If you are new to Android Central, Welcome! You might already be a member of our sister site, [Only registered users can view links. ]. Android Central will help make your switch to Android fun.
A decade ago, BlackBerry emerged as a top PDA for business users. The small screen was great for emails, messages, and calendar reminders. But today, a smartphone is also a web browser, movie player, GPS, eReader, iPod, document editor, video chat, and sometimes a phone. In 2009, 21% of all smartphones were BlackBerry's. BlackBerry has since lost 1% world-wide marketshare a quarter until it is [Only registered users can view links. ]. [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], and others are reducing or dropping BlackBerry support. [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], and other [Only registered users can view links. ] didn't make it to BlackBerry.
With Android's 350,000 apps, there's an [Only registered users can view links. ]. Fans argue over what smartphone is best but most can get the job done. Switching to Android is like driving a new car: everything is there but laid out a little differently. You can change settings and customize your new Android almost any way you want.
Android phones come in every size and style from 2.5" to 5.3" but they tend to be thin and light. Overall the 4.65" Galaxy Nexus at 4.98 in³ is smaller and weighs less than a 3.7" Torch (5.2 in³). In the end, phones are like shoes. Get what fits you.
Here are some basic features, apps, and settings to consider in a move from BlackBerry to Android.
Choosing a Phone
See the Phone Comparison for specs on many of the top new phones. Over two years you might spend $2,000 or more for cell service so get the one you want. Androids are evolving so quickly that no phone stays on top long. Let's start with some basic features.
4G - Speed Thrills
Fast dual core processors and 1GB of RAM are important but also make sure you get 4G (or LTE). Monthly rates are often just as much for slow phones as fast ones. You may have this phone a long time. Don't get one that is already slow. To turn 4G on:
• Tap Home > Menu > Settings > Wireless > 4G.
• To add a 4G icon to a home screen: Long-press an empty spot on a home screen then tap Shortcuts > Settings > 4G.
Get the right size for you
What is the Right Size Phone? Only you can answer that question. Android phone comes in sizes from 2.5" to 5.3". A survey of 5,000 phone owners found that Only 9% Want a Screen Under 4". See what feels right for you. Don't let anyone tell you the one size phone you are to buy. See the Sizing Chart: What is the Right Size Phone?
Notification LED
The Notification LED is for incoming or missed calls, emails, texts, Facebook or calendar events, etc. The Flashlight Alerts app can also turn the camera LED into a notification LED (tutorial).
Video Calls
Flagship Android phones typically have 1 or 2MP front cameras for HD video chat. That coupled with 4G gives you an amazing opportunity for Video Calls. Android [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ] and [Only registered users can view links. ] give you free unlimited video calls over WiFi, 3G and 4G.
HDMI and DLNA Video Out
You can watch HD movies or make presentations right from your Android. DLNA allows you to see whatever is on your phone on your compatible TV, Blu-ray player, PS3, or Xbox. HDMI uses a cable to connect to your HDTV.
Full Facebook Sync
Most Androids automatically update with Facebook friends' photos, status, messages, phones, events, birthdays, emails, and notifications. Incoming calls pop-up with updated Facebook profile photos. The free [Only registered users can view links. ] app does even more.
Flash
Much of the web including this site rely on Adobe Flash for multimedia but [Only registered users can view links. ]. Unfortunately the HTML5 standard intended to replace Flash is still not finalized. Android does have Flash and HTML5 support built in.
NFC Near Field Communication (NFC) is for instant payments, keycard, and ID, etc. Android NFC can share a contact, photo, song, application, and video or pair Bluetooth or WiFi devices. See the Google NFC Demo.
Good Vibrations
Set your Android to Vibrate (Haptic Feedback) if your phone must be quiet. To set your Android to vibrate, tap Home > Menu > Settings > Sound > Silent Mode ON and Vibrate ON. Apps like Executive Assistant lets you customize repeating LED, sounds, and vibration reminders for missed call, emails, texts, calendar, tasks, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Note: The iPhone lacks haptic feedback.
