How to search or reverse search images using Google on iPhone and Android

Google has become a universal searching tool and most of us are now accustomed to terms like "let's google it" instead of "let's search it on the web". Almost everyone is aware of what Google is, there would be a very few who don't know what Google is, I mean very few! Absolutely no one! And most of us also know how to use Google to search an interesting image from Mac or Windows. But wait, is it really easy to search or reverse search an image from mobile devices? I guess it is. But not everyone is aware of how it is done. So this post is all about getting to know ways of searching or reverse searching images on Google via mobile devices.

It does not matter if you're an iOS or Android user. You might be using browsers like Chrome on your iPhone, iPad or Android devices; or maybe Safari on your Apple devices; or maybe some other browsers like Firefox, Opera, UC Browser if you're really into those kind of details. Each of these browsers consists of an option to switch to a Desktop site, let's look at some examples on Google Chrome and Safari browser.

On Safari 

1. Visit Google and then long press on the Refresh button on the top right corner, this should open a small menu with an option to "Request Desktop Site".
   
   
   
   
2. Select "Request Desktop Site" and Bam! You're on the desktop version of Google.
   
   
3. Now select "Images" from the top right corner on Google web page and it will take you to the Google Image search page.
   
   
4. Now click on the small Camera icon in the Google search box from Step 3 and you'll get an option to upload an image from your device or paste the image URL. Select "Upload an Image" option and a small menu will open giving you options to select an image from your picture gallery or the take a picture right away using your camera. Tada! Your Google image search is completed.
   
   

On Chrome
From Google Chrome mobile browser you can follow a similar kind of approach as done from Safari browser, but things get a tad easier on Google Chrome browser wherein the images can be directly searched from any webpage by just using an option from menu. But let's look into the first approach prior to moving onto the second one.

For the first approach, i.e by using Desktop site

1. Visit Google on Chrome browser and click on the 3 dots icon on the top right corner from which you can see there's an option to "Request Desktop Site" again. Select this option.
   
2. Now follow Step 2 through 4 from Safari browser tutorial as mentioned earlier. Voila! Google image search or reverse search again.

For the second approach, i.e by using Google Chrome feature

1. Just in case you want to reverse search any image available on a webpage directly instead to first downloading and saving that image on your device and then searching or reverse searching it, long press on the image in question to get a menu like this one
   
2. Select "Search Google for This image" option and you're good to go! Reverse image search on Google right from the menu option.

On Other Mobile Browsers

Similar kind of approach can be followed on any other browser if an option to request desktop site is available. Moreover, you can permanently request desktop sites by configuring it in your mobile browser settings if it is available which will save you the pain to manually requesting for a desktop site. 

Let us know if you found this tutorial helpful or if there are any other options available to reverse search an image on Google from a mobile device in the comment section below.

[New App] Opera Browser With New Webkit Rendering Engine And New Design

Get ready for the fastest browsing experience - for now the new Opera Browser has finally gone live in Google Play Store. The new Opera Browser is completely redesigned and now provides a better alternative for your default internet browser - with functions like Off-Road Mode, new Private Tab/Incognito mode, switching to desktop version of the websites, options to open new tab in background/foreground etc. The best feature that will gain users attention is the bandwidth-saving Off-Road Mode, which is designed to access websites faster in case of slow internet connection.

Unlike the previous build of Opera Browser that used Presto rendering engine this new release of Opera Browser uses a new Webkit rendering engine, the same used in Google Chrome and AOSP browser(used in custom ROMs), is touted to be the fastest rendering engine so far. This redesigned and reprogrammed version on the new Opera Browser looks elegant and goes well with the holo UI used in the newer versions of Android devices(4.1+).

Along with some common features carried by most of the other Android browsers, the new Opera Browser is definitely going to stand out when it comes to the new Off-Road Mode for slow internet connections.

Download New Opera Browser From Google Play Store.

How To Use Tor On Android

A Tor network protects you against a common form of internet surveillance known as Traffic Analysis. While browsing or using any public network you should be aware of the fact that most of the websites can access your information including, but not limited to: your current physical location, your search requests, your interests etc. So, you can use Tor Network in order to stay anonymous and prevent Traffic Analysis protocol from accessing your information. Tor for Android can also be used to access the hidden part of the internet most commonly known as Dark Net or Deep Web.

UPDATED on 12th May 2018.

Learn more about Dark Net or Deep Web:
Beginners Guide to Deep Web or Dark Net.

Accessing internet through smartphones is a very common practice nowadays, and all those who prefer flexibility use Android smartphones. In order to use Tor on your Android device, you need to download Tor for Android from Google Play Store. Although Tor for Android does not require root permission, it can provide some extra features if you have got a rooted device, Transparent Proxying being one of them.

