Showing posts with label Play Store. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Play Store. Show all posts

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Fix Can't Find the Google Voice Typing Option in Android 4.4 Kitkat

In my previous post, I wrote that the microphone icon wouldn't be displayed in the keyboard if the Google voice typing option was disabled. So, in order to display the microphone icon in the keyboard, then we have to enable Google voice typing option in the language and input settings.

See also: How to Fix Missing the Microphone Icon in the Samsung Galaxy S4 Keyboard

A couple days back, some insiders confirmed that they couldn't find the Google voice typing option under the language and input settings when they wanted to enable it to display the mic icon in the keyboard. Apparently, this problem is occur if the Google search app has not been installed yet or if the Google search app is disabled. So, to get back the Google voice typing option, you need to install and/or enable the Google search app.



How to fix can't find the Google voice typing option in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
Depending on the causes, here are the steps to fix this problem:
Method I: Installing the Google search app
By default, the Google search app is a stock app and it can't be uninstalled, but for any reason if the Google search app has not been installed yet, then to get back the Google voice typing option you have to install this app first. You can do so by using the following steps:
  1. Open the Play Store.
  2. Tap the Magnifying glass icon and then enter "google search" in the search field. Tap the Google search on the pop up menu to start searching.
  3. In the search result list, tap the Google search app.
  4. Tap Install button.
  5. Tap Accept button to start installing.

Method II: Enabling and updating the Google search app
If the Google search app has been installed in your phone, but you still can't find the Google voice typing option, maybe the Google search app is disabled. You have to enable and then update the Google search app to get back the Google voice typing option. You can do so by using the following steps:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap More tab.
  3. Tap Application manager.
  4. Swipe the screen to the right until you see the Disabled tab.
  5. If you see the Google search app or com.google.android.googlequicks.. is listed here then tap the app to open the app info screen.
  6. Tap Enable button to enable this app.
  7. Now, open the Play Store app to update the Google search app. 
  8. Tap the three horizontal line icon at the top-left corner of the screen.
  9. Tap My Apps.
  10. Under the Updates section, you should see that the Google search update is available.
  11. Tap Google search app.
  12. Tap Update button.
  13. Tap Accept button to start updating.

Once you done these steps, you should see the Google voice typing option is available under the language and input settings. By default, this option is enabled. But, in some cases, this option is disabled. If so, you have to enable this option manually to get back the mic icon in the keyboard. If you don't know how to do so, you can see the complete steps in the link I've mentioned above.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Switch Between Installed Keyboard Apps in Android 4.4 Kitkat

One of advantages owned by Android phones, including with the Samsung Galaxy SIV, is easiness to install third-party apps, either from the official source, Google Play Store, or from another unofficial sources. This of course will help you when you are not satisfied with the stock apps performance or when the stock apps don't have a feature you're looking for.

See also: How to Download and Install Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

One of the most frequently installed third party apps is a keyboard app. Well, though the Samsung Galaxy SIV has been equipped with the stock Samsung keyboard, but some users said that some features in this keyboard app don't work in line with their expectations. When you already have installed third-party keyboard app in your phone, you can change the input method so that you can use that keyboard app.


How to change input method?
Generally there are two methods available that you can use to switch between installed keyboard apps. You can see them below.


Method #1: From a screen or an app where you can enter text
As the example, I'll try to change the input method through the Messaging app
  1. In the create new message screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open the notification panel.
  2. Under the Notifications section, tap Choose input method.
  3. All installed keyboard apps will be displayed in the Choose input method pop up menu.
  4. Select the desired keyboard app you wish to use.
  5. The selected keyboard will be applied and you're ready to write your message with the newly selected keyboard.


Method #2: From the Settings menu
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap My Device tab.
  3. Scroll down to find Language and input, then tap it.
  4. Under the Keyboards and input methods section, tap Default.
  5. All installed keyboard apps will be displayed in the Choose input method pop up menu.
  6. Select the desired keyboard app you wish to use.
  7. The selected keyboard will be applied.

For those of you who have some keyboard apps installed in the phone, you can use one of methods mentioned above to switch between them. So, if you're using third-party keyboard app, which keyboard app do you like best?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Use Wishlist Feature in Google Play Store

As the official market, Google Play Store used by most of Android phone users to download and install apps into their phones. Here, you can find tons of apps, either free version or paid version. To make sure that the app is suit your need and will not make some problems in your phone, it'll be better if you read the app detail and review first before installing the app into your phone.

