TheFunctionKey

The Google Home Mini-

“Hey Google, get me ready to write”

Unless you plan on letting the neighboring county hear your music then the Google Home Mini (which i will now refer to as Mini) is probably loud enough. At full volume it is definitely loud enough to wake your entire house and the dog out back. 

I mainly use Mini for defining words, playing music on Spotify, Pandora and iHeartRadio, or even just using it as a bluetooth speaker to stream music and audio directly from my phone. The Mini also makes calls and sends messages (given access to your phone of course) as well as many other features. 

The Mini can also tell your the corniest joke you’ve ever heard or make pop-culture Star Wars references. The developers over at Google put in a lot of Easter eggs that you’ll be glad you didn’t miss. 

There are 2 features that I love personally. The first is the sleep timer. I like a little bit of noise as I fall asleep, but I don’t necessarily want it to play all night long. So I can say:

“Hey Google play Tomppabeats on Spotify”

Followed by:

“Hey Google, set a sleep timer for 15 minutes” and i should have plenty of time to be asleep. 

My second favorite feature is probably the best. User-made commands. Using the Home app on my phone, I can set a voice-command to do specific tasks. Like, 

“Hey Google, Goodnight”

to play Spotify and set a sleep timer all-in-one. And this is just the tip of the iceburg. There is much more you can do with Mini.

Okay so quick word of warning: do not attempt anything on this page unless your device's bootloader is unlocked and you know how to perform ALL operations described. Thanks!

If your phone is an iPhone, I'm truly sorry for your pain but this will not apply to you.

If you love Android though this is good information! Keep reading!!!

Anyone who has had an android longer than two years know the simple fact that you just aren't getting software updates anymore. And that hurts because these phones are so beautiful right?!

Well this is the good news. You have choices. Especially if you use a Samsung or Huawei device. Custom operating systems are being released everyday for various models of Android devices, from the Galaxy SII to the Google Pixel XL! And as an added benefit, they are constantly updated with new features and software bug fixes. The only tools you need is a USB cable, a laptop and your device to gain access to the latest software and even software that isn't available yet!

For Google Pay users: don't fret. This is for you too, Google Pay works on some custom OS too! I know for a fact it does on the Galaxy S4 running Lineage OS 14.1.

Now there is one pitfall, this will more than likely void your warranty if you have one, but I imagine if you've had your phone for more than 2 years, then you probably don't have one.

All you have to do to get started on this process is to BACK UP YOUR FILES and then head on over to Google and search up {Device name} {Custom OS preference} and you'll want to go with a reliable website like XDA forums or HowToGeek.

In the first installment of Flashback I am taking a look at the Samsung Galaxy S4 5 years after it’s initial release. First I will note that I am running a custom OS (Lineage OS 14.1/AOSP Nougat equivalent) 

Pros: 

Updated features and settings make this device worthwhile to own and easy to handle. Be warned though if you choose to use a nightly version of this OS you will see bugs. Overall this is the best operating system that has been on this phone since premiere with in-depth customization and the ability to use up-to-date apps and games.

Cons:

I run the Nightly OS so I do see bugs mainly with the calling feature, e.g. i have to make sure my headphones are unplugged before making a call or else the other person will not hear me. Other than that the biggest problem is camera quality but then again, this phone is five years old. 

This phone has experienced wear and very noticeably because the plastic casing is experiencing weathering.

I do love the removable battery. I personally keep 3 extra batteries charged and ready so when I’m out and my phone dies I can simply pop it out and put the next one in. 

Overall the Galaxy S4 is a choice contender in today’s low-cost market and is my choice for cell phones in general because of its many uses and functions.