LUSARAP

Ok, the Google Nexus 5 has been out there for a while and we think its about time for a root tutorial. So, without further ado, here is our step by step guide with images.



















As always, gaining root access is risky, and if you do not follow the procedure properly, you can end up with an unusable phone. Also, please note that all data is deleted during the operation so back up all your data first. Neither AndroidPIT or myself will be held responsible for anything unflattering that may happen to your Nexus 5.

The following procedure is valid only for the Google Nexus 5.

Prerequisites

 

Install the Nexus 5 drivers on your PC (just plug it in and wait a few minutes, it will install them automatically).

Ensure that you have Administrator rights on Windows (if you do not know what these are, you probably havent got them).

Make sure your Nexus 5 has at least 60% of battery. 70% is better, and fully charged is... you get the drift.

Downloads

 

Android SDK:
Windows 32- & 64-bit
Mac OS X 32- & 64-bit
Linux 32- & 64-bit 
The general procedure is the same as on Windows, but the commands to use in the terminal are different on Mac and Linux. This tutorial is for a PC running Windows.
Custom Recovery:
ClockworkMod (CWM)
Root:
SuperSU v1.65

I. Installing ADB and Fastboot

 

1. Download the Android SDK for your computers operating system and unzip it in a folder named "Android SDK.

2. Launch "SDK-Manager.exe" and install the following packages:

• Tools > Android SDK Tools, Android SDK Platform-Tools
• Extras > Android Support Library, Google USB Driver

3. Look for the new "Platform-Tools" folder in the "Android SDK" directory.

 

 II. Unlocking the bootloader

 

1. Turn off your Nexus 5.

2. Reboot into fastboot mode by pressing and holding the Volume Down + Power button.

3. Connect your Nexus 5 to your computer with a USB cable.

4. Open the Android SDK > SDK > Platform-Tools directory then right-click in an empty area while holding the shift key.

5. Click "Open the command prompt here".

6. Enter the following command:

fastboot devices

If you get a serial number, its good and you can continue. Otherwise, your drivers are not installed correctly.

7 . Enter the following command:

fastboot oem unlock

8 . On your Nexus 5, confirm with "Yes" using the Volume keys to move and the Power button to confirm.

9 . Enter the following command:

fastboot reboot

III. Installing the custom recovery

 

1. Turn off your Nexus 5

2. Reboot into fastboot mode (as in Section II)

3. Copy the custom recovery file downloaded earlier into the Android SDK > SDK > Platform-Tools directory. Rename the file "recovery.img". If it does not work, simply rename the file "recovery" without the "img".

4. In the command prompt window (as per Section II), enter the following command:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

5. On your Nexus 5, use the unusable Volume buttons to select the "Restart bootloader" option and press the Power button.

6. You can now verify the custom recovery installation by entering "Recovery Mode". If you arrive on the CWM screen, the recovery is all good.

IV. Root

 

1 . Reboot your Nexus 5 normally. Copy the previously downloaded file "SuperSU v1.65" to the root of your smartphone.

2 . Reboot into fastboot mode (as in Section II) and choose Recovery Mode.

3 . Choose the "install zip from sdcard" option.

4 . Select "choose zip from sdcard".


 5 . Locate the "SuperSU v1.65" file and select it.

6 . Confirm with "Yes".

7 . Once the file installation is complete, restart by selecting "go back" then "reboot now".

8 . Final check: install an application to verify root such as Root Checker. If everything is green, its all good! Congratulations, your Google Nexus 5 is rooted!

The Google Nexus 5 will be based on the specs of the incoming LG Optimus G2, with an expected release date in October running Android 5 Key Lime Pie.


It looks like LG will be making the Google Nexus 5, with the upcoming Google flagship packing similar hardware to the LG Optimus G2.

Said to arrive in early October with Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie in tow, the Nexus 5 is reportedly being manufactured by LG based on the hardware of the LG Optimus G2, tipped to launch on August 7.

Last year, the Nexus 4 and the LG Optimus G shared the same specs, so it would make sense for the next co-developed Google and LG smartphone to follow the same pattern.

The next Google flagship may have been expected a little earlier, as it was tipped the Nexus 5 release date was near as Nexus 4 units were removed from shelves. However, this latest source says we wont be seeing the Nexus 5 for another three months.

