Android devices got so much of exciting features that ease our daily technical needs. One of these features is how to use any android phone as a broadband through USB tethering. Another ways of tethering was previously posted in this blog where you can learn how to create a WiFi hotspot using android device which can be compared as Pocket WiFi feature. There are plenty of android users out there who are not able to explore their android device well, actually, the features present in an android device are quite hidden in the system as some are not accessible and some terms are very technical to understand. It is always good to play safe but it is good to know the hidden features of your device, that is why Android How is here to inform you the ways of android thingy.

How to Use Android Phone as Broadband | USB Tethering

Before we start, you must have a working internet connection from your android device. It does not matter if it is a prepaid or postpaid plan as long as you can connect to the internet. Take note that all restrictions from your ISP will still be your restrictions when sharing your connection after this method.

There will be 2 working methods on how to use your android phone as broadband or USB Tethering. First method is by using the built in feature of your device which is good for normal users and another one is by downloading a third-party apps from Google Play Store which allows you to configure more of tethering capabilities. What I will show you is how you will be able to do USB Tethering without using any third-party applications.

Step 1 Enable the Data Connection from your device. If you do not know how to do that, go to your device Settings > Wireless and Networks > Mobile Networks and enable the Data Connection. There should be a mobile network type that appeared above your signal status like (3G, H, LTE, EDGE)

Step 2 Go to your device Settings > Developer Options and check USB Debugging. Enable this to avoid possible connection problems.

Step 3 Connect your phone to your computer via USB cable. It is always recommended to install proper drivers of your phone to avoid possible problems to occur.

Step 4 Go to your device Settings > Wireless and Networks > Tethering and Portable Hotspot and tap USB Tethering to enable it.

Step 5 Wait for your computer to detect your android device, process and configure your adapter and IP. Notice that the Network Connection icon on the lower right side of your computer is connecting. If not, install your device drivers.

Step 6 Wait for your network to be completely established before trying to browse the internet. If you can browse then you are done, if not, repeat the steps until you are able to connect.

NOTE: Some ROM's are having problems with regards to USB Tethering so another way to share your internet connection to your other devices is through WiFi Tethering.

If you have concerns, please nicely comment below.

I certainly know you've been having a hard time finding out how to speed up and reduce lags on your android device. Now, I would like to share to you one of the most effective ways to reduce lags on your android and dramatically speed it up by just installing a root required android application.

Let me introduce to you Seeder, an android application that generates entropy that results to a significant reduction of lags and boost its performance. Seeder works as a performance tuner and an android manager but it requires Root Access to perform. This one of the easiest way to boost your android's performance, you may also try disabling android services and apps to increase RAM on your android device.

Seeder: Speed up and Reduce Lags on Android

Let us begin with checking if your android device has root access to the system. If your device was not yet rooted, you must root it now (search "how to root android" in this blog for the guide).

Next step will be downloading of the Seeder application. To download the APK, you may visit the original thread of Seeder on XDA here and look for Seeder 2.0.0.apk or your may directly download it here. Now if your done, copy the downloaded Seeder app and move it to your android device.

From your android device, find the seeder application which you have copied and install it as a normal APK or android application. After installing, open it and you will notice that there's a combo box which you can select a RNG service performance profile. You may select whichever you want, in my case I use Aggressive and it works best. You may check Start automatically on boot to start it automatically when you have just turned on your android and you may also check Suspend RNG service while screen is off so it won't run when your screen is turned off.

Finally, turn it on to start the Service but make it sure that you have granted Superuser rights. You will see that the application keeps your entropy up, that means that the service is working and it speeds up and reduces lags on your android device.

Enjoy!

Android phone is one of the most favorite smartphones not only because it's more affordable than iOS or other smartphones but because of it's amazing built in features that can beat any expensive smartphones out there. Previously, I have written about how to create a WiFi hostpot on Windows 7/8 computer without using any software, so now, what this article is going to show you is how will you able to create a WiFi hotspot using your favorite android phones and how will you be able to share your internet connection with it.

