Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Android
Volume 4
Android
device
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Welcome to
The
Android
Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, and
with good reason. It has a user-friendly interface and includes a host of
incredible apps enabling everything from day-to-day tasks to gripping
entertainment. Android is easily customisable, too, which is partly
why its so popular with top smartphone and tablet manufacturers
like Samsung, Sony, HTC and more. But whichever device youre using,
this revised edition of The Android Book is the ideal guide for learning
how to get more out of all the key apps, from the basic utilities to
Play Music, Chromecast and beyond. Follow the tutorials in this book
to learn how to optimise Android to suit your needs, and get greater
functionality out of your smartphone or tablet. Once youve picked up
the essentials of Android, youll never look back. Lets get started.
Welcome to
The
Android
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Ross Andrews
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David Lewis
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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 bookazine 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 bookazine has
endeavoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change.
This bookazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
The Android Book 2014 Imagine Publishing Ltd
Part of the
bookazine series
Contents
28
Phone
30
30
30
31
31
10
32
Messaging
droid
n
A
y
r
e
Ev estion
qu ered
answ
20
Settings
22
22
22
23
23
24
24
25
40
6 The Android Book
34
34
34
35
35
26
Android
Device
Manager
27 Launch Android Device Manager
27 Call and ring your device remotely
27 Lock or erase your device
36
Google Play
38
38
38
39
39
Purchase an app
Get your money back on an app
Tell other users what you think
Manage your apps and what they do
Update to keep apps in shape
40
Play Movies
& TV
41 Find a show and choose to buy
41 Share the details of a film you like
41 Rent a movie or a TV show
48
42
Play Music
43
43
43
44
44
44
45
45
46
Play Books
52
Music Player
53 Listen to your music with ease
53 Create an all-new playlist
53 Explore the extra functions
54
Video Player
50
Google Play
Newsstand
51 Browse the Store for mags and news
51 Share a magazine with your friends
51 Take out a new subscription
66
66
66
67
67
68
68
69
56
Internet
58
58
58
59
59
60
Chrome
62
62
62
63
63
70
Google
Calendar
48
Play Games
64
Email & Gmail
72
72
72
73
73
74
Google Maps
76
76
76
77
77
74
Play Music offers a vast library that can be accessed with ease
The Android Book 7
Contents
86
YouTube
88
88
88
89
89
86
102
Instagram
104
104
104
105
105
90
Camera
92
92
92
93
93
94
94
95
96
96
97
78
Google Earth
80
80
80
81
81
82
Chromecast
84
84
84
85
85
98
Google
Photos
100
100
100
101
101
106
Paper Artist
107 Take creative photos
107 Share with friends
107 Extra creative touches
108
Facebook
110
110
110
111
111
112
Google+
114
114
114
115
115
Set up Google+
View content streams
Like a Google+ post
Manage your circles
Create a new Google+ post
98
134
Dropbox
132
116
Hangouts
117 Start a video call to a friend
117 Start a chat with numerous friends
117 Alter Hangout settings
118
ChatON
119 Chat with buddies on other devices
119 Update and personalise your profile
119 Draw and send animessages
124
Google Drive
126
126
126
127
127
128
Quickoffice
120
Skype
122
122
122
123
123
130
130
130
131
131
132
Google Keep
133
133
133
136
136
136
137
137
138
Google Now
139
139
139
140
140
140
141
141
142
Google
Translate
143
143
143
128
Create notes
Sync reminders with Google Now
Integrate with Google Drive
Every Android
question
answered
If you are new to your Android device or are in need of
inspiration on how to get the most out of it, then we have got all
of the answers. Read on to become at one with your device
Use your
Android device
Are you new to your Android device? Then lets get you started
Keep in touch
How to use your Android device to stay in the social loop
Can I have conference calls on
my Android device?
If you have an Android handset then you
can use the Add Call and Merge options to
conference-call on your phone. If you are using
a tablet then Googles Hangouts service allows
you to conduct a live video call with up to ten
friends at once. By creating a Hangout party,
you can input the names, email addresses
or numbers of the people you wish to add
and then send out an invite to all parties to
connect. You can also add more people once
your party is up and running, so nobody needs
to be left out of the social loop.
On the go
Need to get to a certain place? Then let your Android device lead the way
Be entertained
Welcome to the real bread and butter of what your device can do for you
How do I subscribe to
magazines?
Settings
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If youd like to have a custom background or create a Wi-Fi hotspot, in the Settings app you can
modify, customise and change almost every single aspect of your device
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Decide your devices style
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Multitask with multi-screen
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Access your settings fast
Settings
Fig 2: The Talk Back tool is one of many accessibility options that
makes navigating on an Android device possible for any user
Wake-up
commands
Settings
1: Settings app
2: Lock screen
3: Set up display
4: LED settings
5: Sound tools
Activate the
Multi window
2: Power settings
1: Display settings
3: Auto Brightness
4: Quick settings
2: Go multi-window
Settings
Assign device gestures and languages
Navigate Device
Manager
1: Gesture setup
2: Gyroscope setup
3: Gesture menu
2: Application Manager
Open Application Manager. Review
memory and RAM at the base of the list.