The source of the latest tip, a Korean tech site called Daum, also had a pretty full spec sheet for the LG Optimus G2, which could also shed some light on the Nexus 5 as well.

The LG Optimus G2 is strongly rumoured for an August 7 launch, and if the specs sheet from the Korean tech site is correct, it should have a 5.2-inch IPS screen with a 1920 x 1080p resolution and “zero bezel”.

With a 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU, the LG Optimus G2 is said to have 2GB of RAM and a 2700mAh battery.

It should also have a 13-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilisation and run Android 4.2.2 out of the box. This last detail seems rather strange, seeing as the majority of the rumours suggest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is just around the corner.

It won’t have any physical buttons, but should have a rear volume rocker as shown in the clearest LG Optimus G2 images that emerged earlier.

These specs seem to tie in to all the LG Optimus G2 rumours we’ve seen so far, so this may well be a near accurate specs sheet. However, we’ll have to see when LG potentially launches the smartphone at its New York event on August 7.

Images of a red Google Nexus 5 have leaked online ahead of the vibrantly hued handset’s expected release in the coming weeks.

Googles latest and greatest handset is with us, pre-loaded with Android 4.4 KitKat -- the most advanced version of the mobile OS yet. As ever, a new phone means a dazzling array of unique features to get your head around, many of which arent as easy to fathom as you might expect.

But fear not! Were on hand to provide you with a handy rundown of 25 of the best tips, hints and tricks hidden inside the sleek exterior of your shiny new Nexus 5.

1. Access Google Now with nothing but your voice

Apples Siri and Google Now have been with us for a while, but voice control continues to develop at a rapid pace. Motorolas Moto X has an "always listening" system, which allows you to execute commands without having to lift your phone from the table, and Google has incorporated a similar degree of functionality in the Nexus 5.

There are caveats, however -- you have to be on the home screen and your voice control language has to be set to "US English" rather than "UK English". To enable this, go to Settings > Language & Input > Voice Search, and select the "Language" option. Tap "English" and then English (US). Now, drop back to the home screen and utter the phrase "OK Google", and voice search will activate automatically.

2. Place a widget on your home screen

Google has changed the way in which widgets are deployed in Android 4.4 -- the "Widgets" section of the App Drawer has been removed, and now you can only add them by long-pressing on your home screen. Youll see the Widgets box in the middle of the screen.

3. Access quick settings

Smart phones are so packed with features that keeping on top of them can sometimes be a headache, which is why you need to gain access to your settings with as little fuss as possible. With Android, all you need to do is drag two fingers down from the top of the screen -- instead of seeing the notifications area, youll see a wealth of toggles for features such as Wi-Fi, Brightness, Bluetooth and Location settings.

4. Add widgets to your lock screen

Widgets arent just restricted to your home screens in Android anymore -- you can add them to your lock screen as well. Go to Settings > Security, and make sure Enable Widgets is ticked. On your lock screen, swipe from left to right and tap the "plus" icon. You can add widgets related to a wide range of apps, including email, Google+ and your calendar.

5. Print a document wirelessly

Cloud printing is one of the big additions in Android 4.4, and makes it easy to get hard copies of documents sent to you via email or other methods. Cloud printing is enabled by default, but youll obviously need a compatible printer to perform this wireless magic. If you do happen to have one to hand, then youll be able to check the print cartridge toner levels and even control two-sided printing, all from your blower.

6. Install non-market apps and games

While Apple is uncomfortable with its customers installing apps which arent on the App Store, Google is a little more accommodating. Drop into Settings > Security, and tick the box "Unknown Sources". Now you can download apk files and install them without having to use the Google Play market, but be aware that this carries risks -- the content you install could potentially be harmful to your phone.

7. Personalise your phone for additional peace of mind

If you lost your phone today then how would an honest soul be able to return it to you, should it be found? If you have a lockscreen security pattern then said Good Samaritan wouldnt be able to ascertain your details or get in touch -- which is why putting some brief info on the lockscreen is such a good idea. Go to Settings > Security > Owner Info. Tick "Show owner info on lock screen" and then insert some details -- popping in your Twitter handle is a good idea, as then if anyone picks up your lost phone then they will be able to get in touch without having to know your address or phone number.

8. Backup your data and settings

Buying a phone used to mean tirelessly porting over your settings and content from your old blower to your new one, but since the arrival of smart phones, this laborious process has mercifully become a thing of the past.