Physical or On-screen Keyboards
On-screen ("virtual") keyboards on phones under 4" can be a challenge especially if you do not have small hands. Many Androids have physical keyboards but a good predictive on-screen keyboard on a larger display may be a good option. Try out as many physical and on-screen keyboards as you can to see what works for you. Especially try their landscape modes (sideways). Also note that with voice recognition apps like Voice Actions and Vlingo, you can often speak instead of type.
microSD
A microSD card is about [Only registered users can view links. ]. [Only registered users can view links. ] or [Only registered users can view links. ]. Get a "Class 10" microSD for fast 10 MB/s speeds. The [Only registered users can view links. ] and are supported by microSDXC compatible phones such as the [Only registered users can view links. ]. The [Only registered users can view links. ] app frees up space on your phone by moving apps to your SD card.
Setup Your Phone
Once you have chosen your phone, let's get started having some fun with it. We will find your old features and try out some new ones. You can click the Getting Started button at the top of any page for more help.
Multitasking Android Multitasking is automatic. Say you are writing an email and want to paste in a text. Before Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), you would long-press Home, tap Messaging, and copy the text. Long-press Home again, tap Email, and paste the text right where you left off. With ICS, tap Recent Apps and switch to Messaging. Copy the text, tap Recent Apps again to switch back to Email and paste the text. Swipe up or down to move through the Recent Apps or swipe a card left or right to close it.
Gmail [Only registered users can view links. ] is at the heart of Android's Cloud Sync so you need a Gmail account ([Only registered users can view links. ]). You will get notifications when Gmail is pushed to your phone, full Priority Inbox capabilities, and can push multiple email accounts to Gmail for automatic email notifications. See the Gmail Tips. Exchange users: check out [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ]) or [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ]).
Your Contacts and Calendars
Sync your Blackberry contacts and calendar to Gmail if you don't already ([Only registered users can view links. ]):
1. Point your BlackBerry browser to: [Only registered users can view links. ] and tap the Download Google Sync link and download.
2. After installation, tap the Google Sync icon on your home screen and log in.3. Click the Sync Now button at the bottom of the Welcome screen.
Be patient; let the synchronization run in the background as you perform other tasks on your BlackBerry.
Sync to the Cloud
Android syncs to the cloud to back up your contacts and calendars. On your phone tap Menu > Settings > Accounts & Sync > Add account > Google > Contacts, Gmail, Calendar, etc. Then add Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other account syncs as well. Most Androids can sync to all of these accounts automatically. When someone changes a phone number on Facebook, your phone will be updated as well.
Your Photos and Videos
1. Backup all the music, videos, and photos you can from your BlackBerry to your PC.
2. Copy photos and videos from your PC to your Android:
- - Connect your Android to your PC with the USB cable.
- - On your computer, create folders on your phone called Pictures and Videos if it is not already there.
- - Sill using your computer, drag the photos and videos to your phone's folder then disconnect your phone.
3. Reboot the phone: Press Power for 10 seconds > Power Off > Wait 20 seconds > Press Power for 10 seconds.
Your Music
If you are using iTunes, the file names are encoded making them hard to find. The good news is that you no longer have to use iTunes! ([Only registered users can view links. ].) Use the steps above to backup your music to your PC and set up a Music folder on your Android if you don't already have one and drag your music files and folders (copies) from your computer to your phone. Here are some of our favorite [Only registered users can view links. ]: [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ]), [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ]), and [Only registered users can view links. ]. [Only registered users can view links. ] and [Only registered users can view links. ] are not [Only registered users can view links. ] so they can be moved to a new phone without issue.
Battery Life
Android phones are fire-breathing dragons with a big displays, powerful 4G, and a half-dozen other radios. BlackBerry has amazing battery life, but if you know the Power Management Tricks, you can get good battery life on an Android too.