4: More settings
5: Language input
6: Keyboard input
Settings
Control app
permissions
1: Device permissions
In the More tab of your device settings,
locate the Permissions subheading.
1: Connections
2: Wi-Fi settings
3: Use Bluetooth
5: More networks
6: Activate NFC
2: Location services
Tap Location Services. Turn on Access to
my location and Use GPS satellites.
4: Security permissions
Under the Permissions subheading, tap
Security for more permission options.
Settings
Manage your email and app accounts
1: My Accounts
2: App accounts
3: Sync settings
4: Remove account
5: Back up account
6: Add an account
Tethering
In More Networks,
tap on Tethering
and portable
hotspot to show
this menu
Hotspot
Switch on this
option to turn
your device into a
Wi-Fi hotspot for
otherdevices
Connect
You can also grant
access to your
devices internet
connection by USB
orBluetooth
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Ensure you know where your device is and keep data on it secure using the Device Manager
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View the location on a map
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Remotely call the device
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Lock the device or erase data
Lock or erase
your device
2: Sign in
3: Locate devices
3: Add a message
Add an optional message for the locked
device, such as a contact number.
Phone
Phone
Use your Android device to perfect the art of mobile calling using a variety of advanced and
more obvious features to keep in touch with those most important to you
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A logical and easy screen
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Call people with one tap
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Make the phone your own
Phone
Fig 1: The main call screen is intuitive and takes no time at all to
understand. Extra options are also easily accessible
Fig 3: There are multiple settings available to let you customise the
notification experience so that it works just for you
Clever features
Advanced Phone settings
In the Phone app Settings menu, there
are some extremely clever features which
are worth exploring. The Answering and
ending calls options, for example, lets
you manage how your calls are answered
and ended. You can choose to answer
calls by pressing the home key, using
voice commands or by waving your hand
over the device and you can tick the
checkbox to instantly end a call simply
by pressing the power key on the side of
your device. Your phone, your rules.
Phone
3: Contacts appear
4: Take a call
5: In-call menu
Change default
ringtone
1: The settings
3: It is complete
Phone
Work with multiple calls
Set up call
forwarding
1: Call on call
2: Two options
3: Two calls
2: Voice or video
The next screen will give you two
options. Choose the Voice call option.
3: Various options
You can now choose when to forward
calls by selecting a specific option.
4: Conferencing
5: Extra options
6: End a call
4: Select a number
The final step is to add a number to
forward calls to. Then tap Enable.
Messaging
Messaging
Messaging on an Android device can involve much more than merely sending and receiving
texts. You can set up text templates, add attachments and much more
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Send photos and videos
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Enjoy a real conversation
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Manage and read reports
Messaging
Fig 2: You can block specific contacts as spam numbers and also
quickly add recipients from first-time messages you receive
Message reporting
Text messaging on an Android device is, of
course, extremely useful and beneficial when
keeping in contact with friends, but you
can also use it in a more serious way, such
as for work, if you want to. In the Message
settings you will see some options under Text
Text templates
Speed up your messaging
When composing a new message, you
can press the Menu key and then select
Add text. Now choose Text templates,
where you can automatically include any
from a set of common phrases to greatly
speed up your message creation. If you
open the Message settings, an option
will be available called Text templates as
well, but you can also tap the + symbol
at the top to create your own templates
to cover a variety of situations. Its quick
and easy.
Messaging
1: Messaging icon
2: Use a contact
3: Its delivered
4: Notifications
5: Tap to view
Delete any
text message
1: Magnifying glass
2: Search matches
1: Delete a thread
3: Every result
4: Tap to view
2: Delete a message
Messaging
Attach different files to messages
Send group
text messages
1: Multiple recipients
Add a recipient as normal and select
them. They will be shown at the top.
1: A new message
2: The paperclip
3: Set a default
4: Choose a file
5: The thumbnail
6: Message sent
Google Play
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Discover how to get the best out of this one-stop entertainment shop on your Android device
and realise the potential of thousands of games, songs, apps and much more
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A huge selection to browse
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Based on purchases
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Find great reading material
Helpful menus
If you want to return to the main screen at any
time, tap the Play Store shopping bag icon
at the top left. This will call up a short list of
options (Fig 2), the first of which is Store home,
Google Play
Fig 2: Youll never get lost in the Play Stores entertainment jungle
again, as long as you use this little menu to take you to key places
A social experience
Your Play Store activity is instantly shareable
with your Google+ profile. If you use the Play
Store to rate and review the apps that you use,
these are all public and can be published to
your Google+ page. To view all your activity,
tap the Play Store menu and then tap on your
Fig 3: Google lets you share your opinions of apps, games, music
and more so you can have a truly social entertainment experience
Share purchases
You can tell the world
Every so often youll come across
something thats so great, it would be
criminal to keep it to yourself. For times
such as these, enter the Share button.
This icon looks like three small dots
joined together and is found at the top
right-hand corner of a specific app, TV or
movie page. Once tapped it will present
you with a whole list of sharing options.
