Improve Math Skills with 6 Best mathematical Games For Android

Love it or hate it, math is a big part of our world. Whether you were a math whiz in school, or never really fell in love with numbers, it never hurts to keep that part of your brain sharp. Thanks to smartphones and apps, you can now carry convenient math games right in your pocket and play them when you have a spare moment. Your mind will thank you later in life if you keep challenging it to stay agile when it comes to calculation. Here are a 6 best mathematical games that are both entertaining and helpful in building (and keeping) your math skills.

1. Countdown Maths Game

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This game is based on a popular UK game show called ‘Countdown’. You are given a three digit number along with a set of six separate numbers. The goal is to use only addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using each number once, to create the original three digit number. There can be multiple solutions and it’s a fantastic way to think creatively and hone the most basic everyday math skills.

2. 2Vars

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This is a very simple game but also great for maintaining strong basic math abilities. You’re given an equation with parts missing and you simply need to fill in the missing terms. You’ll need to glance at all of the possibilities and run them through your head so it’s quick mental calisthenics.

3. Simply Sudoku

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If you weren’t aware of the Sudoku craze of the past decade or so, it’s an addictive puzzle game where 9 grids of 9 spaces must each contain the numbers 1 through 9 as well as having the larger grid have all rows and columns being 1 through 9 with no repeats. You’ll have to use inductive reasoning and quick calculation and it’s a lot of fun if you’ve never tried it.

4. Threes!

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This popular app allows you to swipe rows and columns of numbers to create multiples of three as you attempt to reach a high score. It’s addictive because of how simple the controls are and getting a high score is quite rewarding.

5. Algebra Tutor

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If you want to learn a bit more serious math, Algebra Tutor acts both as a game and a real learning device. You’ll be guided through basic algebra to linear equations with fun exercises throughout. It’s great for students currently learning the subject or for anyone with an interest in algebra.

6. Math Effect

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Here you are given an equation that has already been solved, you simply need to tell if it’s correct or not. It’s a fun change from actively solving equations and is definitely a challenge. However, if you give a wrong answer, it’s game over immediately which adds to the pressure.

Record Your iPhone Screen With Audio, No Jailbreak Necessary

People have long clamored for the ability to record their iPhone screens with audio. It has many applications from sharing app reviews, tutorials, gameplays, etc. and is a much better choice than trying to awkwardly record the screen using a camera. The latest version of OS X Yosemite does allow iPhone screen capture and recording but the iPhone needs to be connected to a Mac which can be a hassle. There are also methods for recording the screen if you have a jailbroken iPhone. Luckily, there is also an option that doesn’t require connecting the iPhone to a Mac or having a jailbroken device. A streaming app called Shou will allow you to record your iPhone’s screen and save the video locally.

1. Open the Safari browser and go to shou.tv/i

2. A pop-up window will ask if you want to install Shou. Tap Install

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3. A Shou icon will appear on your Home Screen. Tap it and then tap Trust to allow it to run.

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4. Next tap Continue which will take you to the App Store link to download Shou.TV.

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5. Launch the Shou.TV app, create an account, then close it.

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6. Now, launch the Shou app (the first one downloaded).

7. Tap Record Screen to begin recording.

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8. Tap the Home button. A red bar on the top with Shou on it indicates that recording is ongoing. You can now proceed to do whatever you want that needs to be recorded.

9. When you’re done, launch the Shou app again and tap Stop.

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10. To review a recording, launch the Shou app and tap the film icon in the top right.

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That’s all there is to it. You’ll of course need to do some minor editing with the video file but it should be great for tutorials or sharing anything you can view on the iPhone. Plus you don’t need a jailbroken device or a Mac nearby.

Can’t Decide On An Android Phone? Try ‘Which Phone’ From Google.

