How to Get Lock Screen Widgets Back on Android Lollipop

How to Get Lock Screen Widgets Back on Android Lollipop

The transition from Android KitKat to Lollipop was pretty drastic in the looks department. Google's new Material Design guidelines changed the way many parts of the UI function, like the notification drawer, status bar, and most notably, the lock screen.

It may have added those handy phone and camera shortcuts, but for some reason, Google thought it best to remove widget support. This did not go over well with users, and developers have been trying to find a way to get widgets back on the lock screen. With SergioSanchezR's new Xposed module, we finally have a real solution.

Unlike Notifidgets, this Lock Screen Widgets module will allow you to add full widgets directly on your lock screen without needing to access the notification drawer first. However, you will need to have a rooted device with the Xposed Framework installed in order to get the module to load.

10 Free Texting Apps for Android That Are Way Better Than Your Stock SMS App

10 Free Texting Apps for Android That Are Way Better Than Your Stock SMS App

Texting has become the king of communication—gone are the days where everyone called each other. These days, it's down-right weird when someone calls first. Whether it be on a phone or on a computer, SMS and MMS messages are the most common way people keep in contact, so why not make sure your app of choice is the best possible one out there?

The beauty of Android's open app system means that if you're yearning for more than your stock messaging app, you have options! I have gone through my fair share of texting apps, and while my choice may not be your favorite, these are my top 10 picks from many years of searching.

1. Mighty Text

Mighty Text was the first app I ever used that allowed me to use my phone number to text from my computer or tablet. Before Pushbullet released the feature, Mighty Text allowed its users to sign into their web app to view and respond to any text received on their Android.

And just like Pushbullet, Mighty Text also syncs your notifications across devices so you can see if you have a new Facebook or Snapchat notification without having to keep an eye on your phone's lock screen.

In addition, you will also get a few handy features like sending SMS messages through your Gmail account and scheduling messages to be sent out whenever you choose, which will make sending birthday wishes a lot easier.

2. AwSMS

The heads-up notifications introduced in Lollipop are sleek and all, but iOS has that simple, yet beautiful quick reply animation for messages that has never been available on Android until AwSMS came out. Just like on iOS, all you have to do is drag down from the message notification and you will see a text field pop up where you can type your reply.

Since the app is still in beta, there aren't too many advanced features implemented yet, but there are already options to customize your conversation view and enable night mode, which shows promise.

Since AwSMS is still in beta, you will first need to join their Google+ community, then click the link to Become a Tester in order to install it.

3. Invi

Invi takes a similar approach to texting as Google Hangouts. Along with basic SMS and MMS messages, it also supports the Invi IM service which will allow you to send free messages to anyone else using the app—both Android and iOS users.

SMS, MMS, and Invi messages are stored in the same conversation view, so you can switch between any of them with the push of a button. Invi also comes with mini apps that allow you to use services like YouTube without ever leaving your conversation.

There is also a pretty kick-ass looking conversation list view that will definitely make you wonder why other apps don't liven things up in the same way.

4. Textra

With Textra, you get many of the same features you have come to know and love, but with a few premium features that come at no cost.

The basic features include night mode, delayed sending, a ton of customization options, and quick reply, but in addition to all of that, you also get blacklisting. This will come in handy if you've ever been unfortunate enough to get on a club promoter's mailing list and are tired of seeing all the "Hey, come check out this sick new DJ spinning at my club tonight" texts. All you have to do is add their phone number to your blacklist to forever banish their messages to the trash.

5. QKSMS

QKSMS was launched as an alpha last year and has since grown to be one of the most feature-rich texting apps out there.

Through its Google+ page, the dev has been able to implement many features its users have specifically asked for, like a theme engine, full conversation view quick reply, and delayed messages. And if you are one of the early adopters of Android Wear, there is also full support for that platform.

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6. Material Messaging

It took a few months for apps to drop the Holo UI in favor of Material Design, which is what initially drew me to try out Material Messaging.

