Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Customize Samsung Keyboard Settings in Android 4.4 Kitkat

Samsung Galaxy SIV has come with the stock virtual keyboard that can be used by users when they want to enter texts or write a message or email. This keyboard allows you to enter texts, numbers, symbols, etc. To get a better performance and help you typing better, you can customize available options in the Samsung keyboard settings according to your need.

How to customize Samsung keyboard settings?
By default, the Samsung keyboard is displayed in QWERTY. To go to the Samsung keyboard settings, there are two methods available:
Method #1: From a screen or app where you can enter text
As the example, in these steps, I go to the Samsung keyboard settings menu when I'm composing a new text message in the Messaging app:

1. On the on-screen keyboard, tap and hold the key in the left side of the space bar.
2. On pop up menu select Settings icon to enter the settings menu. 

Method #2: From the Settings menu

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap My device tab.
3. Scroll down to find Language and input, then tap it.
4. Tap the Settings icon next to Samsung keyboard to enter the settings menu.

When you're in the Samsung keyboard settings menu, you can see that options are divided in five sections. They are:
I. Input languages section
In this section you can change the keyboard type and input language.

1. Tap English(UK) option(the option name depends on the language you are using in the input language), then select from the following options:
• Qwerty keyboard: select this option if you want to use QWERTY keyboard.
• 3x4 keyboard: select this option if you want to use 3x4 keyboard. This keyboard type is best used for those of users who want to use a keyboard as in the old phones or those of users who have difficulty to type using QWERTY keyboard.
2. Tap Select input languages, and then select the desired language from the available language list. But, it'll be better if you select the same language as you usually use to write a message or email.

II. Smart typing section
In this section you can enable options which will help you to type better.

1. Predictive text: tap the ON/OFF switch to enable or disable this option. If this option is enabled, suggested words will be displayed at the top of the keyboard when you type a word.
2. Auto replacement(this option is available when the Predictive text is enabled): tap the ON/OFF switch to enable or disable this option. If this option is enabled, your phone will automatically complete or replace the word you're typing with the most probable word when you tap the space bar or a punctuation mark. It works well if you type the word using the same language as you've set in the input language.
3. Auto capitalisation: tap this option to enable or disable Auto capitalisation feature. When this option is enabled, the phone will automatically capitalise first letter of sentence.
4. Auto spacing: tap this option to enable or disable Auto spacing feature. When this option is enabled, the phone will automatically insert space between words when you tap the enter key or a punctuation mark.
5. Auto-punctuate: tap this option to enable or disable Auto punctuate feature. When this option is enabled, the phone will automatically insert a full stop by "." by double tapping the space bar.

III. Keyboard swipe section
In this section, you can choose one of these following options:

1. None: select this option if you don't want to use the keyboard swipe function.
2. Continuous input: select this option if you want to enter text by sliding finger across keyboard. This features is optimised for QWERTY keyboard.
3. Cursor control: select this option if you want to be able to move cursor by sliding finger across keyboard.

IV. Key-tap feedback section
In this section you can enable or disable sound, vibration and character preview.

1. Tap Sound to enable or disable this option. when this option is enabled, the phone plays sound whenever you tap the keyboard key.
2. Tap Vibration to enable or disable this option. when this option is enabled, the phone vibrates whenever you tap the keyboard key.
3. Tap Character preview to enable or disable this option. When this option is enabled, a big character bubble will be shown when a key on a QWERTY keyboard is tapped.

V. More settings section

1. Tap Help to learn more about the Samsung keyboard.
2. Tap Reset to revert back the keyboard settings(except Personalised data and Downloaded languages) to default.

Based on my experience, the stock Samsung keyboard is quite satisfying and works well. It gives me some options I really like especially those in the smart typing section. So, how about you? If you're using the Samsung keyboard, which option do you like?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Use Samsung Virtual Keyboard in Android 4.4 Kitkat

Indeed, Samsung Galaxy SIV isn't equipped with a physical keyboard, but you can use the virtual keyboard to replace the physical keyboard functions. You can use the stock Samsung keyboard app in a screen or app where you can enter text, such as Messaging app, Email app, Internet app, etc.

How to use the stock virtual keyboard in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
FYI, I wrote these steps using the stock QWERTY Samsung keyboard in the Messaging app. So, you may see a different keyboard key in another apps.
In the letters keyboard, use these options:

1. Tap letter keys (a,b,c, etc) to enter text.
2. Tap numeric keys (1,2,3, etc) to enter number.
3. Tap to delete incorrect character, or tap and hold to delete a whole word or field.
4. Tap to move to the new row.
5. Single tap to change the case of text (capital letter or not), or Double tap to switch to all capital.
6. Tap to enter space.
7. Tap and hold the key in the left side of the space bar to switch between some options available, such as:
• Microphone icon : select this option if you want to use voice to text feature. However, in certain case, users can't find this option in their keyboards, if you're also experiencing this problem, you can see the steps to fix it here.
• Handwriting icon : select this option if you want to write using your finger or stylus.
• Clipboard icon : select this option if you want to see all copied text or want to paste them.
• Capture mode icon : select this option if you wish to use the Optical reader app to capture some text and then write the text into your message.
• Settings icon : select this option to configure keyboard settings.
• Smiley icon : select this option to display all available smileys. FYI, this option only available when you're composing text message or email message.
8. Tap and hold the key in the right side of the space bar to display the most frequently used punctuations.
9. Tap to switch to symbols keyboard.

