Taking Your Android Tablets to the Max
Copyright 2012 by Russell Holly
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ISBN-13 (pbk): 978-1-4302-3689-4
ISBN-13 (electronic): 978-1-4302-3690-0
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Contents at a Glance
Contents
About the Author
Russell Holly has worked across the IT industry for the last 10 years, gaining experience in server administration, networking, and mobile products. This experience has propelled him into journalism, where he is now considered one of the most knowledgeable in his field on the topic of Android. Russell uses this knowledge to educate and inform in as many places as he can find.
When he's not out looking for the next gadget, Russell works from home with his three children and his wife, Cassandra.
About the Technical Reviewer
Aaron Kasten served as a small and medium business IT consultant for the past 10 years in Texas. In 2008, after a year of planning, Aaron launched AndroidSWAG, an online merchandise company for Android enthusiasts. He also organizes the largest gathering of Android fans and developers, the Big Android BBQ, every October in Texas. He is currently using an HTC Sensation and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
When not providing IT support or playing with the latest gadgets and phones, Aaron enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling. He lives in North Texas with his wife and five-poundChihuahua, Ali.
Introduction
Silently, and without warning, the Android operating system has quickly dominated the mobile ecosystem. This operating system exists in many forms, across many devices, and offers a rich selection of powerful features that could completely change how you accomplish tasks throughout your day. If you're looking for a tablet or have already purchased a tablet, this book will help you navigate through the new world of Android.
Who This Book Is For
If you are reading this book, the chances are good thateither you've just gotten an Android tablet or you are hoping to pick the right one for you. You may not be absolutely sure of what the potential of this tablet is or exactly how useful it can be. This book is for users of every skill level to be able to get the most out of any Android tablet.
How This Book Is Structured
This book covers the basics of using an Android tablet, more advanced tricks, and how to modify the look and feel of your tablet.
You'll start off by mastering the basics of navigating your tablet and learning about the benefits of a Google account. Once you've gotten the tablet set up, the book takes you through the different kinds of tasks you are likely to want to accomplish on your tablet, such as sending an e-mail or starting a video chat. Next, you will travel across the Google and Amazon apps that allow you to watch movies, listen to music, and install applications written by developers all around the world.
By the end of the book, you will have the tools necessary to make your tablet a mobile office, a portable home theater system, or the biggest library of books in the world. You'll be able to customize the experience to your personal tastes, and if you're brave enough, you'll be able to try your hand at more serious modifications.
Contacting the Author
Should you have any questions or commentsor even spot a mistake you think we should know aboutyou can contact the author at thatrussellholly@gmail.com.
Chapter
Why Android? Which Android?
If you are picking up this book, there stands a good chance you have heard of Android before, and well you should. To see the explosive growth of the Android operating system since it was released, despite never really becoming a household name, is significant. To know that in such a short time Android has surpassed Apple's iOS, on devices like the iPhone and iPad, is more than remarkable. So, yes, you have likely heard of Android. Maybe you've heard of it as a Droid or as a Samsung, Motorola, or HTC. You are probably looking for a way to incorporate Android into your daily life. Maybe you are tired of lugging your big laptop everywhere you go. Maybe your smartphone screen is just too small to do everything you need it to do. Reading e-mail, browsing the Web, whatever you may be doingyou've decided it might be time for a tablet.