If youve already taken advantage of Androids backup features then when you fire up the Nexus 5 for the first time youll be able to restore all of your content and apps quickly and easily. If you havent, then go to Settings > Backup & Reset, and tick "Back up my data" and "Automatic Restore". The first option ensures that all of your settings are stored in the cloud, while the second allows you to retain app-relevant data so that if you have to reinstall something, all the settings will be remembered.

9. Exit and enter Immersive mode

Immersive mode is another Android 4.4 introduction, and is a fancy way of saying "Full Screen". During relevant apps -- such as Google Play Books and Google Play Movies -- Android 4.4 will automatically expand the image to fill the entire screen, hiding elements like the notifications bar and other menus. To exit the mode, simply tap the screen -- simple!

10. Find out whats been draining your battery

Theres nothing more annoying than charging your phone up in the morning only to discover that its gasping for a recharge by dinner time. Thankfully, Android allows you to see a detailed breakdown of whats been consuming juice, allowing you to switch off or uninstall problematic programs. Simply access Quick Settings and tap the Battery tile.

11. Turn your eBook into an audio book

There are dedicated bookworms out there who are buying novels in triplicate -- the actual physical book, the eBook and the audio book -- but if you have a Nexus 5 then you dont need to go to such extreme lengths.

Android accessibility options allow you to turn all on-screen text into speech, allowing you to transform your eBook download into an audio novel. Go to Settings > Accessibility and switch "Talk Back" on. When youre in Google Play Books, open the settings menu and make sure "Automatically read aloud" is ticked.

Youll also want to ensure that "High-quality voice" is turned on as well, otherwise the speech sounds a little too robotic.

12. Build a cloud-based music library

Google Music allows you to upload 20,000 of your own songs for free, and access them from the Web or any Android device. That means you can potentially have your entire record collection at your fingertips without having to clog up your handsets internal memory -- a prime concern with the Nexus 5, with the base model limited to 16GB and lacking a microSD card slot. To do this, youll need to actually upload your songs using a computer and Google Music Manager application, and its recommended you only stream audio if you have a contract with unlimited data.

13. Unlock your phone using your face

Face Unlock made its debut with the Galaxy Nexus and remains one of Androids most amusing features. As Google itself points out, its not the most robust of security measures, but being able to unlock your phone just by looking at it is undeniably cool. To enable, go to Settings > Security > Screen lock and then select Face Unlock.

14. Enable a live wallpaper

With Apple introducing "dynamic" wallpapers in iOS 7, its somewhat curious that Google has largely relegated Live Wallpapers to the background in 4.4. Theres only one wallpaper included -- Phase Beam -- and its buried deep within the wallpapers menu. There are plenty of other live wallpapers on the Google Play store though, so download a few to remind your iPhone-owning mates who had this feature first.

15. Disable SMS messaging in Hangouts

With Android 4.4, Google has folded SMS messaging into its Hangouts messaging service, which means all of your communications are in one place. This might not be to everyones satisfaction, however, so its good to know that you can revert back if you wish to. Open Hangouts and go to Settings. Youll see "Default SMS app", which will be configured to Hangouts by default. Simply tap this and select your third-party SMS app -- which youll have to download from the Google Play market, as no alternatives are installed. 8SMS and Handscent are both worthy substitutes.

16. Tell the world how you feel in Google Hangouts

If you do decide to stick with Hangouts, then you may find it a useful tool when it comes to keeping in touch with friends and relatives. You can even set emotions which indicate how youre feeling at any given time -- a handy feature if youre in a grumpy mood and dont want to be disturbed. Simply tap the menu icon (the three dots in the top-right corner) and select your general mood.

17. Find out how much data youve used

If youre subject to a fair-usage data policy on your contract then youll want to keep an eye on the amount of megabytes youre eating through on a daily basis. Thankfully, Android offers the chance to monitor your data consumption and even set alerts which tell you when youre nearing your limit. You can find all of this in Settings > Data usage.

18. Create a folder on your home screen

If youre the kind of mobile user who craves order, then youll want to sort your apps into handy folders to make it easier to track them down in a rush. Simply long-press any app icon and then hover it over another to create the folder. You can then give this selection of apps a unique name by tapping the folder and then selecting the "Unnamed Folder" text.

