Droids Made Simple: For the Droid, Droid X, Droid 2, and Droid 2 Global (Made Simple (Apress))

619 Pages·2010·48.97 MB·English

by  Gary Mazo

D
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DROIDS
Made Simple
Martin Trautschold | Gary Mazo | Marziah Karch
CYAN YELLOW SPOT MATTE
MAGENTA BLACK
PANTONE 123 C
Day in the Life of an DROID User Day in the Life of a DROID User
(continued)
Sometimes it’s easier to learn by watching someone else use his or
10:00 AM My meeting is at a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi so I do a quick Skype text chat with my friend who Wi-Fi – Ch. 5
her DROID. The next best thing is to read about it yourself.
also has a DROID. I still have time so I reply to a few emails in the Email app while waiting for my Skype – Ch. 20
Follow along here to see how you might best use your DROID colleague. I am able to dictate my email using the Voice dictation feature. Email – Ch. 9
in your own personal and work life. Voice – Ch. 2
10:10 AM My colleague is a little late so I check out the latest from my friends on Facebook, Twitter and Social Networking – Ch. 20
Linked In. Rather than launching separate apps, I just use the widgets on my home screen. Widgets – Ch. 6
TIME WHAT I DO WITH MY DROID... LEARN MORE...
10:20 AM My meeting finally starts and I find out I have to fly to London to visit an important prospect. Android Market – Ch. 17
I use the Kayak app to find the best fares. Then, I login to Orbitz.com on using the Browser to
6:30 AM My daily Alarm on my DROID rings to wake me up. Utilities – Ch. 23
book my flights. I email my itinerary to TripIt, so I can get automatic alerts if my flight changes
and automatically share my travel arrangements with my spouse.
7:15 AM I head out for a bike ride and queue up a playlist of some brand new songs that I purchased Music – Ch. 14
using the Amazon MP3 app last night. My Music app is set to play my Bike Ride playlist, I’m set to go.
10:30 AM I use my Skype app to place a call to James, my prospective client, in London to discuss the Skype – Ch. 20
upcoming meeting.
7:25 AM I notice some dolphins playing as I cross the harbor bridge so I stop to take some video with my Record Video – Ch. 18
DROID, I know my daughter would love to see them. I upload the video to my YouTube account
10:35 AM I receive an email message from James in London so I add him as a new Contacts entry for Email – Ch. 9
to share with my daughter right away.
easy access during my trip. Contacts – Ch. 12
7:55 AM I stop for a break at my local coffee shop and use multitasking quickly move between apps and Multitasking – Quick
10:40 AM I add London to my Weather widget and Accu Weather apps and see that it will be quite rainy. Android Market – Ch. 17
check my Calendar. I forgot I have a meeting at 10:00 this morning at the new coffee shop in town. Start Guide
I better get that rain gear packed! Widgets – Ch. 6
I check traffic using Maps and find out I need to take my alternate route to my meeting today. Calendar – Ch.13
Maps – Ch. 19
11:55 AM I’m a little early to lunch, so I play some Angry Birds. Games – Ch. 22
8:15 AM Back home, my DROID automatically connects to my Bluetooth stereo speakers. I’m ready for Pandora – Ch. 14
12:15 PM With the beautiful display on the DROID I share some recent shots of my client’s artwork Photos – Ch. 18
some different music so listen to my Bruce Springsteen station on the Pandora app. Bluetooth – Ch. 8
using the Gallery app.
8:30 AM At the breakfast table, I check my email and; browse the New York Times articles from my Email – Ch. 9
1:15 PM I have a few minutes after lunch and let my friends know where I am by using Foursquare. Social Networking – Ch. 20
NY Times app (from the Android Market). I can also read USA Today or any number of newspapers. New Media – Ch. 16
I also use the Browser to visit my favorite web sites. Browser – Ch. 11
3:00 PM I snap a picture of my Starbucks receipt and upload it to my Evernote app. I can later search for Notes – Ch. 21
“Starbucks” to find this receipt since Evernote changes text in pictures into readable, searchable text.
9:00 AM I connect my DROID to my computer to sync up all the latest information, music and Media Sync – Ch. 25
videos with doubleTwist.
5:00 PM I sync a movie from doubleTwist and buy a new book from Amazon.com for my Kindle app on Media Sync – Ch. 25
the DROID for later enjoyment on the airplane and head to the airport. New Media – Ch. 16
9:30 AM I head to the office supply store to pick up a few items before the meeting, and I notice a new Android Market – Ch. 17
printer on display. I use my phone’s camera to scan in the barcode from the printer and
8:00 PM I arrive at the gate and have an hour before my flight. I check TripIt to verify that my flight is on Notes and
comparison shop for ratings, reviews, and better prices. I save this search for later on Shopsavvy.
schedule. I use the time to review and edit a Microsoft Excel and Word document for work using Documents – Ch. 21
Maybe I’ll add it to my wish list.
Quickoffice. I finish my review and send each document back via email. My work done for the
day, I’m ready to relax on the flight.
9:35 AM My DROID automatically connects to my stereo Bluetooth in the car so I can enjoy a Podcast I Bluetooth – Ch. 8

downloaded and synced. Media Sync – Ch. 25
9:00 PM Sitting back in my seat on the flight, I first read a few chapters in the Kindle app and then View Videos – Ch. 15
watch my newly rented movie. New Media – Ch. 16
CONTINUED ON BACK COVER
this print for content only—size & color not accurate Trim: 7.5 x 9.25 spine = 0.000" 000 page count

