Samsung Hub Closing Down According to Executive Berne

Brandon Orndorff
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Samsung Hub Closing Down According to Executive Berne

Many Samsung devices have come preloaded with Samsung Hub, their Google Play clone. Samsung has many duplicate apps via the Hub installed on new devices that never really added new features just replacements for already included apps baked into the Android OS. We saw this coming as we had already mentioned several months ago that Google and Samsung came to an agreement where Samsung would no longer duplicate apps already standard on Android and this may be the start of it in action.

Samsung Hub closing downGenerally users opt to use the Google baked in services over anything in the Hub although for those that did use the Hub this may prove to be annoying having to start over with Google’s services. Either way we aren’t surprised at this move by Samsung as their newest flagship device the Galaxy S5 doesn’t come with the Hub. This said they did spend a lot of time and resources to get the service running and to its current point so there will likely still be support for it although just won’t be a TouchWiz added app.

There are likely many talks between Samsung and Google surrounding this based on Berne’s statement that it will be going away. We don’t have a certain statement saying that Samsung Hub is completely dead just that it will no longer come installed. Berne deleted the twitter post soon after announcing so there could be a lot more to consider when the official statement is made. We aren’t sure if Samsung just isn’t ready to tell the World about the death of Hub or Berne may have just made an untrue statement.

No matter how Samsung Hub works out we do know two things, Samsung has agreed to not preinstall as many completing apps on Android devices and they and Google are talking about it in great detail. There has been no word on when there will be an official decision made regarding Samsung Hub although we will be sure to let you know when we hear more.

We will finish up with our thoughts on the issue and mostly we say great move by Samsung as there aren’t many people that appreciate bloatware installed on their devices that cannot be removed especially duplicate applications. On the other hand having their own app store for all of the Samsung only S-pen apps seems to still have a use.

LG Wireless Charger Qi Charging Orb WCP-405 Review

Brandon Orndorff
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LG Wireless Charger Qi Charging Orb WCP-405 Review

The LG Wireless Charger model WCP-405 is a Qi charging orb for charging Qi compatible wireless chargeable devices. These chargers are great even in the cheapest model due to the ease of use although there are reasons to buy one over another. This said the benefits to almost all wireless chargers is the ability to never have to touch a cable or try to orient it in the right direction, just drop the phone and it charges.

LG Wireless Charger WCP-405 Design
The charging orb’s physical design is solid and clean with a half sphere design and heavy strong internals. There is one input for a micro USB cable for plugging into the wall or any other device that can output power via USB. The LG Wireless charger comes with the USB cable and wall adapter so no need to find those on your own. One of the best features is with its 30 degree or so incline where the device sits having a very sticky rubber surround. This creates a spot for your device to sit that has no chance of slipping. The function of the charger comes with its Qi capabilities that can be found in the center of the device inside the rubber grip. Design is bar none as clean and functional as it could possibly be in hour opinion.

LG Wireless Charger WCP-405 Performance
Its very easy to set your Qi enabled device on the charging orb and as we have tested seems you just need to get it close and it will start charging. Another item worth mentioning is that the charger allows you to place the device in any orientation you like be it landscape, portrait or even at another angle if you choose to do so.

We tested the LG Wireless Charger against a few cheap Qi chargers and the Official Samsung charging pad with two Nexus 5 phones. We found that after letting both Nexus devices completely die, the LG charger finished its Nexus when the Samsung Charged Nexus was at 72%. We won’t even tell you what the generic chargers did, just know both of the previously mentioned chargers killed them by far.

Conclusion
The LG wireless charger is superior to most of its competition although lets go ahead and throw a negative out there since this is a review. When your phone has been sitting on the charger for a while and you go to pick it up make sure you don’t lift too fast as the orb will come with it and go flying due to the sticky surface to prevent slipping. Second would be the fact that the weight being a positive in most cases can make it less attractive to carry anywhere. Personally I feel it will be a very useful addition to my wireless charging collection located all over my home and office.

Let us know what you think of the LG Wireless Charger WCP-405 below via comments. Also if you have any questions feel free to ask those as well.  If your looking to purchase the charger in this review you can find it at Mobile Fun.