Simply tap on your preferred sharing
method and then tell the world about
your Google Play find!
Google Play
Purchase an app
2: Permissions
3: Payment details
4: Watch progress
5: Time to enjoy
1: Go to My Apps
3: Get a refund
2: Rate away!
Google Play
Manage your apps and what they do
Update to keep
apps in shape
1: Individual updates
In My Apps>Installed, youll see apps that
need updating. Tap one, then hit Update.
1: Installed apps
3: Reinstall an app
2: Watch it happen
Accept the permissions and youll see
the progress bar. Once ready, tap Open.
3: Do a job lot
Tap the Update All button at the top to
update all apps in need of attention.
4: Notifications
5: Manage widgets
6: Manage content
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& TV
Buy or rent the latest movies and TV shows to watch on your Android device
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The latest films and shows
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Let friends know about it
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Watch now or buy to keep
Rent a movie
or a TV show
2: Select a film
3: Make a purchase
1: Share a favourite
2: Select a service
Play Music
Play Music
Play Music offers a huge library of tracks and albums, many special deals and excellent sound
quality throughout. It also lets you organise your entire music library
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Sale items are very common
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Read bios and song details
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Preview any song you like
Play Music
1: Set up an account
Make sure that your payment
information is set up in the Play Store.
2: Select a genre
2: Choose a method
Play Music
1: Getting started
3: Payment
5: Start listening
View smart
suggestions
1: Ready to explore
2: Select a song
Play Music
Stream a personalised radio channel
Synchronising
across devices
1: Go to the Settings
Keep your music library synchronised
across devices by going to Settings.
1: Select source
2: Create a channel
3: Select matches
5: Swipe control
6: Advanced options
4: Turn syncing to on
Go down the Settings to Google Play
Music. Ensure that this is ticked to sync.
Play Books
Play Books
Read your books anywhere and buy new titles no matter what you are doing. You can even
make each book look exactly as you want it to for prolonged reading stints
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The book library is huge
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The books feel very real
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Use many display options
Play Books
Read books
how you want
1: Find by genre
2: A detailed search
2: Cover to cover
All of your books will be shown, ready
for you to read straight away.
Play Games
Play Games
Connect to your friends and play multiplayer games over the internet with them. Compete
against them and everyone else with achievements and leaderboards
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Challenge friends to a game
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Compare accomplishments
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Compete with folks globally
Play Games
Create a Cloud
Save for a game
1: Add notifications
3: Send request
1: Go to leaderboard
2: Share activity
3: Select recipients
Play Newsstand
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Browse a wide range of magazines, share with friends and check out the latest news stories
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Look through the shelves
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Get news from the web
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Subscribe to a magazine
Play Newsstand
2: Use categories
1: Find a magazine
3: Send message
Music Player
Music Player
This Android app has everything you need to listen to your favourite
tunes on the go. Stylish, simplistic and intuitive, your device has never sounded so good
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All your music, ready to go
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Organise songs, albums etc
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Use an app while listening
Music Player
Explore the
extra functions
1: Browse categories
2: Give it a title
3: Add music
4: Thumbnail view
On the Albums tab, tap Menu then
Thumbnail view to see album artwork.
Video Player
Video Player
This great app is the premier destination for watching, editing, organising and sharing all of
your clips and movies as you capture your life with your Android devices camera
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File and rename your videos
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Play back videos seamlessly
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Chop and change your films
Video Player
1: Play a video
Internet
Internet
Naturally, your Android device can connect to the internet and with Androids easy-to-use and
intuitive built-in web browser, youll soon get the hang of it
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Find webpages and info
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Keep favourite sites handy
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Send webpages to contacts
Internet
Practical features
Androids Internet app is so packed with
features and options, its difficult to keep
track of its versatility, but some of the lesser
mentioned functions are the most practical
ones. You can easily print off any webpage
or document you are viewing in the browser
Fig 3: Search for a word or phrase in any webpage using the Find in
page tool in the main menu options
Tweak settings
Change display options
Head to the settings menu, via the
main menu options, to customise how
a webpage displays on your device.
Navigate to the Accessibility menu and
choose how big or small you would
like the text to come up, as well as how
colours display. Inverted screen rendering
is an interesting option to try. It turns
webpages into inverted black and white,
which might seem strange but can
improve the legibility of text if you find
the screen difficult to read.
Internet
1: Launch app
3: View results
4: Share a page
5: Save an image
Clear browser
search history
2: Tap to close
2: Tap to clear
Internet
Use Google search
Bookmark
webpages
1: Open a webpage
Type a search into the top bar and open
up a new webpage.
1: Integral Google
2: Browse images
3: Add bookmark
Tap Add bookmark, then give the page
any name you want and save.
4: Sign in to account
5: Link to features
4: Organise bookmarks
Use the menu option to create folders
for bookmarks and rearrange them.
