Modify Your Device's Navigation Bar To Have Solid Buttons Like Pixels [No Root]

The Google Pixel's android smartphones unraveled an intense features that's benevolent. Ever since Google launched those phones, many has been longing to feel some of it's tremendous features such as the navigation bar, dialer, Google assistant, boot animation and much more. The good news however is that Google has announced that it will be rolling out the "Google Assistant" to non-pixel Android phones. Now if perhaps you're a non-pixel user, then there's a huge possibility that you've probably seen the "Pixel Solid Nav Bar".

Getting this feature on your Android phone isn't that simple but "dunrite" has come up with an app named "​Pixbar" and it's function is to modify your device's navigation bar to have solid buttons like the Google Pixels. Now while this app seems intriguing, it's currently meant for phones with stock Lollipop and above. Thus you've to make sure that your device has an on-screen navigation button. Also the further good news is that you can easily use the pixbar app to get the Google Pixels solid navigation bar on your Android device without rooting. Let's quickly get this one going.....

Install Pixbar

To begin with, head over to the Google Play Store and "Install" Pixbar Android app. It's actually not a free app since it cost $0.99 and i guess that's just a token. You can also get it Free from a third-party source but I'd recommend you support the developers.

Enable OverLay and Adjust Spacing

From your device app drawer, locate and open the Pixbar Android app. Now you'll need to enable the app's overlay. Thus to get this one going, simply toggle the "Show Button Fill" switch at the top right corner of the screen.

Now you will probably notice that the presented on-screen navigation buttons seems a bit larger or rather it has been aligned incorrectly. Thus use the scale slider to reduce or resize it correctly, also notice the spacing slider, you can simply use this to align the spacing in other for it to line up with your existing on-screen navigation bar.

Modify and Use Pixels Solid Nav Bar

By default, the Google Pixels didn't bring any options which allows you to modify your on-screen navigation bar, but with the Pixbar you can easily have "Colored Softkeys". To do this, simply tap on the Color entry found on the Pixbar main menu. Then select your desired color or rather choose your own "Custom" color. Once you're through, tap "Apply" to set things up and it should look like below screenshot.

Now you'll be able to use the Pixels solid navigation buttons on your Lollipop, Marshmallow and Nougat Android device without rooting. One cool stuff about the "Pixbar" app is that it's stable and the effect appears in any element, thus it'll look and function exactly like your old navigation bar, but this time around it's modified!. Overall enjoy the Pixel-like Solid Navigation buttons on your Android device.

How To Change Android Wallpaper Automatically

Wallpapers are the sole beautification of every Android device, and unlike live wallpapers, they've a standard way of livening up your device while saving battery at the same time. Every Android Phone brings a pretty default option that allows you to change your wallpaper normally. But beyond the basics of setting up a wallpaper "normally" on your mobile, there's also a trick that you may not know. One unique way of setting up your Wallpaper is to have it change automatically based on a time schedule.

This can help to keep your device fresh every time you make use of it. Moreover you actually don't have to sort out your wallpapers manually. Now before we dive into the main procedure, we'll be using the "Wallpaper Changer" Android app which allows you to quickly change your wallpaper with one single click on a widget. Additionally, you can use the app to enable a timer which automatically changes your wallpaper based on a predefined time or when entering a specific location. Now with that said already, let's quickly get this one going.

Download Wallpapers

To begin with, you'll need to download some pretty wallpapers for your android phone since the app only changes background wallpapers. If perhaps you already have your own wallpaper collection, then you're probably go to ride but if not, simply click here to grab some beautiful Android wallpapers.

Install Wallpaper Changer

Changing your Android Wallpaper Automatically wouldn't have be an easy task without the Wallpaper Changer Android app. Thus head over to the Google Play Store and install the app since it's completely Free.

Set It Up

From your device app drawer, locate and open Wallpaper Changer and you'll be greeted with the app's cozy interface and settings. Now if the app prompts you to enable a live wallpaper in other to use it, tap on the option and then click on set wallpaper. Once fired back to the app's settings again, you can then choose a certain number of minutes, hours or days as your interval.

Next navigate to the Album section, the purpose of this action is to let you create new albums to organise your images. Now to add new images, simply click on the album you want the images to be added to, and then click on the floating "+" icon at the bottom right corner of the screen. From here, add any of your finest wallpapers.

