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Archive for November, 2018

How to change the font on your Android phone

Nov 30

Posted by Alexandra Arici in go launcher, Tips & Tools | Comments off

Android smartphones come with a font set by default. But like with everything on Android, they can be changed to suit your particular taste.

So if you want to give your phone a new look, you should know that you can always change fonts. In an attempt to differentiate themselves from the crowd, some Android OEMs have bundled additional fonts with their phones. Although not all offer this option. The good news is that even if that’s the case for your device, you can still change the fonts.

In what follows below, we’ll show you how to change the fonts on Android without rooting. There are several methods to employ, and we’ll go through all of them.

First off..

Check to see if your phone has some font settings built-in

As we mentioned above some phones offer the ability to tweak/change fonts. For example, Samsung devices come with a few extra fonts besides the default.

How to change the font on your Samsung device

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap on Display>Screen zoom and font
  3. Scroll down until your find Font Style
  4. Pick the font you want and then confirm you want to set it as system font.
  5. From there you can tap the “+” Download fonts button. You’ll need to log in with a Samsung account in order to do so.

Other manufacturers like LG, HTC or OnePlus also let you change fonts on your phone. So if for example, you have an OnePlus device, you can go to Settings>Display>Font to change the default Roboto to OnePlus Slate. You can also tweak the size of the font.

Install a third party launcher

What if you don’t have any font settings on your Android phone? Not to worry, you can always install a launcher and change fronts from there. For example, you can give the Apex Launcher a try.

Here’s how to change the font using the Apex Launcher

  1. Tap on Apex Settings (Gear icon at the center)
  2. Find and tap on Advanced Settings
  3. Located the Icon Settings menu
  4. Tap on Icon Font and then choose the font you want to try
  5. The app will automatically update the icon labels on your phone

Note: the app does not change the font within the apps installed on your phone. It will only affect the home screen and app menu.

Go Launcher is another alternative if you want to change the font while you’re using the launcher.

How to change the font using Go Launcher

  1. Tap on the three-dot menu located in the lower-right corner.
  2. Tap on Go Settings.
  3. Find the Font option and tap on it.
  4. Click on Select Font.
  5. Browse through the fonts available.
  6. If you want more options, tap on the Scan font button.
  7. Select the font you like and the app will automatically set it.

Note: Not all the fonts will work, and some will cause the launcher to crash.

Install a font app

The Google Play Store is home to countless of apps, and of course some of them claim to let you change the font on your phone.

However, in most cases for these apps to work you’ll need your Android device to be rooted. Or you need to have a Samsung device.

For example, apps like iFont or FontFix work on un-rooted Galaxy devices. Although to be able to take full advantage of them, it’s best to root.

Here’s how to change the font on your non-rooted Galaxy device with FontFix

  1. Open the app on your Galaxy device.
  2. Browse through the font options available.
  3. Choose the one you want to install and tap on it.
  4. Press the download button.
  5. Read the instructions that pop up and then tap on “Continue”.
  6. Another window will pop up, tap on “Install”.
  7. Once again tap on “Install”.

  1. Now, go to Settings>Display>Screen zoom and font and search for the font in question.
  2. Tap on it and click on the Apply button in the right upper corner.
  3. The font should be applied automatically, no restart required.

Note: Some fonts don’t work with un-rooted Galaxy devices, which will prompt the message “font is not supported”. Bottom line is, you’ll have to search quite a bit to find a supported font.

The second app we mentioned, iFont extends the “without-root” policy to Xioami and Huawei devices, as well. But what if you don’t have a phone from this companies? You might want to consider rooting after all.

There’s another app that gives you a taste of new fonts on your device. It’s called Font Changer, but it will not change your fonts per-se.

Instead, it will let you write phrases using different types of fonts, which you can easily copy/paste in other apps like WhatsApp or Android Messages.

