Friday, May 29, 2020

How to schedule a tweet natively on Twitter

For a long time the only way to schedule tweets on Twitter was by using any number of services that weren't actually, Twitter. Weird huh? Of course there is Tweetdeck but not many people use that on a daily basis for a single account and therefore have relied on 3rd party tools to schedule their tweets, until now.

How to schedule a Tweet on Twitter

  1. Open up www.twitter.com in your browser.
  2. Start a new tweet that you'd like to publish in the future.

  3. Click the new Schedule icon, enter the date you'd like to publish and click Confirm.

  4. Now that you have confirmed the publishing date, take a last look over your tweet, you'll notice the tweet window now has your chosen date and time next to your avatar.

  5. Next, you click the Schedule button. You'll see your scheduled tweets in a list within a new tab on your unsent tweets section, found by clicking the "Unsent tweets" button.


 

That's it, "That's the tweet." – You can now schedule tweets from Twitter's native web app on desktop.

Other great social media articles:



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Lenovo Chromebook Duet review: so small, but just right

Originally unveiled at CES 2020, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is finally here! We fell in love with the little Chrome OS 2-in-1 as soon as we saw it. But after spending nearly a month with the new Chromebook, does it really live up to its promise?

Specifications

  • MediaTek Helio P60T processor
  • 4GB of RAM
  • 64GB/128GB of storage. 
  • 10.1-inch 1,920 x 1,200 display
  • 8MP rear camera
  • 2MP front-facing camera

Introduction

The main idea behind the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is pretty simple. Rather than delivering yet another Chromebook laptop, they've built a mobile device with a detachable keyboard and stand that allows you to quickly switch between laptop-mode and tablet mode on the fly.

Google tried this concept a couple of years ago with the Pixel Slate. The idea was innovative at the time, but Google's implementation was far from perfect. The software was horrendous and the price was astronomically high for what the device had to offer. So what makes Lenovo think that the Chromebook Duet can succeed where Google managed to fail?

The price

There are quite a few differences between the Pixel Slate and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, but the price gap between them is by far the biggest one. Google's offering made its debut with a base price of $599. For that, users were given an 8th Gen Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. Based on the specs alone, the Pixel Slate was already overpriced at the time, but Google had the audacity of selling the device as a standalone tablet, charging an extra $199 for its keyboard and stand.

By contrast, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet costs $279. For a tablet, that's pretty reasonable, but the keyboard and kickstand case that allow the device to transform into a laptop are included in the box, making Lenovo's offering immensely more appealing.

Design & Build

One of the reasons why the Lenovo Chromebook Duet made such a lasting impression when we first saw it at CES this year was its design. If you've used or even just seen a tablet in the past few years, you'd be forgiven if you failed to tell them apart. That's not the case with this device. The Chromebook Duet has a unique two-tone aluminum and plastic case that give it a premium feel while also adding a touch of playfulness we rarely see in this category.

Weighing in at 450 grams, the tablet is pretty light, making it comfortable to hold for longer sessions. When holding it in landscape mode (the natural orientation for a Chrome OS tablet, the USB C charging port, power button and volume rocker are located on the right edge. The bezel's around the 10.1-inch display aren't particularly thin when compared to today's smartphones or ultrabook laptops, but they're smaller than those of the new Surface Go 2 and significantly thinner than what Apple delivers on its 10-inch iPad. 

If I could change one thing, I would relocate the stereo speakers from the top edge to the front of the tablet and throw in a 3.5mm headphone jack. Those two minor changes would make the Duet more suited for media consumption, a use case Lenovo is targeting with this device.

As you might expect, the build quality of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet isn't going to be on the same level as an iPad or a Surface from Microsoft, but that's not to say it's bad. Far from it, in fact. Lenovo is the biggest computer manufacturer on the planet and knows how to deliver incredible hardware even at this price point.

Performance

Anyone buying a Chromebook that costs less than $300 probably knows that they shouldn't expect exceptional performance. Unlike the Pixelbook Go or the new Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook isn't powered by an Intel chip. Instead, Lenovo has opted for a MediaTek Helio P60T, a chipset that's mainly intended for Android tablets and smartphones rather than an operating system like Chrome OS.

That being said, the Duet is still quite a capable device, posting benchmark scores 40% higher than Chromebooks using the Intel Celeron N400. This extra power comes in handy when multitasking. After a few days with this device, you'll inevitably end up with a few dozen tabs open in Chrome. Anyone who uses the Chrome browser on a Windows or macOS device knows this can easily lead to slowdowns, especially on a device with only 4GB of RAM. But the Chromebook Duet barrels through without even a hiccup. You'll easily be able to have more than 30 tabs open simultaneously without an issue. 

Loading up Android apps from the Play Store and running them side-by-side with each other or Chrome didn't present any issues either, though some apps can take a bit longer than expected to load up. Editing images in Snapseed was quite enjoyable and some simple video editing with Power Director Pro went off without a hitch. It was actually a more enjoyable experience than it is on most Android devices due to the larger display and trackpad for dragging and dropping clips.

The chipset also has more than enough power to turn the Lenovo Chromebook Duet into a decent casual gaming device. My daughters had a blast using it to play Minecraft and it's also perfect for casual games like Monument Valley, Clash of Clans and the more demanding Asphalt 9. I even loaded up Call of Duty Mobile and was pleasantly surprised that the tablet was able to deliver high frame rates when changing the graphical settings to medium. Of course, playing CODM on such a large touch screen display can be a bit tricky and the game still doesn't offer keyboard and mouse support, but you can always connect a Bluetooth controller to the Chromebook Duet.

Display

When it comes to the display, the Chromebook Duet has a very good panel compared to other tablets or Chromebooks in its price category. The 10.1-inch panel sports a 1,920 x 1,200-pixel resolution, allowing for crisp visuals for browsing the web, playing games, or watching videos. 

The panel offers 106% coverage of the sRGB compared to the category average of 78% with superb color accuracy with a 0.2 Delta-E rating. Lenovo claims the Chromebook Duet's screen can deliver 400 nits of brightness. That number isn't extremely high when compared to smartphones or HDR TVs these days, but it's still bright enough to be used outside, as long the sun's rays aren't hitting it directly. 

Again, this isn't going to compare to the screens that Microsoft and Apple are using on their Surface and iPad lines, but I'm honestly quite happy with what Lenovo has delivered.