Now head over to the "Settings" section, then set how the app handles the images which does not fit the home screen. Also set up the image size and opt to change the wallpaper every time you unlock your phone, and set your wallpapers to cycle through in a random order if you prefer. Once done, you're probably good to get going.

From now henceforth, your wallpaper will change automatically based on the scheduled time. The Wallpaper Changer app has been optimized for battery life and performence, so it might take some seconds to actually change the wallpaper after a click on the widget but one thing i fancy in this app is that you can add a whole folder of images and there's no ads. Overall Wallpaper Changer is cool even though it doesn't change the lock screen Wallpaper automatically.

Nokia 3310 Supremo Putin Edition Made Of Gold and Titanium

​Like seriously we've had alot of nostalgia already! The Nokia comeback in 2017 has always been what every tech enthusiasts anticipated, but what we probably didn't figure out was that they're  planning to relaunch the "Old" Nokia 3310. Well they already did, and the device is on sell as of writing this article. In a modern classic reimagined, the new Nokia 3310 takes the iconic rounded form silhouette of the original with long lasting battery and the legendary snake game, you'd agree with me that the device brings a classic fresh look.

While the rebirth of the old Nokia 3310 is still hot, Russian luxury phone makers by name Caviar has launched a special or rather custom version of the new Nokia 3310 and it's called the "Supremo Putin". This edition is made of gold and titanium and retails for a jaw-dropping of $1,700. Hehe! The price is completely a blatant rip-off considering that the average Nokia 3310 gets sold at $49. But if perhaps you fancy something more natural or simplified even retro tech, then you can stomach the price tag and probably get one for yourself.

According to the Caviar Company, the iconic Nokia 3310 Supremo Putin edition was design with gold, giving it a luxury, style and character of the Russian. The device was inspired by the most popular person in Russia "President Vladimir Putin" and the design of the Nokia 3310 consists of a volume of the President of the bas-relief, plaques with a quote from the National Anthem and a thin mesh-like engraving, applied to the body by hand. The device brings a Gold titanium case plated .999 for Double Electroplated technology. On top of the central control button is decorated with a miniature image of the coat of arms of the Russian Federation.

Caviar has formed the habit of designing smartphones made of luxury's and they're probably good at it. Apart from the Nokia 3310, the company also sells a Putin-themed iPhones but you should know that the price doesn't come easy either. The special version of the Nokia 3310 unveils a new luxurious varnished wooden case with finishing material lined with "Black Velvet" and in it, you'll find the following...

• Nokia 3310 Supremo Putin

• Certificate Of Authenticity

• USB Cable and Charger

• Stereo Headset

• Warranty Card

Summary

Luxury are probably made for those who can afford it without bleeding, a glimpse at the custom Nokia 3310 can actually detail to you that the smartphone is stunning and Nokia will be proud of this creation. Overall the Caviar company have created the perfect phone rugged, stylish, not cheap, able to hold a charge long and loud calls. Sometimes it's really all you need. Meanwhile we've spotted one of the "Supremo Putin" on sell and you probably might want to check it out.

How To Turn On Android Screen With the Volume Button

Whenever i have the urge to reboot into the recovery mode, I'd make use of the power button on my Android device. It's kind of a hobby for me, the power button technically serves as a means to wake up our Android phone screen, without it I'd say that smartphones are pretty much useless. Now if you're probably the type whose power button has been giving the blues lately, then accessing your mobile can be pretty much difficult.

Also Read: How To Turn ON & OFF Your Android Phone Without Using The Power Button.

There are several ways to wake up or turn on an Android phone screen without relying on its power key. One is to have someone call you in most cases, this will turn on the screen and give you control over your handset. Alternatively, you can plug your phone into a charger. This will turn the screen on and let you access your phone. If your phone has a physical camera button, hold it down. This should launch your camera app, which you can simply close in order to use the other features of your phone. Now if this guide doesn't remedy the situation, then you can grab a cup of coffee and read on....

Install Power Button to Volume Button

We've had hassles gathering most of the essential apps for android, previously we wrote an article about using Gravity Box to turn on and off your android screen, but the app accuracy varies on most of the smartphone we tested it on. Some handsets have very precise orientation and proximity sensors, thus gravity box cannot be accurate as you prefer. Now upon discovering the Power Button to Volume Button app, i knew it's probably what you'd want!..