What we need for this tutorial is an android phone and another android phone or devices which is WiFi capable just to test if created our network is working. In android term, we term WiFi hotspot as WiFi tethering, this is how we will gonna it.

Create a WiFi Hotspot using Android Phone

First, you must have a working internet connection, connect your android phone's data connection to be used as the source of your internet connection. To do that, go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Data Connection. A signal type should appear (H, 3G, LTE, E) above your signal icon on status.

Now to create a WiFi hotspot, go to Settings > Tethering and Portable Hotspot and set your hotspot configurations, Network SSID is your WiFi name, Security is for security type (you can set none so it will not require for password) and Password for your WiFi password then hit OK if you're done. If you're done setting up, mark Portable Wi-Fi hotspot check to turn it on then you're good to go.

To connect your other devices, simply turn your WiFi on and find the WiFi name that corresponds your config, connect to it, enter the password and you're done.

I know there's so many of you who wants to try editing or creating their own taste by modifying android apps or APK files. Here is the guide which you can use as your start to modding.

Here are the process which you need to know about APKTool Basics: Modding Android Apps.

First we must setup everything required apps. Download them here.
Now extract APKTool to:

C:\APKTool\

After all mentioned above, we are now ready for modding.

I. Installing Framework
II. Decompiling
III. Start Editing
IV. Recompile
V. Signing

APKTool Basics: Modding Android Apps

I. INSTALLING FRAMEWORK

Installing your ROM's framework will be the first thing to do when modding to obtain compatibility.

1. You must take/copy the "framework-res.apk" file from your current ROM and place it to APKTool folder, you can find it at "system/framework/framework-res.apk".

2. Go to APKTool folder and run "Command Prompt" file as administrator.

3. A command prompt will appear and type this command.

apktool if framework-res.apk

II. DECOMPILING

Decompiling is the process of decoding or producing the source codes of any program. Without decompiling a program, it is impossible to be read by human. We must decompile APK files so we can be able to edit XML files and smali files. 

To decompile an APK file, you must place it to APKTool folder and run command prompt. So this is the command to decompile.

apktool d sample.apk sample_folder

In my case I want to decompile my SystemUI.apk which is responsible for Statusbar elements.

After successful decompiling APK, a folder will be created as what you named it.

III. EDITING

This is the difficult part of modding. For now, start with replacing icons and PNGs but be sure it has the same file extension and the same size. 

You can find the icons and PNGs used in the APK by opening the decompiled APK folder

\res\drawable-nodpi

\res\drawable-hdpi or mdpi or ldpi, depends on your screen resolution.

I'll be posting more of it soon so let's just stick with the basic guides.

IV. RECOMPILING

This will be the stage of rebuilding the codes, XMLs and smali files back into a single APK file. To recompile, simply run the command prompt follow this command:

apktool b sample_folder_name new_sample.apk

In my case, I want to recompile my decompiled SystemUI folder.

V. SIGNING APK

Sign only non system apps unless you have modified AndroidManifest.xml file. From command prompt, type:

java -jar SignApk.jar testkey.x509.pem testkey.pk8 sample.apk signed_sample.apk

Done!




Credits to Rizal Lovins for the signing keys.

As an android user, I'm sure you are aware what does an android OS is capable of, one of the best part of it is modding. There's to many android mods that exist in the internet but the problem is its compatibility to our device.

Make Your First MOD Now with Android APKTool

I present to your APKTOOL, the tool which most android modders are using to modify any android application. APKTool is a tool used to decode and rebuild android applications to apply some fixes or modifications. Other than that, what I like most of this is it's very lightweight and easy to use.

To make your first mod now with android APKTool, you must have:

1. JDK (Java Development Kit) - Download

2. Android SDK (OPTIONAL. install this if you want to edit 9.png, use ADB, zipalign and other utilities)
- Download

3. Notepad++ to edit XML files - Download

4. Winrar (to open compressed files and APK files) - Download

5. APKTool - Download

You can now start modding by following APKTool Basics: Modding Android Apps

I'll be posting here the tutorials so Subscribe Now with Facebook.