See also: How to Install Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

When you're opening an app in the Play Store, you may notice that there's a bookmark-like icon at the top of the screen. It's called a Wishlist icon. If the Wishlist icon in certain app is displayed with the Plus sign means the app has not been added to the wishlist, while if it's displayed with the Check mark icon means the app have been added to the wishlist. You can use this icon to add or remove an app from wishlist. An advantage of using wishlist feature is an easiness to find and track apps you have been added to the wishlist.


How to add an app to the wishlist?
Below are the steps to do so:
  1. Open Play Store.
  2. Tap the Search icon and then enter your search term.
  3. All apps that match with your search term will be displayed here.
  4. If you wish to add an app to the wishlist without reading the app detail, tap the Three dot icon in the right side of the app's name and then select Add to wishlist.
  5. If you want to read the app detail first before adding the app to the wishlist, tap the app and then tap the Add wishlist icon.
  6. The selected app will be added to the wishlist.
  7. To see all your wishlist apps, while you're in the Play Store's main page, swipe the screen from left to the right and then tap My wishlist. All your wishlist apps will be displayed here.


How to remove an app from wishlist?
Below are the steps to do so:
  1. Open Play Store.
  2. Swipe the screen from left to the right.
  3. Tap My wishlist to display all of your wishlist apps.
  4. If you wish to remove an app from the wishlist without reading the app detail, tap the Three dot icon in the right side of the app's name and then select Remove from wishlist.
  5. If you want to read the app detail first before removing the app from the wishlist, tap the app then tap the Remove wishlist icon.
  6. The selected app will be removed from wishlist.

If you're like me, I usually use this feature when I accidentally found an interesting app but having no time to read the app review (FYI, I always read the review first before installing an app). Next time, I can easily find the app through My wishlist menu to read the review and then decide to install the app or not. So, have you ever used this feature? Has this feature helped you?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Update Applications

For certain reason, you may want to install third-party apps that you can get through Google Play Store, for instance when you're not satisfied with the stock app and want to install third-party app that has the same function, etc. To allow you accessing Play Store, make sure you have had an active Google account on your phone.

See also: How to Download Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

To keep all installed apps run smoothly and don't cause any error, make sure to update apps regularly. The latest update usually brings some new features and some fixes for bugs/errors in the previous version. Depending on your need, you can set your phone to automatically update apps or you can also update apps manually.


How to update apps automatically?
There's an option in the Google Play Store which will allow you to set the phone to automatically update apps when there's an update available. Below are the steps to do so:
  1. Open Play Store.
  2. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
  3. Tap Auto-update apps.
  4. Here you'll see three options available, they are:
    • Do not auto-update apps: select this option to turn off auto update.
    • Auto-update apps at any time. Data charges may apply: select this option to allow your phone to automatically update apps when you have an Internet connection, either when you use Wi-Fi or mobile data.
    • Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only: select this option to allow your phone updating apps automatically only when you're connecting with the Wi-Fi network.
  5. Tap the desired auto update option you wish to use. But, if you're like me, I prefer to use auto update over Wi-Fi because it's faster and doesn't charge me with the data.
  6. From now, when there an update available, your phone will update app automatically and you'll be informed with a notification when the app is successfully updated.


How to update apps manually?
If you more prefer to update apps manually, you can do so by using one of methods listed below:
Method #1: From the Notification panel
By default, usually you'll receive a notification if there's an update available. Below are the steps to update apps manually from the notification panel:
  1. Swipe the top of the screen to the bottom to access notification panel.
  2. Under the Notifications section, tap the update notifications.
  3. You'll be brought to the My apps menu in the Play Store. If available, in the Installed tab you can see all available updates under Updates section.
  4. To update a single app, tap Update button in the right side of the desired app you wish to update then tap Update button.
  5. To update all apps, tap Update all button.
  6. The selected apps will be updated and they will be moved to the Recently updated section.


Method #2: From Google Play Store
If you didn't receive a notification update, you can manually check available updates from the Play Store by following the steps below:
  1. Open Play Store.
  2. Swipe the screen from left to the right.
  3. Tap My apps.
  4. If available, in the Installed tab you can see all available updates under Updates section.
  5. To update a single app, tap Update button in the right side of the desired app you wish to update then tap Update button.
  6. To update all apps, tap Update all button.
  7. The selected apps will be updated and they will be moved to the recently updated section.

