Tech Tip: How to set up Google Now in Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

Description: Google Now is a very exciting new feature to give you helpful information, just based on the searches you've done. Search sport scores? A card will appear after time with scores. Looking for restaurants nearby? A card is already waiting for you. Follow this guide to set up Google Now for use on a device running Jelly Bean.

1. Swipe up from anywhere along the bottom of the screen. Google Now will open.
   
   
   
   
2. A welcome screen will appear. Tap Next.
   
   
   
   
3. A few examples of what Google Now is capable of will appear. Follow through these and tap
   Next to continue.
   
   
   
   
4. A confirmation screen will appear. Tap Yes, I'm In! to begin using Google Now.
   
   
   
   
5. The main Google Now screen will appear. Relevant information is presented in cards. Swipe a card left or right to remove it.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. This information is obtained from Google searches, and relevant information regarding the Google account used. To tweak the settings, tap the 3 dot icon in the bottom right.
   
   
   
   
7. A menu screen will appear. Tap Settings in this list to bring up a list of settings.
   
   
   
   
8. A menu for Google Now, Tablet Search and Voice will appear. Tap Google Now.
   
   
   
   
9. From here, individual card settings can be changed such as priority, when a card appears, and more specific settings depending on the card itself. Tap a header to tweak these settings to the desired options. Hit the back key to go back and begin using Google Now!
   
   

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Tech News: Samsung Galaxy Note II slated to arrive on T-Mobile on Oct. 24th?

 

The Galaxy Note II is no doubt a highly anticipated device. Its little brother, the Galaxy S III is the most popular Android device of all time. The original Galaxy Note, a 5.3 inch phone/tablet hybrid, or “phablet” as many call it, was a great addition to the Samsung lineup. We’ve only been able to watch with baited breath as our friends overseas have been able to get their hands on the Note II, but the wait may soon be over. TmoNews got their hand on an internal document stating that the Galaxy Note II will release on T-Mobile in the US on October 24th. This ties in nicely, as Samsung scheduled an event for the very same day, with hints directing this towards being a Galaxy Note II event. This would be the first time a major Samsung device has been released the same day of its announcement.

The Galaxy Note II is the first device to sport a 1.6 quad-core Exynos processor in the US. Up until now, LTE and quad core chips didn’t get along, but Samsung has seemingly found the sweet spot.
The 5.5 inch behemoth is also expected to hit AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and US Cellular, but if this leak is any indication, our waiting may soon be over.

Is the Galaxy Note II on your list? Or is a 5.5 inch screen too big? Let us know in the comments!

Source: TmoNews

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Overview

Description: This is an overview or informational document on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. In this document we will provide a brief look into Jelly Bean and some of the features.

1. Here's a look at the lock screen
   
   
   
   
2. The default home screen (after installing Chrome)
   
   
   
   
3. The contents of the "Google" folder by default
   
   
   
   
4. The apps drawer, with a few custom apps installed. On this first page is the Currents app, a news application that will be detailed after the Google app. The Google app is not just another way to get to Google Search, instead it brings up the Google Now app.
   
   
   
   
5. Google Now utilizes what are called Cards to provide for you various information, including (in this example) the weather. The app is intended to watch, for example, when you leave for work and give you an estimate on travel time - automatically. Also, if you are travelling it may give you updates on traffic or flight delays based on recent searches, navigation or heading. It will also give you sports scores and updates based on teams that you follow.
   
   
   
   
6. An Example Card estimating travel time.
   
   
   
   
7. Another Example covering a basketball game
   
   
   
   
8. The Currents app shows news outlets, tapping on a new outlet will bring up categories
   
   
   
   
9. Tapping on a category will bring up individual stories
   
   
   
   
10. Showing individual stories
    
    
    
    
11. The Play Music app has been updated. The primary features are automatic activation of Google Music access and a refreshed Recent tab, showing cover art of recent albums. Additional UI features and optimizations have been implemented in the Music app.
    
    
    
    
12. The Gallery application is much unchanged, but with some UI optimizations and beautification.
    
    
    
    
13. A look at the second Apps drawer with some key apps highlighted
    
    
    
    
14. Google Wallet is intended to be a payment system for physical in-store purchases, using credit cards
    
    
    
    
15. Play Movies opens a Movies section of the Play store in a custom app, allowing for rental or purchase of movies, as well as playing videos that have been downloaded to the device.
    
    
    
    
16. Play Magazines will open the Magazine store, where you can buy and subscribe to magazines.
    
    
    
    
17. The Google+ application has been updated to include a clean new interface, as well as support for Events.
    
    
    
    
18. Play Books has been updated as well
    
    
    
    
19. The YouTube app includes a Pre-load feature, to download videos for viewing without an internet connection.
    
    
    
    
20. The Channel Feed screen has been updated as well
    
    

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.