However, it's not just a pretty face. Material Messaging comes with all the bells and whistles that the big names do, but with extra features like fingerprint scanner support for Samsung devices and MMS over Wi-Fi if your carrier supports it.

There is also dual SIM card support if you are running Android 5.1 and have a phone that touts two SIM slots.

7. Google Hangouts

It wouldn't be an Android texting app roundup if I didn't include a few of Google's offerings. Hangouts used to be a simple IM client, but a few years ago they decided to bake in SMS and MMS support to give you a one-stop-shop for your IM and texting needs.

You will also want to consider Hangouts if you have a Google Voice number since this is one of the only apps that fully supports that service.

8. Google Messenger

Google Messenger is the second Google texting solution that I used since they recommend to use it over Hangouts if you don't use their IM service.

Messenger is very simple and bare bones, but incredibly stable with the backing of Google, so you know it's updated frequently and will support new devices and software faster than most other options out there.

I have also had the best MMS support with Messenger when compared to other third-party options, but your mileage my vary. The only drawback to Messenger is its horrible implementation of quick reply, but hopefully that gets fixed in a future update.

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9. Chomp SMS

Chomp SMS has been around forever and was one of the first SMS apps I ever tried. There are options for password-protecting your convos, scheduling and delaying texts, and even blacklisting those unwanted contacts from ever reaching your inbox. And just like Material Messaging, there is dual SIM support for those on Android 5.1.

10. EvolveSMS

EvolveSMS may not be completely free, but it does come with some pretty decent free features that make it worth checking out. With the free version, you get things like a full conversation view quick reply and customizable notifications, but to get even more out of the app in terms of security and backing up your messages to Dropbox and Google Drive, you may want to opt to buy the Feature and Customization Packs for a total of $2.48.

And the Winner Is...

My top choice may not be the one that is right for you, but due to its vast amount of customization options, I have to go with Material Messaging.

However, if I were to just stick with a simple but reliable texting experience, Google Messenger is a terrific choice, since it's by far the most up to date when it comes to supporting new devices and carriers' MMS settings.

Don't like any of these texting apps? Which one do you use? Let me know in the comments below!

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Tell Your Friends: How to Protect Yourself from Android's Biggest Security Flaw in Years

Tell Your Friends: How to Protect Yourself from Android's Biggest Security Flaw in Years

Researchers at the cyber security firm Zimperium have recently uncovered a vulnerability in roughly 95% of Android devices that has the potential to allow hackers to take total control over your phone with a simple picture message (MMS). The gritty details of this exploit have not been made public yet, but hackers now know the general framework for this type of attack, so you can be certain that they'll hammer out the details in no time.

To be clear, Zimperium is a security firm, so their main goal in discovering this vulnerability was to gain a little notoriety while helping Android manufacturers and developers plug up a potentially disastrous security risk. Nonetheless, the general basis for the attack is now public knowledge, so hackers with malicious intents need only to reverse-engineer some of the finer aspects of this exploit before they can actually start putting it to use.

How It Works

The premise is relatively simple—an attacker only needs your phone number to take total control of your Android device by sending an MMS with the malicious code embedded in it. This means that, theoretically, a hacker could send you an MMS message while you were asleep, take control over your phone, then remove all traces of the attack while you remained none the wiser.

Once the trojan file has been sent over MMS, the attacker can read your messages, retrieve your login credentials for various sites and services, operate your device's microphone, and access almost any file stored on your phone. To put it simply, a hacker could potentially gain access to all of the sensitive data stored on your smartphone by sending you a simple picture message.

Android devices can be hacked with a single MMS message.

When Is a Fix Coming?

Google has already added a fix for the Stagefright exploit to Android's code base, but this certainly doesn't mean that we're in the clear.

