMUI
software layer. Stock Android fans will certainly
balk at the raft of changes and additions, but in
reality most of them can either be uninstalled
or disabled (such as the third-party apps) or
replaced (such as the launcher or calendar
app). There are a lot of features that are
improvements over the base Android
experience, too, from simple tweaks like a
battery percentage indicator to more advanced
changes such as granular permissions
management and app data usage control.
As mid-range devices get better and better,
reasons to splash what is often double the cash
on agships continue to diminish. The most
obvious difference between the 5X and more
expensive devices (including the Honor 7), is in
Choose your colour
The Honor 5X is available in
three colours: grey with a black
front, silver with a white front
and all gold. They are
good-looking devices, with a
UCPFDNCUVGF PKUJ VQ VJG
aircraft-grade aluminium and a
laser-etched Honor logo
RRK
overall performance. The Snapdragon 616 is a
very capable processor that is going to be
absolutely ne for most users, but there is a
very small perceptible lag on the device in
general use. There is a good chance that this will
disappear when Honor rolls out Marshmallow to
the 5X the Honor 7 Marshmallow beta offers a
noticeable speed boost but theres no way of
being sure until the update arrives.
On the whole, though, we like the 5X a lot and
it has many unique features. Dual SIM devices
are still limited in the UK, ngerprint readers at
this price point are hard to come by and the
quality of the metal nish really puts the phone
a cut above most of its competitors. Your friends
might not recognise the Honor brand (yet), but if
Honor keeps on rolling out devices as good as
the 5X, they soon will.
Fingerprint security
6JG TGCTOQWPVGF PIGTRTKPV
reader is very similar to that on
the Nexus 6P (unsurprising,
since Honor parent Huawei
also manufactures that device).
It is exceptionally fast and
accurate, with 360-degree
recognition and multiple
gesture support
Review
Honor 5X
189.99/$199.99
More information hihonor.com
Supplied by Honor UK
Technical specs
Operating system............. Android 5.1 with EMUI 3.1
(Marshmallow with EMUI 4.0
VQHQNNQY
Processor ................................ Qualcomm Snapdragon 616
MSM8939 64-bit 1.5GHz
octa-core
Memory..................................... 16GB storage / 2GB RAM
Dimensions............................ 151.3 x 76.3 x 8.15 mm
Weight......................................... 158g
Display size ............................ 5.5-inches
Display resolution............. ZRKZGNU
Front camera........................ 13MP
Rear camera.......................... 5MP
Connectivity .......................... 4G LTE on primary SIM (all UK
DCPFU)QPUGEQPFCT[5+/
)*\9K(K$NWGVQQVJ
Expansion slot..................... microSD up to 128GB
$CVVGT[NKHG
The 3000mAh battery is excellent, assisted by EMUIs
effective battery management features
)QQFHQT
Premium on a budget
The Honor 5X looks and feels more expensive than it is;
the gold model in particular really stands out.
All day usage
EMUI does well at controlling how apps use your battery
if you put the work in to configure it.
$CFHQT
Mobile payments
The lack of NFC means it wont work with the Barclaycard
mobile payments app today or Android Pay in the future
Screen abuse
The Honor 5X doesnt benefit from Gorilla Glass on the
screen, so keep it away from a pocket full of keys
Verdict
Yet again Honor proves that you
dont need to shell out a lot of cash
to get a very capable Android phone
71
Reviews
Solid and sturdy
While it still sports a
5-inch display, the device
doesnt feel overly big in
hand. The aluminium
sides offer a nice design
twist and add a premium
feel to what is essentially
a budget device
Customisation
is key
A large part of
Cyanogens arsenal of
features centres around
customisation. Users are
able to change the look of
their device from top to
bottom with the built-in
Themes app being a
particular highlight
BQ Aquaris X5
Cyanogen is out to prove that its more than just an
Android hackers dream
While BQ probably wont be a name that many
have heard of, its making substantial strides in
producing budget-friendly devices for emerging
offshoots of the Android operating system. Its
latest device, the Aquaris X5, looks to bring
Cyanogen OS into the limelight and for the most
part, it does it with some success.
There isnt anything eye-catching about the X5,
but that isnt necessarily bad. The combination
of plastic rear and aluminium sides complement
each other and the device feels compact. We
should mention its thinner than many of its
competitors. All the necessary ports are here,
with a microSD port being a welcome inclusion.
Cyanogen offers one of the better offshoots of
the Android OS weve seen in some time. Its
dening feature is centred around customisation.
Themes, for example, is a bundled app that
offers limitless customisations of your home
screen, while AudioFX can help perfect audio
thats emitted from the speakers at the bottom
of the device. The Themes app in particular is
great for adding some extra clarity to the 5-inch
display, which is good at picking out colours, but
isnt as crisp as we would have liked.
72
Continuous
power
Cyanogen OS isnt a
major burden on battery
NKHG JGTG UQ [QWNN PF VJG
2900mAh enclosed
battery will keep you
going throughout the day
without any issues
BQ Aquaris X5
179
More information www.bq.com
Supplied by BQ
Ageing processor
Perhaps the one major
caveat of the X5 is its lack
Technical specs
of a quality processor.
The 420 is starting to
Operating system............. Cyanogen OS
show its age, and while Processor ................................ Snapdragon 412 quad-core
KVNN UWHEG HQT UOCNNGT 1.4GHz
OQFGNU C UNKIJVN[ DGGGT Memory..................................... 16GB, 2GB RAM
processor would have Dimensions............................ 144.4 x 70.5 x 7.5mm
been useful here
Weight......................................... 148g
Display size ............................ 5-inch
Display resolution............. 720 x 1280 pixels (294ppi)
Front camera........................ 5MP
Rear camera.......................... 13MP
Networks.................................. 3G/4G/NFC/ Bluetooth
Expansion slot..................... microSD to 32GB
Battery life
Theres enough power in the 2900mAh battery to keep
you going past a day on medium use.
Theres a redesigned app drawer system that
lists apps in alphabetical order, which is Good for
something that Android really needs to integrate
Keeping your wallet happy
into a later update, and a Screencast app for
On contract through O2, the X5 works out at a steal.
recording whatever is on your screen. While it Expect to get a lot of data for your buck here.
can still, by and large, count as bloatware, these
are apps that have some actual use.
Getting hands-on with Cyanogen
Despite being so early on in its development, Cyanogen OS
Lightweight Cyanogen software helps prolong is definitely one of the better Android alternatives out there.
battery life considerably, and the 2900mAh
included here will keep the X5 going for a Bad for
considerable amount of time. Theres a slight Overheating
concern about overheating on the rear of the Its not a massive issue, but theres some definite
device during processor-heavy tasks, but thats overheating from the X5 on heavy usage.
one of the caveats of having a device that Processing power
strives to be slim and shaves weight off with a Keeping costs down is one thing, but the X5 could
thin backplate. While were talking about the certainly do with a boost in power throughout.
processor, users have a decent quad-core
Snapdragon 412 to make use of. For the price
point of the device, its a perfectly capable
Verdict
processor, but most mid-range devices will leave BQs X5 shows off one of the best
it in the dust. alternative Android platforms out
Cyanogen OS is without doubt one of the best
Android offshoots out there. It works awlessly,
there, but its by no means perfect
is highly customisable and offers a great entry
point for new Android users.

Toy-like design
The View-Master is made
from a robust plastic casing
to survive bumps and will be
GCUKN[ ENGCPGF +V KU C ENQUGF
book in operation, though
[QW ECPV CEEGUU C
headphone port or alter the
volume, for example
Fit for a phablet
Compatible with a large
range of devices, the
View-Master even has space
inside the viewer to attach a
six-inch giant like the
0GZWU  'XGP KH [QWTG RJQPG
KUPV QP VJG EQORCVKDNG NKUV KV
YKNN RTQDCDN[ YQTM
View-Master
Virtual Reality
An inexpensive introduction to
2016s most-wanted tech
If anyone doubted the impact of virtual reality, a
glimpse at the headlines from Mobile World
Congress in February showed how seriously all
the major mobile manufacturers are taking it.
HTC and Sony are set to release virtual reality
products later this year, while LG also announced
its own headset. Samsungs Gear VR headset
was built in conjunction with Facebook on the
back of the social media giants acquisition of
Oculus for $2 billion in 2014, and can be bought
for under 100. Even Facebook CEO Mark
Zuckerberg was at MWC and pronounced that VR
was the next big platform. VR is a big deal, and
its time to take it seriously.
If you cant wait for the big boys or youre
worried by the high cost, you could do a lot
worse than use toy giant Mattels View-Master
VR headset as an introduction to virtual reality
for yourself, or more likely, your kids. Retailing
at just 20 and compliant with Google
Cardboard, the View-Master Starter Pack is a
cost-effective way to get the fully immersive VR
experience. You do need to buy from three
Experience Packs (Space, Destinations and
Wildlife), but they only cost 7.99 each. The
headset is compatible with a wide range of
Android devices, including the latest Samsung,
Motorola, LG, HTC and Nexus phones. You can
get a full list at bit.ly/24mnaSk.
Review
Phones up to six inches in size will t into the View-Master
Have VR adventures in any of three experience packs
No headband
The View-Master comes
YKVJ C NQQR VQ V [QWT JCPF
through rather than a
View-Master
Virtual Reality
JGCFDCPF +V OGCPU [QW CTG
C DKV TGUVTKEVGF YKVJ [QWT
movement, but for the price
YG EQORNGVGN[ WPFGTUVCPF
the cutback
19.99/$29.99
More information view-master.com
Supplied by Mattel
Technical specs
Design-wise, its been branded Google Operating system............. Apps require Android 4.0
Cardboard for Kids, and we wholeheartedly Dimensions............................ 234 x 146 x 127mm
agree. The View-Masters body is made from a Weight......................................... 609g
thick red plastic, and it has black robotic eyes
and an orange lever that allows you to perform
various navigating actions.
Good for
On paper, setup is fairly simple. Download and Cheap introduction
launch one of the Experience Pack apps (from VR headsets from the big manufacturers wont come
cheap, so this is a refreshing entry-level price point
Google Play), hold a pass card to your screen
when prompted, then insert your Android device Immersive content
into the View-Master and, nally, look through it The Experience Packs will take you on a fully immersive
VR adventure. The apps prove to be great teachers
at a reel to access its contents. The View-Master
is supposed to be accessible to any child over Bad for
the age of seven, but you almost certainly need
an adult to help get it set up. Even we needed a
Convoluted setup
For a device aimed at children of seven and up, the setup
bit of trial and error to make sense of the overly process is a bit hit or miss. Adults are required for this bit!
complicated instruction manual.
When youre up and running, the apps take
Closed access
You cant connect to your headphone port, nor can you
you on an adventure to experience some of the alter the volume when your phone is locked away in use
worlds most iconic landmarks, y through the
solar system or go on safari. The apps are made
from panoramic photos, rendered models and Verdict
images projected into the environment. We had If youre interested by virtual reality
great fun with the Wildlife pack, standing in a
computer-generated African plain and clicking to
and its vast possibilities, the
pull up facts or watch videos. Its a fun,
View-Master from Mattel should be
immersive experience thats guaranteed to bring your first port of call
a smile to young kids faces and itll teach
them a thing or two, as well.
73
Reviews
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro
Is the new Redmi Note 3 with an upgraded processor and camera a
worthwhile update from the recently released original?
Xiaomi device releases come thick and fast, but latest and greatest from Qualcomm, the too, has had a similar upgrade. The imaging
the Chinese company has even outdone itself Snapdragon 650. While the X10 is a very performance of the original Redmi Note 3 was
this time by releasing an upgraded version of capable processor, we did highlight the average no disgrace at all, but the Pro takes it to a
the recently reviewed Redmi Note 3, which now graphics performance of the chip and the fact whole new level, marrying the phase detection
gains Pro branding. We gave the original device a that it was very much a mid-range processor autofocus with a sensor that performs much
ve-star rating, so has Xiaomi really improved no bad thing at the price point. With the better in low light. The cameras burst mode,
anything? Is the Pro a wor
The Redmi Note 3 Pro k
were great about the origi
some key areas. The phys
and even weight of the de
same. Its still metal (and
attractive colours silver,
has a very fast ngerprint
includes a huge battery. T
5.5 full HD unit with impr EDITORS
and brightness. Xiaomi ha CHOICE
out the processor and the
taken the opportunity to a
is how you make a very go
For the Pro release, Xia
Mediatek X10 CPU and re