■ CONTENTS AT A GLANCE

DROIDS Made Simple
For the DROID, DROID X, DROID 2,

and DROID 2 Global

■ ■ ■
Martin Trautschold
Gary Mazo
Marziah Karch

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Droids Made Simple: For the Droid, Droid X, Droid 2, and Droid 2 Global
Copyright © 2010 by Martin Trautschold, Gary Mazo, and Marziah Karch
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval
system, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher.
ISBN-13 (pbk): 978-1-4302-3279-7
ISBN-10 (electronic): 978-1-4302-3280-3
Printed and bound in the United States of America 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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President and Publisher: Paul Manning
Lead Editor: Steve Anglin
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or indirectly by the information contained in this work.

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■ CONTENTS AT A GLANCE

From Martin and Gary:
This book is dedicated to our families—to our wives, Julie and Gloria, and to our kids, Sophie, Livvie and
Cece, and Ari, Dan, Sara, Billy, Elise and Jonah.

Without their love, support, and understanding, we could never take on projects like this one.

From Marziah:
This book is dedicated to my husband, Harold, the best stay-at-home dad our kids could ever have, and to
our kids, Pari and Kiyan. Their support makes it possible, and their praise makes it worthwhile.

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Contents at a Glance
■Contents ......................................................................................................... vi
■About the Authors ......................................................................................... xix
■About the Technical Reviewer ........................................................................ xx
■Acknowledgments ......................................................................................... xxi
Part I: Quick Start Guide ..................................................................................... 1(cid:1)
■Getting Around Quickly .................................................................................... 3(cid:1)
Part II: Introduction .......................................................................................... 29(cid:1)
■Introduction ................................................................................................... 31(cid:1)
Part III: You and Your DROID. . . ........................................................................ 37(cid:1)
■Chapter 1: Getting Started ............................................................................. 39(cid:1)
■Chapter 2: Typing, Voice, Copy, and Search .................................................. 67(cid:1)
■Chapter 3: Sync Your DROID With Your Google Account ............................... 97(cid:1)
■Chapter 4: Other Sync Methods ................................................................... 105(cid:1)
■Chapter 5: Wi-Fi and 3G Connectivity .......................................................... 127(cid:1)
■Chapter 6: Organize Your Home Screen: Icons and Widgets ....................... 137(cid:1)
■Chapter 7: Making Phone Calls ................................................................... 151(cid:1)
■Chapter 8: Bluetooth on Your DROID ........................................................... 189(cid:1)
■Chapter 9: Email on Your DROID .................................................................. 197(cid:1)
■Chapter 10: SMS, MMS, and Instant Messaging ......................................... 221(cid:1)
■Chapter 11: Surfing the Web ....................................................................... 239(cid:1)
■Chapter 12: Working with Contacts ............................................................. 257(cid:1)
■Chapter 13: Managing Your Calendar .......................................................... 273
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■ CONTENTS AT A GLANCE

■Chapter 14: Enjoying Your Music ................................................................ 287(cid:1)
■Chapter 15: Viewing Videos, TV Shows, and More ..................................... 311(cid:1)
■Chapter 16: New Media: Reading Newspapers,
Magazines, and E-books .......................................................... 325(cid:1)
■Chapter 17: The Android Market ................................................................. 343(cid:1)
■Chapter 18: Taking Photos and Videos ........................................................ 365(cid:1)
■Chapter 19: Finding Your Way With Maps ................................................... 391(cid:1)
■Chapter 20: Social Media and Skype ........................................................... 409(cid:1)
■Chapter 21: Working With Notes and Documents ........................................ 437(cid:1)
■Chapter 22: Fun and Games ........................................................................ 469(cid:1)
■Chapter 23: Utilities: Clock, Calculator, and Weather ................................. 479(cid:1)
■Chapter 24: Troubleshooting ....................................................................... 493(cid:1)
Part III: Sync Media to your DROID ................................................................. 505(cid:1)
■Chapter 25: DROID Media Sync .................................................................... 507(cid:1)
■Appendix: DRIOD App Guide ........................................................................ 525
■Index ............................................................................................................ 557
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Contents
■Contents at a Glance ....................................................................................... iv(cid:1)
■About the Authors ......................................................................................... xix(cid:1)
■About the Technical Reviewer ........................................................................ xx(cid:1)
■Acknowledgments ......................................................................................... xxi(cid:1)

