Sony Xperia Z3 tips: 10 that also work on the Xperia Z3 compact

If you have recently purchased a Sony Xperia Z3 or an XperiaZ3 Compact, chances are you are eager to get to know your device and find out all that it can do. Here is our list of Xperia Z3 tips (which of course could apply to the Z3 compact since its mostly the same) that will get you on your way.

1. Get the best sound with Sound Equalizer

Smartphones are starting to become more like mp3 players and iPods because not only can you stream music over the internet, but they offer so many more possibilities for tweaking your music. The Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact both offer a sound equalizer platform, which you can adjust manually, or choose a default setting such as jazz, soul or bass boost. You’ll find it under the Settings menu, then Sound settings, Audio settings, Sound effects and finally, Equaliser.

2. Change the default home screen

Every time you press the home button on either Xperia phone, it brings you back to a default home screen. You can, however, change the home screen and choose any of the ones that you have already created. To do this, simply long press on an empty space on the home screen, which will zoom out of all of the screen giving you a bit of an overview, as well as offering some settings options. Press the button on the upper left corner which looks like a house and select the screen you want to have as a default home screen. Now you won’t have to swipe to it anymore.

3. Ditch tapping to type and learn to swipe

Amaze your newbie friends with this next feature which is more than just a gimmick: instead of doing the old fashion letter by letter typing which can be quite tedious (especially after you have found it out about our tip), and also often requires both hands if your fingers can’t reach all the keys, swipe typing is where it’s at. Now you will just need to drag your finger across the screen from letter to letter, and even if you aren’t precise, the system will pick up what you are trying to type. Plus you can also revert back to letter by letter since both ways will be supported. The cool thing is that this is set as a default on your Xperia device.

4. Testing the hardware and software functions of your phone

Did you know that you can test the various software and hardware components of your device to see if anything is faulty? This is a good way of checking for any issues yourself so you know what needs to be fixed. It’s easy: open the phone app and dial * # * # 7378423 # * # * . This will bring you to a new menu where you select Service tests. Here you can do many things, like check to see if the LED flash is working, for example.

5. Customize icons from the notification bar

It may sound silly to want to remove elements from the notification bar, like the battery or Wi-Fi icon or even the time, but there are some who enjoy a clean slate. If you want to customize the notification bar, this is also a job that can be done in the settings menu. Head into Personalization, then Status bar icons. Once there, choose what you want to have appear and what gets the boot.

6. Double tap to activate screen

LG’s Knock On was the envy of all other companies, who soon started to copy the features, Sony included. Head into the the settings and then select Display. Choose ‘’Tap to activate’’ so that every time your screen is off, you just need to double tap on it to activate and unlock it. This way you no longer need to press on the power button.

7. Operate the screen with gloves

It’s getting chilly outdoors and chances are you don’t want to have to take off your gloves to operate your handy. With today’s technology in phones, you don’t have to. Most high end phones now include a glove mode where you can operate your phone while keeping your digits warm from the cold. Again, head into the settings, then select Display. Activate Glove mode. This will make the screen much more sensitive, so that softer touch is detected much easier.

8. Magnification gestures

If you have vision problems or need any additional assistance with your phone, manufacturers include accessibility features which will help you in many ways. One of the things that you can do is enable Gesture extension, by going to settings then accessibility. What this does is allow you to zoom into any screen. When you switch it on, it will prepare you for what to expect with a 15px explanation.

9. White Balance

You might feel the need to toy around with the white balance of your screen, and though the current default setting is usually optimal, it may not fit your preferences. Head into the settings, then find Display, and White Balance. Now you can tweak the bars and select the white balance that suits your fancy.

10. Microphone Sensitivity

Chances are you are not a hermit and using your phone in the middle of nowhere with no other living soul to be heard. Every day life is made up of ambient noise, which makes using the microphone on your smartphone a bit difficult. Thankfully, you can adjust the microphone sensitivity on the Xperia Z3 and Z3 compact, making it less sensitive, which makes it better for the person to hear you. If you are in a very quiet area, upping the sensitivity would help. To find this feature, go into the settings menu again, then find Sound, followed by Audio Settings, and finally Microphone sensitivity. Once there, just choose what suits your current situation.