Android is the most popular mobile OS in the world with thousands of smartphone models to choose from. Even for hardcore Android and smartphone fans, it can be a daunting task to select the right phone for your needs. Because Android is so popular, naturally there are different models that cater to different people. Some might want to use their phone as a high quality digital camera. Others might want the very best in sound clarity when listening to music. Then again, others might want a workhorse with great battery life and a fast processor. Or you might want all of the above in the newest, top of the line model. Google wants to help make it easier to find the right phone for you, and has released a handy web tool called Which Phone to do just that.

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After heading to https://www.android.com/phones/whichphone/, you’ll be given twelve categories relating to things you can do with a smartphone. These range from ‘Listening to music’, ‘Taking photos’, and ‘Texting & instant messaging’ to ‘Being on the go’, and ‘Staying fit’ among others. You’re asked to select a category that would describe how you often intend to use your phone. So, if you’re a heavy texter who also uses your phone for fitness apps, you could select the ‘Staying fit’ and ‘Listening to music’ options. Once you select an option, you’ll be asked how often you make use of that category. Then you’re given a few more options to specify exactly what you do in that category. For example, under ‘Listening to music’ you can specify if you listen through Bluetooth, headphones, streaming, or all of the above. You can select as many of these specifications as you wish for each category and you can also select as many categories as you want.

You’ll need to pick at least 3 categories and specify how often and what type of use you have for each category. You can fill out as many as you want but 3 categories is the minimum. Once you’ve given enough information, Which Phone will allow you to select a carrier if you know which one you’ll be using. Or you can simply see all options regardless of carrier. After that, you’re given a selection of phones that suit your needs as well as a helpful listing of the phone’s strengths and specs.

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It’s a very quick and painless way to get some phone suggestions based on your needs.

5 Best Alternative solutions for Smartphone Charging

Charging a smartphone is pretty standard right? Just plug it into a micro-USB (or your proprietary cable) and then into a wall outlet adapter. Or you could charge it much more slowly over USB or something similar. These methods have their drawbacks, namely that your phone has to be plugged into something which makes it more cumbersome to use. Charging is also notoriously unreliable and subject to the quality of your charging cable, adapter, and even electricity supply. There are other ways to charge phones now, and the options are only growing in reliability and usability. Try these options out or at least give them a look as alternatives to the standard wall charger.

1. Wall Outlet Adapters

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Ok, you’re thinking, isn’t this supposed to be about alternatives to wall chargers? Well, sometimes it’s hard to beat that steady supply of electrical juice. There are adapters like the PlugBug that allow you to charge both a Mac and a smartphone at the same time on a single outlet. There are also standard USB adapters that plug right into an outlet so you don’t have to worry about having the phone’s power adapter to charge it.

2. Docks and Wireless Charging

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Many smartphone makers also sell handy docks that will charge the phone and allow some basic functionality while the phone is charging. Docks are also great for using your phone as a music player or alarm clock. Some newer phones also support wireless charging and you simply need to place the phone on a special charging mat with no need for cables. Wireless charging is set to grow rapidly and become more commonplace.

3. Portable Chargers

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Portable chargers are pretty much a rechargeable laptop battery pack that you can carry around in a small form and charge nearly any USB device. They’re becoming very popular for travelers and commuters who don’t want to ever worry about running out of power.

4. Car Chargers, Bike Chargers

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Car chargers have been around for decades, often using the cigarette lighter adapter. Now, some cars even come with USB ports standard for charging or you can buy suitable adapters for your device. If you’re a cyclist, there are dynamos that use the energy from the bicycle wheel rotation to power and charge devices.

5. Solar and Wind

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Solar and wind power are often cited as unreliable and weak but that is rapidly changing thanks to better technology. You can now find solar chargers with larger panels that stick to a window to maximize the amount of sunlight they receive. Or mini windmills that will generate a charge from wind or moving air.

These are just a few of the charging options available. It’s actually a very exciting time for new charging possibilities, so keep an eye out!

