How to take screenshots on Samsung Galaxy Note Upgraded with ICS Android Ice Cream Sandwich

This is now exactly how it works to take a screenshot on Samsung Galaxy Note that already upgraded and running with Android Ice Cream Sandwich ICS 4.0.3 OS. Once you already updated your Galaxy Note to ICS, the screen capture hotkey combination is now change to Volume Down and Power buttons (originally [Home] + [power] when it was in 2.3.6). This function was the same on Samsung Galaxy S2 that also updated with ICS 4 OS and probably will work on other Samsung android devices that already runs with said Ice Cream Sandwich OS.


You'll just then simply press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time for about a second. You’ll see a flash and the screen will be framed which shows the screenshot was taken. A new notification in the notification bar saying "Saving Screenshot" and once it’s done there’ll be a "Screenshot captured"” notification in the pull down menu which will take you directly the screenshot in the Gallery.

The screenshot will be saved on your phones internal SD card - in a folder /Pictures/Screenshots. That's it, enjoy!

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Dealing with AudioOut_1 Partial Wakelock on Samsung Galaxy S2 that runs in Ice Cream Sandwich (Fix battery fast drain issue)

Recently, most Samsung Galaxy S2 users who are already upgraded to the latest Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) talking about the problem of a wakelocks as caused by the Audioout_1. This has been noticed by using Better Battery Stats on the new ICS firmware with the Galaxy Nexus, causing the battery draining fast, while when listening Audio like Google Music, the Sirius/XM app or perhaps just happens when doing nothing at all. So, if you'll also newly upgraded your Galaxy S2 to the newest Ice Cream Sandwich firmware and experience this kind of issues too, this might help you to solve that problem. This reportedly occured on firmware with build number I9100XWLP2, I9100XXLPQ and I9100XXLP7, other carrier branded version like T-Mobile and Vodafone with firmware build I9100BOLPD  and I9100BULPC and on later version were not already been tested.

According to some users experience that the AudioOut_1 Partial Wakelock appears to be connected to the Touch Sounds and Screen Lock Sounds options in the phone's Sound Settings. So, to disable or shutting down the Touch Sounds & Screen Lock Sounds in Settings will fix the the battery draining problem.

What is AudioOut_1 basically?

"AudioOut_1" is a Wakelock that is basically a kernel process that funnels data from audio apps to the audio hardware. It's what processes audio from say, Pandora or Slacker Radio, and passes it to the phone's audio hardware. (from toms-world.org)

Here's how to fix the AudioOut_1 Partial Wakelock problem:

Go to > Settings > Sound
Uncheck this options:
"Keytones"
"Touch sounds"
"Screen lock sound"


I just left the "Ring and Screen Tap" vibra option" on mine.
I tried it and it happens that my Galaxy S2 went in an hour losing only 1% of the battery and the results the WakeLock percentage for AudioOut_1 goes down as I check back into BetterBatteryStats. Unlike before that I have about 10%-15% battery drain even when my Galaxy S2 is on idle mode. So, just try it out. Enjoy!

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How to Fix a Frozen, Hang in Logo Problem on Samsung Galaxy S II / S2 I9100

 The Samsung Galaxy S2 is a high-end Android device because of it's1.2 GHz dual-core System on a chip processor. It also features 1 GB of RAM, but sometimes it also experience some hang or frozen problem. It just sometimes freezes without no means, and this reportedly happens very rare. This may occurred due to the phones memory getting too, low like for example, running multiple applications,  scrolling down long texts or phone book that happens once in a while, etc.

Once your Samsung Galaxy S II is frozen it become unresponsive, the first thing you only have in mind is to restart the phone. You may either pull out the battery and insert it back again, or just by pressing the power button will also do.

This are just simple tips  on how to solve on a Hanged or Frozen Samsung Galaxy S II:

A.  You may need to reboot the phone by pressing the power button until the device turned OFF and reboot automatically.

B. Perform a factory data reset. This will restore back and reset the Galaxy S2 to its factory default settings.
1. Select Settings then Privacy
2. Select Factory Data Reset
3  Select Reset Phone
4. if the password is prompted just enter it then select Erase Everything to confirm.

C.  Hard reset the device by way of button combination- this can be useful if the procedures above doesn't fix the problem.  Just ensure to have a back up copy of all of your important data stored on the device for this will wipe and delete all of it.