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The best apps to customize your Android for a truly unique look

Knowing how to customize your Android phone is the best way to make your smartphone truly unique. One of the coolest things about Android is the ease with which you can customize, modify and setup your smartphone or tablet to be exactly how you want it to be, regardless of whether you own a Nexus 6, Galaxy Note 4 or XperiaZ3. So why not make use of all that freedom? Here are the best apps to customize your Android.

Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher is a dead simple choice because, for obvious reasons, it is widely regarded as the best custom launcher on Android. It is feature packed with advanced customization options and yet somehow still manages to not become too confusing. You can pretty much set up everything on your Android to behave the way you want with Nova, from appearance to animations to app icons to gesture controls. You can even import previous launcher settings from another Android launcher.

Zedge

Zedge will furnish your smartphone or tablet with thousands of wallpapers, ringtones and notification sounds. You can trawl through the hundreds of possibilities to find the perfect image or theme for you, or you can change them every day, since you have so many to choose from. Images are custom fit to your phone’s screen dimensions, and you can set different ringtones for every contact you have.

Ringdroid

Your favorite song probably last 3 or 4 minutes, so making that your ringtone is not a great idea (unless you seriously never pick up). But not anymore. Thanks to Ringdroid, you can turn any song into a ringtone: just isolate the particular riff or chorus that you like and create a new audio file that can be used just like any other ringtone. You can create endless ringtones for whoever you want, and the process is quick and easy.

Cover

Did you know it’s actually not necessary to unlock your smartphone to view or launch your favorite apps? Cover is an intelligent lock screen app that learns from you to give you the apps you need when you need them. Thanks to Wi-Fi and GPS, Cover knows where you are and can change the apps available from your lock screen. So depending on your habits, you won’t need to unlock your phone to access WhatsApp or Facebook at home or Gmail and your calendar at work. Read More.....

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Beginners: how to buy a paid app in the Google Play Store

Some Google Play apps have a price tag, which means that they are sometimes better developed, but also void (or almost) of annoying ads that invade your smartphone or tablet’s screen. With Google, it’s really easy to buy apps, but the first time might be a little tricky for newbies to Android and the smartphone world. For those who need that extra help, here is our Android for Beginners tutorial on how to buy paid apps from the Google Play Store.

First of all, you need to have a Credit Card and add its information to your Google account. This service is called Google Wallet which you can easily configure, either when you set up your smartphone for the first time after receiving your device, or when you are buying an app. In both cases, setting it up is exactly the same.

Once you set up your device for the first time or your Google account, a new page calledEntertainment will appear. You can add your credit card info by choosing ‘Set up credit card’ and add your bank info just like you were paying for something online.

If you decided to skip the step at the beginning, this isn’t a problem. You can simply add the payment type of your choice in the Google Play Store when you click on the price after choosing a paid app. Tap on continue and enter your info. Your card is then registered for all your future purchases. You also have the options of using a PayPal account or redeeming a Google Play Gift Card. If you want to add the payment information at any given time, even if you aren't buying an app, go into the side menu and select My account. Here you have the same payment options that you can save.

Once this step is done, you can now not only buy apps but also music, movies and books from Google Play without needing to add the information anew. After the purchase is complete, you will receive an email which confirms your transaction as well as your the payment details. If you are unsure about giving Google this kind of info, you can read more about Google Wallet privacy measures on their site.

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Moto X (2014) tips and tricks: 10 you've got to try

Motorola made a splash in the editorial world with the first Moto X, and the company has managed to stay on track with the latest version, the Moto X (2014), which has already sold out with some US carriers, like Verizon. Here are some great Moto X (2014) tips and tricks to use once you finally get your hands on it.