Download Tor for Android

In order to use Tor to browse through the internet on your Android device you can either download Orweb Browser provided by "The Guardian Project" or simply use a Proxy Mobile add-on for Firefox(for Android)

Tor for Android has tons of customization in its Settings menu, which also included Tor Tethering to enable Tor Transparent Proxying for WIFI and USB Tethered Android Devices if you are planning to use your Android internet connection on other devices. Others include Node configuration, bridges, relays, reachable addresses, hidden service hosting etc.

[App]Top 8 Sites To Send Free SMS In India

Although sending SMS can now be considered as an old school thing in the new world of apps such as Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Kik Messenger etc, most of us have to use it at times no matter how much we try to avoid it, keeping in mind the deliver of that SMS will cost you an extra buck besides paying for your internet plan.

Though most of us are aware of some services that allow us to send Free SMS, but searching for the right one can be a cumbersome job. So here's a list of few of the best Free SMS services out there along with an Android Application that combines all these into a single app for your convenience.

Android App for Free SMS:

Free SMS India also allows you to schedule your SMS
Download from Google Play Store

Way2sms:

http://www.way2sms.com

160by2:

http://www.160by2.com

Site2sms:

http://www.site2sms.com

Ultoo:

http://www.ultoo.com

IndyaRocks:

http://www.indyarocks.com

FullOnSMS:

http://www.fullonsms.com

YouMint:

http://www.youmint.com

FreeSMS8:

http://www.freesms8.com

Access Favorite Contacts With ContactsNotification

Every Android user likes to add few important contacts to their favorite list for quick access. There are a myriad of apps and widgets available in Google Play Store for this purpose, but Contacts Notification is probably the most elegant app available that can add these contacts shortcuts to the notification drawer.

Adding contacts to notification drawer has both pros and cons. As the notification drawer can be accessed from almost every app, you don't have to minimize any app for making calls to these contacts. The only disadvantage of using Contacts Notification is the space it uses in the notification drawer, which then is almost negligible so you don't have to worry about it.

Contacts Notification allows user to set up at most 6 contacts at a time. Tapping on the contact in notification drawer brings up the default contact panel from which you can make selections like call, messaging, email etc. Contacts Notification is only compatible with Android 4.0+ (i.e Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly bean) and does not require root permission.
Download Contacts Notification from XDA

Greenify Your Android For Smoother Experience

Who doesn't like installing new apps on their Android device? I'm sure everyone does, and I'm sure installing numerous apps drastically affect your device performance and battery life. As once stopped/minimized, most of these apps continue to run as a background process which persistently hogs your device's memory and drains the precious juice out of the battery. Although these apps can be removed once and for all, but a perfect alternative is to use Greenify. As the app developer states that you don't have to envy iPhone anymore, which uses a better multitasking strategy, for now you can use Greenify to your advantage if you are a lover of installing every new app of your interest. So with Greenify you basically ensure that the interface of your device always remain smooth as expected, by automatic hibernation of Greenified apps.

  

Comparing its functionality with likes of Titanium Backup, App Quarantine etc, which can be used to freeze/defrost any unimportant app permanently, Greenify simply hibernates the apps that are not in the foreground, which later can be brought up simply by opening it from the app drawer as done with any other app, the only difference being the fact that it was previously in hibernation mode, thus avoiding the need to Defrost/Freeze again. The concept on which Greenify works is pretty simple: Any app in Greenify list which is not in the foreground, gets kicked out of the memory into the hibernation state when the screen is turned of.

Unlike most of the other apps Greenfiy is not compatible with Android versions 2.x, it is only compatible with Android 3.1 and up and requires root permission. The instructions at the start of the app are pretty much self explanatory and the interface is user friendly, moreover the process of adding apps to the Greenify list is very simple and can be well understood from the aforementioned instructions. An important caveat: Do not add system apps to the Greenify list.

Overall, Greenify can now be added to the category of a must have app for rooted devices to maintain the sanity of Android work environment.

Download Greenify from Google Play Store.

Google Play in Action

Google has released its new cloud based service - "Google Play." Google Play allows users to store all their music, movies, ebooks and apps over the cloud, eliminating the hassle of moving files between your
computers or syncing your Android mobiles with your computers.
Android Market, Google Music and the Google eBookstore will become part of Google Play. In coming days Android Market app will be replaced by "Google Play Store."

