So, you have a WiFi internet access at home but you don’t have a WiFi dongle / adapter on your PC (All laptops have those nowadays ) , well then you can still enjoy Internet on your desktop without buying any external or internal WiFi Dongle / Adapter as yourAndroid can easily turn into a WiFi Dongle / Adapter .
The process in brief for techies is , just connect your phone to desktop via USB and in your WiFi Settings menu start your WiFi and also start USB tethering and you have a ready working connection that does not uses your 3G or GSM to connect , rather it will use your Home/Office WiFi to connect.
Note – This only works for Froyo Android v 2.2 and above
For, less techie people the process is detailed as under :
Connect your Android to your Desktop via USB cable
Now, go to your settings and enable WiFi and I assume you have your WiFi setup on phone to automatically connect to your home WiFi access point
Now, the important part is , without enabling your 3G/ Mobile data just straight away go to the USB Tethering option in Settings > WiFi Settings > Tethering & portable Hotspot > USB Tethering
Enable USB tethering and you’ll see your Windows automatically installs some drivers and then You have a ready Working Internet Connection
Bingo ! Now, enjoy your Internet
The steps above were for any Android froyo but as mobile makers make changes to default android UI , you might some options at some other places but for a stock Android phone the above steps will apply, try to locate these settings in your phone too , if the menu sequence written above does not matches that on your Android device .
There's an old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words… and there's a new saying that a video is worth a million. Now that might seem like an exaggeration, but there is a huge difference between speaking to someone on a call and speaking to them via video chat. Simply being able to smile at someone can completely change the tone of a conversation.
If you don't have a webcam, but you do have a phone that runs Android 2.2 or higher you can use that instead. All you need are a couple of pieces of software and a wifi connection.
Before you get started though, you might want to consider just downloading the Skype mobile video chat app: it's free and it'll let you make video calls direct from your phone.
Almost all of us have jumped onto someone else's unsecured Wi-Fi network. There's little harm in that if you're just an honest soul looking for an Internet connection.
But if you're the owner of an unsecured network, you should be aware that the world's not made up entirely of honest souls--and it's not hard for the dishonest ones to see exactly what you're doing on your network. Sound scary? Here's how to fix the problem.
Q. What are WEP and WPA encryption, and which should I use?
A. The first line of defense for your Wi-Fi network is encryption, which encodes the data transmitted between your PC and your wireless router. Unfortunately, most routers ship with encryption turned off, and many users don't turn it on, leaving themselves completely exposed. If you haven't already, enable your router's encryption, and use the strongest form supported by your network. The Wireless Protected Access (WPA) protocol and more recent WPA2 have supplanted the older and less-secure Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP).
Go with WPA or WPA2 if at all possible, since WEP is relatively easy to crack. (You have to use the same form on all devices on your network; you can't mix WEP and WPA.) The keys used by WPA and WPA2 change dynamically, which make them nearly impossible to hack. Use a strong password for your encryption key, such as a combination of letters and numbers of 14 characters or more.
If you have an older router that supports WEP only, you'll be safest if you use 128-bit WEP keys--but also check the manufacturer's Web site for a firmware update that will add WPA support. If it doesn't look like an update is likely, consider replacing old adapters and routers with newer models that support WPA. Look for a router that supports the hybrid WPA + WPA2 mode, which lets you use the stronger WPA2 encryption with adapters that support it, while still maintaining compatibility with WPA adapters.
Make sure you change the default network name and password on your router. Doing so will make it much more difficult for hackers to break into your router and commandeer its settings.
Q. If my router has a firewall, why do I need these added security measures?
A. The firewall built into your router prevents hackers on the Internet from getting access to your PC. But it does nothing to stop people in range of your Wi-Fi signal from getting onto your network--and with the latest high-performance equipment, your Wi-Fi signal could reach clear down the block. Without encryption and other protective measures, anyone can use readily available tools to see all your Wi-Fi traffic.
Q. How can I secure my notebook at public Wi-Fi hotspots?
A. Since public hotspots generally don't use encryption, you should assume that anyone can see your Internet traffic unless you take precautions.