Cutting-edge camera
The Redmi Note 3 Pro doesnt just
upgrade the processor it has a
brand new camera sensor too.
Packing 16 megapixels rather than
the 13 on the original Note 3, the
Samsung ISOCELL S5K3P3
produces much better pictures

Qualcomms latest
6JG 4GFOK 0QVG  2TQ KU VJG TUV
device shipping worldwide to feature
Qualcomms latest processor, the
Snapdragon 650. The hexa-core
CPU has two A72 cores, which are
UJQYECUGF JGTG HQT VJG TUV VKOG
(and impress)

microSD expansion
microSD expansion is included in
the Redmi Note 3 Pro, which is
available in 16GB and 32GB
versions. The microSD slot is shared
with the second SIM slot as is
popular now, which means you can
only have one or the other

74

price difference between the two (and the fact
that using microSD expansion blocks use of the
second SIM slot), its worth going for the
higher-spec device. The additional RAM also
means background apps will be switched out
less often and overall performance will be better.
MIUI, the Xiaomi skin on top of Android,
remains a polarising experience. Much like EMUI
on Huawei/Honor devices, MIUI changes almost
everything in Android. Many of the additions are
useful, but everything looks very different, from
)$OQFGN
the launcher to the notication drawer to the
lockscreen. A comprehensive theming engine is
)$OQFGN
built in to MIUI, which means you should have no
KPENWUKXGKORQTVEQUV
trouble customising the OS to your preferences.
The hexa-core CPU
outperforms the X10
and Snapdragon 808 :KCQOK4GFOK
ROMs with features such as language additions.
This removed Xiaomis ability to control the
quality of customer experience therefore,
understandably, it decided to start locking
bootloaders. All is not lost, however you
canapply to unlock your bootloader via your
Xiaomi account, although the process can take
acouple of weeks.
.QPINCUVKPI DCVVGT[
Xiaomi is very proud of its move
towards high-density batteries and
the Redmi Note 3 Pro is no
exception. Despite being only
8.65mm thick, it packs a 4000mAh
battery. Paired with the cutting-edge
processor, stamina is impressive
&WCNDCPF 9K(K
A lot of mid-range devices cut
corners when it comes to their Wi-Fi,
only including 2.4GHz support. There
is no such compromise on the
Redmi Note 3 Pro, which includes
5GHz too. Signal quality is excellent
despite the metal body
+ORQTV QPN[
The Redmi Note 3 is great value, but
KVU PQV QHEKCNN[ CXCKNCDNG KP VJG 7-
yet which means you need to
import it yourself. A number of
sellers manage the duty payments
on your behalf, which makes the
overall cost a lot more predictable
Review
Note 3 Pro
%0;
%0;
`c
/QTG KPHQTOCVKQP mi.com
5WRRNKGF D[ Top One Trading Co Ltd
Technical specs
1RGTCVKPI U[UVGO............. Android 5.1.1 with MIUI 7
2TQEGUUQT ................................ Qualcomm Snapdragon 650
1.8GHz hexa-core
/GOQT[..................................... 16GB/32GB storage,
)$)$ 4#/
&KOGPUKQPU............................ 150 x 76 x 8.65 mm
Weight......................................... 164g
&KURNC[ UK\G ............................ 5.5-inches
&KURNC[ TGUQNWVKQP............. 1920 x 1080 pixels (403ppi)
(TQPV ECOGTC........................ 5MP / f2.0
4GCT ECOGTC.......................... 16MP / f2.0, PDAF,
78 wide angle
%QPPGEVKXKV[ .......................... 4G LTE B1 / B3 / B7, 802.11ac
WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1
'ZRCPUKQPUNQV..................... microSD up to 128GB
Battery life
#O#J.K2QEGNNCPFVJGHTWICNPGYRTQEGUUQT
OGCP ENCUUNGCFKPI DCVVGT[ NKHG HQT VJG 4GFOK 0QVG  2TQ
Good for
Power users
6JG5PCRFTCIQPRTQEGUUQTKUKORTGUUKXGN[HCUVCPF
VJG#FTGPQITCRJKEUCTGITGCVVQQ
Photographers
:KCQOKUFGEKUKQPVQWRITCFGVJGECOGTCKUXGT[YGNEQOG
RKEVWTGUCTGKORTGUUKXGCPFVJGCRRKUEQORTGJGPUKXG
Bad for
No stock Android
+H[QWCTGCVVCEJGFVQVJGUVQEM#PFTQKFNQQMCPFHGGN
VJGP/+7+RTQDCDN[KUPVHQT[QWKVUXGT[EWUVQOKUGF
UK warranty
;QWECPUCXGCNQVQHOQPG[D[KORQTVKPIFGXKEGUDWV
YCTTCPV[ENCKOUECPDGCTGCNRCKP
Verdict
If you are willing to take the risk
QHKORQTVKPIVJG4GFOK0QVG
2TQKUQPGQHVJGDGUVFGXKEGU
CTQWPFVQFC[
75
Reviews
Wood Wraps Wristband
Headphones
Are Wood Wraps headphones more about style or substance?
Many headphone brands these days have
had a dilemma about style: do you appeal
to trendsetters or festival-goers?
#V TUV INCPEG 9QQF 9TCRU 9TKUVDCPF
JGCFRJQPGU NQQM NKMG VJG[ V KP VJG NCVVGT
ECVGIQT[ 6JG[TG FGUKIPGF VQ YTCR KPVQ C
YQQFGP DGCFUV[NG DTCEGNGV VJCV ECP VJGP
DG ECTTKGF QP [QWT YTKUV #RCTV HTQO VJG
GCTDWFU CEVWCNN[ RQMKPI QWV VJG[ NQQM ITGCV
CPF UQOGVJKPI VJCV YQWNF CRRGCN VQ CP[QPG
YJQ YGCTU VJQUG MKPF QH DCPFU QTFKPCTKN[
#UKFG HTQO VJG UV[NG CURGEV VJGTGU C
RTCEVKECNKV[ KPXQNXGF KP MGGRKPI [QWT
GCTRJQPGU UCHG CPF WPMPQVVGF
#U [QW OKIJV GZRGEV VJQWIJ VJG UQWPF
SWCNKV[ HTQO VJGUG GCTRJQPGU KUPV VJG DGUV
VJCV OQPG[ ECP DW[ 6JG DCUU UVTWIINGU VQ
EQORGVGYKVJVJGVTGDNG#PFYJKNGVJG[TG
DGVVGT VJCP VJG CXGTCIG GCTRJQPGU QP VJG
OCTMGV VJG[ UVKNN ECPV EQORGVG YKVJ VJG
A slider holds the earphones in place and prevents
NKMGU QH 5GPPJGKUGT HQT SWCNKV[ them from becoming knotted
6JG NCEM QH C NCDGN QP VJG TKIJV CPF NGHV
earphones may also be an annoyance to
UQOG DWV HQT VJG OCLQTKV[ QH RGQRNG LWUV
YCPVKPI C RCKT QT GCTRJQPGU VJG[ YQPV NQUG
QT HQTIGV VJG 9QQF 9TCRU CTG YQTVJ
EQPUKFGTKPI +P VJG GPF YJGVJGT [QW DW[ VJG
RTQFWEV QT PQV RTQDCDN[ DQKNU FQYP VQ
YJGVJGT [QW VJKPM KV NQQMU EQQN GKVJGT YC[
VJGUG CTG C UQNKF RCKT QH GCTRJQPGU
Price c
More information O[YTCRUEQO
When wrapped around the wrist, they look like a
standard band of wooden beads

