Android devices

2/26 to 3/24

Our Course Handout and the presentation slides 

Android handout Spring 2024.pdf
Presentation Using your Android device spring 2024.pdf

ACtivities to try

These activities can be done following each class.  You would go as far as wewent in class.  

Activity: Find a manual

Find a manual for your phone.  You can save it on your device, open on your phone,  or send a link to your email for future use.

Activity:   What version?

You can find the version of operating system under settings.  Go to Settings>About Phone>Software information>Android version.  What version is your Android?

Activity:

Check your accounts to see what you have set up.  Add an account if you need one.

Activity:  Keep your Android awake during class

Before continuing, you might want to set your device so it won't keep shutting off. To do so, go to Settings>display>Sleep>30 minutes.  You will want to switch back later to conserve the battery.


Activity: Find on your home screen

Demonstrate how to find the following on your home screen:  Google Search, Favorites Tray, Folders, Back, home and recent apps button, finding and clearing recent apps

Activity:  Quick Settings options

Open quick start.  Try the following:

Activity: What are your available networks?

Look for the wireless settings on your device.  What are the available networks?  

Activity:  Update your software

Find software update and check to see if you are using the most updated version.  

Activity: Change the background

Change the background of your device.  Use a picture that you have stored.

Activity:  Set a screen lock 

If you are still using swipe to unlock, you should update it.  Follow the instructions to add a pin to lock and unlock your device.

Activity:  Pair a device

Do you have a bluetooth device, such as headphones or a wireless speaker?  Try to pair it using these instructions.

Activity:  Notifications

Activity:  The Play Store

Go to the play store to search for an app.  Lets install a game called Kahoot.  Look for the Kahoot app in the play store.  Before installing,  look at the reviews.  Where was it created?  Does it appear safe?  If so, click "install".  While in the play store, check out some of the other things you can rent/purchase such as movies and TV, books and games.

Activity with Apps

Lots of things to try.  How many can you do?  

Activity:  Activities with contacts

Open the Contacts app.  

Activity:  Camera apps

Open the camera app to see what choices you have.  Try some of the options such as Video, Panorama and Timer.  Consider downloading another camera app if you find that yours is missing features.

Activity: Install the SDEmergency app

Install the SDEmergency app.  Go to the Google Play store, search using the name (SDEmergency) and install.  Allow notifications.  This is perhaps the most important app you can have!

Additional resources

From Digital Trends:  A guide to Android for beginners

From How To Geek:  Another beginners guide to Android

From our friends at GCFLearnFree:  A tutorial on using Android devices

For all devices:  Google has a support page on Androids

Are you switching from iPhone to Android?  This video compares the two.

How to use the Samsung Galaxy A10e (would have similarities to other Samsungs and Androids.

How to set up a new Android Tablet

Clarifications from past classes

What is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that brings you 3D cinematic experience. This is a new level of audio experience on Samsung Galaxy S10 Series and S9/9+. It was first used in cinema and increasingly available on TVs and home entertainment devices.  Benefits are as follow:

• Immersive virtual surround sound effect

• Richer audio experience for movies, music and voice

• Supports both headphone and stereo speakers

 To activate it:

1.   Go to Settings > Tap Sounds and Vibration

2.   For Galaxy S10 Series, tap Advanced sound settings > Sound quality and effects > Dolby Atoms

For other Galaxy Series, scroll down and look for Sound quality and effects > Tap on Dolby Atmos

3.   4 options are available: Auto, Movie, Music and Voice

4.   Select your preferred option or keep default setting at Auto

Can only be used with Bluetooth speakers or headphones.


Connecting two headphones to one Android:

If your Android has Dual Audio option, you can enjoy sharing your music or podcast with another person at the same time.  You will pair them both.  When the 2nd one is connected, you will receive a push notification asking if you want to enable "dual audio" option.  This works best if both sets are inside and relatively close to the device.  To connect more than 2 pairs, you can purchase a bluetooth transmitter/splitter.  Source

Digital Media Receivers:

We discussed digital media receivers, devices that can be built into your older car to include messaging, maps, and more.  Mine came with a backup camera. Here are some examples on Best Buy.

Audio Settings

Having trouble with audio in Zoom?  Tech solutions offers some great troubleshooting ideas, with pictures.  View here.