Basic Google Class
July 2015 class
Mobile computing isn’t new
This class focuses on
Basic operations for tablets and smartphones for:
• Android devices
• Kindle Fire devices
This class covers Android and Kindle Fire
operation for computer use.
• A specific device is no longer the focus due to the market
share of mobile electronics:
Mobile Operating Systems
Market Share
Amazon
0.06%
Windows
2.13%
Android
45.78%
IOS
44.61%
Source: netmarketshare.com (December 14, 2014)
Basic operations covered:
• Desktops
• Applications management
• File management
• Web browsers
• Control panel
• Photography Tips
This is not an 80s computer
The Android operating system is:
Based on Linux (a form of the
Unix operating system created 50
years ago by AT&T).
Uses Java and Adobe Flash to
create easy to use applications.
This applications software (owned
by Oracle) is used in billions of
electronic devices including DVRs,
televisions, ATMs, POS registers,
and modern automotive
navigation/dashboard systems.
This tablet doesn’t replace a traditional
computer
• Because of software decisions
that have been made by Adobe
and Microsoft, full working
applications of their product line
will be offered for Apple IPad
and Microsoft Surface devices.
• Because of low profit margins,
there are no incentives from
commercial software companies
to provide working versions of
their products.
This tablet doesn’t replace a traditional
computer
• Most applications software systems have been downgraded due to lower profit margins.
• Most current computers are 64 bit with multiple processors (typically 4).
• Most tablets have to communicate with servers that contain up to 8 processors to provide data base
and file management.
• Lack of hardware integration (secondary monitors, USB hardware). If they can be integrated many
software applications do not support them (Microsoft Office for Android devices doesn’t support an
external keyboard).
• Today, a Microsoft Surface tablet is the closest tablet to become a replacement.
This class doesn’t cover:
• Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom
• Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking programs that are
not owned by Google.
These classes are available from LBCC. Adobe photo classes are offered
at OSU as well.
What can I do with my tablet or smartphone?
Tablets:
Smartphones:
Office applications
Email
Internet
Play games
Read books and magazines
Watch television
Social networking
Photography(?)
Connect to other computer resources
using a Wi-Fi network
Email
Internet
Play games
Using store applications
Online banking
Watch television
Social networking
Photography
Connect to other computer resources using a
Wi-Fi network
Use your device as a Wi-Fi hotspot
Capabilities of pairing tablets and
smartphones:
• Within the next few years, if
you own a LG or Samsung
phone, chances are your
smartphone will connect to
the same manufacturers:
o TVs, streaming and DVD players
o Kitchen Appliances
o Washers/Dryers
This also includes your vehicle
Applications covered in this class:
• Web (Standard, Silk (Kindle Fire) Chrome, Firefox, & UC Browser)
• Flash
• ES File Manager
• Photo apps
• Spyware programs
In addition:
• How to connect Bluetooth devices (headphones & keyboards)
• How the control panel works
When you have completed both classes, you
will know how to operate:
• Android smartphones
• Android tablets
Advanced Google class will cover:
• Library 2 Go (checking out books from the library).
• PC integration for file management.
• Google Maps, Earth, You Tube, Drive, +, Store, and any other Google
app that can be integrated and managed on a notebook computer
including the Google search engine.
• Google is providing very powerful resource tools that are replacing
traditional reference resources including: libraries, maps, globes,
atlases, and encyclopedias that are required for most research
projects.
• Smartphone applications.
Classes offered in 2015
• The Albany Senior Center will be offering classes on :
Amazon classes:
Mobile devices
PC and streaming devices
Google classes:
Mobile device operation
PC and streaming devices
Cloud class (fall 2015)
These classes will be taught
covering the service rather than
a specific device.
What isn’t covered in any class:
• Allowing your tablet to operate under “super user” mode (“rooting”).
This can void the warranty and render your device non-operational
(“bricking”) if not carefully performed. This also applies to developer
mode as well. Using these features on your tablet can also open your
device to file sharing with the public.