Consider the way Android updates usually work: First, Google adds new code to AOSP (which they've already done in this case). Then, Google pushes this updated version out to manufacturers like Samsung or HTC. The manufacturers then spend months adding their own custom tweaks to the firmware before sending it out to the cellular carriers. The carriers then spend another few months adding their own bloat to the firmware, and ultimately, the security fix is sent out to end users about 6 months after it was originally made.

It certainly won't take hackers a full 6 months to replicate this exploit, so in the meantime, we'll need to take matters into our own hands.

Disable MMS Auto-Retrieve to Prevent Attacks

Since the exploit works by sending an MMS that is automatically downloaded by your phone, the only way to prevent this attack is to set your phone to not automatically download MMS messages. The drawback here is that you'll have to tap future MMS messages to download them manually, but it's a small price to pay for security.

The process will vary depending on your text messaging app, but I'll outline it for some of the most popular messaging apps below.

Samsung Messages App:

If you're using the default Messages app on a Samsung device, start by heading to the Settings entry in app's main menu. From here, select "More settings," then "Multimedia messages." Finally, disable the "Auto retrieve" option to ensure that potentially dangerous MMS messages are not automatically downloaded.

Google Messenger App:

With the Google Messenger app, start by tapping the three-dot menu button in the app's top-right corner, then select the Settings entry. From here, choose Advanced, then make sure the "Auto-retrieve" option is disabled on the next screen.

Hangouts App:

To disable MMS auto-retrieve in the Hangouts messaging app, head to the side navigation menu and select Settings. Next, choose the SMS entry, then scroll down a bit, and make sure that the "Auto retrieve MMS" option is disabled.

From now on, your phone will no longer download MMS messages automatically, meaning the exploit can't be triggered on your phone without your knowledge. But you should still be very careful about opening MMS messages, and in general, do not open an MMS message that came from a phone number you don't recognize.

Personally, I think this exploit shines a light on Android's convoluted update process, because without the manufacturers and carriers meddling around with our phones' firmware, we could already have a fix for this issue sent directly from Google. What are your main concerns with the Stagefright exploit? Let us know in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Android Hacks' Facebook or Twitter, or Gadget Hacks' Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.

New to Android? Here's How to Get Started & Get the Most Out of Your Device

New to Android? Here's How to Get Started & Get the Most Out of Your Device

Whether you're just getting your first Android, or are already on your fifth annual cycle of picking up the latest flagship, there is always the question of what to do after booting up your device for the first time.

You can go the route of keeping your device the way the manufacturer intended by staying with a stock system, or you can throw caution—and your warranty—to the wind by rooting your device and delving into the world of deep-customization. Both options have their pros and cons, with no clear advantage other than truly making your device your own.

Stock vs. Rooted Systems

With a stock system, there is no risk of breaking any features of your device, since many custom ROMs and tweaks aren't compatible with things like Samsung's KNOX security system. You'll also still be able to install OTA updates right when your carrier ships them out without worrying about recoveries or if your mods prevent the OTA from being installed.

However, rooting opens your device to many features manufacturers would never include, like the Xposed Framework and real performance boosters that aren't just placebos. Regardless of which side you fall on, we have you covered, so check out this guide to see which direction you want to take that brand new Android device.

Getting Your Android Ready

No matter which direction you decide to go, there are a bunch of issues you will need to clear up first.

First off, you need to decide whether you want to keep Google on your device or not. While most people don't mind being a part of the ever-present data-mining Google performs, others would rather remove its presence from their device entirely to protect their privacy.

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On the other hand, you may not care about Google's apps flooding your app drawer, but do care about your carrier filling your device with useless bloatware. Despite your carrier and manufacturer doing everything in their power to keep their apps on your device, there's always a way to remove it.

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If you decided to keep Google's Play Store on your device, then you may want to set it up so that you can share all of your purchased apps with your entire family. It may not be the most moral solution, but why pay for an app three times in the same household?