Keyboard and kickstand case

With the launch of the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, tablet keyboards seem to be all the rage these days. But while the iPad Pro's keyboard costs $349 on its own, the Chromebook Duet keyboard and kickstand case comes right in the box at no extra charge.

The nice thing about the keyboard and the kickstand case is that they can be used together or separately. These mundane accessories for tablets transform them from a media-consumption device into a productivity tool. The keyboard and kickstand case for the Chromebook Duet do just that, giving you the ability to turn the tablet into a workhorse for typing out emails, editing Word Documents, or writing a blog post. Keep in mind that the Chromebook Duet is running a desktop version of the Chrome browser, giving you the ability to do practically anything your Windows or macOS computer can do on the web.

The keyboard and the case are both simply attached to the Chromebook Duet via powerful magnets. When you're done with work, just pull the keyboard off and you're left with a tablet that can stand up on its own, making it the perfect companion on your kitchen countertop to display a recipe or simply propping up the tablet while catching up on your favorite Netflix or Disney+ show while in bed.

As you'd expect, the keyboard is a bit cramped. The keys aren't extremely large and the overall footprint of the keyboard matches that of the tablet, so it's not like Lenovo could have done anything on that front. That being said, the keys offer pretty decent travel and feedback, making the overall typing experience quite enjoyable once you get used to it. My only complaint with the trackpad is that it's just a bit too small. Even after using it for nearly a month, it's the most frustrating aspect of the overall experience. It works perfectly fine, but I've simply gotten used to must larger touchpads on laptops over the past few years.

Battery life

Since the Lenovo Chromebook Duet was built as a productivity device, they crammed in a 7,000 mAh battery, promising 10 hours of continual use. While most devices typically come up short on their battery promises, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet surprisingly exceeds its claims by an impressive margin. 

Most of the time, the Duet will hit the 10-hour mark with a good 10-15% battery remaining. On average, I was able to use the Chromebook for a full 12 hours before the battery died completely. Naturally, those numbers will vary based on how you use the tablet, but if you're spending most of your time browsing with a few hours of video playback, hitting the 10-hour mark should be a breeze.

Software experience

Anyone who has used Chrome OS over the past few years already knows how great the software is. There are no viruses to deal with, updates are delivered automatically (the Duet will be getting 8 years of updates from Google) and the overall experience is simple since it's all based around the Chrome browser.

That being said, with the Chromebook Duet pulling double duty as a laptop and tablet, the experience does change a little when you transition between the two use cases. When the keyboard is attached, the Duet act like any other Chromebook with multi-window and side-by-side app support. But when the keyboard isn't connected, Chrome OS doesn't give you those same options. The UI forces the Chrome browser and the Android apps to expand to use the full screen. While this user experience paradigm is understandable, Lenovo should give users the option to keep the multi-window functionality when using the Duet as a tablet.

Final Thoughts

With most convertible devices demanding outrageous prices these days, the Chromebook Duet is a breath of fresh air. It's simple, sleek, elegant, and delivers an outstanding experience when you consider it only costs $279.

Like any other gadget, it's far from perfect, but it's easy to look over the Duet's faults due to the overwhelming value it delivers. If you're looking for a new media consumption tablet that can also double as a mini laptop, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is definitely worth the investment.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet Rating: star_fullstar_fullstar_fullstar_fullstar_25 (4.2/5)

The Good

  • Incredible value
  • Amazing battery life
  • Solid build

The Bad

  • Small keyboard

 



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Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 could be launching in the next 2-3 months

When Samsung finally got around to launching the Galaxy Fold, it was met with a somewhat lukewarm reception. This is because for the price of the phone, many weren't exactly impressed. Samsung has confirmed their plans to launch a new foldable phone later this year which could be their second chance at getting this right.

There is of course the question of when, but a report from Korean publication Hankook Ilbo, they claim that the Galaxy Fold 2 will be launching in August later this year. Given that we're almost in June, it means that we're about 2-3 months away from the phone being officially announced.

What's interesting is the timing, because August is roughly around when Samsung usually announces their new Galaxy Note phones. The company is expected to launch the Galaxy Note 20 this year, so it is possible that the Galaxy Note 20 and the Galaxy Fold 2 will be sharing the same event.

According to the rumors, the Galaxy Fold 2 will come with improved cameras, a bigger display, and could also be slightly cheaper. This is because Samsung will be giving the phone a base option of 256GB of storage instead of 512GB, which could lower the price by about $100.

Take this report with a grain of salt, but we imagine that more details will be leaked in the coming weeks ahead of the launch.

Source: BGR



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Watch the Pixel 3 destroy the iPhone in live voice transcriptions

There are many things that make a phone great, but all of this boils down to personal preference. For the budget shopper, price is obviously the main factor, and for the shutterbug, the camera is of the utmost importance. For those who like taking down voice notes and making dictations, then it seems that Android is the clear winner here.

This is thanks to a video uploaded onto Twitter by user James Cham, in which he puts the iPhone up against the Google Pixel 3 to see which device (and subsequently which platform) is better at live transcriptions.

Spoiler alert: the Pixel 3 wins hands down.

In the video, you can see how the iPhone seems to struggle with recognizing the words spoken by Cham. There also seems to be a noticeable lag as the iPhone is trying to process the voice input, while the Pixel 3 just breezes by effortlessly. By the end, the Pixel 3 has managed to complete the transcription in its entirety a whole six seconds ahead of the iPhone.

Now, it is no secret that Apple's Siri digital assistant is a bit lacking when compared to the competition, and this video basically enforces that. We have heard rumors that Apple is working on improving Siri's capabilities, but for now, it looks like Android is the clear winner here. So if live and accurate transcriptions are your kind of jam, then definitely consider making the switch to Android, if you haven't done so already.



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Thursday, May 28, 2020

How to restore a Pixel device using a cloud backup

The Google Pixel is the peak of the Android experience but even the purest Android software can begin to slow down over time. With a combination of caching information, unused apps, and depleting storage, it is inevitable that over time the Google Pixel may not continue to perform how it did from day one.

