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Galaxy S4 Android Lollipop update guide

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galaxy_s4_android_lollipop_update_guideSamsung started to roll out Android Lollipop (Android 5.0) update on Galaxy S4 at the end of January.  Slowly, the Android Lollipop updated was coming to more and more Galaxy S4 devices.

This guide will try to answer some of your questions on Galaxy S4 Android Lollipop update.

Update: Samsung Galaxy S4 Lollipop User Manual (PDF) is available. You can download or read the updated user guide in your own languages.

When will I get Galaxy S4 Android Lollipop update?

Because Android Lollipop update is a major firmware update, not an urgent security update, carrier’s testing and approval (this can be a bureaucratic process for some carriers)  are required in most regions.

So, the availability of the update will be highly dependent on the carrier.  Even in the same country, Galaxy S4 owners under certain carriers may get the update earlier than the others.

As a Galaxy S4 owner, we have to wait. The process is not fully controlled by Samsung.

As a general guideline, most carriers should finish such test in 2-6 months. So, hopefully, majority of the Galaxy S4 owners will get the Android Lollipop update in Q1 and Q2 of 2015.

Top 4 new features in Galaxy S4 Android Lollipop update

Galaxy S4 Android Lollipop update will bring you a totally new Android. This is also probably the last major update for Galaxy S4.

There are so many sweeter features in Android Lollipop. Here are some top 4 new features you will enjoy in the Galaxy S4 Android Lollipop update.

1. Better UI, improved performance

When you look at your Galaxy S4 after the Lollipop update, you may see no differences.

But if you start to use it, you may notice some drastic change. For example, if you navigate to the phone settings, you will find … Read the rest

Galaxy S4 KitKat update: top 12 new features and improvements

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galaxy_s4_kitkat_updateFinally, Samsung Galaxy S4 KitKat update is available for more and more carriers.  Now, let’s explore the top 12 new features and improvements in this Galaxy S4 KitKat update (4.4.2).

Because the system update need approval from individual carriers, you may wait a bit longer time than the others depending on the carrier, model, and region.

Galaxy S4 KitKat update: Samsung did it right this time

The Galaxy S4 KitKat update  is more or less incremental in the user interface. Most users will just feel slightly new interface after getting this Galaxy S4 KitKat update.

This Galaxy S4 KitKat (4.4.2) update is far better than the S4 Jelly Bean 4.3 update, which is probably the worst Android update. As detailed in this post, there were so many problems in the S4 Jelly Bean 4.3 update.

So far, after trying the Galaxy S4 KitKat update, I’m quite happy with it.

1. Full screen music player on lock screen

The Samsung Galaxy S4 KitKat update brings the full-screen music player control to the lock screen. You can control your music player in the lock screen without unlocking the your Galaxy S4.

The good news is full screen music player on lock screen works for most music players, not just the stock Samsung music player or just Google Play music. Amazon MP3 player works  as well.

2. Quick access to camera  from lock screen

After getting the Galaxy S4 KitKat update, you will find the camera app shortcut in the lock screen. Essentially, you can snap pictures quicker.

This is a small, but very useful feature.

3. Change home screen easily

In Android KitKat 4.4, Google makes it easier to change launchers (of course, your home screen). Samsung did not crop this feature in this Galaxy S4 KitKat update.

Now after … Read the rest

The ultimate guide of Galaxy S4 screen mirroring

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galaxy s4 screen mirroringUpdate 1: Please do not confuse Galaxy S4 screen mirroring  with Android screen mirroring through Chromecast. Android screen mirroring (screen cast) is also supported on Galaxy S4. 

Update 2: For detailed comparison of Chromecast and Miracast, please check this guide.

You may not know you can enjoy any contents in your Galaxy S4 in a bigger screen (e.g., TV).  You can simply share the Galaxy S4 screen with most TVs or even some projectors.

This is Galaxy S4 screen mirroring.

Some geeks may call it wireless display, which is used by some other vendors.

Galaxy S4 Screen Mirroring is one of the prominent features in the smartphone. But unfortunately, this feature is under-used, because there are no clear guides for Galaxy S4 owners on how to use screen mirroring in Galaxy S4

This ultimate guide of Galaxy S4 screen mirroring will solve the problem for you.

Everything you need to know about Galaxy S4 screen mirroring will be covered.  I will update this guide regularly. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.

What is Galaxy S4 screen mirroring?

Galaxy S4 screen mirroring (or wireless display) simply duplicates the display in your Galaxy S4 on TV or other bigger  screens (e.g., projectors). In other words, instead of staring at the 5″ screen, you can share Samsung Galaxy S4’s screen with TV of any size. The Samsung Galaxy S4 then works like a remote control for your TV.

