Hot Smartphones How-Tos
How To: Use the official Skype application on a Google Android smartphone
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use the official Skype app on a Google Android smartphone. Specifically, this video addresses how to find your contacts and place phone calls. For all the details, and to get started using Skype on your own Android mobile phone, take a look!
How To: Use iMovie on the iPhone 4
iMovie has been the easiest-to-use movie editing software on the market for years, and with the iPhone 4 it has finally been brought to bear on a mobile device. Watch this video to learn how to shoot and edit video on the go with iMovie on the iPhone 4.
How To: Use Google Voice on an Google Android, Apple iPhone or BlackBerry smartphone
You don't have to have a smartphone to use Google Voice, but there are certain advantages if you do, including having your Google contact list at your fingertips. In this clip, you'll learn how to install and run Google Voice on most any smartphone.
How To: Dry (rescue) wet cell phones w/ uncooked rice, silica packets or BHEESTIE Bags
The archenemies of cell phones— puddles, toilets, swimming pools— can cause serious damage to your gadgets. And if your mobile phone has taken the dive, don't panic— there's hope for recovery.
Start Using Your Android Phone: The Complete Android Guide
Android-enabled mobile devices are taking the world by storm, giving Apple's iPhone a run for their money. And if you're holding an Android cell phone in your hand, getting accustomed to all the flashy features can be daunting, especially if you're new to multimedia smartphones.
How To: Text message on the Razzle TXT8030
In this tutorial, we learn how to text message on the Razzle TXT8030. First, turn on the phone and then click on the section where you can text message. After this, enter the phone number into the "to" section and then start to write in your body of text into the section that says "text". After you have done this, correct any of the problems that you have typed and then click on the "send" button. once you are finished with this, you can send a new message or search the same section to look a...
How To: Take apart a Google Nexus One
In this tutorial, we learn how to take apart the Google Nexus One. First, take the battery cover off, then remove all the screws along the side and top of the phone on the back. Next, use an opening tool to pry the case off of the back. Then, pry the bottom cover off and then remove the two T5 screws underneath that. After this, take the casing tool off of the back and then remove all the Philips screws. Now, remove the three flex connections and the cable connected and set them aside. Pry th...
How To: Set up a new personal email account on a BlackBerry 6 smartphone
Looking for a quick primer on how to create a new email account on a BlackBerry phone running version 6 of the BlackBerry OS? This clip will teach you everything you'll need to know. Whether you're the proud owner of a BlackBerry smartphone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to be well served by this official video guide from the folks at Blackberry. For detailed information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Use the Verizon Wireless Razzle TXT8030 camera
In this tutorial, we learn how to use the Verizon Wireless Razzle TXT8030 camera. This is 1.3 megapixels and has a self-portrait option on it as well. To access the camera, press the camera key on the side of the phone. Now, you will be able to view the gallery, take a picture, or see your options. The options will change the color effects, self timer, and other options for each of your pictures. Once you have chosen all of your options, face the camera at the subject, then press the middle "...
How To: Successfully track someones cellphone
Wondering if your friends are close by? Where the person who stole your phone went? Or maybe you're just a nasty stalker!? (I keed, I keed!) There are ways of tracking a cellphone using certain services. In this video you will get tips and suggestions for programs that you can use to track someone elses cellphone or your own!
How To: Enable the MMS feature on your BlackBerry Curve PDA
Even though your Blackberry Curve comes with MMS capabilities, the factory settings do not have this turned on. To turn on MMS, you'll have to go within several settings on your phone and adjust them in order to be able to receive MMS messages.
How To: Move the photos from your Blackberry to another machine
Blackberry makes it easy to get pictures from your phone and into email or onto a computer. You can either send them directly from your PDA (such as with an app for Flickr or Twitter). But if you have a lot of photos, you can get them via sync cable.
How To: Edit videos directly on your iPhone with Reel Director
Yes, there's an app for that - even video editing. You can get the Reel Director app from the Apple store for five dollars, and then use it it edit video stored on your iPhone. You can even add opening and closing credits!
How To: Use QR or quick-response bar codes with your cell phone
Have you seen odd, square codes on some specific merchandise? These are called QR codes, or quick-response codes, and they are a type of bar code which your smartphone can read and then take you to a particular website, give you coupons or even a business card. Here's how you can get the most out of QR codes.
How To: Root (or jailbreak) your Android cell phone
'Rooting' (also called jailbreaking) will let you install third party software or applications which the manufacturer may not allow (or get rid of apps that you don't want). It will void your phone's warranty, so make sure this is really what you want to do!
How To: Firmly attach a screen protector to your iPhone or iPod
A screen protector is a thin piece of plastic you can apply to your iPhone or iPod to protect the screen from dings and scratches, though it can sometimes wiggle loose and get dirty. This tutorial shows you how to use a steam bath to firmly apply the screen protector without damaging your phone.
How To: Add a microscope lens to your iPhone camera
You can get a microscope lens online for five dollars or less. Then, attach it to the camera lens, and you can even take pictures of microscopic images. This tutorial shows you how to add microscopic imaging functionality to your iPhone or iPad.
How To: Install the custom recovery app for your Motorola Droid
First, you'll need to download the Bootstrap application from the market (it costs about two dollars). You'll also need a phone with root access. Then, once it's installed on your phone, you can use to set up the custom recovery features!
How To: Fix a password locked iPhone or iPod Touch
If you enter in your password incorrectly too many times, your iPod will lock. If it locks too many times, you may need to unlock it. This tutorial shows you how to reset your iPod to undo the lock so you can keep using your iPod. This will let you unlock someones password on an ipod or iphone touch.