By knowing how to automatically or manually update apps, now you can use one of them to help you keeping the apps stay updated. So, hope it helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Install Apps from Unknown Sources (.apk File)

Most of Android phone users(including with the Samsung Galaxy SIV users) usually install apps from Google Play Store which is the official market for all Android phones. To be able to access Play Store, you need to have an active Google account. As the official market, Google Play Store provide their users with tons of apps that you can choose which one that suit your need. But, it will be better if you read the app's review first before installing the app to make sure that the app has a positive review and less complaints/errors.

See also: How to Install Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Nevertheless, though the Play Store has lot of apps, in some cases you may want to install certain app from other sources than the Play Store, for instance when the app is no longer available in the Play Store or you can't find any alternative app for the app you're looking for in the Play Store. Luckily, in Android, there's an option which will allow you to do so.



How to install .apk file?
An app from unknown sources usually has .apk extension. Well, here the steps to install it:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap More tab.
  3. Tap Security.
  4. Scroll down to find Unknown sources, and then tick the box next this option to enable it and then tap OK button to confirm enabling this option.
  5. Tick the box next to Verify apps to allow your phone to block or warn before installing apps that may cause harm.
  6. Now, you're allowed to install app from sources other than the Play Store. You can do so by downloading a .apk file of certain app through Browser app into your phone. (In this case, I'm using the stock Internet browser app to download calculator with percent.apk from appsapk.com).
  7. Once the downloading process is completed. Open My File app and then navigate to the .apk location (usually all downloaded files will be saved in the Download folder in the phone storage)
  8. Tap .apk file you've just downloaded.
  9. Tap Install button.
  10. Tap Accept button.
  11. Once the installation process is completed, you can open the app and use it.

FYI, due to .apk file comes from unofficial sources, make sure to get it from a recommended source and has a good reputation. If your phone is encountering error after you installed a .apk file then it will be better for you to uninstall the app to fix the problem. So, have you ever installed a .apk file in your phone?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Reinstall Apps

Google Play Store is the official market for all Android phones, including with the Samsung Galaxy SIV. Here, you can find tons of apps and then download the one that suit your need, either it's free or paid apps. Unfortunately, in some cases, some of apps can cause your phone encountering error. If that happens, uninstalling app is one of the way to fix the problem.

See also: How to Uninstall Apps in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Even so, for some reason, you may want to reinstall uninstalled-apps that you've ever installed in your phone. If so, you can do so with ease through Google Play Store because this app has a list of all apps that you've ever downloaded before.



How to reinstall uninstalled-apps?
FYI, if you have multiple Google accounts, make sure to access Play Store with an account that you used to download the apps. Well, here are the steps:
  1. Open Play Store app.
  2. Swipe the screen from left to the right.
  3. Tap My apps.
  4. Tap All tab.
  5. All your downloaded apps will be displayed here, while for uninstalled apps will be labelled with the Cross sign (x) at the top right corner of the application's name.
  6. Tap the desired uninstalled app you wish to reinstall.
  7. Tap Install button.
  8. In the App permissions, tap Accept button.
  9. The selected app will be installed shortly.

Indeed, you can search and install apps directly through the Play Store's main page, but sometimes we have difficulty to remember what the app name is. So, by using the steps mentioned above, now you can easily reinstall uninstalled-apps that you've ever downloaded before through the Google Play Store. Hope it helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Uninstall Apps

Though Samsung Galaxy SIV has provided some basic apps as the stock apps, you're allowed to install third-party apps from other sources or from the official Android market, Google Play Store. This of course will benefit you because you can install another app that you need into your phone.

See also: How to Install Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Aside from the easiness to install apps, in this phone you're also allowed to uninstall installed apps. There are some reasons why you should uninstall apps, for instance when the app has triggered some problem in your phone or when you no longer want to use certain app so you want to uninstall it to tidy up your phone as well as to free up some spaces, etc.


How to uninstall app with 4 easy ways?
FYI, these methods are only applied for downloaded apps, or in other words you can't use these methods to uninstall the stock apps. Well, generally there are 4 methods available to uninstall app. Here they are:


Method #1: From App drawer use the App info icon
This is one of my favourite method that I often use to uninstall app because it allows me to clear cache and data of the selected apps.
  1. Go to Apps from Home screen.
  2. Long tap the desired app you wish to uninstall and then drag it to the App info icon located at the top of the screen.
  3. Before uninstalling the app, better if you clear its cache and data by tapping the Clear cache button and the Clear data button.
  4. Tap Uninstall button.
  5. Tap OK button to confirm.
  6. The selected app will be uninstalled shortly.