As much as a slow device is annoying, all is not lost. Initiating a factory reset on a Google Pixel can help to restore things to normal and get your device performing like it did on day one. However, performing a factory reset to start things from scratch can be a daunting experience with many expecting that all their data would be lost. The Pixel has features built-in natively that ensure your data can be restored from the cloud following a factory reset, so here's all the detail.

What backs up automatically

As soon as you log in to your Google account, certain things will upload automatically. Data in your Google Calendar, Contacts, and Photos and Videos will back up to the cloud. In addition, your installed apps and associated app data, call history, device settings, and SMS text messages will be uploaded but are limited to 25MB of data per app.

For anything not automatically backed up to the cloud, you can upload the content to Google Drive to store it safely in the cloud while you perform a factory reset.

Restore data & settings from the cloud

Following a factory reset on your Pixel, the device will reboot and take slightly longer to start up on first boot. Once the Pixel has rebooted, you'll be presented with the welcome screen. Follow the below steps to restore your data from the cloud.

  • Tap start on the Pixel welcome screen.
  • Connect to the internet using either WiFi or Cellular.
  • Tap next when you see Copy apps & data.
  • Select Can't use old phone.
  • Under Copy another way, tap Ok.
  • Then select A backup from the cloud.
  • Sign in to your Google account that you previously used on the device.
  • Follow the on-screen steps, which will walk you through the data to restore.

Restore app data

Despite the app itself re-downloading automatically, you may find that the data within the app itself may not restore fully. You may be asked to log in again or a game, for example, may not have saved progress.

  • Head into Settings.
  • Tap System > Advanced > Backup > App Data.
  • Turn on Automatic Restore.

Check your backup settings

If you are planning on performing a factory reset, you can verify what is set to backup by following the below steps. It's always a good idea to check everything is checked that you intend on wanting to keep after the reset.

  • Open the Settings.
  • Tap Account and select your Google account.
  • Tap Account Sync.
  • Check that everything you want to be backed up is turned on.

Roundup

Google does a great job of minimizing the damage of a factory reset by ensuring that you can backup your data to the cloud to restore from following the reset. Restoring from a backup is obviously only one option; you can, of course, choose to set up your device as if it was brand new and start again from scratch. It's always a good idea to perform a factory reset on your Pixel device to clear out the caches and delete old information, and now hopefully you can do so with the confidence you can restore from a backup stored in the cloud.



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How to reset your home screen layout (and delete all the app icons at once)

Home Screen Hell: it's the place where all your app and game icons go to spend their miserable eternity. You've amassed so many pages and icons that after spraining both thumbs attempting to remove them one-by-one, you've officially given up. Well, it's time to un-give up, because we're taking you on a 1-minute journey to a hidden place called the Fountain of Sanity.

How to delete all your app icons:

  • Open your device settings
  • Tap on "Apps"
  • Tap on "Google App"
  • Tap on "Storage"
  • Tap on "Manage Space"
  • Tap on "Clear Launcher Data"
  • Tap "Okay" to confirm

We didn't say it was hard, but boy is it a pesky place to find. Even the expert Android user would likely be searching in all the right places, but still come up empty handed. Let's hope Google makes managing home screens an easier task with Android N, and we think they will.



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Best Chargers for the Samsung Galaxy S20

Samsung Galaxy S20 is probably the most innovative addition to the Samsung family. From its captivating look, to its brilliant features, the Samsung Galaxy S20 comes with some high-end performance including wireless charging, 4,000 mAh battery capacity, 25w charging speed, and of course, five cameras with high pixels.  **what more to add?

Below are some of the best chargers for the Samsung Galaxy S20.  

Cluvox Fast USB-C Car Charger 

You can charge up to two devices through this charger. This comes with a speed which is four times more than the speed of conventional chargers, letting you charge more than 50% within 3 minutes.  

SEE ON AMAZON

Samsung 45W USB-C Fast Charger

This 45W super-fast charger does rapid charging and is highly flexible with its detachable USB cable. These features make this black charger a perfect choice forS20 users.  

SEE ON AMAZON

Samsung 15W Fast Charge 2.0 Wireless Charger Stand

The Qi certified charger works in both portrait and landscape modes, and has fan with a LED light control, making it the best charger in the wireless range.  

SEE ON AMAZON

Samsung Qi Certified Fast Charge Wireless Charger Stand

This Qi certified charger is compatible with all Qi certified devices which is also USB C port compatible. You are going to get the best of both worlds with it.  

SEE ON AMAZON

Samsung Wireless Charger DUO Pad, Fast Charge 2.0

You would not need to plug in your device with this smart looking wireless charger for your S20 that charges both your Samsung phone and SmartWatch.  

SEE ON AMAZON

 Hoidokly Dual 2-in-1 Qi Wireless Charger Stand 

This tool has a magnetic charger pad as well as a charger stand, giving you the best option to charge Samsung accessories as well. 

SEE ON AMAZON
 

EloBeth 2-in-1 Qi Wireless Charger Stand 

You can let both your phone and smartwatch charge simultaneously with this innovative tool. Also, it has a magnetic protection that keeps your devices safe while they are charging.  

SEE ON AMAZON

BoxWave Solar Rejuva PowerPack 

This is a power bank that works with solar energy and has the ability to charge your Samsung S20 up to three times when fully charged. You can also see the Morse code signals in the form of LED flashlights that fit to steady, strobe, and SOS. 

SEE ON AMAZON

Samsung Wireless Charger Portable Battery

This portable wireless charger portable battery looks sleek and stylish, and can charge up to7.5Watts without even needing a cable.  

SEE ON AMAZON
 

 

These were some highly innovative and quality products for charging your Samsung.  ****Add more



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Online Casinos Can Only Become More Popular with Time

As things stand right now, there is only one possible route that the online casino industry can take, which is upwards. To know and understand why that conclusion is so obvious, let's go through some facts which suggest the same.

There is Virtually No Limitation to Accessibility

Whether someone is taking a trip to a different continent altogether, or staying inside for the time being, as long as there is a smart device and an active internet connection, online casinos are always accessible to adults.

The entire civilized world has decent net connections in 2020, while almost everyone has at least a smartphone. Both of these factors are crucial to the nearly limitless access of online casinos, and they are only going to improve in quality and reach with time. 

Political Limitations on Online Casinos are Loosening Up

Virtually being the keyword, the only limitations to accessing online casinos are certain political boundaries where gambling is not legal. However, to illustrate how slack and somewhat confusing the rules of online gambling regulation in different countries are, let us take the example of Canada itself.