19. Take a screenshot and record your screen

You can grab a quick snap of your Nexus 5s screen by holding the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time, but Android 4.4 offers another trick -- albeit with the assistance of a third-party application. By downloading Screen Record, you can capture your screen activity in video form -- handy for developers who want to create promotional videos of their programs, or for those times when you need to troubleshoot an issue by collecting visual evidence.

20. Compare your video game prowess with a friend

Google has introduced its Play Games portal with very little fanfare when 4.3 was launched, but its certainly worth a closer look in 4.4. Taking cues from Xbox Live and Apples Game Center service, it allows you to track your scores and achievements in compatible games and compare your best attempts with friends and Google+ contacts.

21. Track your steps

If youre keen to keep tabs on your level of fitness then the Nexus 5 is the perfect phone for you. The handsets internal tech can detect how many steps youve taken, and therefore judge how many calories youve burned off. Simply download Moves from the Google Play store and stride confidently out of that front door.

22. Enable closed captions in video playback

Watching a movie on the tube isnt as much fun when you cant hear the dialogue, so thank your lucky stars for Android 4.4s support for closed captions during film playback. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions, and switch them on. You can even adjust the text size and select the text and background colour.

23. Turn your phone into a digital photo frame when charging

Our phones spend a lot of time plugged into the wall, largely because they contain so much cutting-edge tech that their batteries require a top-up every single day. Thankfully, with Android you can make this process a little more interesting by enabling "Daydream" mode. This can either be a clock, a news-feed item or a selection of your photos. To switch this mode on, go to Settings > Display > Daydream, and then pick your preferred choice. You can also tell the phone to daydream only when docked, or when on charge.

24. Turn your phone into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot

If youve got a tablet or laptop and you want to use it out of the house, you can use your Nexus 5 as a portable fountain of wireless goodness -- thus removing the need to find an open hotspot. Go to Settings and tap "More", and then select Tethering and Portable Hotspot. Tick the Portable Hotspot option and selection "Set up" to configure a password -- you dont want anyone else sharing your valuable bandwidth, after all.

25. Zoom in for additional detail

Androids magnification capability is intended to make things easier for those with poor eyesight, but it has uses for those who dont suffer from visual issues. You can zoom in to see on-screen images in greater detail by triple-tapping the display with your finger. Its also possible to enlarge whats under your finger by triple-tapping and then holding your digit on the screen, and then dragging it around. To switch on this mode, go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnification gestures.

26. Take better photos

By now everyone with a Nexus 5 has made the update to Android 4.4.1 or 4.4.2 so this tip isnt as big a deal as it might have been a couple of months ago. The truth is that, after the incremental updates, Google made some major improvements to the performance of the Nexus 5s camera. But you can still make it even better. Simply set your default mode to HDR+ and watch your contrasts, motion blur and low-light performance increase. Theres really very little reason not to be taking all of your photos in HDR+ mode.

Just bring up the touch interface in the camera app, and turn on HDR+.

27. Ditch Hangouts

Sure, Google likes to force things down our throats, like practically needing a Google+ account just to get out of bed in the morning, but that doesnt mean that you have to jump aboard the Hangouts train just because Google wants you to. So, if you tried it out and kinda just got stuck with Hangouts but dont really like the functionality (theres a few things still not to like), then simply install another messaging app that you actually like or already use and substitute that as the default messaging app.

All you need to do is download the app you want, then go to Settings and More and youll see the Default SMS App heading. Make your choice from whatever SMS apps you have on your phone.

28. Turn off Google Now

I think Google Now is kinda cool, but it has absolutely no use value for me as I traverse the few streets between my penthouse apartment and the AndroidPIT mansion. Fortunately I know both addresses and Ive even managed to figure out how to get between them quickly. I already have the temperature on my home screen and I rarely take flights or have packages arriving that I need to coordinate myself with. And sadly, my stock portfolio is about as concrete as that penthouse apartment and the mansion I work in. So if you dont actually use Google Now, just turn it off and save yourself some battery juice and free up that left hand home screen for something you do use.

Just go to the gray Google Settings app in the app drawer, hit Search and turn the Google Now switch off.