Method #2: From App drawer use the option in Menu key
This method allows you to uninstall some apps more easier directly from the app menu. Unfortunately, this method doesn't allow you to clear cache and data of the selected app.
  1. Go to Apps from Home screen.
  2. Tap the Menu key then select Uninstall.
  3. All uninstallable apps will be labeled with the red minus circled icon.
  4. Tap the desired app you wish to uninstall.
  5. Tap OK button to confirm.
  6. The selected app will be uninstalled shortly.


Method #3: From the Settings menu
This is my second favourite method to uninstall app. This method is the same with the method #1, but with more longer steps.
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap More tab.
  3. Tap Application manager.
  4. In the Downloaded tab, tap the desired app you wish to uninstall.
  5. Before uninstalling the app, better if you clear its cache and data by tapping the Clear cache button and the Clear data button.
  6. Tap Uninstall button.
  7. Tap OK button to confirm.
  8. The selected app will be uninstalled shortly.


Method #4: From Google Play Store
This method allows you to uninstall app while you're in the Google Play Store. I ever use this method when I installed incorrect app from Google Play Store. So before I forgot it, I had uninstalled this app while I'm still in the Google Play Store.
  1. Open Play Store app.
  2. Swipe the screen from the left to the right.
  3. Tap My apps.
  4. In the Installed tab, tap the desired app you wish to uninstall.
  5. Tap Uninstall button.
  6. Tap OK button to confirm.
  7. The selected app will be uninstalled shortly.

Well. each method has their own advantage. So, by knowing all available methods to uninstall app, now you can uninstall the desired app by using a method that best suit your need. Well, hope it helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Fix Google Play Store Stop Working Issue

Google Play Store is the official market for all of Android phone, including Samsung Galaxy SIII. Here you can download lot of apps or game then install them to your phone. To make you be able accessing Google Play Store, make sure you have activated your Google account on your phone.

See also: How to Access Google Play Store on Samsung Galaxy S3

As same as another apps, some problem sometimes occur in the Google Play Store app, such as Play Store has stopped working resulting you can't access them to download its contents. If you're experiencing this problem, then there are some steps that you can do to fix this.


How to fix Google Play Store not working problem?
Assuming that you get the strong signal and you have no problem with the network, then you can try some possible steps to fix this problem:
I. Check whether the Download app is disabled
The first methods that you can do is by checking whether the Download app is disabled or not. Some user said that the Download app on their phone was turned off during the update. Once they enable it they can accessing the Play Store again. Here's the step:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Application manager.
  3. Swipe to the All screen.
  4. Scroll to the very bottom then check if the Download is labelled as disabled. If so, tap the the row and then tap Enable button to enable Download app.
  5. Now, try to open Google Play Store.

II. Clear Google Play Store's Cache
If the first methods is not works, then try to clear cache of the Google Play Store app by following the steps listed below:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Application manager.
  3. Swipe to the All screen.
  4. Find Google Play Store, then tap it.
  5. Tap Clear cache button.
  6. Tap Force stop button followed by tapping OK button to confirm.
  7. Now, try to open Google Play Store.

III. Clear Google Play Store's Cache and Data
If the first and the second methods are not works, try to clear cache and data of the Play Store by following the steps below:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Application manager.
  3. Swipe to the All screen.
  4. Find Google Play Store, then tap it.
  5. Tap Clear cache button.
  6. Tap Clear data followed by tapping OK button to confirm.
  7. Tap Force stop button followed by tapping OK button to confirm
  8. Now, try to open Google Play Store.

IV. Reset App Preferences
The last methods that you can do if all the steps above are not works is by resetting the app preferences as listed below:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Application manager.
  3. Swipe to the Downloaded screen.
  4. Tap the Menu key then select Reset app preferences.
  5. Restart the phone.
  6. Once the phone is up, open the Play Store. You'll be asked if you would like to use your Google account and then tap Agree to terms.