How To: Disassemble and reassemble your iPhone 4
This tutorial shows you first how to take apart your iPhone 4 (you'll need a set of specialized tools, like a very small screwdriver and a pair of tweezers). Then, after you've taken it apart, you're also shown how to put it back together. Make sure you don't lose any screws!
How To: Root your Samsung Captivate cell phone
Rooting your phone grants you superuser access to your phone. And while this will void your warranty, it will also allow you to download third party applications (among other things). This tutorial shows you the process for getting root access on a Samsung Captivate cell phone.
How To: Get superuser root access on your G1 phone
Rooting (also called jailbreaking) a phone grants you superuser access, which allows you to download third party applications and otherwise alter your phone. This tutorial shows you how to give yourself root access on a T-Mobile G1 cell phone. Be careful, because rooting will often void your warranty!
How To: Protect your iPhone or iPod Touch from theft with the Cylay app
This app will only work on Apple devices that have already been jailbroken. Once you have, you can set up an account with Cylay. And once you have an account with Cylay, you can protect your phone or mp3 player against theft.
How To: Develop a split view application for the iPad
The split view display is a useful function of an iPad application, which, by virtue of a larger screen, was not available to iPhone developers. This tutorial shows you how to work with a split view app, especially when changing your orientation.
How To: Code a popover in your iPad Xcode application
The popover is a useful bit of interactivity you can add to your iPad applications. This tutorial shows you how to go into Xcode and use a few other application development tools to code a popover or view controller into your iPad application.
How To: Make or host conference calls with your iPhone
The iPhone supports conference calling capabilities with up to six people. You can even transition from a single-person call to a conference call, or transition from call to call. This tutorial shows you how to make the most of your multi-line call functions in your iPhone.
How To: Slingbox your cell phone so you can watch TV on your phone
A slingbox takes content from your TV or cable box and then 'slings' it to another location - such as your smartphone or computer. This tutorial shows you how to set up a slingbox for your home entertainment network and then start using it!
How To: Listen to FM radio on your Motorola Q cell phone
Access your favorite FM radio station with your Motorola Q! This tutorial also shows you how to load your favorite music onto your cell phone, and then choose segments to turn into ringtones, which you can personalize further by assigning them to individual callers.
How To: Use your cell phone even when traveling overseas
Planning a trip abroad? Stay connected even when you're traveling far away! This tutorial shows you how you can set up your phone (depending on your service provider) to ensure you can still get service no matter where you're visiting.
How To: Use Bluetooth or speakerphone to make a hands-free call
More and more jurisdictions are mandating drivers use hands-free sets when they make or receive cell phone calls. This tutorial shows you how you can use a Bluetooth or hands-free headset to make and receive calls, or how to use the hands free functionality in some cars.
How To: Press a single button and lock your Blackberry screen
Here's a quick tip that will show you how to set up your Blackberry PDA to lock by pressing just one button. This is a faster and easier way to make sure your Blackberry is safe from 'pocket dialing' than the factory settings.
How To: Increase the efficiency of your Blackberry PDA with keyboard shortcuts
This tutorial shows you how to get the most out of your Blackberry PDA by demonstrating a few keyboard shortcuts you can use to create and send emails, navigate through documents, get the most out your spacebar, and switch between open applications!
How To: Send a text message to a landline from your cell phone
Send a text message to a landline? You can! If you're on a Verizon or Sprint network, you can write the text message and include the landline number. This will convert your text to a voicemail, and ask for approval before sending.
How To: Utlize the different functions of your BlackBerry Bold PDA
The BlackBerry Bold is a nifty new PDA, with a lot of hidden functionality. This tutorial shows you how you can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate, in addition to using applications, managing your contacts and customizing the appearance of your screen.
How To: DIY a cheap camera stabilizer for cell phones & small camcorders
Cell phones and mobile devices are getting more and more advanced everyday, and so is the equipped camera technology. You can now shoot HD (high-definition) video on newer mobile phones, which makes it easier to start your filmmaking projects, because it's a lot cheaper to buy a phone than a video camcorder. But, phones come in small packages, which means the video from your camera will be extremely shaky, no matter how steady of a hand you have. That's when it's necessary to have a camera st...
How To: Create your own stylus for the iPhone, iPad, or other touch based devices
If you've lost your current stylus and don't feel like paying Apple another $15 or $20 for a new one, there's a simple and cheap way of making your own! All you need is an anti-static sock, a pencil (or a pen) and a needle and some thread! In this video you will learn how to make your own!
How To: Get the Swype feature running on your Android phone
Swype is a function for the Android phones which lets you input words by dragging your fingers across the keyboard instead of tapping. While newer phones have this feature, some older phones may not. This tutorial shows you how to equip your Android phone with Swype.
How To: Locate missing voice mails stored on your iPhone
Has it been awhile since you've notice a new voice mail appear in your iPhone inbox? You may need to reset your network settings to ensure that your voicemail appears properly. Follow these steps to fix your missing voicemails on your iPhone.
How To: Turn a Palm Touchstone into a dock for your Droid phone
Trigger dock mode on your phone using a few strong magnets or a Palm Touchstone to attach a little bit of metal (you can even use duct tape!). You'll still need the USB cord to charge it, but this makes a handy holder for your device!
How To: Sync your iTunes music collection with your Android phone
You can get music from your iTunes library onto your Android phone! You won't need anything special to make this happen - it's a free download from DoubleTwist. Download and install (it only takes a few minutes), then boot up your phone and start syncing your music!