Galaxy Note II: Apps, Accessories, Tips, & Tricks

So, here's my list of accessories so far:

64gb SanDisk micro SD, Class 10 http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDXC-Memory-Adapter-SDSDQUA-064G-U46A/dp/B007WTAJTO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354030340&sr=8-1&keywords=sandisk+64+gb+micro+sd
- Was on sale on Black Friday for $41 at the time tho
- Had previously purchased a Samsung 32gig Class 10 but I decided to give it to my wife for the new tablet I bought her. Figured I might need extra space for all these movies I converted which avg a gig apiece.
Bought the following case w/kickstand which was a must for me http://www.ebay.com/itm/FULL-BLACK-PERFORATED-HARD-HYBRID-KICKSTAND-CASE-COVER-SAMSUNG-GALAXY-NOTE-II-2-/271095001085?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D3758208195424588457%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D3%26sd%3D261098125674%26
a DBA Just Like Glass screen protector http://www.dbacases.com/justlikeglassscreenprotectoriphone5-1-1.aspx

Might buy NFC tags but I've never tried them before. Does anyone have experience using them?

seattlegreg

I bought these NFC Tags and tried them out on my friends Galaxy S3. If they work with the S3 I assume they will work with the GN2.

Initially, I used the Samsung TecTile app to program the tags and it worked but with the limited memory, I couldn't program anything but the simplest function.

I switched to the NFC Task Launcher app which works great and is much more efficient in how it uses the limited memory on the NFC tag. You'll also want the NFC Task Launcher Call Plugin which allows you to setup the tag to immediately place the call when you touch the tag (something the Samsung app doesn't do).

seattlegreg wrote:
Initially, I used the Samsung TecTile app to program the tags and it worked but with the limited memory, I couldn't program anything but the simplest function.
I switched to the NFC Task Launcher app which works great and is much more efficient in how it uses the limited memory on the NFC tag. You'll also want the NFC Task Launcher Call Plugin which allows you to setup the tag to immediately place the call when you touch the tag (something the Samsung app doesn't do).

When you refer to memory you're saying the tags have their own memory? If so, what's common?

Spiral

Yes NFC Tags have their own memory. The ones he linked to have 144 bytes each. Another common option are tags with 1kb (1024 bytes) of memory each. I have a number of these and use them with my Maxx HD for a number of tasks.

Mostly simple things like turning off the sounds, Bluetooth and WiFi when I get to work and then the same tag toggle's those items back on when I leave work.

Just started learning what can be done but recommend you buy a few tags (5-10) and try them out with your new phone. FYI the tags can be erased and rewritten so you can change the instructions as you see fit (unless you lock them).

Also when buying, insure you are getting tags compatible for your phone/OS. Some are not useable on different phone types, example Nexus 4 & Nexus 10 use a different type.

Good luck.

TechAddist85

coming from an iphone 4s i was wondering if anyone knows if there is an app that will sync the pictures i take on my GN2 with my laptop over wifi; just like photostream??

Dropbox will do that

http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/EDD-S20JWEGSTA?fb_action_ids=127869667369276&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=246965925417366

This dock looks very cool.

Looks cool but I have no idea what I'd use it for, lol

nwjedidave

MB, and everyone else - thanks for the links. Its cool to see what different accessories we each will decide on.

The NFC tags make my head spin! I don't get what they actually do, and am too lazy to remember what I read about them a few weeks back!

Hopefully in a few days I will have some awesome news about my GN2. (and not just talking about it being delivered)

demmo86rt

Good idea for a thread. Hopefully it stays open and civil.

daveCFPrez wrote:
MB, and everyone else - thanks for the links. Its cool to see what different accessories we each will decide on.
The NFC tags make my head spin! I don't get what they actually do, and am too lazy to remember what I read about them a few weeks back!
Hopefully in a few days I will have some awesome news about my GN2. (and not just talking about it being delivered)

You can't just leave us hanging like that! What did you mean by that last part in parenthesis??

jaymuslonestar

I would like to suggest that everyone who gets hs or her new GN2 in the next few days try registering it on the Samsung website. The reason is because once you register it they will email you a coupon code good for 50% off mobile phone accessories and its good for your entire order and not just for one item. This promotion was still going on as of Monday so hopefully it'll last a bit longer for us late to the game Verizon customers.