On paper, gambling establishments online are illegal in Canada, but if the online casino is located offshore, then Canadian players are free to access it, play in it, and even withdraw their winnings without a hitch. The thing about an online casino in Canada is that the authentic, legal ones are all located offshore, and as a Canadian citizen, you can play in them without having to worry about breaking laws.

This is true in more countries than just Canada, of course, and as have already been seen multiple times in the past, online casinos will become legal establishments in more countries in the future.

Improving Digital Technology and Mobile Casinos

Having a smartphone or a tablet is one thing, but having one capable of running casino games in high definition is entirely another. To make the factors at work here clearer, let's take a look at a few facts that naturally implicate the growth of online casinos even beyond its current massive size.

  • Not only do most people across the planet have access to a smart device, but smart devices are also getting smarter and more powerful as well
  • While before only high-end, expensive devices could be used to play high-end casino games, that is no longer how it is anymore
  • Even mid-range and sometimes entry-level smartphones can be used to play online casino games without a hitch
  • The casino apps and sites are being designed to be dynamic, which means they scale up or down in quality with the device they are being accessed from
  • Contrary to there being a divide between mobile casinos and regular online casinos, most online casinos can now be accessed from most mobile phones
  • On high-end devices, the experience is particularly realistic and enjoyable, which is drawing in more players to the genre
  • Fast internet connections are getting faster, helping to make Live Casino experiences more seamless
  • The in-game graphics and animations are beginning to look exceptionally good in the latest casino games

The Convenience Factor

Finally, we come down to the most dominant factor that made online casinos as big as they are today, which is, of course, the convenience of it all. If the technology keeps improving and the experience keeps getting more mobile and enjoyable at the same time, there is practically no reason for online casinos to see a fall in their popularity anytime soon. It's not just as convenient as it was five years back, but online gambling and betting has now become exponentially more convenient, due to wider acceptance, more choices, and assurance of safety on legal and genuine casinos.

It would be unfair to state that offline or traditional casinos will lose all business in the future because as things begin to improve globally, they will gain back a large portion of their business clientele. However, even large casinos are starting to understand that online is the future of casinos in general, which is why we are seeing so many of them trying to enter the market with their own online casinos.



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OnePlus just did the unthinkable

The OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T have officially been blessed with the Android 10 update. For those keeping track, the two phones were released in 2017 running Android Nougat (Android 7.0).

Android updates have been a point of contention for a long time among Android users. While a few of the bigger players in the space typically release two major Android updates over the lifetime of a flagship device, mid-range, and budget smartphones typically only see one major update after their release. With the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T receiving now receiving the Android 10 update, they are among only a handful of devices in recent history to get three full updates of the operating system.

Currently, Google's Pixel phones are the only devices that have been promised three years of software support. As of right now, OnePlus hasn't committed to delivering three major updates to its OnePlus 6, 7 and 8 devices, but we wouldn't be surprised if they did. The official OnePlus policy on updates guarantees Android updates for 24 months after a phone is released and security updates for 36 months.

Now, if only there was a way to convince Samsung to take note of OnePlus' example.

OnePlus 5 Android 10 Changelog

  • System
    • Upgraded to Android 10
    • Brand new UI design
    • Enhanced location permissions for privacy
    • New customization feature in the Settings allowing you to choose icon shapes to be displayed in the Quick Settings
  • Game Space
    • New Game Space feature now add all your favorite games in one place for easier access and better gaming experience
  • Message
    • Now possible to block spam by keywords for Message (Messages – Spam – Settings -Blocking settings)
  • Full Screen Gestures (OnePlus 5T Only)
    • Removed back gesture from the bottom of the screen
    • Added back gesture on the left and right side of the phone
    • Added a bottom navigation bar to allow switching left or right for recent apps
  • Camera
    • Electronic image stabilization currently under optimization and will be pushed in later stabler versions. Please stay tuned.


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Wednesday, May 27, 2020

How to temporarily disable or suspend your Instagram account

Sometimes or at least for a maximum of once per week you might just want to temporarily shut off your Instagram feed. The floods of notifications might be getting you down or the abundance of free watch collab offers are just too hard to keep track of. Either way, if you choose to temporarily disable your Instagram account, your profile, photos, comments and likes will be hidden until you reactivate it by logging back in.

Here's how to temporarily disable your account:

  1. Log into instagram.com from a mobile browser or computer. You can't temporarily disable your account from within the Instagram app.
  2. Tap or click your profile picture in the top right and then select Edit Profile.

  3. Scroll down, then tap or click Temporarily disable my account in the bottom right.

  4. Select an option from the drop-down menu next to Why are you disabling your account? and re-enter your password. The option to disable your account will only appear after you've selected a reason from the menu and entered your password.

  5. Tap or click Temporarily Disable Account.

 

You'll need to be able to log into your account to temporarily disable it. If you can't remember your password or username, see some tips for logging in.



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How to post GIFs to Instagram

GIFs are not a new thing, in fact they are some of the oldest things on the internet dating back to 1987. Posting GIFs to Instagram and other social media sites is quite simple thanks to Giphy, a service that is now revered as the "internet standard" in GIF deployment. Recently acquired for $400 million by Instagram it is an easy to use and incredibly entertaining tool for socal media.

There are 101 ways to post GIFs to social media but I'll focus on two methods in this article for speed and simplicity.

Download the Giphy app, it's free and available on Android & iOS

Method 1: Giphy's Library

 

  1. Open the Giphy app and search for a relevant GIF.
  2. Tap the paper airplane/send icon.
  3. Tap Instagram.
  4. Tap either Feed or Stories.
  5. Create your post as you would normally.
  6. Publish.

A really simple 6 step process that shoudl take about a minute to complete.

Method 2: Make your Own

  1. Open the Giphy app and tap "Create" in the top right.
  2. You camera will activate and you can long press on the shutter to record up to 8 seconds of video.
  3. You can add filters and stickers to your video.
  4. Tap the –> next arrow (bottom right) then tap "Share GIF" on the next screen.
  5. Tap Instagram.
  6. Choose between Feed or Stories.
  7. Create your post as you would normally.
  8. Publish.

Et Voila! You can now start using Giphy's extensive GIF library or even make your own! Enjoy!

