Posts Tagged: ‘Android’

Seeing AI (2024-02)

January 28, 2024 Posted by Tiny

Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch

I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t been sold on the artificial intelligence (AI) trend that seems to be taking over the world.  So far, it seems to be mostly smoke and mirrors hype.  Will jobs be lost, or just different?  That was said about every technological advancement.  Will it take over the world?  I’ve heard that story before.  Will AI create misinformation on the internet?  I’ll just wait to find out what George Washington and Abe Lincoln have to say about it.

Like many people, I’ve played around with AI.  A couple of months ago, I used it to write this column.  I’ve made some pictures and had several conversations with ChatGPT.  Mostly, I’ve been bored with AI.

Then I found Seeing AI, an app for both Android and IOS.  It is a Microsoft app that aims to help blind and low-vision folks understand more of the world around them with the assistance of their smartphone’s cameras and AI-powered narration.  My vision is pretty good when I wear my eyeglasses, but I’ve still found Seeing AI to be useful.

Seeing AI opens and immediately activates a live camera with voice narration built into the app.  Voice types and tempo can be changed in settings.  There are several functions that you can utilize with a simple tap.

Short Text – reads text that you point your camera at.
Document – is similar to Short Text, but more sophisticated. It can read and scan complete documents.
Product – is a bar code reader.
Scene – takes a picture and describes it in detail.
Person – identifies people.
Currency – identifies money.
Color – tells whatever color your camera is pointed at.
Handwriting – still experimental. Recognizes handwriting.
Light – plays a tone that changes pitch depending on how much ambient light there is.

In the Google Play Store, Microsoft says it doesn’t collect or share any user data. Would they lie to us?
Thanks for reading.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , , , ,
Categories: Thoughts From a Clicker

Android Accessibility Tips (2023-06)

June 11, 2023 Posted by Tiny

Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch

Lets face it.  Most of our club members are getting on in age.  I know that I am.  Sometime it is hard to use my Android phone.  Thankfully, there are a lot of settings that make it easier to use.  Some only work on newer models.  Here are a few tweaks that I use to make Android better for me.

1.  Increase Font and Icon Size to make reading easier.  My old eyes appreciate text that is easier to read.
Open the Display settings menu.
Tap on “Font size.”
Adjust the font size using the slider given till the preview text becomes large and easy to read.
Tap on “Display size.”
Drag the slider to the right to increase.

2.  Increase Screen Contrast to make text more readable.
Open the Display settings menu.
Navigate to “Screen mode” and use the “White balance” slider to adjust the colors.

3.  Change the Keyboard Size. My big fingers used to hit the wrong key.
Open “Settings -> System -> Language & input -> On-screen keyboard.”
Select the keyboard you want to customize.
Open the keyboard height settings.

4.  Enable TalkBack to have Android read aloud whatever is on your screen.  I don’t use this all the time, but it sometimes comes in handy.
Navigate to “Settings -> Accessibility -> TalkBack.”
Use the toggle button to turn the feature on.
Give the required permissions to activate TalkBack.

5.  Enable the magnification feature to help zoom in on the active screen.
Open “Settings -> Accessibility -> Magnification.”
Toggle on the “Magnification shortcut.”
You should see a magnification glass icon on your screen.  Tap on it to open the magnifier. A box that magnifies anything it’s placed on will appear on the screen.  You can drag and move this box around to highlight various parts of the screen.  When the magnification glass is active, you’ll see a toggle button that allows you to switch from the small magnifier to a full-screen zoom.

While you’re in the Accessibility section, check out many of the other settings than can make your phone easier to use.  You might find something that is helpful for you.

Although these are Android specific settings (for the latest version), many people have told me there are equivalents for the Apple world.

Thanks for reading.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Thoughts From a Clicker

Android Developer Options (2023-05)

April 30, 2023 Posted by Tiny

Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch

Did you know that Android has many hidden advanced settings that you can use?  Most people don’t.  Android has an impressive hidden settings menu called “Developer Options”.  These options contain a number of advanced and unique features.

In order to access any of these menu options, you first need to unlock the hidden Developer Options Menu on your device.  To begin, go to the main Settings menu.  Then select About Phone (or Tablet or About Device).  Next find the “Build number” entry.  Tap it seven times in rapid succession.  You’ll get a message informing you that the Developer options menu has been unlocked.