9GCT CU C YTKUVDCPF
Hold the earphones between
[QWT VJWOD CPF PIGT CPF
wrap around your wrist to turn
them from earphones into a
wristband. Place the jack
cable in the headphone clasp
to seal

Wooden style
The headphones come in a
wooden bead style; these
beads sit over the headphone
YKTGU OCMKPI KV JCTFGT HQT [QWT
headphones to become +PGCT DWFU
knotted or to break &GUKIPGF VQ V UPWIN[ KP VJG GCT ECPCN
the in-ear buds feature a 10mm driver.
The headphones come with a few spare
DWFU HQT UYCRRKPI YKVJ FGHCWNV QPGU KP
case you lose them

76
 Accessories

Polaroid Zip Photo Printer

Edit your photos and print on the go with the Polaroid Zip Photo Printer
As with so many art forms and hobbies,
photography has moved online and into
your pocket. No one who uses a
cameraphone can really be bothered to
connect it to a computer to print, especially
while Instagram exists.
Polaroids Zip Photo Printer, though, taps
into the idea that not only will smartphone
users want to print their photos, fans of
Instagram will want a retro Polaroid printer
with which to do it. The device is only just
bigger than a Samsung S6 Edge, and
FQGUPVPGGFVQRNWIKPVQ[QWTRJQPGLWUV
download the app and you can edit the
pictures within it, before cropping to print.
The app itself isnt the most exciting. The
NVGTUCTGRQQTHQTVJGOQUVRCTVDWVOQTG
importantly, its easy to use and quick to
print from. Simply click on either the edit
QRVKQP VQ ETQR [QWT RKEVWTG HQT RTKPV TUV QT
just head straight to print, and you can print
from your phone in under 30 seconds
certainly quicker than connecting to a
full-sized printer and more portable, too.
Of course, you can only print one size of At 23mm thick its fairly slimline, while the 500mAh battery
photo and ordering more printing paper will can power up to 25 printouts between charges
cost more money, but if youre interested in
a small, simple printer for on-the-go pictures,
you cant get much quicker or better quality
than the Polaroid Zip Printer.
Price 109.00
More information polaroid.com

Stylish design
The Polaroid Zip printer feels
Its compatible with 2x3 (51x76mm) Polaroid Zink paper for
bright and modern, yet is has the
smudgepoof, water-resistant photo prints
classic Polaroid rainbow
emblazoned on it. Its sleek,
OKPKOCNKUV CPF KV VU KP [QWT
pocket to take on the go

Paper entry
Use the lid where the white
arrow is located to open the
printer and place the paper. The
printer only uses 2x3 Zink
paper, but it does include ten
free sheets when you buy it

Connections
Recharge the printer from the
charge point, and use Bluetooth
to connect your device to the
printer via the Polaroid Zip app,
which you can use to edit or
crop your photos

77
Apps
Trackendar Weve seen plenty of
third-party calendars
and to-do apps over the
years, but Trackendar
breaks new ground by combining the
two concepts in a single app. In this
way, it enables users to track all their
important events, regular habits and
to-do tasks, as well as useful data
such as exercise stats.
The main month view shows a
standard calendar. Events have tiny
text titles marked by coloured dots
and user-selected icons, enabling
you to visualise them all in time.
Tapping a date brings up the day view
to see the events in more detail,
each tile showing user-selected
stats such as sums and averages.
Tapping an event drills down yet
further, with a graph showing
occurrences or values over a period
of time, which proves particularly
useful when tracking data for things
A standard monthly calendar view
shows all your events and tasks
78
like weight or time spent exercising.
Is it a calendar or a to-do list?
Turns out its both
In addition, tapping the pencil icon
enables you to organise the chart by
occurrence, value or sum; select a
particular period to cover by
selecting start and end dates and
show extra stats such as maximum,
minimum, average and sum. Another
nice touch is the ability to export the
chart as a standard CSV le to use in
a spreadsheet app.
When creating a new event,
youre given a choice of three main
types and its important to select
the right one for your purpose, since
you cant change it later. An
Occurrence marks a one-off or
irregular event that just happened. A
Habit tracks regular and expected
events such as going to the gym or
walking the dog; when adding one of
these to a day or being reminded
about it, youre then asked whether
you did it or not. Finally, a Value is
used to log data such as weight or
number of exercise
reps, or any other
value that
uctuates. For
this, you can
choose up to
three metrics to
The chart is ideal for visualising data over a The day view shows all the events, including
period of time custom-selected stats
display on the event detail when in
the day view. 2 hour wonder
In the case of Habits and Values, Want your money back?
you also have the option of setting Youve got 120 mins to decide!
reminders. This offers plenty of ! 40 0-40 minutes
exible options for timings either by 120 80 You cant import events from
Google Calendar and its ilk
selecting weekdays or using intervals
(ranging from every day to every few ! 40 40-80 minutes
months). You can also set the start It works well for tracking
120 80
habits and tness data
date and time.
When adding an individual event to ! 40 80-120 minutes
a date, or editing an existing one, Its exible for setting event
120 80
intervals and chart views
theres an option to add a text note
with further details or an explanation. keep refund
For instance, you might give an
excuse (valid or not) saying why you
didnt go to the gym that particular specification
day or why your weight has gone up Price Free + IAPs
maybe because you havent been Designed for: Phone and tablet
to the gym! Requires Android: 4.0 and up
While we wouldnt use Trackendar
as our regular calendar for verdict
scheduling meetings and suchlike, Performance
since it lacks even basic features like
adding contact and location details, Design
it does offer a exible way to track
habits/to-dos and log statistics over
Value
time. One thing to note is that the Not ideal for use as a regular
data isnt synced to the cloud, so its calendar, but great for
advisable to make regular backups tracking habits and data
using the option to export data to
Google Drive or email.
like this?
try this!
LIST DAILY SUCCESS CHECKLIST A simpler app that logs daily
or regular actions and ticks them off on a calendar
Habitica If you need a bit of
extra motivation when
it comes to breaking
bad habits or achieving
goals, gamication may help by
linking boring real-life tasks to more
exciting in-game quests and
rewards. The Habitica app does just
this, enabling you to live your life as
if it were an RPG, earning rewards
for doing mundane real-life chores
(such as ironing) or resisting bad
habits (like eating junk food).
User-dened tasks are divided into
three main lists: Habits are things
that you want to do less or more
often; Dailies are the regular tasks
you do at certain times or on certain
days; while the Todos list shows
one-off tasks or goals that you need
to complete.
When creating a new item, its
important to choose the correct
type since it cant be changed later.
For a Habit, you can opt to make it
positive, negative or even both (an
Gamifying good habits
Add items to Habits, Dailies or Todos lists
and tap + or to earn XP and gold
example would be something like
take the elevator or stairs). Both
Dailies and Todos may include an
optional checklist of sub-tasks. For
all events, you get to choose the
frequency and the difculty level. The
latter determines what kind of
in-game rewards you get for
completing it in the form of XP to
level up, and gold to spend on virtual
rewards such as weapons, armour
and potions. You can also lose health
for bad habits or missing Dailies.
To access the more interesting
gameplay features such as quests
Gold earned may be spent on virtual rewards
for your character
and boss battles (many of which cost
IAP gems), youll need to join a party.
Sadly, this can only be done via the
website, although you can chat to
party members in-app and to
others in the Tavern. Still in beta, the
app also currently lacks features
such as guilds and challenges.
Although these are likely to be added
at some point, at the moment its
more of a companion app for
updating tasks and checking stats.
specification
Price Free + IAPs
Designed for: Phone and tablet
Requires Android: 4.0.3 and up
verdict
Missing a lot of features
from the website so far, but
should get better
like this? try this!
Beeminder For even more
motivation, complete your goals or
forfeit real cash youve pledged!

Veer Contacts Widget Open Link Anticipate

Quick contacts in a bubble
When you need to contact someone in a hurry, its annoying having
With Any app
you like
Preload links for fast access
Whatever app youre using,
to nd their details in the relevant app or People contacts list. Veer
Androids default app this web-browsing tool
tackles this by placing a oating bubble on the screen that can be
system for opening les nds and prepares any
pulled out to access your favourite contacts. Simply swipe to the one you want
and links is ne, but its all links on the screen, so they load
and tap the relevant action icon, such
too easy to set the wrong option and almost instantaneously when
as phone, SMS or email. While the
end up opening, say, YouTube links in tapped. Anticipate makes use of
free app offers ve contact slots and
the Chrome browser instead of the Chrome Custom Tabs, but you can
ve action slots, more can be added
app. In which set them to open
by upgrading (for 1.79/$1.99), which
case, the Open in an alternative
also unlocks additional actions for
Link With app browser such as
services such as Skype. Nice
comes in handy, Firefox. If you want
touches include options for an
enabling you to to see what its up
invisible bubble and left-handed
escape from said to, an optional
layout, plus the ability to edit how
webpage and window will show
actions work for each contact. The
launch the link in the links being
only drawback is the occasional lag
the relevant app. preloaded. Theres
after swiping the bubble.
Simply share the webpage with Open also a blacklist and whitelist to set
Price Free + IAPs Link With and you can opt to open which apps use Anticipate. Theres
Designed for Phone the link in any app (or browser) you no need to worry about increased
Requires Android 4.0 and up
like. It can also be used for handy mobile data usage, though, as it only
app switching. preloads via Wi-Fi.
EDITORS
Just open the bubble, swipe to a contact and Price Free Price Free CHOICE
tap an action icon Designed for Phone Designed for Phone
Requires Android 4.0.3 and up Requires Android 4.1
best
alternative
CONTACTS+ WIDGET This home screen widget gives quick
access to contacts, arranged in groups, with editable actions

79
Apps
Human
Activity
Tracker
Kickstarter Quite why it has taken the
The ofcial app is
nally here
plus the vital data on the number of options to lter projects by location,
Track all your tness popular crowdfunding backers, funding percentage level nor to choose how theyre sorted.
platform three years since and campaign time left to run. All Naturally, theres also a standard
activities in one place
the arrival of its iOS app to launch an very handy. search facility, although the results
Human has taken a long Android version is a mystery. Still, As on the Kickstarter website, cant be ltered at all.
time to make the leap from here it is at last, so has it all been projects are tagged with categories The pull-out menu also offers
iOS to Android. Since its worth the wait? a list of which can be viewed in the options to show projects youve
iOS launch, its attracted quite a lot Well, at rst glance, it all looks pull-out menu. Just select a main starred (ie favourited), or those
of interest, however, with over a neatly arranged with its standard category such as Technology, then backed by Facebook friends youve
million downloads and 1.5 billion Material Design. The default Staff an optional subcategory such as already followed via the Kickstarter
activities tracked. Picks scrollable feed features a large Apps to view a ltered feed of website oddly, theres no option to
On Android, it links up to Google Fit photo for each project preview relevant projects. Unlike the website, do so in the app. Quick access to
to monitor your walking, running and which also has a short description, however, there are no advanced your own activity feed, including
cycling activities and then plots the
GPS-located routes on a map. Rather
than using distance travelled, it
focuses on minutes spent
exercising, with the goal of hitting
your daily target of 30 minutes. Youll
need to do at least one minute of
activity for it to start registering, and
only brisk walking is counted. Tapping
the number of minutes brings up
detailed stats for distance, duration
and calories burnt, which can be
shared via the usual social networks.
One feature unique to Android is
Pulse. This compares your activity
levels with nearby users, but is
limited to only 900 cities worldwide.