Part I: Quick Start Guide ..................................................................................... 1(cid:1)
■Getting Around Quickly .................................................................................... 3(cid:1)
Learning Your Way Around ..................................................................................................................................... 4(cid:1)
Keys, Buttons, and Switches ............................................................................................................................. 4(cid:1)
The Launcher Icon ............................................................................................................................................. 5(cid:1)
The Four Buttons Along the Bottom ................................................................................................................... 6(cid:1)
Short Tap and Long Press .................................................................................................................................. 7(cid:1)
Adding, Removing, and Moving Widgets and Icons ........................................................................................... 8(cid:1)
Switching Apps (aka Multitasking) .................................................................................................................. 10(cid:1)
Starting and Exiting an App ............................................................................................................................. 11(cid:1)
Menus, Submenus, and Checkboxes ............................................................................................................... 11(cid:1)
Reading the Top Status Bar ............................................................................................................................. 12(cid:1)
Flying on an Airplane – Airplane Mode ................................................................................................................. 15(cid:1)
Touch Screen Basics ............................................................................................................................................ 16(cid:1)
Touch Screen Gestures .................................................................................................................................... 16(cid:1)
Tapping and Swiping or Flicking .......................................................................................................................... 17(cid:1)
Swiping ................................................................................................................................................................. 17(cid:1)
Scrolling ........................................................................................................................................................... 18(cid:1)
Double-Tapping ............................................................................................................................................... 19(cid:1)
Pinching ........................................................................................................................................................... 20(cid:1)
(cid:1)

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■ CONTENTS
App Reference Tables ........................................................................................................................................... 21(cid:1)
Getting Started ................................................................................................................................................. 21(cid:1)
Stay Connected and Organized ........................................................................................................................ 23(cid:1)
Entertaining Yourself ....................................................................................................................................... 24(cid:1)
Staying Informed .............................................................................................................................................. 26(cid:1)
Networking Socially ......................................................................................................................................... 27(cid:1)
Being Productive .............................................................................................................................................. 28(cid:1)
Part II: Introduction .......................................................................................... 29(cid:1)
■Introduction ................................................................................................... 31(cid:1)
Congratulations on Your New DROID! ................................................................................................................... 31(cid:1)
Referring to your DROID ................................................................................................................................... 33(cid:1)
How This Book Is Organized ............................................................................................................................ 33(cid:1)
Quickly Locating Tips, Cautions, and Notes ..................................................................................................... 34(cid:1)
Free DROID Email Tips ..................................................................................................................................... 35(cid:1)
Part III: You and Your DROID. . . ........................................................................ 37(cid:1)
■Chapter 1: Getting Started ............................................................................. 39(cid:1)
Getting to Know Your DROID ................................................................................................................................. 39(cid:1)
What Is Included in the Box ............................................................................................................................. 40(cid:1)
Power and Lock Button .................................................................................................................................... 40(cid:1)
Volume Buttons ................................................................................................................................................ 41(cid:1)
Slide to Unlock ................................................................................................................................................. 42(cid:1)
Slide to Mute .................................................................................................................................................... 42(cid:1)
Using the Four Buttons Along the Bottom ........................................................................................................ 42(cid:1)
Slide-out Keyboard (for DROID and DROID 2) ................................................................................................... 43(cid:1)
Dedicated Camera Button ................................................................................................................................ 44(cid:1)
Inserting a Memory Card and Removing the Battery ....................................................................................... 44(cid:1)
Adjusting the Date, Time, Time Zone, and 24-Hour Format ............................................................................. 45(cid:1)
Adjusting the DROID’s Brightness .................................................................................................................... 47(cid:1)
Charging Your DROID and Battery Life Tips ..................................................................................................... 48(cid:1)
Setting up Accounts on Your DROID ..................................................................................................................... 54(cid:1)
Setting up Your Google Account ...................................................................................................................... 55(cid:1)
Using Other Google Services ............................................................................................................................ 55(cid:1)
Setting up More Types of Accounts ................................................................................................................. 56(cid:1)
Finding Your Email ........................................................................................................................................... 56(cid:1)
Securing Your DROID ............................................................................................................................................ 57(cid:1)
Setting a Screen Lock ...................................................................................................................................... 57(cid:1)
Locking Your DROID ......................................................................................................................................... 60(cid:1)
Unlocking Your DROID ...................................................................................................................................... 60(cid:1)
Maintaining Your DROID ........................................................................................................................................ 60(cid:1)
Cleaning Your DROID Screen ........................................................................................................................... 60(cid:1)
Cases and Protective Covers for Your DROID ................................................................................................... 61(cid:1)
Where to Buy Your Covers ............................................................................................................................... 61(cid:1)
What to Buy ...................................................................................................................................................... 61(cid:1)
Saving Money on Phone Plans .............................................................................................................................. 63(cid:1)
Data Packages ................................................................................................................................................. 63(cid:1)
Text, Picture, and Video Messaging Plans ....................................................................................................... 63(cid:1)
Equipment Insurance Plans ............................................................................................................................. 64(cid:1)
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