• Details for “rooting” your tablet (if needed) are available in the
Android Forums website. Search by your make and model number
for specific details.
If you have an Android device:
• Must have a Google e-mail address
• During the class, the Google Play Store will be used.
• Gmail will be covered
• This class can’t fix any account problems that you may have with
Google. These matters can be addressed by your wireless service
provider or by Google customer service
• If you tablet doesn’t contain the Google Play Store, you can download
the Amazon App Store. You must have an active Amazon account in
order to use the service
If you have an Kindle Fire device:
• Must have an active Amazon.com account
• Must have “One-Touch” activated in order to download free apps.
This requires having a valid credit card on your account.
• For legal reasons, this class can’t fix any account problems that you
may have with Amazon. This includes registering/de-registering any
Kindle Fire with an existing Amazon account.
The screens may not look the same in this
presentation than what your tablet has
• There are a dozen different brands and models covered in the
Android market besides Google and Samsung
• These slides show a generic version of the Android 4.0 operating
system
• Kindle Fires and Android devices do not have the same screens.
• A Kindle Fire is an Android device that is modified to benefit
Amazon.com.
These screens may not look like your tablet
• Samsung and Google have relocated icons for their models
• Some version may vary on what version of the Android operating
system you are working with
• Each screen has the same features but they are placed in different
areas
• Don’t panic
Additional apps that aren’t covered in this
class:
• Remote Desktop (see the documentation for details).
• Linking Livescribe smart pens to tablets and smartphones
(see Livescribe website for details).
• DLNA service apps for file sharing over home networks (we will talk
about it).
These apps and services are specific to existing Windows workgroup
networks to DLNA (or SMB) services. Livescribe requires a smart pen to
pair with your tablet or smartphone.
Powering off and charging your Android
• To keep your Android operating properly, your device should be
powered down and charged overnight.
• Your device may update and install applications automatically in a
background mode. This operation should never be interrupted
(unless you need to power off your device).
• If your tablet or smartphone locks up, press and hold down on the
power button or remove the battery to restart your device.
Using a stylus
• Easier to use on the screen
• Less smudging on the screen
• If your fingernail is doing the work, it may not have the same tactile
response as your finger does
• Stay away from non burnished metal styluses. They can scratch your
screen
• Screen protectors are great to have and use
Stylus
This metal edge should not be sharp
to prevent scratching
Power supplies
Power module specifications:
5 volt, 2 amp
Should have a
power supply (AC
Adaptor)
USB hubs must be
connected to a
computer system
in order to properly
charge your Kindle
Fire.
Your computers USB port can charge your
Kindle Fire as well
Portable phone
chargers will work
Cases
• Standard size 7” tablet
covers (unless you have the
8” model)
Screen protectors have to be
7” (any protector designed for
Android use will work)
USB Cables
(Kindle, Android, and Windows)
• Standard micro USB cable
• Make sure that the USB cable
is designed for charging as
well as data communication
use (should be written on the
packaging)
• Micro USB cables dedicated
for charging use will charge
your device faster than a
power/data cable when
connected to a computer
During class, your device should be in this
mode:
Landscape mode
Portrait mode
Tablet desktop (Generic Android version)
Google search
(text or voice)
Menu
Program
shortcuts
Widget
Escape
(bent arrow)
Home
Task manager
Menu
Screen
capture icon
Icons of
running
programs
Wi fi signal
Battery life
The placement of the control and icons varies from model to model
Tablet desktop (Kindle Fire version)
Status bar
Carousel
(history time line)
Favorites
(display changes
by model)
Ribbon
What’s an app and what’s a widget
App is a software application
(game, social media, or a shopping app)
Widget is an app that is memory resident, resides on the desktop of the
tablet, and continues to run in the background
(weather, news, clocks, and, stock quotes, email)
Widgets aren’t available for Kindle Fire devices
(some are already built-in for alerts)
Tablet Menu (Generic Android version)
Category
area
Programs,
control
panels, and
features
Google Play
Store
Some applications screens separate apps
from widgets some do not.