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With your apps under control, you can start tweaking your settings. One feature that has divided a lot of Android users running Lollipop is the addition of heads-up notifications. You either love them or you hate them, and if you are one that hates them, then you'll need a third-party solution to disable them for good.

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The last thing to set up before testing the waters of your new device should come as no surprise to seasoned Android users, but for those of you who are new, you should definitely enable app installation from "Unknown sources" and unlock the Developer options entry in your Settings app.

Enabling Unknown sources allows you install third-party apps that aren't downloaded through the Play Store, while Developer options allows you to tweak many advanced user settings like animation speed and enabling ADB access and USB debugging.

Leaving Your System Untouched

Since the beginning, Android has always been about customizing your mobile experience to fit your needs, so leaving your system untouched and unrooted does not give you the same restrictions that it does on iOS.

And speaking of iOS, for those of you who are transitioning from Apple, you may want to install some Android equivalents to popular iOS apps.

To get started with your Android, you can begin by managing your data and battery life without the need to install any root-level tweaks or flashing anything through ADB.

You can also beef up your security by adjusting a few settings and improve your Android's internet browser by blocking ads from taking up precious screen real estate.

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And if you are not feeling the stock wallpapers that come with your Android, you may want to check out our list of the best wallpaper apps out there.

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Getting Your Computer Ready

When I started off with my first Android phone, I thought that there was no reason to root, but after being introduced to all the apps power users put out, I quickly changed my mind.

If after using your stock device for a while you decide that you need more apps and toolboxes to tweak your settings, you may consider taking the plunge and rooting your device. Usually the rooting process requires you to use a computer, so why not turn your computer, whether it be a Mac or PC, into the perfect Android hub.

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If you are using a Mac, you should install ADB, Fastboot and Android Tool. ADB and Fastboot will allow you to send all the necessary commands to unlock your bootloader, back up your device, and more. With Android Tool, you'll be able to painlessly record your Android's screen.

Windows users also have an easy way to install and use adbGUI, which makes it so that you no longer need to use a command prompt to send commands to your Android.

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And for a wireless way to sync files across all of your devices, you may want to check out our top apps to cut out all the cables.

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Rooting Your Android

Your particular manufacturer and device model will determine which root method you need, but I'd recommend using one that also unlocks your bootloader, since that will also let you install TWRP, a very popular custom recovery. The benefit of having a custom recovery is that it allows to flash ROMs and tweaks that otherwise could not be installed via an APK.

For starters, you should make sure you install BusyBox, which grants you access to even more UNIX-based commands on your Android. You may also want to check out the Xposed Framework and its vast library of modules.

Be sure to make NANDroid backups of your system through TWRP if you do decide to use Xposed, since some modules get released without being thoroughly tested.

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If you'd rather stay away from installing a whole new framework on your Android, you still have access to other worthwhile root mods. For you audiophiles, you can install a system equalizer, but if you are just looking to boost performance check out our guide for getting the most out of your rooted Android.

No matter which road you take, there is always something new and exciting to install on you Android, so be sure to keep checking back here for must-have tweaks and mods.

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How to Make Money on Android: 15 Apps That Give Rewards & Cash Back for Doing Almost Nothing

How to Make Money on Android: 15 Apps That Give Rewards & Cash Back for Doing Almost Nothing

With the amount of time we spend glued to our smartphones, they could be considered a second job (if only we got paid). I spend a large part of my day scrolling through Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, and countless other apps, and burn through hours and hours without even noticing.

While it's great finding out what my friends did over the weekend, I don't really have anything to show for it at the end of the day, so I set out to find some apps that could keep me entertained and make me some money.

The apps I discovered aren't going to make you millionaires over night, but they can make splurging on a night out a little easier. So if you find yourself needing a few extra bucks, or just want to finally start adding to your savings account, check out my top money making apps for Android below.

None of the apps require you to have any special skill set or equipment, so whether you're a couch potato or are looking to get out of the house more, you'll find an app that fits your needs. You should also keep in mind that these apps do not simply send you a check at the end of every month, but instead let you redeem your rewards through PayPal, via gift cards, or other similar means.

