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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 197 Getting There
More drones, apps on different screens, tab switching and more!
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The Android Realm Episode 196 Easily Difficult
Extending Google Now, avoiding hammers, screenshots and more!
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 195 Connections
Tapping around, swyping vertically, integrating functions, and more!
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 194 More Support
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 192 Now With More Loyalty
Better mousing, consistency updates, a new wallet app and more!
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 191 Mobility Based and iOS Too
Lots of releases to iOS, Chromebooking and more!
Episode Guide
Device Review - Samsung Chromebook 2
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The Android Realm Device Review Samsung Chromebook 2
Initial Setup
Connect to WiFi to have default profile
May download various updates
Tour system and UI
Performance
Internet speed limited only by network connection
Mouse sensitivity adjustments may need changing
Adjust display to fit viewability
Smooth performance even after installing apps
General Use
Easy transition if already using Chrome browser
Mouse supports swype gestures to switch between tabs
Some shortcuts may differ but all the same ones in other OS's available
When considering the purchase of a Chromebook, it is hard to believe that its setup and use can be as easy as they say but I would say it is about 99% accurate. The only thing difficult would be learning some keyboard combinations and maybe learning how to zoom in and out on websites.
To start with the initial setup, the step by step process guides the user through connection to a WiFi network the logging in with your existing Google account (or setting up a new one). A Chromebook can be used without a Google account but with limited functionality (i.e. no apps besides what is already on the device. Once the user is logged in, a quick tour is given of the UI and that is about it. If you have used a browser then perfect and if you've used Chrome, then even better.
Overall system performance is very responsive. Booting the device takes around 5-10 seconds (mine takes around 6, even after installing apps). Switching between tabs and navigating the UI is very smooth, even with several tabs open. If there is an update that requires a reboot, a little arrow shows up in the task drawer. The only setup the user may need to work on is the screen brightness and mouse sensitivity which I find to be a very personal touch. Getting used to the mouse takes a little bit of getting used to as it supports multi-touch and gestures so remembering to not leave my fingertip on the pad takes some time but is not unfeasible. The brightness setting, on the other hand, does not even require even going into settings as there are keys built into the keyboard. Speaker sound quality is about as much as can be expected from laptop speakers so plugging in external speakers is your best bet (or headphones for that matter) for better sound but the built-in speakers work well enough in quiet environments or for a quick listen (i.e. Google Voice voicemail).
As far as laptops go, getting a Chromebook is a good bet. It works well for e-mail, checking RSS feeds, watching videos, etc. The screen quality looks good on at the 13.3” size to make HD videos enjoyable to watch and battery life makes it easy to forget to charge, even while during regular usage. Finally, the price is easy on one’s budget, especially better when compared to other laptops with similar specs to do the same thing.
The Android Realm Podcast Episode 190 Fours
Android 4.4.4 gets prominent, Chromecasting, and more!
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 189 Look of L
Wear on Google Play, heads up display for Android, and more!
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The Android Realm App Review Heads Up!
At Google I/O 2014, Google showed off a new feature in the Android 'L' build that provides heads up notifications. Basically what this does is show a toaster pop up at the top of your screen for notifications. This particularly useful when in a full screen app or game, have your notification bar hidden or in a mode where you can't easily get to your notifications.
If you don't have a Nexus 5 or 7 or don't want to install the full developer build of Android L but want this same feature now, then Heads Up! is the app to try. After installing the app, hitting Start (to enable notification access) and rebooting your device, this app will display Google Play Games style toaster popups for your notifications. Swyping left or right will clear the notification but that is all (so no archiving in Gmail or marking a text message as read in Hangouts) so when you get to that app, the item still shows up as new.
The most subtle feature is the ability to only have the heads up notifications show up in full screen mode or when the notification bar is hidden so you don't have to see the same notification twice or if you only want the toaster notification in those instances.
Currently the app works only in Android 4.3 and above due to various system requirements. The app is free to check out on xda but if you want to easily get regular updates and/or support the developer, be sure to purchase the app from Google Play.
The Android Realm Podcast Episode 188 Looks Everywhere
Chrome in your Recents, the Android car, matching UI colors, and more!
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 187 Interactive Environment
Automatic pausing in AllCast, Angry RPG, 3D phone display, and more!
Episode Guide
Android Recap for June 19, 2014 now available on any Kindle supported device for $0.99!
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 186 Lazy Stuff
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 185 Google Eyes
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 184 Changing The Perspective
More videos on YouTube, translations in your pictures, retros physics fun, and more!
Episode Guide
- Show Notes
- Game Review - Monument Valley
- App Review - Klout
- Quick Tip - Google Now Nutrition Information
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The Android Realm Quick Tip Google Now Nutrition Information
Have you ever wanted to know how good fruits and vegetables are for you? Do you want to know which way fruits and vegetables are healthier (i.e. raw or cooked)? Then Google Now can provide that information in a snap. Simply open Google Now and do a search for 'Nutritional Value <fruit or vegetable>.'
The search result will provide a card for the fruit or vegetable along with a summary of its genealogy. Clicking the arrow will provide serving size, calories and all nutritional information as found on most food packaging. Certain information can also be adjusted like serving size and preparation style (i.e. cooked, chopped, etc.) based on how it is generally prepared.
The Android Realm Podcast Episode 182 I Heard You Like To Shop
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The Android Realm Podcast Episode 181 The Card UI
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Google Now Card - Remember Where You Parked
The card uses your device's sensors to determine your speed and figure out the last place you parked your car, bike, bus, etc. (basically any fast moving mode of transportation that isn't walking or running) and notes the location via Google Maps.