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AT&T Prepaid offering free Alcatel Tetra with plan

Nov 30

Posted by AndroidGuys in Uncategorized | Comments off

AT&T Prepaid is, for a limited time, offering customers the opportunity to pick up a free phone with service. The deal runs from today through January 10, 2019 and sees the Alcatel Tetra going for free with a new line of service.

To qualify for the phone, the subscriber must sign up for Auto Pay, the automatic monthly bill payment. Note that this offer, and others, is only available at participating AT&T locations.

The Alcatel Tetra runs Android 8.1 Oreo and features a 5-inch display, 16GB internal storage, and a 2,050mAh battery. The rear houses a 5-megapixel camera while the front packs a 2-megapixel shooter.

In addition to the free phone, AT&T Prepaid is also offering up to $50 off select Android smartphones. This deal, too, expires on January 10. Customers who sign up for Auto Pay can save extra money right now; new subscribers can get a $20 discount each month on the $65 and $85 rate plans.

Get to Know AT&T Prepaid

Should you purchase a device from Walmart, Best Buy, Target, or other major national retail outlet, you can get a $75 gift card, too. Simply sign up for a plan that’s $35 or higher and make three monthly bill payments.

Learn more about the Alcatel Tetra at AT&T Prepaid’s website.

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Ockel Sirius B: Put a Windows 10 computer in your pocket for $249

Nov 30

Posted by AndroidGuys in deal of the day | Comments off

As much as we love Android and its continually expanding capabilities, sometimes we need a different platform to serve our needs. If you’re a student or work in an enterprise environment, chances are you high that you rely on Windows 10 or Office for your needs.

Visit the AndroidGuys Deals Store right now and you’ll find we have a miniature computer that fits inside of your pocket. Powered by Windows 10, it features an HDMI output, two USB ports, a microSD card slot, and audio in/out. Not only that, it also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. In other words, this portable computer is all the brains you need to power a portable office.

About

As the world gets more advanced, technology is getting smaller, not bigger. Case in point: the Ockel Sirius B Windows 10 Mini-Computer. This pocket-sized PC is powered by an Intel processor and 4GB of RAM, and boasts high-speed built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. Plus, with a wide range of inputs and outputs, you can link with just about any device you want.

Features

  • Compute powerfully on the move w/ Intel-powered Windows 10
  • Turn any television into a smart media center & store your music & video aboard the pocket PC
  • Connect to almost any device you want w/ an USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, Micro SD card slot, & AUX in/AUX out
  • Get rid of the bulky PC tower in your office or dorm room to save space
  • Browse, email, stream, or anything else w/ a 100% silent device
  • Play almost all games available on the Windows 10 game store
  • Carry in your pocket for extremely easy access & portability
  • Fanless design

Where to Buy

You can purchase the Ockel Sirius B Windows 10 Mini-Computer for $249.99 from the AndroidGuys Deals Store. That’s $100 off the normal cost, a discount of 28 percent!

Save even more!

In addition to the savings above, when you buy through AndroidGuys Deals, for every $25 spent, you get $1 credit added to your account. What’s more, should you refer the deal via social media or an email that results in a purchase, you’ll earn $10 credit in your account.

Shop AndroidGuys!

If this is your first time buying, then you are also eligible for a further 10% discount when you subscribe for email updates.

How about a freebie?

Not looking to spend any money today? That’s alright, we understand. Why not visit the AndroidGuys section for freebies and take something anyhow? Go ahead, grab two!

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You can try these three amazing titles with Xbox Game Pass for $1

Nov 30

Posted by AndroidGuys in Gaming, xbox | Comments off

With must-play new releases coming out almost as often as movies, it can get pretty difficult to buy and play it all. The good news is that Xbox is now offering Xbox Game Pass, a solid alternative to blindly buying new games before you try them. Xbox Game Pass offers you unlimited access to an ever-expanding library of games, so you can try out new titles before you decide to buy or just keep the variety alive by constantly playing new games. Best of all, you can get 1 month of Xbox Game Pass for just $1.