Here are just a few of the options you might want to consider enabling or changing.
1) When you move between apps and screens in Android, some of that time is spent looking at animations and waiting for them to go away.  You can disable these animations entirely by changing the Window animation scale, Transition animation scale and Animator duration scale options.  If you like animations but just wish they were faster, you can increase the speed.
2) The first option I always enable is Stay Awake While Charging.  Android will keep your device’s screen on while charging.  It won’t turn off unless you hit the power button.
3) If you find that you are often running short on memory, you can limit the number of background processes that run.  The “Limit Background Processes” option allows you to limit the number of background processes that are allowed to run or not allowed to run.  For example, you can select “At most 2 processes” in the dialog box.  Then the current app and the two most recent apps you ran and switched away from are the only processes that can run at one time.  This should free up a memory on your device.
4) The Force allow apps on external setting allows you to install any application to the SD card, whether it was programmed to do so or not.  Keep in mind that sometimes there is a good reason the developer of an app blocked the ability to install the app to an SD card.  Some apps look for files in a specific place and the app won’t be able to find those files if it’s installed in an unexpected place.  If the app doesn’t work when installed on the SD card, be prepared to uninstall it and reinstall it on internal storage.
5) The “Force activities to be resizable” setting forces applications that don’t normally work in split screen to do so.  Split screen view might cause some apps to not work correctly.  This is usually because they have not been optimized for split screens.  Once you turn on this setting, you have to restart your device.  Theoretically all your apps will work in split screen mode.  Be prepared for some of them to not look too great or to crash.
6) The “Force Peak Refresh Rate” forces your phone to refresh at the highest possible speed.  This may increase battery usage.

These are just a few of the things you can do after enabling Developer Options.  If you are curious about the myriad of other options, do an internet search.  You will find many sites that will explain in detail what each option does.

Thanks for reading.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , , ,
Categories: Thoughts From a Clicker

Apps Not To Download (2021-01)

July 20, 2022 Posted by Tiny

Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch

It’s that time of year again!  Did you keep all of the New Year resolutions you made a year ago?  Me neither. I think it’s because I haven’t been making the right resolutions.  This year is going to be different.  I’m going to keep all of my resolutions.  How can I be so sure?  It’s simple.  I’m going to resolve only one thing.

You’ve heard the saying that there is an app for everything?  I think it might be true.  This year, I am resolving not to download and install any of the following Android applications.

1) Ghost Detector uses your device to scan for paranormal activity and alert you when ghosts are present.  After you find a ghost, you can capture it with your camera.
2) PeeperPeeper is one of the most useless utilities I’ve seen.  It takes a picture whenever you open a messaging application.  This will supposedly give you proof that someone is reading your messages.
3) Fake Battery is supposed to help you not have to lend someone your phone.  You can tell them “Sorry, my battery is low.”
4) Poop Log is the application you need if you want to keep track of important things like size, amount, color, frequency, etc.  This is much more information than I need to know.
5) Flying Poo is a game where take the roll of a seagull and get to poo on people.
6) The Pointless Button is just pointless.
7) Nothing does nothing until it gets updated.
8) S.M.T.H. is a sports game.  You simply throw your phone in the air as high as you can.  The height is recorded, uploaded and compared with other players.  The game comes with several warnings.  My favorite is that the author is not liable for damage to your phone.
9) Idiot Squad is an application that seems to have a perfect name.

There you have it.  Nine applications that I recommend you DO NOT install.  They are all real programs available from the Google Play Store.  I didn’t check if any of them are also on iTunes.  I don’t know what amazes me more: the fact that someone writes these types of apps, or that other people actually download them.

Thanks for reading and keep on clicking.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Clicker

Buying an Android Phone (2022-02)

January 30, 2022 Posted by Tiny

Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch

Every time I do an About Android Workshop, I’m asked for recommendations of which Android phone someone should buy.  My answer is always the same, “I don’t have the slightest idea.”  Depending on individual needs, buying the “right” electronic device is a decision that every person has to make for themselves.  This is the same advice that I give for buying or using almost anything: computers, cars, software, whiskey, etc.

What I can do is give my opinion on various products.  When I do, I usually mention that what is good for me isn’t good for everyone.  Apple iPhones are arguably the best that you can buy.  They aren’t for me.