Complete Surveys for Extra Moola

There are quite a few survey-based apps that reward you for completing online surveys.

1. Google Option Rewards

First up is Google Opinion Rewards, which will periodically send you surveys based on the demographic you fall into.

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The surveys don't pay out boatloads of money, but over time they can add up to some pretty decent amounts. Another thing to keep in mind with this app is that the payments are distributed as Google Play credits instead of actual money, which you can use for apps, music, movies, books, magazine, and more.

2. Surveys on the Go

Surveys On The Go is very similar to Google Play Rewards, but instead of getting paid in Google Play credits, you can actually receive your payout through PayPal, which can be transferred to your personal bank account. There is also the option to enter a Survey Code, which are special codes given out by companies that use Surveys On The Go to collect research data.

3 + 4. Swagbucks & InboxDollars

In addition to offering surveys, Swagbucks and InboxDollars also come bundled with other ways to make money. By using the built-in browser to check emails, download apps, and search the web, InboxDollars can earn you some additional money. Swagbucks does not have any of those extra features, but does comes with an ad viewer that rewards you for not skipping through ads.

View Advertisements to Earn Cash

If you don't mind watching ads for hours on end, there are more than a couple of good options for you.

5 + 6. Swagbucks TV Mobile & AppTrailers

You can use something like Swagbucks TV Mobile or AppTrailers. Both apps reward you for watching trailers for apps, movies, TV shows, and games. And Swagbucks TV Mobile ties into your Swagbucks account, so you can earn points through both apps at the same time.

7. Slidejoy

For those that would rather not deal with watching full-length ads, you can turn your lock screen into an interactive billboard with Slidejoy. Slidejoy replaces your lock screen background with ads that earn you money, even if you are simply unlocking your device, which means you don't have to launch any of the ads in order to start stacking up a few extra cents here and there.

Perform Easy Tasks (Some Work Involved)

This next category is for those of you who do not mind getting off the couch to earn a little scratch.

8 + 9. Mobee & Rewardable

With apps like Mobee and Rewardable, you act as a secret shopper and are sent to stores around your area to check stock, snap pictures of ads, and other small tasks that companies rely on to make sure their products are being displayed properly.

10 + 11. EasyShift & Field Agent

If neither of those two apps give you enough to keep you busy, you should check out EasyShift and Field Agent.

EasyShift will require you to fill out surveys and take pictures at specific locations, with each 'shift' requiring only a few minutes to complete.Field Agent will pay you to collect information like photos or product information from locations or your home.

12. Pact

While Pact doesn't really reward you for completing tasks for other people, it does pay you for doing things for yourself. When you sign up for Pact, you agree to put money on the line to keep your healthy eating and fitness goals intact.

Each goal is held for a week and are verified through pictures that you take through the app. You can also verify the pictures of other users to make sure they are keeping their pacts as well. Keep in mind that if you do not keep your pact, you get penalized by having money taken from your account, so be sure to only commit to goals you know you can keep.

13. Foap

Lastly, we have Foap, which is an app that allows you to sell all the pictures you've accumulated over the years. This doesn't mean you should upload all those selfies you take, but if you have some scenic shots of the beach or other hotspots around your city, they can earn you a few extra dollars. You also get to set the price of the pictures, so to be competitive, you should browse other users' photos for price ranges.

Add Up Your Receipts for Cash Back

If you're already buying groceries and other must-have products every week, why not scan you receipts in afterward or add rebate coupons for certain items you know you're getting before you even go to the store.

14. Ibotta

Ibotta isn't an app that earns you money directly, but can scan your receipts to find you rebates that you didn't even know you qualified for. You can also use the app to create shoppings lists that already have rebates attached to them, so that you know for sure that your next grocery store visit will net you some extra savings.