Browse a cornucopia of crowdfunding This feed shows you what followed Tap the lightning icon for an instant view of
campaigns in various categories Facebook friends have backed activity on projects youve backed

SwiftKey Symbols A keyboard for assistive communication

Well known for its prediction engine, studying the way Price Free
predictive alphanumeric you use it to come up with day- and Designed for Phone and tablet
keyboards, SwiftKey has time-specic suggestions. About the
Requires Android 4.1 and up
turned its attention to symbols, with only possible aw is that the colour
the aim of helping children with scheme could do with higher
Users can tap icons to build simple phrases
learning or speaking difculties to contrast for users with poor vision. spoken by the device
communicate. The menu system
sees users choosing from a
selection of topic pictograms,
including Feelings and Places, then
one or more specic symbols such
as hungry, tapping the Play button
Your routes are plotted on a map; tap the
to speak. Theres also a sentence-
number of minutes for more details building option to aid the
construction of longer phrases.
Price Free
Designed for Phone While the app has most things
Requires Android 4.1 covered, users can also add custom
pictograms using photos. The app
even makes use of SwiftKeys

80
 quickhits
top apps for...
updates for any projects youve Use the Staff Picks
backed, is enabled from any screen view to get all the
vital information
Text
via the omnipresent lightning icon about current messaging
found in the top bar. projects on offer
Tapping a project gives you all the
same detailed campaign info youd
get on the Kickstarter site including
pledge levels, updates and
comments all optimised for the
smaller screen and with a handy
Back this project button at the
bottom. Overall then, the app offers
a convenient way to keep up-to-date
with the projects youve backed
including via optional notications
and browse others.

specification
Price Free
Designed for Phone
Requires Android 4.1
EvolveSMS
verdict Free + IAPs
One of the best third-party
Performance alternatives to the stock Android
Messaging app, EvolveSMS features a
Design 2 hour wonder slick interface that enables swiping
between conversations. Advanced
Value Want your money back? Youve features include batch deletion and
got 120 minutes to decide! custom notications.
A solid-enough app, but it
currently lacks advanced ! 40 0-40 minutes
One-tap access to your
120 80
ltering options activity feed is handy
Textra SMS
! 40 40-80 minutes Free + IAPs
It lacks advanced ltering and Another slick and highly
120 80
sorting options customisable app, Textra comes with
over 100 themes, plus support for
like this? try this! ! 40 80-120 minutes Pushbullet, MightyText and Android
No way for project creators to Wear. Notable options include delayed
Techfunder: Kickstarter 120 80
manage campaigns sending of messages.
& more A unofficial app to track
activity on Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Patreon keep refund
QKSMS Free + IAPs
ActionLauncher 3
The ultimate Android launcher?
While lacking a few advanced
options, QKSMS achieves its
twin aims of looking stylish and being
easy to use. There are plenty of
appearance settings for customising it
Weve tried many Android the same level to help ensure a just how you want.
launchers, but this has to neater look.
be one of the best around. It should be noted that many of
We particularly like the pull-out app these features are only unlocked via HoverChat Free
list, along with the superb Shutters an IAP of 3.99/$4.99, but its so (Ninja SMS) Free +IAP
feature that lets you swipe an app worth it. Switching over from another HoverChats killer feature is the
icon to bring up its widget. Similarly, launcher, including stock Android, is ability to read and reply to messages via
oating chat windows, so you dont need
you can convert folders to Covers also made easy since you can import to leave the app youre currently using.
which only reveal their contents all your icons, folders and layouts Its not perfect, but ideal for multitaskers.
when swiped up. from an existing home screen.
The latest update sees the
addition of a Quickedit option that
Price Free + IAPs chomp SMS
Designed for Phone and tablet Free + IAPs
suggests icon alternatives from your Requires Android 4.1 and up One of the rst third-party
icon packs, plus Smartsize icons SMS apps, its still one of the best.
which are automatically resized to Alongside customisation options,
features include group messaging, dual
SIM and support for Android Wear.
Cover folders only reveal their contents when like this?
try this!
NOVA LAUNCHER One of the best and most customisable
launchers, Nova lets you change virtually every element
swiped; tapping one launches the rst app

Check our website daily

for even more app reviews www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk 81
 head tohead
to
Microsofts Cortana takes on Google
Now in the battle of the virtual PAs

GOOGLENOW
vs
Most Android devices already have Google
Now on board to act as a digital personal
assistant, answering questions and
performing tasks. Microsofts rival
Cortana, already integrated into
specification Windows phones and specification
Price Free some PCs, is also Price Free
Designed for: Phone and tablet available as an Android Designed for: Phone
Requires Android: 4.1 and up app. Is it worth switching? Requires Android: 4.0 and up

Google Now Cortana

All your pertinent
information is presented on
cards, which may be tapped
for further info. A downside
is that the search eld can
be scrolled off screen.
Cortana quickly offers you a
look at the day ahead,
including trafc, news and
INTERFACE weather, with photos to liven
it up. At the base is a handy
omnipresent search eld.

Google Now is accurate and Cortanas performance is

reliable when answering a
range of queries and then
speaking the results, only
occasionally resorting to a
standard web search.
very patchy in this key area
and it quite often comes up
ANSWERS with no results at all for
standard questions. You
wouldnt want to rely on it.

Not only can Google be Cortana takes longer to gure

activated by saying OK
Google, but its very good at
interpreting voice input, so
you rarely have to repeat
something or type it in.
out what youre asking it and
often misunderstands words.
VOICEINPUT So you often have to repeat
phrases, speaking extra
slowly and clearly.

Since its so well integrated Cortana is able to launch

into Android, Now can open
other apps, access settings
and do pretty much
anything you ask, such as
emailing a contact.
apps, set reminders and
access calendars, but lacks
FEATURES other options. Apart from
Bluetooth, it cant access
most device settings.

Google Now relies largely on This is one area where

information trawled from
your Google services
activities. There is limited
scope to add custom
personal data.
Cortana has the upper
hand, due to its Notebook
PERSONALISATION feature. This enables you to
enter interests and
preferences for it to use.

And the winner is... Cortana is at a disadvantage on Android compared to Windows, since
GOOGLE NOW it isnt integrated into the OS. For instance, you cant activate it by
saying Hey Cortana. Google Now also beats it in key areas, providing
more reliable answers to queries and working better with voice input.
82
 From the makers of

Samsung Galaxy for Beginners is up to date with the latest

Android operating system, Lollipop. Discover how to get the
most from your device and tailor it for your needs, whether
thats keeping up with Facebook or downloading films.

Also available

A world of content at your fingertips

Whether you love gaming, history,
animals, photography, Photoshop,
sci-fi or anything in between, every
magazine and bookazine from
Imagine Publishing is packed with
expert advice and fascinating facts.

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

Print edition available at www.imagineshop.co.uk
Digital edition available at www.greatdigitalmags.com
Games
LEGO The Lord of the Rings
One LEGO game to rule them all?
With the Fellowship of the
Ring having embarked on
their epic journey from the
Consoleshire in 2012, stopping off at
the walled fortress of iOSgard in late
2013, they have nally reached the
mystical land of Androidor. Why its
taken them so long is a mystery,
apart from maybe the fact theyre
travelling on foot, but we welcome
their arrival nonetheless. This is one
of the better LEGO games, its cutesy
graphics working well with the
subject matter. There are plenty of
entertaining cut-scenes, although
the usual LEGO humour is toned
down a notch, so Tolkien purists
shouldnt be too aggrieved. The more
serious tone may well be du
moody orchestral soundtra
Hobbiton looks cheery enough, but things are about to get darker
dramatic dialogue (its fully voiced),
which is largely sourced from the Two Towers to The Return of the King weapon switching either. Still, there controller support. Another slightly
movies. Indeed, the game covers all with all the main locations viewed are over 90 playable characters annoying factor is the inability to
three instalments from The on that familiar world map. you can even unlock Sauron and the save mid-level, so you need to make
Fellowship of the Ring, through The With such epic size, no wonder it Nazgl! The gameplay is solid sure you have enough time to play.
takes over 1GB of space. In enough, too, following the familiar Overall, however, it offers epic value
structure, however, its near identical mobile LEGO pattern of bashing for money and theres plenty of
to the simplied iOS and Nintendo baddies, smashing objects, replayability to be had in returning to
DS versions. So, unlike the more collecting studs, building items from locations with new characters to
sophisticated console game, where bricks and doing the odd bit of puzzle unlock secret areas.
characters could nd or build items solving. Control is via tap and drag
to store in an inventory for later, you gestures or virtual thumbsticks we
Price 4.09/$4.99
Designed for Phone and tablet
instead get to unlock different found the latter easier, particularly Requires Android 4.0.3
Merry catches a sh to throw to distract the
versions of characters with new for precision jumping, although its a
lurking Black Rider skills as you progress. Theres no shame theres no Bluetooth