Make sure it's a legitimate hotspot: Nefarious types have been known to set up pirate routers with familiar SSID names like "wayport" or "t-mobile," and then use them to capture unsuspecting users' log-on information and other private data.
Verify that your PC's software firewall is turned on, and that Windows' file-sharing feature is off; it's off by default in Windows XP with Service Pack 2. To check this setting, open Control Panel and choose Windows Firewall (you may have to clickSecurity Center first in XP or Security in Vista). In XP, select the Exceptions tab, and look in the Programs and Services to make sure "File and Printer Sharing" is unchecked. In Vista, click Change settings, then select the Exceptions tab and follow the instructions for XP.
Never send bank passwords, credit card numbers, confidential e-mail, or other sensitive data unless you're sure you're on a secure site: Look for the lock icon in the bottom-right corner of your browser, as well as a URL in the address bar that begins with https. Such sites build in their own encryption.
Always turn your Wi-Fi radio off when you're not at a hotspot: Hackers can use it to create peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections with your computer and access it directly.
For better security, consider signing up for a paid subscription to a hotspot network such as Boingo or T-Mobile. Both companies provide connection software that encrypts your sessions automatically.
Q. What's a VPN, and how do I get one?
A. The best way to protect a public wireless link is by using a virtual private network, or VPN. VPNs keep your communications safe by creating secure "tunnels" through which your encrypted data travels. Many companies provide VPN service to their mobile and offsite workers, so check with your IT department for connection instructions.
You can also use a paid service such as Boingo's Personal VPN (free trial with Boingo subscription, $30 to keep), JiWire Hotspot Helper (10-day free trial, $25 per year) orWitopia personalVPN ($40 per year). All three of the services are simple to install and use.
You have one more security option: If you don't mind connecting through your home or office PC, you can log in to a public hotspot securely by using such remote-access programs as LogMeIn or GoToMyPC.
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Android 6.0 Marshmallow is here, and now the waiting game is on. “When will my phone get the Marshmallow update?” ask countless Android fans, and for good reason: while phone makers are doing a better job at keeping their devices up to date, the process is still lengthy and opaque. Worse, many models will inevitably be left behind. We’re here to shed some light on the issue.
In this post, which will be updated frequently, we are rounding up all the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update news, so you can get a good picture of what to expect.
Update – November 20. Added info on the leaked Marshmallow build for the Galaxy Note 5, the Sony Marshmallow concept, as well as official info on the updates for OnePlus, Asus, and Nvidia.
Update – November 12. Added info on Lenovo updates, the LG G4 update in Korea, HTC One M9 Google Play Edition, and the BlackBerry Priv.
Update – October 29. Added info on Sony’s Marshmallow Concept beta program, factory image for Nexus 6P, the Honor 7 update, and custom ROMs for LG G4 and OnePlus One.
Update – October 22. Added info on HTC One A9, Sony devices, the official update list for Huawei devices and the Moto X Style (Pure) update.
Update – October 16. Added factory image link for Nexus 6, official information about the LG G4 Marshmallow update, the rumored Xperia Z4 Tablet update, and info on custom ROMs for Nexus devices.
First release – October 14. Includes links to OTA files and factory images for Nexus and Android One devices; official info on updates for HTC, Sony, and Motorola; rumored and potential devices for Samsung, LG, Huawei, ZTE, OnePlus, and Asus.
Before we start
The release of Android updates for most devices is a complex process, involving Google, chipmakers, device makers, and carriers. With so many players, and so many things that can go wrong, you should expect delays, slow rollouts, botched releases, and generally a lot of variation based on your specific model, your region, and your carrier.
Just because your device is listed here as officially announced to receive Marshmallow (or worse, just rumored to get the update), it doesn’t mean that your particular model will receive it in a timely manner, or even at all.
Conversely, just because your phone or tablet isn’t listed here, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be updated. OEMs occasionally change their minds. In other cases, the lists that they put out are non-final.
Patience is advised.
Nexus Marshmallow update
As in most cases, Nexus devices are first in line for updates. Google has released Android 6.0 factory images for Nexus devices on October 5. These images can be flashed manually, allowing you to bypass a potentially lengthy wait for the OTA update. Factory images are available for:
You can also manually flash the OTA zip files, which is the update file that would normally be pushed to your device from Google’s server. Note that in order to correctly install the update, your device must be running the firmware version mentioned in the link. OTA links via Android Police.
