Samsung Galaxy S3 tips and tricks [3]

How to set up Google Now on the Samsung Galaxy S3

Google Now tells you today’s weather before you start your day, how much traffic to expect before you leave for work, and when the next train will arrive. All of this happens automatically and the information appears in what are known as "cards."
Sounds cool right? It's awesome and if it sounds like something you're interested in, read out guide below. Here we show you how to set up Google Now in 7 easy steps.
To set up Google Now on your Galaxy S3, follow the steps below:

1. From the  home screen, select Applications.
2. From the Applications screen, select the Google search app.
3. After selecting it, a brief tutorial will begin. You’ll need to tap through the welcome screen.
4. Next, tap the menu button. This will launch the Google Now/Voice Search settings. Tap Google Now to customize your Google Now cards.
5. Now, head to the location settings,this can be found in settings under Privacy accounts. By default, all of these settings should be enabled.
6. That's it. To access Google Now tap the Google search bar or the Google search app.
7. To maximize the most out of the app, you really need to investigate everything on your own. That being said, the app is wonderful, and well worth your time.

How to add widgets to your Samsung Galaxy S3 home screen

Widgets are probably one of my favorite features on the Galaxy S3. There easy to use and provide snippets of information very quickly. They also really set the Android OS apart from iOS and Windows Phone in a big way.
What exactly is a widget you ask? Well, it's small piece of self-updating software that can be placed on the Android home screen. They show new emails received, upcoming appointments and even missed phone calls. They are very useful. While adding a widget is easy for some, we've given you specific directions so you can't screw it up. Luckily, adding them on the Galaxy S3 is pretty straightforward.
To add widgets to your Galaxy S3 home screen, follow the steps below:

1. From the S3 home screen, select the Apps in the bottom right.
2. Once inside, select Widgets on the right.
3. Tap and hold on the widget you want to install.
4. Select where on the screen to place the widget, by dragging your finger across the display.
5. That's it! You're done.

How to add custom words to your Samsung Galaxy S3 dictionary

Adding custom words to the auto-complete dictionary can be a real pain, especially for someone new to Android. There are just so many screens, menus and options that it can be intimidating.
With that in mind we thought we should go over a few steps required to add custom words to the Galaxy S3 auto-complete dictionary. Just follow our steps and you should be good.
To add words, please follow the simple steps:

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, find and select the Settings app.
2. Once inside settings, scroll down to find and select Language & keyboard.
3. Then tap Personal dictionary>Edit personal dictionary> and then the plus symbol.
4. Enter the word or phrase you want to add and tap OK.
5. You're done. Your phrase or word will now show up in the auto-complete dictionary.

How to set up Smart Stay on your Samsung Galaxy S3

Smart Stay is Samsung's custom software that is meant to keep the screen on when you're browing the Web, or reading a long email. The software actually forces the phone to recognize you're looking at the screen, keeping it on -- it's great.
To set up Smart Stay, follow the steps below.

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, select Applications.
2. From the Applications screen, select Settings.
3. From the Settings section, select Display.
4. Next, select Screen timeout.
5. Change the timeout time to 30 seconds and check the Smart stay box.
6. Boom! You're done.

How to add a new contact to your Samsung Galaxy S3

To add a new contact to the Galaxy S3, follow these simple steps:

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, find and select the People app.
2. Once inside the app, tape the plus symbol. 
3. Then tap the Name field and enter the new contact's name.
4. Now select the Contact Type option and choose what account you want the contact to sync with. I always select Google.
5. Enter additional contact information in the fields provided (address, number, email, etc.)
6. Tap Save and you're done.