FYI, I didn't include factory reset as one of the method to solve this problem due to this process will erase all of the data on your phone. But, if you don't mind will all of the risk, then you can do that with your own risk. However, if you know another method to solve this problem and it's not listed here then I'll really appreciate if you willing to share through the comment below :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Install Third Party Keyboard Application

Samsung Galaxy SIII has come with the stock keyboard which is equipped with some features to facilitate your typing activities, such as auto capitalization option which will automatically capitalize the first letter of sentence.

See also: How to Enable or Disable Auto Capitalization on Samsung Galaxy S3

Even so, some users and insiders have said that in certain conditions they were not satisfied enough with the stock keyboard. Some of them said that the auto correct feature is not accurate and else. If you're also experiencing the same with them, then you might want to consider to install another third party keyboard app from the Google Play Store that suit your needs.


How to install third party keyboard app?
To do so kindly follow the steps listed below:
  1. Find the desired third party keyboard app you wish to install from the Google Play Store, then install it to your phone.
  2. Once the installation is completed, go to Settings.
  3. Tap Language and input.
  4. Here you should see your newly installed keyboard app as the option under Keyboard and input methods section.
  5. Tap the check box in the left side of your newly installed keyboard app to enable this keyboard.
  6. Tap Default.
  7. You should see a pop up menu appears contains with all installed keyboard app on your phone.
  8. Tap the newly installed keyboard app to set it as the default keyboard.

Well, there are various keyboard app available on the Google Play Store, so you can choose which the best one you like to use. But, it's not hurt if you read the review first to make sure that the app is work well. So, if you're not satisfied with the stock keyboard app then which the keyboard are you using now?

Samsung Galaxy S3 : How to Assign Different Message Tone in Different Contact

Some insiders asked me through the comments they leave in a couple of articles on this blog about how to set a different message tone for each contact so they could hearing a different message tone when receiving an incoming message from different contact. Unfortunately the stock messaging app on the Samsung Galaxy SIII does not provide the option to do so, you can only set the same message tone for all contacts.

See also: How to Change the Message Tone on Samsung Galaxy S3

Well, let's thanks to the Google Play Store as the official market for Android phones which provide you many choices of the applications to fill the shortage in stock applications. For example, in this case you can set a different message tone for each contact using a third-party messaging apps that you can get on the Play Store .


How to set different message tone for each contact?
As an example, we will use the Handcent SMS app to do so:
  1. Download install Handcent SMS app through the Play Store.
  2. Once the installation is completed, launch the app.
  3. All the conversation in the stock messaging app will be automatically retrieved on this app.
  4. Tap the desired message from certain contact you wish to change the message tone.
  5. Tap the Menu key then select Personalization.
  6. Tap Notification settings.
  7. Tap Notification sound.
  8. Select the desired message tone, either from the default tones or from your own music or tones.
  9. Tap OK button to save the changes.

So simple to do, right? Now, you can easily assign different message tone on each contact. As a note, you can only set the message tone to a contact who has been sent you a message. So, hope this helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Install and Setup Skype App

Make a video call is one of the ability owned by the Samsung Galaxy SIII. This feature utilize the front-facing camera and 3G network to works. By using this feature, you will not only be able to hear the voice but also see the person you call.

See also: How to Make a Video Call on Samsung Galaxy S3

Unfortunately, some of carrier has no video call option included in them resulting the user can't make a video call by using the stock Phone app. But, if you still want to do so, there are some third-party apps which will allow you to do that thing. The popular ones is Skype app. Aside from allowing you to make a video calls, this app also allows you to make a voice call to the cell phones or landlines--either local or international--, send messages or files, etc.


How to install and set up Skype app?
Below are the complete steps to do so:
  1. Download Install Skype - free IM & video calls app for free through the Google Play Store.
  2. Once the installation is completed, launch the app.
  3. If you already have an existing Skype account, enter your Skype name and Password then tap Sign in button. If not, you can create a new Skype account by tapping Create a Skype account then follow the on screen instruction.
  4. If this is the first time you use the app, then you may be prompted to accept the terms of agreement and may be offered a tour to let you know how the app works--you can skip the tour--. You'll also get the preset option to sync your contacts, do so, then tap the Continue button.
  5. If the Skype name and password you have entered is correct, then now you're ready to use the app to make and receive video calls, chat and share multimedia files with your Skype contacts.
  6. To sign out, tap the Profile icon in the Skype's main screen, tap the Menu key then select Sign out.