-Press and hold the Volume Up and Home button
-Then press the Power button
-Release the Power button until the device Turns On.
-You will then see a window called "recovery menu" on your Galaxy S2.
The options is in there to, Wipe Data/Factory reset, Reboot. Just select Reset Factory. Then reboot.

If the above procedures like factory reset or hard reset doesn't fix the frozen problem.
Our next option for this is by restoring the device original stock-firmware. This will clean up and return the phone to its original factory fresh like the way you bought it brand new. A Samsung flasher tool called ODIN Multidownloader can do the job.  You can find some tips on how to restore back the device Firmware flashing or downloading procedure on Samsung Galaxy S2.

Sometimes there are severe hang or frozen problem that is due to hardware issue if the device suffered  wet or water damaged, heavily dropped and oxidation build ups inside the phones PCB board, and this problem can only be fix by hardware calibration. A mobile phone technician in a service center with a good soldering skills can only fix it.

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How to Increase or Boost a Low Microphone Volume on Samsung Galaxy S II

If you are having some issue with your Samsung Galaxy S II which has a low microphone volume level and finding some complaints from people you call saying that they can't clearly hears you. It is quite sometimes that some users experience this problem regarding the loudness of their Galaxy S II microphone.

This problem may only occur during "in call" status while if you run the voice recorder application and speak normally you will find that it records well quite very clearly. Some forum reports said that they have return back their Galaxy S II for fix about the low microphone. But here's some tricks that you may try first and see if this works before you have to decide to have it back  to your service center.

This tricks are too simple and nothing to worry about, just do some click around with your menus, and do this steps below:

1. Setting the mic input level while the 'Noise Reduction' is turned off. You can do this by pressing the menu button while in call status then press the "Noise Reduction Off".

- Type this code on your Galaxy S2  dial pad *#*#197328640#*#*
- A number coded menu will then show.
- Now press  [5] AUDIO
- Next [1] NB (VOICE CALL)
- Next [1] HANDSET
- Next [1] VOLUME
-Next  [1]SRC SPEECH RX Volume
- Then [5]5_lvl: 90 ( the 90 is the input value of the microphone volume level, yours might have a different value than 90. Just remember the default value of yours so that you can use it to revert it back again)

Now, on that window there's a line stated "Input". You are going to edit or change the input value which can be done by pressing the Menu button, then the "Key Input". Write down 110 as your new maximum microphone input level and then press "OK" This is just like adjusting the volume knob of your audio amplifier to maximize the loudness.

2. Setting the mic input level while the 'Noise Reduction' is turned On.

- Press the menu button then the "Back". You may press 4 times until you will  return back from where you will see the Audio Setting  and the [1] NB (VOICE CALL) is in the first line.
- This time, press [7] HANDSET(2MIC)
- Next [1] HANDSET
- Next [1] VOLUME
- Next  [1]SRC SPEECH RX Volume
- Then [5]5_lvl: 90( Edit this input value like the number you have just write down from above)
Press the Menu button, then "Key Input". Write down 110 as your new maximum microphone input level.

I have proven that this tricks works on my Galaxy S II android phone, but the only certain issue is that it will automatically revert back to the default input level settings once you rebooted or restart the phone . So if you want to keep it permanent, find a way to never restart your phone, or consume your phones battery life. So, hope this works for you too.

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How to Con­nect the Sam­sung Galaxy S2/SII I9100 to PC via USB

 Many users who just recently bought Sam­sung Galaxy S2 I9100 struggling an issue when  tried to con­nect the phone to the PC to access the SD card though, and somehow it didn’t really work. An error message appears "Android MTP Failed!".

 Some few tips below might help you to the task and  man­aged to access the phone’s inter­nal SD card on  PC. Just ensure that you have already installed necessary drivers for your Samsung Galaxy S2 or install KIES on your PC.



Here's how,

-Enable usb debugging from Menu > Settings > Applications
-return to home screen
-plug usb cable in
-pull down status bar
-press ‘ connect usb storage’ button

or try this method:

Alternatively, without USB debugging enabled

Go to Settings > Wireless & Network > USB utilities and click the button > then (and ONLY then) plug in USB cable

Hope this helps...

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How to Auto Adjust the Screen Brightness on Samsung Galaxy S II I9100

Here's  how to quickly change or adjust the LCD Screen display brightness on your Samsung Galaxy S II I9100, anytime you want that suit for your eyesight  preference.
Here's how you can adjust the screen brightness levels to your like.