How to take panoramic photos on your Samsung Galaxy S3

The Samsung Galaxy S3 has a pretty amazing camera. The  shooter is probably one of the most advanced cameras found on any smartphone and can take some amazing photos, including great panoramic shots.
So just how to do you take a panoramic photo on your Galaxy S3? If you're not sure, you've definitely come to the right place as I am a huge fan of panoramic photos.
To start snapping high-quality, panoramic shots, just follow the easy steps below:

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, open the Camera app.
2. On the viewfinder screen tap the square symbol on the left.
3. Tap Panorama in the camera mode list that pops up.
4. When you're ready to take the first shot, tap the camera icon and directional arrows appear. The app will then prompt you to pan left or right in landscape view.
   
5. As you pan, a guide appears onscreen. Use this to frame your panoramic shot.
   
6. Continue guiding the smartphone as smoothly as you can. The camera will automatically capture consecutive frames. It's easy!
   
7. Tap the red button on the right to stop capturing.
8. The camera will then link the shots into a single photo.

How to change the ringtone on your Samsung Galaxy S3

Ringtones are such an important part of owning a smartphone like the Galaxy S3. They let you know who is calling, when to pick up and also perhaps when not to pick up, if you know what I mean.
That being said, if you're a bit bored with your default ringtone on the Galaxy S3 and just want a change, make sure to follow our guide. With any luck, you'll be able to switch ringtones in no time and customize calls however you please.
To change the ringtone on your Galaxy S3, follow these simple steps below:

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, find and select the Settings app.
2. Once inside the app, scroll down and tap Sound. 
3. Next, tap Phone ringtone.
4. Finally, scroll to the ringtone you want, select it and then tap OK.

Samsung Galaxy S3 tips and tricks [2]

How to get better battery life on the Samsung Galaxy S3

The big, beautiful screen is one of the most appealing things about the Galaxy S3, but this is also the thing that sucks the most juice. One simple way to get more battery life out of your device is by turning down the screen's brightness.
This can be accomplished by going into the Settings, tapping on Display, turning off Auto Brightness and then setting the brightness that you want. I've found the screen is so nice that you can comfortably get by on some of the lower settings.
Another sure-fire way to get more battery life out of your Galaxy S3 is to reduce some of the connections your phone is making. Every time your Galaxy S3 searches for a Wi-Fi network or pings the GPS database, that eats up battery life.
If you know that you're not going to need either of these, go into the Settings and turn off Wi-Fi and GPS. It's kind of a pain that you have to manually turn these on when you want to use it, but Samsung made this super simple to do by including quick access to these in the Android notification bar.
Speaking of location, make sure you know which apps have access to your phone's location features and adjust accordingly. For something like Foursquare or Google Maps, having location capabilities is a must but you should think about whether other apps really need to know where you are.
Another way to get more juice out of your Galaxy S3 is by turning off background data syncing. For those who need every single Tweet, email or Facebook notification in real time, turning off background data may seem crazy but it definitely will save on battery life. Additionally, I've found this can also make you more efficient by removing distractions.
The Samsung Galaxy S3 is an Android-powered phone, so many of these tips will apply to other Android phones. Be sure to read How to improve your Android smartphone's battery life.

How to sync iTunes with your Samsung Galaxy S3

Thanks to the folks at Media Mushroom, you can now sync your full iTunes library to your Galaxy S3 in an easy way.
You can transfer contacts, messages, photos, music and videos with ease. If this is something you're interested in doing, read our full guide below.
Note: Easy Phone Sync will only import DRM-free videos and music from iTunes.

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, head to the Google Play Store and download and install the Easy Phone Sync app.
2. Next, head to www.easyphonesync.com and download and install the Easy Phone Sync desktop software on your PC or Mac.
3. Install and run the Easy Phone Sync desktop software and it will automatically begin importing messages, photos, videos, music and contacts from iTunes.
4. Now plug in your Galaxy S3 using the USB cable to your computer and the Easy Phone Sync software should automatically recognize and open the Easy Phone Sync app on your phone.
5. Now that the app is open, tap the sync button on your Galaxy S3.
6. That's it. Your Galaxy S3 should now automatically sync with iTunes!