Widgets and apps can be separated by a tab in you applications area.
Connecting to wireless service
• Connect your tablet and/or smartphone to the COA service
Connecting your tablet to your smartphone
• Using 3g or 4g services from your wireless carrier are compatible for
Android use:
o Wi-Fi Hotspot
o Tethering
• 3g or 4g service will deduct bandwidth from your monthly quota
when used.
Connecting your tablet to your smartphone
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Press the settings option in the menu of your phone
Select Wireless & Networks
Select More
Select Portable Wi-Fi hotspot
Press the check box to enable the service
Obtain the security key located in the
“Configure Wi-Fi hotspot” settings.
Timeout should be enabled
There is a limit to the number of devices that can be
connected to your smart phone at time
(usually up to 5 devices).
Search for your phone under the wireless settings on
your tablet
Type in the security code
Control Panel (Android devices)
What appears on the
screen varies by device.
Styles will vary between
smartphone, tablet, and
version of the operating
system
Use the control panel to:
• Make sure the device rotation is landscape
• Connect to the COA Wi-Fi
Web Browser
Android devices support:
•Android Browser
•Google Chrome
•Mozilla Firefox
•UC Browser (built in file management)
Web Browser
Kindle Fire tablets support:
•Silk Browser
•Mozilla Firefox
•UC Browser (built in file management)
Updated class information
Updated class information is available at:
timbabcock.net
On the website, there is a page dedicated to Android class information.
Connect to the Wi-Fi service
• Connect to the COA service
• Log into timbabcock.net
• Select Google section
• Select Basic Google
• Select Class Files
• Your tablet should have the
following screen:
User id and password for class files
• User id
BasGoogle
• Password
AlbPark715
The user id and password will expire at the end of August.
Web Browser (generic version)
Menu
Browser tabs
(8 tabs can
be open at
one time).
The browser
stays in the
position that
you leave it
when you
exit the
program.
Control bar
Back arrow
Forward arrow
Reload
Address line
Favorites
Search
Bookmark
Keyboard Controls
Cursor
control
Delete key
Hides
keyboard
Voice
commands
What happens with your web browser?
• Plug ins
Java should be enabled
Make sure that installing software from a 3rd party is enabled
Installation of Adobe Flash
Controls
• Each tablet or smartphone has four basic controls available to you:
• Home (some devices will use a center button for this feature
• Escape (usually a bent arrow)
• Menu (usually three parallel line or three squares)
• Apps (usually defined by a series of white cubes in a rectangular or
square pattern)
• These controls vary from each model but function the same way.
• Screen capture (usually four arrows)
Additional Icons that may appear on your
tablet
• USB icon – cactus
(when connected to your computer)
• External memory card icon (not available for Kindle Fire) – picture of a
SD micro memory card
(once the card is properly mounted)
• Icons for programs running in the background
(email, camera, file sharing services, and Google Play/Amazon App
Store updates)
• Share To icon (a series of lines connected to dots)
Pictures
Taking pictures
• Tablet cameras do not have the same capabilities as smartphone
cameras have
(less megapixels, lack of text mode for shooting documents)
• Tablet cameras may be awkward to take photos with versus
smartphone cameras
• Front position cameras are typically used for Skype and selfie use
QR Code
Photographic capabilities
• Think of the product as a point and shoot camera
• No tripod capabilities
• Settings for ISO, f-stop, and aperture settings can’t be set at the same
time for one shot (you may have 2 but not all 3).
• Some devices offer white balance correction but this can be fixed using
Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop products.
• This camera isn’t a replacement for professional photography use
With smartphone and tablet commercials:
• If you are serious about taking pictures as a hobby or for professional
purposes, you should takes classes in Adobe Lightroom and
Photoshop to learn how to manage and edit your digital photography
collection professionally (LBCC and OSU both offer courses).
