[APP] Scan Documents With Google Drive App | PDF

Google Drive:  Eliminate Clutter and Scan Documents With Your Phone


Perhaps one of the easiest way to cut down on clutter and excessive apps installed on your devices is to consolidate.  What I'm referring to is discovering apps that do more than one thing.  Recently, I used an app called "Camscanner" to scan documents to PDF & save to Google Drive.  What I discovered is that Google Drive does this, too... and very well.  Simply follow the directions below...

From the app:
Just open the Google Drive app (Android) and hit Menu > Add New > Scan > Snap photo > Save to Drive

From the widget:
Tap the camera icon > Snap photo of document > Save to Drive

Can be done using the camera icon on Google Drive widget

Choose Add New

Choose Scan

Snap a photo of the document

Automatically saves document to Google Drive as a PDF

Direct Link: Google Drive

[Tip] Receive All Messages In One App | Hangouts, Google Voice, SMS, MMS

  

+  SMS, MMS

    Hangouts, Google's answer to unifying all of their various messaging services/apps has been updated recently.  To date, it merges Google Talk and G+ Messenger into one app.  It's a great beginning to what will most probably become the defacto messaging app across multiple platforms including, but not limited to Android, Chrome, and Apple's iOS.  

    Although it doesn't support SMS at the moment, there is a workaround to receive Hangouts messages as SMS when idle.  Below are instructions for setting this up as well as how to route your Google Voice messages to the same app as well, if you are one of the many Google Voice users like me.

How To Route All Messages To One Place

1. On your device, open the Google Voice app > Settings > Sync and Notifications > Receive text messages: (choose Messaging App).
2. Next, go HERE 
3. Look for SMS for Hangouts > Edit Settings > Enter your standard carrier phone # and hit SAVE.  (Don't worry about the country drop-down box above the phone number field; it doesn't show USA, but it works regardless.)
4. On your device, you should be able to receive all your text messages from carrier number, Google Voice number, and Hangouts as well as MMS from both carrier # and Hangouts.  Remember, Google Voice still doesn't support MMS at this time (5/17/2013) unless you're on Sprint.
5. (Optional)  Add the Messaging widget to one of your homescreens.  From here, you'll be able to view your messages at a glance, scroll through them, place a phone call, and even attach a file.

This is confirmed to work, although messages sent from the Messaging app on Android didn't always appear correctly on the iOS Hangouts app.  Not sure why, but be aware of this glitch up front.  

Be sure to comment and +1 this post.  Thanks guys!

Edit:  Don't want to route Hangouts messages to the Messaging app?  Simply substitute your carrier number with your Google Voice number in Step 3.  Be advised, by doing this, you will not be able to send MMS, as GV doesn't currently support MMS unless you are on Sprint.
Also, remember that this is merely a workaround until Google fully implements everything.  So do the above at your own risk or sit tight & wait it out.  Either way, at least they're working on it now;-)
-Dan

UPDATE:  As Google has integrated SMS into Hangouts, the link in Step 2 no longer available.  It links to a page that cannot be found.  
This is a good thing, however, as it means this work around is no longer needed=D

[Tip] Great Google Reader Alternative- Feedly | Get On With Your Life

So Google's decided to pull the plug on Google Reader.  If you're like me, this was about like being splashed in the face with cold water; it came as quite a shock.  I'm sure there are reasons why they did it, and I'm also sure that life will go on without it.

The truth is, there are alternatives.  One in particular, that works extremely well is called Feedly.  Feedly does a great job of offering all your RSS subscriptions to you in various ways that I believe will satisfy users across the board.  

To sync with your existing Google Reader RSS subs, simply login by connecting to  Google Reader and Feedly will immediately sync everything over.  In the meantime, any changes you make in Feedly will show up on Google Reader, as well. After July 1st, Feedly will continue to deliver your RSS subscriptions to you without any interruption. 

As previously mentioned, Feedly offers several display options designed to suit a variety of users.  To change views and make it look like your old Google Reader layout, go into Settings and choose "Titles".

Feedly is available on your PC/Mac, as well as Chrome, Android, and iOS and will sync across all of your devices, no matter where you are.  It has both, an app and an extension for Chrome.  

If you're looking for a great, reliable Google Reader alternative be sure to try it out.

