Beginner's guide to Android phones and tablets

About the Android OS

• 

  Android OS chart: Comparing the major versions

  By Barb Dybwad

  Take a visual look at the differences between major Android OS releases.
• News

  Meet Honeycomb, Android 3.0 for tablets

  By Taylor Hatmaker

  Get to know Google's next generation mobile operating system.
• News

  Video: Here's what Honeycomb for tablets looks like

  By Samuel Axon

  This short video shows the designed-for-tablets version of Google Android 3.0 in action.
• Tips & Tricks

  Just Show Me: An overview of Android for tablets, Honeycomb 3.0 [Tecca TV]

  By Barb Dybwad

  What to expect from Google's version of Android for tablets.
• Guides

  Everything you need to know about the Galaxy Nexus and Android Ice Cream Sandwich

  By Barb Dybwad

  Learn all about the latest Samsung wonderphone paired with Google's newest mobile operating system, Android 4.0.
• • Columns

    Ice Cream Sandwich: What to expect from Android 4.0

    By Emily Price

    More than just a summertime dessert, Ice Cream Sandwich is the latest version of Android.
  • Tips & Tricks

    How can I find out what version of Android is on my phone?

    By Sebastian Anthony

    It only takes a moment to find out.
• Show More

Buying an Android phone

• 

  iPhone vs. Android phones

  By Adam Holisky

  How to choose between Apple's phone and Google's phone.
• Columns

  Review: HTC Evo 3D brings 3D to your mobile phone

  By Jacob Bolm

  The world's first 3D-capable smartphone gets thoroughly tested.
• Lists

  9 Accessories for Your HTC EVO 4G

  By Michael Gray

  Add a little mojo to your EVO.
• Columns

  Letters to Mom: iPhone vs. Android vs. BlackBerry vs. Windows Phone 7

  By Emily Price

  Choosing a smartphone can be a daunting task without knowing your basics.
• Basics

  Smartphone 411: What's the difference between Android and the iPhone?

  By Taylor Hatmaker

  What's so different about the top two smartphone platforms?
• • Lists

    8 Alternatives to the Verizon iPhone

    By Taylor Hatmaker

    The iPhone isn't the only fish in the smartphone sea.
  • Lists

    Best Accessories: Equip your Nexus S 4G with the right stuff

    By Michael Gray

    The newest phone needs the best accessories.
  • News

    Megareview: Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Android 4.0

    By Taylor Hatmaker

    Does the first Android Ice Cream Sandwich phone live up to its own immense hype?
  • News

    HTC Evo 3D and Evo View 4G tablet will head to Sprint

    By Taylor Hatmaker

    With 2 new HTC-made Android devices, Sprint hopes to keep up with the pack.
  • Lists

    Best Accessories: Tools and add-ons to get the full dimensions from your Evo 3D

    By Michael Gray

    Cases, shields, and docks to get the most from your Evo 3D.
  • Guides

    Everything you need to know about the Galaxy Nexus and Android Ice Cream Sandwich

    By Barb Dybwad

    Learn all about the latest Samsung wonderphone paired with Google's newest mobile operating system, Android 4.0.
  • News

    Not sure if the Galaxy Nexus is right for you? Try it out online!

    By Mariella Moon

    Verizon introduces a virtual simulator for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich.
• Show More

Buying an Android tablet

• 

  How to make sense of tablet specs

  By Sebastian Anthony

  Will a few pixels and megahertz really make a difference?
• Columns

  Apple iPad 2 vs. Motorola Xoom: Which is 2011's must-have tablet?

