Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Enable, Disable and Configure Hands-free Mode in Android 4.4 Kitkat

When I was digging into the Settings menu in my Samsung Galaxy SIV, I found an option called Hands-free mode. In a quick view, I noticed that this feature as same as Driving mode feature in an old Samsung Galaxy phones. Basically, Hands-free mode is designed to allow the user using the phone without touching it because the phone will read for the selected options in Hands-free mode, for example reads out incoming calls or incoming messages.


How to enable, disable and configure Hands-free mode?
FYI, enable this feature will turn on Air gesture feature to allow you using the Air call accept while you're in this mode and also enable S Voice Hands-free to allow you to interact with your phone using voice command. To enable Hands-free mode, you can use one of two methods below.

Method #1: From the Notification panel
You can quickly enable/disable Hands-free mode through notification panel, but this method doesn't allow you to configure this feature so the default configuration of the Hands-free mode will be used.

1. Swipe the top of the screen to the bottom using two fingers to open notification panel.
2. Tap Hands-free mode button to enable or disable this option. When the button shows green means the option is enabled and you'll see the Hands-free mode icon is displayed on the status bar.

Method #2: From the Settings menu
This method allows you to enable/disable hands-free mode as well as configure the feature.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap My device tab.
3. Scroll down to find Hands-free mode. Tap the ON/OFF switch to enable or disable this option. When the switch is on the right side or shows green means this option is enabled.
4. Under Hands-free mode, you can find six options available and then enable the desired options you wish to use.
• Incoming call: enable this option to make your phone reads out callers' information when receiving incoming calls.
• ChatON: enable this option to make your phone reads out callers' information when receiving incoming calls.
• Air call-accept: enable this option to allow you accepting incoming calls by waving your hand over the screen.
• Message: enable this option to make your phone reads out senders' information when new messages arrive.
• Alarm: enable this option to make your phone reads out alarm information when alarms sound.
• Schedule: enable this option to make your phone reads out scheduled alarm information when alarms sound.
5. When this feature has been enabled, you'll see the Hands-free icon is displayed on the status bar.

Well, given the function of this feature, this will be useful if you use this feature when you should keep your hand off the phone (eg: while you're driving) but don't want miss any important calls, messages or schedules.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Enable, Configure and Use Assistant Menu in Android 4.4 Kitkat

If you've had updated your Samsung Galaxy SIV to Android 4.4 Kitkat, you may noticed that now there are some new features available in your phone. One of which is called Assistant menu. This feature will allow you to move quickly to frequently used options or actions. Theoretically, this feature is designed to assist users with reduced dexterity.

How to enable or disable Assistant menu in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
below are the steps to do so:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap My device tab.
3. Scroll down to find Accessibility, then tap it.
4. Scroll down to find Assistant menu, then tap the OFF/ON switch next to the option to enable or disable Assistant menu. When the switch is in the right side or shows green means the option is turned on.

How to configure settings of the Assistant menu in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
Below are the steps to do so:

1. Wherever you are, tap Assistant menu icon and then tap Settings button.
2. Tap Dominant hand option to optimize the Assistant menu button for use on the left side of the screen for users who dominant with the left hand and right side of the screen for users who dominant with the right hand.
3. Tap Edit option to rearrange, remove or add icons of the Assistant menu.
• Tap and hold an icon then drag it to rearrange its position.
• Tapicon to remove icon from the Assistant menu.
• Tapicon to add icon to the Assistant menu.

How to use Assistant menu in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
Once you activated Assistant menu, then the Assistant menu icon will be displayed and always stays on top in the Home screen, lock screen or app. Below are the steps to use this feature:

1. Wherever you are, tap Assistant menu icon to display the menu buttons, by default they are:
• Menu : tap this option to open the context-menu or in other word you can use this option to replace the Menu button function.
• Open notifications : tap this option to open the notification panel.
• Home : tap this option to return to the Home screen or in other word you can use this option to replace the Home button function.
• Back : tap this option to return to the previous screen or undo your last action or in other word you can use this option to replace the Back button function.
• Set volume : tap this option to adjust volume and switch between Mute/Vibrate/Sound mode or in other word you can use this option to replace the Volume button function.
• Lock screen : tap this option to lock the screen or in other word you can use this option to replace the Power button function. But, to unlock the screen remains using the Power button.
• Restart : tap this option to restart the phone.
• Power off : tap this option to turn off the phone.
• Open device option : tap this option to open the device options menu.
• Capture screen : tap this option to screenshot the current screen.
• Zoom : tap this option to zoom in or out the current screen. Please note, that some apps don't support this option.
• Settings : tap this option to open the settings menu for Assistant menu.
2. Aside from those default menu buttons as mentioned in the step #1, there are three additional buttons you may be added from settings menu, they are:
• Recent apps : tap this option to display all recent apps.
• Rotate screen : if you add this button to Assistant menu, then it will disable auto rotate option. Later, you can tap this option to manually rotate the screen to Portrait or Landscape(with the Home key in the left or the right side).
• Set brightness : tap this option to enable or disable auto brightness as well as to adjust the screen brightness.

Given with its options and functions, I can conclude that this feature will not only useful for users with reduced dexterity but also for those who want to navigate their phones using one hand with on-screen button instead of physical button. So, how about you? Have you tried this option?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Enable and Use Wi-Fi Direct Feature to Transfer Files in Android 4.4 Kitkat

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network is one way that you can do to get an internet connection in your Samsung Galaxy SIV. Once you have an internet connection, you can use it to browse webpages, install apps from the Google Play Store, send emails, etc.

See also: How to Connect to a Wi-Fi Network in Android 4.4 Kitkat in the Samsung Galaxy S4

In addition to obtain an internet connection, when you and another Wi-Fi Direct enabled device are connecting in the same Wi-Fi network, then you can use Wi-Fi Direct feature to transfer files one another.

How to enable or disable Wi-Fi Direct in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
Below are the steps to do so:

1. Go to Settings.
2. In the Connections tab, tap Wi-Fi.
3. Slide the switch at the top of the screen to the right to enable Wi-Fi.
4. Tap Wi-Fi network profile to connect with it. If necessary, enter the password to connect with the selected Wi-Fi network. Tap Connect button.
5. Now, tap Wi-Fi Direct button located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
6. Your phone will scan for all available Wi-Fi Direct enabled devices and they will be listed under available devices section.
7. Tap the desired available device you wish to connect.
8. Once another device accepting your Wi-Fi Direct invitation then both devices will be connected.
9. Wi-Fi Direct is now enabled and you're ready to use it to transfer files.
10. To disable Wi-Fi Direct, tap End connection button then tap OK button to confirm.

How to transfer file using Wi-Fi Direct in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
Make sure another device you wish to transfer with is connected in the same Wi-Fi network with you and has a Wi-Fi Direct feature. As the example, I'll try to transfer picture files using Wi-Fi Direct between my Samsung Galaxy SIV and Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.7 through Gallery app and My Files app.

Method #1: From Gallery app

1. Open Gallery app. By default, it's viewed by albums.
2. Tap the required albums where pictures you want to share are saved.
3. To transfer a single picture go to the step #4, while to transfer multiple pictures go to the step #5.
4. Transfer a single picture:
• Tap the desired picture you wish to transfer.
• Tap Share button.
• On pop up menu select Wi-Fi Direct.
• Tap the desired device you wish to transfer with by ticking the box next to the device name.
• Tap Done button.
• The selected picture will be transferred shortly.
5. Transfer multiple pictures:
• Tap the Menu key then select Select item.
• Tick the box in the desired pictures you wish to transfer.
• Tap Share button.
• On pop up menu select Wi-Fi Direct.
• Tap the desired device you wish to transfer with by ticking the box next to the device name.
• Tap Done button.
• The selected pictures will be transferred shortly.

Method #2: From My Files app

1. Open My Files app. By default, it's viewed by category.
2. Tap Image. This will redirect you to the DCIM folder in the internal storage where the phone uses it by default to save all pictures you've taken by using the camera. Or you can navigate to the required folder as you want.
3. Tap Camera.
4. To transfer a single picture file go to the step #5, while to transfer multiple pictures go to the steps #6.
5. Transfer a single picture file:
• Long tap the desired picture file.
• On pop up menu select Share via.
• On pop up menu select Wi-Fi Direct.
• Tap the desired device you wish to transfer with by ticking the box next to the device name.
• Tap Done button.
• The selected picture file will be transferred shortly.
6. Transfer multiple picture files:
• Tick the box in the left side of desired pictures you wish to share.
• Tap Share button.
• On pop up menu select Wi-Fi Direct.
• Tap the desired device you wish to transfer with by ticking the box next to the device name.
• Tap Done button.
• The selected picture files will be transferred shortly.