How to avoid ever paying data overage charges on Android devices

Brandon Orndorff
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How to avoid ever paying data overage charges on Android devices

We still remember a time when unlimited data was free and in some cases those with older contracts still have unlimited data. For those that don’t there are ways to keep up with your data as well as limiting the amount you use to be sure you never go over your limit. If you don’t take advantage of the features your phone gives you to avoid overage charges it is very easy to scream past your limits with all the data available today.

avoid data overage chargesIn the past it was hard to see what data was being used because you would have to take the time to log into your carrier account and look or even call depending on who your service is through. Google has rectified this by adding features in Android 4.0 to do all the hard work leaving you with just paying attention to what it says.

How to set Data Limits and Warnings

  1. Navigate to “Settings -> Data Usage” or in some cases depending on your device “Settings -> Wireless & Networks -> Data Usage”.
  2. Check “Set Mobile Data Limit” and set your “Data Usage Cycle” Next drag the red line up to your total allowed data based on your carrier plan
  3. Finally move the orange line to where you would like to get a warning so you know when to start using your data sparingly.

There are many apps that drain data by running in the background that you may not even need and on this window you will see the apps using the most data. Of course if it says its a system app then you just need to figure out what you are doing to use so much data. This said you may notice that Netflix or some other app is the culprit and you can either uninstall if no longer needed or make sure you connect to WiFi when using certain apps.

With Mobile Hotspots being everywhere from Starbucks to McDonalds and even some parks now there is no reason not to just connect to those networks via WiFi so that when you are there it saves your data. Generally you just connect in places you find yourself often and have it remember the network so in the future it just connects without having to do anything.  Hopefully this helps those of you going over data limits avoid overage charges in the future.

Honorbound Android App Update 1.91.33

Brandon Orndorff
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Honorbound Android App Update 1.91.33

Honorbound is a great game by new developer Juicebox games. This is a card trading style RPG that has many great features like PVE, PVP, Ranking system, Research to increase levels and skills, and three different types of in game currency being gold, embers and diamonds(premium).

Honorbound 1.91.33 UpdateToday Juicebox games sent out an update to their Android version of the game placing it at version 1.91.33 promising a load of new features that look to be great improvements. The problem is that the update has cause the game to crash with almost anything you attempt. We have run through the game in an attempt to see what crashes and what works. Here are our findings so far.

UPDATED: How to Avoid Crashing after the 1.91.33 Honorbound Update:

  • First off clear the cache, clear data and uninstall Honorbound and Re-install it
  • Remove the Winter Wolf from your party (Arcane Blast currently causes Freeze)
  • Avoid PVP battles with others having Winter Wolf in their Party (will also freeze)
  • When finishing research and starting new cleanly exit the game and re-open (this will make certain its not lost in the event of a future crash)

To be fair to the developers it seems myself and others that could not play Honorbound at all had the Winter Wolf in our parties.  After reinstalling and removing the Winter Wolf the bugs and crashes decreased dramatically.

  1. PVP battles bug out at different times, sometimes it freezes trying to load the battle and sometimes its when trying to cast a spell once in battle. During a dungeon run if you run across a PVP battle it will allow you to fight on auto-battle although when the battle is over it freezes forcing you to close the app. Update: They are aware of this issue and are working on a fix now.
  2. PVE battles freeze when my wizard tries to cast Arcane Blast and sometimes just attacking. Seems only auto-battle makes it through a fight without freezing. Update: After talking through the issue with support they narrowed it down to the Winter Wolf’s arcane blast since other wizards can cast it without freezing.
  3. When training up a unit it takes the embers but then when the game freezes and you have to restart the embers are gone but the training is as well. This happens on occasion but not every time. After the update it also allows you to sometimes increase a units rank or attributes while in a dungeon although removes it after restarting the game.  Update: Looking into this to see what they can find.
  4. Random errors removing diamonds, twice after a freeze and restart diamonds have just disappeared in groups of 20.  The other way that diamonds are lost that we noticed so far is when accepting them from an achievement. They are given but then taken on a restart of the game. Update: there have been no more random diamond loses so not sure what was going on there but the achievement issue requires a cache deletion from what we’ve been told although we couldn’t test.
  5. Research finishes but sometimes doesn’t actually give it to you when complete making you have to research it again. In some cases we even had research complete, accepted it and started something new. After a restart of the game the new researched item disappeared and the previous one shows as finished forcing you to accept again and start the new one as if you didn’t already do this earlier.  Update: Still testing but seems this happens if you collect research, start new research, and then leave the game via crash or just closing without actually exiting cleanly.