29. Increase performance

The Nexus 5 is already a bit of a beast when it comes to raw processing power, but theres still more you can do to improve your Nexus 5s performance even further. The first and most obvious of these is to try out the ART runtime option that is still an experimental feature that Google understood would greatly benefit many users out there who simply want the absolute fastest performance possible, even if it means some apps wont work properly. ART runtime is coming eventually anyway, as Dalvik ages ungracefully. Basically ART pre-compiles apps, so they launch faster once youve launched them for the first time. The speed boost is significant, even if some popular apps like WhatsApp wont work on the new system yet.

Just enable Developer Options by repeatedly tapping the build number in Settings > About Phone > Build Number until Developer Options are enabled. Then go into them and select ART as the default runtime, reboot and see what you think.

30. Make use of Googles integration

Even if you dont much like or use Google Now, that doesnt mean Googles presence is not still everywhere to be found in the Nexus 5 experience. From the persistent voice command search bar on the home screens to the smart dialer that integrates a search function and auto-complete, Google is intertwined in KitKat on the Nexus 5 like nobodys business. Seeing this is actually a very powerful tool (and only a little scary) you may as well get on board and put it to good use. The more you learn about Googles integrated services they quicker and easier your Nexus 5 experience will become.

In Google Maps, just swipe up from the bottom on an address search result to get contact details and more for that location.

Make sure your Google Search settings are also set to include apps, contacts, music etc if you want those results to show up in your Google searches. Just go to the gray Google Settings app in the app drawer, hit Search and then Phone Search and make your choices.

As long as the default language is set to US English, you can use Googles voice search on any home screen or within Google Now. Just say OK Google and search away. With an American accent if you dont have one by birth.

From the default dialer screen (the one with your last calls and frequent contacts), just type your search terms in the panel at the very top. Google will search local content and return results right in the dialer.

5 More Nexus 5 Battery Life Tips And Tricks

1. Enable Android Runtime (ART)

Enabling Android Runtime will improve battery life. This is because ART fundamentally changes the process of how apps are opened.

ART will cause apps to take up 10 to 20 percent more space on your on-board storage, but allow them to open faster. Also, thanks to the diminished processing power it requires to open app, enabling ART will increase your battery life as well.

Remember that Google does not consider the Android Runtime as ready for the masses, which is why it is not enabled by default on the Nexus 5. Also, please note that the International Business Times is not responsible for any damage that tinkering with your phone may cause.

To enable ART on your Nexus 5: Settings > About Phone, then tap "Build Number" 7 times. Then back out and go into the new settings sub-menu that appears, Developer Options, and select ART instead of the Dalvik Runtime.

2. Reduce The Time Before The Screen Goes To Sleep

Most Nexus 5 users have found that the main feature affecting battery life on the Nexus 5 is its big, beautiful display. Go into Settings > Display > Sleep and reduce the time before your display automatically dims to as low as you are comfortable with – 30 seconds for best results. It is also a good practice to press the power button when you are not using your Nexus 5, instead of waiting for the phone to sleep automatically.

3. Updated to Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)? Do A Factory Restore

As much of a hassle as it can be on a phone you have adjusted perfectly to your liking, if you received an over-the-air update from Google that bumped your Nexus 5 to Android 4.4 KitKat or 4.4.1 to the newest build of Android 4.4.2, it might be a good idea to do a factory restore.

Taking the OTA update caused bugs for some users, and may cause your Nexus 5 to incorrectly report how much battery life it has remaining. Be forewarned that a factory restore will erase everything on your phone, including the on-board storage, so make sure your photos have been backed up with Google Plus beforehand.

To do a factory restore, navigate to Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset to restore your Nexus 5 to factory-shipped freshness. Some users have also reported that a Nexus 5 factory reset fixed GPS issues and other bugs in addition to improving battery life.

4. Turn Location Reporting And History Off

In addition to using your GPS, Android collects location data from nearby Wi-Fi routers. Scanning for Wi-Fi this way uses up battery life on your Nexus 5 (or any Android device), but allows Google to charge more money for advertising based on your location.

To turn off location reporting, go into Settings > Location > Google Location Reporting and turn both Location Reporting and Location History off. Please note that this will also cause Find My Android to no longer be able to track your Nexus 5 should it be stolen or misplaced, so use this tip at your own discretion.

5. Use ‘Airplane Mode’ In Poor Coverage Areas

When a smartphone is in a bad coverage area, it uses up a lot of battery power as it attempts to scan the area for signal. If you are in an area where you get poor or no connection anyways, like traveling underground on a subway, put your Nexus 5 in Airplane Mode to save your battery.