BONUS TIP: If you already have some of your favorite GIFs stored on your mobile you can select these in the Instagram app (look for them in your gallery). Instagram will automatically convert these to short videos that you can use in your Feed and Stories posts.



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Google Stadia now supports 1440p/4k streaming on Chrome, here’s how to enable it

One of the upsides to streaming games with services like Stadia is that it removes the majority of hardware bottlenecks. This means that even if you don't have a particularly powerful computer, you can still enjoy the latest games. This is because for the most part, the majority of the game's processing is taking place on Google's servers.

The good news is that if you've felt that the resolution offered by Stadia was a bit too low for your liking, you'll be pleased to learn that Google has recently announced that Stadia for Chrome on the desktop will now have the option to stream games in 1440p resolution instead of 1080p.

How to stream Stadia in 1440p or 4K

To stream Stadia games in 1440p or 4K resolution, you will need to meet certain requirements which include:

  • A Stadia Pro subscription
  • A Windows PC or Chromebook with VP9 hardware decoding
  • The Google Chrome browser
  • A display that supports 1440p or higher resolution
  • An internet connection with speeds 35Mbps or greater

If you meet those requirements, here's how you can enable 1440p or 4K streaming:

  1. Launch the Stadia app on your phone
  2. Tap your avatar on the top right corner of the screen
  3. Select Data usage & performance
  4. Choose "Best visual quality"

You can repeat the steps above to downgrade the stream quality if you're experiencing a less-than-ideal stream that stutters or lags. Like we said, Google will require gamers to have a 35Mbps or higher connection in order to stream 1440p or higher, so you'll want to make sure that you have that.

To check if your game is currently being streamed at a resolution higher than 1080p:

  1. During gameplay, press the Stadia icon button on your controller or Shift + Tab on your keyboard
  2. Select Connection
  3. You should now see what quality your games are being streamed in

Source: Google



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How to migrate your Google Play Music library to YouTube Music

Google has recently announced that by the end of the year, they will be killing off its Google Play Music service. Over the years, Google has experimented with various streaming services which have admittedly left some users confused, but it looks like the company is finally settling on one: YouTube Music.

The good news is that if you were subscribed to Play Music and have built up a library of songs and playlists, you can easily transfer them over to YouTube Music so you won't need to build it up from scratch again. The process is relatively easy to follow the steps below to make the migration.

How to migrate from Google Play Music to YouTube Music using your phone

  1. Download the latest version of YouTube Music (iOS / Android)
  2. Once you open the app, you should see a banner on the front that says, "Transfer your Play Music library." Alternatively, if you don't see it, then go to the app's settings where you should see the "Transfer from Google Play Music" option.
  3. Tap on "Let's Go"
  4. Assuming you're signed in to the same account that you're using with Google Play Music, you should see a list of songs, albums, playlists, and your profile that you'll be transferring over to Google Play Music.
  5. If you're satisfied with everything you're about to transfer, tap "Start Transfer" to initiate the process.
  6. Once you've begun the process, you should see a status bar at the top of YouTube Music that shows the progress of the transfer. How long the transfer takes will depend on how large your library is, so just remain patient until the transfer is complete.
  7. When the transfer is complete, you should receive a notification on your smartphone or tablet and an email confirming that the migration from Google Play Music to YouTube Music is complete.

How to transfer your Google Play Music library to YouTube Music from the web

If you prefer using the web to make the transfer of your music from Google Play Music to YouTube Music, that is entirely possible as well.

  1. Go to YouTube Music's  transfer page
  2. Click "Transfer" to initiate the process and you'll be good to go

Additional information

Given that Google Play Music and YouTube Music are two entirely different services, it should be noted that sometimes the transfer might not be 100% successful. This is usually due to licensing issues where a record label or publisher might have licensed a song or album to Google Play Music, but not to YouTube Music.

This means that once the transfer is complete, you might see some songs grayed out to indicate it is unavailable. Note that this does not affect personal uploads. Those will transfer to YouTube Music just fine, along with any songs or albums you purchased which will now show up under the uploads section on YouTube Music.



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OnePlus wants to go back to making affordable phones again

When OnePlus burst onto the scene, they made a name for themselves by offering up extremely affordable devices with pretty decent hardware. That has changed over the years where with every release, the company has increased the prices of its smartphones bit by bit, where its latest releases are almost on par with high-end flagships from other companies.

The good news for OnePlus fans who miss the company's budget days, it seems that they will be making a return to their roots. This is according to a Fast Company interview with OnePlus CEO Pete Lau who revealed that OnePlus wants to get back to making affordable phones again. According to Lau:

"We can look at it as having a more affordable product offering, but all products that still remain up to the OnePlus standard . . . and through this enabling, more people to have access to OnePlus products."

Lau does not get into details, but it should be noted that there have been rumors that suggests that OnePlus could be planning a more affordable handset called the OnePlus Z. This phone is said to be the long-awaited successor to the OnePlus X where its affordable price point will be its selling point.

The company's decision to make a return to its budget roots shouldn't be too surprising. Apple has seen quite a fair bit of success with the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, so it makes sense that OnePlus is hoping its budget phones will help them draw more customers.

Source: Fast Company



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Tuesday, May 26, 2020

How to connect an XBox One controller to your Android device

There's no denying that console gaming is far more immersive than mobile gaming on an Android device, but with so many great games available for your smartphone and tablet, we wouldn't judge you if you wanted to spend the evening on your couch playing on your Android device rather than your console.

While on-screen controls work just fine, there are thousands of games that are compatible with Bluetooth controllers. You could certainly pick up one of the Best Gaming Controllers for your Smartphone or Tablet or simply use the console controller that you already have.

Just as we did in our How to connect your PS4 controller to your Android device article, here we'll walk you through the process of connecting your Xbox One wireless controller to your Android phone or tablet.

One thing to keep in mind is that this does not work on all Xbox One controllers. Microsoft added Bluetooth connectivity to its controllers when it released the Xbox One S to that the controllers could be used for Windows PC gaming as well. If you have a compatible Xbox One controller with Bluetooth built-in, follow the directions below to connect it to your Android device.