This means you can consume any contents from your Galaxy S4 on a TV with a bigger screen with screen mirroring. For example, you can watch any videos  on the TV screen  from Galaxy S4. This usually gives better watching experience. You can easily share the video or the show with your family members … Read the rest

Top 5 problems after Android 4.3 update for Galaxy S4, and the solutions

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s4-jb-4-3-update-problemsIt is estimated that  about more than half of Galaxy S4 users now enjoy Android 4.3. As summarized in last post of  Top 10 new or improved features in Jelly Bean 4.3 update for your Samsung Galaxy S4, most of users feel happy with the upgrade.

Of course, some Galaxy S4 owners encounter some problems after the 4.3 upgrade. Some of these problems can be very disturbing, and therefore these  owners may get frustrated. In this post, I will share with you the  5 most common problems you may encounter after the Jelly Bean 4.3 update and the solutions. S Health problems, missing mobile data toggle, apps on lock screen, annoying security warning,  and lack of Outlook sync will be covered. If you have any other problems, you may post them in comment box below.

S Health Problems after Jelly Bean 4.3 update

The most widely reported problems is related to S Health. It seems this Android 4.3 update for S4 messed up the S Health app.

The problems include:  1). missing S Health after Jelly Bean 4.3 update; 2). S Health cannot start; 3). missing blood pressure and blood glucose related functions.  I already shared the solutions for these three problems in our Newsletter (you may subscribe to it in the subscription box below, or in the sidebar).

If you cannot find S Health in your S4 after the 4.3 upgrade, You can try to open Samsung Apps. Please note, you  need a Samsung account for Samsung Apps. Once in Samsung Apps, tap Menu button and select “purchased”. You should be able to find S Health app there. You can install it from there.

The second issue with S health App after the update is that S Health cannot start. It can be simply no response, or … Read the rest

Top 10 new or improved features in Jelly Bean 4.3 update for your Samsung Galaxy S4

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galaxy S4 Jelly Bean 4.3 updateMore and more users are getting the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean 4.3 ) update for the Galaxy S4. You may wonder what the new features are, because there are almost no changes in the appearance.

In this post, I will share with you the top 10 new or improved features you will find after the Jelly Bean 4.3 update.  Some features may be what you want; some may be not.

10. New: Samsung Wallet comes, even if you don’t like it

Samsung Wallet is now pre-installed after Jelly Bean 4.3 update for your Galaxy S4.

Do not confuse Samsung Wallet with Google Wallet.  Samsung Wallet is not a digital wallet and  you can’t use it for payment. In fact, Samsung Wallet works just like Apple’s Passbook for iOS: it wants to be a one-stop destination for all your tickets, loyalty cards, membership cards and coupons.

You can actually get this app from Google Play store if you own any of the other 4 support devices: Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, and Galaxy Note 3.

The review of this app is mixed. But overall, if you want something like passbook in iDevices, Samsung Wallet probably is a good option.

9.  New: Samsung KNOX rules your Galaxy S4

Samsung KNOX is a container (something like virtual machine)  for enterprise users.  You now have two  independent environments:  personal (where you control everything and share whatever you want) and  corporate (where your IT admins can set rules and access the data in the container).

For most consumers, this is probably not so useful.  For some avid hackers, this can be disastrous because of the secure and trusted boot, which prevent rooting and  flushing.

8. New: Galaxy Gear Support

Samsung Galaxy Gear is neither a matured  nor an innovative gadget.  But the … Read the rest

How to take screenshot on Galaxy S4 without using any apps?

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A  picture speaks louder than words. Sharing your  screenshot in Galaxy S4 is very easy. But for new Samsung Galaxy users, you may still fiddle around to find an app to do it.

You can take a screenshot on Galaxy S4 without using any apps. Actually there are two methods.

Method 1:  Use Home button + Power button

To take a screenshot, you can press and hold Home button and the Power button simultaneously until the shutter sound is heard. You will also get visual confirmation near the border of the screen.  A notification will also be created and therefore you can directly check the screenshot by tap the notification.

The screenshot is always accessible from the Gallery later.

This method actually works on most Samsung Android phones.

In most regions, long press of  home key is configured as quick access to task manager and Google Now, so, you need press power button fast enough immediately after pressing the home button.

Method 2: Use your palm: palm sweeping

You can sweep your palm across the screen to capture a screenshot as shown in the image left.  You can also hear the shutter sound once the screenshot is taken. A notification will also be created.

In the practical operation, you need sweep slowly. Sometimes, the phone may think you are trying to touch some location.

This option may be off  by default in some regions. You can manually turn on this function at Settings–My device–Motions and gestures–palm motion  and then drag the Palm motion switch to the right to enable it. You may check the online user guide here for this setting: Palm motions.

