You can lock your device to a single app with a new feature in Lollipop called Screen Pinning.
Google Music with the Screen Pinning icon available.Jason Cipriani/CNET
The latest version of Android offers a new feature Google calls "Screen Pinning." When enabled, you can lock down your device so the person using it only has access to one app. Undoubtedly a convenient feature for those who often offer a device to a child for a Netflix session or a friend to check his or her e-mail.
The steps required to enable Screen Pinning on Android 5.0 Lollipop.Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Screen pinning isn't enabled by default on Android 5.0 Lollipop. To enable the feature you'll need to follow these steps:
Launch the Settings app on your Android device.
Scroll down until you find the Security option. Tap on it.
At the bottom of the Security page tap on Screen pinning.
Slide the switch to the On position.
Now that screen pinning is enabled, you're able to pin any app to your screen on a whim. The actual process of pinning an app takes two taps and is accessible at anytime. You can only pin the last app you accessed, so before following the steps below, launch the app you're going to pin.
A pinned app on Android 5.0 Lollipop.Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
To pin an app, tap on the overview button (it's the square button along the bottom of your screen).
Drag the title bar for the app you're going to pin up, until it's in the middle of the screen.
In the bottom-right corner of the app overview will be a blue pin button. Tap on it.
Each time you pin an app, you'll be asked to confirm the action. You'll also have to decide if you want to require a security code to leave the pinned app.
Tap on Start to pin the app.
Once the app is pinned, the user can navigate anywhere within the app, but he or she can't leave it. So if you pin Chrome, the user will be able to browse the Internet, but that's it.
Exiting a pinned app requires you to touch and hold the back and overview buttons at the same time. After a couple of seconds, your device will switch to the overview screen.
Android 5.0 offers user accounts, which is arguably better suited for sharing a device with your kids, but in instances where you want to quickly hand over a device with limited access Screen Pinning is super convenient.
Now that Google has finally rolled Voice into the existing Hangouts app, there are a few settings you may want to adjust for a better calling and texting experience.
Nicole Cozma/CNET
The recent integration of Google Voice into the Hangouts application lets users call phone numbers and send texts, acting a second phone line. These new features are really useful if you have a limited number of minutes or texts on your carrier plan, or if your cellular signal is less reliable than your Wi-Fi signal.
Here are five tips to help make your Google Voice in Hangouts experience more pleasant:
Note: Before you get started with the tips, make sure that the boxes next to Incoming phone calls and Messages are checked in the Settings area of the Hangouts app.
Make calls over Wi-Fi/4G/3G
Hangouts Dialer appNicole Cozma/CNET
If you've used the Google Voice app in the past, you may have set it to use your Voice number when making calls. These calls still used your carrier minutes, instead of your data signal. As a solution, Google created a second app that acts as a plug-in for Hangouts, called Hangouts Dialer. This app will add a dialer tab to Hangouts, allowing you to make outbound calls with your Voice number over Wi-Fi/data. After you download the app, make sure to open it at least once to connect it to the original Hangouts app. You do not need this app to receive calls via Hangouts.
Disable double ring
Voice settings on the Web.Nicole Cozma/CNET
When a call is coming in, you don't need two separate notifications going off at the same time on your phone. To stop this from happening, disable call forwarding to your mobile number in your Voice account. Afterward, only the Hangouts app will ring. Here's how:
Log in to Google Voice on the Web.
Click the cog menu in top right-hand corner and choose Settings.
In the first tab, uncheck the box next to your mobile carrier number.
By default, the Hangouts will play the same alert for instant messages, Google Voice SMS and carrier SMS (if you are using it as your default SMS app). This may work for someone who always has a moment to check his or her phone, but if you want different notifications, you can easily change them in the Settings menu.
Instant messages
Settings > Google account name > Hangouts messages & invites > Sound
Google Voice SMS
Settings > Google account name > Google Voice SMS > Sound
Carrier SMS
Settings > SMS > Sound
Change 'send from' number
Choose an account for replying to SMS.Nicole Cozma/CNET
If you set the Hangouts app as your default SMS client, you may want to adjust which number is being used when replying to someone. You have three options:
Smart reply (uses the number that you were contacted on to reply)
Google Voice
Carrier
These options can be accessed through the Hangouts settings:
SMS > Send SMS from
Default dialer
Google Voice app call settings.Nicole Cozma/CNET
Unfortunately, you cannot set the Hangouts Dialer app as your default dialer. Whenever you tap a number on the web or in another app, you'll be met with your device's stock dialer app. As a solution, you can keep the original Google Voice app and let it continue using your Google Voice number for all calls, or asking which number you want to use.