Messenger
Before texting there was BlackBerry Messenger but today [Only registered users can view links. ]. Many Android owners use the stock Messenger texting app or upgrade to the free [Only registered users can view links. ] or [Only registered users can view links. ] texting apps. Others love [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], or Google Talk.
Toggles
Toggles are simple widgets that lets you change settings without going through menus. But you don't have to break anything with an Android. This [Only registered users can view links. ] can keep your display on whenever your phone is charging. To put your Power Control Widgets on a home screen, long-press an empty spot, then tap Widgets > Power Settings. Popular free Toggles include the Curvefish [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ] [Only registered users can view links. ], and [Only registered users can view links. ] widgets but there are [Only registered users can view links. ].
Widgets [Only registered users can view links. ] show live information on-screen without opening the app such as weather, email, calendars, and almost anything else. Here are some favorites:
• [Only registered users can view links. ] - The amazing clock widget in words instead of numbers. [Only registered users can view links. ] - Estimates battery time left. [Only registered users can view links. ] - Day and date in a 1x1 widget. ([Only registered users can view links. ] with color options)
Android Marketplace
The Android Market has endless apps but that is just the beginning. Google allows you to access competing markets plus [Only registered users can view links. ] lets you "share" your actual app files with a friend.
Free App of the Day
Here is another app you will never see on a BlackBerry. The [Only registered users can view links. ] offers thousands of apps at discount prices including the "Free App of the Day".
Paid Apps for free
Here is another great market to try. [Only registered users can view links. ] has a constantly changing assortment of normally paid apps for free including mature content.
Get the Rest of the Apps
Android has apps you won't find on a BlackBerry. [Only registered users can view links. ] puts the real battery percentage in the Notification Bar. [Only registered users can view links. ] has the temperature. You can now also have [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], and other top apps.
Don't just backup, share
The point of a document is to share it. [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ] for 2.25GB for free) lets you backup files for instant use on almost any smartphone or computer. But more importantly, you can share your documents with others.
Let's Work Together [Only registered users can view links. ] let anyone you chose edit files on almost any PC or smartphones including Androids, BlackBerry's, iPad's, and Macs.
Try before you buy
The Android Market gives you 15 minutes to try out an app on your phone to see if the options and features are right for you. If not, uninstall it for a full refund.
Theming
Theming is easy with apps like ADWLauncher. Here is a simple way to change icons and wallpaper.
Folders
Android folders make organizing all those apps easy. The free Android [Only registered users can view links. ] app takes folders to a whole new level. You can have more than 12 apps in a folder and sort the apps as you like. You can change folder icons and customize shortcut icons and names. The screenshot at the top shows Settings, Newsstand, and Game Center folders. See: Folder Organizer Tutorial.
True Hands-free [Only registered users can view links. ] and [Only registered users can view links. ] add many great options to Android. Vlingo can turn on and operate totally from your voice. How to use Vlingo is below.
Visual Voicemail
Most flagship Android phones come with Visual Voicemail that lets you see the caller's photo when you play their message (Oh, that's who that is!). In addition, many Androids will show you their updated Facebook photo and Status when you look at their voicemail. See Visual Voicemail for details. Tap here to see a sample.
No music store limits
You can buy music from Google or any number of competitors. [Only registered users can view links. ] for instance offers almost every song available. The best part is that [Only registered users can view links. ] is not [Only registered users can view links. ] so songs can be moved to a new phone without issue!
Music for free [Only registered users can view links. ] has nearly every song as well...for free.
Navigation
You take for granted that your phone will also be a great GPS. With Android Google Maps, turn-by-turn navigation is included for free. Maps will also show you real time traffic conditions and suggest alternate routes as needed.
Live Wallpaper Live Wallpaper is animated. The [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ] slide down your screen, and [Only registered users can view links. ]. It's fun to see how the Live Wallpaper responds to your touch or movements. See the Live Wallpaper Tips.