Chrome
Chrome
Link your Google account to the Chrome app and you can then browse the web using the
same bookmarks and settings you use on all your other devices
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Search for webpages
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Search for text in a page
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Switch between open pages
Customise Chrome
Most webpages are built in a full desktop
version as well as an enhanced version
designed specifically for viewing on mobile
devices. Because the dimensions of your
smartphone or tablet screen are much smaller
than your PC or Mac monitor, the enhanced
Chrome
Fig 1: Navigate back and forth inside a tab using the arrows on the
main menu, accessed by tapping the Menu button
Fig 3: Google is the default search engine on Chrome, but you can
choose to switch it to Bing or Yahoo!
Use bookmarks
Save your favourite pages
Creating bookmarks is a good way to
save time if you often go back to the
same webpages and sites. From any
page, open the menu options and then
tap the star icon to create a bookmark.
You can give your bookmark a name and
assign it to a category, such as mobile or
desktop bookmarks, or you can create
your own category. To view bookmarks,
go back to menu options and select
Bookmarks. Browse until you find the
page you want and then tap to open.
Chrome
1: Launch app
2: Type to search
3: Click on results
5: View tabs
Go incognito
Clear your
search history
1: Open history
3: Browse as usual
4: Tap to close
2: Clear items
Chrome
Sync Chrome
Download and
share files
1: Download a PDF
Click a PDF in search results or a page
and confirm you want to download.
2: Choose account
3: Sync settings
2: View downloads
Tap the Download folder in your app
drawer to see all your downloaded files.
3: Tap to share
Tap the Share icon here to send the PDF
or file via email or message services.
4: Sync selection
6: Disconnect
4: Share a webpage
You can share a webpage from the main
menu: tap Share and choose a method.
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Discover how to set up new accounts in both the main email apps on your Android device
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Sync an existing account
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Add photos, music & video
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Add that personal touch
Fig 1: Many different types of email account can be set up, from
web-based mail to ISP-hosted POP3 and Google Gmail itself
Fig 3: Edit the Quick Responses so that they use the text that you
want for frequently used phrases and automatic replies
Auto Advance
Speed up navigation
If you get a lot of email that has to be
deleted, moved or sorted into folders,
the default function of going back to
the email list isnt ideal. Instead, go into
Settings and then General Preferences
and tap on Auto Advance. There are
three options here, the default being
Message List. The other options are to
automatically go to the next message in
the email list for whatever folder you are
in, or to the previous one. Select one to
speed things up.
1: Add account
2: Enter password
3: Account type
4: Incoming server
5: Outgoing
Attach photos
and media
1: Go to the options
1: Create an email
2: Select attachment
Customise and
format emails
2: Two accounts
3: Default sender
3: Highlight words
Double-tap a word to select then use
the highlighter to make it stand out.
4: Set priorities
5: Check priority
6: Combine inboxes
Go to Settings>General
Preferences and tap Priority
Senders. Add people who
you want to keep tabs on
with a custom inbox.
4: Make it bigger
Mark out a whole sentence, then tap on
the 12px icon. Select a larger size.
3: To the inbox
4: Reading emails
5: Forwarding emails
3: Delete messages
Tick all the emails that you dont want to
keep, then tap on the trash-can icon.
1: Label an email
2: Add a label
5: Manage labels
6: Multiple labels
Labelling
Add labels to
emails so they can
be categorised and
stored in folders
Folders
Change the folder
an email is stored
in by selecting a
new one
Images
Set images to be
always on from
trusted senders to
save yourself time
Google Calendar
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Discover how you can use your Android devices default Google Calendar app to manage your
life, schedule events and keep others in the loop
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View by Day, Week or Month
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Schedule and share them
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Get directions to meetings
Scheduling events
There are two ways to schedule events in
Google Calendar. You can either tap on the
+ icon on the top menu bar or tap on a time
frame within your calendar. Either method
will bring up a New Event window wherein
you can add details, such the as event
name, the start and end times, and add the
Google Calendar
Fig 1: You can choose to view your calendar by Day, Week, Month
or Agenda using a simple drop-down menu
Fig 2: Invite people to attend your events and they will be instantly
shared, without you having to do anything else
Fig 3: Quick response emails can be fired out quickly and easily if
you are running late for an event!
Alter settings
Tweak them to your needs
By tapping the Menu icon in the topright corner of the screen and choosing
Settings, you can edit your personal
calendars by tapping on your email
address, or tweak the general settings for
the app. The latter option enables you to
determine when the week starts and the
time zone. You can also set notifications
and edit the quick response emails that
you send out from within the app these
are handy for letting other parties know if
you are running late and suchlike.
Google Calendar
2: Alternatively
3: Select calendar
4: Fill in details
5: Create event
Delete or edit
an event
1: Tap on Guests
2: Add addresses
1: Tap on event
3: Tap Done
4: Event sent
2: Edit or delete
Google Calendar
Find an event location with Maps
Email a reply to
an event
1: Tap on event
Tap on the event to open the details
box, then tap the Email guests option.
1: Open details
2: Tap on location
3: See map
3: Select client
Choose an email client to complete the
action and send the email as normal.
4: Save location
5: Get directions
4: Individual emails
If you wish to email individuals in a list,
tap on their picture and tap on Email.