  By Samuel Axon

  The flagship Google Android tablet and Apple's new iPad are poised to battle throughout 2011 — which one should you buy?
• News

  Motorola Xoom gets Flash compatibility today

  By Mike Wehner

  The tablet wars heat up as the Xoom gets a feature not available on the iPad 2.
• Columns

  Meet the Motorola Droid Xyboard, Android's latest iPad rival

  By Mariella Moon

  Motorola releases its Xoom successors, the Droid Xyboard 10.1 and 8.2, exclusively through Verizon Wireless.
• Columns

  Meet the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, a pint-sized powerhouse

  By Mariella Moon

  This lightweight portable tablet does double duty as a TV remote.
• • News

    Special edition Galaxy Tab bike is the most ridiculous accessory ever

    By Taylor Hatmaker

    Samsung has crafted (arguably) the biggest, weirdest tablet accessory ever made.
  • News

    Samsung reveals Galaxy Tab 7.7, a smaller Android tablet

    By Mariella Moon

    Samsung's new Galaxy Tab is a 7.7" tablet equipped with AMOLED display.
  • News

    Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 [Video]

    By Barb Dybwad

    This slightly more diminutive sister to the 10.1 adds yet another size option to Samsung's arsenal.
  • Columns

    Tablet Wars: Meet the HTC Flyer

    By Ashley Esqueda

    HTC's 7-inch tablet just might sway you.
  • Columns

    Tablet Wars: Meet the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer

    By Ashley Esqueda

    There's more to this Android tablet than meets the eye.
  • Columns

    Top 5 iPad alternatives of 2011

    By Mariella Moon

    There's a whole world of tablets out there beyond the iPad.
• Show More

Using your Android phone or tablet

• 

  How to use the Android Market

  By Mariella Moon

  Fill your Honeycomb tablet with the best apps and widgets.
• Tips & Tricks

  How to change the ringtone on your Android phone

  By Sebastian Anthony

  Whether you need something that's more "you" or simply a bit more audible, changing ringtones is easy.
• Basics

  How to install apps from the Android Market

  By Sebastian Anthony

  It's easy, you can do it from your PC, and there are hundreds of thousands of apps to choose from.
• Tips & Tricks

  How to customize the background on your new iPhone

  By Emily Price

  A customized background can give your phone a unique look.
• Columns

  Best Apps: Our 14 favorite Android apps of 2011

  By Sarah Gilbert

  From attacking zombies to streaming tunes, these top Android apps are some of the best.
• • Tips & Tricks

    5 best alternative keyboard apps for Android

    By Taylor Hatmaker

    With Android, you've got wealth of ways to type at your fingertips.
  • Columns

    13 fantastic free apps for new Android users

    By Katherine Ryan

    Dip into this combination of useful and entertaining apps for Android phones.
  • Columns

    Top 5 Android apps for to-do management

    By Sarah Gilbert

    Let your Android device make you a more organized person in time for 2012.
  • Tips & Tricks

    4 apps to help you keep your fitness and health goals

    By Taylor Hatmaker

    These apps will help you kick nasty habits and get healthy... just like you said you would.
  • Columns

    8 awesome games for your Android tablet

    By Samuel Axon

    It's about quality, not quantity, for Android tablet gamers.
  • Columns

    App Review: i.TV helps you track your favorite TV shows

    By Emily Price

    i.TV can check local cable listings, Netflix, Hulu, and iTunes for your favorite programs.
  • Columns

    How to extend your smartphone's battery life

    By Emily Price

    Tips and tricks to make sure your most necessary gadget keeps going as long as you do.
  • Tips & Tricks

    9 tips for new Android tablet owners

    By Liz Patt

    Getting started with your Honeycomb tablet doesn't have to be complicated.
  • Columns

    9 tips to keep in mind when switching between Android and the iPhone

    By Jacob Bolm

    If you know what to expect, swapping phones can be smooth sailing.
  • Tips & Tricks

    How to set the alarm on your Android phone

    By Sebastian Anthony

    It takes just a couple of clicks to set up three different alarms.
  • Basics

    How to free up space on your Android device

    By Sebastian Anthony

    A little spring cleaning never hurt anyone!
  • Basics

    How to uninstall and receive a refund for Android apps

    By Sebastian Anthony

    Remove apps easily and get your money returned for accidental purchases.
  • Columns