How to back up your Samsung Galaxy S3

With smartphones being basically computers these days, having top of the line back up software is key. Thankfully, Samsung provides users with something known as Kies, a proprietary software for users. With Kies you can back up your contacts, call log, SMS/MMS messages, and media files.
Now, I'm sure there are a few of you who don't know how to use Kies and if that sounds like you, this guide is going to be a big help. Here we show you how to back up your S3 like a pro.
Follow the directions below.

1. Download install Samsung Kies to your Windows PC or Mac. Full directions can be found here.
   
2. Navigate to the Kies icon and open the application.
3. Plug your micro USB cable into the S3 and the USB end to your computer.
4. Wait for Samsung Kies to recognize the device.
5. Select the Back up/Restore tab.
6. Scroll to the bottom of the window and click the Backup button. Kies will by default select everything to back up.
7. When Kies finishes, click complete.
8. That's it! You have successfully created a backup of your Galaxy S3.

How to load music on your Samsung Galaxy S3

Being able to listen to music on your S3 is a big deal. Before you can listen to it, however, you need to know how to transfer the songs you love to your device.
To get started, follow on below:

1. Download, install, and open Samsung Kies.
2. Connect your S3 to the computer using a MicroUSB to USB data cable, which should be provided with the phone. The phone should be recognized once you plug it in.
3. Once it's connected, go to notifications and select "Media Device(MTP)" Kies will now recognize your device as a media player.
4. Go back to Kies and select Music under Library
5. Mark the music files you want to transfer to your device and then click Transfer to device.
6. The selected music files will now load up on your Note 2.
7. Disconnect the device and you're done!

How to format your microSD card on the Samsung Galaxy S3

If you've gotten that "Memory is Full" notice on the Samsung Galaxy S3, you'll probably be a little frustrated. That being said, I'm sure there are at least a few of you out there who would like to format your S3's microSD card, but simply don't know how. If so, you've come to the right place.

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Storage.
3. Here you will see microSD card at the bottom. Press Mount microSD card.
   
4. Next you will tap Format microSD card and the card's data will be deleted.

How to sync your Samsung Galaxy S3 with FitBit

The new FitBit for Android update will let you sync to recent devices over Bluetooth 4.0, which means you will be able to get data fed to your phones in real-time. Bluetooth 4.0 also means better battery life for the device and the phone.
So, just how do you sync your Galaxy S3 to a FitBit mobile device? Read our guide to find out!

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, head to the Google Play Store and download and install FitBit for Android.
2. Launch FitBit and sign-up or sign-in.
3. Tap your Samsung Galaxy S3 to your FitBit device. Make sure NFC and Bluetooth is turned on.
4. That's it. Your Galaxy S3 should now automatically sync with your FitBit in real-time.

How to send a scheduled email on the Samsung Galaxy S3

On the Galaxy S3 you can send an email at a specified date and time whenever you please. The feature is useful and really really cool.
To schedule an email on your Galaxy S3, follow the steps below.

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, select Applications.
2. Next, tap on the default Samsung email app.
3. Enter the email you want to send in the compose line.
4. Now, tap the Expanded Menu option.
5. Tap Schedule Sending.
6. Now select the time you want the email to send and the date.
7. Tap Done. Your email will now send automatically at the date and time set.

How to use your Samsung Galaxy S3 as a Wi-Fi mobile hotspot

With a Wi-Fi hotspot enabled on your smartphone, there are many things you might accomplish. From work to video editing, you can do almost anything from your your laptop where and whenever you want. Be aware that your carrier may charge you more for this option or it can eat into your shared data plan.
Anyway, to set up and turn on a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot on your Galaxy S3, follow the steps below:

1. From the home screen, select Applications.
2. From the Applications screen, select Settings.
3. After selecting it, tap More.
4. Next, tap Tethering and Portable hotspot. This take you to a hotspot menu.
5. Now, select Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot and a mobile hotspot will turn on. Make sure you aren't on Wi-Fi.
6. To maximize the most out of the feature, you really need to investigate all the settings on your own. In the settings you can set a password and even make your mobile hotspot private.
7. Have fun!