Google Maps
Google Maps
With the Google Maps app youll never get lost again. Navigate the world, locate your favourite
bars and restaurants, and get directions anywhere with the number-one maps app
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Bike, car or bus to places
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Delve into landmarks in 3D
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Tour a city in Street View
Google Maps
Fig 2: The more location settings that youve enabled, the more
options Google Maps will be able to offer you when using the app
Google Maps
1: Device setup
2: GPS settings
4: Search results
5: Find location
Tap on a suggestion or
tap on the search icon to
go to the location.
1: Find a location
3: Save a place
4: Star locations
2: Traffic overlay
Google Maps
Change Google Maps view interface
Post and
share a location
1: Satellite mode
2: Map overlays
3: Google Earth
4: Access layers
5: Street View
6: Navigate a map
Google Earth
Google Earth
Explore the world and understand every location and landmark within it from the palm of your
hand. Google Earth, and our advice, will have you up and running in minutes
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Map quality is incredible
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Always see your location
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Use layers to find places
Knowledge is power
Google Earth includes a number of layers
which directly interact with the locations
you are viewing and we have detailed how
to select these in a related tutorial. However,
if you take some time to explore each layer,
you may be surprised at what is on offer.
The Wikipedia layer adds simple markers
Google Earth
Fig 1: The galleries offer a chance to see the world as it was and are
highly informative and educational
Find a business
Locate local services
The search mechanism in Google
Earth can be used for anything. You do
not need to just look for places you
can input businesses or even types of
service such as Pub or Pizza to receive
markers showing the ones that are
closest to you. When you tap a marker,
you will see full contact details and even
reviews so that you can decide whether
a trip out is worth your effort. It is yet
another beneficial use for the highly
comprehensive Google Earth.
Google Earth
1: Zooming in
2: Spin around
3: A real view
4: So much detail
5: Local landmarks
Change the
image quality
1: Find a location
2: Sharing methods
1: Go to settings
Google Earth
Change layers and view location data
View landmarks
in 3D
3: Extra detail
2: Find a landmark
Tap the magnifying glass at the top and
search for a landmark to view.
3: An unusual shade
3D objects are coloured differently and
will look quite unusual at first.
4: A busy screen
6: Navigation
4: Time to explore
Zoom in and pan to see incredible levels
of detail. Its like actually being there.
Chromecast
Chromecast
Start using Googles Chromecast device to wirelessly stream movies, music, documents and
more from your smartphone on to your TV in a matter of seconds
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Cast any YouTube video.
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Look at your best images
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Browse the web on your TV
Chromecast
Fig 1: By going through the stages set out in the official Chromecast
app, the setting up process should take just a few minutes
Playback controls
Take control of your stream
Once youve started a stream, by pressing
on the Cast icon within the app you can
now access a range of playback controls
(depending on the app in question).
For Google Play Music, users will have
access to a simple volume toggle, which
directly controls the TV volume. On
the other hand, the YouTube app also
offers volume control, but users can also
choose to lower the video quality if the
stream is stuttering a little. Each app
offers different things.
Chromecast
1: Select Devices
2: Wi-Fi scanning
3: Did it work?
5: Download apps
Cast a
YouTube video
1: Download AllCast
2: Select files
1: Select a video
3: Choose Chromecast
4: Start streaming
2: Start to Cast
Chromecast
Stream media files from your phone
View photos on
your TV
1: Open LocalCast
3: Or choose video
2: Select image
Open up an image, or select a full album
from the list provided to you.
4: Casting icon
5: Check settings
6: Adjust volume
YouTube
YouTube
Search for and watch all your favourite videos with the app version of the biggest video sharing
platform on the internet
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View videos on your phone
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Get alerts for new videos
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Send videos to friends
YouTube
Fig 2: View and clear your video history by navigating to the History
tab. YouTube will make suggestions based on your viewing history
Report a video
Flag inappropriate content
YouTube has millions of users uploading
content every day and very little capacity
to check each one. There are guidelines
that govern what type of content is
allowed on the site and users can report
anything unsuitable. To report a video,
tap the flag icon in the main video area,
then choose the reason. Reporting a
video is serious, so be sure that the
content really is against the community
rules before flagging up, rather than just
against your taste in content.
YouTube
1: Category list
2: Tap to select
4: Tap to play
5: Suggestions
To view videos in a
category, tap it once and
scroll the results.
Subscribe to videos
Like or dislike
a video
1: Search channels
2: Tap to subscribe
1: Like a video
3: View subscriptions
2: Dislike a video
YouTube
Make and edit playlists
Share videos
with friends
1: Add a video
2: Create a playlist
3: Give it a name
2: Tap to share
Tap the Share icon once and choose
which app to use to share the video.