Connect Xbox One Controller to Android

  1. Press and hold the Xbox button on your Xbox One controller to turn it on
  2. Press and hold the sync button on your Xbox One controller until the Xbox button starts blinking
  3. On your Android device go to Settings > Bluetooth & device connection > Bluetooth > Pair new device
  4. Locate the Xbox Wireless Controller in the list and tap it to pair

That's all there is to it. The Blinking Xbox button on the controller should now be solid and you should see it listed on your Android phone or tablet or being connected.

You can now use your Xbox One wireless controller with any Android game with Bluetooth controller compatibility, giving you an edge over the competition.

 

Note: this article may contain affiliate links that help support our authors and keep the Phandroid servers running. 



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Best gaming controllers for smartphones and tablets

Back in the old days of the first iPhone, mobile gaming used to be small games like Doodle Jump and Tap Tap Revenge. People saw the genre as more of a distraction than actual gaming. To be fair, this stigma still exists (no thanks to games like Candy Crush), but mobile gaming has evolved into something a lot more serious.

These days we have games that are similar to console titles like PUBG Mobile, Fortnite, the Asphalt series, and a lot more. Many of our favorite PC indie games like Monument Valley and Terraria have even come to mobile. There's also a massive future in game streaming, with things like Google Stadia and Microsoft's Project xCloud aiming to bring full console games to your phone.

But with games becoming more complex, touchscreen controls just won't cut it. Playing Fortnite with a touchscreen works, but it's far from ideal. If you're serious about console gaming, it's time to pick up a controller. Here are some of our favorites.

Xbox One

The Xbox One controller is my favorite controller of all time. Everything from the grip design to those amazing sticks and triggers is near perfection. Sure some controllers do some aspects better, but the Xbox One controller is the best overall package.

However, not all Xbox One controllers work with Android. Only the later ones with Bluetooth functionality will work. You can tell by the area surrounding the Xbox button: if it's a separate piece of gloss plastic, it has no Bluetooth, but if it's one piece with the front shell, it will work. No, the Elite will not work. As a bonus, you can also use it with a PC using a separate wireless dongle or a microUSB cable.

You can pick one up for an MSRP of $60, but they can go as low as $25 at times. They also come in an incredible variety of colors (and some people collect the various styles).

And to attach your phone to the controller, you can pick up generic clips pretty much anywhere. Here's a well reviewed one for under $12.

  • Price: $43.45
  • Rating: 3.7/5 (2,800+ reviews)
SEE ON AMAZON

SteelSeries Stratus Duo

I reviewed the Stratus Duo and found a lot to love about the controller. The grip design, the triggers, and the battery life were all highlights of a mostly well designed controllers. The downsides include some hard to reach buttons and a pretty mediocre D Pad. The missing rumble likely won't affect mobile gaming. And it's not cheap at $60. However it does include a dongle for PC for use with a 2.4GHz connection, and the battery is built in and rechargeable for easier travel.

You can pick one up for $60 along with the first party $10 SmartGrip to attach your phone to the controller.

  • Price: $59.99
  • Rating: 3.8/5 (1,800+ reviews)
SEE ON AMAZON

Razer Raiju Mobile

If you're willing to shell out some big bucks, the Razer Raiju Mobile offers a ton of features over the other controllers. It has a built in phone mount, extra buttons that can be customized via a phone app, "mecha-tactile" action buttons (these are pretty awesome), and a hair trigger mode.

It's an awesome controller with a lot of customizability (and no need for carrying a separate phone clip), but it'll cost you. It carries an MSRP of $149.99, but you can get it for a bit cheaper on Amazon. And as you can expect with some of Razer's peripherals, you may run into some quality control problems.

  • Price: $127.90
  • Rating: 3.0/5 (80+ reviews)
SEE ON AMAZON

Sony DualShock 4

The DualShock 4 is a classic, though it's not the best on this list. The buttons feel a bit cheaper than an Xbox One, the D pad isn't very good, the triggers are mushy, and the grip isn't ideal for those with big hands. However, it's still a solid controller and much better than many of the aftermarket offerings. It also comes in a variety of colors and designs, and despite the $60 MSRP, can be had for much cheaper than that.

These feature Bluetooth and nothing else, but will work with PC. You may even have one lying around if you own a PS4. The battery life is a weak point but you can always top it up with a battery bank.

You can pick one of these controllers up on Amazon or your local retailer (though the fancy colors will cost you extra) and you can get a Nyko smart clip for $13.50 to hold up your phone.

  • Price: $45.95
  • Rating: 4.3/5 (9,000+ reviews)
SEE ON AMAZON

8Bitdo offerings

8Bitdo is a maker of retro style Bluetooth controllers, and they offer some awesome stuff. You can get controllers in the style of the NES, SNES, Genesis, Gamecube, and more.

They're far more limited than the other controllers on this list, with less buttons and less comfortable grip designs, but they're unique and fun and perfect for emulators. Want to get that old school feel when playing games? These may be the controllers for you.

You can pick up your favorite styles for pretty reasonable prices and relive the past. It won't satiate your need for console quality games of this era, but they're neat little controllers and can even work with the Nintendo Switch!

SEE ON AMAZON


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Amazing Huawei P30 Pro deal will save you $300

Huawei makes some pretty amazing smartphones with fantastic performance, cameras, and features. The only problem is that now with the company being on the US Entity List, it means that the company's phones cannot run Google Play Services. We get that it might be a deal breaker for you, but there is some good news.

This is because if you don't mind buying tech that's about a year old, you might want to check out the Huawei P30 Pro which is on sale on Amazon at the moment. The phone has typically hovered around the $900 mark, but now thanks to the deal, you'll be able to pick it up for $600, saving yourself close to $300 in the process.

We should note the the P30 series is the last Huawei phone to date that still legally has Google Play Services installed on it. If this is important to you, then this might be a deal worth checking out, especially at $600 where you'll still get quite a beast of a smartphone for a relatively affordable price.

Buy On Amazon
NOTE: Links in this article may include affiliate codes that help us keep Phandroid up and running.

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Monday, May 25, 2020

5 reasons why the Pixel 4a will be DOA

Remember the good old days when Google's Nexus and Pixel handsets were still somewhat affordable? These days, Google's Pixel phones are almost on par in terms of pricing as other flagship handsets, but in 2019, Google tried to address this by launching the Pixel 3a, a cheaper and less powerful variant of the Pixel 3.

