Smartphones How-Tos
How To: Copy and paste text on a Google Android smartphone
Often, it's much quicker to copy and paste text than to retype it completely. Fortunately for Droid users, it's easy to copy and paste text on Android phones! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from the folks at Butterscotch can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just two minutes' time. For detailed instructions, and to get started using copying and pasting on your Android phone yourself, watch this free video tutorial.
HowTo: Skip the Wait, Upgrade NOW to iPhone 4
Attention all iPhone users. Engadget posts a helpful tip on possibly avoiding that painfully long iPhone 4 upgrade wait:
How To: Use the Music Player app on a Samsung Reality phone
Whether you're the proud owner of a Samsung Reality smartphone or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of the phone's various features. Specifically, this video presents a look at the music player in the Reality's Media Center, discussing its Album views, equalizer, skins and homescreen player features.
How To: Use a Verizon LG Ally Google Android smartphone
Whether you're the proud owner of a Verizon LG Ally Google Android smartphone or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of the phone's various features. Specifically, this video demonstrates the unit's Homescreen, virtual QWERTY and wallpaper features.
How To: Set up a Verizon LG Ally Google Android smartphone
Whether you're the proud owner of a Verizon LG Ally Google Android smartphone or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to activate and get started using the Ally. For details, and to see what it takes to get started using the LG Ally phone yourself, take a look.
How To: Connect an iPod Touch to Bluetooth devices
DO you have an iPod Touch, but not know how to use Bluetooth devices with it? This video is here to show you the way. It features a simple demonstration of how to connect a Bluetooth device to an iPod touch using it's internal menus. Wireless headphone, playing your music in your car, and all other sorts of Bluetooth functions are now part of your iPod Touch's repertoire!
How To: Make an iPod/iPhone dock from old computer speakers
In this tutorial, learn how to save some money and make a working iPod dock that will be a lovely addition to your home decor. This clip will walk you through how to disassemble an old pair of speakers, combine it with some scrap wood and make a beautiful set up for your Apple products. Have fun and rock on!
How To: Build an iPod/iPhone dock out of a PS1 controller
In this tutorial, learn how to take apart an old Playstation 1 controller and mod it into a fully functioning iPod or iPhone dock. This makes for a very cool dock and is pretty easy to do. Check this out if you have old controllers laying around your house and need something to play/charge your MP3 player.
How To: Build a custom iPod/iPhone dock out of K'Nex
In this video, learn how to put together a bunch of plastic K'Nex and make a super cool, functioning iPod or iPhone dock. This stand is easy to make and cheap, plus it's always fun to build with this classic kid's toy. So, follow along and build this easy, cheap dock and start listening to music hands free. This dock works in landscape or portrait so whichever you like best, you can use.
How To: Secure or find your Android smartphone if you lose it
If you've spent a ton of money on your newest smartphone, you will want to make sure it's secure. In this tutorial from the experts at PCWorld, learn exactly how to activate safety mechanisms on your Android. With these options you can set a complicated passcode (so that anyone who does find your phone won't be able to access your files) and you can also set up a locator. By using the location app, you can text your phone from anywhere else and set off a search alarm so you will be able to fi...
How To: Zoom in and out with multitouch on the iPad
There are a bunch of different things that you can do with Apple's newest must have gadget, the iPad. Aside from being able to read books and play some pretty awesome games, there are a bunch of different things that can be done with an iPad that you can do with. In this video, you'll find out how to zoom in and out with the multitouch on the iPad. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Use an Android phone to play music in your car
There are various ways to connect your Android phone to play music in your vehicle. You may be feeling a little left out with all of the devices available for connecting iPods and iPhones, but have no fear! There are plenty of available and easy to use options for your Droid as well. Follow along and start jammin'!
How To: Get an iPhone app developed
It seems like everyone who is anyone has an iPhone app these days. In this video, learn how to create and develop your own app. If you have a great idea, but are not sure what the next step is, check out this video from Nick. Nick will offer you advice on finding and working with a developer and getting your app up and running and sent to Apple for approval.
How To: Get ringtones for your iPhone with 3.0-3.1.2 firmware
This tutorial will show you a super simple way to get free ringtones for your iPhone. This method will let you bypass iTunes's expensive ringtone service and create your own - anytime, from any song and for free!
How To: DIY a camera stabilizer for iPhones & mini-cams, cheap
In this tutorial, learn how to make a super cheap camera stabilizer for under 10 dollars. This stabilizer (or steadicam) is just as effective as a big, professional one but is small enough for use on the iPod, iPhone, Blackberries or Flip cameras. Follow along with this tutorial and start shooting awesome photos and videos with your mini electronics.
How To: Make a tripod for your iPhone camera
The iPhone has some pretty awesome video capabilities. Whether you are working with Cycorder from a jailbroken 2G or 3G, or Apple's own video camera in the 3GS, you will get pretty great picture resolution in a handy pocket size. In this tutorial, learn how to create your own tripod, on the cheap, for use with your otherwise handheld device. This will help you keep your image steady and stable and take great shots.