4: View playlists
6: Remove a video
Camera
Camera
Capture memories, shoot a breathtaking panorama, snap a family portrait or make a home
movie. Let out your creative side with Androids Camera app
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Snap high-quality images
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Change the look of a shot
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Record high-quality video
Camera
Fig 1: Adding any of the effects included in the Camera app can
help create a unique style and look to your photos
Fig 3: The HDR tool is one of many shooting modes that helps you
to get the best possible results out of your camera
Camera
2: Digital zoom
3: Auto focusing
4: Manual focus
Use camera
flash modes
1: Flash settings
4: Frame placement
2: Select a flash
Camera
Add in-camera effects when shooting
Shoot a
panorama
1: Effects list
2: Add vignette
3: Colour effects
2: Shoot panorama
Tap the camera button, then slowly pan
the camera to the left or the right.
4: Stylised shot
5: Fisheye lens
6: Apply effects
Camera
Use different
shooting modes
1: Mode updates
3: Record audio
5: Animated photo
6: Show movement
3: Facial enhancements
Beauty face mode will fix imperfections
on skin tones when shooting people.
Camera
Download extra modes for your Camera app
1: Tap Mode
2: Scroll to Download
3: Browse content
4: Download modes
6: Manage modes
Settings
Tap here to view all
settings and select
quick settings to
appear at the top of
the interface
Modes
Tap this icon to view
all of the available
shooting modes that
you can use
Video mode
Tap this icon to
instantly start
shooting HD video
on your device
Camera
Control your shot with manual mode
1: ISO settings
2: White balance
3: Exposure value
4: Add guidelines
1: Quick settings
2: Add settings
3: Reset settings
4: Volume buttons
Camera
Record an HD video in the Camera app
Aspect
When shooting in
16:9 mode, videos
will be shot at a
wider aspect ratio
Square
In 4:3 a square
effect is added,
placing borders
around the shot
1: Shoot a video
2: Recording mode
Tap the Settings icon. Tap the filmreel icon to change the recording
mode. Limit for MMS will create a
low-quality video that is easier to
share via MMS and email.
3: Change speed
4: Video options
5: Video storage
6: Video editing
Pixels
The pixel ratio will
define the quality
of an image and its
file size
Google Photos
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Enhance your photos with cool and retro filters and frames to make them look better, back
them up for safekeeping, then share them, create an album and even a montage
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Give an image style and tone
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Set the photo as wallpaper
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Combine pics, video & music
Google Photos
Fig 2: Each filter has extra versions for variety and you can increase
or decrease the strength of effect, brightness and saturation
Create a slideshow
From the main photos menu there are options
to turn on the automatic backup of images
to Google cloud storage. While this acts as a
safety net in case they get deleted elsewhere,
it also brings into play the Google AutoAwesome feature, which works when you
either upload images to Google+ or use the
backup feature. It checks to see what content
has been uploaded and then can make HDR
or panoramic images, merge group images
into one photo, combine action shots and
Fig 3: Create basic slideshow movies from your photos and video
clips, then add music and a title and upload to Google+ or share
Frame it
Add the finishing touches
Want to add the perfect finish to your
edited image? Go to the paintbrush icon
and select Filters, then Frames. There are
plenty to choose from, including round,
worn, instant, filed, clean, easel, modern,
scratchy, dark, curved and scraped,
scratchy and film stock. As with the filters,
each frame has some variations. Just tap
on the frame icon to see the next one.
Also, they have a frame width parameter.
Slide left and right on the image to adjust
the size of the frame.
Google Photos
1: Go to Edit mode
2: Crop to shape
3: Apply filters
4: Adjust effect
Quickly create
an online album
Google Photos
Make a movie from your photos
Use images on
your device
4: Watch a slideshow
Or tap Menu and select Slideshow. All
images in that folder are displayed.
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Make any photo look perfect
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Upload favourite pictures
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See what others have posted
Exploring Instagram
Through Instagram you can also browse the
photographic work of other users and choose
to like or comment on their pictures and
Fig 2: Marvel at the work of others and then opt to follow them to
get their updates relayed to your Instagram Home screen
More places
The layout of the Instagram app is such that
everything is broken down into neat little
sections, accessible via the buttons at the
bottom of the interface. Obviously, we have
already touched on some of these features, so
lets just clear up the others. The first button,
Home, displays all of your recent uploads as
well as those posted by the people whom you
follow. You can also add likes and comments
to images displayed here by scrolling down
and tapping the corresponding button.
The next two buttons allow you to explore
Instagram and take a new picture in-app
respectively, but the next icon (the heart in
the speech bubble) represents all Instagram
news that is applicable to you. This includes
notifications of when other users like or
comment on your uploaded images, when
you have gained a new follower and when
friends from your other social networks have
joined Instagram so that you can instantly
jump to their profile page and start following
them (Fig 3).
1: Take a picture
2: Apply a filter
4: Sharpen image
5: Activating Lux
Access account
settings
2: Add a caption
1: Go to profile
3: Tap to share
4: On display
2: Your options
Instagram
View images and add likes
Use Instagrams
Direct function
1: Take a picture
Take a picture through Instagram and
on the Share To screen, tap Direct.
1: Go explore
2: Tap an image
3: Add a like
2: Add a caption
Type in a caption for your image and
then browse suggested recipients.