More than a Newsstand
With Android, you can have a Newsstand folder for all of your media content. With so many free media apps in Android, you may not see a reason to pay for subscriptions. (How to create folders)
Take control
With your computer, you take for granted that you can see your files. Apps like [Only registered users can view links. ] and [Only registered users can view links. ] let you cut, copy, and paste files as you need.
Your Game Center
Almost ever major game is available on Android. With Android you can have a Games folder for all of your games from Android Market, Amazon, Getjar, etc.
Predictive Keyboards
You can have a real predictive keyboard now. Keyboards like [Only registered users can view links. ] can be even faster for many users than Swype. SwiftKey users can easily break the world record because SwiftKey learns what you have typed once and then predicts your words.
Open Source [Only registered users can view links. ]. If a developer doesn't like a stock Android keyboard or other app, they can change it and re-release it back into the Android Market. Google uses licensing to reduce fragmentation so [Only registered users can view links. ].
Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboards
← See that mouse pointer? The Galaxy S II lets you to connect a Bluetooth wireless mouse or keyboard. This along with HDMI mirroring allows easy control while on an monitor or HDTV. See this video showing USB Host, Bluetooth, and HDMI out from [Only registered users can view links. ].
Try Out Some Apps Here are a few more of the many Applications you may want to try. Here are links to more tips and some key apps. [Only registered users can view links. ] and Google [Only registered users can view links. ] must be installed for searches to work properly. • Flashlight: Turn your camera LED into a flashlight with an app like [Only registered users can view links. ]. • [Only registered users can view links. ] lets you tap a preset brightness or set any brightness you like. • Email Tips + [Only registered users can view links. ] add many features. Corporate users: check out [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ]) or [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ]). • Messaging Tips + Consider [Only registered users can view links. ] or • [Only registered users can view links. ] to replace the messaging app • Browser Tips + Consider great options like [Only registered users can view links. ] or • [Only registered users can view links. ] • Lock screen: [Only registered users can view links. ] - Disables lock screen, phone opens fast. • [Only registered users can view links. ] ($2) lets you customize it. • Simple Theming + [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ], [Only registered users can view links. ]), [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ]), [Only registered users can view links. ] ($0): change Icons, layout, and theme without rooting. • Facebook: [Only registered users can view links. ] (free, [Only registered users can view links. ]) expands options for Facebook notifications, events, contact & profile sync, photos, etc. • Backup Tips: [Only registered users can view links. ] ($5) - Automatically backup messages, contacts, bookmarks, home screens, alarms, dictionary, etc. [Only registered users can view links. ]. • Folder Tips: [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ]) - Sets up folders, change icons, and increase from 4x4 icons to 4x6 or even 5x6. See: Folders
USB Host USB Host lets you plug in a memory thumb drive, PS3 Game Controller, mouse, or keyboard into a micro USB Host adapter as shown in these videos at [Only registered users can view links. ]. Play a game on your phone with a real controller
[Only registered users can view links. ] has included many of the features of found in the Android app, [Only registered users can view links. ] for over a year. Vlingo even pre-dates Google [Only registered users can view links. ]. 30 states now have text while driving bans so apps like Vlingo have become increasingly important.
Vlingo is free in the [Only registered users can view links. ] and [Only registered users can view links. ]. One big upgrade over Siri is that Siri is not hands-free. You must still push buttons on the iPhone to use Siri. Vlingo's [Only registered users can view links. ] lets you just start by saying, "Hey, Vlingo." [Only registered users can view links. ]
Details
• Learns: Vlingo learns and [Only registered users can view links. ] at recognizing how you speak.
• Bluetooth: Vlingo also works with Android A2DP compliant headsets.
Setup
Tap Menu > Settings to change settings.
• InCar Settings to change the Wake up command, etc.
• SafeReader to set up how Vlingo will read and announce texts and emails.
Examples
Here are examples of commands Vlingo can answer on screen or by voice.
Call, Email, or Text
"Call Mom mobile" - "Call taxi" - "Call tow truck" - "Call Best Buy" - "Call plumber"
"Redial"
"Text Will; Let's grab a late lunch."