Like Nexus phones, all Android One devices are supposed to receive fast Android updates straight from Google. Factory images for various Android One phones sold in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Nepal are available below.
Like with previous versions, Samsung has not made any official announcements concerning the Android 6.0 updates for its smartphones and tablets. We do have however, some off the record information via SamMobile and T-Mobile.
The following devices are rumored to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Galaxy S5
Galaxy S5 LTE-A
Galaxy S5 neo
Galaxy S6
Galaxy S6 Edge
Galaxy S6 Edge+
Galaxy Note 4
Galaxy Note Edge
Galaxy Note 5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
These are all obvious candidates for an upgrade, so we’re pretty confident that Marshmallow will be available for most versions of these devices, sooner or later. As for what to expect from the update, Samsung has an infographic listing some of the features.
On November 16, an unfinished Marshmallow build for the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 5 leaked out. While the build is rough around the edges, it gives us a glimpse of the visual changes coming to Samsung flagships with the Android 6.0 update. A system dump and a full partition dumpare available. Here are some screenshots:
LG Marshmallow update
LG announced it will be the first OEM to roll out Android Marshmallow, starting from next week. There’s a catch: only the LG G4 model sold in Poland will receive this update, with models in other “markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas” to follow.
The LG G4 models sold in South Korea began receiving the Marshmallow update on November 4.
T-Mobile’s update list also mentions the LG G3 and G4 Stylo, which are obvious choices for an update. Besides this, we can speculate that the recently announced V10 and the G Flex 2 will also be making the jump. We’re less optimistic about LG’s mid-rangers, including the Bello, Magna, Leon, and Spirit, though at least some of them can probably handle Marshmallow.
Motorola Marshmallow update
Motorola has made a good name for itself in the Android community, thanks to its fast updates and focus on a smooth stock-like user experience. The Marshmallow rollout may change that positive perception though. It’s not that Motorola hasn’t been forthcoming about its plans; it’s the fact that those plans seemingly don’t include either version of the Moto E, the Moto X (2013), or some carrier versions of the Moto X (2014).
2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
2015 Moto X Play
2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia (2nd gen)
2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE (2nd gen)
DROID Turbo
2014 Moto MAXX
2014 Moto Turbo
Nexus 6
According to a Motorola representative, some users are already testing the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the Moto X Pure (Style). That means Motorola is in the late stages of preparing the update for a wider rollout, and hopefully we’re hear something new soon.
On November 12, Motorola kicked off the Android 6.0 rollout for the Moto X (2014) and the Moto X Style. The first markets where the OTA is available are Brazil and India.
HTC Marshmallow update
HTC has revealed a tentative list of devices that will be updated to Android 6.0, and even a timeline. The One M8 and One M9 will see Marshmallow by the end of the year, while the other phones listed below will get the same treatment from early next year.
HTC One M9
HTC One M8
HTC One M9+
HTC One E9+
HTC One E9
HTC One ME
HTC One E8
HTC One M8 EYE
HTC Butterfly 3
HTC Desire 826
HTC Desire 820
HTC Desire 816
After the launch of the One A9, HTC announced the unlocked version of the device will receive “every” Android update within 15 days from the time the update hits the Nexus devices. That’s a very bold promise, and hopefully it’s a sign of bigger things to come.
Sony has published an exhaustive list of devices it plans to update to Marshmallow, including all the likely candidates, including the latest Xperia Z5 series. Unfortunately, Sony won’t bring Marshmallow to the 2013 Xperia Z1 and Z1 Compact, as well as the older Xperia Z. On the flip side, at least there are a few mid-rangers on the list. Sony has also released AOSP resources and binaries for some of its devices, allowing the community to easily create custom ROMs.
As for the update itself, Sony is running a beta program with 10,000 users that we hope to learn more about soon. The beta update has begun rolling out on October 19 and Sony supplemented the number of beta invites so more users can join in the fun. On October 28, Sony rolled out an OTA update for the Marshmallow beta.