Samsung Galaxy S3 tips and tricks [1]

How to organize your apps in folders

When you've downloaded a ton of apps, it can be a bit of a pain to have to keep flipping through multiple home pages to keep getting the apps you want. Luckily, organizing your apps into folders is quite easy to do with the Samsung Galaxy S3.
To create folders on your home screen, simply long press an app and then drag it on top of another. This will create a folder with those two apps and you can easily rename the folder, as well as add more apps.

How to switch to vibrate mode on the Samsung Galaxy S3

The Samsung Galaxy S3 supports a number of sound modes, for ringtones, text messaging, emails and any other alert. It's easy to switch betten silent mode, sound mode and vibrate mode.
Just tap the volume down button on the side of your device while you're on the homescreen and a volume bar will show up. Keep pressing until you see the vibrate icon appear and your device vibrates slightly.

How to switch of text message alerts on the Samsung Galaxy S3

If your device is in silent mode, but still makes a noise when you receive text messages, you'll need to head to the sound settings to change it and ensure you won't hear a peep from your phone when you get an alert.

1. From the home screen, tap on Messaging.
2. Now, select the Menu key, then settings. Now choose Select ringtone. A pop up will appear. From this list, select Silents, then OK.
3. Your device should now not utter a sound when you receive a text message.

How to improve Google Now cards on the Samsung Galaxy S3

One of the cool things about the Samsung Galaxy S3 with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is that you can activate Google Now, the contextual "search" feature, which uses the data it knows about you to deliver important information quickly. You can make Google Now even better by adding and customizing your cards.
One way to do this is to enable your Web history. Go to history.google.com and tap on the "Turn web history on" box and it will have a bit more data to pull from. Be sure that you understand this will be opening up your privacy to Google more but it may help your Google Now experience, so think about the benefits and downsides.

how to install a new keyboard on the Samsung Galaxy S3

If you want to try a new keyboard on your Galaxy S3, it's very simple to change. Go into Settings, tap on Language and input and then tap on Default. Depending on which new keyboard you've downloaded, you'll be able to make that the standard input method on your Galaxy S3.

How to multitask on the Samsung Galaxy S3

You can use multiple applications at once on the Samsung Galaxy S3 really easily. To enter the multitasking screen where you can see all of the apps you have open, tap the Home key and then task manager.
From here, you can tap the Active applications to see the apps you have running. Tap end or End all to close individual or all applications.
Tap the Downloaded tab to see all the apps you have downloaded. From here, you can uninstall them.
You can see how much RAM is being usd by each application in the RAM tab and clear the memory to free up space and speed up your device, while the storage tab tells you how mch space you have on your device.
Help will give you tips and tricks to help you save battery and free up RAM to get your Nexus 4 working to its best.

How to take a screen shot on the Samsung Galaxy S3

We're always taking screen shots to use for our reviews but you'd be surprised at how often it can come in handy. Maybe you want to preserve a picture of your high score in Angry Birds Friends or share an image of how your phone is freaking out. Luckily, this is a very simple thing to do: simply hold down the power and home button at the same time and a screen shot animation will take place.
You'll then get a notification at the top of your screen and the screen shot will be saved to your gallery. You can share it via your social networks by going into your Gallery, clicking on it and then hitting the Share button.
There's another way to take a screen shot on the Samsung Galaxy S3. Go into the Settings, tap on Motion, go down to find Hand Motion and then click on Palm Swipe to Capture. Now, whenever you want to take a screen shot, do a swiping motion across the screen with your hand and you should take a screen shot.