what weve Galactic Dragging your auto-ring ship

been playing
You Must Build A
Boat 2.29/$2.99
So compulsive is this
retro-style match-three puzzler/endless
runner/RPG that, after a few months
rest, were hooked again! Building up your
boat and crew is so satisfying.
Star Skater
Free + IAP
Cute Crossy Road-style
visuals and rewards belie a
skateboarding game with precision
touch controls for adjusting sharpness
of turns. Tricks are fun to pull off, too.
Recommend a game
Nemesis
A classic space shmup
This one harks right back to
the 1980s heyday of arcade
shoot-em-ups. Obviously
inspired by Namcos Galaxian and
Galaga, it offers 48 glorious stages
of alien-blasting action, in addition to
an endurance mode for hardcore
gamers. Note that while the game is
free for you to download and sample
the rst of four 12-stage worlds, an
IAP (1.62/$1.99) is required to
progress any further and remove
ads, but this still represents good
value for money.
around the screen, you face wave
after wave of alien ships that swirl
around in patterns before getting
into formation. Collisions with them
or their bullets deplete your shield
at zero, its game over. Things start
off fairly easily but later levels are
challenging, so you need to make
strategic use of collected power-ups.
The standard shoot-em-up formula
is enhanced by the challenge
objectives which earn you extra gold
to spend on new ships and upgrading
them, plus super weapons.
Price Free + IAPs
Designed for Phone and tablet
Requires Android 4.0
Take on wave after wave of old-school aliens
in this enjoyable blaster

84 twitter @lgrobot
 quickhits
Dont miss out
The Room Three A major extension EDITORS
CHOICE

While The Room Two

expanded upon the
original games
puzzle-box theme, the third
instalment takes it further. This
time, each chapters puzzle area
features multiple interconnected
rooms to explore. In this respect,
its much more like a traditional
adventure, although your
character doesnt have full
freedom of movement. In addition,
the puzzles areas are connected
to a main hub, which contains its
own mysteries to discover.
Following a brief tutorial, the
rst chapter sees you exploring a
spooky crypt. As before, the
puzzle-solving involves examining
objects and tapping or sliding
parts to reveal new bits and
further puzzles. One novel aspect
The new eyepiece lens
enables you to enter
tiny doorways to solve
puzzles inside objects
is that your eyepiece features a lens
that enables you to look inside
certain objects to discover and solve
miniature puzzles within.
With plenty of satisfying puzzles,
extra layers of complexity, a
mysterious storyline and bags of
atmosphere, The Room Three is far
more than the sum of its parts.
Price 3.99/$4.99
Designed for Phone and tablet
Requires Android 4.0.3 and up
Cavernaut
1.49/$1.99
Pilot your spaceship carefully
through labyrinthine caverns to the
surface with limited fuel in this
souped-up Lunar Lander variant.
Collected crystals can be traded for
various upgrades.
Ancestor Free + IAP
This innovative side-scroller is a
test of mental agility as you set
about solving simple puzzles while

Ultraflow 2 keeping an eye out for mines and falling

Just go with the ow
Following the same concept as its predecessor,
Ultraow 2 resembles a mixture of air hockey
and mini golf. In each of 180 stages, you simply
have to slide your puck to the target using a limited
number of bounces off geometric scenery take too
many and the puck explodes. Theres no timer to worry
about, so its nice and relaxed as you aim your shots. And
if you know youve aimed it wrong, you can double-tap to
try again, without having to
wait. It starts off very easy,
but later stages ramp up
the difculty with added
complications such as
deadly striped shapes,
chequered brick walls to
bash through, and moving
blocks. Frustration is
avoided by the offer of
helpful aiming hints after
several failed attempts. Its
pretty addictive and you
may well be tempted to
upgrade via IAP
Select attacks or
defensive moves in
each turn, then watch
the outcome
MMA Federation
Taking it in turns to hurt
Well, this isnt quite what we expected: a
turn-based MMA ghting game. While it lacks the
visceral thrill of real-time combat, it offers far
more depth than your average button-mashing affair.
In-ght tactics involve selecting one or more moves during
each attack and defence phase. Although it features a lot
of second-guessing, it works well and feels fairly balanced:
since you need to manage a limited supply of stamina
points for moves, you cant just go for all-out attack.
The other part of the game has you levelling up your
custom-created ghter as well as physical features, you
pillars to shoot. There are even some
boss battles to tackle.
Tap My Katamari
Clicker Free + IAP
Dont get too excited: its not a
port of the classic Katamari Damacy, but
a spin-off endless clicker game where
you tap manically to roll your sticky
Katamari to pick up random items.
Crashlands
4.22/$4.99
This epic action RPG features a
complex crafting system, skilful combat,
extensive exploration and base building.
Slightly daunting at rst, its well worth
persevering, as it really is a blast.
Worms 4 3.99/$4.99
The Worms are back for yet
more strategic fun with all sorts
of wacky upgradeable weapons. In
addition to 80 solo missions, you can
enjoy real-time online multiplayer
matches. Good fun.

Smash chequered bricks, but

reach the target before running
out of bounces
Price Free + IAP
Designed for Phone and tablet
Requires Android 4.0.3
(1.09/$1.36) to unlock
180 Hard stages and
remove occasional ads.
can choose two ghting styles via training done via 20+ I Have No Mouth
mini-games. Again, it feels well balanced without too 2.99/$3.99
much emphasis on IAP. And I Must Scream, is a port
of the cult classic point-and-click
adventure from 1995. It takes place in a
Price Free + IAP scary post-apocalyptic world and
Designed for Phone and tablet features multiple playable characters
Requires Android 4.4 and up and endings.

Check our website for

even more game reviews www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk 85
Games
Countdown
The Official
App Gotta beat
the clock
Not to be confused with an
earlier Countdown app,
Barnstorm Games new
version succeeds in capturing the
essence of the TV show, albeit
without the cosy banter and Rachel
Riley. Instead, you get to enjoy the
core gameplay, which mainly involves
making the longest words possible
from a selection of vowels and
consonants. By tapping the letter
tiles in order, you can enter multiple
words before submitting your nal
choice from the list at the end of the
round. Even with this exibility, the
30-second time limit seems all too
short when the pressure is on.
The same process is applied to
the numbers round, although it is
very well implemented. In addition to
combining the given number tiles
with mathematical operators, you
can use the sums and products
created by tapping on them so
theres no need for any brackets.
Finally, solving the Countdown
conundrum requires quick letter
entry to beat a timer.
Despite some initial annoyances,
we found the app managed to
emulate the TV show well and the
harder CPU opponents offer a good
challenge. For added fun, you can
also play a friend by taking turns on
the same device.
Enter as many words as like, then choose
your best one from the list
Price 1.49/$1.99
Designed for Phone and tablet
Requires Android 2.3.3 and up
like this? try this!
RUZZLE Make multiple words
from the grid against a timer to
score points in matches
86
Star Trek Timelines
To boldly travel in time
A convoluted storyline
about a temporal
anomaly caused by the
collision of parallel universes is a
convenient way of enabling the
inclusion of characters from
different Star Trek eras. This
means players can assemble a
starship crew with the likes of Kirk
and Spock alongside Picard and
Janeway. Obtaining new crew
members using credits or real
money is random, so you never
know who youre going to get.
Your crew plays a key role in all
areas of the game, since they
Train up your crew and equip them with four items to raise the level cap
Defenders 2: Tower
Defense CCG Victory is on the cards
The original Defenders
combined the tower
defence and CCG
(collectable card game) genres to
very good effect. This sequel offers
more of the same, enabling you to
build a card collection from 40 tower
types and 20 magic spells, which
can be customised using runes,
evolution or fusion. A major
downside, however, is the
introduction of a countdown system
requiring you to wait to play stages.
The tower defence battles
themselves are well implemented,
with some attractive fantasy-
each boast specialist skills in elds
such as security, command and
science. These are important for
completing missions, with several
stages requiring a different skill and
a branching structure so you can
choose the path. You can deploy a
team of three characters for a
mission, but cant use the same one Select the characters with the right skills to
twice in succession. The automated complete mission stages
stages simply tot up the relevant skill real-time via some ashy 3D visuals,
points, with a random bonus to and can intervene by tapping your
determine whether the character selected crew members to use their
succeeds or not. skills to help you evade enemy or
Starship battles are more exciting, bolster your attacks.
as you get to see the combat in The RPG core of the game involves
using earned credits and special
items to level up your crew and
upgrade equipment. While IAP
bundles are available, its possible to
earn rewards the hard way or via
bonuses from Daily Missions.
Theres also a strategic aspect in
managing the balance of power
between a whole host of factions,
since your actions will benet some
over others, and will affect the
rewards that you receive from the
various missions.
Overall, its good fun to play: not
overcomplicated but offering a
considerable long-term challenge.
Star Trek fans will love it.
themed visuals. As usual, waves of
creeps enter from one side and you
have to prevent them reaching your
base. While it does require skilful
strategy to succeed, the difculty
curve is often too steep, resulting in
the need for a lot of grinding to
garner cards to upgrade your towers
or, of course, resorting to using IAPs
to obtain them. In short, its not that
well balanced.
Price Free + IAPs
Designed for Phone and tablet
Requires Android 4.2
Place towers and upgrade them to fend off
the marauding creeps