If you have run across any other bugs please let us know here and we will keep you updated on any fixes or more bugs as they come up. This was a great game and hopefully they get this patched before losing too many players.  Hopefully Juicbox Mobile pushes an update to fix crashes.  I have contacted support and will let you know their response below:

Honorbound Support on the 1.91.33 Update

  • 1:40 EST – I sent an email to support basically including all of the information above
  • 4:30 EST – I went ahead and contacted them via their twitter account and they responded very quickly.  They are pulling my ticket and said they will get back to me shortly
  • 5:10 EST Got a response from support and we are talking through it, I will update when we are done talking or something has been accomplished worth mentioning.  Anything we come to will be added in red above.

I do have to say that Juicebox Mobile is very supportive.  Not sure their average response time but its worth mentioning as they have been very quick with responses and helpful in trying to fix the issues that have come up.

Text-to-911 Implemented on Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T Phones

Brandon Orndorff
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0
Text-to-911 Implemented on Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T Phones

As of next week on May 15th all four major carriers will implement Text-to-911 feature for devices. This will obviously allow people to ask assistance from 911 via SMS messaging when voice calls are difficult to make. For instance, your hiding in a closet with someone near you and can’t very well start talking on the phone. This should prove to be a well used feature from May 15 on.

While this system will be available to everyone they have very noticeably created this with youth in mind as in most cases they are not only more used to texting than calling but much more efficient at it. Discreetness however is the most useful reason for the Text-to-911 feature as not only can dialing create noise depending on settings but when the 911 operator answers you can’t have anyone hearing that in some situations.

Text-to-911 on Mobile Phones

Of course calling 911 seems to be the best option if you have the ability the process of Text-to-911 is very easy.

  1. Text your location and situation if possible
  2. The 911 operator will respond asking for more details if required
  3. Done, police dispatched!

NOTE: Not all jurisdictions currently support the feature so you may want to check the FCC list of areas covered now so you are aware of your areas coverage ahead of time. (FCC Text-to-911 Availability)

This said you can currently only send plain text messages so don’t waste your time trying to send a photo as it will only slow down the process. The addition of MMS would be a useful feature although there has been no mention of it being in the works. If this becomes a feature in the future sending evidence and other location indicators could prove very useful.

The FCC has approved Text-to-911 but still warn that its not full proof and should only be used if there is no other option. Calling 911 is still the most reliable and obviously tested to be 100% working. Of course anyone who has ever called 911 and been on hold for 20 minutes might think differently (been there). If you do send a Text-to-911 message and it does not make it through for any reason it will respond with an error at which point you should take the risk and call.

How to Schedule Text Messages on Android Smartphones

Brandon Orndorff
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0
How to Schedule Text Messages on Android Smartphones

There are many times that you will need to send a text message to someone but want to send it later. This could be a reminder you want to send someone at a certain time or just want to make an announcement but not for an hour or so. If you are interested in sending scheduled text messages it can be done on Android devices using an app called “Seebye Scheduler”. The text message scheduling app was developed by XDA member seebye.

How to schedule text messagesBefore we get you too excited about the app you need to keep in mind that it does require root access so if your device is not rooted we apologize as it cannot be used. Now that’s out of the way the Seebye Scheduler works with WhatsApp and Viber messaging apps allowing you to schedule text and image messages. Another great addition is the fact that when sending a message to many users you can use defined strings to personalize them a bit like adding “%name%” to add the name of the recipient to the message.

Seebye Scheduler Features:

  • schedule sending text messages
  • schedule sending images
  • repeat the execution of rules in specific frequencies, for example every 2 minutes, 2 hours, 2 day, 2 weeks, etc.
  • replace strings with information, for example “%name%” = name of the receiver, “%wdwd%” = weekday

If you have been looking for an app to schedule text messages then here it is just remember that you will need root access. Even though most of the screenshots you will find around the internet are not in English it is in English and is completely free. Of course some Android devices already have this feature baked into them like most Samsung devices due to TouchWiz.

While the app has been around for a while I still get alot of questions on how to schedule text messages so here it is. There are a few downsides that I have noticed with the biggest of all being the need for root and another third party app like WhatsApp to function. All this said its a great app and worth trying out if you are looking for a service like this for free.

