Android | - Part 13

Is Android Really Open Source? And Does It Even Matter?

I use Android because it’s made from Linux, and I’m not alone here. Many open source desktop users first picked up an Android phone due to the appeal of a Linux-based mobile operating system. I’m sure that’s why many of you are reading this now. Android has seen wide adoption, and that has caused some… read more »

6 Android Security Apps You Should Install Today

There is a debate to be had over whether or not Android security apps are even necessary. Proponents claim that Android malware is so common you are certain to get infected without adequate protection, while critics say that as long as you’re careful about what you download you will ultimately be safe. The truth is… read more »

What Are Android Permissions and Why Should You Care?

One of the critical parts of Android that is often overlooked is app permissions. Any app that you install on your phone has to ask for explicit access to potentially sensitive areas of your device, but they don’t always ask for these honorably. Thankfully, Android permissions have taken a turn for the better in its most recent… read more »

How to Access Google’s Built-In Bubble Level on Android

Google Now on Android has all sorts of awesome contextual searches, and they haven’t stopped adding more. There are tons of apps you can use to make your phone into a virtual toolbox, but Google just made some of those obsolete with its newest feature: a level tool. Simply search for “bubble level” in the… read more »

8 Best Android Apps for Expats Living Abroad

We’ve covered the best apps for people who like to travel, but what about if you actually live abroad permanently? If you’re one of the estimated 9 million Americans or 40 million Europeans who choose to live outside of their country of birth, technology can be a great help. Whether it’s looking for things to do,… read more »

11 Android Apps You Need for Traveling the World

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain For lots of people, the idea of “travel” is… read more »

Volume Control Tweaks for Android That You Need to Use

The beauty of Android is that it has nothing that cannot be tweaked. The volume settings may seem like the simplest of features — like they do the job and no more. But actually, from the useful to the downright essential, there are many ways to squeeze more power from Android’s volume controls. In this… read more »

Get More Info on Your Calls & Texts with These Android Apps

I know a smartphone can do most anything these days, but the primary reason I own one remains making calls and sending texts — just like in the dumbphone days. But while manufacturers go about cramming features into each new model, sometimes they leave out the basics. How long did my last phone call last? Why… read more »

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