Tag Archives: Android

Android, Cloud, Google

Google Photos storage policy changes on June 1st 2021

Google account users that back up new photos and videos in High quality will have these files counted towards their free 15 GB storage limit starting June 1, 2021.  Google will provide a free tool in June 2021 that will let users find and review low-quality photos to stay within the free 15 GB storage limit.   Additional file storage can be purchased from Google One, if needed

Another recent Google Photos change is the ability to save photo attachments in a Gmail message directly to Google Photos with a new “Save to Photos” button (JPEG images only).

Android, Apps and Utilities, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office app combines Excel, Word and PowerPoint in one app

The newly released Microsoft Office app combines Excel, Word and PowerPoint into a single app that requires less storage space to install.  New features include converting images into editable Office documents, scanning and signing PDFs, scanning QR codes, and transferring files between devices.

The Office app is now available for Apple iOS and Android and is free to download.

Android, Apps and Utilities, Google, Operating Systems, Smartphones

Android custom distributions (ROMs) for smartphones and tablets

Android custom distributions (ROMs) are replacement operating systems for Android smartphones and tablets.  This allows users to customize older devices that may not have available Android updates and extend their service life.   This may erase data and void your device’s warranty.  Available security updates are usually based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).  More information is at

Android, Apple, Apps and Utilities, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Microsoft Office, Smartphones

Microsoft Office free apps for smartphones and tablets with 10.1 inch or smaller screen

Microsoft Office apps such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are available as free downloads for iOS , Android and Windows smartphones and tablets that have a screen size of 10.1 inches or smaller.  Users can view, edit and create new Office format files with these free apps once they login with a Microsoft user account, but they must subscribe to Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365) to unlock all app functionality.  Free web brower versions of Office apps are also available for users logged into OneDrive.

Students and teachers with a valid school email address are also eligible for the free Office 365 Education version.

Apple device users can run the iWork productivity apps, which includes Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.

Office Apps for Windows 10 Mobile will no longer be supported by Microsoft as of January 12, 2021.

Android, Apps and Utilities, Google, Smartphones

Google releases new accessibility apps Live Transcribe and Sound Amplifier

Google has announced the release of accessibility apps Live Transcribe and Sound Amplifier to help users with hearing issues.

Live Transcribe transcribes live audio in real time using Google’s speech recognition technology.  This feature is installed on Pixel 3 smartphones under the Accessibility settings and will soon be available in a limited beta release to users worldwide via the Google Play Store.

Sound Amplifier amplifies microphone sounds while reducing unwanted or distracting background noises and is available now at Google Play.