Hot Smartphones How-Tos
How To: Use Swype to text on your Omnia II cell phone
In this tutorial, learn all about Swype. Swype is an app that you can add to your cell phone to make texting and e-mailing lightening fast. Say goodbye to tap texting - with Swype you just let your finger glide on the keyboard until it creates your desired word. Check out this clip and learn how to install and use Swype on your Samsung Omnia II cell phone (that is running Windows Mobile).
How To: Use punctuation when texting with Swype on your cell
You might be confused when using Swype and need to use punctuation marks. Have no fear! It is actually quite easy. Swype is a revolutionary new app that is available for lots of newer smartphones that allows you to type messages without ever lifting your finger from the keypad. You literally "swype" from letter to letter. Check out this clip for info on how to include proper punctuation marks in your texts.
How To: Erase your Blackberry 7290 cell phone info
In this tutorial, we learn how to erase cell phone information on a Blackberry 7290. First, go to the home page of your screen the scroll to "options" and hit okay. Now, go to "security options" and click okay again. Now, click on "general settings" and click okay, then click on okay once more, and click on "wipe handheld". You will now see a warning, and click "continue" and type in the word to confirm you want to wipe your information. It will now take a couple of minutes to wipe the inform...
How To: Text words with double letters using Swype
Using Swype - the new lightening fast way to text message from your cell phone - and need to type a word like "juggle" or "bubble" or something else with a double letter? No problem! In this tutorial, from the creators of the Swype app, learn how to add words like these to your texts and e-mails with ease.
How To: Fix a mistake or correct a word in a text using Swype
As good as Swype's word prediction software is, sometimes we all make mistakes. If you are wondering how to go back and fix something that isn't right in your text messages, check out this tutorial. Fixing words with Swype is just as fast as texting with this lightening fast application.
How To: Capitalize your letters when texting with Swype
When using Swype to send faster than life text messages on your mobile phone, you may need to capitalize something once in a while. Luckily, it is just as quick to add proper caps to your messages as it is to type out a super speedy text.
How To: Create an apostrophe when texting with Swype
Swype is a cool new app that you can use on tons of phones to improve your texting and e-mailing speed. In this tutorial, learn what to do when you hit a word that requires an apostrophe so that you don't slow down your typing!
How To: Use Swype to text message on your Android phone
Swype is a brand new way to send text messages and e-mails from your cell phone. In this clip, learn how to use this new tool to send the world's fastest messages. With Swype, your fingers will never leave the keypad so you can type in half the time. Check out this tutorial for some helpful tips you can use to Swype on your Android phone.
How To: Get free music on any Android phone with any firmware
In this tutorial, learn how to easily download any music for free onto your Android phone by using the Music Junk app. This clip will walk you through the process of selecting and downloading this app from the Android Market and using it to add all the tunes you need. Rock on!
How To: Unlock any T-Mobile Google G1 Android phone for free
In this tutorial, learn how to save yourself the money you'd pay someone to unlock your Google G1 phone from T-Mobile and do it yourself in just a few quick minutes. This is actually a very easy process and this clip will walk you through the process step by step so you can freely use your phone on any network and not be limited to T-Mobile. This is also helpful if you wish to give away or sell your phone to someone on a new network.
How To: Activate your Google G1 phone without a data plan
T-Mobile says that you are unable to use the new G1 Google Android phone without purchasing the expensive data plan. Basically, this tutorial will show you exactly how to get around that rule and unlock your phone, regardless of your plan. You won't have Internet on your phone but you will be able to make calls and still use the device in WiFi.
How To: Set a passcode on your Apple iPhone
Thwart would-be snoopers by protecting your Apple iPhone with a passcode. Learn how to set one up with this clip. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this free video tutorial can present a detailed, step-by-step overview of the process in under a minute. For more information, and to get started setting up a passcode on your own iPhone, take a look!
How To: Add a provisioning profile to an iPhone/iPod in iTunes
When you want to test an app you or someone else has compiled (and not released on the App store), you need a provisioning profile added to your device. Fortunately, the process itself is quite easy. So easy, in fact, that this coder's guide can present a complete overview of the process in just over a minute. For more information, and to get started adding provisioning profiles to your own Apple devices, take a look.
How To: Root your Motorola Droid, fast and easy
In this clip, learn how to root your Motorola Droid phone. By rooting your device, you will be able to access new files and apps as well as create your own ROMS and enable WiFi tethering. This process is super easy and should take no more than 5 minutes to do.
How To: WiFi tether your rooted Motorola Droid cell phone
In this clip, learn how to tether your rooted Droid to a WiFi network and use it as a modem for your other Wireless devices. This process is pretty easy and only requires a network and that your phone be rooted.
How To: Tether your Motorola Droid 3G smartphone
In this clip, learn how to use PDA Net to tether your rooted Droid 3G smartphone to a WiFi network. By tethering your device, you will be able to use it as a portable, wireless modem for anything from other phones to computers to hand held gaming systems. Anything that is WiFi enabled can be tethered to your mobile network with this hack.
How To: Get the Android lock/unlock screen on your iPhone
In this tutorial, learn how to get a little bit of Droid on your iPhone. You will get a step by step on how to install the Android locking screen on your iPhone 3G or 3GS. This requires a jailbroken, Cydia-enabled phone and a little work, but the cool effect is totally worth it. Check it out!
How To: Install an Android OS on your iPhone 2G
Not sure what to do with that old 2G iPhone now that there have been three newer versions since then? Don't toss it or let it collect dust! Jump on the Droid bandwagon and turn your old Apple device into an Android just like the EVO. This hack will require a little fancy computer work and a jailbroken iPhone, but it will allow you to access the entire world of Droid without buying a new smartphone. Cool!
How To: Hack your iPhone to display an Android lock screen
Are you getting little jealous of all those Droid users out there? If so, check out this clip. In it, you will learn how to hack your jailbroken iPhone and install an Android style startup screen to take the place of your normal iPhone display. This will give your iPhone an updated look and make it look just like it came off the Android market.
How To: Use Trapster 4.2 for iPhone & avoid speeding tickets
In this tutorial, you will learn exactly how to use the Trapster app for your iPhone or iPod Touch. This app is similar to maps, but holds a ton more features. Most importantly, Trapster will give you a heads up for all of the police trap points that are currently on your route. Trapster works because users submit the locations of known traps so you can log in and find them. Stay safe, and avoid tickets with this handy iPhone application.
How To: Report a police speed trap on Trapster for iPhone
If you are new to Trapster, and wish to help your fellow users by submitting a speed trap, check out this quick clip. In it, you will learn how to submit a trap to the application so everyone in your area gets an alert. This app depends on users helping other users, so stay informed and join the Trapster revolution.
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: 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.
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.