1.  From Home Screen, go to Settings then Tap on Display

2.On the Brightness window, uncheck the Automatic brightness checkbox.




3. Return back to the Home Screen

4. At the top of the screen, by long pressing that notification bar for a second, then you can swipe it to the LEFT to Decrease and by swiping it to Right will Increase the screen brightness.

In that set up you can now manually adjust the screen brightness while reading text without going though the display settings again.

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How to take screenshots on Samsung Galaxy S2/S II I9100

 Here's a quick tip on how to capture or take a screenshot from your Samsung Galaxy S II. Most android phones could only capture what was on-screen using  tools, or applications and many required root access first. The Samsung Galaxy S II has a Built-in screen capture, so taking screenshot is too easy and doesn't need any rooting or 3rd-party application to install.

Here is how simply you can do it: PRESS AND HOLD THE HOME BUTTON - THEN PRESS THE POWER BUTTON. So, press and hold home, then a millisecond later hit the power button. Works flawlessly every time. The image will then saved in your gallery files.

Update: 

The ICS already released, taking screenshots for Galaxy S2 runs with Ice Cream sandwich is change to  Volume Down and Power Buttons..Press and  Hold The VOLUME Down and POWER BUTTON simultaneously  to take a screenshots.

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How to Add, Remove or Delete Facebook , Exchange and Gmail accounts on Samsung Galaxy S II I9100

Here's a simple guide if you want to add and or remove any network accounts on your Samsung Galaxy S II. This may help you remove old Email,Gmail, Facebook account or multiple accounts that you no longer use on  Samsung Galaxy S II.

Adding an account on Samsung Galaxy S II:

1. Open Settings, the tap on the Accounts & sync selection

2. Tap on Add account

3. Select the type of account to add (Microsoft Exchange, Facebook and Google are available by default)
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your account (depending on account type, you will be asked to select what kind of data to sync to your device)
5. When complete, the account is added to the list in the Accounts & sync section and data will begin synchronizing to your device

Removing an account on Samsung Galaxy S II:

1. Open Settings, then tap on the Accounts & sync selection
2. Select the desire account you want to remove or delete
3. Then Tap Remove account

4. A pop-up message appear: Do you really want to remove this account? removing it will also delete all of its messages, contacts, and other data from phone.
proceed?

Just confirm that you want to remove the account by tapping on Remove account or tap on Cancel if you selected the wrong account
Remove account
5. Your account will now be deleted

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Download Samsung Galaxy S II I9100 User manual and quick start guide

 If you purchased and got a Samsung Galaxy S II in hand you need this user manual for your device to help you navigate its features and getting to know it with a full access. This user manual is your guide to how properly handle you Samsung Galaxy S II, navigating messages, SMS, calling, email, browsing etc..
This also includes safety tips and troubleshooting instructions.

Here's the Samsung Galaxy S II User manual and quick start guides from the Samsung's website.
Samsung_Galaxy_S_II_GT-I9100_Quick Start Guide & User_Manual.pdf

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How to boost or increase earphone speaker volume on Samsung Galaxy S II I9100

If you are not satisfied and having problem on Samsung Galaxy S II speaker volume like its very low even you've already set to its maximum volume. Many users experiencing and been complaining about speaker volume like a very low on phone calls,earphone, headset and in the car using AUX.
This tips might help you solve the problem, give these a try just send us a feedback whether it works for you or not:

A) Enter service mode by typing below code on your dialer :
*#*#197328640#*#*
click the following:
[5] AUDIO
[1] NB (VOICE CALL)
Choose Handset, headset, Speaker (which ever you want higher volume)
[1] VOLUME
[1] SRC Speech RX Volume
Change default values and higher the values any number of your choosing, here is an example:
[0]0_lvl : 68
[1]1_lvl : 72
[2]2_lvl : 76
[3]3_lvl : 80
[4]4_lvl : 84
[5]5_lvl : 88 Higher these values to until hear volume improvement.



Can also edit the values from:
[2]DST I2S1 TX Volume
[3]SRC I2S1 RX Volume: 100
[4]DST Speech TX Volume: 94


This Samsung volume setting, worked for several people but sadly only worked 2 times for me and values keep resetting for me (doesn't mean for you, so give it a try) Also this is based on STOCK firmware.

