How to customize the navigation buttons on the HTC One M9
The new HTC One and its Sense 7 software make it possible to add another icon to your navigation dock. Here's how!
An extra button on in the navigation drawer of the HTC One M9.Jason Cipriani/CNET
The new HTC One M9 isn't all that different on the outside from its predecessor, but it does offer some new software tricks. One of them is the capability to customize the order, and even add or subtract from, your device's navigation buttons.
The navigation buttons are the back, home, and recent apps' buttons sitting in the black bar at the bottom of your screen.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
To edit your navigation buttons, launch the Settings app and select Personalize.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Next select Change navigation buttons.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
A list of various options will be presented, with only the default three being selected. Again, those are Back, Home and Recent Apps. You can add one more to the navigation dock, and rearrange the icons to fit your personal preference.
The available options are: Turn off screen, Auto rotate, Hide navigation bar, Quick settings and Notifications.
My personal favorite out of the bunch is the Notifications option. With it enabled, instead of having to swipe down from the top of the screen I can tap on the button and the notification shade slides down automatically. It's not an earth-shattering feature, but one that's useful nonetheless.
Rearranging the icons is done by touching the three-lined icon next to each option and dragging it to its new home.
Any changes you make, be it adding or removing an option, will not be reflected in the navigation bar until you press Done at to bottom of the screen.
How to place a call from iOS 8's Notification Center
This simple app places a dial-pad in the Today view, making it possible to place a call from anywhere on your iPhone.
Addial on an iPhone 6.Jason Cipriani/CNET
Addial is a small app with one claim to fame: placing calls from the Today panel in iOS 8's Notification Center.
Once you install the app, you'll need to add the widget to the Today panel in your iPhone's Notification Center. You can do this by following the instructions here.
Once it's added, you'll have a small dial-pad that you can dial a phone number with. Tap on the phone icon to place a call or begin composing a message by tapping the text bubble. While I found the numbers to be a tad on the small side, I was still able to dial numbers without issue. Increasing the size of the buttons would be nice to see, as would duplicating the Favorites list in the Phone app within the widget.
Tapping on the app icon itself doesn't reveal much. A simple tutorial on how to activate the widget, with additional icons to create a new contact or send feedback to the developer. It may not be perfect, but it's a quick and simple way of dialing a phone number no matter the app you're using on your iPhone.
Google pushes Chrome OS software, with or without Chromebooks
Google announces new Chromebook laptops and an intriguing new device called the Chromebit that pushes Google's operating system without trying to sell you a laptop.
Google is making a push to get people to use its Chrome operating system, which powers its Chromebook laptops.Richard Nieva/CNET
Move over, Android.
Google's mobile operating system may be the most popular software in the world for powering phones and tablets. But Google is also making a push for its other operating system, Chrome OS, which mostly powers laptop and desktop computers.
Consider a few of the new devices the search giant announced Tuesday. The Asus Chromebit is a small device that looks like an oversize flash drive that turns any screen or monitor with an HDMI video port into a full-blown computer. With the Chromebit, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network and run Google's Chrome browser, check Gmail and watch YouTube -- all through Google's Chrome operating system.
The device will sell for less than $100, Google said. It's set to be released this summer.
Then there's the Asus Chromebook Flip, an all-metal device that's a cross between a laptop computer and a tablet, which will sell for $249. Google also announced two new laptops from manufacturers Hisense and Haier. The companies' $149 Chromebooks, designed for the education market, are available for pre-order today on Google's online store. The Haier laptop is available on Amazon, while the Hisense one is available at Walmart.
Google announced the Asus Chromebook Flip, which serves as both a laptop and tablet, and will sell for $249.Richard Nieva/CNET
Those products are all part of Google's effort to get its Chrome OS -- and by extension, its suite of software products like Gmail and Google Docs -- into the hands of as many people as it can. That includes trying to reach students in classrooms, as well as people from emerging markets like India and Thailand. The company said it will release around 10 new Chromebooks in the next few months.
"Our goal is not just to sell some of these products, but to make computing accessible to more people," said Caesar Sengupta, a vice president of product management at Google.
Google first introduced the Chromebook laptop in 2011, but its market share remains small. Of all laptops sold worldwide in 2014, only 3.5 percent were running Google's Chrome OS, according to research firm IDC. PCs running Microsoft's Windows software, the market leader, accounted for 86 percent of laptops sold, while Apple's MacBook notebooks had an 8.7 percent share.
But Chrome OS devices have gotten much better traction in the education market in the United States. In 2014, Chromebooks accounted for about one third of the education market with a 29.9 percent share. Windows still had the majority with 39 percent, while Apple had 32 percent, according to IDC.
Google's Chromebit turns any computer monitor with an HDMI port into a full-blown computer.Richard Nieva/CNET
Chrome, minus the Chromebook
Google has good reason to tout Chrome OS. The software is the entry point to people using more Google apps and services. The more information the company can glean from users, the more potential revenue it can make from showing them targeted ads, which marketers deem the most valuable.
To that end, one of Google's newest additions to the lineup of devices, the Chomebit, hawks Chrome OS without even trying to sell a Chromebook laptop.