Can you take the screenshot in your Galaxy S4 now?

If you have any questions, leave your questions in the comment box below, or discuss it … Read the rest

Galaxy S4 frequently asked questions (FAQs): official Samsung Guide

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Galaxy-S4-FAQsUpdate: Now you can read thsi Galaxy S4 FAQ guide (Galaxy S4 Customer Consultant Guide)  directly in this post. 

Galaxy S4 is packed with so many features, therefore it is not strange that a lot of owners have some sorts of problems or questions.

Although the S4 Owners Manual provides valuable guides and info, it is impossible to cover all aspects. Even some technicians in Samsung Service Centre may also have some doubts on some features and functions.  So, Samsung compiled 140 FAQs for Galaxy S4 owners. The documentation is intended for staff in service centres. Actually, almost all flagship Android models have the Customer Consultant Guide.

Anyway, in this guide, there are 140 questions and answers, which cover almost all S4 specific features. It is a good reading material if you are still struggling with your S4.

The PDF version is provided in this post for you to download and read offline.

We also put individual FAQ into each feature page. So, you will get detailed info of each feature in each feature page. The following feature pages were updated or will be updated in next 24 hours:

We are also trying to make an online page for these FAQs together with the User Guide. Once this is done by the end of this month, you can read all documentations online instead of downloading PDF files.

Here is link for download the PDF version of this Galaxy S4 FAQs (right click mouse button, choose save link as): Galaxy-S4-Customer-Consultant-Guide-FAQs

If you have any questions, or need help, … Read the rest

Google Play Store Edition Galaxy S4: is it better or worse than the original S4?

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gogole-play-edition-galaxy-s4As announced in Google I/O 2013, Google edition of Galaxy S4 now is available  for order on Google Play Store (US only currently). You can get one at $649 with free shipping.

Google edition Galaxy S4 comes with stock Android 4.2.2. It means it is a vanilla version of Android like that in Nexus devices. The controversial TouchWiz skin  was stripped, and the stock UI was loaded. So, users will get the “pure” Android experience without bloatwares and hacks from manufactures. The 16GB Google Play version of Galaxy S4 has a usable storage of 12.65GB; while the original one you get from the carriers has only about 9GB.

Sizable Nexus users have been enjoyed such benefits for long time.  Nexus devices receive the update from Google directly. This means once the new version of Android is announced, the Nexus users will get it just in a couple of days.  However, for Samsung Galaxy S, S2 and S3 users, they have to wait at least 6 months to get such updates. In some regions, the update may be not available at all.

Another benefit enjoyed by  Nexus users is that there are no bloatwares from manufacturers and carriers. such bloatware not only eats the precious internal storage, but also may degrade the performance of the handset. Most of the bundled apps are not needed for most users.

Of course, some customizations from the manufactures  do add extra functions and features. For example, most of the prominent (useful or useless) features in Galaxy s4 as explained in the S4 features page are only available from Samsung.

Google edition of Galaxy S4 has no differences with  the original S4 when we talk about the hardware. Both comes  5″  full HD AMOLED display,  Qualcomm Snapdragon 600,  2GB RAM, 13MP/2MP … Read the rest

How to install Flash on Galaxy S4 (and make it work!)?

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enable flash on galaxy s4

Update: After KitKat (4.4) update, you must use the unofficial APK file to make Flash player work on Galaxy S4 again. Please read Part 3 for details on the Flash Player APK file for KitKat.

Update 2: If you updated Galaxy S4 to Android Lollipop, please follow this guide to make Flash work on your Galaxy S4.

Once you get your hands on your brand new Galaxy S4, you may encounter the Flash issue. Galaxy S4 does not support Flash!

Even after you side-load the Flash (see below on how to do this),  neither the stock browser (Internet app) nor  the bundled Chrome recognize Flash.

For Chrome for Android, we all know Flash has been never supported. Do not confuse this Chrome with the Chrome on your desktop.

But for the stock browser, it is quite strange, because the stock browser (with Jelly Bean 4.2) in Nexus 7, Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 all work charmingly with Flash!.  For Jelly Bean 4.1, there are no issues even on Samsung’s own handsets, for example, Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 2. What’s wrong?

Apparently, the stock browser in Galaxy S4 was altered by Samsung to block Flash plugin and other plugins as well.

So, to make Flash work on your S4, we need both Flash player (which is not pre-installed) and a third-party browser.

Before jumping to how to do this, let’s get some background information on why Flash has been an issue for Jelly Bean.