Well, by knowing how to do this step, at least now you have one more option to make a video calls if your phone has no option to do so and you can also utilize all the abilities owned by the app according to your need. So, hope this helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Reinstall Applications

The Samsung Galaxy SIII users might have several reasons that lead them to uninstall one or more apps in their phone, such as their phone have the low storage issue, the apps not work properly, the apps start giving some problems, etc.

See also: How to Uninstall Applications on Samsung Galaxy S3

But, in certain case and reason, you might also want to reinstall the apps you ever installed before on your phone. Luckily, if you previously install the apps through the Play store, then you will be able to see the list of the apps you've ever downloaded from there, either installed or removed apps.


How to reinstall apps through the Play Store?
To do so kindly follow the steps listed below:
  1. Go to Apps through the Home screen.
  2. Scroll to Play Store, then tap it.
  3. Tap the Menu key then select My apps.
  4. Swipe the screen to the left to display ALL applications.
  5. Here you'll see a list of installed and previously downloaded apps.
  6. Tap the desired app you wish to reinstall.
  7. Tap the Install button to start installation.
  8. Read carefully on the app permissions, then tap ACCEPT button.
  9. Once the installation is completed, tap the OPEN button to launch the app.
  10. Now you're ready to use the app.

Well, by knowing how to utilize my app options to reinstall apps, now you can easily reinstall the apps which is previously downloaded through the Google Play Store. So, hope this helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Use Wishlist Feature on Google Play Store

Google Play Store is the official market for Android phone, including with the Samsung Galaxy SIII. You'll find it as one of the stock apps inside the phone. You need to activate Google account in order to access the Play Store, either a single or multiple Google account.

See also: How to Add Multiple Google Account via Google Play Store on Samsung Galaxy S3

The Google Play Store has the bookmark-like feature called wishlist which will allow you to flag certain apps for more easier further uses. For instance, you can add certain app into your wishlist to keep track the apps price, availability or else.


How to add or remove apps from wishlist?
Basically you can add or remove all of contents inside the Google Play Store into your wishlist, but we'll use the apps as the example of this step. Well, here's how to do:
  1. Go to Apps through Home screen.
  2. Scroll to Play Store, then tap it.
  3. Browse the apps in the Play Store. Once you've find the ones you like, you can add it to your wishlist by tapping the Wishlist icon at the top area of the screen. The icon looks like a bookmark icon with a tiny plus in the middle of it. The icon will turn solid if the item is flagged as wishlist. Tapping the Wishlist icon again will remove the app from your wishlist.
  4. To see, review or install the apps you have added to your wishlist, simply tap the Menu key then select My Wishlist.

Like bookmarking, this feature will make you more easier to find and track the apps you already added. Unfortunately, there's still no share or email option inside the wishlist to allow you to share your wishlist with others.

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Scan QR Code

According to Wikipedia, QR Code or Quick Response Code is the trademarks of matrix barcode or two dimensional barcode first designed for the automotive industry in Japan. Nowadays, you can find the QR code not only in the automotive industry but also on another things, such as TV advertisement, business card, website, tickets, etc.

QRCode

The QR code can easily readable by the smartphone, including with the Samsung Galaxy SIII. All you need to make it works is by downloading QR Code scanning app then use it to scan the code and retrieve data stored inside them.


How to scan QR Code using Google Googles apps?
There are lot of apps that allow you to scan QR code, but given from the apps reviews seem this apps is work well with lot of users. So, here are the steps:
  1. Download install Google Googles apps from the Play Store.
  2. Once the installation is completed, open the Google Googles apps.
  3. Point the phone's camera at the QR Code, wait for seconds, then you'll see the data--such as, URL links, text or location-- stored inside the code displayed at the bottom of the screen. For instance, you can try to scan QR code shown in this post then you'll see a URL to the inside-galaxy which you can visit by tapping it.

By knowing this step, now you can easily retrieve the data stored inside the code by using your phone. And of course, you can also save more time when you want to visit this blog by scanning QR code embedded in this post. Hope this helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: Five Easy Ways to Install Applications

Samsung Galaxy SIII has come with some useful pre-loaded applications--you can said Messaging apps, Phone apps, Contacts apps, etc-- that you can use directly without having to install them first. But, as with other Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy SIII also allow you to install another apps, either from its official market or non-official sources.