Xbox Game Pass gives you unlimited access to its catalog of over 100 games – all you have to do is download the games you want and play them anytime, online or offline. If you start to really hit a groove with a game in the catalog, you can buy it as it leave the catalog for up to 20% off, and any add-on packs or consumables for up to 10% off. Plus, you’ll get launch-day access to Xbox exclusives, so it’s not like you’re getting a bunch of has-been games. Don’t forget the best part: you can play for $1 by signing up with this special offer.

$1 for 1 month of Xbox Game Pass

Here are some games we’re excited to play on Xbox Game Pass:

Forza Horizon 4

The latest installment of the top-selling racing series drops you into a gorgeous open world with up to 72 other players and 450 different vehicles to master. Tackle drift and speed racing challenges alone, race head-to-head against both human and AI opponents, or form a convoy of up to 12 friends to compete in team adventures for awesome rewards.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

The godfather of the white-hot battle royale shooter genre, PUBG drops you onto a huge island map with 99 other players and one objective – be the last player standing. Combining the best elements of 3rd-person shooters and survival games with hilariously customizable characters, PUBG delivers a massively multiplayer experience like none other. Kill or be killed, and have a blast while doing it.

Sea of Thieves

Satisfy your inner pirate and take to the seas with a massive open world of players searching for treasure and infamy. Assemble a crew and embark on quests to locate buried treasure or battle undead pirates, but be ready to thwart treachery from rival players seeking to steal your loot and leave you marooned. Sea of Thieves offers a vast charming ocean to explore and plunder as you see fit.

Click here to sign up for 1 month of Xbox Game Pass for just $1 to get unlimited access to these and over 100 other great titles. It’s the best thing to happen to gamers since the ability to save your game.

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What is Google Fast Pair?

Nov 30

Posted by AndroidGuys in Google, Plantronics, Tips & Tools | Comments off

Pairing a Bluetooth device, such as headphones or a speaker, to your phone is a pretty straightforward process. If anything, it’s simple. Yet, it can be tedious. Google Fast Pair makes things easier and more efficient.

The Problem

Many of us own multiple portable electronic devices, be it phones, tablets, and/or Chromebooks.  We log into them using our Google accounts and hop between them. At the same time, we have our favorite headphones, speakers, and Bluetooth accessories.

As easy as it is to pair devices together, it can become a nuisance. Why go through the process over and over again when all you want to do is listen to a podcast or playlist? Sure, it sounds like a “first world problem” but it’s a pain point whenever you buy a new phone or tablet.

The Solution

Google has a way to simplify connecting Bluetooth accessories to Android phones. The feature, called Fast Pair, was introduced back in 2017 and has recently been updated.

Described as a “hassle-free process to pair your Bluetooth devices on all supported Android devices”, it’s makes discovery and pairing easy for Android 6.0+ phones and tablets.

Google’s $159 Pixel Buds offer real-time translation, other smarts

 

In essence, Google Fast Pair ties your Bluetooth pairing details to your Google account. This way, whenever you log into a new device you don’t have to worry about pairing. Much like Chrome knows your username and passwords for websites, Fast Pair knows how to make your handset and earbuds work together.

How Fast Pair Works

Fast Pair uses Bluetooth Low Energy and your Android phone’s location to automatically discover accessories in close proximity , and automatically connects them via a simple tap.

When a Fast Pair-enabled accessory is in close proximity to your Android smartphone, the phone shows the accessory’s product image, its name, and any related companion app. Once you connect you’ll see a confirmation advising the pairing’s successful. The phone will also offer to download the accessory’s companion app from the Play Store. All of this is done without meddling with the Bluetooth settings.

As part of a recent update (November 2018), Google makes it easier for you to connect Fast Pair-compatible accessories to devices associated with your Google Account. Going forward, Fast Pair will connect accessories to all current and future Android phones (6.0+).

Looking ahead, Google says it will add support for Chromebooks in 2019, too. Once in place, Fast Pair will automatically pair and configure your Chromebook in the same manner; they do support Android apps after all.