specification
Price Free + IAP
Designed for Phone and tablet
Requires Android 4.1 and up
verdict
Performance
Design
Value
Strategy fans may nd it a
bit lightweight, but Trekkers
will absolutely love it
Blown Away: First Try
No jumping required
Turning the platform game
genre on its head, Blown
Away features a hero who
cant even jump. Instead, the balding
Henrik relies on teleporting to spirit
him away from danger. The key
caveat is that his teleporter needs to
recharge after each use, and only
does so while hes walking along
solid ground. The other snag is that if
Henrik hits the left side of the screen
on each auto-scrolling stage, hes
forced to restart it; so quick thinking
is often required.
While it all sounds fairly simplistic
in writing, there is denitely a degree
of strategy involved in choosing
2 hour wonder
Want your money back?
Youve got 2 hours to decide!
0-40 minutes
! 40
120 80
A tutorial guides you through
the basics
! 40 40-80 minutes
Battles and missions are
120 80
pretty simplistic
! 40 80-120 minutes
Building up your crew is
120 80
strangely satisfying
keep refund
where to teleport. The temptation is
always to beam as far ahead as
possible, but you quickly learn that
you need enough ground to walk on
so you can recharge for the next
teleport before falling off a ledge.
Complicating matters further is the
need to collect all house parts to
earn a three-star rating, so you may
need to teleport backwards at times
to grab one. All in all, its a really well
designed and playable game with 30
free stages and 90 more unlocked
via an IAP (2.14/$2.71).
like this?
try this!
INFESTOR This pixel-art platformer sees an alien taking
possession of humans to use their various abilities
Check our website daily
for even more app reviews
Tap on crew members to use their
skills during starship battles
like this? try this!
Star Trek Trexels This fun pixel-art
game combines resource gathering with an
original combat system
Later on you get a second battery to help
negotiate trickier stages
Price Free + IAPs
Designed for Phone and tablet
Requires Android 4.0.3 and up
www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk
quickhits
top games for...
Point-and-click
adventures
Broken Sword:
Directors Cut
3.99/$4.99
The directors cut of this all-time classic
adventure features a new narrative
thread, along with new puzzles and
jokes. While youre at it, check out all the
other games in the Broken Sword series.
Machinarium
3.99/$4.99
This award-winning indie
adventure sucks you into its delightfully
dystopian steampunk world and an
engaging story of robots in love. There are
plenty of clever puzzles and not too much
traipsing about.
Broken Age
8.22/$9.99
This adventure of two halves
has you toggling between two characters
in seemingly separate worlds. The
storyline is utterly captivating,
particularly in the less formulaic rst act.
The Silent Age
Free + IAP
The use of a time-travelling
device sees you switching between two
eras to solve puzzles, leading to some
ingenious solutions. Stylish visuals and a
moody soundtrack all help to construct
an eerie atmosphere.
The 7th Guest
Remastered
4.89/$5.99
Remastered exclusively for Android, this
classic supernatural PC adventure is
fully optimised for mobile play no more
pixel hunting required! Are you brave
enough to explore the spooky mansion?
87
 BUYERS GUIDE
Discover the best smartphones, tablets and accessories
t b i t t h t

For the most up-to-date reviews, head to www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk

THE LATEST ONLINE INCLUDE... AMAZON FIRE LENOVO YOGA TAB 3 PRO CAT S40

88
 Buyers Guide
TOP 10 SUPER SMARTPHONES THE BEST FLAGSHIP AND MID-RANGE
ANDROID PHONES ON THE MARKET

1
Samsung Galaxy S6 479
Samsung has come out ghting after the humdrum response to the S5, with this stunning handset
made entirely of metal and glass. Samsung has had to sacrice microSD support and a removable
battery to make it so thin and light to hold, but it offers a 16MP camera, wireless and superfast See issue 52
charging, an improved ngerprint scanner and a benchmark-beating processor instead.

Nexus 6P 449
2 Finally, we have a Nexus that is truly a device without compromise a worthy agship for Android
heading into 2016. The camera is one of the best in the business, while the beautiful screen could
truly see the end of your tablet use. Even the 64GB model represents a real bargain. See issue 58

LG G4 372
3 The LG G4 is a close second for the phone of the year behind the Galaxy S6 with a distinctive
leather-back case and superior camera. Its unique Quantum IPS screen will amaze with bright and
crisp images that offer vivid colours, while its 200GB microSD port offers lots of extra storage. See issue 52

Sony Xperia Z5 549

4 Its another device that prioritises evolution over revolution, but thats not to say Sonys fth-
generation Xperia handset is a dull affair. The cameras are arguably the best weve ever seen, while it
ticks every specication wishlist. Its waterproof and dustproof too, but it does come at a price. See issue 57

Moto X Style 399

5 Although it isnt a direct replacement for the second-generation Moto X, the Style is a step up in terms
of specications (bigger battery, more RAM, better screen resolution and a hexa-core processor). The
screen really is a sight to behold and the design is cool and edgy. Its superb value for money too. See issue 57

Huawei Mate S 469

6 Stunning, in every sense of the word. Huaweis best-ever device could be your next droid. The build
quality cant fail to impress, the design is beautiful and the option to go either dual-SIM or to add a
storage upgrade via a microSD slot offers an excellent degree of customisation. See issue 59

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium 629

7 The Z5 Premium is a very good phone, but its just too expensive and the 4K screen adds little value.
Nonetheless its the rst instance of a phone with a 4K screen, so well be interested to see whether
other manufacturers follow Sonys latest innovation. See issue 59

HTC A9 449
8 The M9 remains a great device, but the A9 feels like a change in direction for HTC. Taking on board
criticisms of its agship device, HTC has kitted the A9 with bleeding-edge specs and even shipped it
with Android Marshmallow. As youd expect, the build quality is of the highest order. See issue 58

HTC One M9 579.99

9 We marked the M9 down for only being a very minor update on the M8, but it is undeniably a superb
phone. Underneath its elegant silver and gold chrome shell, it houses a superfast Snapdragon 810
processor, 20MP camera, 3GB RAM, 32GB memory and some clever customisation tools. See issue 50

Moto X (2014) 219.99

10 The second-gen Moto X remains a contender for best phone. It offers a stock Android experience with
a 13MP camera and 15-minute Turbo charging, but is much cheaper than the Nexus 6 that has the
same features. Its other specs are starting to look a bit dated though. See issue 45

In case you missed it... Smartphone cameras Read more in issue 61

Samsung Moto X Style Nexus 6P HTC One A9
WINNER
Galaxy S6 Price 350 Price 492 Price 465
Price 399 98 Website motorola.com Website store.google.com Website htc.com
Website samsung.com If you can get over A real improvement on Optimised software is a
A camera of the the clunky software, what has come before big bonus, but the HTC
highest quality. the end results will Options a little basic One A9 doesnt reach
Samsung has a great please any for our liking, but we the highs others do. It i
history for cameras, photographer. Even dont mind so much not a bad camera, but
and the S6 is no on a winters day, when the results come its not the best when
different. Its images colours are vibrant. out looking as good as compared to its
look great with clear This was the surprise they do. A worthy competition, which to
and crisp detail. hit of the test. effort from Google. be fair, was stiff.

89
Buyers Guide
TOP 10 BUDGET BUYS IF YOURE SHOPPING FOR A SMARTPHONE ON A SHOESTRING, CHECK
OUT THESE LOW-COST MOBILE MUST-HAVES

1
Vodafone Smart ultra 6 115
Our newly crowned best budget phone in the world marries excellent specs and a smooth user
experience to topple the ZTE Blade S6 back into second place. We love this phones octa-core
processor, 1080p screen and 2GB RAM specs youd expect to see in a premium handset. Throw in See issue 56
the fact it looks good and the cameras work brilliantly, and youve got a serious bargain.

ZTE Blade S6 149.95

2 While its price puts it at the top end of what we would call a budget phone, the Blade S6 is the best
ZTE Blade in years. It runs Android Lollipop, has a 64-bit Snapdragon processor, 2GB RAM and the
exact same IMX214 camera as the Sony Xperia Z3 which costs around three times as much! See issue 50

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 150

3 The Redmi Note 3 has set a new high standard for budget devices, provided that you can live with MIUI
7 running over Lollipop and youre not averse to importing your phone. The fantastic battery life is a
particular highlight, as is the surprisingly loud speaker. See issue 61

Wileyfox Swift 129

4 The Wileyfox Swift is excellent value for money and good fun too. It matches its rivals in the market
with a 5-inch HD screen, 2GB RAM and a ve-lens camera enclosure, perfect for taking photos in low
light. Cyanogen 12.1 proves to be an authentic alternative to stock Android. See issue 56

Moto G (2015) 159

5 The newly updated third-gen Moto G (2015) model doesnt offer the same metallic nish as the ZTE
Blade S6 or Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3, but you can personalise its design before you buy, like you can
the much more expensive Moto X. It is also waterproof, offers 4G and has a dual-ash 13MP camera. See issue 55

Moto G 4G (2015) 139.99

6 Now that the regular Moto G and Moto E have been updated and both offer LTE, this handset doesnt
offer much except that its slightly cheaper than the Moto G (2015). It also looks very similar with a
5-inch screen, booming dual speakers and vanilla Android 5.0.2, but it only offers an 8MP camera. See issue 51

Moto E (2015) 109

7 The second-gen Moto E is nipping at the heels of the Moto G for the title of Motorolas ultimate
no-strings-attached smartphone. It also offers 4G and has Android Lollipop built in, with the added
promise of an all-day battery. But its 5MP camera, bulky size and poor display reect its budget price. See issue 54

Asus ZenFone 5 149.99

8 While it is one of the most expensive phones in our budget buys chart, the ZenFone 5 offers an awful
lot for less than most mid-range phones. A stylish metal design is available in a range of colours, it has
a sharp 5-inch screen, powerful Intel Atom processor and an 8MP shooter with a range of modes. See issue 48

Honor 4X 148.86
9 The biggest and best of the mid-range Honor phones, the 5.5-inch Honor 4X has a lot going for it,
including a 13MP camera, off-brand octa-core processor and 4G connectivity. However, you pay for the
high specs at a low cost in other areas: it only runs Android 4.4 KitKat and has a mediocre screen. See issue 53

Sony Xperia M2 Aqua 150

10 Just like Sonys agship Xperia Z5, this mid-range marvel is waterproof up to at least 1.5 metres.
Sonys other top feature is here as well with an 8MP rear camera and a suite of photography tools.
The only downside is that after you factor in all the preloaded apps, it only has 4GB of storage. See issue 48

In case you missed it Apps for lm buffs Read more in issue 60

Movies by IMDb Movies and TV My Movies Pro Netix
WINNER Price Free Price Free
Flixster Price 4.99/$6.99
Price Free With its vast Got a large movie While some streaming
This multifunctional database, IMDb is the collection and nd it services are restricted
app lets you browse go-to app for nding hard to keep track of to North America, Netix
the top movies and anything out about exactly what you is universally available
DVDs, view trailers, nd showtimes lms (and TV shows), including full own? This is a good app that will and lets subscribers watch a large
at local cinemas, read Rotten cast lists, trailers, plot lines, trivia, help you to catalogue it all, sync library of lms (if not the latest
Tomatoes reviews, manage your photos, goofs, reviews and user the info between devices and releases) and TV shows. The app is
Netix queue and stream your ratings. Everything you need to share it with friends, so you have free but you need to pay a
Ultraviolet collection. know is easy to nd. more control over your library. subscription to use the service.