"Email Janet; Are you available to watch Hunter this weekend?"
"Email John; Subject, Running Late; Message, John, I’ll be 10 minutes late for the meeting."
Find
"Find a sushi restaurant"
"Movie times in Boston"
"Hotels in Seattle for tomorrow night"
"Beach front hotels in Miami"
"Downtown hotel in Dallas."
Social features
"Where are my friends?"
"Twitter status; Excited for the new season of Gossip Girl."
"Update Facebook status; Headed to New York for the weekend!"
Directions and Maps
"Get directions to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave"
"Navigate to Statue of Liberty" (the boat dock, not the island comes up)
"Map of New York"
Alarm Clock
"Open alarm clock"
"Set alarm for 30 minutes"
"Set alarm for 7 AM"
Search
"Get directions to the Smithsonian"
"Why do some sunsets look red?"
"Where is Harry Potter playing?"
"Find Italian restaurants nearby"
"Find sports bars"
"Golf courses near Orlando"
Other Apps
"Open calendar" - "Open calculator" - etc.
Music: "Play music"
Browser: "Go to Google.com"
Find Answers
"Who was the tenth President of the United States?"
"What does poison ivy look like?"
"Search: population of Portugal"
Last edited by milominderbinder; 12-22-2011 at 03:51 PM.
If you want to truly "theme" your phone you need to "root" your phone. Rooting is like an iPhone "Jailbreak" and breaks your waranty and takes some time. You can then change the look and feel of every app.
But if you just want to change the look of your home screens and icons, it is easy and does not break your warranty.
Start with the Wallpaper
If you just want to change to this iPhone-Water-Drops.jpg wallpaper, click the link from your phone to download it. Tap Home > Menu > Wallpaper > Gallery > Gallery > Downloads > iPhone Water Drops > Save.
Here is the QR Code you can scan directly from your phone with an app like [Only registered users can view links. ]:
Folder Organizer
There are lots of ways to change an icon on your phone but [Only registered users can view links. ] ([Only registered users can view links. ]) lets you change icons and set up folders in one simple app....
4.5" Phone Sizing Chart showing the [Only registered users can view links. ] Keyboard
What is the Right Size Phone?
Only you can answer that question. Go hold the different phones. Take time to play with them and try out the features. After a half-hour or longer, what feels right to you?
Android Central's recent Readers Choice survey found that Only 9% Want a Screen Under 4". That makes sense because that is about how many wear Women's Small or Men's XS gloves or smaller.
The chart shows reaching with your right thumb only while holding a typical 4.5" phone. Hopefully this is not while driving or in class because that would be wrong, right?
Notice how the keyboard is positioned right over the easiest area to reach with one hand? But let's break this down a bit. When you are typing on a laptop or PC, what size keyboard do you prefer? 15"? 17"? 20"?
You probably didn't say 3.5". Even a 10" tablet is pretty small to use both hands but you can easily use a two-thumb keyboard like the [Only registered users can view links. ].
For those times when you are typing and holding the phone with one hand, take a look at the sizing chart above. Look at how the SwiftKey keyboard is optimized for one-handed typing:
Green is an average Men's Medium glove (size 9)
Yellow is a Men's Small glove (size 8½)
Red is a men's XS Extra Small glove (size 8)
Again, no sizing chart can tell you what will feel best to you. That's why phones have screen sizes from 2.5" to 5.3". Plus the current phones are so thin and light that they all feel smaller.
In the end, phones are like shoes. Try them and see what feels right for you. Don't let anyone tell you the one size phone you are to buy.
Last edited by milominderbinder; 12-16-2011 at 05:32 PM.
Thread Author
#
Home, tap 
Messaging, and copy the text. Long-press Home again, tap Email, and paste the text right where you left off. With ICS, tap 
Recent Apps and switch to Messaging. Copy the text, tap Recent Apps again to switch back to Email and paste the text. Swipe up or down to move through the Recent Apps or swipe a card left or right to close it. 