Best Nexus 5 Cases for Protecting Against Drops

Brandon Orndorff
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Best Nexus 5 Cases for Protecting Against Drops

With so many manufacturers coming out with cases for flagship devices like the Nexus 5 its hard to find the one thats right for you. In this case we have reviewed and compiled a list of the best Nexus 5 cases for protecting the device. As such we will have no flip covers or ultra thin cases here.

When the Nexus 5 was released there was a lot of talk on which device to get, white or black. Well since the Nexus color only describes the back of the device and not the area around the screen it doesn’t much matter since your case will cover the color completely.

What to look for in a protective case
When it comes to the Nexus 5 you will notice that their is a slight raise to the camera and this is a key area you will want to protect. Second aspect of any device you will want to protect it the large screen. Generally you will add a screen protector for the screen protection but you will still want a raised bevel on any case you choose so that you can lay it face down without the screen touching the table.

iBlason Nexus 5 Case1. I-Blason Dual Layer Holster Case with Kickstand – While in most cases OtterBox is the number one case they seem to have dropped the ball on the Nexus 5 and I-Blason picked up the slack. The dual layer case will remind you of an OtterBox case with its double silicon internal layer and polycarbonate outer shell. This is easily the most durable case available for the Nexus 5. The case comes in black blue and red and you get both the cover with a kickstand and the belt holster clip all for around $13.99.

Spigen Slim Armor Case2. Spigen Slim Armor Case – Spigen seems to make some of the most stylish cases for smartphones with the added benefit of quality protection. This also has a dual layer design with the silicon interior layer and a hard out polycarbonate shell for added protection. This case comes in a few different colors as well being white, black and champagne. I actually use this case on my daily use Nexus 5. This case is $24.99 through Spigen but you can find it closer to $14.99 on Amazon.

Official Google Bumper Case3. Official Google Nexus 5 Bumper Case – This case while protective just doesn’t do it for me when out comes to style. While it does come in many colors like black, red, yellow and grey, its a solid color case with absolutely no creativity added. It is however a TPU case with rather nice protection while staying thin and lightweight. This case is also very easy to install your phone as well as removal. The biggest con to this case is its rather high $34.99 price tag on Google Play.

While there are many other cases for the Nexus 5 these in my opinion are the most protective. Personally as stated earlier the Spigen Slim Armor is the best of the bunch but based on your style and need for protection these are a good start when looking. If you have any protective case that you can vouch for let us know in the comments below.

How to Root most Nexus devices via Nexus Root Toolkit

Brandon Orndorff
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How to Root most Nexus devices via Nexus Root Toolkit

Rooting your Nexus device gives you admin rights to the tablet while in turn allows you to install custom ROM’s and run rooted apps to change clock speeds, add multi-window support and many other features otherwise locked. There has been a developer named WugFresh who created a program that allows you to easily root, unroot, and flash custom ROM’s to your Nexus smartphone or tablet.

Before we get started take note that the program is a Windows base application so will only run on Windows.

Currently Compatible Devices
Galaxy Nexus: GSM Models (both yakju and non-yakju builds), Galaxy Nexus: CDMA/LTE Verizon Models, Galaxy Nexus: CDMA/LTE Sprint Models, Nexus S: Worldwide, i9020t and i9023 Models, Nexus S: 850MHz, i9020a Models, Nexus S: Korea, m200 Models, Nexus S 4G: d720 Models, Nexus 7: Asus Tablet, Nexus 7 3G: Asus Tablet, Nexus 7 v2 (2013): Asus Tablet, Nexus 7 v2 (2013) LTE: Asus Tablet, Nexus 10: Samsung Tablet, Nexus 4: LG Phone, Nexus 5: LG Phone. If your device is not in this list then you probably shouldn’t attempt this method.
Nexus Root Toolkit
Nexus Root Instructions

  1. Download and install the Nexus Root Toolkit (Download Link)
  2. Run the Toolkit and select the correct device and build for your device
  3. Use the driver guide to configure your drivers
  4. Backup your devices data (if you need to)
  5. Unlock your device via the toolkit
  6. Root your device via the toolkit
  7. Congrats your Nexus device is rooted!

If you have any issues along the way you can easily see what everything does by mousing over the each control. Mouse over controls will show tooltips that explain everything. You can also just press the buttons you think you need and read what it does before you actually proceed.