With Google Play you can:

• Store up to 20,000 songs for free and buy millions of new tracks
• Download more than 450,000 Android apps and games
• Browse the world’s largest selection of eBooks
• Rent thousands of your favorite movies, including new releases and HD titles

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There are hundreds of free songs and millions more to buy on Google Play. The music you choose is automatically stored in your Google Play music library and instantly ready to play on your computer, Android phone or tablet. You can access your Google Play music library anytime, anywhere - without the need of syncing it with your computer, android phone or wires.

Even if you are not online, you have a choice of pinning up your favorites on your mobile for offline playback.

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 All your books are stored in the cloud, so your entire library is always with you, accessible from any connected device. And with offline reading, it’s never been simpler to dive into your favorite books when you are offline, out of range, or in the air. Start reading on your tablet, continue on the web, and finish that chapter on your phone. You’ll pick up the story just where you left off, always on the right page.

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Just found a new app on the web and can’t wait to try it? Install it from Google Play on the Web without ever touching your device. The app you install is now available on the device you choose - instantly.

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With Google Play you can rent movies and watch them instantly. Alternatively, you can download any movie for offline viewing and view it later using the Google Play Movies app or watch it directly on the Web.

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Videos:

Android "Key Lime Pie" rumored to follow Jelly Bean

Guess what? Google's next Android OS after its Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly bean dessert will be - "Key Lime Pie". Most recent Android OS was Ice Cream Sandwich first released in October 2011 on Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which will soon be released on other Samsung Galaxy mobiles by 15th March according to gsmarena. Though both have been unofficially announced "Jelly Bean" will be preceding "Key Lime Pie."

In alphabetical order beginning with 'C' and by latest ending with 'K', some of the sweetest desserts on Google's Android OS list are as follows:
Cupcake (1.5), Donut (1.6), Eclair (2.0, 2.1), Froyo (2.2), Gingerbread (2.3), Honeycomb (3.0) and Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0), Jelly Bean, Key Lime Pie.

A “reliable Google source” provided the Key Lime Pie tip to The Verge, albeit the source had no information about when to expect an announcement, release or version number. So what do you expect the next Android OS name to be - laici, marshmallow?

Dolphin Browser - Voice Controlled Android Browser

Most of the android users prefer third party browsers over the default Android browser because of their numerous benefits. One such browser is - Dolphin Browser HD - which is first Voice, Gesture controlled browser for android. Wouldn't it be fun to command your browser what to do, to use gestures to navigate? Besides it has tabbed browsing similar to our favorite desktop browers like - Google Chrome, firefox etc.
There are lots of add-ons like "Web to PDF", "Screen cut", "Battery Saver" etc that can make your browsing experience even better.

In order to use the Gesture or Voice command function, by default there is a small button on the bottom left side of your screen(whose position can be adjusted later from the settings menu). Long-pressing this button will give user the choice to select between "Gesture" or "Voice Contorl". You can even add your own gestures to it. What's intriguing is the ability of Dolphin Browser to accurately understand users command just like Apple's Siri. Dolphin team has also added fsite-specific commands for some famous website - Facebook, eBay etc - so that you can easily jump between options.


Dolphin Brower HD for Android is a free brower app that can be downloaded from the Android Market.

Videos:

Ubuntu on Android for Dual Core devices

“Ubuntu is the next killer app for multi-core phones in 2012”

The world’s favourite free desktop for business and home -- "Ubuntu" -- now comes to android. Ubuntu for Android is a complete desktop with a full range of desktop applications including office, web browsing, email, media and messaging. Personal information like contacts, calendars, photo galleries and music can be accessed from both the phone and the desktop interface. SMS texts arrive on your desktop if you are docked when they show up, and calls are handled like VoIP if you want to stay working while you chat. Ubuntu for Android brings the desktop world together with the phone world, seamlessly.

The idea is that your phone becomes a mobile PC, switching from Android into full desktop Ubuntu mode when you dock it to a bigger display, keyboard and mouse.

You may be intrigued by some of its coolest features which include but are not limited to:


Messaging and Calls
You can read and reply to incoming SMS messages from the desktop, using Ubuntu's message indicator. You can also make and receive calls via the desktop - and you'll be alerted to voicemails so you can manage them while you work.
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Unified contacts

Both Ubuntu and Android access the same mobile address book. So even when the phone is docked, you can view, edit, call, text or email a contact. You can even check their profiles on Facebook or Twitter.