The company is expected to follow that up with the Pixel 4a lineup this year, and here's why we think it probably won't matter and why the handsets could be pretty much dead on arrival.

Meh Hardware

According to the rumors, the Pixel 4a will most likely be using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset. Given that the chipset has since been replaced by the Snapdragon 765, we have to wonder why Google has chosen not to use it, especially since it offers up increased performance in both processing power and GPU.

The integrated modem also seems to be slower compared to the Snapdragon 765. If this was a phone meant for 2019, it might have made sense, but in 2020 and with how quickly technology is being upgraded, it already feels like we're buying a phone with hardware that's at least a year old.

Lack of 5G

As we mentioned above, the Pixel 4a is rumored to be packing a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset. In this day and age where 5G phones are becoming more commonplace, it is disappointing that the Pixel 4a might not support 5G. With its rumored price point, we reckon Google would have a killer phone on their hands if there had been 5G included, especially with the majority of 5G smartphones out there being high-end flagship devices.

5G naysayers will point out that the technology still isn't a "must-have" but with more and more people holding onto their phones for 2+ years, the average person buying a Pixel 4a will not experience 5G until sometime in 2022.

Terrible battery

The Pixel 4a is rumored to be packing a 3,080mAh battery which feels tiny in comparison to other smartphones out there. Its predecessor, the Pixel 3a, had a 3,000mAh battery, so the jump of 80mAh is negligible. Heck, we've seen $200 phones from 2019 that came with bigger batteries, so if battery life isn't going to be one of the phone's selling points, what is?

Poor timing

Once again, Google seems to be sticking with its decision to launch a "lite" version of the Pixel 4 more than half a year after the launch of the flagship Pixel 4, and only a few months away from the Pixel 5. This creates several issues because not only has the lapsed time allowed other phones from 2019 with better hardware to drop drastically in price, like the Pixel 4, and why would people buy the Pixel 4a when the much better Pixel 5 is just around the corner?

Originally, the Pixel 4a was scheduled to make its debut at Google I/O 2020 in May. The launch was then positioned until June and now it seems the device won't be making an appearance until sometime in July.

Based on the steep Pixel 4 discounts we've already seen, you should be able to purchase Google's 2019 flagship smartphone for less than $500.

Lack of features

To help keep costs down, the Pixel 4a will most likely not come with the same features as the flagship Pixels. Most notably, Motion Sense, which made its debut on last year's Pixel 4, will certainly not be making an appearance, meaning you'll likely no be seeing any face unlocking features either. The Active Edge feature which allows you to squeeze the phone to pull up the Google Assistant should be making a comeback.

The phone will also be using the older (and cheaper) rear-mounted fingerprint sensor setup rather than an in-display reader that's become a lot more popular these days.

Final thoughts

While its potential lower price, a decent camera and double the storage of the Pixel 3a could be its selling point, we have to say that that's pretty much all the Pixel 4a has going for it. But even at those prices, the lapse in time means that phones with better hardware from 2019 may be better options at their newly reduced prices.

Unless you absolutely have to have the vanilla Android experience, we reckon that there are better phones out there that could be had for the same price, or if you're willing to spend a little bit more, you could get a device that would probably offer up a much better experience and features.



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5 Great Android apps to check out this week (XXX XX, 2020)

The Google Play store is full of awesome apps that can help you with tasks or simply help you take a break and relax with an engaging game. But how do you know what ones you should try? We can help you with that! Every week, we will share awesome new apps and games that we think you will enjoy. The highlights from this week include a dedicated app for Surface Earbuds and an app to help you with your spending.

Take a look at the list below to find the perfect new game for you this week.

Bing Wallpapers

Description: Bing Wallpapers is exactly what the title is, a set of wallpapers from Bing to use on your device. Instead of just a picture, Bing Wallpapers provides details about the image such as the photographer, the location, and why it is featured on the app. Filter the app to show only categories and locations you want and let the app automatically change the wallpaper for you daily.

  • Price: Free
  • In-app Purchases: No
  • Rating: 4.3/5
  • Installs: 100K+

Install Bing Wallpapers

Money Tree Finance Manager

Description: Money Tree is not your typical budgeting app. It doesn't encourage you to track every dollar you spend. Instead, the goal is to watch how your money grows. Using their proven system to learn your spending habits and see areas where you can save money. Then watch that money grow!

  • Price: Free
  • In-app Purchases: No
  • Rating: New
  • Installs: 100+

Install Money Tree Finance Manager

PopTag – Tag your friends

Description: PopTag allows you to create tags for all your friends, just like you see in popular social media apps! You can create as many tags as you need, changing the color, font, background, and more, so that tagging your friend is fun and meaningful!

  • Price: Free
  • In-app Purchases: No
  • Rating: New
  • Installs: 100+

Install PopTag

Surface Audio

Description: The Surface Audio app lets you update and configure your Surface Earbuds. Use the app to control devices and their associated volume. Check battery and use the equalizer to set the sound to your preference for whatever type of music you are listening to at the time.

  • Price: Free
  • In-app Purchases: No
  • Rating: 4.2/5
  • Installs: 1K+

Install Surface Audio

TVUsage – Digital Wellbeing and App lock

Description: Designed for Android TV, TVUsage tracks your screen time and digital wellbeing. View charts of daily and weekly app usage. Only track usage on the apps you want and get reminders when it's time to take a break from the screen and enjoy another activity.

  • Price: Free
  • In-app Purchases: Yes
  • Rating: New
  • Installs: 500+

Install TVUsage



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Sunday, May 24, 2020

Pre-orders for the Sony Xperia 1 II will be kicking off June 1

Earlier this year, Sony announced their latest smartphone in the form of the Sony Xperia 1 II. The handset is pretty much the successor to last year's Xperia 1, except that it has been given quite a few substantial upgrades in terms of performance and its cameras. If you've had your eye on the handset, then you might be pleased to learn that you'll be able to pre-order it very soon.

Sony has announced that on the 1st of June, 2020, the Xperia 1 II will be available for pre-order. The handset is priced at $1,199.99 which is by no means cheap, but if you were to pre-order it before the 28th of June, Sony will be tossing in a free pair of wireless earbuds,, the Sony WF-1000XM3, which Sony has valued at $230.