How to Use Fast Pair

As indicated above, the pairing process employs traditional Bluetooth connection but in a more streamlined manner. With that said, here’s how to go about pairing your Fast Pair-enabled accessories.

  • Turn on the Fast Pair-ready accessory and put it in pairing mode
  • Your phone will notify you, asking to “Tap to pair” to the accessory
  • Tap the notification and Android establishes a Bluetooth connection
  • A success notification is shown with a link to download any related companion app

What accessories support Fast Pair?

As of today, the following accessories are listed as officially Fast Pair-enabled:

Google is currently working with dozens of manufacturers to bring new accessories to the market; we suspect they’ll arrive at the start of 2019. The annual CES trade show seems as good of a place as any to introduce them.

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New Android Auto update expands messaging and media features

Nov 30

Posted by Alexandra Arici in Google, spotify | Comments off

Google this week unveiled a new series of features for Android Auto to make it easier to view messages or search for music, books and podcasts while you’re on the move. As always Google says the new features add more convenience without sacrificing safety.

First off, the media library in Android Auto has a new look and layout with larger images for the album art, so you can easily identify what you songs you want to hear.

If you already know which song or artist you want to play, you can use the improved voice search feature. Simply can say “OK Google, play Linkin Park” and you’ll immediately be able to view more categorized search results from your app on your car’s screen.

Like listening to music while you drive? Then you’ll love the latest Android Auto update

Music apps such as Spotify, Google Play Music and iHeartRadio have full integration with the latest version of Android Auto. And Google says that it’s working to bring new updates to more music and media apps.

Next, Google has also added some improvements to the whole messaging experience. Android Auto will now display a preview of your texts from Messages, WhatsApp or Hangouts once you’ve stopped driving.

The messages will show up regardless of what app is in use. But note that you’ll need to turn on this preview feature manually via Settings. Once again Google says it will add support for other messaging apps in the near future.

Previously Android Auto could only display plain SMS messages, but Google has now added group messaging, along with MMS and RCS messaging support.

Check: A full list of Android Auto-compatible apps

The updates will become available in the next few days. To take advantage of the new features you’ll need to navigate to the Android Auto page on the Google Play Store and manually update the app from there.

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Google Assistant gets a big update in time for Christmas

Nov 30

Posted by Alexandra Arici in Uncategorized | Comments off

In anticipation of the Christmas celebrations, Google has updated its Google Assistant with a bunch of useful features that will hopefully make the holiday experience more entertaining.

Perhaps the most notable one is “visual lyrics”. Users will be able to view and learn the words of their favorite Christmas songs on the Google Home Hub’s screen or on any other smart display device they might have around the house. Just say: “Hey Google, play ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ on Google Play Music.”

Yes, to take advantage of this karaoke-like feature you’ll need to have a Google Play Music account. The feature only works with select songs, for now.

Owning a smart display just got a lot better

There are other features coming to smart displays. If you use Nest video doorbells, you’ll now be able to communicate back and forth with the person standing at your front door by tapping the blue “Talk” button.

What’s more, when you’re out shopping, you can broadcast a message to your smart device back at home asking if there’s anything else that’s needed. Starting next week, Google will also add the ability for those at home to reply using their own voice.

Also read: What are smart displays and what are they good for?

Other smart display-friendly features include the ability to Call Santa complete with a new set of visuals, photo sharing and touch alarms.

Next, the “Pretty Please” feature which was announced back at Google’s I/O 2018 is now rolling out. This is especially aimed at children who are now encouraged to say “please” and “thank you” when talking to the Assistant. As a reward, the AI will reply using its own of kind and delightful response.

Another kid-focused Google Assistant feature opens up a direct line to the North Pole. Children can now play an interactive Christmas-themed game, as well as take advantage of a special set of Google Home sound effects and music.

What’s more, the Google Assistant can turn nanny and read along with select Disney books (Frozen, Aladdin, Mulan or The Lion King), as well as content from Nickelodeon.  If they don’t have any books, kids can also simply ask the Google Assistant to tell them a story. There are 50 titles to choose from including Beauty and the Beats, Cinderella and Dora’s Super Sleepover.