3: Tick recipients
Place a tick next to the person or people
you want to share the image with
4: Add a comment
5: Report comments
6: Search Instagram
4: Send image
When happy, tap the green tick icon in
the top-right corner to send the image.
Paper Artist
Paper Artist
Using this app, the only limits that apply are those of your own imagination. With in-app
photography, vibrant filter options and drawing tools, its ideal for any budding artist
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Snap photos with fun filters
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Play with art styles
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Add impact to creations
Paper Artist
Extra creative
touches
1: Select camera
3: Camera options
2: Sharing options
3: Type a message
Facebook on an Android device offers the full experience and every social feature you need.
From events to instant chats, everything is available and it all works seamlessly
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It still feels like Facebook
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All events are covered
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Apps will keep you talking
Facebook local
You can socialise locally
Near the top of the main menu you will
see an item called Nearby Places. When
you tap this, a map will immediately
pop up showing local places that may
be worth visiting. Tap on any of the
map icons and you will then see details
of which friends have visited the same
location. At this point you will be able to
check in, like or review the same place,
but it is the implementation that is so
impressive. On an Android device, it
works just like on a desktop computer.
2: Signing up
3: Logging in
4: Conditions
Use Facebooks
widget
2: The location
3: Add meaning
4: Checked in
2: No more to do
Facebook
Edit your profile when changes occur
Start a new
Facebook chat
2: Cover photos
3: Add a photo
2: Select a friend
Select any friend to then be presented
with the clean-looking chat screen.
3: Send a message
Type a message in the bottom bar and
then tap Send to start the chat.
5: Your picture
6: The settings
4: Add emoticons
You can tap the smiley face in the chat
box to use one of many emoticons.
Google+
Google+
Up your social game by connecting with friends on the Google+ platform and sharing and
engaging with colleagues and public users
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See what friends are doing
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Tell pals where you are
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Share images with others
Google+
Fig 3: Switch between your Google accounts if you have more than
one Google+ profile that you use
Location sharing
Check your settings
The functionality of Google+ is enhanced
by the location features which allow
users to tag posts with their current
whereabouts, making it easy for people
close by to see whats going on in the
area. Take care when setting your own
location preferences as you might not
want everyone to be able to track your
every post. Go to the Location option
and tap the Menu button to bring up
location sharing. Here you can choose
to share your location with people in a
selected circle, rather than every user.
Google+
Set up Google+
1: Find in Store
2: Choose account
3: Set up profile
4: Find friends
5: Choose a circle
Like a
Google+ post
1: Choose a stream
1: Click to like
3: Content by location
2: Add a comment
Google+
Manage your circles
Create a new
Google+ post
1: Navigate home
Open the side menu and tap Home to
go to your page so you can write a post.
2: Add to a circle
3: Delete a circle
2: Tap to write
Tap the green icon on the bottom right
of the screen to start writing a post.
3: Add info
Type in your post and add a location,
photo or link if you want to.
4: Remove person
5: Circle settings
6: Add followers
Hangouts
Hangouts
Engage in free text chats and even video calls with friends and colleagues, or a group of
them at once, using the Google Hangouts app
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Start talking to your contacts
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Invite numerous contacts
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Make calls across devices
Hangouts
Alter Hangout
settings
1: Find address/name
3: In-call options
2: Archive a conversation
To archive a conversation, simply swipe
over the Hangout list on the left.
2: Include others
3: Talk to everyone
ChatON
ChatON
Chat with your friends by text, voice or video on mobile devices or computers using the
ChatON messaging service
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Record and transmit video
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Send animated messages
ChatON
1: Add a buddy
2: Enter details
3: Start chatting
3: Personal message
Skype
Skype
Get in touch with friends by video-calling their phones, tablets and desktop computers,
no matter where they live
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Let others contact you
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Get in touch with video chat
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Make calls to other devices
Skype
Fig 3: Add Skype credit and pay VAT on what you order. You can
also pay in a number of other currencies. Tap Continue to set it up
Quick answers
Change your call setting
One of the options in Settings is to
have any calls answered automatically.
This can be useful, but it depends on
where you are using Skype. On your
desktop computer or Android device,
when you are at home for the evening,
an automatic connection saves having
to accept the call, particularly if youve
just gone out of the room for a minute.
On a phone or tablet with a cellular
connection its less useful because if in
the car you may not hear it connect.
Skype
1: Create account
3: Your profile
4: Start editing
5: Brief description
4: Send request
Skype
Make video calls to your contacts
Call mobile
and landlines
3: In-call options
3: Calling options
When connected, you can end the call,
send a text message or turn the mic off.
4: Send messages
6: Bring in others
Google Drive
Google Drive
With the Google Drive app, you can upload and store your files in one location, accessible from
any device ideal for sharing and collaborating on documents
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Create and edit documents
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Find files with filters
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Collaborate with others
Google Drive
Complete integration
When managing files in Google Drive, you can
arrange and upload items into folders. When
running an app on your device that contains
files of any type and has a share function,
youll be able to send them directly to your
Drive account from the app. Or you can use
Quickoffice app
Googles pocket office
Google Quickoffice is available from
the Play Store. Quickoffice lets you
create documents, spreadsheets and
presentations. You can also use it to open
and edit Microsoft Office files. It offers
similar tools to Google Drive, but with
an extra emphasis on office functions.