• Adobe photo editing products (at the professional level) are only
offered on Windows and Mac products.
• Photoshop and Lightroom can run on Microsoft Surface tablets only.
A smartphone/tablet camera doesn’t have
the following capabilities
• Depth perception (no manual focus adjustment). Samsung is working
on this as a software application.
• No manual focus controls outside of digital zoom.
• More pixels out of your camera means that images can be zoomed in
digitally by increasing the amount of pixels used for each shot.
• Distinguishing images above 16 megapixels can’t be really seen with
our own eyes (unless magnified).
• DLSR cameras take images that are shot in RAW format (CR2) while
low-end digital cameras take images in JPEG format only resulting in
compression.
If you take images using a tablet or
smartphone, remember the following:
• Using the camera takes priority on your smartphone or tablet including telephone
calls.
• Videos recorded on tablets or smartphones usually have the capability of only
being recorded in increments of up to 20 minutes.
• Your battery life will decrease with the more pictures that you take.
• You do not have the capability of using a standard tripod mount.
• Some telephoto lens are available for smartphones and tablets. They need to be
specifically designed for your product. Generic versions may not work.
• Digital zoom and manual zoom are not the same thing.
• If you plan on taking several pictures at a time, Samsung makes fine cameras that
can do a great job at a great price without draining your tablet or smartphone
resources.
• You don’t have the capability of long exposure shots on a tablet or smartphone.
A great digital camera to own
Samsung ST66
• 16 Megapixels
• Optical (5x) and digital zoom
• Capable of recording a 20 minute HD
video at 720i
• Capable of long exposure shots
• White balance correction
• Special effects
• Flash
• Tripod mount
• 2.7 inch display
• Panorama capability
• Very low price at Wal-Mart
• Doesn’t include the case or memory
card
• Use a class 10 memory card with this
model
• Replacement rechargeable batteries
are available from many sources
• Uses a li-ion rechargeable battery
with a great battery life
• Has macro zoom capability
Digital photography examples
Depth perception example
Background out of focus
Samsung is developing ways to shoot
photographs using software (Galaxy 5S has
the capability).
(Canon Rebel image recorded in JPEG)
Digital photography examples
HDR (High Dynamic Range) image taken
using a Cannon EOS DLSR. Developed
and edited using Adobe Lightroom and
Photoshop.
Multiple photos combined using the
same ISO and aperture setting but vary
by shutter speed.
Some smartphones have HDR
capabilities built in.
Can you do the same thing with a
smartphone or table?
If you have HDR capabilities, yes
(Canon Rebel image recorded in RAW format)
3 images were shot with an LG smartphone using the HDR setting. To produce this shot using Adobe software
These images are saved using TIFF
format in Photoshop. Pictures can
be exported into JPEG format using
Lightroom.
HDR example
Digital photography examples
These shots were taken using Samsung digital
camera equipment (Digimax U-CA5) on a
tripod with settings capable of shooting long
exposure night shots up to 20 seconds (no
flash). Samsung makes great inexpensive
point and shoot digital cameras.
This photograph was in the Pacific Northwest Photo Show
during the Puyallup Fair in 2005 and received honorable
mention.
Digital photography examples
Using a Samsung 16 mp digital
camera (ST-66) with a class 10
memory card (no Photoshop work).
DLSR produces RAW format images
More details and higher definition are achieved
using RAW (CR2 format) than JPEG. JPEG images are
compressed for storage purposes as well as saving
battery life.
Photo Mate R2 app will work with images on
Android devices. You can edit this image on your
computer using Adobe Photoshop products.
Requires a digital camera decoder for Windows 7
and Android devices (Included in Photo Mate for
Android).
These images require high speed processors and a
great battery life to view on a tablet or smartphone.
These images should only be stored and shot to a
class 10 memory card (USB 3 is preferred).
Taken using a Cannon EOS Rebel XS
Should be viewed and edited on HDTV devices only
(using an HDTV cable). Editing these images on a
VGA or DV-I monitor may produce different results
and could lead to a headache as well.