Even though this article is focused on Rooting your Nexus device you can also unroot and do so much more with it. One great feature of the root toolkit is the fact that it has an updater so that as new devices are released you will get everything you need to root them as well as soon as available. If you have any issues rooting just drop us a line via comments below and we will do our best to help you out.

Anti-theft Tools for Smartphones coming from Manufacturer and Carrier Co-op

Brandon Orndorff
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Anti-theft Tools for Smartphones coming from Manufacturer and Carrier Co-op

There is a new “Smartphone Anti-Theft Voluntary Commitment” signed by not only carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile but also bigger dogs like Google, Apple and Microsoft. This is a commitment to adding features to deter smartphone theft in the future. Smartphone theft has been a huge issue as we’ve all heard since you are now buying a $500 smartphone and no longer a $20 flip phone.

All of the carriers and manufacturers signed the smartphone anti-theft voluntary commitment stating that all smartphones after July 2015 will offer free anti-theft tools and services.

Smartphone Anti-Theft CommitmentAnti-Theft Tools and Services

  • Remote wipe the authorized user’s data (i.e., erase personal info that is added after purchase such as contacts, photos, emails, etc.) that is on the smartphone in the event it is lost or stolen.
  • Render the smartphone inoperable to an unauthorized user (e.g., locking the smartphone so it cannot be used without a password or PIN), except in accordance with FCC rules for 911 emergency communications, and if available, emergency numbers programmed by the authorized user (e.g., “phone home”).
  • Prevent reactivation without authorized user’s permission (including unauthorized factory reset attempts) to the extent technologically feasible (e.g., locking the smartphone as in 2 above).
  • Reverse the inoperability if the smartphone is recovered by the authorized user and restore user data on the smartphone to the extent feasible (e.g., restored from the cloud).

While these tools and services will be available it will still be up to the smartphone owner to use them. This is huge as it could potentially reduce thefts of smartphones exponentially for the simple fact that thieves will think twice if the device is useless after stolen. Keep in mind that both Google and Apple offer these services but unless you know what your doing its likely not setup. This will make it part of your setup process ad will increase the number of users.

We are very interested in seeing how this will all work once implemented as well as how universal all of the tools will be. As we hear more we will let you know although we likely won’t know too much more about the Smartphone Anti-Theft Tools until the July 2015 date comes closer.

How to Install HTC Sense 6 on the Nexus 5

Brandon Orndorff
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How to Install HTC Sense 6 on the Nexus 5

We need to start off by saying the HTC Sense 6 port for the Nexus 5 is still in its alpha stages and is only recommended for developers wanting to help with the project. This Sense 6 port was developed by XDA member GalaxyUser and he asks that nobody ask to test yet as well as those developers, kernel developers and porters interested are much appreciated.

This said take note that this is a partially functional ROM and is missing many of the features that you may want on a fully functional daily use device. Flash this at your own risk and know that there is no ETA on completion although we will let you know when there is. If you still want to install the ROM then here it is.

How to Install Sense 6 on the Nexus 5
These instructions are meant for those with a working knowledge of flashing ROM’s so if you aren’t comfortable with custom ROM’s then you should wait for the official ROM to be released.

  1. Download the Sense 6 ROM (Download Link)
  2. Download any patches as available (Download Link)
  3. copy everything to your SDcard
  4. Reboot your Nexus into recovery
  5. Do a android backup and then wipe ALL
  6. Flash NexSense.zip then flash NexSense_Path-GalaxyUser.zip
  7. Boot and your all setup

If you have any issues like your Nexus 5 not booting up after flashing and rebooting, try to reboot again. If you still have issues then go back to recovery, wipe all data and go through the flashing process again. If all goes well your Nexus 5 will be running HTC Sense 6 (mostly).

What to Expect with the Sense 6 ROM on your Nexus 5
There are many things that work well like the Touchscreen, SMS and Phone calls RIL, WiFi, Internal SDcard, Vibration, Bluetooth and some of your sensors (light,orientation,proximity). There are however features that you will no longer have like sound, NFC, some sensors (accelerometer, gyro, magnetic), GPS, and Camera. There may be other features lost although none reported so far.

If you have any questions or wish to donate to the project then head on over to XDA thread [PORT][ALPHA] NexSense | Sense 6.0 | WiFi FIX | M8 Port | Aroma | DEV ONLY. As there is more information and compatibility for the ROM we will update you here.

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