How to select a screen lock on the Samsung Galaxy S3

Putting a screen lock will help secure your Galaxy S3 and this can be done by going into the Settings and then tapping on Security. Tap Screen Lock and you'll then have the option to put in Swipe, Motion, Face unlock, Face and Voice, Pattern, PIN or Pinword.

How to customize your lock screen on the Samsung Galaxy S3

If you've set up a screen lock, you'll also be able to control what info appears on it.
To add your own apps to the lock screen simply follow our short step-by-step guide below:

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, navigate to and open the Settings app.
2. Now scroll down the settings menu and tap Security, then Lock screen options.
3. Once inside, confirm that the shortcut button is turned on and then tap Shortcuts.
4. Now you will be presented with four icons. Drag to the trash those that you want to remove from the lock screen and use the + symbol to add new app shortcuts.

How to encrypt device, SD card on the Samsung Galaxy S3

If you encrypt your Samsung Galaxy S3, go into Settings, tap on Security and then tap on either Encrypt device or Encrypt SD card. Once you've tapped these, you'll go through the on-screen instructions for securing your device further.

How to use Share Shot on the Samsung Galaxy S3

The Galaxy S3 has an amazing camera and one of the coolest features is called Share Shot, which enables you to quickly share shots with nearby Samsung users in real time. In the Camera app, tap on the shooting mode button (in the middle) and then scroll down and check Share shot. Have your other Samsung-toting friends do the same and as long as you're within 100 meters of each other, shared images will be stored in a Share Shot album on the device.
This can come in handy in a variety of situations and one of the most obvious is when you're taking a group photo. We've all been in that situation where we're posing and the shooter then has to take photos with various people's phones. If everyone has a compatible Samsung device, you can just take it with one Galaxy S3 and then Share Shot it.

How to use Group Cast on the Samsung Galaxy S3

The Group Cast feature on the Galaxy S3 lets multiple users interact with the same image at once -- including the ability to have real-time markups on an image or PDF file. To launch this with other devices on the same Wi-Fi network, open an image, tap on the Share button and then tap on Group Cast.

How to use AllShare Play on the Samsung Galaxy S3

The Samsung AllShare Play lets you use DLNA to "automagically" transmit content from your Galaxy S3 to other devices like a television or a computer. You have to sign up for an AllShare account but once you do, launch the AllShare Play app and then follow the on-screen instructions for adding other devices or for utilizing Web storage.

How to take HDR photos on the Samsung Galaxy S3

You can set a variety of shooting options on the Galaxy S3. To turn on things like HDR or Panorama, open up the Camera app and then tap on the Shooting mode button. From there, you'll be able to choose from Single shot, Burst shot, HDR, Smile shot, Beauty, Panorama, Cartoon, Share shot and Buddy photo share.
How to take better shots on the Samsung Galaxy S3 This is probably the one aspect that will take the most time to learn but it's definitely worth it. Basically, when you're taking photos with your iPhone 4S, keep in mind the lighting, composition and angles. We've dedicated multiple sections to helping you take better smartphone photos, so go ahead and check out how to capture light and how to properly compose your pictures.

How to install apps on the Samsung Galaxy S3

In order to install a free Android application on the Samsung Galaxy S3, proceed with the following:

1. From the Galaxy S3 home screen, select the Google Play Store app.
2. From the main Google Play Store screen, select the Apps panel on the left.
3. Here, any mobile app can be accessed and installed. You can either browse or conduct a search using the magnifying glass icon in the top right of the screen.
4. After you find a free app that interests you, tap Download.
5. Then tap Accept & Download to accept the permissions for the app (or press Back if you change your mind) -- your item will start downloading immediately.
6. After downloading it will install in the background and will be instantly available for use.
7. That's it! You're now well on your way to using apps and games.