Desktop

Chrome

Android

Apple iOS

[Accessory] Poetic Slimline Case | Nexus 7

If you're like me, then you probably have a few cases/covers for your devices.  I probably have 3 or 4 just for my Nexus 7.  I recently grabbed the Poetic Slimline case and I couldn't be happier.  It's the perfect combination of sexy, slim, and functional.  I got mine from Amazon for $15.

If you're looking for a great case for your slate, I highly recommend this one.  Despite some early reviews on Amazon reporting poor build quality, I kept checking in noticed how Poetic was not only trying to make it up to their customers, but they were also upgrading the design on this model.

They've done a great job and I'm really impressed with the attention to detail that's gone into it, to date.

Hit the links below for the all the details on the awesome case by Poetic and maybe even pick one up for yourself:-)

Link:  Poetic Slimline case- Nexus 7 (Official Site)

Source:  DroidHorizon

[How To] Microsoft Office On Your Chromebook | SKYDRIVE

    If you've got a Chromebook and need to work with documents, you know that we have Google Docs (Drive) at our disposal. However, at times you may have found yourself needing to use Microsoft Excel, Word, or Powerpoint for various reasons.  Google Docs are compatible with MS Office docs for the most part, but there are some aspects that end up lost in translation when converting.  If you've been looking for a solution to this problem, this is for you.

    At the moment, MS Office in its humongous footprint, program form isn't available for the Chromebook but that doesn't mean you can't use it.  Microsoft offers an online web app called Skydrive that's free to use and offers most of the features found in the traditional pc suite.

It has a simple UI that makes finding your files easy.  From the dashboard, you can access not only your folders and files saved in the cloud, online, but you are able to access your folders on your pc that are synced as well.  More on this in a bit...

You can create a new Word, Excel, Powerpoint, or OneNote document in Skydrive, as well.  Just click on the Create icon at the top, select the type of document you want to use, and you're off and running.

On your pc, you can download the app that allows you to sync specific folders to Skydrive to access them anywhere.

As for the Chromebook, this is a quick and easy way to use MS Office whenever you're not able to or prefer not to use Google Docs or other office suites available.  I've had to use this in a pinch a few times, such as when editing slideshows originally created in Powerpoint.  Google Slides isn't going to be completely compatible with it.  As much as I love Google Docs and use it as much as possible, sometimes there are situations where you have to use MS Office apps.  And I believe this is a solid workaround for fellow Chromebook users.

Hope this helps!  Be sure to +1 this post and subscribe for more tech news, tips, and tricks.  Thanks guys!

Link: Skydrive

[App] Music Remote - Control Your Stereo With Your Android Device | WITHOUT Wifi or Bluetooth

    One of the great things about Android is the ever evolving, open, and increasingly easy ways to connect everything we use on a daily basis.  This has become a major selling point for the platform, and there are so many apps that lend to this.  Some apps shine and actually make our lives a bit simpler; the way it should be.

For example, have you ever wished you could use your Android device as a remote control with your stereo?  Music Remote by Ubergrund, is a free app that lets you do this, easily and best of all - without the need of a wifi or bluetooth connection.

    I have personally been using this app for a few months and I highly recommend it.  It's reliable and fairly simple to set up and use.  It's also an easy and cheap way to breathe new life back into those old Android devices you may still have lying around or in a drawer.

The premise is simple:  

1. Install the app on your old Android device, enable the app in Settings, then connect it to your stereo.  This can be done via the headphone jack.
2. Next, install the app on your other Android device, as well.  Set it up same way you did the first one and choose which device to use as the server (the device connected to the stereo).
3. Choose a playlist/tracks and remotely control playback, as well as volume, with your other device.  Simple. 

Via the Browser Interface URL (mobile)

Another great feature if you don't want to install the app on the other device or don't have a second/spare Android device to use, is the ability to control it with your Mac/PC/Chromebook via the web.  

Operating this way is just as simple:

1. On the connected Android device, go to Settings > Browser Interface > Enable.
2. Then tap Share Browser Interface URL.
3. Send the link to your email, open it in your web browser, use the on screen controls to operate your connected device remotely.  Be sure to bookmark it, baby...

Via the Browser Interface URL (pc)

So, head on over to the Google Play Store and grab it.  It's easy to use and it's free!  Don't forget to rate the app after you try it for a bit.  Devs need love, too...