Some other good ways to improve battery life include turning off your Nexus 5’s haptic feedback. It uses up battery to run the haptic motor every time you tap, so turn this feature off for longer life.

If youve been dreaming of a white Christmas, Google just lent a helping hand in the form of a brand-new color for the Nexus 7.


The 32GB Nexus 7 Wi-Fi edition is now available in white in addition to standard black. Those looking for a cream colored 16GB or LTE version are unfortunately out of luck.

The tablet costs $269 (£239/about AU$294) through the Google Play Store, and its available in the US, UK and Japan right now.

Google Nexus 5 stock shortages look like they could be a problem as the newly confirmed phone sells out in the US within an hour of launch.

The latest rumours suggest that the new Nexus 7 tablet could launch within weeks, sometime at the end of July or beginning of August.


Tawainese supply sources that the new Nexus 7, thought to be the official name for the device, will launch within the next month co-developed by Asus and Google.

This latest leak supports the new Nexus 7 release date and specs teased by an Asus rep at the start of the month, which also suggested that the next 7-inch Google tablet would make an official appearance this month.

The second-generation Google Nexus 7 tablet will bring a 7-inch 1980 x 1200p display, boosting the 1280 x 800p resolution of the current slate.

It will include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 CPU, quite a change from the Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor used at present, but retain the same 1.2-megapixel front facing camera.

The new Nexus 7 could introduce a 5-megapixel rear camera to the device, which would be quite interesting seeing as the first generation Google slate lacked any kind of rear camera.

Alongside the latest new Nexus 7 release date leak, the Digitimes sources suggested the Google tablet will retail with an expectedly modest $199 - $229 price tag, equating to around the same prices as the current models, despite the spec bump.

The sources estimate that 8 million new Nexus 7 devices will be sold across the world this year after it launches, but could face competition from other similarly priced tablets from Lenovo, Acer and HP.

When it launched last year, the existing Google Nexus 7 shipped 6 million units because of its attractively low price, but the new Nexus 7 may not have as much success because of the increased rivalry.

The new Nexus 7 appeared online with Android 4.3 in tow last month via an FCC filing, but could easily be one of the first devices to run the eagerly anticipated Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, coupled with the Nexus 5 smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus handset has not been invited to the Android 4.4 KitKat party, Google has revealed shortly after unveiling the new candy-themed OS.

A new Google Nexus 5 update has been rolled out, but strangely this one has nothing to do with the phone’s Android 4.4 KitKat OS but instead its design.

Following weeks of endless leaks and countless rumours, the red Google Nexus 5 has been officially unveiled, with the brightly hued handset available for purchase right now.


Having made a number of premature appearances in recent weeks, Google has now officially unveiled its new red Google Nexus 5, with the colourful model lining up alongside the original black and white offerings in both 16GB and 32GB storage options.

Not one to keep consumers waiting, Google has launched the red Nexus 5 through its online Google Play Store with immediate effect, with both storage options currently listed as available to ship within “1-2 business days.”

Like its black and white counterparts, the red Google Nexus 5 will set wannabe owners back £299 and £339 for the 16GB and 32GB options respectively.

As well as being available directly through the Google Play Store, UK high street chain Carphone Warehouse has become the first to confirm it will stock the handset, with the retailer again stocking the phone with immediate effect.

“Carphone Warehouse has announced that it will be stocking the latest Google handset, the Nexus 5 in red,” an official statement from the company has declared.

They added: “The handset will available at the UK’s lowest price SIM Free for £298 or from £21 per month in stores, online at.”

The Google Nexus 5 runs great from the moment you pull it out of the box, especially with the new and improved Android 4.4 KitKat software on board. However you’ll want to make a few immediate changes to be better prepared, more secure, better performance and the best experience possible.


Everyone is different when it comes to how they use their smartphone, and what for, but below you’ll find 5 essential tips to help you get started with the Nexus 5. With Android 4.4 KitKat Google Now is integrated more than ever before, the lockscreen is smarter, and information is a swipe or voice command away, but you’ll still want to make a few of these important changes.