If you’re buying an Android phone, the main thing to keep in mind is that Android is Open Source software.  This means that any individual or company can modify it to suit their needs.  This often results in “fragmentation” of the market.  Manufacturers can modify Android to add their own unique programs.  Cell carriers can do the same thing.  The Android Operating System on two phones of the same make or model can be different from each other.

If you’re in the market for an Android phone, there are several things you can look at before deciding what to buy.  There are many hardware decisions to make.  How important is it to have a SD card?  What is the best screen size?  Which processor should you get?  How unbreakable is the screen?  What sensors are in the phone?  Sadly, many people don’t answer these important things.  The only thing that concerns them is “How much does the phone cost?”

I can tell you about my personal preferences when I buy a new phone:
1) What is the manufacturer’s position on updates?  Google provides security updates on a monthly basis.  Some manufacturers don’t provide the updates.  Others may update several months later.  There have been instances of makers promising updates and then changing their schedules.
2) What is the return policy?  It seems like every time a new phone is released, there is some problems.  Often, all of the phones aren’t affected.  I want to know that if I get a lemon, I can easily replace it
3) An absolute must have in my phones is an NFC sensor.  Near Field Communication is what allows you to exchange date without contact.  The most common function is using phone for payments.  It was available on Android long before Apple Pay.  I went without the feature for a couple of years and realized how important it was to me.
4) I’ve also gotten to appreciate a fingerprint sensor.  Not all phones have one.  I’ve found that it is the easiest method for unlocking a phone.
5) How much memory does the phone have?  I used to only buy phones with an SD card slot.  I’ve found that it is not a big thing for me anymore.  I can easily store and read files on many of the cloud services.

I always buy my phones unlocked.  This simply means that they are not tied to any carrier.  Not only do I avoid having the provider bloatware installed on my phone, my monthly phone bill also is smaller because I am not paying for a “free” phone.

In conclusion, please remember these are my opinions.  I’m making no claim that they are best.  If you’re buying a new phone, make a list of what you need it to do.  Then research and find the one that’s right for you.

Thanks for reading and keep on clicking.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Clicker

Android Fragmentation (2021-08)

July 18, 2021 Posted by Tiny

Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch

Lately I’ve been doing research for my “About Android” workshop.  I’ve been an Android user since June of 2013 when I bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 2.  I probably would have never bought it if Windows Mobile hadn’t started becoming a terrible operating system.  Since then, I’ve owned several Android phones and tablets,  I’ve used products from Samsung, Google, HTC, LG, Motorola and many other companies.

One of the greatest problems with the Android OS hasn’t changed since it was first released in 2008.  The market has always been fragmented.  Android is open source software.  Essentially, this means that anyone can modify it to fit their needs.

This is why the market has become so fragmented.  Phone manufacturers modify the OS and add in their proprietary applications and other things that a user may or may not want.  On my Samsung tablet, the Operating System is listed as “Samsung Experience”.  Other companies do the same type of thing.

Most end users buy their phones through one of the cell carriers.  In turn, these companies add more programs and bloatware.  These often include apps for finding your family, chatting and texting, news feeds, roadside assistance, etc.  For most users, these apps aren’t needed, use up storage space and slow down their phones.

Another thing that contributes to Android fragmentation are updates.  Google releases a monthly security patch.  Before your phone can be updated, the manufacturer has to incorporate it and make it available for downloading.  Many stop doing this after a year or two.  If it is a carrier phone, the security patches have to go through another layer of updates before they can be installed on phones.  It isn’t hard to figure out why many phones don’t have the latest updates.

It’s not unusual for updates to take three or four months to get incorporated by manufacturers and cell phone carriers.  Some companies are faster than others.  Others just help to increase the fragmentation.

One last problem with Android fragmentation is the problems that application developers find when they create new programs.  It can be difficult for them to make sure their app work on every device.  Don’t believe me?  Look at almost any app in the Google Play Store and there will be restrictions on devices and Android Versions.  Read reviews for almost any app and you will find comments that the app doesn’t work on a particular device.

So what can you, the user, do to avoid the problem of Android Fragmentation?  Unfortunately, not much.  Do a little research before you buy a new device and check the manufacturer’s update polices.  Buying an “unlocked” phone instead of a carrier phone will eliminate one step in the update process.  If you are adventurous, you can find instructions on the internet for installing your own Android OS.