An added benefit is that Quickoffice lets
you open files stored on your device,
without having to upload them to Drive
before working on them. Its the perfect
companion to Google Drive.
Google Drive
1: Google Drive
2: Google sign in
3: Create a doc
5: Upload a doc
Delete a file
from Drive
1: Drive storage
3: Payment method
4: Upgrade storage
Google Drive
Format your Google Drive documents
Manage files on
Google Drive
1: Format tools
2: Editing text
3: Text alignment
4: Insert tables
5: Edit an object
6: Delete objects
Quickoffice
Quickoffice
Learn how to create, open and share word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation
documents for when you need to do some work on your Android device
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Start with a word processor
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Access files from the cloud
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Add images and charts
Quickoffice
Fig 1: Turn the Display advanced devices option on or you will find
it hard to navigate to where you want to store your file
Fig 2: There are a number of text style options, such as selecting the
font size and typeface. You can add bullet points and more
Fig 3: Content can be formatted within the cell. The cells are
adjustable and the contents can be set as a variety of data types
Format support
Work on the files you need
Quickoffice is a modern office app, but
what file formats does it support? Well,
the good news is that it creates .docx
files, as used in the latest version of MS
Word, and it will let you view and edit
.doc files, the default in Word up to
2003. The same applies with Excel and
PowerPoint compatible files it creates
the latest formats and supports standard
.xls and .ppt formats. Quickoffice also
supports plain .txt text files and can be
used to view and annotate .pdf files.
Quickoffice
1: Change settings
2: Turn on devices
3: Select a file
4: Start editing it
Alter document
settings
2: Alternative option
3: Decide on fonts
Quickoffice
Create spreadsheets and presentations
Share docs by
email and Drive
2: Resize columns
3: Uploading to Drive
To store the doc in cloud storage, tap on
Share again and select Drive.
4: New presentation
6: Adding elements
Google Keep
Google Keep
Start using Googles versatile note-taking app to record thoughts, create to-do lists and more
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Create quick and easy notes
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Get notifications for events
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See notes in Google Now
Google Keep
Integrate with
Google Drive
Create notes
1: Select a note
Long-press a note, list or photo, then tap
the Share icon (right) in the top row.
2: Add details
3: Add details
Add a title. Select the Google account,
then a folder in your Drive. Tap on OK.
1: Add a reminder
3: Tap on reminders
4: Check Drive
In the Drive app, tap the top-left icon.
Choose Uploads to see your document.
Dropbox
Dropbox
Back up your images and documents to the cloud and share files with colleagues and friends,
straight from your Android device
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Store your data online
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Send others files and folders
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Star files to view offline
Dropbox
Extra functions
Backing up files that is, keeping a copy of
everything you have safe in case you lose
your phone or device is something that
many people neglect. Dropbox makes it easy
to back up files as you go, especially your
precious photographs. One great feature that
Dropbox has is the option to automatically
Fig 3: Search for a file or folder by name by tapping the Search icon
once and using the keyboard to input a keyword or phrase
Dropbox
1: Select files
2: Click to share
3: Upload
4: Tap to view
5: Share a file
Upload media
Auto-upload
photos
1: Select videos
1: Open Settings
3: Upload images
4: Upload to Dropbox
Dropbox
Play music from Dropbox
Export files
from Dropbox
1: Select an image
Select a pic to move to your device or
another location (such as Google Drive).
2: Select track
3: Pick a player
2: Tap to export
Tap More to reveal the Export option.
Select where to export the image.
3: Choose a file
Similarly, you can export a file by longpressing and choosing Export.
5: Organise music
6: Share music
4: Select destination
Choose to export it to a number of
locations, such as your SD card or Skype.
Google Now
Google Now
Use this handy integrated app to streamline your day by getting up-to-the-minute information
on everything you need without even having to search for it
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Check your route home
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Be inspired by location pics
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See how your team is faring
Google Now
Edit Google
Now settings
1: Turn feature on
3: Add information
1: Choose locations
3: See reviews
Google Now
1: Voice activation
2: Turn voice on
3: Activate search
4: View results
5: Use results
2: View a location
Google Now
Send an email with your voice
1: New messages
5: Check it in Gmail
4: Voice confirmation
Sometimes theres a slight delay, so
Voice will suddenly say Opening app.
Google Translate
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Discover how you can start using Googles quick and easy translation tool to convert written
or spoken text into foreign tongues
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Support for 70 languages
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Store languages to device
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Have real-time conversations
Google Translate
Translating text
Translate words, store phrases and have conversations
Start a
conversation
1: Translate from
2: Translate to
3: Enter text
3: Start speaking
With the left language shown in red,
start speaking. Your dialogue will appear.
1: Save favourites
3: Your Phrasebook
4: To and fro
The device will speak it in the foreign
tongue. The recipient can then talk.
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