To unlock the rebate offers, you may be required to first answer a few survey questions, but none of them should take you more than a couple seconds to complete.

15. Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog, on the other hand, doesn't earn you rebates, but it does scan your receipts to give you coins based off the contents of it. The coin value is different depending on where you shop, but once you save up enough, you can redeem them for gift cards or a PayPal deposit. There are also extra ways to earn coins, like spinning a slot machine and sharing the service with friends.

Again, these apps probably won't get you anywhere close to buying that new Lamborghini, but they can definitely help your beer fund. Be sure to drop me a comment below if you know of any other ways to make a quick buck on your phone!

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How to Get Rid of Annoying Discover Stories in Your Snapchat Feed

How to Get Rid of Annoying Discover Stories in Your Snapchat Feed

In an attempt to increase advertising revenues, Snapchat introduced Discover back in January of this year, a feature that brought a handful of prominent media partners, such as CNN, ESPN, and Vice to your feed, along with their tailored news stories and videos.

The brilliant thing about it was that these Discover stories were never forced upon you, instead nestled away in a separate page accessible from your feed. That is, until Snapchat's latest update.

Instead of being able to access Discover stories when you wanted to, they're now forced upon you right above the stories in your feed, along with live events coverage—whether you want to watch them or not.

Ever since the update, users have flooded the Google Play Store with reviews complaining not only about the prominence of Discover, but also technical issues such as battery drain, camera crashes, slower loading times, and more.

Luckily, there's a fix for all you Android users out there (sorry, iOS users). By reverting back to an older version of Snapchat, you can free up your feed to show only the stories you want, hiding Discover stories back in their own private page.

[embedded content]

Step 4: No More Discover in Your Stories

Open Snapchat, log in, and all of the news stories from Discover will no longer appear in your feed. Finally, more room to view the photos and videos that you want to watch, without all the clutter.

[1] New Snapchat, [2] Old (and better) Snapchat

Access the Discover page by tapping on the purple icon at the top right if you do want to view them, just like you were accustomed to in previous versions.

Also, make sure that automatic updates are disabled in the Play Store, or else the older version of Snapchat will be updated back to the annoying Discover-friendly version.

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Cortana for Android Has Leaked & Here's How to Install It

Cortana for Android Has Leaked & Here's How to Install It

Cortana, Microsoft's personal assistant for its Windows Phones and Windows 10, will soon be released for Android. That is, officially released. It's hard to keep a good thing locked away, and to that end, Cortana for Android has been leaked, thanks to APK Mirror.

Entering a space already crowded by Apple's Siri, Google Now, and Soundhound's Hound, Cortana is impressive, even in it's a leaked unofficial build, and we'll show you how to get it up and running on your Android right now.

Step 1: Install the Leaked Cortana

Make sure you've enabled app installation from unknown sources, as the app isn't found on the Google Play Store just yet. Download the app directly from the link below, or from APK Mirror, then install it by tapping on the download finish alert in your notification tray and following the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Set It Up

When you first open the app, you'll want to set up a few things, like providing your name or nickname and registering with your Microsoft account.

And if you haven't done so already, you should be running Windows 10, which for can do right now, for free, before its official launch.

Note that Windows 10 isn't required, but will offer Android-to-PC syncing features, much like how Google Now syncs with Chrome.

Step 3: Use Cortana

Now it's time to start asking stuff. Try asking about the weather in a few days, or when your home team has its next game, or how long it'll take you to get to that party you're going to tonight.

You can set reminders for tasks at a certain time or location and see them in a list through the Reminders section in the slide-out menu.

Step 4: Adjust Settings

Much like Google Now, Cortana provides "cards" for information that you might find useful, and allows you to adjust the information it shows. From the slide-out menu, select "Notebook" to access settings for individual topics, such as Music, News, and Weather, to name a few.

Keep in mind that this is a pre-release beta version of Cortana, so expect fewer bugs and more features and polish in the official version, set to be released in the coming weeks.

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