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How to mute WhatsApp conversations

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WhatsApp is a brilliant messaging service, but as users of it will be well aware there is a slight downside to using it.

This is no software problem or anything to do with WhatsApp per se, but it’s more to do with how you use the app.

Sometimes, when you’re at work or during downtime you don’t want to be disturbed WhatsApp can be somewhat of a pest.

Because, if you use WhatsApp for group chats – as I frequently do – you’ll know how annoying it can be to have your phone constantly vibrate as you try to concentrate or relax.

Often in group conversations, the topics are trivial with little importance so wouldn’t it be great to just stop receiving the deluge of notifications?

Thankfully you can and while many of you may now be thinking that the simple solution is to flick on Aeroplane Mode, you may miss out on an important call by doing so.

So rather than going completely incognito, I’m going to explain how to stop WhatsApp notifying you altogether and how to mute certain- but not all – conversations.

To stop WhatsApp notifications altogether:

Open WhatsApp -> Select Settings (bottom right) -> Select Notifications -> Turn off Alerts underneath Group Notifications

I like to use this method when I don’t want my phone off, because I’m waiting for an important call, but could do without WhatsApp’s constant updates vibrating whilst I’m trying to talk.

Other times, there may be one particular conversation you’re involved with but another one is distracting you. So here’s how to turn off one or ‘select’ group chats but not all of them:

For Android:

Open WhatsApp -> Open the group you wish to mute -> Select Options -> Select the period you wish to mute the group for (This can be undone at any time) -> Untick Show Notifications and then OK

For iOS:

Open WhatsApp -> *Go to the group you wish to mute -> *Swipe left -> Select More -> Select Mute -> Choose the timeframe to mute the conversation for

And there you have it. Now you can enjoy WhatsApp without being annoyed by it!

Enjoy.

How to view your Mac’s remaining storage space

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Many of us live and breathe on our Macs.

Work, entertainment and a lot of memories are often stored on the device, but do you know how much room you’ve got left to play with?

If you don’t, then it might be time to have a look. So here’s a quick guide to checking your remaining storage space.

It’s worth being aware of how much space you have remaining because Apple have actually decreased the space available on new Macs by introducing flash based storage.

If you are running low on space, your Mac will provide you with a warning. But you should leave your device a little room to breathe (at least 10% of free space at all times) as Macs need a buffer of unused storage to perform tasks such as running apps.

One great benefit of checking before you run out, is the fact that you’ll be able to understand what’s using up most of the space and take actions to free it up. E.g. if you have tonnes of photos, why not check out our guide to Google Photos? A nifty photo gallery app which gives you unlimited free storage and automatic downloads.

So stay ahead of the game and keep on top of the available space on your Mac. You can check what’s left using this simple process:

Open Menu -> Click About This Mac -> Click Storage -> *View remaining storage*

From here you can evaluate what is taking up all the space on your Mac and try to alleviate some of the storage space. Perhaps, you can do so by utilising storage apps or external storage devices.

This process can help protect and preserve your Mac. If you treat the device well, by following basic maintenance techniques, you will find it will run and last you a lot longer.

Sony Smartwatch 4 May Debut in November 2015 with Onboard 4G

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Sony is rumored to be prepping its next generation smartwatch, the Smartwatch 4, for release later this year. The Smartwatch 4 is expected to offer significant improvements, such as 4G connectivity, over the current Smartwatch 3, which was released late in 2014 as one of the early Android Wear devices. Other Android Wear devices released last year include the Moto 360 and LG G Watch.

With the watch wearable market heating up, the Smartwatch 4 is rumored to be slimmer than the Smartwatch 3 with a design that is more sleek and fashionable than the current model. It also may ship with dust and water resistance for added durability.

Under the hood, the Smartwatch 4 may include a 3GHz processor, 4GB RAM, a slim bezel LCD display, a 420mAH battery and Android Wear WiFi compatibility. It also may feature integrated 4G connectivity that’ll require a standalone data plan. This cellular option is a bonus as it would break the watch away from its reliance on a smartphone and allow it to function as an independent device.

Sony has been following a one-year launch cycle with the Smartwatch lineup –debuting the original Smartwatch in early 2012, followed by the Smartwatch 2 in 2013, and the Smartwatch 3  in 2014. Sony likely will keep this yearly product cycle and may be targeting November for the launch of the Smartwatch 4. If Sony meets that date, then the company will get its watch on the market just in time for the holiday shopping season, which could provide a much-needed boost to the early sales of the device.

How to transfer data from an iOS device to an Android device

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Transferring from an Apple iOS device to a device which supports an open source operating system, such as Android, is daunting due to the lack of information regarding how to transfer your data between the two.

While there are many devout Apple fans, whether for work or pleasure many Apple users make the switch to a device supporting Android.

Android is used by 84 companies who are part of the Open Handset Alliance and this includes popular manufacturers such as Samsung, Sony, HTC, Google and Motorola.

So it stands to reason that a lot of people find themselves in the position of needing to switch data from iOS to Android.

If you’re one such user who is transferring across, don’t worry- it’s incredibly easy to transfer all your data, such as: messages, contacts, call logs, calendar, photos, music, video and apps, between phones- once you know how that is…

An easy solution is using Wondershare MobileTrans. Basically, Wondershare MobileTrans is a quick and easy way to transfer data between phones and the software supports iPhones right back to the 4S up until the latest iPhone incarnation the 6 Plus; as well as being compatible with iPads and iPod Touch.

The first thing I would suggest doing, before using the software, is backing up all your data to iCloud.

Once you’ve completed this step you can proceed. So without further ado, here’s how to transfer data from an iOS device to an Android device:

Open Wondershare MobileTrans -> Click ‘Start’ -> Connect the two devices you wish to transfer between to your computer via USB -> *A pop-up window will appear* -> Select the data you wish to transfer -> Click ‘Start Copy’

And there you have it. But you can also use Wondershare Mobile Trans to backup all that data in case you ever want to repopulate an iPhone with it easily. Here’s how to do so:

Connect your devices to a computer via USB -> Run Wondershare MobileTrans -> Select ‘Backup’ from the Home Menu -> ‘Tick’ all data you wish to backup -> Click ‘Start Copy’ -> The backup will begin

So next time you switch across devices, don’t sweat the small stuff like this it’s an extremely simple process to transfer data between iOS devices and Android devices.

 

Android 5.1.1 Brings Factory Reset Protection to Sprint LG G Flex 2

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Sprint recently rolled out the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update for LG‘s latest curved display smartphone, the G Flex 2. Android 5.1.1 is a maintenance release that features a variety of bug fixes and performance enhancements that’ll improve the overall user experience.

The update also adds support for Factory Reset Protection, which is a theft deterrent measure introduced in Android 5.0 Lollipop. The mechanism requires a user to enter the Google account password associated with a phone before it can be wiped and restored to original factory condition.

Sprint LG Flex 2 owners can download the update by opening Settings > System Updates > Update LG Software and then selecting “Check for Update.” The phone will then initiate the download and start the install process. You need to be on a WiFi connection with an adequately charged phone. Ideally, your phone should connected to an AC charger to ensure it won’t turn off unexpectedly during installation.