Link: Music Remote  (Google Play Store)

Nexus 4 Factory Image Is Back

If you own a Nexus 4 and need/want the factory image, you'll be pleased to know that it is now back online and available for download here.

For whatever reason, Google pulled the Nexus 4 image from the site shortly after releasing the device.  Unless you were one of the few that grabbed it before it disappeared, access to it was a bit tricky.  Fortunately, it has been restored to the site... for now. 

Source: Droid Life

Airdroid 2 Beta Brings New Features

    Those of you that already use Airdroid will be happy to know that Airdroid 2 is now available.  It's still in beta, however, from my own personal experience so far, it works extremely well.  With this new, enhanced version come a variety of great, new features that make it even easier to use.

    For starters, now you can connect to your devices over a mobile network as well.  This is great because now you aren't limited to a wifi network. Just sign in by creating an Airdroid account, if you haven't already, then link your Google account for quicker sign-ins next time.  I can now access my devices from anywhere.

Tip:  You don't have to use a pc.  You can also use your tablet or smartphone as well.

Another new feature the Airdroid team has added is the ability to locate/track your lost devices.  It's simply called "Find Phone" and it's built in to the application. 

Finally, a couple things that I believe current users will love or even convince you to try it out, is the ability to remotely control your device's camera.  Once connected, you can access the camera on your tablet or smartphone to take photos. 

You can now add shortcuts to files and folders as well.

These are just a handful of really useful features Airdroid offers up.  It's extremely reliable, has an intuitive UI, and best of all- it's free.  

I highly recommend this app/utility to any Android user interested in enhancing their experience.  Go check it out;-)

Airdroid (web)

Airdroid (Google Play Store)

Lenovo ditches Windows for Chrome OS

Guys, this is huge news.
For the first time in ages, the prospect of Windows not being the main, go-to OS for business use is becoming a reality.
I'm ecstatic about this because I've personally used Chrome and ChromeOS. I've seen the potential it has. Matter of fact; at my previous job, I routinely locked horns with the IT Administrator there, as we differed in or opinions about Windows vs Linux (Chrome OS).

One of the debates that come to mind was about me getting caught using Chrome as my browser in my office. We weren't allowed to use anything but IE (Internet Explorer). Firefox wasn't even allowed. He had been apparently tracking my computer use & came by one day to bust me. I remember him telling me that "our company runs Microsoft products exclusively & IE is the only browser permitted on these PCs from a safety & security standpoint."

My question to him was "...so you chose to go with the least secure system & browser available?!"

We didn't always argue. In fact, we got along pretty well because at our cores, we were both tech nerds:) However, I was never able to convince him that Chrome OS was the real deal... While I was there;-)

Read the full article here.

Ditch iTunes Once and For All

UPDATE: Use any cloud storage service you wish, including Google Drive.
So, I just achieved Super Dad status with my 9yr old daughter;-)

She has both, an iPod Touch and iPad Mini, and putting music onto them is a complete P.I.T.A. due to the fact you have to use iTunes.  For over a year, it's been hit or miss trying to sync the kid some stinking tunes onto her iPod but I vowed to figure out a solution to this B.S.  I use Google Play Music exclusively on all my stuff (Android user) and everything's so much easier to do on an Android device; why does everything have to be so complicated & require a workaround on iOS??

It came to me recently, while browsing through the Appstore on her iPad that there were generic Google Play Music apps available. So after a bit of dwelling on the issue, I figured out a way to beat the system...

HOW TO SET UP GOOGLE PLAY MUSIC ON iPAD / iPOD / iPHONE

1. Create a google account for my daughter. (which I had done prior...)
2. Open Google Music Manager on my PC, click Advanced, sign out and sign in under her email and password.
3. Move all the tunes/artists she likes into a folder named "Google Play Music-PC-<insert name here>.
4. In Google Music Manager, click Add Folder and select the folder created in Step 3, click Apply then Upload.
5. Go to the Appstore and install gMusic: A Google Music Player ($1.99) and sign in to her Google account.
6. To stream, merely tap Play. To sync (make available offline), choose Offline for each desired Artist/Track.

Hope this helps anyone who has been trying to figure out an easy workaround to this issue. Anybody who already uses Google Play Music is familiar with this process.