90
 Buyers Guide
TOP 10 BEST TABLETS WHETHER YOURE LOOKING FOR A SEVEN OR TEN-INCH DISPLAY,
THESE ARE THE TOP TABLETS AVAILABLE ON ANDROID

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet

1 505
Sonys lightest and brightest tablet ever, the Z4 has made us fall back in love with the 10-inch tablet
when the Nexus 10 left us cold. With a clip-on keyboard and Microsoft apps bundled in, it is a top
tablet for when you want to set up a mobile ofce. But all work and no play makes for a dull device, so
the Z4 also supports PlayStation Remote Play and has a crisp 2K display screen, a Snapdragon 810 See issue 54
processor and 3GB RAM to ensure it can keep up with console-quality frame rates.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact 269

2 If the Xperia Z4 is an iPad killer, the 8-inch Z3 has the iPad mini in its sights. Weighing just 270g, its
slim and stylish like its bigger brother, with 3GB RAM and a Triluminos display to boot. It also integrates
with the PS4 so the only real difference between the Z3 Compact and the Z4 is its size and price tag. See issue 46

Google Nexus 9 299

3 A mighty Nvidia Tegra K1 processor and 2GB RAM mean that even running the most graphic-heavy
games wont slow this 64-bit tablet down. The built-in BoomSound speakers also offer great sound
quality, making Googles new tablet an all-round media consumption device. See issue 45

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 349

4 Ultra thin and ultra bright, colours look vibrant and details distinct on this powerful Super Amoled
screen. Samsungs iPad slayer also puts many other Android tablets to shame with a multiwindow
mode to display several apps at once and octa-core processor ensuring lightning-fast performance. See issue 43

Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet 309.95

5 Arguably one of the most portable 10-inch tablets available, the Xperia Z2 Tablet is waterproof and
can support a SIM card for 4G use. It is also surprisingly thin and light to carry, and includes
power-saving modes to ensure longer battery life. Reasonably high-spec, it has a whopping 3GB RAM. See issue 39

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 399

6 Ths far as tablet and projector combinations go, this is by far the best on the market today. This
unique feature gives the Lenovo Tab 3 Pro automatic entry into the top ten, but it should be noted that
its somewhat lacking in other areas. See issue 61

Samsung Galaxy TabPRO (8.4, Wi-Fi) 199

7 The smallest tablet in Samsungs collection, the TabPRO 8.4 proves that good things do come in small
packages. A stunning 359ppi screen puts the Nexus 7 to shame, though wed prefer higher-quality
speakers. However, an 8MP camera and an intuitive interface are good compensation. See issue 38

Vodafone Tab Prime 6 70

8 Vodafones 4G tablet is the networks best own-brand device yet, shipping with Android Lollipop built
in, a Snapdragon 410 processor and 32GB microSD. Obviously it also requires a Vodafone contract
so we recommend buying it outright for 150 and getting the pay as you go deal with 6GB data. See issue 53

Amazon Fire 50
9 A solid effort from Amazon who have priced it correctly for new and seasoned Android users alike.
The 50 price means that this will be the go-to Android tablet for many new users, although that low
price point is reected in its build quality and design. See issue 59

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 149.99

10 We praise Lenovo for trying to be different. The outstanding points easily outweigh the usual
cutbacks. The kickstand, excellent speakers and rotational camera are all surprisingly excellent
features that make this budget-tablet offering a serious challenge to the big boys. See issue 60

NEVER MISS AN
ISSUE OF ANDROID
MAGAZINE
For the latest reviews, TRY
check out our great 5 ISSUE5S
subscription offer on FOR *
page 26

91
DroidSupport
troubleshooting advice hints and tips
Gotemail an expert
an Android-
related problem that
you need solving?
Let us know!
qa@littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Share your tips & tricks
Join us on Facebook and Twitter
to share and receive some
great tips and advice
facebook
/littlegreenrobot
Like us on Facebook and join
in our Android community
twitter@lgrobot
Follow us on Twitter to send
your thoughts and questions
Did you know?
On some Android devices, you have the
ability in the Display settings to not wake
the screen when new notications
appear. For some this could save a lot of
disturbances throughout the day. It may
also show in the Notications settings
92
Why does my
phone screen stop
recognisingtouch?
I cant work out why, but my phone screen stops
recognising touches and swipes on occasion and
the problem varies in intensity day to day and only in
certain apps. I have tried rebooting and am
considering a full reset, but any advice before I do
that would be helpful. Colin Mulles
Hi Colin. Well, this is a
A bit of a conundrum
then you will be left with a
hardware rep is worth
of trial and error, but you will be
able to sort it. It is sadly one of
because you say the rememberin any those problems that can be hard
problem varies and that it also other interf to narrow down and will take
only happens in certain apps. screen pro e but you will get there in
Unfortunately this means that tight-tti d have a perfectly
you will need to spend some could ca droid phone
time exploring where the time to
problem could be, but it is
If you run into problems
possible that you will nd the with an app, simply try an
answer without needing to do a alternative
full reset or sending it away for
repair. If you are certain that the
problem only occurs in a
selection of apps, try using any
other app when the problem
strikes to see if the problem is
coincidentally universal. It may
be that you will need to change
some of the apps for alternativ
solutions, but the good news i
that there are alternatives fo
everything in Google Play. N
if the problem occurs fro
to time in every app, then
be a loose cable or a me
problem. Unfortunately
equire you to hard re
evice and if that do
l factory reset should
rt in any situation
 facebook email

DroidSupport
Ask your questions
Got a problem with your Android phone or tablet? /littlegreenrobot qa@littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Get help from our Send your questions for our team of
Send it to us and well nd the solution Facebook community experts to tackle

Do I really need to
upgrade?
Can you help please? I purchased a Samsung Galaxy Note PRO 12.2
Tablet and it has the Kit Kat operating system, so I have been told.
Last week the Wi-Fi gave up and will not turn on. I asked PC World for
advice and they said that I need to upgrade to Lollipop. Is this true?
Can I do this myself, as I have never experienced anything like this
before. Maurice Harris
Hi Maurice. Wi-Fi click to start the process.
A problems are not
uncommon on any
Updating your operating system
is not a difcult process at all
Try to keep your OS up to date at all times
device, but we have to say that and simply requires waiting for
the advice you have been given it to complete, but we would turning on at all, we would
does seem to miss the point advise you to back up all of your suggest a full reset, but in your
somewhat. Upgrading to Lollipop data rst just in case. If you wish case the update to Lollipop
will offer a variety of to avoid this, we would also should work as a similar
improvements to your tablet suggest you turn your router on resolution. It is, however, also
experience and could likely x and off and to go to Settings>Wi- possible that there is a hardw
the Wi-Fi problem, so we would Fi to check if the tablet is fault which is causing the
suggest doing that anyway. Go to connecting to any router at all. problem and stopping the tab
Settings and look for an About You need to see if there is a from connecting all of the tim
option. Within this you should problem with your router or if because of a broken antenna,
be able to locate a Software the tablet is struggling with and this will obviously requir Wi-Fi problems are rarely caused by the
Update option, which you can every connection. If Wi-Fi is not physical repair. entire operating system

hints&tips Control calendar reminders, silence keyboards and set time

Set default calendar reminders Lose the haptic feedback Always use automatic time

1 2 3
When using Google Calendar, its likely that If you are using the Google keyboard, you In Settings>Date & time, you should
you wont see an option to set default can stop the keys from sounding and always use the automatic settings for
notication times for events. The way vibrating by going to Settings>Language & time and time zone. Accurate time is
around this is to set up a default in the web input>Google Keyboard>Preferences and then used for lots of tasks including using Chrome
interface on a computer and it should transfer. unchecking the relevant boxes. and downloading new apps from Google Play.