For adults who are busy making the Christmas preparations, Google has added the ability to create and manage gift lists using just your vice. The feature is built-in directly in the Google Assistant, but Google has plans to roll out support for Google Keep, Any.do, Bring! And Todoist.

Also read: Google Keep tips and tricks

Want to give the new features a try? You can since most are already available.

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Best eight apps for working out at home

Nov 29

Posted by Alexandra Arici in Uncategorized | Comments off

Some days, it’s just really difficult to go outside. Especially in the winter months when it’s rainy/snowy or cold, and the sun may have already gone to sleep by the time you’re ready to leave work.

So what do you do if you want to get some exercise, but you don’t want to go to the gym? Thankfully, you can just as easily work out from the comfort of your home.

With technology being so ubiquitous these days, you can simply turn your smartphone into your personal home coach. All you need to do is install one of the home workout apps that are available in the Play Store.

Don’t know which one to try? We’re here to help, so we’ve rounded up some of the best apps for home fitness you can get right now.

7 Minute

What it is:

A simple and effective workout app which guides you through a series of workouts all which last only 7 minutes.

Why we like it:

  • Contains a series of routines including Classic, Abs workout, leg workout, arm workout and more. All come with detailed instructions and graphic representations of how to do the exercises.
  • Includes a Challenge tab, which aims to motivate you to workout daily for a total of 30 days. If successful, you will receive a cool badge.
  • The app includes a Statistic option where you can see how often you’ve worked out in the past month and how your weight/BMI has fluctuated over time.
  • 7 Minutes sends daily notification at a given time to ensure you never skip a workout.
  • It’s a great solution for those who don’t have much free time, but want to stay in shape.

Download 7 Minutes

Daily Yoga

What it is:

A yoga app which aims to help you stay healthy, but also lose weight or tone your muscles.

Why we like it:

  • Relaxing interface with neutral-tone colors that invite you to relax.
  • Includes several workouts depending on your specific goals. Do you want to stay healthy? Do the Yoga for Detox and Digestion plan. Do you want to muscle tone? The app includes a 14 Days Abs Challenge.
  • All weekly plans are neatly broken down into days, so you can see which exercise you’ll be performing each day. You can also see what props you need and how many calories you’ll be burning.
  • Classes are guided with audio and there’s also a fine musical background to complement it all.

Note: There’s a Pro version to upgrade to which unlocks all Workshop programs, as well as 5 extra features. It costs $24.99/month.

Download Daily Yoga

Freeletics

What it is:

A personal fitness coach app that lets you train anywhere, no equipment needed, just your phone.

Why we like it:

  • You can get the app to easily recommend your best workouts based on your unique stats (genre/age/weight/height).
  • Choose from various 5-30 minute workouts, depending on your schedule.
  • Contains video guides that demonstrate how to do the exercise correctly.
  • The app has a social component. You can check out other users’ profiles, follow and interact with them. A feed similar to Instagram where you can get all the fitness updates is also available.

Download Freeletics

Home Workout

What it is:

A simple-to-use app featuring a variety of workout routines from beginners, intermediate and advanced users.

Why we like it:

  • Simple to use an app. Just choose your level and start the workout (full body, abs, chest and more). All exercises are demonstrated using animated gifs.
  • The app keeps tracks of your progress over time, showing you how many calories you’ve burned and how your weight/BMI has fluctuated over time.
  • The app has a challenge option to motivate you to continue working out.
  • There are several language options available including German, Portuguese and Italian.
  • You can sync the app with Google Fit.

Download Home Workout

Sworkit

What it is:

A workout app with an appealing UI design that lets you choose from stretching and yoga to cardio and strength training.

Why we like it:

  • The app comes with a huge database of body weight exercise. Pick the ones you can fit your schedule. Do a 5-minute stretch at the office or opt for something more complex when you get home.
  • Users can create their own custom workouts. So you can include all your favorite exercises and skip the ones you don’t like that much.
  • Sworkit also lets you tap into the expertise of personal trainers, sports trainers and physical therapists.