To install a paid Android application on the Samsung Galaxy S3, proceed with the following:

1. From the home screen, select the Google Play Store app.
2. From the main Google Play Store screen, select the Apps panel on the left.
3. Now go ahead and find any paid app you want. You can either browse or conduct a search using the magnifying glass icon in the top right of the screen.
4. After you find a paid app that interests you tap on the blue box with the price.
5. You will then be brought to a screen with the total and payment method. If no credit card is shown it should allow you to add a card.
6. When finished confirming or adding a payment method tap Accept & Buy to accept the permissions for the app (or press Back if you change your mind) -- your item will start downloading immediately.
7. After downloading it will install in the background and will be instantly available for use.

You can also download free and paid apps directly from your computer. Just go to play.google.com and search for the app you want to download. Click on the Install button and if it's compatible with your device, the app will be installed over the air automatically.

How to install apps from your computer on the Samsung Galaxy S3

You can install apps on your Galaxy S3 directly from your computer. Go to play.google.com when you're signed into your Google account, choose the app you want to download, click Install and there will be an option that says "Send To Another Device…" Tap on the "Choose another device on which to install," scroll down to the Samsung Galaxy S3 option and the app will be automatically installed a few seconds later.

How to install apps from non-Play Store on the Samsung Galaxy S3

The Google Play Store is a great way to add apps but so is the Amazon Appstore or GetJar. To install apps from third-party markets on the Galaxy S3, go into Settings, tap Security and then check the "Unknown sources" box. This does come with some security risks, so be sure you want to do this.
Still, this opens you up to third-party stores and the ability to install apps that you find in other places. Be sure that you trust where you're getting the apps from because this could make your device more vulnerable to malware and privacy violations.

How to put an app on your home screen on the Samsung Galaxy S3

After you've downloaded an app, you can easily put it on your home screen of the Galaxy S3. Open the app tray and simply hold down on an app icon for a second or two. You'll then be able to drag it to the home screen you want it to be on.

How to delete apps on the Samsung Galaxy S3

If you want to get rid of an app, it's pretty easy to do on the Galaxy S3. Open the app menu and then tap and hold an app icon like you were going to place it on the home screen. Drag it to the App info icon on the bottom of the screen and then click on the Uninstall icon.

How to root your Galaxy S3

Note: This guide is for the AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and international variants of the Galaxy S3.
Requirements

1. A Samsung Galaxy S3
2. A Windows PC
3. Galaxy S3 USB drivers installed
4. A fully charged battery

Part I - Setting up your Galaxy S3

1. Download CMW_SuperUser_v3.07.zip and transfer it to your Galaxy S3's internal storage.
2. Download Odin3-v3.04.zip , extract it and install it. You will also need to download clockworkmod.tar. AT&T models of the Galaxy S3 will be required to download fixboot.tar.
3. It is now time to put your Galaxy S3 in download mode. You can do this by holding down the volume and home buttons together until a warning message appears. When you see this warning message appear press the volume up button. If you entered download mode correctly your Galaxy S3 should be displaying a green Android and say Downloading.
4. Now navigate to and open the Odin program from step 2.

Part II - Flashing recovery

1. Once your Galaxy S3 is connected to your PC via a USB cable and Odin is open, click on PDA and then select the clockworkmod.tar file you downloaded in step 2. If you have the AT&T Galaxy S3, choose fixboot.tar.
2. Next you will need to ensure that Auto Reboot and Reset Time options are selected in Odin and then you can click go.
3. Next up, you will boot into ClockworkMod Recovery. To do this you will simply need to shut down your Galaxy S3, press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons at the same time.

Part III - Rooting your Galaxy S3

1. Once you are inside ClockworkMod, make sure to flash CMW_SuperUser_v3.07.zip that you copied to the Galaxy S3 earlier. Once this is flashed, your will be rooted.
2. Finally, reboot and and you are good to go!

Your Galaxy S3 is now rooted and ready for custom ROMs! Now head on over to XDA-Developers and start flashing some awesome ROMs and mods. The Galaxy S3 already has an awesome development community, so you should find plenty of ROMs to mess around with.