Digital image shot with a smartphone
Dawn and dusk shots are
problematic to shoot unless you
know how to manually adjust your
camera.
These shots may require additional
editing using Adobe software.
If the exposure is too long, make
sure your smartphone is in a steady
position.
Be careful about getting the sun
into the camera. It can damage
your CCD if you do not have a UV
or polarizing lens filter on you
smartphone (if you can find
someone who makes them).
Taken with an LG Optimus 5 MP camera.
Panorama shots
• Most Samsung products can shoot in panorama mode but many
software applications do not distinguish their characteristics.
• Professional Adobe products are recommended to properly edit and
produce them for other applications. Some photo editing programs
may break up the image into the center portion only or compress the
image into lower resolution format.
• Proper presentation is typically designed for websites using Adobe
Flash or Apple QuickTime, or Microsoft Silverlight plug-ins.
Panorama shots
While these shots are wider, they may result in a lower resolution photo (2032 X 640) with a smaller file size. This
shot was taken using a Samsung ST-66 camera. Using a DLSR can result in “gigapictures” with very high resolution.
Make sure you edit the images using a photo editing program capable of importing panorama images at the same
quality on a PC.
Samsung has been:
• Very truthful with their advertising campaigns where others have not
• High quality equipment at an affordable price for most business,
hobby, and research projects for video as well as photography
• They are not in the professional photography market
(although the NX series is getting close)
• If you want to take shots that require a tripod, Samsung point and
shoot digital cameras do a great job at taking shots without paying
the big bucks for a DLSR.
• Their cameras are not a replacement for professional DLSR cameras
that Cannon, Nikon, or Konica/Minolta offer.
When using your Gallery app:
• Two modes to the app:
Editing is available to you after taking the picture
(while you are on the camera app).
Sending the image is only available after exiting the photo program
and re-entering the Gallery program (the camera app must be exited).
• This was done to save on the battery life of the tablet/smartphone by
controlling multitasking operations.
• The camera does take priority over any function of the device unless
you are already on a phone call or video chat conversation.
This is not a 64 bit computer
Tablets (with the exception of Microsoft do not allow for (nor have the capability to
perform):
Professional photo editing
(no HDR and detailed touchup work)
Desktop publishing
(Microsoft Publisher isn’t available)
Professional video editing
(green screen work)
Multiple track audio recording
(Need to pair multiple sources)
Any graphic arts applications that involves layering of multiple media files into one
file.
Security
Security
• Install an anti-virus program (AVG, Norton, McAfee)
• Install Samba File sharing app (workgroup security).
• Activate or install file encryption app
(can slow down device and can make file transfer between device and
pc impossible without using a cloud app to manage)
• If you are using a Virtual Private Network connection (VPN) your
device will be protected from having your files compromised since it
is an encrypted connection.
Where is my phone/tablet?
• Google (tracking features must be turned on before using)
• Norton (tracking features can be turned on using a web browser)
Any email questions?
Office documents
• An optional program to use is Documents To Go by Dataviz:
o Integrates with most cloud services
o Synchronizes with your Windows computer
o Editing of files is available for the purchased version
Office documents
• Office app is available for Android smartphone and tablet use if you
have purchased a licensed copy of Office 2013.
• Editing is limited on the Office app for Amazon to the on screen
keyboard (external keyboard has been disabled).
• All Office file viewers and editors have limited features that may not
scale graphics, display Word Art fonts, or display embedded objects
(such as videos). They are designed only to display and edit basic
features.
Office documents
• Goggle Docs has been discontinued during the summer for stand
alone apps for all Android devices.
• Web programs for Google and Microsoft may function on the Firefox
browser (with limited editing features).
• Apps are available to integrate your Microsoft Onedrive account with
your Android.
• Additional apps from Microsoft are available for Onedrive,
Outlook.com, and OneNote for Android use.