The app main functionality is to allow you turn on your screen using the volume button instead of the power button. Unlike Gravity Box, It's working capabilities are not to be questioned and moreover it doesn't require root access. Now to begin with, head over to the Google Play Store and install Power Button to Volume Button. it's probably a free app with no annoying ads.

Once installed, then using the app is very simple. First you'll need to enable it and grant the app administrator privileges when asked to do so. If perhaps you are wondering why the app requires an administrator's service in other to function, then it is because only apps that are device administrators can turn on and off the screen. Now your phone will reboot to activate the app.

Once you're back on track, then the app should start working within a minute or so. From now on, when the volume button on your android device is pressed, it will turn your screen on. To turn it back off, you'll have to press the "Turn off screen" button, which should now be present in your notification panel or via the app.  Your volume buttons should work normally, controlling your phone's volume, while its screen is on.

Final Words

Power Button to Volume Button proves to come in handy when it's needed most, but the developer has pointed out it's huge downside. Thus your phone may experience a serious battery drain since this comes with the territory of keeping your device awake at all times in order to enable the volume button to perform the power button function. But i guess the battery drain won't be an issue since the app is more reliable than gravity box. Remember to enable the "Screen off" option in the notification bar feature if you plan to use the app for long periods of time. To uninstall the app, simply go to Settings >  Security > Device Administrators and remove the app from the device administrator list.

How To Get iPhone/iPads Guided Access Feature On Android

Under the accessibility option in every iPhone or iPad lies a "Guided Access" feature, this was mainly integrated as a type of parental control which helps you to quickly lock your device to a certain app before handing it over to your kids. Knowing how naive a toddler can be, you probably won't feel secure when you hand over your android device to them. They might divert from watching movies to calling someone without releasing it. Thus there is a need to restrict them from doing such by enabling the guided access feature on your mobile. However while the guided access feature seems to be of essence, you probably won't find the option on your android device. But there's a catch, as Kidscrape PTE have finally come up with an app that can lock your kids on a current app.


Touch Lock or Kids Lock is an app that allows you to lock the touch screen of your device during video playback. This can help to let your kids always focus on a specific videos or photos. For example when you are streaming a video on Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, PBS Kids or Storybook, your kid won't be able to pause the video with her finger neither will he/she divert to another app. Touch Lock mimics the iOS guided access feature and looks just like kid mode. The app can even block the hardware buttons and soft keys on your mobile thus preventing your kids from navigating to the home screen. Without further ado, below is the complete guide to setup and use Touch Lock parental control app on Android.

Install Touch Lock

To get this one going, head over to the Google Play Store and install Touch Lock Android app. It's completely a free app and you won't have to pay a dime.

Grant Permission

Next locate and open Touch Lock from your app drawer, you'll  be greeted on how to use the app. Read the guide or instructions and swipe through this. When you reach the third screen, you'll be asked to grant the app accessibility service which is required for the app to lock volume keys during video playback.

Thus tap on the "Enable Now" button and you'll be taken to the accessibility settings menu. From here select Touch Lock from the list and then turn on the switch at the top right corner of the screen. Hit "OK" if prompted and you're good to ride.

Disable Unlock Guide

Next head back to the touch lock app and from here, tap on the three dots on the top right corner of the screen, from here navigate into the "Settings" option and make sure to disable the "Unlock Guide" option since this will probably let your kid know how to unlock the device touch screen. You can also setup other options to your preference. I'd prefer tinkering with the "Unlock Settings" option.

Use Touch Lock

This one doesn't cause any hassle, to use Touch Lock, simply open a video for your kid perhaps you can navigate to Nextflix, YouTube or similar services. Then start playing the video and from here, swipe down from the notification panel and tap the "Lock key" icon beside Touch Lock notification. Your screen will instantly be locked and you can then safely hand it over to your kid.

Now when your kid returns the phone to you, then there's a need to unlock the touch screen. To do this, notice the semi transparent circle icon at the top right side of the screen, simply double tap on it to unlock and you're go to ride. You can also disable the navigation bar to prevent your kid from going to the home screen and calling irrelevant number.

To achieve this, (if you're using a soft key) start playing any of your kids favourite video. Then swipe down the notification panel, and from here simply tap on the icon next to the lock key and your nav bar will hide instantly. To unlock the virtual keys, swipe up from the navigation bar and double tap to disable the lock. That's it!