Credits:

https://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2195680

Smartphones such as android phone and iPhone are very popular when it comes to advance technology it packs. As a smartphone user, I know that you've been facing a lot of troubles when it comes to your battery, that it could not even last a day. Know how to solve your battery problems with these easy tips.

Note: The following tips are also applicable to any mobile phones.

What you need:

A big amount of patience and exploration of your device.

iPhone | Android: Make battery last longer

1 Know how to turn off after using or if your not totally using it.

This is the most common problem that resides in the user not within the device. Your phone is designed to follow its master and you, as a user, are the master. Turning on any features requires power, therefore you must turn it off to save power.

Turn off Bluetooth

Turn off GPS

Turn off Wifi

Turn off Data Connection

Turn off Auto Sync

Turn off Notifications

Turn off Auto Rotation

2 Reduce brightness level.

You must not keep the brightness level at 100%. Adjust the brightness just enough that you can properly see your screen display. Screen brightness greatly increases battery consumption, therefore, you must know how to adjust them.

What I usually do:

Under the sunlight: 100% brightness level

On normal light: 40-50%

Night/Low light: 10-15%

3 Properly close applications after using. Do task killing.

Applications and services running on background takes a lot of RAM which requires an amount of power, therefore, in order to save more battery juice, you must close those apps and services after using.
Don't use power saving apps, it will only add apps running in background.

Here is an article for root android phones Disable Background Apps/Services in Android Phones which you can follow.

4 Keep away from heat.

Heat makes your battery drain fast. Also, it may cause damage to your phone's hardware. Keep it cool by avoiding it from hot places, let it sleep for a while or by turning off the features that makes your phone hot.

Your phone's temperature usually increases when playing games, making phone calls and browsing the net. Using the features that requires more of hardware power consumes more energy.

5 Minimize animations and effects on your phone.

Animations, live wallpapers and effects make your GPU and CPU work hard which eventually consumes more of your battery, thus, reducing or totally removing them not only saves you more battery but also makes your phone perform smoother and faster.

6 Reduce screen timeouts. Turn your screen off.

Turning your screen of makes your phone rest and sleep for a while. It significantly reduces your battery consumption since your LCD lights are turned off and some features are disabled when the phone is at sleep mode.

7 Use dark theme or background.

Using colorful designs forces your hardware especially your phones GPU to perform harder which therefore requires more battery power.

8 Avoid using Dual Mode. Only use GSM when not in browsing mode.

Using dual mode forces your signal to keep on searching better signal strength for it to be used. Note that cellular standby is the second thing that consumes more battery so you must prevent it. GSM mode is enough for making phone calls and messaging so there will be no problem about it.

9 Learn how to use Flight mode. (My Favorite)

Flight mode disables your phone's cellular standby which makes your battery last longer but sacrifices the ability to do calls, messaging and data connection but you may still use WiFi to browse the internet. Turning flight mode on is the best way to save battery and play games longer.

10 Power off phone if your not totally using.

This is very self explanatory. If you think you don't need your phone anymore, turn it off.

Do this simple steps for your phone, iPhone | Android: Make battery last longer is surely the best answer for your problem.

How to Take Screenshots on Anrdoid

Have you tried taking screenshots in your android device? Are you confused how and being troubled how to do such a thing? In this post, we will going to show you how to take screenshots on android device in a very simple way you could do it. This could be done on any android device including the newer released smartphones and tablets, Samsung Galaxy series, Nexus series and more.

How to Take Screenshots on Android

For Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and up

This is a very simple and popular method, almost all new android device was equipped with ICS or later android OS versions. You are lucky because screenshot feature is already built in to your device. All you have to do is press Volume Down + Power button at the same time and hold them for a 1-2 seconds, it will take a screenshot and there will be a shutter sound and an image preview of your screenshot. View your screenshot in your Gallery.