    Ask Tecca: How to install previously purchased apps

    By Adam Holisky

    What happens when you buy an app, delete it, and then want to install it again?
  • Tips & Tricks

    How to back up your Android phone

    By Sebastian Anthony

    Thanks to the power of the cloud, it's surprisingly easy.
  • Tips & Tricks

    How to use the Home button on your Android phone

    By Sebastian Anthony

    App and home screen switching is easy with Android.
  • Tips & Tricks

    How to use the Home button to switch between Android apps

    By Keith Burman

    Homing in on an easy way to navigate among multiple apps on your Android phone.
  • Tips & Tricks

    Understanding the Android app permission system

    By Sebastian Anthony

    Be aware that some apps can do anything with the data on your phone.
  • News

    Play an enormous game of Angry Birds on the world's largest Android tablet

    By Mariella Moon

    Istanbul-based company Ardic develops 65-inch Honeycomb tablet.
  • Tips & Tricks

    How to get more battery life out of your Android tablet

    By Liz Patt

    Keep your tablet going the extra mile with our suggestions.
  • News

    Flying first class? Enjoy an Android tablet with your peanuts

    By Taylor Hatmaker

    American Airlines will soon include the new Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet on some flights.
• Show More

Video guides

• 

  Just Show Me: How to set a security lock on your Android phone

  By Adam Holisky

  Protect your phone's data from thieves and unwelcomed guests.
• Tips & Tricks

  Just Show Me: Apps to check your data usage on your Android phone

  By Ashley Esqueda

  Don't go over your cellphone plan's data limit — keep watch!
• Tips & Tricks

  Just Show Me: How to use Google Latitude on your Android phone

  By Adam Holisky

  Keep track of where your friends and family are with Google Latitude.
• Tips & Tricks

  Just Show Me: How to check for a system update on your Android phone

  By Adam Holisky

  Keep your mobile phone up to date so you've always got the best software possible.
• Tips & Tricks

  Just Show Me: How to rent movies on your Android phone or tablet

  By Adam Holisky

  Use the Android Marketplace to watch your favorite flick.
• • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to set roaming options on your Android phone

    By Adam Holisky

    Set your roaming options to avoid unexpected cell phone charges.
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to set up one-touch dialing on your Android phone

    By Adam Holisky

    Call your favorite people with just one button.
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to make your own ringtone on your Android phone

    By Adam Holisky

    Create a custom ringtone with Ringdroid.
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to use the calendar on your Android phone

    By Adam Holisky

    Keep your calendar with you where ever you go!
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to set an alarm on your Android phone

    By Adam Holisky

    With your Android phone you'll never miss an appointment again!
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to update your apps on your Android phone

    By Adam Holisky

    Learn to update your apps with our video guide!
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to set the wallpaper on your Android phone

    By Adam Holisky

    Customize the look of your phone with this easy tip!
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to move Android apps to an SD card

    By Adam Holisky

    Free up your phone's storage by moving apps to your SD card.
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to increase the speed of your Android tablet or phone

    By Adam Holisky

    Speed up your android device with these easy tips!
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to install a new keyboard on your Android tablet or phone

    By Adam Holisky

    Change your on-screen keyboard for easy typing.
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to add a widget to your Android tablet [Tecca TV]

    By Barb Dybwad

    It's easy to add a widget to your Android tablet's home screen; here's how!
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to add multiple Gmail accounts to your Android device

    By Adam Holisky

    You can easily use multiple Gmail accounts on your Android-based phone or tablet.
  • Tips & Tricks

    Just Show Me: How to enable automatic updates on the Android Market

    By Adam Holisky

    Updated apps will deliver superior performance and the latest features.
  • News

    Netflix finally arrives on the Android Market, supports 5 devices to start

    By Mike Wehner

    The biggest streaming rental service lands on millions of handsets today.
• Show More

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