Get rid of carrier branding on the Moto X (2014)

If you’re not a fan of free advertising, and would rather have the Moto X display all without the name of your carrier, then it is an easy thing to turn off, even if you have a SIM card in your device. In order to disable the option, head to the settings, then More, and finally, Mobile Networks. From there go to View Mobile networks and uncheck the box.

Change the "Ok Google" activation phrase

Saying ‘’OK Google’’ over and over again might eventually get on your nerves. Thankfully, Motorola put in place a high level of customization to please users, allowing them to customize the Moto X to their liking. If you want to change the way you activate your device, head to the Settings again, and then Moto. Tap on change activation phrase, then just follow the instructions and speak the phrase you want.

Configure Moto Assist to automate your Moto X (2014)

Thanks to Moto Assist, you can create various plans of action depending on what you are doing at a specific moment, like when sleeping, driving or chilling out at home; any place where interruptions are not welcome. Moto Assist allows you to configure sound and vibration, make the device read your SMS aloud while you drive, etc. Customizing this is also very simple, plus it works like a charm seeing as Assist will use your location and Bluetooth connection to know when and where to apply the new actions. Once configured, the device will act independently in every situation. To access this option, go to Settings, then Moto and finally, Assist.

Set up Moto X (2014) gestures

Motorola didn’t just limit the Moto X to voice control, you can also use gestures to operate the phone. First, you’ll need to configure these in the Moto Actions app. To get there, go to the Settings, then Moto and then Actions. Once there, you’ll see which gestures can be made, and there’s a tutorial to help you get the hang of it. One of the many things you can do is hold your hand over the device to silence an incoming call. Neat.

Synchronize your Moto X (2014) with your PC

This requires the app called Motorola Connect, which also comes preinstalled on your Motorola phone. You’ll be able to receive messages and notifications on your computer, the only drawback being that the service is limited to Google Chrome.

First, register with Motorola Connect using your Gmail account and download the extension for Google Chrome. After that, you can access various options from your computer, like the ability to see your battery life, notifications etc.

Enable and customize Attentive Display to save Moto X (2014) battery

Attentive Display on the Moto X (2014) is enabled by default. However, you can personalize it even further. Go to Settings, then Display, and finally Attentive Display. Choose whether you want to have it enabled or not, and follow the short tutorial if you need some extra help. This function also helps to save a little battery.

Take a selfie with your Moto X (2014) using your voice

Thanks to Google Now, you can take pictures without touching the phone. Just activate it with "Ok Google" and then say "take a selfie". The camera application is activated and snaps a photo automatically.

Pay via NFC with your Moto X (2014) using Google Wallet

After the presentation of the iPhone and its new NFC payment method, we started talking about how this technology has existed for years on Android, and the same goes for the Moto X. Simply install Google Wallet which is available on Google Play Store. Once the app is downloaded, you’ll need to set up a PIN, then choose "set up tap and pay" and follow the instructions.

Transfer data from your previous smartphone to the new Moto X

Thanks to the super handy Motorola Migrate application, transferring data, photos, and contacts from your old phone to the Moto X 2014 is a cinch. You’ll need to choose the Google account associated with your previous device, type it into Motorola Migrate and follow the instructions. At the end of the process, all your data and files will be on your new Moto X and ready to be used!

Configure the notifications that show up on your Moto X (2014) screen

Last but not least, notifications are fully configurable which is great if you’d rather not let a ton of applications to flood your screen. To configure notifications, head over to the Settings, then Moto and finally Screen. Next, choose Select apps and select the ones that that are allowed to send notifications. This option is fully customizable for virtually any app that you have installed on your device.

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How to set up the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact for the first time

Sony's range of Xperia devices are some of the best around, placing highly on both our Best Android phones and best Android tablets lists. The latter includes the fantastic Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, an ultra-slim waterproof tablet with great hardware. If you're a new owner of one of these little beauties, read on to find out how to set up the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact for the first time.