How To Remap the Hardware Buttons On Your Android Device

Android has always gained the upper hand when it comes to customization. There's no doubt that most of this tinkering involves root access but the hassle is probably worth it. By default, the physical or hardware buttons on our respective Android device brings a home, back, and recent keys which has been assigned to perform specific functions. However while this buttons seems to be irreplaceable, you can as well relabel or remap them to your preference. A ton of Android apps such as Xposed Addition and Button Remapper can painlessly relabel your hardware buttons thus allowing you to set custom actions, but we're going to use "Button Mapper" for this procedure since it's more simple and doesn't require root access.

Button Mapper is an Android app that makes it easy to map custom actions to your volume buttons, home button, back and recent apps keys. The app can remap your buttons to launch any app, shortcut or custom action. Button Mapper can also remap physical or capacitive keys and buttons on Samsung Galaxy devices, the camera button on Sony devices, and the capacitive home, back and recent apps keys found on many devices such as ASUS, HTC, OnePlus, Xiaomi and other manufacturers.  Thus below is our detailed procedure to remap the hardware buttons on your Android phone without rooting.

Install Button Mapper

To begin with, head over to the Google Play Store and install Button Mapper Android app. As I've said before, the app is completely free and moreover it does not require any root access.

Grant Permission

Now once you open Button Mapper on your device for the first time, you'll need to grant accessibility settings to the app. This permissions are mandatory if you want the "app" to change hardware keys behavior without root access. Thus to get this one going, press the "Go" button on the bottom of your Android display, then select "Button Mapper" from the list. Now enable accessibility service for the app by toggling the switch at the top of the screen, then hit "OK" if prompted.

Remap Your Buttons

Once the accessibility setup is complete, dive into Button Mapper again. This time you'll be presented with a clean interface of the app, with the keys you can remap depending on the device you are using. The app only shows a volume button as the hardware keys when tested on my Motorola G since it brings a soft nav bar. However devices such as Samsung and ASUS with hardware navigation keys will show all the keys.

Remapping the eligible hardware button on your phone is as simple as ABC. Thus to remap a button, simply select it from the list, then enable the "Customize" switch at the top of the screen. From here, you can assign a custom single tap or long press action for the preferred button. Simply explore and tinker with othsr available options to get things going.

While Button Mapper seems to be a useful android app, there's also a limitation. The free version of the app allows remapping of the Home button and volume buttons. However once you upgrade to the apps Pro version, you'll be able to unlock additional or advanced features most of which supports for back button, recent apps button and camera button. The app also unveil a ton of customization and you can manually tinker with every options to your preference.

Final Words

After you've finished setting up the first button, simply repeat the procedure to setup any other eligible hardware button on your device. One unique thing I love about Button Mapper is the fact that any changes applied does not require reboot thus every options does it's functions instantly. Now you've successfully remapped or relabeled your hardware button without rooting!..

The Best Aviation Apps For Android, iPad and iPhone

An aviator or perhaps a pilot needs more room for learning, it does not matter whether you're a commercial or private aviator. As a brand new pilot or even an expert, there's a need for you to start somewhere, installing most of the best aviation apps on your iPhone or Android can actually help you expand. Over the years we have seen a ton of aviation apps specially designed for Android and iOS device, but it is believed that iOS device unravels more essential aviation tools than Android. Whatever your opinion might be, it might contrary be different from mine since most of the best aviation apps for Android and iPads unveils options for flight training, weather report and much more. Thus in this article, we're going to list out the best aviation apps for iPads, Android, and iPhones.

1. Avare (Android)

Avare is one of the spectacular aviation app for Android which was made by and for pilots. The app is specially designed for flying in the USA and some parts of Canada, but it provides non current TPC charts for most of the world, and ONC charts for Canada, EU,  South Asia, and New Zealand. With an intuitive user interface, avare is easy to learn and use, Avare also provides offline moving map on all FAA charts but like other aviation apps for device, Avare isn't FAA certified but may be used as outlined in FAA documents. Apart from this, Avare brings plethora features and once installed, the app begins fetching an aviation database and at least one chart but you can also choose additional charts and materials for Avare to download for free.

