How To Install & Run Windows 10/8/7/XP On Android Phone NO ROOT 2017

How To Install & Run Windows 10/8/7/XP On Android Phone NO ROOT 2017

Access Any Android Device Remotely Without Touching Phone

Access Any Android Device Remotely Without Touching Phone

New Phone Case Material Promises to Let 5G Signals Flow

New Phone Case Material Promises to Let 5G Signals Flow

Your millimeter-wave 5G phone is going to need a new case, and materials company D3O—which makes case materials for Gear4, EFM, and Zagg—this week announced a new material specially made for millimeter-wave 5G systems, which highlights yet another problem with the fast, but thorny new 5G standard.

5G can work on any frequency. In low and mid bands, it works pretty much like 4G. But millimeter-wave 5G, the very high-frequency waves used primarily by Verizon, is different. Millimeter-wave (mmWave) is fragile enough that it gets blocked by bodies, walls, clothing, and, apparently, phone cases. (This is also one of the reasons mmWave won't kill you, unless it's by a light pole falling on your head—it can't even penetrate your skin.)

Verizon, and to some extent other carriers, have gone in deep on mmWave because it allows for very fast speeds. But it's been very hard to work with so far, with expensive antenna modules, complicated designs, and short radiuses from carrier towers. Right now, squeezing every possible little bit of mmWave signal out of a system is key, so making sure cases don't choke down phones is a real issue.

We saw the first "5G-ready cases" from Samsung a few months ago, but it wasn't clear whether that was just a marketing ploy. D3O just made it clear that it isn't. Regular case materials can reduce mmWave signals, D3O found in studies, lowering received speeds and increasing battery drain. So the company developed a sort of honeycomb material full of air bubbles, which reduces the density of the case and therefore improves signal strength.

"Analysis of the measurement data obtained found that D3O with 5G Signal Plus Technology achieved on average 37 percent less signal loss than its nearest market competitor and outperformed all benchmark materials," a D3O white paper says.

Now, let me make it clear that this is only a problem for mmWave. Most countries don't use mmWave yet. The UK? No mmWave. Switzerland, Germany, Italy? No mmWave. They may use the frequency down the road, but places and carriers that run mid-band or low-band 5G should be fine with an older-style case.

Qualcomm and the US FCC keep pushing mmWave. In Qualcomm's case, it's because it makes the only currently available mmWave antennas, and in the FCC's case, it's an easy-to-auction, unused chunk of spectrum that doesn't force the agency to make any hard decisions about moving existing users. But the technology keeps hitting new roadblocks, which makes me continue to be concerned about its short-term viability.

What Kind of Screen Protector Should I Get for My Phone?

Having a big scratch on your phone is like having an itch in your brain you just can't reach. Plus, it lowers the resale value of the device when you want to upgrade. A screen protector can keep the surface pristine, but buying one is more complicated than it should be. Let's break down the difference between the each type, so you don't waste your money.

Do I Really Need a Screen Protector?

The glass on your gadgets has gotten a lot more scratch-resistant since the days of the iPod. Corning's Gorilla Glass will not scratch if you rub it with your keys or loose change, which is a big step forward. It is not, however, unscratchable, as some people believe.

Take a look at my Google Pixel 2, for example. The scratches aren't deep, but they're definitely there. These scratches likely come from sand and other particles with hard minerals in them, like quartz and topaz. Any object harder than your screen will scratch it, and while Corning hasn't officially released its glass' Mohs hardness rating, most testers have found it to lie between a 6 and 7 (the highest value, 10, is as hard as diamonds).

So yes, your screen can still be scratched, and it's probably the sand in your pocket (or bag) that's causing it. Screen protectors are not perfect—even the best ones are usually between a 7 and 8 on the Mohs scale, which is slightly better than Gorilla Glass—but they allow you to pop your phone in your pocket without worrying. Then, if and when the protector gets scratched, you can always replace it, keeping the actual screen immaculate when you go to resell it a few years down the line.

The Different Types of Screen Protectors

Search for "screen protector" on Amazon, and you'll likely be overwhelmed by the results. There are so many brands, types, and price points that it's enough to make your head spin. Thankfully, screen protectors can generally be broken down into a few simple types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET is a type of plastic usually found on things like water bottles and food containers. PET screen protectors provide the least amount of scratch- and impact-protection, but they're super cheap, light, and thin, and as a result are less visible once applied to your phone.

They also have a decently smooth feel, unlike the more durable but rubbery TPU. PET is also a bit stiff, so it can't go edge-to-edge on phones with curved screens like the iPhone. If you want to go with PET, I recommend Tech Armor.