If you're like me, if possible (when another device has Wi-Fi Direct feature) I always choose Wi-Fi Direct feature to transfer files, especially if the file have large size because Wi-Fi Direct can transfer files faster and easier than another transfer method (eg: Bluetooth). FYI, this feature consumes lot of power to run, therefore your phone will give you a notification to turn off this feature when you don't use it to save your battery life.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Connect to a Wi-Fi Network in Android 4.4 Kitkat

Browsing web pages, checking emails, installing apps are some things that frequently done by users with their Samsung Galaxy SIV. To be able to do all these things, you must have an internet connection. One way that you can do to gain internet connection is by connecting to the Wi-Fi network, either it's open or secured Wi-Fi network. For those of you who don't know how to do so, you can see the complete steps below.


How to connect to a Wi-Fi network in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
FYI, when you're trying to connect to a secured Wi-Fi network, you'll be asked to enter a Wi-Fi password. You can get the password from your Wi-Fi network provider, or if you use Wi-Fi modem the default password usually was printed on the bottom label or you can find the password in its manual book.

Method #1: From Settings menu
If this is the first time for you to connect to a secured Wi-Fi network, it'll be better if you use this method because it'll allow you to choose which network you wish to connect with as well as entering the password for the selected Wi-Fi network. Here are the steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Connections tab.
3. Tap Wi-Fi.
4. Slide the switch at the top of the screen to the right to enable Wi-Fi. Now, your phone will scan for available Wi-Fi networks and they will be displayed under Wi-Fi networks tab.
5. Tap the desired Wi-Fi network you wish to connect.
6. If necessary, enter the Wi-Fi password correctly. Please note that it's case sensitive, where "a" is not the same with "A". FYI, because by default Samsung Galaxy SIV use WPA/WPA2, then the password length should be more than 8 chars to make you be able to connect to the network. If it's less than 8 chars, then you can try to connect to the Wi-Fi network by using WEP.
7. Tap Connect button.
8. If you've managed to connect with the selected Wi-Fi network, then the selected Wi-Fi network will be labelled with Connected and you'll see the Wi-Fi icon on the status bar.
9. Now you're ready to use Wi-Fi connection to connect to the internet.

Method #2: From Notification panel
If you've been ever connected to a secured Wi-Fi network in the past, the Wi-Fi network profile and its password will be automatically saved by your phone. If so, you can connect with the Wi-Fi network easily through the notification panel. Here are the steps:

1. Swipe down the top of the screen.
2. Tap Wi-Fi quick setting button to enable or disable it. When the button shows green means the option is turned on.
3. You'll be informed if you've managed to connect with the Wi-Fi network and you'll see the Wi-Fi icon on the status bar.
4. Now you're ready to use Wi-Fi connection to connect to the internet.

Based on my experience, if for your own reason, you decide to change the Wi-Fi password, then make sure to write down the password somewhere else. It'll be useful if you accidentally forget the Wi-Fi network profile and need to enter the password to connect with the network.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Display or Hide Battery Percentage in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

If you've had updated your Samsung Galaxy SIV to Android 4.4 Kitkat, you may noticed that now all icons on the status bar are black and white, no longer colorful as you used to see in the previous version.

See also: New Options and Features in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat in the Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500

Aside from some useful features, the one that I like in Android 4.4 is my battery life is now better than before. I don't know what has caused it, maybe it's because by default now the screen uses more soft and dark color. As we've known that darker color can save more battery life. Because I'm the one who are tight with battery issue, so I always pay attention about it, for example I never let the battery run out. To make it easier, I choose to display battery percentage on the status bar. It helps me a lot to know exactly how much the battery is left.


How to display or hide battery percentage on the status bar?
Generally, there are two methods that you can use to do so. You can see them below.

Method #1

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap My Device tab.
3. Tap Display.
4. Depending on your current settings, tap Display battery percentage to enable or disable it. When the box next to this option is ticked means the battery percentage will be displayed in the status bar.