2. ForeFlight Mobile EFB (iPad and iPhone)

ForeFlight is probably one of the most popular and widely used flight planning and electronic flight bag app for iPads and iPhones. Indiviual pilots and professional flight crews all over the world use ForeFlight to plan and file flight plans, access preflight and in-flight weather. They can also download and view electronic charts and maps, manage flight publications, log flight time, and more. ForeFlight unravels essential features and you can easily use the app "Graphical Briefing" to get all the weather information you need in other to feel confident and ready for takeoff. The app also provides an option for you to file, amend, or cancel VFR and IFR flight plans from your mobile device. Also the "Hazard Advisor" which serves as a moving-map overlay helps to tracks your GPS position and altitude in other to depict hazardous terrain and obstacles.

3. Garmin Pilot (Android, iPad and iPhone)

Garmin Pilot is the comprehensive suite of tools designed specifically for general aviation and corporate pilots. The app includes Flight planning, charts, weather briefing resources, Lockheed Martin, DUATS filing, interactive maps and navigation capabilities. Garmin intuitive interface mirrors those on the newest Garmin touchscreen avionics so you can go seamlessly from preflight to inflight. Similar to ForeFlight, Garmin pilot brings an inbuilt "Logbook" which automatically generates entries based upon GPS data collected during the flight, tracks currency, supports manual entries, endorsements and creates reports. Also with Garmin Pilot, data can be displayed over a VFR sectional or an IFR low or high en-route chart to visualize the weather for your route. The app inbuilt "NavTrack" feature helps you to view weather along the planned route. Garmin pilot is also available on iPad and iPhone thus you can grab it from iTunes store.

4. MyRadar Weather Radar (Android, iPad and iPhone)

MyRadar is a real-time weather radar with temperature, hurricanes, widgets and free warnings. The app is fast, easy-to-use & no-frills, it displays animated weather radar around your current location, allowing you to quickly see what weather is coming your way. All you've to do is just to start the app, and your location pops up with animated weather which tells you if rain is headed toward or away from you, and how fast it is descending. MyRadar brings a map that has the standard pinch and zoom capability which allows you to smoothly zoom and pan around the United States and see what the weather is like anywhere. In addition to this features of MyRadar, the app brings severe storm warnings for your area, and real-time hurricane tracking. The app also brings a layer that provides Airmets and Sigmets, and even the ability to overlay the flight plan of a particular aircraft onto the map. MyRadar is available on Android and you can grab it from the Google Play Store.

5. Sporty's E6B (Android, iPhone and iPad)

Sporty's E6B is a powerful flight computer app for aviators, it includes all the features of Sporty's traditional E6B, including 23 aviation functions, 18 conversions and complete timer features. The app's user-friendly design makes calculations fast and easy. Each function can be selected from a plain English list, and the app prompts the user for information as it goes. Plus, the entries are saved from previous calculations, so there's no need to re-enter data. You can easily calculate weight and balance using sporty's E6B. The app is most suitable for student pilot since it makes quick work of navigational and fuel problem. But it also includes a number of features that are useful for experienced pilots, such as Top of Descent, Specific Range and Planned Mach. You can also set the timer to count up or count down, so it is perfect for timing approaches, holds or switching fuel tanks. There is also a clock function that shows Home, Local and Zulu time. Sporty's E6B is available on the iTunes store for iPhone and iPads.

6. WingX Pro7

I have always emphasised that Android isn't losing when it comes to Aviation, but our opinion might vary. WingX Pro7 was a popular aviation app that hit the iTunes store first before unraveling itself on Google Play Store. WingX is the best GPS-Enabled Moving Map for aviators, the app brings an awesome user-defined enroute transparency and it includes VFR Sectionals, IFR Enroute Low and High, and WACs. Apart from this, WingX Pro7 feature a split screen, track up, weather briefing, conversions, winds aloft and runaway winds. Also just like ForeFlight, WingX Pro7 allows it's users to easily file, close, and cancel flight plans. The app also includes color-coded and decoded METARs, TAFs, winds and temperature aloft. You can also use WingX to calculates METAR Density Altitude and Freezing Levels. Overall WingX Pro7 is the best alternative if you're probably looking for an aviation moving map app since it contains built-in mini manuals. WingX Pro7 is available for Android on the Google Play Store.

Final Words

The above aviation apps can actually not be your favourites, but trust me they can completely enhanced your learning since they're the one's been used most often. Thus if you're a brand new iPhone, iPad or Android pilot, then you'll need to start from somewhere and that's by Installing the above aviation apps on your device. Overall these apps are probably what most aviators have been waiting for!.