A note for users of the Sony Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet, C4, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua and M5: according to a Sony support page, these devices will jump straight to Android 6.0, skipping Android 5.1.1.
Huawei Marshmallow update
Huawei has a lousy record when it comes to releasing Android updates for its devices, but perhaps its involvement with the Nexus program will help nudge things along. Considering that the Mate 7, Huawei’s 2014 flagship, is yet to receive Lollipop, we wouldn’t hold our breath. That said, a rumor out of China suggests the Mate 7, P8, Honor 6 Plus and more devices will eventually see Android 6.0.
As it turns out, Huawei has proved us wrong. The company announced in would put Marshmallow on the following devices:
Huawei Mate S
Huawei Mate 7
Huawei P8
P8 Youth Edition
P8 Max
Maimagn 4
G7 Plus
G7
Honor 7
Honor 7i
6 Plus
Honor 6
Honor X2
Honor 4X
Honor Play 4C
The Honor team, which is technically autonomous inside Huawei, recently announced that a beta build of Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the Honor 7 will be made available in the following weeks.
ZTE Marshmallow update
Like Huawei, ZTE is known for not caring about Android updates. It remains to be seen if this year will be any different. ZTE is looking for a breakthrough in the Western markets with the Axon line, so perhaps the Chinese giant will deem it necessary to bring Marshmallow to it, at the least.
OnePlus Marshmallow update
OnePlus is in a tricky place: its first phone, the One, still runs Cyanogen OS, and theoretically, Steve Kondik’s outfit should deliver the Marshmallow update in the following months. The OnePlus 2, meanwhile, runs OnePlus’s own OS, Oxygen, and its development is led by former members of the Paranoid Android team. Considering that the Oxygen OS team is still busyworking on the current, Android 5-based release, the prospect of a Marshmallow release seems remote.
On November 16, OnePlus announced a timeframe for its devices updates:
The original OnePlus One will get Cyanogen OS 13 (from Cyanogen OS) in Q1 2016.
The semi-official Oxygen OS build for OnePlus One will be updated to Marshmallow when "time allows it."
The OnePlus 2 will receive the update to the Marshmallow-based Oxygen OS version in Q1 2016.
No information was given about the Marshmallow update for the new OnePlus X.
Asus Marshmallow update
One sketchy rumor claimed Asus will bring Marshmallow to the Zenfone 2 series, including the Zenfone Laser, Deluxe, and Selfie. It looks like the rumor was at least partially correct, because Asus came out with a short list of devices that will get the Marshmallow update:
Missing from the list are the original Zefone 4, 5, and 6, as well as other Asus devices from 2014.
Lenovo Marshmallow update
Lenovo finally announced some of its Marshmallow plans on November 6, but the good news ends there. Lenovo only confirmed the update for a handful of devices, and the timeframe for the rollout is painfully long:
Lenovo A7000, A7000 Plus, and K3 Note - update expected by September 2016
Lenovo Vibe P1 and Vibe S1 - update expected by June 2016
BlackBerry Marshmallow update
BlackBerry only released one Android device to date, and a fast Marshmallow update isn't a priority for the company. The BlackBerry Priv will receive Android 6.0 "sometime into the new year." Whether that means early 2016 or a year from now, it's hard to tell.
Nvidia Marshmallow update
On November 17, Nvidia relaunched the Shield Tablet as the Shield Tablet K1. The revamped model runs Lollipop, just like its predecessor, but Nvidia promised an update to Android 6.0 "in the coming months." We will update when more info arrives.
Custom (unofficial) Marshmallow ROMs
When Android OEMs let us down, we all look up the developer community to pick up the slack, at least when it comes to Android updates. Unfortunately, the custom ROM scene is not as vibrant as it used to be, with only CyanogenMod left to carry the torch.
For now, we know that the CyanogenMod team has started working on the Marshmallow-based CM13, though we don’t have an official announcement yet.
Also keep an eye on independent developers – for instance, Dmitry Grinberg has come up with a working Marshmallow ROM for the Nexus 4, and there are also Marshmallow ROM projectsfor the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 7 (2012).