Thermoplastic Polyreuthane (TPU)

When you think of the screen protectors of old, you're probably thinking of TPU. It's a flexible plastic that's a huge hassle to install (it involves using a spray solution and squeegeeing out lots of bubbles), doesn't feel very smooth (thanks to its almost rubbery texture), and adds an "orange peel" type glare to your phone's screen.

But it isn't without benefits: it's flexible, so it can go edge-to-edge on any phone, it has better impact protection than PET, and it has limited "self-healing" powers for small scratches. Brands like IQ Shield offer TPU at very affordable prices, while Zagg's InvisibleShield film is a bit more expensive.

On the other hand, Zagg's comes in a few different styles depending on the look, feel, and features you want. However, not all styles are available for all phones, and some phones don’t have TPU options at all. Both IQ Shield and Zagg come with replacement warranties, as well, though Zagg's is more all-encompassing, hence the higher cost.

These are the granddaddies of screen protectors. They don't have the self-healing abilities of TPU, but they're tougher in terms of scratch- and drop-protection, and these days they are pretty inexpensive.

Both amFilm and Maxboost offer affordable glass protectors that measure between a 7 and 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, according to Wirecutter—and in our tests, they worked quite well. (Zagg's glass protectors only measured between a 5 and 6, which it says is actually better for impact protection, even if it requires sacrificing some scratch defense. They also come in more varieties with features like privacy or anti-glare.)

Because glass protectors are thicker, however, they're much more visible on your screen, which isn't great if you prefer that melts-into-your-screen type of aesthetic.

Nano Liquid

These days you'll also find liquid screen protectors on the market, which claim you can protect your phone just by swabbing a solution on your phone and then buffing it off. These protectors come with a host of quirks that make it hard to recommend. While it may provide some level of extra protection, the layer is so thin that tough scratches can likely still easily get through to the actual screen, which defeats the purpose of a screen protector.

Furthermore, you can't just take this off and swap it with another screen protector. Most products say you cannot remove the product, it will just wear off over time (though there's no visible way to tell when). That makes it hard to test because you can't just scratch it and peel the product off—it's unclear whether you'd be scratching the protector or the screen underneath.

All Qmadix protectors come with a SquareTrade-esque $250 warranty, which is probably where most of your money goes. But all told, I'd recommend skipping the liquid stuff.

So Which Screen Protector Is Best?

Don't pay too much attention to the hardness rating that brands advertise—most use the ASTM hardness scale, in which the hardest pencil (9H) is softer than tempered glass, making it a useless indicator of protection. The Mohs scale—which does not use an "H"—is much more useful, though it doesn't sound as good on the box. If you're unsure about the hardness of a specific brand, Google around to see if anyone has tested it themselves with a Mohs kit.

In my opinion, most people are probably best off with a tempered glass protector: they have the smoothest feel, prevent the most damage, and are available at pretty decent prices. If you're really finicky about looks, you may like PET or TPU better (since they aren't as visible once applied to your phone), especially since films like TPU can provide self-healing edge-to-edge protection on phones with curved screens.

I'd avoid the liquid protection unless you know you aren't going to use any of the others anyway, and want the warranty that Qmadix provides.

If You Want Impact Protection, Get a Case

That said, screen protection is just one piece of the puzzle. These films will help you avoid scratches and provide some impact protection, but if you're worried about dropping your phone, don't stop there—get a case.

A screen protector will not protect the back of your phone, the edges, or even the corners of the screen. A good case (especially one with a "lip" over the screen) will do more for drops than any screen protector, so unless you feel lucky—or have a good insurance plan—get a case along with whatever screen protection you decide on.

I recommend the OtterBox Symmetry Series case, but we have more options for iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, the new iPhone SE, And the Galaxy s20.

11 Useful Samsung Galaxy Features You Won't Find on the Google Pixel

Despite being the most popular manufacturer of Android phones, Samsung often gets a bad rap from diehard Android enthusiasts. It usually comes down to the company's departure from Google’s pure, “stock” Android experience. Still, one person's bloat is another person's useful feature set.

As a former Pixel loyalist who recently switched to the Galaxy line, I’ve started to come around to the extra additions in the company’s phones. Ignoring some of the more obvious duplicated features—like the Bixby voice assistant and Samsung Pay—there are some really handy additions in Samsung’s One UI that are worth checking out.

Use Your Phone Like a Wizard with Extra Gestures

Most phones allow for some cool gestures, like tapping on the screen to wake it up, or double-tapping the home button to open the camera quickly. Samsung phones have a wider selection than most stock Android phones, though.

