How To

Share and access Android files from any location with Shynk

It's dead-simple to transfer files from your Android device to your computer using a USB cable or a Wi-Fi network, but sometimes you want to share files with people more remotely. Shynk is great for this, letting you set up an account to access and share files with anyone you like. Here's how it works:

Create a free Shynk account here. Download and install the Shynk app from here. Run Shynk and log in with the account info you just created. Head back to the Shynk Web site and click "Phone" near … Read more

Getting started with Flipboard for Android

Flipboard is your one-stop app for many networks and news sources. In fact, Flipboard supports Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Google Reader, LinkedIn, Instagram, Tumblr, and a few others! Once you have all your networks linked to the Flipboard account, a beautiful stream of information will appear in the app.

Here's a quick guide to getting your feet wet with an app favored by many:

First you'll want to get a copy of Flipboard for Android. After it's installed, open the app and flip your finger upward on the screen to reveal the Get Started and Sign In … Read more

How to install the new Swype beta on Android

Swype, which was bought by Nuance recently, has released a new public beta for Android. It has some interesting new features, including the capability to learn as you go and built-in Dragon voice recognition. If you're interested in trying it out, here's how to install and enable the new Swype beta for Android:

Install Swype beta

Step 1: Register for the Swype beta at http://beta.swype.com/android/create.

Step 2: On your Android device, go to Settings > Application settings and tap on the box next to Unknown sources. This will allow you to install apps … Read more

Browse Instagram photos by location with Instamap for Android

Despite having an official mobile client available for Instagram, there are still a lot of third-party apps out there for viewing photos from the service. Instamap, one of the alternative clients, offers a feature not yet present in the official app: finding photos by geotag. Think of Instamap as Instagram meets Google Maps -- a lovely pairing.

Grab a copy of Instamap for Android. After installing, open the app and choose whether or not to use your Instagram account when browsing photos around the world. If you sign in, then you can Like or comment on photos, as well … Read more

Save filtered photos from Facebook Camera to your Camera Roll

If you have used the Facebook Camera app to apply a filter and upload a photo to your Facebook account, then later wanted to share that same photo with a friend via e-mail, or even post it on another social network, you've likely been discouraged to see the photo wasn't saved to your iPhone's Camera Roll.

You may have also noticed that tapping on the settings icon in the app reveals few options.

So how do you save a photo post-filter from the Facebook Camera? You can turn that feature on in the other settings.

Go back … Read more

Automate your Android device with on{x}

I love customizing and automating my Android devices; it's a large part of their appeal. Microsoft is making it easier with on{x}, which, despite its somewhat precious, fancy bracketed name, is a neat tool for setting up automatic rules for your Android devices. Here's how it works:

Install on{x} here. It's still in beta for now, but it works well. Run the app and log in with your Facebook account. You won't be able to do anything on the device yet, but you need to let on{x} know how to reach … Read more

You can now record your iOS device's screen with Display Recorder

Ever wanted to send more than just a screenshot to a friend or family member, showing them how to do something on their iOS device? The ability to record your iPhone's screen has only been possible for users who jailbreak, until now. A new app, Display Recorder, is now available in the App Store.

Display Recorder will record a video of your iOS device's screen, complete with audio, and allow you to share the video from within the app.

To get started, download Display Recorder from the App Store for $1.99.

After installing on your iOS device, … Read more

Twelve ways to customize your Android device

Customizing your smartphone, or any device for that matter, is a rite of passage for all of us. By customizing, you turn a standard looking device that millions of users may be carrying around, into something that is truly ours. It goes from a slab of plastic and rare metals, to something that is very personal.

Android users and abusers know very well how customizable their beloved devices are. We rounded up 12 ways for you to customize your Android device; whether you're a seasoned Android vet or an Android noob, you'll want to take a look.

The … Read more

Use Nextcall to schedule calls, point out neglected contacts on Android

You could keep your call logs for months at a time, but chances are your phone wouldn't appreciate that too much. Instead, take a look at Nextcall.

This app will help you see how long it has been since you were in touch with someone. Additionally, it will let you schedule calls with someone every X days or weeks. This can come in handy if you need to remember to follow up with someone for business. Sure, you could add them to your calendar and get a reminder, but it might get lost among all the other things you … Read more

Take quick notes on your Android tablet with Hovernote

Android is great about multitasking in the sense that background applications will be suspended where you left them. That means you can go back and look at the previous app you were using, but it's going to be in full-screen covering whatever you're trying to look at now. This makes note-taking for research really difficult when you're always having to tab back and forth and can only see one app at a time.

Hovernote seeks to remedy this issue by adding a floating notepad to your Android tablet screen. That way, you can read a … Read more