Custom stock Marshmallow ROM are available for the OnePlus One and for the LG G4.
It's not a ROM, but the Xposed framework is definitely important to many Android users. On November 10, developer rovo86 announced that the Xposed for Marshmallow is almost finalized.
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Right on schedule, the Samsung Gear VR has finally arrived today via Best Buy, Amazon, and AT&T — with T-Mobile also expected to offer the handset starting next week. While Samsung released two “Innovator Editions” of the Gear VR ahead of this one, the new Gear VR is the first fully commercial ready model and comes at a fairly aggressive price of $99.99.
The Gear VR basically sits somewhere between higher-end VR solutions like the Oculus Rift and low-end solutions like Cardboard and its many clones and relatives. Like the Cardboard family, the Gear VR utilizes an existing smartphone as its brains, but unlike the former, the Gear VR has extra sensors and components that help provide a more immersive experience than you’d get with Cardboard. Gear VR also has a much more unified library of games, media apps, and services, and is made in partnership with Oculus — further cementing the fact that this is the real deal.
At launch, there are over a hundred games and apps tailored for the Gear VR, with plenty more to come, including 25 brand new made-for-VR games and experiences arriving in early December. Some of the most critically acclaimed VR titles available for the Gear VR right now include Land’s End (from UStwo, of Monument Valley fame), Mortal Blitz VR, Netflix, and more. There’s also the Oculus Store — Oculus’ portal to finding great VR-optimized experiences.
Bottom-line, if you’re looking for a mainstream VR experience that isn’t the wild west that is Google’s Cardboard platform, the Gear VR is worthy of your consideration. On the downside, the Gear VR is only compatible with a handful of devices: the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge+, and the Galaxy Note 5.
Anyone pick up the Gear VR yet, or plan to? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below!
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With Android thoroughly dominating the mobile industry, picking the best Android smartphones is almost synonymous with choosing the best smartphones, period. But while Android phones have few real opponents on other platforms, internal competition is incredibly fierce.
From sleek devices that impress with premium design, to powerhouses brimming with features, to all-around great devices, and affordable phones that punch above their weight, the Android ecosystem is populated by a staggering variety of attractive phones.
But “greatness” is subjective, and sometimes spec sheets and feature lists are not enough to make an idea of how good a phone really is. In this roundup, we’re looking at the absolute best – the Android phones you can’t go wrong with.
Editor’s note: we’ll be updating this list regularly as new devices launch.
Update, October 2015: This month saw the OnePlus 2 depart from the list to make room for the brand new Nexus 6P.
Samsung Galaxy S6 (and S6 Edge)
Depending on who you ask, one might tell you that the last truly impressive member of the Galaxy S famly was the widely popular GS3. While the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5 were not bad handsets, their highly derivative nature came under fire, bolstered further by the fact that many of its rivals have since taken to pushing more premium builds made of metal, glass and other similar materials.
With the Samsung Galaxy S6, the Korean giant has finally delivered a truly premium Galaxy S experience, melding a glass front and back with a metal frame. Most tech journalists and even everyday tech enthusiasts agree that the redesign is a welcome one. Of course, Samsung’s new look isn’t without sacrifice, ditching Samsung staples like a removable back and battery. The microSD slot is also absent on the Galaxy S6.
Another major change for the Galaxy S6 is the processing package, with Samsung electing to leave behind Qualcomm, solely offering up its Exynos 7420 processor, paired with 3GB RAM. And finally, the software has also been scaled back a bit with the latest iteration of the Galaxy S.
Like the idea of the Galaxy S6, but hoping for something that stands out even further? The Galaxy S6 Edge offers the same specs, but adds dual-edges and a few special features that take advantage of the phone’s unique design.
Specs
5.1-inch Super AMOLED with 2560 x 1440 resolution, 577 ppi
Exynos 7420
3GB of RAM
32/64/128GB storage options (non-expandable)
16 MP rear camera with OIS
5 MP front-facing camera with 90 degree wide angle lens
Non-removable 2,550 mAh battery
143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm, 138 grams
143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm 138 grams
Android 5.0 Lollipop with TouchWiz
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For, less techie people the process is detailed as under :