Office documents
• Microsoft Publisher, Access, and Visio isn’t supported for tablet use.
• Third party programs may be available to support Project, and Access
files.
• Third party apps are available to work with Microsoft servers and
apps the support Remote Desktop and Sharepoint servers.
• Official Adobe PDF viewer is available from the Google Play Store.
Apps for phones and tablets
• Most shopping apps are available for smartphones only.
• Some specific apps to servers are available and work better on a
tablet than a smartphone:
Microsoft Remote Desktop
(smartphones and tablets)
Oracle Enterprise and Virtual Desktop apps
(tablets only)
Capabilities of pairing tablets and
smartphones:
• Apps available for managing Tivo and Roku services in the Google Play
Store
• DirecTV, Dish, and Comcast provide apps to manage their DVR devices
• Comcast released a new player this week for Android smartphones
that will work with Xfinty On Demand and Stream cast services.
• Comcast and CenturyLink apps are limited in the Amazon App store
but do provide apps for managing accounts, voicemail, and security
services for Android smartphones and tablets in The Google Store.
DLNA service
• Digital Living Network Alliance
• Capable of sharing media files between computers, smart televisions,
media players, tablets, smartphones, and networked storage devices
for playback.
• Requires software to act as a host, a client, or both to access these
files.
• Caution should be used when setting up the service to prevent
outside sources from getting into your files (firewalls and encryption
services should be enabled).
• Setting up the service isn’t covered in this class.
What about radio?
• Pandora (customized music playback choices)
• Sirius XM (internet streaming services that works with existing
subscriptions)
• I Heart Radio (Local market radio stations (favors Clear Channel
stations))
• Tune In Radio (Local market radio stations (Portland and Seattle)
market radio stations)
(news radio stations KIRO (FM) and KOMO (AM/FM) are two good
sources to find out what is going on with Amazon for new services)
What about Newspapers?
• Local paper apps for Oregon are available on Android devices only.
• Salem
• Albany, Lebanon, and Corvallis.
• Oregon Live
• The Oregonian is available as a daily subscription in the Amazon Store
• Flipboard
What about cable/satellite television?
Local television:
All Oregon television channels are available as apps for IPhone, IPad,
and Android devices.
Facebook and Twitter
• New apps have been released for both social networking services.
• Some features are limited in the social media apps for things such as
tagging pictures and running applets within Facebook.
File Management
• ES File Manager provides file management for all files on your device
• Groups media files for easy access (photos, videos, and audio files)
• Provides file management for all external memory devices plugged
into your device
• Provides FTP, workgroup, cloud, and LAN access for shared networks
for home and office use.
How files are stored on your Kindle Fire (this
applies to all Android devices)
/
/mnt
/mnt/sdcard
Your photos, documents, videos, and personal files should be
stored in this location at all times (on your Kindle Fire)
On Android tablets and smartphones, files
can be saved to:
/
/mnt
/mnt/sdcard
Internal memory card installed
in your device
/mnt/external_sd
Micro SD memory card that
you can install into your phone
or tablet
Use high speed
memory cards
for HDTV
devices
/mnt/usbhost1
Flash drives that can be
installed into an Android
tablet using a USB port
Unmount device in
the control panel of
your device before
removing
Storage of files on mobile devices
• All photos taken from your device are stored using the DCIM folder
(this applies to all digital camera devices)
• All files downloaded from the internet are transferred to the
download folder
• Documents are stored in the document folder
• Videos are stored in the video folder
• Photos are stored in the pictures folder
• Music is stored in the music folder
• Some apps store files in the media folder
Additional files that can play on your Android
• Music and videos purchased from ITunes since 2006 or later (non protected
MPEG4 and MP3)
• Media and documents can by synched using Windows Media player.
• Your kindle fire will read the following formats
• MPEG4 (H.264 format only available for Kindle Fire HD/HDX models)
• MP3
• M4V (unprotected)
• M3U (unprotected)
• 3GP
• JPEG
Questions?