Use the USPS mobile app to place a hold on your mail
Forget to submit a hold request for your mail while traveling this holiday season? Use the USPS app to submit your request.
Jason Cipriani/CNET
In addition to gifts, seeing long-lost cousins and time off of work, holiday season means you're likely to be traveling. For some the destination is a short drive; for others it's a flight across the country.
For those spending extended time away from home, it's a good idea to have the post office hold your mail while you're gone. It's something I often intend on doing, but forget to actually do.
Recently I discovered you can request to have your mail held using the USPS mobile app from aniPhone or Android device and my traveling life was changed forever. OK, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration. So instead let's just say I no longer have an excuse -- and now neither do you.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
After installing the free app on your device, tap on the Hold Mail button and fill out the form. You can have your mail held for as little as 3, or as long as 30 days. When the hold expires, the post office can then deliver the mail in a large stack, or you can indicate you'd like to pick it up from the local branch office.
After submitting your request you'll receive an e-mail confirmation detailing your hold request, with another e-mail being sent the day your request expires.
The app also provides information on the nearest branch, tracking, order free shipping supplies, price quotes and scheduling a pickup.
You still have time to get gifts delivered by Christmas, but the cutoff dates are fast approaching.
Matt Elliott/CNET
The Christmas season is upon us, a time filled with Bing Crosby, eggnog and shipping deadlines. You can let Bing keep crooning his holiday hits, but it's time to put down the nog and finish your shopping. Or in my case, start shopping so that I may then finish it. In addition to supporting your local merchants, I'd wager that you'll engage in a little online shopping to complete your shopping lists this year.
If so, it's time to get a move on. We put together a list of major tech retailers and their deadlines so you can see from whom you can still order and the increasingly expensive shipping options that you'll need to use with each passing day.
Before we begin, a quick disclaimer: the deadlines apply to the 48 contiguous US states only, and only on items that are in stock. Online retailers with physical stores may have last-minute in-store pickup options as well. Check out the links to each store's deadlines for more details.
Adorama
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.
Order deadline
Shipping method
Fri 12/12 1:00PM
Super Saver (7-10 business days)
Wed 12/17 8:00PM
Standard
Fri 12/19 1:00PM
Expedited
Fri 12/19 1:00PM
UPS 3-Day
Mon 12/22 8:00PM
UPS 2-Day
Tues 12/23 8:00PM
UPS Next Day
See Adorama's deadlines.
Amazon
Choose these shipping options by the listed cutoff date to receive your order by December 24. Items must be marked "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" or "Fulfilled by Amazon.com."
Order deadline
Shipping method
Tues 12/16
Free shipping (non-Prime) on orders $35 or more
Fri 12/19
Standard (arrives 3-4 business days)
Mon 12/22
2-day
Tue 12/23
1-day
Wed 12/24
Same-day delivery (where available)
See Amazon's deadlines.
Apple
Apple is not posting shipping deadlines this year. Instead, it will show you the estimated delivery date once you add an item to your cart and enter your zip code. Apple did tell me that all in-stock items are shipping with free two- or three-business-day delivery, but it would not commit to hard and fast shipping deadlines for Christmas. So, the following dates are my reasoned deadlines based on Apple's delivery estimates, but your mileage may vary based on where you live and the items you are ordering.
Order deadline
Shipping method
Fri 12/19
3-business-day
Mon 12/22
2-business-day
Tues 12/23
Next-business-day
Barnes & Noble
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your Nook order by December 24.
Order deadline
Shipping method
Tues 12/16
Free standard shipping
Fri 12/18
Express
Tues 12/23
Expedited
See Barnes & Noble's deadlines.
Best Buy
For many items, Best Buy offers free two-day shipping, but it has not posted its Christmas shipping deadlines this year. The below dates are based on its standard shipping policies.
Order deadline
Shipping method
Wed 12/17
Standard (3-7 business days)
Fri 12/19
Expedited (3 business days)
Mon 12/22
Express (2 business days)
B&H Photo and Video
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.
Order deadline
Shipping method
Mon 12/15
Super Saver
Tues 12/16
Standard, UPS Ground
Thurs 12/18
Priority Mail
Fri 12/19
Expedited, UPS 3-day, FedEx Saver, Priority Mail Express
Mon 12/22
2-day shipping
Tues 12/23
Next-day shipping
See B&H Photo and Video's deadlines.
NewEgg
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.
Target is offering free standard shipping (three to five business days). Order by December 20 to get your items by December 24. Choose seasonal shipping at checkout. Target also offers Premium (two-day) and Express (one-day) shipping.
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