Method #2

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Tap Battery.
4. Scroll to the very bottom, depending on your current settings, tap Display battery percentage to enable or disable it. When the box next to this option is ticked means the battery percentage will be displayed in the status bar.

If you're like me, It's easier to know how much battery is left by seeing the percentage than seeing the battery icon. This option also helps me to prevent my battery run out, because when I'm seeing the battery is left only a few percent, I'll immediately recharge the battery. Well, hope it helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Hide or Show Hidden Pictures or Videos in Gallery App in Android 4.4 Kitkat

A few days ago, my Samsung Galaxy S4 got update to Android 4.4.2 Kitkat via OTA. So far, it works well and doesn't cause any problem. I even like this Android version more than the previous one because this update brings some features I really like.

See also: New Options and Features in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat in the Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500

Among the new features in Android 4.4 Kitkat, there's my favourite one which will allow me to hide or show hidden pictures or videos directly from the Gallery app. For me, it's easier and simpler than if we should renaming the file name through My Files app or another third-party File manager app when we want to hide or show hidden pictures or videos, as we used to do in the previous Android version.

How to hide pictures or videos in Gallery app in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
FYI, this method only works if you're viewing Gallery app by albums. By using this option, you're allowed to hide single or multiple pictures or videos. Here are the steps:

1. Open Gallery app. By default, it's viewed by albums.
2. Tap the desired albums where the photo you wish to hide is saved.
3. Tap the Menu key then select Hide items.
4. Select the desired pictures or videos you wish to hide by ticking the box located at the top right corner in each picture.
5. Tap Done button.
6. The selected pictures or videos will be hidden and won't be shown in Gallery app.

How to show hidden pictures or videos in Gallery app in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
Make sure to view Gallery app by albums to make it works. Well, if you wish to bring back the hidden pictures or videos to the Gallery app, then you can do so by following the steps listed below:

1. Open Gallery app. By default, it's viewed by albums.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Show hidden items.
3. All your hidden pictures or videos will be displayed here.
4. Tap the Menu key then select Select items.
5. Select the desired hidden pictures or videos you wish to show by ticking the box at the top right corner in each picture.
6. Tap the Menu key then select Show items.
7. The selected hidden pictures or videos will be shown again in their original albums in Gallery app.

For the record, in Android 4.4 Kitkat, pictures or videos will remain be displayed in Gallery app though you've added (.) in front of the file name through Gallery app or My Files app. Adding (.) in front of the file name will only hide them in My Files app or other third-party File manager app, in condition that you don't enable the Show hidden files option.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Change Font Size in Messaging App in Android 4.4 Kitkat

Due to communicating via text message has been being a favourite method widely used by phone users therefore no wonder if most of phones available today usually provide a Messaging app as one of their stock apps. In Samsung Galaxy SIV, you can also find the stock Messaging app that you can use to send or receive text or multimedia messages.

See also: How to View, Reply and Forward a Text Messages in the Samsung Galaxy S4

To facilitate the user, this app has been equipped with some useful options and features, one of which is an option that will allow the user to change the font size. By using this option, you can adjust the font size according to your need.


How to adjust font size in Messaging app in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
If you wish to increase or decrease font size in Messaging app, you can do so by using both of methods listed below.

Method #1: Using Volume key
Please note that this method doesn't work when you're playing a music with Music Player app.

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
3. Scroll down to find Use the volume key, and then tick the box next to this option to enable it.
4. Now, while you're in Messaging app to read/reply/forward/compose a text message, you can use the Volume up key to increase the font size and the Volume down key to decrease the font size.

Method #2: Using the Font Size option
You can find the Font size option by tapping the Menu key when you're reading/replying/forwarding/composing a text message. As the example, here are the steps to adjust font size when you're reading a text message:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the required text message you want to read.
3. Tap the Menu key then select Font size.
4. Here you can find some options available, they are:
• Use device font sizes: select this option if you want to use the default font size used by your phone. If you don't know how to change the font size in your phone, you can see the complete steps here.
• Tiny
• Small
• Normal
• Large
• Huge
5. All messages in the opened conversation will be displayed with the selected font size.

For the record, this option only changes the font size in Messaging app in your phone, so it won't affect your outgoing messages. All outgoing messages will be displayed with the default font size in the other phones.