Get Gmail 5.0 for Android right now

Get Gmail 5.0 for Android right now

Anticipating the Material makeover for one of Google's most beloved apps? The wait is over, and here's how to get a copy for your Android device.

Nicole Cozma/CNET

Editors' note on November 4: The latest version of the Gmail app is now available on Google Play.

The newest version of the Gmail app features auto-updating email threads, the ability to add accounts from other email providers and Exchange support. This means that you'll no longer need to use two separate apps to access your email.

Want to try it out? Luckily, Android Police has just acquired the Android package (APK) of Gmail 5.0, and has shared it on its APK Mirror website. This means you can get a copy of it now and don't have to wait for the update through Google Play.

The APK is signed by Google, which guarantees its authenticity.

Here's how to get started:

Setup

Grab a copy of Gmail 5.0 from APKMirror. Once the download finishes, tap the notification and then press the Install button. This APK is signed and authentic, meaning that it will upgrade the version of Gmail you currently have installed.

Adding an account in Gmail 5.0.Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

After the app introduction, you'll be prompted to sign in. You can use your current Gmail if you want to get into the app right away or you can add accounts from other providers. The new version of Gmail supports accounts from Yahoo, Outlook, AOL Mail and others that use IMAP/POP. However, these accounts will not use push notifications, and you'll be asked to set a sync interval.

Switch between accounts.Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

If you add multiple accounts, you can switch between them by opening the left-hand slide-out menu and swiping across your profile banner. You can also tap the small arrow and choose an account from the list.

Exchange support

If you want to add Exchange support to your Gmail client, you'll need to download an additional APK.

If you installed Gmail 5.0 first, you may need to force stop your Gmail app in order for it to recognize the Exchange capabilities. This can be done by going to Settings > Applications > Gmail > Force stop.

After this, you'll be able to add your Exchange accounts just like the others above.

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Getting started with the new Google Maps

Getting started with the new Google Maps

Google Maps 9.0 for Android and iOS brings a handful of new and useful features with its Material redesign.

Google Maps 9.0.

In July of this year, Google added voice commands and elevation information to the Maps app, but the design remained the same. This time, the update to version 9.0 -- rolling out over the next few days -- brings you a Material interface (for Android Lollipop), and a couple of new features.
These new Maps features include the ability to make restaurant reservations, and also how to find the quickest and cheapest commute with the help of Uber. Here's how to use each:

Reserving a table

Make a reservation with OpenTable.
Google
When looking up a place to eat, whether through the recently relocated Explore button on the main map screen or by name, you may want to also make a reservation. If the restaurant is participating in OpenTable's service, you can grab a table directly through Google Maps.

Scroll down on the information sheet for the restaurant and you will see the Find a table area. You can choose a date, time, and number of guests. The app will automatically display reservation times you can tap on that are closest to the one you provided. After making all of these selections, you'll need to provide your personal information to confirm the reservation.

Getting there

Uber information in transportation times.
Google
Now that you have someplace to be at a specific time, you may want to find the easiest way to get there. If you're using public transit, or simply walking, then Google can help you figure out which path will cost the least time and money.

In addition to these routes, Google Maps 9.0 will also provide quotes for Uber car service, including wait time, travel time, and cost. This feature is only available when you have the Uber app installed on your device and the service is available in the requested area.

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How to add more RAM to your MacBook Pro

How to add more RAM to your MacBook Pro

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your 2012-or-earlier MacBook is by adding more RAM.

Welcome to Mac Mondays! Each Monday, the team at CNET How To will go in-depth on ways you can improve your Mac. We'll talk performance upgrades (for old and new models), hardware hacks and workflow tips. This is where you'll go to find out how to release your Mac's potential and make the most of your purchase.

If you follow Mac Mondays, you know that I recently upgraded my mid-2009 MacBook Pro with an SSD drive. Since then, my computer went from completely useless to like new.

I was still a little disappointed, however, when it came to running a few demanding tasks at once, like when I was editing in Photoshop, playing music on Spotify and left a bunch of browser tabs open.

The best way to deal with this is by adding more RAM, and, like installing an SSD, it's really simple.

Before you begin, find out if your MacBook Pro (or even iMac -- the process is similar) can handle a RAM upgrade. If you have a MacBook Air or Retina MacBook Pro, for instance, the RAM is not upgradable. Refer to this Apple help page to find out about the model you own.

In my case, I have a mid-2009 MacBook Pro, which allows for RAM upgrades.

Step 1: Find out what kind of RAM you need

Once you determine that your MacBook can be upgraded, you'll need to find out how much RAM it can handle, and what type. To do that, go to this Apple help page and make note of:

The number of memory slots (usually 2)
Maximum memory (such as 8GB)
Memory card type (such as 1,600 MHz and DDR2 or DDR3)
You can also get these details by going to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Memory.

With that info, you can head out and buy your RAM. If your computer can handle 8GB of RAM total and has two slots, for example, you'll buy two 4GB memory cards.

Step 2: Install the new RAM

Installing RAM is simple -- even someone who's not tech-savvy can complete the task. To install the RAM, do the following:

Shut down your computer.
Flip your laptop over so that the bottom cover is facing up. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, unscrew the 11 screws that keep the cover fastened.
Set the cover aside. Touch a metal part on the inside of your laptop to release any static electricity.
Locate the RAM slots (see photo gallery). One at a time, push the levers in an outward direction to release the card, then gently remove it.
Install the new RAM by inserting them into the slots, with the gold contact strip facing in. To secure the RAM in place, push down and listen for a click.
Replace the bottom cover and power up your computer.
Step 3: Test the RAM

Before you pat yourself on the back, you'll need to make sure the new RAM is healthy. In some cases, bad RAM can negatively affect your system and even result in data loss. Topher Kessler has a very helpful guide to ensuring that your RAM is working properly.

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