Smart Stay, for example, uses the selfie camera to detect when you’re looking at the screen, and turn it off when you look away. Smart Alert will vibrate your phone when you pick it up after missing notifications. Check out Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures for all the options available on your device.

Look, phones these days are too damn big. Even the Incredible Hulk couldn’t reach the corner of the Galaxy Note 10 with one thumb. Thankfully, Samsung included a One-Handed Mode in its Advanced Features. With a simple gesture, you can temporarily shrink your screen to the bottom corner so you can reach everything with one hand.

While the Pixel and other phones might allow you to shrink the keyboard, Samsung takes it a welcome step further (though there are third-party apps that imitate this feature on other devices).

Schedule Dark Mode for Nighttime

Stock Android lets you schedule its blue-light-filtering Night Light from sunset to sunrise, but it can’t currently schedule dark mode. On a Samsung phone, you can: just head to Settings > Display > Night Mode and set it to turn on at sunset. This feature is crucial if you don’t want to be blinded by your screen at nighttime.

Give Contacts Different Vibration Patterns

All Android phones allow you to give individual contacts their own ringtone, so you know who’s calling before you look at the screen. Most Android phones don’t, however, allow you to set custom vibration patterns, so you can feel who’s calling from your pocket. Samsung allows you to do this by opening a contact's card and tapping Edit > View More. If you scroll down, you’ll find the option to customize their vibration pattern. There are only five options, and it only works for calls—not texts—but it’s still something.

Add More Customizability to Quick Settings

The Quick Settings panel—which you can access by pulling the notification drawer down twice—is one of my favorite Android features. While stock Android packs a lot of utility in here, Samsung adds even more, including a Scan QR Code option, a toggle for Always-on Display, and shortcuts to a lot of other Samsung-exclusive features.

You can add even more with the third-party Tiles app, but Samsung’s built-in options are handy improvements nonetheless.

Get an Extra Shortcut with the Bixby Button

The Bixby button had a rough start, but Samsung finally acquiesced to user demand. In Samsung’s Advanced Features, you’ll find a Bixby Key option that lets you open apps or run commands, either with a single or double press. That extra button seemed so silly at first, but now it’s pretty handy.

Automate Settings with Bixby Routines

Apps like Tasker and IFTTT have long allowed you to automate your phone, but Samsung’s Bixby Routines provide some really easy if-this-then-that recipe creation. You can adjust your settings at a certain time of day, change your lock screen shortcuts whenever you’re driving, silence your phone when you arrive at a specific location, and a ton more. It’s far from the only automation tool on Android, but it’s built-in and easy to use on Samsung devices.

Expand Your Storage with a microSD Card

I long for the days when phones had removable batteries, headphone jacks, and SD cards for expandable storage. While these features are still available in some budget phones, most flagship devices have eschewed them in favor of better water resistance and sleeker designs.

Samsung has at least kept the SD card slot, though, so you can add extra storage if you start running out of space. And at only $20 for 128GB, that’s a big money-saver compared to manufacturers that make you pay a ton up front for more storage (I’m looking at you, Apple and Google).

Navigation Bar Customization

I always hated how Samsung flipped its bottom-row buttons, putting the back button on the right instead of the standard left side. Now, not only have I come around to this orientation—it’s easier to reach with one hand—but in Settings > Display > Navigation Bar, you can switch the order to the more traditional style, or opt for newer gesture-style navigation.

Game Launcher Adds Gaming-Centric Features

I’m not as big of a mobile gamer as I once was, but Samsung’s Game Launcher app has some useful features for those who play a lot. You can link your Discord account to see what your friends are playing, activate “Game Booster” settings like floating shortcuts and battery-saving modes, and even mute your game’s sounds without muting the rest of your phone.

Address Notifications with Smart Pop-Up View

While many apps allow for quick actions through their notifications—like replying to a text without opening the Messages app—sometimes you want more. Samsung’s Smart Pop-Up View allows you to turn an app’s notifications into a pop-up bubble.

Find the setting in your phone's Advanced Features and select an app. Now when a notification pops up, it will be as a bubble on your screen. Tap that bubble, and you’ll see a small version of that app overlaid atop your current screen. Now you can quickly perform an action without losing your place in what you were doing.

13 Secret Codes That Unlock Hidden Features on Your Phone

Remember that scene in War Games when the socially broken code monkeys were explaining to aspiring hacker Matthew Broderick all about "back doors" (i.e. secret pathways planted by programmers)? Well, that's actually a thing.