The average user will find that out of the box Google’s improved Android 4.4 KitKat to better serve you, the user. Instructions will walk you through the initial boot process and what everything does like never before, improved over previous versions of the OS, and everything is easy to understand and navigate. However, it still doesn’t recommend users set up a passcode lock, pattern, or any other security after signing into Gmail, and their life. We want better security, data usage limits, battery saving additions, and many more, so here they are.

Device Security

While Android is great at going through the first few steps, signing in and syncing your Gmail, and generally getting started it forgets one key important feature. Security! It takes about 30 seconds to set up a passcode or pattern lock, and your device will be protected from prying eyes or in case of loss/theft, and here’s how.

Simply slide down the notification bar and head into settings, or find the gear-shaped icon from the screenshot above in the application tray.

Settings > Security > Screen Lock > and select Pattern, PIN, or even Face Unlock

From this same menu you’ll be able to also enable lockscreen widgets, which we’ll talk about below, and even add owner info to the lockscreen as well. Once you set a PIN you’ll see additional options in this menu for time before lock, and things of that nature, so your not constantly typing in a pin every singe time you use the device. I found 5-10 minutes is ideal.

While we’re talking about security it’s also worth nothing two other things. One being to enter the Google Play Store and under settings enable password protection for purchases. This ensures a lost device won’t incur charges, nor will kids accidentally buy a bunch of games or apps. At the same time, head to the Android Device Manager and prepare the device for those services. This will allow you to call, lock, or even erase the device if it’s lost, missing, or stolen.

Set Mobile Data Limits

We all wish we had unlimited data options from carriers, but sadly that’s becoming less and less of an option. As a result many users have 2 or 4GB data plans, or even a pay-as-you go plan for their smartphone. The Nexus 5 with fast 4G LTE and a 5-inch 1080p display can churn through data if you’re browsing the web, viewing YouTube and Netflix, or installing large games like Asphalt 8.

Before you go over your data limit and get additional charges from a carrier, you’ll want to quickly set a mobile data limit for the device. You’ll do this by heading into:

Settings > Data Usage > Enable Mobile Data > Set Data Limit

From here you can slide the bars to your specific days in which your plan begin/ends, and even see what’s taking up the most data. You can cycle through previous months, and even enable WiFi tracking in settings.

As a reminder, this may not be 100% accurate with carrier data limits, so use caution. However, we’ve found it to be extremely accurate in the past. The settings menu inside data usage can also be used to enable data roaming, restrict background data usage and more.

Enable Backup and Restore

Google offers a backup and restore feature for smartphones and tablets, but with Android 4.4 KitKat it’s even better. A quick swipe into the Backup & Reset option in settings will give you the rundown. During initial startup of your device, you may have restored from your Gmail account, but whether you did or not, you’ll want to enable backup on your new Nexus 5.
Not only will this backup data, WiFi passwords, and other information, but the automatic restore will even replace the settings and app data when an app is reinstalled. From custom settings to game progress and more. This has improved lately with Google Services Framework, and is better than ever with Android 4.4 KitKat. We strongly recommend backing up your new Nexus 5. Then you’ll be set next year when you get the Nexus 6. (or 5.5)

Battery Tips

It’s no secret one of the biggest complaints of the Nexus 5 is the small 2,300 mAh battery. Even though KitKat is efficient, the Snapdragon 800 is the best processor in terms of battery consumption, and LTE is pretty smooth, you’ll still want to try and conserve battery. There’s a magnitude of ways to do so, so we’ll just mention a few quick and easy ones to enable during initial setup. This is a beginners guide, and we’ll dive into the battery later.

Screen brightness, sleep time, and location settings are the three key areas we wanted to focus on for battery life. For starters you’ll want to head in and choose screen brightness. Many opt for auto-mode, but that will make the screen fluctuate so much, especially outside, that it can in turn make the battery die faster. You don’t need the screen to be a spotlight, and your battery will thank you.

Settings > Display > Brightness (and don’t forget to set the “sleep feature”, default is 30 seconds)

Disabling things like animations in the developer settings can improve battery, but disabling the pulse notification light will be so minimal it isn’t worth it to lose the feature. The second thing you see above is location settings. This is new to Android 4.4 KitKat, and will help you better control what uses location services, and when. GPS for Maps, Google Now, and Facebook kills data.

