LG G2 tips and tricks: Long-press the volume buttons for app shortcuts

The LG G2 brings with it some interesting new features. Chief among them is the moving of the power button and volume buttons to the rear of the phone. Used in conjunction with the "Knock-on" feature for turning on the display, it brings (somewhat) of a sense of normalcy to a very different phone.

But there's a bit of added functionality that we'd recommend you not forget about — and that brings us back to those rearward-facing volume buttons.

Most phones give you a shortcut to the camera on the lockscreen. The LG G2 is no different — but it actually goes a step further. You don't even have to wake the phone first to get to the camera.

Hold the volume-down button on the LG G2 — they say 3 seconds, but you'll feel the phone vibrate when it triggers — and you'll immediately launch the camera app. 

And once the camera app is open, you can press volume-down (or volume-up, for that matter) to serve as a shutter button. An awkward shutter button, perhaps, but a shutter button all the same.

QuickMemo is a major feature for LG, allowing you to annotate just about anything. So, LG's given you a shortcut to it, too. Hold down volume-up for a couple seconds and it'll fire it right up. No having to wake the phone first. 

See? It's just like the other one. Only different.

For more LG G2 tips and tricks, hit up our LG G2 forums.

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AT&T Galaxy Note 2 receiving OTA update, stays on Android 4.1.2

If you have a Galaxy Note 2 from AT&T, you can start checking your device for a 165MB OTA update starting today that primarily includes updates to pre-installed apps on the phone. Its a hefty update, and although it isn't quite big enough to be that jump up to Android 4.2 or 4.3, it does include some important improvements if the AT&T support document is to be believed.
The carrier claims that this update will bring many Google and AT&T pre-installed apps on the phone up to their latest versions, which is always important, but will have no user-facing changes other than that. After the update you'll be on Android 4.1.2 still with build number JZO54K.I317UCAMH3.
Keep an eye out for that update and let folks know in the forums if you happen to get it on your own device.
Source: AT&T; Via: AndroidPolice
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BBC iPlayer now lets you download shows for offline viewing

The latest version of BBC's iPlayer app for Android has finally caught up to its iOS counterpart, and now offers content downloads for offline viewing. Building on its expanded device support in the last update, the iPlayer app will now let you download complete shows in either standard or high-definition, provided you're on a device with Ice Cream Sandwich or above.

Once downloaded, shows will be stored on your device for 30 days, but will expire just 7 days after the first time they are played. The download feature is only available while connected to Wifi and the changelog indicates that it will only initially be supported on certain devices, but that the list will be expanding quickly. Grab a download of the BBC iPlayer app from the Play Store link above.

Thanks, Paul!

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Verizon’s Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Gear pricing leaked: Note 3 to go for $299 on contract, $600 for Note 3 and Gear bundle

It looks like all major US carriers are getting ready to offer Samsung’s hot-new products. After AT&T and T-Mobile, we’re waiting for Verizon’s press release officially announcing the big news. Meanwhile, we have their leaked document, showing how much the Big Red carrier will ask for both the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear.

Verizon will sell the Note 3 for $699.99 off contract, or for $299.99 if you commit to a 2-year relationship, which is similar to AT&T but $100 more than T-Mobile. In addition, users who want both the Galaxy Gear smart watch and Sammy’s latest phablet will be able to buy them for $599.98. We assume this price also includes signing up for some contract though we have no details to share at the moment.
Preorders for both products are set to begin later today. You will be able to secure your unit from here.
[Via: AndroidSPIN, SamMobile]

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

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T-Mobile, AT&T announce Samsung Galaxy Gear and Samsung Galaxy Note 3

T-Mobile USA and AT&T announced that both of them will offer two of the Samsung’s hottest products, including the Galaxy Gear smart watch and Galaxy Note 3.
AT&T will start accepting pre-orders for the Note 3 later today with first shipments beginning around October 1st. The carrier will sell the powerful phablet for $35 per month with AT&T Next or for $299.99 with a “standard” two-year agreement. The Galaxy Gear will be available “in the coming weeks.”
T-Mobile on its end will launch both the Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note 3 on October 2. America’s “only un-carrier” will sell the Note 3 for $199.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $21.00 with T-Mobile’s Simple Choice Plan; Samsung’s Galaxy Gear will go for $299.99 plus taxes and fees.
Meanwhile, both carriers have prepared pages dedicated to the Note 3 from where you can pre-order the device or sign-up to be informed when it starts selling. AT&T’s page is here, and T-Mobile’s – here.

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

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Major US carriers announce Note 3 pre-order, shipping in October

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is all over the news today in the US as AT&T has opened its pre-order page for the phablet, Verizon has said it will do so today as well, while T-Mobile says it will open up pre-orders soon.
AT&T expects to ship the Galaxy Note 3 around October 1 and it will cost $299.99 on a two-year deal or $35 a month with AT&T Next program. T-Mobile has the Note 3 on their Simple Choice Plan for $199 up front and consequently $21 a month for two years and expects to ship October 2.

Verizon hasn't specified its prices yet but we expect the biggest US carrier to do so today.
The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch will go on sale "in the coming weeks" for $299 but you can get it for free as a set with the Galaxy Note 3 if you sign up for this T-Mobile page (the page will notify you when the Note 3 becomes available for pre-order and shipping).
Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3

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Download the Android Central Pebble watch face!

If you've got a Pebble smartwatch, you're probably already known as a stylish, discerning person. We know how you feel. And to that end, our own Jerry Hildenbrand — both stylish, discerning and one hell of a dancer — has whipped up an Android Central-branded Pebble watch face, featuring our beloved mascot, Lloyd!

Installing is a simple endeavor.
Using your phone, visit this link to download the .pbw file.Hit OK to the dialogs that pop up — better to be safe than sorry, we say — and that's it! It's installed!
Now just select the watch face on your Pebble, and walk down the street with extra confidence, a spring in your step and the knowledge that you're among the elite Pebble owners.
And you can find more great Android Central downloads in our aptly named downloads section!

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