As a quick recap for those who missed Sony's announcement earlier this year, the Sony Xperia 1 II will come with a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display. Under the hood, the handset will be powered by none other than Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset, 8GB of RAM, 5G connectivity, and 256GB of storage with a microSD card slot that supports up to 1TB of storage.

There will also be a 4,000mAh battery, support for wireless charging, and is also IP68 rated for dust and water resistance. Other features include a front-facing pair of stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a quad camera setup on the back with a variety of focal points ranging from ultra wide to 3x optical zoom.

The handset has been positioned to be a media powerhouse so if this sounds like a phone you'd love to get your hands on, set a reminder for the 1st of June, where the handset is estimated to begin shipping out on 24th of July.



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Friday, May 22, 2020

How to join FitBit’s coronavirus COVID-19 early detection study

Right now, getting a test for the COVID-19 virus means having to go to the hospital or a testing center and get a physical swab, but the question is, how do you know if you might need to get tested? After all, some of the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection are similar to the flu, although there are more subtle symptoms like losing your sense of smell and taste, to more severe ones like being short of breath.

But Fitbit thinks it can help, or at least they are hoping that they will be able to do something about it.

The company has since announced that they will be partnering up with the Scripps Research Translational Institute and the Stanford Medicine Healthcare Innovation Lab to see if based on data gathered by wearables, if they can develop an algorithm that might be capable of detecting an early onset of the flu or the COVID-19 virus.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, here's how you can take part in the study.

Requirements

To participate in Fitbit's COVID-19 early detection study, there are a few requirements that you'll have to meet:

  • Be over the age of 21
  • Live in either the United States or Canada
  • Have or have had COVID-19 symptoms or symptoms consistent with the flu

How to take part in Fitbit's COVID-19 early detection study

  1. Download and launch the Fitbit app (iOS / Android)
  2. Go to the Discover tab
  3. Look for Assessments & Reports
  4. Select Fitbit COVID-19 Study
  5. Tap Get Started
  6. Fill up the questionnaire and submit it along with other data gathered by your Fitbit

This questionnaire will take you a couple of minutes to complete and will consist of questions related to any symptoms you might have or have had, your medical history, and demographics. Fitbit claims that users are more than free to withdraw from the study at any time they wish.



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Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL are stupid cheap on Amazon today!

There are plenty of great Memorial Day weekend tech deals to be had, but if you're looking for a great smartphone, the Pixel 3a or the Pixel 3a XL is your best option. The two phones are typically quite cheap, but a new discount has slashed their prices to $279 for the Pixel 3a and $319 for the Pixel 3a XL!

For those keeping track, that's $160 in savings on the larger 3a XL and a $120 discount of its little sibling. So, what are you waiting for?

The Pixel 3a lineup may only offer mid-range specs from 2019, but they do come with good battery life, amazing software (with plenty of updates directly from Google) and the best camera experience you're ever going to find in a phone this cheap. In fact, the pixel 3a and the 3a XL have better cameras than most $800 smartphones from 2019!

If you're not yet convinced, check out our Pixel 3a review for an in-depth look at the phone's features and performance.

Buy the Pixel 3a or 3a XL

 

 



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How to SIM unlock the iPhone SE (2020) for free

Apple's iPhones aren't exactly known for their competitive price tags, which is why many might opt to buy them through a carrier so as to be able to pay it back on an installment plan. Apple's iPhone SE (2020) does shift that narrative because at $399, it is one of the cheapest iPhones we've seen around in recent years.

If you did get the iPhone SE from your carrier but would love the freedom of being able to use it with any carrier and travel with it overseas and use it with a local telco, then you've come to the right place as we'll show you how to unlock the SIM of the iPhone SE either for free through your carrier, or using services like Movical.

Free iPhone SE unlock code from your carrier

If you'd rather not pay a third-party to unlock the iPhone SE, you could always try your luck with your carrier. There are certain requirements that you need to meet first in order for the iPhone to be unlocked by your carrier, which includes:

  • First of all, the iPhone SE needs to have been paid off in full, meaning that if you're on an installment/repayment plan, you'll need to make sure that the phone has been fully paid for.
  • Secondly, you will have to make sure that you have owned the device for at least 60-90 days, so if you just got your hands on it, you might be out of luck.
  • Lastly, you will also need to be in good standing with your carrier. This means that ensuring that all your bills with your carrier have been paid off and that there is nothing you owe your carrier in terms of unpaid bills or fees.

Assuming you meet those requirements, then here are the steps to take to get your free SIM unlock code:

  • On your iPhone SE handset, launch the Phone app and dial *#06# to display your phone's IMEI number
  • Record the IMEI number down somewhere where you can refer to it easily like on a piece of paper or the Notes app
  • Call your carrier's customer service hotline and ask them for your SIM unlock code
  • You will then be asked to provide the service rep with your iPhone SE's IMEI number
  • If you meet all the requirements that we mentioned above, the SIM unlock code will be sent to the email address you provided in the next 2-5 days.
  • Once you've received your code, you will now be able to swap out the SIM with a SIM from another carrier
  • Enter the SIM unlock code that you received in your email when the prompt comes up and you should be all good to go

Buying the iPhone SE unlock code

Given how new the iPhone SE is, there is a good chance that your carrier will probably not give you a free SIM unlock code, although you should probably try anyway just to see if they will. In the event that you are turned down, not to worry because thanks to third-party services like Movical, for a very affordable fee, you'll be able to unlock your iPhone SE's SIM.

  • On your iPhone SE, launch the Phone app and dial *#06# to display the IMEI number
  • Write the IMEI number down somewhere for easy reference
  • Go to Movical's website
  • Select your country and service provider and also the currency you wish to pay in
  • Enter the device's IMEI number
  • Complete the checkout process with your payment and contact information
  • You will receive the iPhone SE's unlock code in a matter of hours up to a few days (depending on the package you've chosen)
  • When you receive your code, swap out the SIM in iPhone SE with one from another carrier
  • Enter the iPhone SE SIM unlock code you received and your phone will be unlocked

Once you've completed all the steps mentioned above, your iPhone SE should now be unlocked and you will not have any issues with swapping between carriers. This is particularly useful when you're traveling overseas as purchasing a local SIM is usually cheaper than paying for roaming.

We should remind you that this does not release you from your contract with your carrier, but at the very least it does give you some degree of freedom.



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