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.