Thanks for reading and keep on clicking.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Clicker

Motorola Edge Review

February 7, 2021 Posted by Tiny

From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch

Last time, I told you about how sad I was that I had cracked the screen on my Motorola Play phone.  The only companies I considered for a replacement were Google and Motorola.  The big advantage of a Google phone is that you get frequent security updates.  The comparative Motorola products tend to be a little cheaper.  I’ve replaced my phone with the Motorola Edge.

The Motorola Edge, not to be confused with the Edge Plus, has a list price of $699.99.  I bought mine for considerably less at Best Buy. For a mid‑range phone, the Edge has some pretty impressive specifications.

Network Technology: GSM/CDMA/HSPA/EVDO/LTE/5G
Dimensions: 6.36 x 2.80 x 0.37 in
Weight: 6.63 oz
Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, plastic back
SIM: Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Water-repellent coating
Display Type: OLED, 90Hz, HDR10
Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels
OS: Android 10
Chipset: Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G (7 nm)
CPU: Octa-core
GPU: Adreno 620
Memory Card Slot: microSDXC
Main Camera: Quad 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72″, 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1.12µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm
Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie Camera: Single 25 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.9µm
Stereo Speakers
3.5mm Jack
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth: 5.1, A2DP, LE
GPS
NFC
FM radio
USB Type-C 2.0
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro and proximity
Battery: Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Fast charging 18W

The Edge is named because of the way the screen wraps around the side of the phone.  This gives the display a gorgeous look.  The wrap around makes the screen look like there are no bezels.  It seems to be larger than other phones of the same size.  The only problem with this is that occasionally a program is too close to the edge and is a little harder to use.  This can be easily changed in the settings.

All of the programs that I normally use run fast with no slowdowns.  I often listen to a podcast in the background while I either read a book or play a game.  Everything is snappy and a pleasure to run.  The 4500 mAh battery is more than enough to keep me running for about a day and a half.  It usually takes me about fifty minutes to charge.  I’m more than satisfied with my purchase.

Thanks for reading.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , , , ,
Categories: Darkside

A Fracture Made Me Sad

December 11, 2020 Posted by Tiny

From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch

I’m so sad.  There are a lot of reasons I could be sad.  The coronavirus is keeping me from attending computer club and SubVet meetings.  I could be sad about how the elections were resolved.  I could be sad because Alex Trebek passed away.  Those things do make me downcast and blue, but that is not why I’m sad.

I’m sad because my cell phone now looks like my grandson’s.  There is a large spider‑web crack on the screen.  I’ve got to say that I’m not really surprised.  It was only a matter of time.  I have the habit of carrying my phone in my shirt pocket.  When I bend over, I occasionally forget it is there and it drops out.  My Moto G6 Play was a tough phone.  I’ve probably dropped it a couple of hundred times.  Actually, it still is a tough phone.  Even with a bad crack, it is still usable although the screen is hard to read.

I’m on the search for a new phone.  I’m fairly sure that it will be another one in the Motorola line.  They aren’t the fastest with updating, but I like the fact that there isn’t very much bloatware installed.  That is why I don’t buy my phones through the cell phone carrier.

One thing for sure is that I don’t plan to spend a lot of money for a high end device.  I don’t need the latest technology.  The only thing I really miss and want to make sure I get is NFC capability.  The search goes on.  I’ll be doing another review in the future.

Thanks for reading.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Lagniappe

Real Kakuro

August 15, 2020 Posted by Tiny

From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch

I only play a few games on my Android devices.  With one exception, they are all either word or number games.  I like to play Sudoku, Crossword Puzzles, Wordiest, Cryptograms and a few others.  It has to be a pretty good game to make it to the games folders on my phone.  Real Kakuro is a game that I downloaded about a week ago.  I have found it to be similar to both Sudoku and Crossword Puzzles.  To play the game, you also need to employ both mathematical and logical skills.

Kakuro, also known as cross sums or sum totals, is like a crossword puzzle with numbers.  Each “number” must add up to the total provided at the top of the column or to the left of the row.  Only the numbers 1 through 9 can be used in any row or column.  Each number can only be used once.  Every Kakuro game can be solved through logic alone.  All of the puzzles have only one solution.  If you get stuck in any particular board and think there is no solution, just reset and start over.  There are 3000 puzzles to solve.