Flash was banned by Apple on iOS! The official explanations include: 1) Flash is not open (same as iOS); 2). There are better alternatives; 3). Reliability, security and performance issues; 4).Battery life issues; 5).Flash is not for touch screen; 6). Flash is a cross platform development tool.  Actually, the last one is what Apple fears… Read the rest

Galaxy S4 or Optimus G Pro? Here is the comparison

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s4-vs-optimus-g-proLG is not a new player in smartphone, but it never delivered a memorable products until Nexus 4, a collaboration with Google. Nexus 4 has been one of the most desired Android phones. But due to limited coverage on devices in Play Store, many potential buyers do not have the chance to order one.

Instead of bringing Nexus 4 to more markets, LG chose to release an own branded LG Optimius worldwide. It is a smart move to build own brand and this is probably also the purpose of Google to avoid the monopolization of Samsung in Android market.  Optimus G shares many similar design elements found in Nexus 4. The build quality is  incredible.

However, Optimus G is a bit outdated now, and its direct competitor is Galaxy S3. So, this year,  during the Mobile World Congress 2013, LG announced the Optimus G Pro. It seems LG is a bit confused on the positioning of this device. The 5.5-inch screen puts it in the phablet segment; however, lack of stylus obviously disadvantage itself against Galaxy Note 2. You may refer to  the comparison of Optimus G Pro and Galaxy Note 2.

Very likely, LG also expected this Optimus G Pro to be a rival to Galaxy S4. Will this one-stone-kill-two-birds product strategy work? At least, based on our review, it lost the battle against Galaxy Note 2. Now let’s compare it with Galaxy S4.

Design and build quality

Optimus G’s design and build quality is extrodinary, probably only HTC One can compete against it. But unfortunately, as design and build quality is concerned, Optimus G Pro has nothing to do with Optimus G. Optimus G Pro looks like a copycat of Galaxy Note 2!! Plastic was chosen to replace the glass. This is a serious joke if … Read the rest

Sony Xperia Z vs Samsung Galaxy S4, which one is for you?

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xperia-z-vs-galaxy-s4Sony Xperia Z was announced in January this year. In most regions, it is already available. So, it is possible to put your hands on it in local handphone shops.

Sony Xperia Z is the flagship smartphone from Sony in 2013, and it surely is Samsung Galaxy S4‘s close competitor. Many buyers are facing a difficult choice: S4 or Xperia Z? In this buyer’s guide, I will compare Samsung Galaxy S4 and Sony Xperia Z. Similar to the comparison between Galaxy S4 and HTC One, The comparison will be focused on 1).design and build quality; 2).battery; 3). software; 4). camera and video; and 5). display.

You may noticed, I seldom compare specifications, because most of flagship Android phones are overpowered. In other words, the hardware has more than sufficient power already, and therefore, it does not make sense to compare the specifications among such top-level phones.

 Round One: Design and build quality

No words needed. When you put your hands on them, you will immediately know Xperia Z wins. The design and build quality of Xperia Z is second to none. It looks beautiful and sleek. When you put it in your hands, it is well balanced and all buttons feel perfect. Apparently, all details are well considered in the design.

The material used for the back is high gloss glass, similar to that in  Nexus 4. It does give you premium feeling. But if you are going to use a case or cover, this may be not of your interest.

Another nice design feature of Xperia Z is water and dust resistant. Spilling of coffee is not an issue for Xperia Z. You can even use the phone when shower. You can even wash it  with water or soak it in water! Of course, you … Read the rest

Should I buy HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4?

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galaxy-s4-vs-htc-one-photoWith the official announcement  of Galaxy S4, some buyers are considering between Galaxy S4 and HTC One.

Yes, this can be a difficult decision. The price difference of these two handsets should not be large in most regions. The hardware specifications are both top-notch based on today’s standard. So, it boils down to personal taste and features.

Now let me help you make the decision based on 5 aspects:  1) design and build quality; 2) battery; 3). software; 4). camera and video; 5). audio and speakers.

Round one: design and build quality

When talking about design and build quality, HTC One is surely the winner. HTC One’s aluminum body and sleek design makes it very attractive, and gives a premium feeling when holding it in hands. However, Samsung’s plastic (although it is named as polycarbonate)  design with rounded corners makes it simple and clean. Of course, it may not give you the premium feeling, but it is more durable.

The fact is that more than half of smartphone users will put the their phones into cases! So, if you are going to put your Galaxy S4 or HTC One into a case, the design and build quality does not matter.

Round two: Battery

Samsung Galaxy S4 packs a 2600mAh battery, while  HTC One comes with a 2300mAh battery. For a full HD screen, the battery is probably sufficient for one-day usage for  most users unless you are a heavy user. The battery life should be similar on these two phones.

However, the battery in Galaxy S4  is removable; while the one in HTC One is non-removable. As today’s Li-ion or Li- polymer battery can only sustain about 400-800 full cycles (charge–discharge), your battery will lose capacity significantly after one year or something. For phones … Read the rest