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Secured web browsing

Ubuntu for android will support both Chromium (Google Chrome) and Firefox, the world's fastest browsers along the the ability to seamlessly integrate all the browsing history, cache, bookmarks of your mobile session with the desktop.
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Calender synchronization
Ubuntu for Android will enable the synchronization of all your calender events with any desktop or web-based calendar application, like Google Calendar etc.
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Social networking
All your Android social network account credentials are synchronised seamlessly, using the Ubuntu social networking client to provide easy access to your online communities.
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Hardware Requirements:

• Dual-core 1GHz CPU
• Video acceleration: shared kernel driver with associated X driver; Open GL, ES/EGL
• Storage: 2GB for OS disk image
• HDMI: video out with secondary frame buffer device USB host mode
• 512 MB RAM

Video:

Make your Free Android Apps Ad Free (Root Required)

Android is now the #1 mobile platform in the world and its highly unlikely that an Android user doesn't have any Free App installed on their mobile. And all those who use a Free App might be well aware of the fact that ads eat a lot of space on your screen. But those users who have Rooted their Android mobile can easily get rid of these ads by using this simple App "AdFree"

"AdFree" is developed by one of the developers at xda-developers. 

AdFree removes most ads in Free Apps as well as your browser. It does this by nullifying requests to known host names in the system hosts file.

Screenshots:

 


Videos:

Get Maps on Android Devices for Offline Usage

It doesn’t matter what carrier someone uses, there is always the possibility of ending up somewhere where there is no signal and no roaming. In times like those, it is not comforting knowing that your only source for navigation requires a data connection of some sort.

The process is pretty straightforward and completely free and just requires a little patience as it requires creating an atlas, rooting around on your sd card and placing files in specific places.

There are many application in the market which have feature for offline maps or cached maps like google map, rmap, oruxmaps, ublox, locus etc. (these are the maps that i have tested and used by me)


So, here is the guide.

First of all you need one of the above mentioned software installed on your Android phone (all the above apps are free of cost)

Next you need the offline maps and the guide is as follows:

Step 1. You need to download/create offline map and you will need to download Mobile Atlas Creator (also known as MOBAC and it is a free open source software) tool with SQLite library. Java Runtime Environment should be installed on your computer since this software is based on java. ( Google the software to download it )
Step 2. Run Mobile Atlas Creator and from the drop-down box in the left upper corner of the screen select map provider.
Step 3. Using the mouse select the area you want. You can zoom in and out using the scroll button.
Step 4. Choose zoom levels for you offline map. Please note that creating maps of a large area with high resolution will result creating data file several gigabytes in size.
Step 5. Enter a name of your map and click “Add selection” button.
Step 6. Select the desired format from “Atlas settings” drop-box.
Step 7. Press “Create atlas” button and the download of the maps will begin and be quite patient because it might take time depending upon your internet download speed.
Hurry you are half way done with the offline maps.
Step 8. Once completed, open the folder with your atlas file. Copy the file on your Android device to /sdcard/"your app folder"/maps folder.
Step 9. Open the android application and press Menu button and goto settings and select the user defined map i.e. the one you placed on your sdcard.


How to save Google maps for offline use on android and you can save your bucks

Enable the Google Maps Labs Map Pre-caching:

1. Open Google Maps android app.
2. Press Menu button->More->Labs->Precache map area.
3. Now when you search for a location, click on the map label that appears.
4. In the location view, press Menu.
5. Press Precache map area.

This can be used to view 10 miles around the selected area (offline).

Here you go. All is set and you are good to go. (Note: The first start up might take time but the consequence will not)

How to get better audio quality on Android

Certain genres of music sound better when the bass, treble, and other frequencies can be adjusted higher or lower. If you're on the Gingerbread flavor of Android, you're in luck.
Note: This how to blog post is for users on Android Gingerbread. If you're still on Froyo or older, you'll have to grab a music player with an equalizer built-in, since you can't adjust the settings across the entire device. PowerAMP is a great app to start with for Froyo users.

Grab Equalizer from the Android Market, and open the app. You will see several preset values for different types of music. If you're not looking to do much fussing with the app, you can select one of these settings or even the autodetect option check box and be done.

Navigation in the app is done by swiping to the right and left for other screens with more options. If you go one screen to the right, you can view custom presets. However, if you haven't created any of these yet, then simply click the green plus sign to add a new one.

Swiping to the next screen on the right will show you a live equalizer that can be adjusted. Here you can press the play button to listen to a sample track, open a song from your own music, or even save your settings.

The last screen on the right allows you to turn on Equalizer's Bass Booster, Virtualizer, and Reverb. You'll need to press the power button in the top-right corner of the app, and then check off which features you'd like to enable in order to adjust each.

Equalizer offers two widget sizes, both showing the five adjusted frequency bars. A good place to put one of these is near your music player widget, if you're using one.