How To: Use the Microsoft KIN Two smartphone
Whether you're the proud owner of a Microsoft KIN Two smartphone or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of the phone's various features. Specifically, this video demonstrates the unit's Favorite, Loop and messaging functionalities.
How To: Protect a touchscreen device against rain (cheaply)
Rain and snow will ruin your touchscreen device in no time. Want to protect it without spending a fortune on a bulky waterproof case? This video demonstrates a quick-and-easy expedient—a waterproof plastic bag!. For specifics, and to get started making your own plastic bag phone case, watch this handy rainy-day how-to.
HowTo: Make Augmented Reality Cookies
Designer Mike Clare (of my own alma mater, RISD) has extended the augmented reality mania (1, 2, 3) to baked goods. Thanks to the crowd and Josh Delcore at AR World for the find. Here's how it works, via Design Boom:
How To: Send and receive photos between two iPhones
Just take an amazing photo with your iPhone? Want to share it with a fellow iPhone user? Who wouldn't? Learn how to send and receive photos between two iPhones with help from this tutorial. Learn everything you need to know about sending and receiving photos right here.
How To: Send pictures from your iPhone to your computer
Have you taken spectacular photos with your iPhone? Want to share them with your friends across the country? Who wouldn't? Learn how to transfer pictures from your iPhone to your computer with help from this tutorial.
How To: Sync iPod with more than one computer
Computer broken? Laptop stolen? Have no way to get your iPod hooked up to iTunes? It's possible to sync your Apple iPod to more than one computer and this video shows you how! Learn how to sync your Apple iPod on more than one computer by following the steps in this video.
How To: Hack your phone to get free Internet via Bluetooth
Having the Internet on your phone is definitely handy. You can look up anything at anytime, and connect with friends in so many more ways.
How To: Root a T-Mobile MyTouch 3G or G1 in six minutes
Root your T-Mobile MyTouch 3G or G1 Android smartphone using the flashrec.apk method, which will permit you to replace your recovery image in a single click. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started rooting your own T-Mobile Android MyTouch 3G or G1 phone, watch this free video tutorial.
How To: Use Quick Launch on an Android smartphone
Looking for an easy way to launch your favorite Android apps? One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you use the Android's Quick Launch feature.
How To: Transfer music from a computer to a Motorola Droid
Looking for a guide on how to move music from your computer to your Motorola Droid smartphone? Learn how to do just that with this free video guide. For specifics, including step-by-step instructions on how to move MP3 and other audio files from a computer to a Droid smartphone, watch this handy how-to.
How To: Put music, photo and video files on a Motorola Droid
Looking for a guide on how to move your favorite MP3s, photos and video files to your Motorola Droid smartphone? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that a complete, step-by-step overview of the process can be presented in just over two and a half minutes' time. To start moving your media to your own Motorola Android mobile phone, watch this video guide.
How To: Turn on Bluetooth on your Android phone
Enable Bluetooth on your Android smartphone. One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to turn on Bluetooth on your Android device.
How To: Adjust the brightness on your Android phone
Some people like their screens to be dim while others like theirs to be bright. Some like brightness to automatically adjust, while others like a constant level. One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to adjust the brightness of the d...
How To: Create a new folder on your Android phone
Is your Android phone's home screen a mess? One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to create and use file directories on your Android device.
How To: Change the date format on your Android phone
You can change how the date appears on your Android phone. One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to adjust calendar display settings on your Android device.
How To: Install a program on your Android phone
The Android Market makes it easy to install programs on your Android phone
How To: Set the ringer volume on your Android phone
Set your Android smartphone's ringer volume while leaving other volume settings untouched. One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to adjust the ringer volume on your Android smartphone.
How To: Manage Bluetooth on your Android phone
Want to know how to easily manage Bluetooth devices on your Android smartphone? One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to work with multiple Bluetooth devices on your Android smartphone.
How To: Use location settings on your Android phone
Never get lost again with location based-GPS on your Google Android phone. One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to use the various location tools on your Android device.
How To: Tether your Android phone with PdaNet
You can use PdaNet to tether your Android phone easily! One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to tether your Android device with PdaNet.
How To: Print from your Android phone
Want to print from your Android smartphone? One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to print from an Android device.
How To: Map a walking route with MapMyWalks on Android
Take walks for exercise, to roam around your neighborhood, or just to get outside? Want to know how far you walked? Well, it's easy to do with MapMyWalks and Google Maps! One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial will show you how to map out your walks us...
How To: Manage running services on your Android phone
With some mobile devices you can't be certain exactly what's running and it can be difficult to stop programs. Not true on your Android device. You can easily look at running services and stop them if desired. One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial, in...
How To: Use location and security settings in Android
Many applications, especially those found in the Android Market are more effective when they know your physical location; like an app that's going to find the nearest gas station, restaurant or ATM. One of the salient advantages of a Google Android smartphone over, say, an Apple iPhone, is the inherent extendibility of the open-source Android mobile OS. There are a seemingly infinite number of settings to tweak and advanced features to discover and use. This free video tutorial, in particular...