Charge your device and enter the SIM card (LTE version only)

First things first, if you own the LTE version of the Xperia Z3 Compact, and a nano SIM card, you will want to install it now before you even switch your device on. You will also want to fully charge your device before switching it on for the first time.

Select language

Hold down the power button of the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact and it will start. At the first menu you will be asked to select a language. Tap your preferred language and on the next screen you will be welcomed by Sony, and asked to read the "important information", before continuing (people rarely read this). You must tick the box, and tap the right arrow to continue the setup.

Set up your Wi-Fi

If you have a Wi-Fi network (we hope that you do) here is when you should connect to it. Tap search for networks, then tap the one which you wish to join and enter your password. At the next screen you will be asked if you have a Google account already. If you do simply tap yes, and if you don't tap no and then you should create one. If you aren't sure, it likely means that you haven't.

Add payment info

Next you may be asked to enter your credit or debit card details so that you can purchase apps from the Play Store. You can add or remove this information at any point, so it's not essential that you do it here. If you aren't comfortable with it, skip it, and you can decide another time if you want to enter it. (Note if you already have a Google Account, this screen may not appear.)

Set up your other accounts

Now you will be asked if you would like to "Join the world of Sony". This is, of course, a Sony exclusive service which gives you access to music, movies and games, and helps you locate your tablet if you lose it, among other things. This can also be skipped for now and registered for later. The next page will offer you the opportunity to sync other popular accounts (like Facebook and Twitter) so that they are always kept up to date on the device. If you would like to be notified of the happenings on your other social networks, you can set this to "on". It can always be configured later in your account settings, so don't worry too much about it here.

Finish and update

Tap finish, read the data disclaimer (if you wish) and you're all done! As with any new device, the first thing you may wish to do is check for software updates. Drag with two fingers down from the top of the screen and tap Settings. Next, scroll down the settings menu to About tablet. From there, tap Software update and see if your device can be updated! Or plug it into a desktop computer via USB and update via there.

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How to install the Google Play Store manually

Lots of people pick up tablets and smartphones that don't have the Google Play Store pre-installed on them. Perhaps you've just granted yourself root access and accidentally deleted the Play Store from your new Nexus 6, or flashed a custom ROM and don't want all of Google's apps. Fortunately it's super easy to get Google's app market place running on your device, so you don't have to worry about missing out on all the Play Store has to offer. Here is our guide on how to install the Play Store manually.

How to install Google Play Store APK

The simplest method is one that should already be quite familiar to you if you're an avid follower just install the Play Store APK manually. An APK is the Android version of a exe program on your computer. Instead of downloading an app from the Play Store, you simply load it yourself without the Play Store's help. This is of course very useful when it is the Play Store itself you want to install!

You can always pick up the latest version of the Google Play Store APK on XDA Developers forum or at Android Police, who always do great teardowns of the new features when new updates appear.

Direct sideload from your device

Now, there's two ways to get the APK installed on your device: directly or from your computer. We'll do the easy option first. Just follow one of the links above or do a Google search for the latest Google Play Store version and download the APK file to your Android. Next, you need to have ''Unknown Sources'' enabled in your device's security settings. Don't be alarmed, unknown sources are simply locations outside of the Play Store. Once you've completed the process you can disable ''Unknown Sources'' again just to be safe.

• What to do when Google Play isn't working

So, depending on which device you have, you want to go to your Settings and find the Security section. From here scroll down until you find the ''Unknown Sources'' check box and make sure it is enabled/checked off. Now, just go to your downloads folder or click the completed download notification in the notifications drop down shade, and launch the APK. You'll be prompted to read permissions and accept then the app will install. Google Play will automatically install Google Services Framework, which is what Google uses to keep the Play Store communicating with your apps, so it knows when to update them. And that's it,create a Google account or log in and you're golden. The same sideloading process works for all APKs.

• How to solve the main Google Play Store errors

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