Coders have a storied tradition of baking in secret passageways (or sometimes, just fun little Easter eggs) that can only be accessed by inputting a special "key." And so that tradition continues in the mobile age.

Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)—sometimes known as "quick codes" or "feature codes"—is an extra-UI protocol, which allows people to access hidden features. This protocol was originally created for GSM phones, but can be found on CDMA devices as well (if that's a bunch of acronym gibberish to you, here's a quick primer).

READ: 15 Cool Tricks You Didn't Know Your Phone's Camera Could Do

These publicly available backchannels allow users to directly communicate with their service provider's computers and/or access back-end features in their device. They are accessed by inputting them into the phone's dialer (the screen you use to start a phone call) and usually begin and end with the * or # keys with a sequence of numbers in between (there's close-to-zero chance that anyone would accidentally access them).

They're not terribly practical. Most people don't really need to know how their local cell towers are performing or what their IMEI number is (more on that later). Still, it can be fun to play around and see what unexpected functionality your phone is hiding beneath the surface.

We would LOVE to provide you with a comprehensive list of the dozens of codes out there, but that would be an exercise in futility. These codes seldom work across different carriers, OSes, or phone models (or even on generations of the same model).

If you really want to try them out, your best bet may be to Google your phone's make and carrier + "USSD" for a tailored, comprehensive list. I attempted a number of codes using an iPhone SE (while trading out numerous carrier SIM cards) in addition to a Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S7 Edge running on AT&T. Some of them worked! Check out the list below for 13 codes that I can confirm worked on at least one device. Good luck and have fun!

Type *3001#12345#* into your phone's dialer and then press the green call button to access "Field Mode," which can give you access to info about local networks and cell towers.

You'll probably never ever have to know about your local cell tower's "Measured RSSi," but it's fun to look around for a bit.

2. General Test Mode: *#0*#

I could only get this to work on Android. But this prompts a library of different phone operations, which could be operated with a single push (e.g. Sleep, Front Cam, Vibration).

3. Display your IMEI: *#06#

Here's a code which I found out does not work with Verizon on an iPhone, but I could make it work after switching to a T-Mobile SIM. It also worked on my Android AT&T device as well. To access it, type in the above code, and then the green call button to prompt your IMEI number (or your International Mobile Station Equipment Identity number, but you already knew that).

The IMEI is unique to your device. Among other things, the number can help "blacklist" stolen devices or help with customer support.

4. Check Your Call Forwarding: *#67#

This code allows you to check which number your phone is currently forwarding calls to when you're busy or reject a call.

By default, this is probably your carrier's voicemail service, but you can change it to forward to a different number (a home number, office number, or third-party answering service for example). On an iPhone, you can change this number by going to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. On Android (varies from system to system), tap the Phone app > hamburger icon > Settings > Call > More Settings > Call forwarding

5. Get Even More Info on Call Forwarding: *#61#

On my Galaxy phone, this code prompted a pop-up that let me know how long until a call is forwarded to the message center. On the iPhone, regardless of carrier, this code just showed me the same info as *#67# .

6. Check Your Available Minutes: *646#

7. Check Your Bill Balance: *225#

Once again, I couldn't get this one to work on the iPhone, but on Android I did get it to prompt a SMS message with my current balance due.

8. Hide Your Phone From Caller ID: #31#

I could only get this to work on Android. But entering this code prompted a pop-up stating that my Caller ID had been disabled. In order to re-instate Caller ID, enter *31# .

9. Check Your Billing Cycle: *3282#

Once again, I could only get this to work on Android. It prompted an SMS message with my billing info.

10. SMS Message Center: *5005*7672#

This code will tell you your SMS message center number. I have no idea why you'd need that info, but there ya go.

11. Activate Call Waiting: *43#

This code will activate call waiting; you can deactivate it by entering #43#.

12. Quick Test Menu (Samsung Galaxy Only) *#7353#

As far as I can tell, this code only works on Samsung Galaxy models (I tested it on my Galaxy S7 Edge). This is similar to the General Test mode mentioned earlier, in that it brings up a menu with a number of one-tap test prompts.

The first test is "Melody," which prompts a jaunty little K-Pop diddy. I don't know who the artist is (it's un-Shazammable!), but a search of the lyrics pointed me to this YouTube clip, with a title that translates to "Samsung Anycall Galaxy basic level - Hey Now (Good bye)." If you have any details on this mobile mystery, drop it in the comments.

13. Firmware (Samsung Galaxy Only) *#1234#

Once again, as far as I can tell, this only works on Galaxy devices. But it will let you know your phone's current firmware. So, have fun with that.