In the symbols keyboard, use these options:

1. Tap and to see available symbols.
2. Tap to return to the letters keyboard.

I'm personally satisfied with the stock keyboard and never experience any problem with it, that's why I prefer to use the stock Samsung keyboard than another third-party keyboard app on my Samsung Galaxy SIV. So, how about you? Do you use the Samsung keyboard or another third-party keyboard app?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Enable, Disable and Configure Blocking mode in Android 4.4 Kitkat

There are some conditions where you don't want disturbed by incoming calls or notifications unless those are really important or urgent. Luckily, Samsung Galaxy SIV has provided a feature called Blocking mode which will allow you to block notifications from certain feature during a specified period of time.


How to enable, disable and configure Blocking mode in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
Generally, there are two methods available that you can use to do so. You can see them all below.

Method #1: From the Notification panel
This method allows you to enable or disable Blocking mode feature quickly, but it doesn't allow you to configure options under this feature so the latest configuration will be used.

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

Method #2: From the Settings menu
This method may slightly longer than the method #1, but it will allow you to configure options under Blocking mode feature. Here are the steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap My device tab.
3. Tap the ON/OFF switch next to Blocking mode to enable or disable Blocking mode. When the switch is on the right side or shows green means the option is turned on and you'll see the Blocking mode icon is displayed on the status bar.
4. While the Blocking mode is turned on, tap Blocking mode option to configure some options available under this feature. They are divided in three sections. To configure options under Features section go to the step #5, to configure options under Set time section go to the step #6, while to configure options under Allowed contacts go to the step #7.
5. Configure options under Features section.
   In this section you can block or unblock notifications from the following features:
• Block incoming calls: when you enable this option, incoming calls will be blocked except those come from contacts on your allowed list.
• Disable notifications: when you enable this option, notifications for new message will be disabled.
• Disable alarm and timer: When you enable this option, notifications for alarms and timers will be disabled.
• Turn off LED indicator: When you enable this option, the LED indicator won't light when you receive notifications, even when the screen is off.
6. Configure options under Set time section.
   In this section you can set a time period for Blocking mode. Here you can see two option available, they are:
• To block notifications at all times, tick the box next to Always option.
• To block notifications in a specific time period, first you need to disable Always option and then set a starting time(From) and ending time(To) by tapping the time field to adjust the time.
7. Configure options under Allowed contacts section.
   In this section, you can choose contacts you want to allow while Blocking mode feature is enabled. Here you can see two option available, they are:
• Allowed contacts: when you tap this option, you'll see some options available and then select the desired option you wish to use, they are 1) None option to block all notifications from any contacts, 2) All contacts option to allow notifications from any contacts, 3) Favorites option to allow notification from contacts marked as favorites, 4) Custom option to allow notification from contacts listed in the Allowed contact list.
• Allowed contact list: If you've chosen Custom option in the Allowed contact, then you can use this option to modify the list of allowed contacts(add or remove contacts from the list)

If you're like me, I usually use this feature to block incoming calls and notifications at night so I can sleep tight without having annoyed by unimportant incoming calls or notification except those come from contacts in my Allowed contact list. So, how about you? Have you ever use this feature?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Enable or Disable Flight Mode in Android 4.4 Kitkat

There are some conditions where you may have difficulty to use your phone with your hands, such as while you're driving. Luckily, Samsung Galaxy SIV has provided a useful feature called Hands-free mode which will allow you to use your phone without touching it because while this feature is turned on, your phone will read out for incoming calls/messages/alarms/schedules and you can use S Voice Hands free to interact with your phone using voice commands.

See also: How to Enable and Configure Hands-free Mode in Android 4.4 Kitkat in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Aside from Hands-free mode, there's a feature in this phone called Flight mode which will also allow you remain using your phone in specific condition(in an area where radio transmitter is prohibited such as during flight). Enabling this feature will turn off calling, messaging and network features. By default, It'll also turn off connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but if you want to use them while you're in this mode, you can turn them on through the Settings menu or the notification panel.


How to enable or disable Flight mode in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
Generally, there are three methods available to enable or disable this feature. You can see all of them below.

Method #1: From the notification panel

1. Swipe down the top of the screen using two fingers to open the notification panel.
2. Tap Flight mode button to enable or disable this option. When the button shows green means the option is turned on and you'll see the Flight mode iconis displayed on the status bar.

Method #2: From the Device options pop up menu

1. Long press the Power key.
2. On Phone options menu select Flight mode to enable or disable this option. When this option is turned on you'll see the Flight mode iconis displayed on the status bar.

Method #3: From the Settings menu

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Connections tab.
3. Tap More networks.
4. Depending on your current settings, tap Flight mode to enable or disable this option. When the box next to the option is ticked means the option is turned on and you'll see the Flight mode iconis displayed on the status bar.

Once you've activated the Flight mode, you still be able to use your phone for doing another activities, such as listen to the music, watch video, playing offline games, etc. So, how about you? Have you ever used this feature?

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?