93
DroidSupport
Why is my present with any Bluetooth
device. In the case of a Jawbone, The process is
tness the app will require a valid
internet connection alongside a very simple and
tracker connection to your device in
order to synchronise the data highly visual
unreliable? and then upload the information

Can you help me make my Jawbone

tness tracker more stable? Some
days it will update my progress and
on others, it cannot seem to show
my historic data or even connect
using Bluetooth to my Android phone.
Joanne Morgan
Hi Joanne. Jawbone
A tness trackers have a
very good name and
rightly so, but there are the
occasional connection issues
to Jawbones servers. This means
that a number of things need to
come together to make
everything work and at times,
problems can occur. We have
played around with a Jawbone
and found a trick that seems to
work more often than not. If you
are struggling to sync, close the
app completely, turn off
Bluetooth, turn Bluetooth back
on and then open the app again.
This simple method seems to
cure most temporary
synchronisation problems in our
experience. Good luck!
Can I stop
audible
You can easily silence email notications
sure you untick the Vibrate
option and you should only see
visual notications at the top of
the screen when new messages
arrive. It would be nice to see
b i tti vailable
My memory
keeps
running out!
I use my phone every day and
have installed lots of apps
and media to it. The problem
is that I am now running out of
memory on my expansion
card and internal disk and
dont know where to start.
Ideally, I would like to free up
space logically without
connecting it to a PC and as
quickly as possible. Can you
h l ? l R th ore

email alert You are right

ensible
I desperately want to silence G o memory
notications because I receive to not simply
many each day. The problem is onsider to be
need to be notied of WhatsAp d les.
messages and other alerts an nes and
need to somehow single out e othing more
I dont want to silence everyth omputers and
my phone. Is this even possib mes the
Brian Hall f random les
ace, many of
Hi Brian. This is e safely
A indeed possible a
actually easier to
give you all of
ce that you
than you may think, but i your device
example of a setting that every single
needlessly hidden and of of this, we
overlooked by many And o apps that
users. Open the Gmail ap directly on
hit the menu icon. Scroll rst to see
to the bottom of the labe are taking up
and tap Settings. Now se econd, to then
your main email accoun ffenders to
then look for the Inbox s mory. The
& vibrate option. Tap it a ry simple and
you will be presented w l so anyone
more options. Tap Soun le to follow it.
you will then be shown ou will have a
to choose from. You wil ee space
either see None or Sile you by the
depending on the devi ve completed
are using, and selectin
either will silence your e ge Android
Bluetooth devices can be inconsistent at times notications forever. Also, a PC
 Did you know?
When new notications appear, you should be able to tap and hold
any of them to see more information about the alert and the app
that caused it to appear in the rst place. Tap the i to manage how
each one pops up in the future.
1 Download DiskUsage app
Go to Google Play and search for
DiskUsage. It is a small app and free, so you
should have no concerns about downloading and
installing it. Wait for it to install and then undertake
a new search for Solid Explorer Classic. This
companion app works seamlessly with DiskUsage.
3 View the storage card
Tap Storage card to see the breakdown of
the les on your expansion drive. The memory is
presented visually and will offer an indication of
the areas that are using up space in colour-coded
form. You can zoom in and out of the main view
using your ngers for ner detail.
5 See all of your les
You will see [Root required] as an option in
the main panel, and if you are rooted, tapping this
will show you every single le that is taking up
space. You will able to drill down to single music
albums and even photo collections. Tap one to
continue investigating further.
2 Download le manager
Once you have downloaded and installed
Solid Explorer Classic, you have everything you
need to investigate memory usage and nd out
what is taking up your valuable space. Now open
DiskUsage and a pop-up panel will appear offering
you a choice of locations to start exploring.
4 Scan your apps
Tap App storage to see which apps are
using the most space. You may need to zoom in a
great deal to see the apps that use tiny amounts
of space, but please remember that a lot of small
apps can use much more memory and system
resources than a handful of larger apps.
6 Deal with large les
When you tap on a le or folder, Solid
Explorer Classic will open up, at which point you
can hold your nger on the selection to undertake
different actions. Everything from deleting les to
moving them to new cards or folders is included
for easy and efcient le management.
Check our website daily
for even more tips & tricks www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Imagine Publishing Ltd
Richmond House, 33 Richmond Hill
Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6EZ
 +44 (0) 1202 586200
Web: www.imagine-publishing.co.uk
www.greatdigitalmags.com
www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Magazine team
Editor April Madden
april.madden@imagine-publishing.co.uk
 01202 586218
Senior Designer Adam Markiewicz
Photographer James Sheppard
Senior Art Editor Andy Downes
Editor in Chief Dan Hutchinson
Publishing Director Aaron Asadi
Head of Design Ross Andrews
Contributors
Andy Betts, Christian Cawley, Jo Cole, David Crookes, Oliver Hill,
Philip King, Shaun McGill, Philip Morris, Paul OBrien, Michael
Simpson, Harry Slater, Jessica Thornsby and Mark White
Advertising
Digital or printed media packs are available on request.
Head of Sales Hang Deretz
 01202 586442
hang.deretz@imagine-publishing.co.uk
Account Manager Simon Hall
 01202 586415
simon.hall@imagine-publishing.co.uk
FileSilo.co.uk
Assets and resource files for this magazine can be found
on this website.
Support filesilohelp@imagine-publishing.co.uk
International
Android Magazine is available for licensing.
Contact the International department to discuss
partnership opportunities.
Head of International Licensing Cathy Blackman
 +44 (0) 1202 586401
licensing@imagine-publishing.co.uk
Subscriptions
For all subscriptions enquiries
 0844 245 6963 (UK)
 +44 (0) 1795 414 972 (Overseas)
Email: android@servicehelpline.co.uk
13 issue subscription (UK) 51.90 (CC)
13 issue subscription (Europe) 65
13 issue subscription (ROW) 75
Circulation
Head of Circulation Darren Pearce
 01202 586200
Production
Production Director Jane Hawkins
 01202 586200
Finance
Finance Director Marco Peroni
Founder
Group Managing Director Damian Butt
Printing & Distribution
Printed by William Gibbons, 26 Planetary Road,
Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 3XT
Distributed in the UK, Eire & the Rest of the World by:
Marketforce, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London,
E14 BUH  0203 787 9060, www.marketforce.co.uk
Distributed in Australia by: Gordon & Gotch Australia Pty Ltd,
26 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086, Australia
 +61 2 9972 8800, www.gordongotch.com.au
Disclaimer
The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material
lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of
Imagine Publishing Ltd. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced
in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher.
All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose
of criticism and review. Although the magazine has endeavoured
to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and
availability may change. This magazine is fully independent and
not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.
If you submit material to Imagine Publishing via post, email, social
network or any other means, you automatically grant Imagine Publishing
an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free license to use the material across
its entire portfolio, in print, online and digital, and to deliver the material
to existing and future clients, including but not limited to international
licensees for reproduction in international, licensed editions of Imagine
products. Any material you submit is sent at your risk and, although
every care is taken, neither Imagine Publishing nor its employees,
agents or subcontractors shall be liable for the loss or damage.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
Imagine Publishing Ltd 2016
ISSN 2047-1580
95
Resources
YOUR FREE RESOURCES
Log in to www.filesilo.co.uk/android and download the latest
smartphone software, video tutorials and free wallpapers

10 free wallpaper collection of designs

OUR BONUS
ESOURCES
ON OUR BRAND-NEW
FILESILO THIS ISSUE
YOU WILL FIND AN
UNMISSABLE
COLLECTION OF
ANDROID RESOURCES
Exclusive hands-on videos of
the latest hardware
Videos to guide you through some
of the magazines best tutorials
Wallpapers for your phone
Unboxing videos St i d kt ll
Hands-on with the latest devices

FREE RESOURCES1 Expert video guides

TOTAL NUMBER OF
Walking you through the new OS

www.filesilo.co.uk/android
96

FILESILO THE HOME OF PRO RESOURCES
DISCOVER YOUR FREE ONLINE ASSETS
A rapidly growing library
Updated continually with cool resources
Lets you keep your downloads organised
Browse and access your content from anywhere
No more torn disc pages to ruin your magazines
FileSilo
No more broken discs
Print subscribers get all the content
Digital magazine owners get all the content too!
Each issues content is free with your magazine
Secure online access to your free resources
This is the new FileSilo site that replaces
your disc. Youll find it by visiting the
link on the following page
The first time you use FileSilo youll need
to register. After that, you can use the
email address and password you
provided to log in
The most popular downloads are
shown in the carousel here, so check
out what your fellow Android
Magazine readers are enjoying!
If youre looking for a particular type of
content like brushes or fonts, use the
filters here to refine your search
Cant find the resource youre looking
for in these filters? Click on More
Options to specify exactly what kind of
resource you want
Green open padlocks show the issues
you have accessed. Red closed
padlocks indicate the ones you need to
buy or unlock
Top Downloads are listed here, so you
can get an instant look at the most
popular downloaded content
Check out the Highest Rated list to see
the resources that other readers have
voted for as the best!
Find out more about our online stores,
plus useful FAQs like our cookie and
privacy policies and contact details
Discover our amazing sister magazines
and the wealth of content and
information that they provide
97
Resources
How to use
Everything you need to know about
accessing your new digital repository

To access FileSilo, please visit www.filesilo.co.uk/android

01 Follow the
instructions
onscreen to create an
02 If youre a print
subscriber,
unlock all the content by
03 You can
access FileSilo
on any computer, tablet
04 If you have any
problems with
accessing content on
account with our secure entering your unique or smartphone device FileSilo, or with the
FileSilo system. Log in Web ID. Your Web ID is using any popular registration process, take a
and unlock the issue by the eight-digit browser (such as look at the FAQs online or
answering a simple alphanumeric code that Chrome, Firefox or email filesilohelp@
question about is printed above your Safari). However, we imagine-publishing.co.uk.
the magazine. address details on the recommend that you use
You can access mailing label of your a computer to download
the content subscription copies. It content, as you may not
for free with can also be found on any be able to download files
your issue. renewal letters. to your phone or tablet.

GET IN TOUCH WITH ANDROID

MAGAZINE
Head over to www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk for all
the hottest news and reviews, quick tips and
handy tutorials and much more. Were on
Facebook and Twitter too follow @lgrobot and
like us at www.facebook.com/littlegreenrobot to
find amazing competitions and giveaways for
apps and hardware. Wed love to hear from you
dont be shy!

www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk
Issue 63 of Android Magazine is on sale 14 April 2016 from GreatDigitalMags.com

98
Turn on your
imagination
Paint with light
Turn your everyday lighting into an extraordinary experience.
Play with colors or sync lights with your music, TV and games for an
immersive effect. The possibilities are endless once you start exploring.
And with hundreds of apps to choose from,
Sync lights with
the only real limit is your imagination.
music and movies

Light schedules for

home automation

Light for your

well-being
 SUPER SONIC. SUPER SVELTE.

ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION A70 airSOUND BAR

Orbitsound presents the agship A70 airSOUND Bar. Compact, stylish
and extremely powerful, this British engineered masterpiece will
become the audio centre of your home. For clear dialogue on TV,
music streaming, or a thrilling movie experience, the A70 effortlessly
delivers all the audio you will ever need... and more.
British airSOUND Technology | Engineered Wood Construction |
Wireless Subwoofer | aptX Bluetooth with NFC | Wall Mounting
Kit Included | AUX and Digital Optical | Ultra High Denition Audio
| Touch Sensitive & Backlit Interface | Remote Control Learning