1. Google Play Store App
This is the official market for all Android phone and you'll find this apps as one of the stock apps inside your phone. Here you can download and install either free or paid apps. To make you be able to access the Google Play Store and another Google services, make sure you have activated your Google account on your phone.
See also: How to Access Google Play Store

2. Samsung Store App
This is the second official market for Samsung phone and you'll also find this apps as one of the stock apps inside your phone. As same as the Play Store apps, this apps also provide you with a free or paid apps. Create your own Samsung account to allow you accessing Samsung Store app and another Samsung services.
See also: How to Download and Install Apps on Samsung App Store

3. Google Play Store Website
You may noticed that this way is similar with the first ways I've mentioned above. Yes, thanks to Google cloud-based system which will allow you to install apps remotely to your Android phone from Google Play Store website through your Computer or Laptop. This way of course will extend your convenient of searching and browsing the apps in the Play Store. All you need is login into the Google Play Store website using a Google account associated with your phone.
See also: How to Install Apps Remotely through Play Store Website

4. Sideloading Apps directly through the Phone
Aside from installing apps from the official market, you can also install apps from another sources, or users usually refer it as install .apk file. Apk is android packaging file or it's the same with .exe file in the Windows Operating System. This of course will useful if the apps you want to install is no longer available on the Play Store or Samsung Store, such as Adobe Flash Player. However, by default this option is disabled for security reasons. If you want to enable sideloading apps, you need to enable Unknown sources option that you can find under security settings. Once you've enabled this option, you can download a .apk file through your phone's browser apps then open it through the Download app to start installing. You can also download .apk file from your PC or laptop then copy the file to your phone and open it with the My Files app to start installing. This way also allow you to install from another third-party apps store, such as Amazon App Store, Humble Bundle Apps, and else.
See also: How to Install .apk Files

5. Sideloading apps from PC
This way will allow you to install .apk file from the computer, with or without connecting your phone to the computer. AFAIK, the available option to do this way is by using ADB or use AirDroid app--tell me if you know the other ones--. If you use the ADB, you need to connect your phone to the computer by using USB cable and enable USB Debugging option on your phone. While if you use AirDroid app, you need to connect your phone and computer in the same network.
See also: How to Install Apps using AirDroid App


Well, these are 5 methods that you can do to install the desired apps into your precious Samsung Galaxy SIII. However, if you have another way to install apps and it's not listed here, then I'll really appreciate if you willing to share them through the comment below :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Install Apps Remotely from the Computer

As we all know that the Google Play Store is the official market of the Android phone, including with the Samsung Galaxy SIII. From there, you can find lot of apps that you can choose which best suit you. In order to allow you accessing the Play Store, make sure you have activated a Google account on your Samsung Galaxy SIII.

See also: How to Activate Google Account on Samsung Galaxy S3

Once you've activated the account, then you can use it to log in to the Play Store and install apps from there. But, in certain condition search an apps between lot of apps on the Play Store using the phone is less convenient way to install apps. Fortunately, you can install apps remotely to your Samsung Galaxy SIII through the Google Play Store website on your PC or laptop.


How to install apps from the Google Play on the web?
Make sure your Samsung Galaxy SIII is registered with the Google Play, or in other word you have activated a Google account on your phone. Well, here the complete steps to do:
  1. Open web browser on your computer or laptop then navigate to the play.google.com
  2. Login with the Google account associated with your Samsung Galaxy SIII.
  3. Here you can search and browse the apps you wish to install to your phone.
  4. Once you find the apps, you'll be presented with the apps information, including with the app permissions.
  5. If the apps is free then simply click the Install button.
  6. If the apps is paid then you'll be presented with the payment options you wish to use, and then you just need to follow the process given to you.
  7. Once the process is completed, now you can enjoy your newly installed apps on your phone.

By knowing the step to install apps through the Google Play Store website, now you can install apps remotely through the PC or laptop with ease. So, hope this helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to See Downloaded Applications in Google Play Store

As we all know that Samsung Galaxy SIII has the ability to manage multiple email accounts, including with the Google account. You can add multiple Google account inside this phone and use each of them to access another Google services available in this phone, for instance you can Switch and use each of the added Google account to download or purchase content in Google Play Store.

See also: How to Switch Between Google Account in Google Play Store in Samsung Galaxy S3

For certain reason, adding some of Google account also will helps you to separate purchases you've made in Google Play Store. Here you can also knowing the apps you've downloaded using one of your Google account.


