How to get lock screen widgets on the Samsung Galaxy S4

Lock screen widgets are easy to enable on the Galaxy S4, but there are a couple of extra settings to get to grips with

When you first pick up the Samsung Galaxy S4, it might appear that lock screen widgets aren't available. After all, the default lock screen is just a big clock widget with "life companion" or some other message up top. But as an Android 4.2 device, the S4 includes full support for lock screen widgets, it's just a case of enabling them in the phone's lock screen settings.

Head to Settings > My device > Lock screen and check "Multiple widgets." Once you've done that, you're able to swipe to the right and add more lock screen panels. There's the standard list of Google widgets as well as some new stuff from Samsung, including a new WatchON widget. This ties into the WatchON app, which is the Peel-powered universal remote included on the Galaxy S4, giving you an expandable universal remote right from your lock screen. Third-party offerings like Dashclock Widget should work just fine, too.

In stock Android, there's always a camera shortcut on the right-most lock screen panel. On the GS4 you can choose what goes here -- either a big, Nexus-style camera shortcut or a grid of favorite apps. Head to Settings > My device > Lock screen > Lock screen widgets > Favorite apps or Camera to configure this.
Like some of the other Samsung widgets, the main clock widget is customizable too. You can change or get rid of the message, have a dual clock if you're roaming overseas and customize the style and size of the on-screen fonts.
Check the quick video demo above to see lock screen widgets in action on the Samsung Galaxy S4.

(By Alex Dobie)

How to get to Google Now on the Samsung Galaxy S4

Google's predictive search app is alive and well on the Galaxy S4 -- and there are a few ways to get to it quickly

On many Android phones with on-screen keys, getting to Google Now -- the excellent predictive/voice-controlled search app in Android 4.1 and above -- is simply a matter of swiping up from the bottom of the screen. It's not quite as simple as that on the new Samsung Galaxy S4, but fear not, there are still a few quick and easy ways to get to the new Google Search app.

1. At any time, long-press the home key to bring up the task switcher. Then press the "G" icon at the bottom of the screen, in the middle.
2. Put an app shortcut or widget on your home screen. If you're using Google Now a lot, this lets you open it with a single tap. Using a Google Now widget also lets you see cards without opening up the app.
3. From the home screen, long-press the menu key. This will launch you straight into the Google Search bar, and you'll see your Google Now cards below recent search results.

Neither of these area quite as quick as a swipe-up gesture, but if you get used to how Google Now works on the Galaxy S4, it's still easy enough to take full advantage of it.

  

Alex Dobie