The company said the device holds appeal to for someone in an Internet cafe in, say, Indonesia, who wants a fast Internet experience but is stuck using old computer equipment. The Chromebit could also be used to replace the aging computer in your living room -- all you need is the monitor, Internet connection, keyboard and mouse you already have. Or, schools could use the Chromebit to revamp an old computer lab.
"You can instantly update it to a modern computing experience," said Sengupta.
The device has a USB port at one end and can connect to other accessories via the Bluetooth standard for connecting wireless devices. The Chromebit also works similarly to Google's $35 Chromecast, which is used for streaming videos from the Internet to a TV and also connects to the screen from an HDMI port.
The company also showed off other non-laptop devices that are powered by Chrome OS. Google has touchscreen kiosks that retailers can use on their store floors. The company said it has deals with the clothing store Chico's and some other retailers to use screens running Chrome OS to power digital signs.
Want to be one of the first wearing the Apple Watch? Here's what you need to know.
Come April 24, Apple Watch deliveries will begin and anyone who preordered a Watch will unbox their new device. Here's what you need to know to guarantee you'll be one of the first wearing the Apple Watch.
Here's what happens on April 10
On April 10, two things happen:
Preorders begin
Apple Watch goes on display in-store and try-ons begin
So then you'll be able to waltz into your local Apple store to try on the Apple Watch. Try-ons will be on a first-come-first-served basis, and while we don't yet have complete details, it sounds like those interested in the Apple Watch Edition (the incredibly expensive 18-karat gold model) can schedule a one-hour try-on session.
The most recent reports suggest that if you wait to try the Apple Watch on in stores, you'll likely end up with a delayed delivery date. Those who order the Watch as soon as possible will get it on time (or at least sooner).
Our advice? If you want to be one of the first people wearing an Apple Watch, sort out all of the details before online preorders begin. And that's what this guide is for -- to help you figure out everything you need to know for that very moment.
MORE APPLE WATCH TIPS
When and where to buy the Apple Watch
Is your phone compatible?
Good news! You don't need the newest, flashiest iPhone to use the Apple Watch. All Watch models are compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
As a nice surprise, those who own the iPhone 5, 5C or 5S will be able to use Apple Pay through their Apple Watch, even though their phone doesn't support the feature.
Your Watch options
Most people thought that when Apple unveiled a watch there would be one flagship model. Apple surprised us with a slew of options, ranging from an entry-level sport model to a super-expensive all-gold version.
Here's the deal: more expensive doesn't necessarily mean "better." The price tiers exclusively reflect the material used to build the watch -- the inner parts and features are exactly the same.
Price (38mm; 42mm)
Body
Display
Back
Design
Apple Watch Sport
$349; $399
Aluminum-alloy
Ion X-strengthened glass
Composite
Lightweight materials make it an ideal exercise companion.
Apple Watch
$549; $599
Stainless steel
Sapphire crystal
Ceramic
Stainless steel and resilient display give it a more expensive feel.
Apple Watch Edition
$10,000 and up
18-karat gold
Sapphire crystal
Ceramic
High-end build designed for luxury.
Figure out your Watch size
The most frustrating part about preordering an Apple Watch without trying it on first is sizing. For most models and alternative strap options, you'll need to figure out two things: the size of the face and the length of the band.
Face sizing
For some, the face size will be obvious. My small wrists would be weighed down (and look ridiculous) with the 42mm version, for example. Someone with a large wrist might know right away they need the bigger size.
But the best way to decide is to print and cut out a paper version of the watch faces and compare them on your wrist. Here's a guide to doing just that.
Band sizing
For the Apple Watch Sport, you'll need to do nothing more than choose the face size, since your Watch will come with two bands (S/M and M/L).
However, the second-tier Apple Watch comes with a variety of band styles, some of which have various size options (like Small, Medium and Large). Once you know which band you want, head on over to this page, determine the size options, and use the below guide to pinpoint the length you need.
Because determining your watch size is a tricky business, I'm including two ways to do it. My advice is to follow both methods so that you're absolutely sure.
Josh Miller/CNET
Method 1: Measure and extend
This one is easy. Grab some flexible measuring tape -- the kind that tailors use. Wrap it around your wrist, tightly, so that you're measuring the exact circumference of your wrist. Note the measurement.
If you don't have that kind of measuring tape, wrap a piece of string around your wrist, snip it (or use a marker to indicate the length), and get the length of the string with a ruler or measuring tape.
Now, add the specified length (below) to determine your size, and compare to Apple's guide, which is in millimeters.
For a snug fit* add ½ inch (12mm)
For a comfortable fit on most people, add ¾ to 1 inch (18-25mm)
For a loose fit add 1 ¼ inch (32mm)
*If you plan to exercise with your Watch, I recommend against a snug fit. Exercising in general causes minor swelling that will make a snug watch very uncomfortable to wear during workouts.
Josh Miller/CNET
Method 2: The duct tape bracelet
To be absolutely sure your measurements are correct, make a prototype bracelet with duct tape. It won't track your steps or read your heart rate, but it'll help you feel completely confident about the size you choose.
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