Settings > Location > Mode > and select Battery Saving

High accuracy is the best, but Google Now has worked wonderfully for me with the battery saving mode enabled instead. The phone will still use WiFi and mobile networks to determine location, and GPS won’t be fired up and draining your battery. These are just a few tips of many, and expect more to be coming soon from the team here at GottaBeMobile.

Performance

Now there’s also plenty of ways to increase performance, and tweakers in the Android community may root the Nexus 5 and install custom ROM’s and kernels, but the average user should just enable a few things to get the most from their new device. Correctly setting up Gmail, enabling sync, and selecting how far back to sync emails is one, and Google Now is another.

Google Now is deeply integrated into Android 4.4 KitKat. It’s a quick slide up away on the lockscreen, and a swipe to the left on your homescreen. This is where you get any and all information. We suggest taking the time to enable certain cards in the Google Now settings. This will give you news, weather, sports alerts, driving directions, nearby restaurants and more all automatically, if you choose. This also will hurt battery life to some degree, so pick your battles.

The middle image above is widgets on the lockscreen, as mentioned before. Everything from Gmail, Twitter alerts, Sound Search for music, and even weather info can all be added to the lockscreen. This ensures users can get the features and information they need, without ever unlocking the device. You’ll want to enable this.

Settings > Security > Enable Widgets

This is in the security section, since you’ll add them after setting a passcode lock, but will work fine without. Simply slide left on the lockscreen to add more, and get the most from your device without unlocking it.

Last, while many are probably familiar with it, get use to using the multi-tasking and multi-window function in Android. Tapping the button right of the home icon will launch the image shown above. Here you can quickly and easily toggle from app to app, and never miss a beat. Stock Android does this better than any manufacturer skin in my opinion, and takes my performance and multitasking to new heights. It won’t just remember you’re in the settings menu, but which sub menu too. Easily navigate through your phone quickly using this feature. It’s extremely powerful. Slide to clear those you don’t need, like Maps, which could be killing that battery behind the scenes.

Final Thoughts

The few changes outlined above will improve the overall experience with your new Nexus 5, while also keeping it safe and secure in case of an accident or theft. You’ll be able to use the device with comfort, restore data and apps if needed, and get better battery life than you expected. They are simple and easy to do, so give it a try and enjoy.

Google has launched its Google Now Launcher onto the Google Play Store, enabling owners of old Nexus devices to get the full Nexus 5 experience.



















As part of the stock Android 4.4 KitKat experience launched with the Google Nexus 5 last year, Google provided quicker access to Google Now and a number of home screen interface tweaks.

Now, those modifications have been made available to the wider Nexus-owning world through a free Play Store app. This app also works on Google Play edition phones from the likes of Samsung, HTC, and LG.

The Google Now Launcher makes the Now card system available by swiping right from the homescreen. Previously you had to open up a Google search in order to do this.

Another key addition is voice operation. By saying "OK Google" from the homescreen, you can instruct your phone to accept vocal control, or to initiate a search for term.

As well as these major additions, the Google Now Launcher adds a number of cosmetic tweaks. The navigation and status bars are now translucent, just like on the KitKat OS proper, and app icons are a little bigger. There’s also a new wallpaper picker.

It’s a shame this release isn’t a wider one. The market for new launcher apps as a way to strip your bloated Android device UI back to something approaching stock AI is considerable, and an officially endorsed Google effort would doubtless be massive.

Google Now Launcher is available now for all Nexus and Google Play experience devices on the Google Play Store.

Key Features: Quad-core 2.27GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU; 2GB RAM; 16/32GB storage; 5-inch 1080p IPS screen; Android 4.4; 8-megapixel camera with flash and OIS

What is the Google Nexus 5?

Google Nexus 5 – Design

Google Nexus 5 – Screen

Google Nexus 5 – Android 4.4 KitKat Software

Google Nexus 5 – Apps and Games

Google Nexus 5 – Performance and Benchmarks

Google Nexus 5 – Music and Video

Google Nexus 5 – Sound Quality

Google Nexus 5 – Connectivity

Google Nexus 5 – Camera

Detail capture and exposure

HDR

Performance

Low-light and Optical image stabilisation

Flash

Macro and Depth of Field

Google Nexus 5 - Video Capture

Google Nexus 5 - Front Camera

Google Nexus 5 - Camera App and Additional Modes

Google Nexus 5 – Battery Life

Google Nexus 5 – Call Quality

Should I buy the Google Nexus 5?

Verdict