How to see my applications on the Play Store apps?
Below are the steps you need to do to know the apps you've downloaded using the Google account currently signed in:
  1. Go to Apps through Home screen.
  2. Scroll to Play Store, then tap it.
  3. If required, switch to the desired Google account you wish to show the apps you've downloaded with it. See how to switch account in the link above.
  4. Tap the Menu key.
  5. Tap My Apps.
  6. The purchased items you've downloaded with the selected Google account will be visible here.
  7. If you want to show the purchased items in another Google account, then switch to the desired account as you can see in the step #3.

All the downloaded apps will listed here, either they're installed or have been removed. This step will be useful to help you knowing the purchases history on certain Google account. So, hope this helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Switch Between Google Accounts on the Google Play Store

The ability to manage multiple email accounts, including Gmail account owned by the Samsung Galaxy S3 is one of the reason why the user choose this phone as their device. By using this phone, you can add more than one of your Google account. You can do this easily through the Gmail apps.

See also: How to Add Multiple Google Account via Gmail Apps on Samsung Galaxy S3

Once you've added another Google account, then you'll be able to use each of them to access and using another Google services, such as Youtube, Google Play Store, etc. You'll also be able to determine which the account you wish to use when you want to download and install apps from the Play Store.


How to switch Gmail accounts on the Play Store apps?
Here are the complete steps to do so:
  1. Go to Apps through the Home screen.
  2. Scroll to Play Store, then tap it.
  3. Tap the Menu key.
  4. On pop up menu select Accounts.
  5. Now you'll see all the added Gmail accounts that you can choose one of them you wish to use.

By knowing how to change the Gmail account on the Play Store apps, now you can determine which one you like to use to download the contents. This also will useful if you want to separate your purchases for any purpose.

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Automatically Update All or Certain Applications

Google Play Store is the official market for Android phone, including Samsung Galaxy SIII. Here you can download and install the desired apps that suit your needs. First, you need to activate you Google account in order to make you be able accessing this services.

See also: How to Access Google Play Store on Samsung Galaxy S3

Once you've downloaded and installed apps, in order to make them stay work properly then you need to update them regularly with the newest update available. Fortunately, there is an option in Play Store which will allow you to set the phone to automatically update all or certain applications you were installed on your phone.


How to enable or disable auto-update all apps?
Below are the steps you need to do to automatically update all applications:
  1. Go to Apps through Home screen.
  2. Tap Play Store.
  3. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
  4. Tap Auto-update apps.
  5. Tap the desired option you wish to use to update the apps. There are three option available:
    • Do not auto-update apps.
    • Auto-update apps at any time.
    • Auto-update apps over Wifi only.
  6. Tap Home button to return to the standby mode

How to automatically update certain apps?
Below are the steps to do so:
  1. Open Google Play Store
  2. Tap the Menu key then select My apps.
  3. Tap the desired apps.
  4. Tick the box next to "Allow automatic updating" option to enable this option.
  5. Tap Home button to return to the standby mode.

By knowing these steps, now you can choose which the methods do you like best, update automatically all the apps or a certain apps. So, hope this helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Remove Password Protection when Purchasing on Google Play Store

Enable password on the Google Play Store settings is one of the way that you can do to prevent unwanted or accidentally purchases because whenever you'll made a purchase you'll be prompted to enter your Google password. This also will avoid unauthorized people purchasing through your device.

See also: How to Password Protect When Purchasing from Google Play Store on Samsung Galaxy S3

However, for some reason you may want to purchase through Play store without having to enter your Google password. If so, you can turn off the password easily from the Play Store settings or when you're purchasing something from there.


How to disable use password for Google Play Store purchases?
You can do this on your Samsung Galaxy SIII by using one of the steps listed below:
I. From the Play Store settings
  1. Go to Apps through Home screen.
  2. Scroll to Play Store, then tap it.
  3. Tap the Menu key, then select Settings.
  4. Under User control section, remove the tick on the box next to the Password option to disable it.
  5. Enter your Google password associated with your device, then tap OK button to confirm removing password protection.

II. While you're purchasing something on Play Store.
You can remove the password protection by checking the box next to the option "Never ask me again" when you confirm password to purchase something from Play Store.


For the record, you should remember that removing password protection may result in unwanted purchases. So, it's strongly recommended not to remove the password if your device often used by your kids or another people that may purchase something from Play Store while they use the device. But, if you decide to do this, then it means that you assume responsibility for all charges from the purchases made using your account.