Note: The app is free to download, but you’ll need to pay a quarterly subscription of $29.99 to be able to use it. However, the first month is free to try out.

Download Sworkit

Calm

What it is:

The brain, like the body, also needs a good workout. And that’s what Calm is for. An app designed to help relax and quiet down your mind.

Why we like it:

  • The app features a beautiful interface that is conductive of mindfulness.
  • Helps you follow your top goals including Reduce Anxiety, Improve Focus or Reduce Stress.
  • Includes beautiful music tracks to help you focus, relax or sleep (that keep playing even with your phone turned off).
  • Feeling stressed after a long day? Calm includes breathing exercise and masterclasses in meditation (and more) taught by world-renowned experts.

Note: You can download and use Calm for free for 7 days, but to keep doing so you will have to shed $29.99 per year.

Download Calm

Nike Training Club

What it is:

A very nice training app from Nike that offers a stylish interface and access to a large variety of workouts.

Why we like it:

  • The app offers all kinds of workouts from short 15-minute workouts to longer endurance sessions. And it also features options for Yoga lovers.
  • The app includes a series of expert tips. For example, learn How to fight the urge to avoid going to workouts using the “No time” excuse.
  • Nike’s Training Club allows users to follow a plan. For example, the Lean Fit helps you get lean and fit over 6 weeks with a plan that builds endurance.
  • There’s also a community component built into the app, so you can find friends and interact with other users of the app.
  • The app supports Chromecast mirroring, so you can check out the instructions on a larger screen.
  • It features some famous athletes like Serena Williams who provide video guidance.

Download Nike Training Club

Daily Burn

What it is:

Daily Burn is like your private fitness channel that offers workout videos led by expert trainers.

Why we like it:

  • Users can watch the Daily Burn 365 workout live at 9:00 am ET every single day. It’s a 30-minute, full-body workout especially targeting beginners.
  • There’s a wide variety of workouts to choose from including beginner yoga, strength training, cardio and more.
  • The app benefits from guest appearances by celebrities and renowned fitness experts
  • Daily Burn also has an Audio Workouts section, so you can take your trainer + music everywhere you go.

Note: The app is free to download and use for 30 days, then you need to pay $14.95 per month for Basic, or upgrade to Premium for $19.95/month.

Download Daily Burn

So if you plan to stay fit this winter, you better start downloading one (or more) of these apps right away!

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Regret buying an app? Here are your options

Nov 28

Posted by Alexandra Arici in Refunds | Comments off

Have you ever purchased an app from the Google Play Store only to find yourself hating it just moments after you’ve open it? Well, the good news is that you can get a refund rather easily. But you need to act fast.

Below you’ll find the steps you need to take in order to get a refund on a purchase from Google Play.

The quick way to get a refund

If you tested the app immediately after you’ve downloaded it and realized it’s not for you, then you can go back to the Play Store and request a refund. Keep in mind that this option is only available for apps, not in-app purchases or subscriptions.

The process is super simple, no question asked. You have a 2-hour window to return to the Play Store and navigate to the app in question. A Refund button should be showing on the left, next to the Open one.

Once the 2 hours expire, the Refund button will be replaced be an Uninstall button. It’s worth mentioning that we’ve seen numerous complaints of users claiming the 2-hour window is actually a 15-minute one. Although in our experience, we didn’t have the same issue.

Once you tap the Refund button a window will pop-up asking you “Are you sure that you want to refund this purchase? The app will be uninstalled.” Click Yes to continue.

But what if 2 hours have already passed since you made your purchase? You still have 48 hours to submit a refund request.

How to submit a refund request

  1. On your computer go to https://play.google.com/store/account
  2. From there you should be able to see your Order History.
  3. Find the app you want to refund and click on the three-dot menu on the right.
  4. Click on Request a refund and select one of the reasons why you’re doing this (ex. I purchased this by accident).
  5. Complete the form and note that you would like a refund.
  6. Next, click submit and wait.