B) the second thing you might to try is app called Volume+:
http://androidaudiohacks.com/home/vo...bread/download
This app guarantees it higher the volume without the need of touching its default settings, BUT huge drawback it highers everything: Headset, speaker and Bluetooth EXCEPT HANDSET which is the most important
(I also downloaded many volume increase apps, but Volume+ was the only one got the job done for everything but handset)

C) Lastly get GOOGLE VOICE app (create a GV account if you don't have one)
https://market.android.com/details?i...=search_result
just by installing Google and logging on, every time you make a call, your calls get forwarded through Google voice and volume levels become acceptable in ALL HANDSET, HEADSET, SPEAKER, BLUETOOTH (just like phone should of have been) (this what i personally use fix my volume issues)

If the above tips doesn't work for you,  the best way is to complain it to your Samsung Galaxy S II provider.

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How to upgrade official firmware on Samsung Galaxy S II I9100

If you are a new user of Samsung Galaxy S II I9100 and you wanted to upgrade your phone's firmware to any latest updates, all you need is a personal computer or laptop and install a software program called KIES, you can download it via Samsung official support.
You can't do it over the air or OTA like any other android smartphones by using software update option, Yes you can see a software update option in phone under settings and you need to specify your samsung account details as well.. but  as of now its doesn't work on Samsung Galaxy S II I9100.

Aside from Kies update you can also manually upgrade the device by a way of using ODIN downloader tool and an original firmware.

This method is  not recommended for beginners since it will cause some problems and sometimes mess up the phone, called bricking.

If you want to learn by this method you may visit XDA-developer, many advance users in there shares a useful tweaks and tips about Samsung Galaxy S II I900 firmware.

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How to Set a Custom Message Notification Music /Ringtone on Samsung Galaxy S II

Here's a simple guide on how to set a custom ringtone to your message alerts on your Samsung Galaxy S II. If you'll notice that you can't find an option to set what you desired music or tone to set it as a message notification alert.

Here's how to do it:

Connect your Samsung Galaxy S II to your computer or laptop and select "connection type" and get access to storage memory card. If you are having trouble on connection see the guide here.
Now after you have successfully connected you galaxy S II, browse to your mass storage then find the folder "Notifications", if its not on there, create a new folder and named it "Notifications".

Then grab a copy music files you wanted from your computer into that newly created folder "notifications". Once finishes, disconnect your Galaxy S II from the computer. Then you can set that music files as your message tone.

- Go back to the idle screen. Press the Home key.
- Then open the application list.
- Select Messaging.
- Then press on the Menu android-menu-key key.
- Then tap on Settings.
- Tap on the Notifications checkbox and ensure that the checkbox is checked.
- Tap on Select ringtone.
- On the popup select the ringtone you desire.

Here's how to make a custom notification message ringtone on the Samsung Galaxy S2 when you already have a music files stored or saved on your phone.

- Go to Menu
- My files, media
- Then make a map called 'Audio'.
- Open that map, and there you make another map called 'Notifications'.
- Move your mp3/sound/song/ringtone in that map.
- Now you can choose it in settings, sound, notification ringtone.

You can do the same thing with calling ringtones and alarms.
For that, make a map called 'Ringtones' or 'Alarms' in the 'Audio' map. So in Audio will be three maps, Ringtones, Alarms and Notifications.

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Tips: How to set Samsung Galaxy S II in mass storage mode when connected to PC/Laptop

Here's a quick guide how set or switch the Samsung Galaxy S II 19100 into "Mass Storage Mode" when trying to connect PC or laptop computer. This may help if you want to view the files stored on your Galaxy S II to your PC at work.

In other Android smartphones when you plug it to PC USB it will automatically came up and show and menu settings that asking you what you wanted to do, on Samsung Galaxy S II it this is not gonna happen until you enable the Phone into "USB Debugging Mode"

Here's how to set your Galaxy S II into Mass Storage Mode Option:

- On Main Home Screen tap Menu > Settings > Application
- Enable USB Debugging
- Return to Home Screen
- Then plug the USB cable into your Galaxy S2
- Pull down status bar
- Press ' Connect USB Storage' button

Aternative way without USB Debugging
- Go to Settings > Wireless & Network
- USB utilities and click the button >
- then  plug in USB cable

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