As shown in figure 1, there are five levels of play.  I recommend starting with a few easy games to get a feel for how the grids are filled in.  In figure 2, you can see the opening screen for the easy puzzles.  The ribbon denotes that the puzzle has been completed.  Figure 3 shows the opening screen of a puzzle.  Under the grid, you can see a list of all the possible solutions for each row and column.  These numbers change as you fill in possible answers.  Answers are added with the keyboard in the bottom center.  The pencil icon on the left will let you enter one or more possible choices.  The pen icon is used to fill in your answer.  If you enter a number that will not fit the answer, it will show in red.  Selecting the eraser icon lets you delete whatever you have entered in any block.  Finally, the eye icon removes the possible answer choices.  Figure 4 shows the completed puzzle, except for the final answer.

I do have one minor niggle with this game.  The numeric keyboard is a little small for my big fingers.  I sometimes enter the wrong number without realizing that I did it.  Then I have to change icons and delete it.

Like many Android games,  Real Kakuro is supported by displaying advertisements.  They are not intrusive and show on the top of the game play screen.  After I played my second game, I paid the $2.95 in‑app purchase to remove them.  Download the game from the Google Play Store. I think you will like it.
Thanks for reading.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , , ,
Categories: Darkside

Zooming 2020-08

July 5, 2020 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

For the last few months, I’ve been doing a lot of something I never thought I would do.  Until the start of the pandemic, I only attended one on-line video conference.  That was about four years ago.  I don’t remember which program I used, but I uninstalled it the following day.

I’m a member of several clubs.  They have all been using Zoom Video Communications.  With reservations, I first installed it on an older laptop with the Linux Mint OS.  It worked perfectly from the first.  Since then, I have installed it on Windows 10 and Android Phone.  It works great on all these systems.  I didn’t even have to update any drivers.

Before I review Zoom, I should make a few comments on security.  Initially, there seemed to be a lot of problems with “video bombing.”  This is when an unexpected appearance (usually obscene) appears in a video feed.  It turned out that most of these were due to sign‑in credentials being posted on YouTube or other places.  I have been attending at least three meetings a week and have not seen this happen.  There have been other problems.  Tom’s Guide has a comprehensive list in Zoom Security Issues. I haven’t noticed any untoward background activity on my computers when I am using the program.

With Microsoft Team, Google Meet, TeamViewer, Skype and so many other options, why has Zoom become so popular?  The answer is simple.  It is easy to use.  You don’t even need to create an account to attend a meeting.  Registration is only required to host the meeting.  You can use Zoom in a web browser, but I’ve found it is much easier when you install the program on your machine.

To join a meeting, you will need both a meeting ID and a password.  Both are provided by the meeting host.  You are then given the choice to sign in with audio and/or video.  Both options can be changed after you join the meeting.  After clicking “join”, you should see a message that says waiting for the host to let you in.  When the host does so, you’re done.

After you have joined a meeting, there are three viewing layouts you can choose.  These are selected with icons on the Zoom Room Controller (usually found in a corner of the screen). The options are:
1.  Speaker displays a large view of the person currently speaking, with a smaller thumbnail of the previous speaker as a picture within picture.
2.  Thumbnail combines the Speaker view with a scaled down version of the Gallery view.  A small strip of thumbnails, showing up to eight participants, displays beneath a relatively larger view of the active speaker.  The thumbnails show the participants who were most recently the active speakers.
3.  Gallery displays up to 25 participants on each screen, with the active speaker highlighted.  For meetings with more than 25 participants, an arrow displays next to the icon.  Tap the right arrow to display the next group of participants on the screen.  Tap the left arrow to display the previous set.

When you are in a meeting room, moving your mouse to the bottom of the screen reveals more icons.  The most important are the two on the left edge.  Clicking on the “microphone” icon mutes or un‑mutes your outgoing sound.  Clicking on the “video” icon starts or stops your outgoing video feed.  Both icons have small up arrows.  These give you more options.

If the meeting host has enabled it, you can share your screen.  Be careful if you do this.  Anything you see on your monitor will be seen by everyone in the meeting.  You don’t want to accidentally share any naughty pictures.

One feature I especially like is the ability for virtual backgrounds.  These are enabled in settings.  There are several built‑in backgrounds or you can upload your own.  I have several that I use, depending on the meeting.

There are several other options that I am not going to explore in the article.  You can find complete information and video tutorials on the Zoom Support Help Center.

Thanks for reading.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories: Whatchamacallit
« Older Entries