It can take between 15 minutes to two whole business days before you will get the verdict from Google.

What to do if 48-hours have passed?

You will have to try and contact the developer. This isn’t a full-proof method, but you could give it a try. You can find the developer’s email by tapping Read more on the app’s page on the Play Store and then scrolling down all the way to the bottom.

Hopefully, the email is a legitimate one and you will be able to convince the developer to issue you a refund.

But what if you get no reply from the developer or their response is unsatisfactory? Your last resort would be to contact Google’s support team and ask them to take care of the problem.

How to contact Google’s support team about a refund

  1. Go to this page https://support.google.com/googleplay/contactflow?hl=en
  2. Select your issue (for example Android apps & games).
  3. Click on Request a refund.
  4. Submit refund request.

You should hear back from Google within 15 minutes, but it can take up to 2 business days.

The Google support team can help you get refunds for paid apps, as well as in-app purchases.

How to get refunds for Google Play movies/TV shows or books

What if you bought a Google Play movie, but you decided you don’t want to keep it after all? Well, in this case, you have a 7-day window to request your refund. But bear in mind that this only applies to movies or books you haven’t started watching/reading.

In case video playback/book if defective, you can request a refund at any time. This is how you do it.

  1. Access https://play.google.com/store/account
  2. Scroll down to Order History and find the video/book in question.
  3. Click on the three vertical dots and select “Report a problem”
  4. Then fill out the form and submit.

The same steps apply if you want to get a refund for a purchase from Google Play Music. You have 7 days to do so, or 14 if you’re in the EU.

Have you tried getting a refund before? Did you face any issue? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Project Fi is now Google Fi and is available for most Android phones and iPhones

Nov 28

Posted by Jason England in Uncategorized | Comments off

What is Google Fi

Google Fi previously known as Project Fi is Google’s attempt at offering its own cellular service. With Google Fi your phone will get access to 3 different 4G LTE networks, unlimited calls + texts, no roaming fees in 170+ destinations, and access to over 2 million secure Wi-Fi hotspots. In theory, this means your phone should hop between network to network and Wi-Fi hotspots ensuring you have the fastest available connection and best coverage.

What Phones are Available for Google Fi

For the past 3 years in order to take advantage of this service, you were required to use one of the Project Fi approved phones. Today that all changes as Google rebrands the service to Google Fi and opens it up to most Android phones and even iPhones. To see if your phone is supported refer to this compatibility checker from the Google Fi site.

Unfortunately, there is a catch, as Google states only phones designed specifically for Fi such as the Google Pixel 3 and select others will take full advantage of the service. This includes seamlessly switching between cellular networks, support for Wi-Fi calling, access to Google Fi’s VPN service, and automatically connecting to secure Wi-Fi hotspots.

Other phones designed for Google Fi besides the Pixel include the LG G7, LG V35, Moto G6, and Moto X4. They can be purchased through the Google Fi website where for November 28 only Google is celebrating by offering travel gift cards with purchase. The gift cards will match the same amount spent on the phone and are available from Airbnb, Delta Air Lines, Hotels.com, and Southwest Airlines.

How Much Does Google Fi Cost

While the service has opened up to more phones the plan itself has gone unchanged. As in the past, the plan starts $20 for unlimited minutes and texts for the first person and $15 for each additional person. Data is charged separately at $10 per gigabyte until you reach 6GB where Bill Protection kicks in and data is free for the rest of the month. However, once you hit 15GB your speeds will be throttled.

Should you Switch to Google Fi

If you’ve ever been interested in the Fi service in the past and you are a frequent traveler, today would be the best day to buy a phone through them. If you’ve been curious about the plan in the past but don’t own a Fi specific phone, then you’ll have more to contemplate. Google Fi offers one of a kind coverage but without a Fi specific phone, you won’t be able to take full advantage of the service. The pricing is also not that competitive when compared to some other networks.

Join Google Fi

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