For below Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Unfortunately, your phone does not have the built in capability to take screenshots, not unless it was equipped by your device manufacturer. According to my own experience with Samsung's Android devices, they have their own combination keys to take screenshots. Just like my Galaxy Mini, I can do screenshots on my phone. Below combo keys on taking screenshots might work for you.

Home + Power button, press and hold them for a few seconds to take a screenshot.
Back + Power button, press and hold them for a few seconds to take a screenshot.

If non of these methods worked for your android device, you may try the following options:

1. Install 3rd Party apps found in Google's Play Store, they may require you to root your phone.
2. You have to flash custom ROM for your android device that has screenshot feature (like CyanogenMod).

Now you know how to take screenshot on android.

Are you getting annoyed by applications and services that automatically runs in background even you don't want to and eats too much of your RAM? Does your phone turns laggy when your just messaging and playing games? In this article, I will going to show you how to solve your android problems.

There was an app called "Disabled Service" which actually disables your applications and system services from running in background. This is surely very useful for those who had troubles with their RAM.

Disable Background Apps/Services in Android Phones

Video Tutorial

To disable backgroud apps/services in your android phones, your phone must have ROOT ACCESS and Disable Service app installed.

First, you need to download and install Disable Service app from Google Playstore.

Secondly, you have to look for the services that you want to disable. TAKE NOTE, you must understand and you must know what you are trying to disable.

Next, open Disable Service and look for the blue font-colored number count from the system name, it indicates the number of running services. The blue font-colored services are the current running services. Uncheck it to disable. The red font-colored number indicates the number of disabled system process.

Now, you have disabled background apps/services in your android phone.

HOW TO: Make your android phone look like iPhone

Android phone has been the 1st choice of the smartphone owner wanna be's since android smartphones are much affordable and offers great mobile experience. As android being a highly customizable operating system for smartphones, it is capable of changing schemes which allow users to take their own desired styles.

In this article, you will going to learn how to make your android phone look like iPhone by just following this easy steps or by following the video below:

HOW TO: Make your android phone look like iPhone

Step 1: Connect your android phone in the internet by connecting from WiFi or Data Connection.

Step 2: Open Google Playstore app from your app drawer and search "espier launcher"

Step 3: Select "Espier Launcher 7", download and install it.

Step 4: After the Espier Launcher 7 is installed, open it. Just skip the user guide.

Step 5: Now you've got your phone look like iPhone, set it as default launcher by pressing the Home button of your device, select Espier Launcher and tap "Always".

Step 6: Done! You may also download other iPhone plugins such as lockscreen and more by opening the Espier application from your app drawer.


Now, you already know how to make your android phone look like iPhone.

Help me share this cool stuff!

Customize | Make Statusbar Transparent for Android

Make your lockscreen even cooler by making your android statusbar transparent and modify other statusbar elements. This modification doesn't require your to be a good android modifier and this is even perfect for android newbies.

How To Customize | Make Statusbar Transparent

To do this you must have:

Only for android 4.1/4.2/4.3 Jelly Bean

Xposed Installer - download here credits to this site

Gravity Box - download here credits to this site

NOTE: This can only make statusbar transparent for lockscreen and launcher

Video Tutorial:

Step 1: Download and install Xposed Installer and Gravity Box in your android device.

Step 2: From your device, open Xposed Installer app and navigate to Framework and tap "Install/Update"

Step: 3: You may or may not reboot. Then, from Xposed Installer app, go to "Modules" and check Gravity Box.

Step 4: Reboot or Soft Reboot your phone.

Step 5: Open Gravity Box app and navigate to "Transparency Management", set your lockscreen transparency by moving the "Statusbar for lockscreen" or set your launcher transparency by moving "Statusbar for launcher"

Step 6: Press the power to lock your screen and see the changes.

Step 7: Done. You may modify your statusbar more by navigating to "Statusbar tweaks".

Customize | Make Statusbar Transparent