9 Jailbreak Features Now Standard in iOS 9

Though Apple works hard to prevent jailbreakers from gaining full control of Apple devices, it seems they’re not above outright stealing good ideas when they see them. Apple is notorious for being obsessed with control, and maybe the aesthetics of some of the jailbreak features weren’t entirely up to their standard for release. It’s hard to ignore the public though and even harder to ignore a good idea. So, Apple has decided to include several popular  Jailbreak tweaks that were previously not available in iOS in the latest version of iOS 9.

1. VideoPane

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Apple has included a new Picture in Picture feature on the iPad which entirely mimics VideoPane’s ability to play a video over any app, in any location. It’s a wonderful way to simultaneously use an app and watch a video.

2. Search in Settings App

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Ever get tired of scrolling through Settings, looking for that app to adjust? Well jailbreakers have been able to search through the Settings for a while. Apple apparently decided this was a useful feature and it is now standard in iOS 9. You can access search with a simple swipe down in Settings.

3. SwipeSelection

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It’s much more intuitive to swipe across some text to select it instead of tapping, holding, then dragging a selection box. Luckily Apple has also included this handy feature which is sure to save some time and headaches.

4. ShowCase

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Now when you tap Shift on the digital keyboard, the case is also changed. Amazing how this feature took so long to include as it is standard on desktop keyboard for decades.

5. BattSaver

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This tweak was designed to better manage battery consumption on iOS devices. Apple has made a big push to include better energy saving capabilities with Low Power Mode and general energy settings.

6. Copic

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Copic allowed you to to have photos associated with contacts everywhere. Apple thought this was a good idea and now Messages include this feature.

7. ReachApp

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ReachApp allowed you to do split-screen multitasking, which was a much asked for feature for iOS for some time. Lo and behold, iOS 9 supports split-screen multitasking!

8. RelevApps

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RelevApps was an app catering service that would recommend apps you might like. In iOS 9, Apple has Spotlight Search to highlight recommended and popular apps.

9. Quick Reply

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Though it was possible on jailbroken devices for a while, in iOS 9 you can now Quick Reply to various messenging apps without actually opening them. It’s a great way to save time and the tediousness of having to open a half dozen different apps to reply to each.

Although Apple has made it even harder to jailbreak devices, luckily they have included some of the best features available to jailbreakers.

Apple iOS 9 includes iCloud Driver App, Here’s How to Enable it

Although many new features of iOS 9 have been touted in Apple’s WWDC, one feature that escaped mention was a new dedicated iCloud Drive app. With this app, you can access all of your files stores in iCloud, Apple’s cloud management service. People have been asking for this feature for quite some time and it’s nice to see it finally make its way onto mobile Apple devices. The app is actually included in iOS 9 but is buried in the menus and not readily accessible. It’s very likely that Apple wants to put a little more time into tweaking the iCloud app before it’s officially and more public released. Fortunately, finding the app and using it is very simple and takes only a few taps. Follow these steps to enable the iCloud app on your device running the iOS 9 beta.

1. Launch the Settings app.

2. Under Settings, look for iCloud and tap it.

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3. Now under iCloud, tap the iCloud Drive listing.

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4. Now under the iCloud Drive menu, simply toggle ‘iCloud Drive‘ to On. Also toggle ‘Show on Home Screen‘ to On.

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5. Exit the Settings app.

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Now, the iCloud Drive icon will appear on your Home Screen and can be used to access iCloud Drive and all files you have stored there. The app is a very welcome addition to iOS 9, especially for those who enjoy and depend on cloud storage. It couldn’t be any simpler to browse your files in the cloud and upload and download as necessary. It’s a wonder that it took Apple this long to release an app dedicated to iCloud given how helpful it can be.

If you’re happily testing out the iOS 9 beta, be sure to give the new iCloud app a spin, it’s a joy to use all around. Otherwise, just be patient and wait until the official release and you can fulfill all your cloudy needs.