As far as my accessories go, I ordered a couple of different colors of the flip covers, a battery charging station that comes with a spare battery, and a hard protective cover. I wanted to get the Smart Dock also but The Samsung website shows it as backordered right now. Another good thing about these coupon codes is it says it doesn't expire until 1/10/13 so surely anything that's out of stock will be replentished by then.

AZSALUKI

i believe there's also a built in samsung sync app that works well. there's actually a number of apps that will do it.

I hope its still around too because I really want that Bluetooth ear piece with the NFC that you just tap the phone to connect to. That sounds awesome but it's been on backorder. I've never really used a Bluetooth ear piece but I imagine this way is better than trying to drive an fumble with my phone to link up with a non-NFC one.

As soon as I get mine I'm putting the screen protector on before I start touching it. It may be crazy but in my mind I don't want to put any finger oils on the screen whatsoever before I apply it. And its one of the wet apply ones so unfortunately I'll have to wait like half an hour before I can begin to play with my Note.

Hopefully this Just Like Glass protector is better than the cheap one my wife just HAD to buy from Best Buy. She has so many scratches its insane. You can just feel the grooves when you slide your finger around the screen. That's that stuff I don't like!

Anyone else putting their protectors on immediately?

XstitchCowgirl

My accessories:

image.jpg

ffx2

wow someone goes all out when she buys a phone

Thouk

Why Do you need 5 different phone cases?

ffx2

I'm liking that Spigen hardbook case!

XstitchCowgirl

Hardbook for in purse, surface/holster when home. The TPU I will use with flygrip. Gives me options in case I like one over another.

Glad I bought a case because this phone is slippery!!

Also, so far, only one day, I like the DBA Just Like Glass screen protector more than my wife's which she got with her GS3 from Best Buy. It's harder so it doesn't seem to get those grooves in it like hers. Basically, so far like the description says its like touching the glass. Also, no probs using the S Pen. I'll keep everyone posted if it turns colors or anything but so far not even a rainbow effect!

Also, I'm still waiting for the memory card to arrive. Should get here by monday. Wish it would hurry up because I've converted like 8 movies and counting!

Hello all

MBSquarE3 wrote:
Glad I bought a case because this phone is slippery!!
Also, so far, only one day, I like the DBA Just Like Glass screen protector more than my wife's which she got with her GS3 from Best Buy. It's harder so it doesn't seem to get those grooves in it like hers. Basically, so far like the description says its like touching the glass. Also, no probs using the S Pen. I'll keep everyone posted if it turns colors or anything but so far not even a rainbow effect!

The DBA ?

UPDATE: I found the web site thanks. The only I am not keen on it putting water on my phone. But it sounds like A great screen protector.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hy3wETf5o0

tcarulli wrote:
This dock looks very cool.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/EDD-S20JWEGSTA?fb_action_ids=127869667369276&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=246965925417366

I have it it works great. I Have used it to view files on A thumb drive so far and it is a nice place to put your phone for charging. have not tried out the hdmi port yet but will soon. There is A youtube review on it:

<Duplicate post deleted for crossposting per the . See https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/909381#909381 for the original message.>

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

Ann154

You new users really need to read the here. Duplicate posting isn't allowed either.

Maybe instead of flagging a post that does apply to this thread, you could actually try and troubleshoot some of the problems that I am having. Isn't that the responsibility of a community leader, Ann? Aren't you supposed to be adding to the conversation, and not taking away from it?

Ann154

As "Community Leader", I am going report any and every single post I feel is breaking the rules here including duplicate content.

After a full day, here are my thoughts on the phone...

NO AUTOCORRECT?! There is no autocorrect native with the samsung keyboard. That's inexcusable. Swype will autocorrect, but then there is no add word to dictionary function directly from the keyboard, again, inexcusable. You can always download a third party app for a keyboard for autocorrect like swiftkey3, but then that sends everything that you ever type into it to the people who created swiftkey3, even your credit cards, bank accounts, and passwords. (it even says this in the prompt when you download and install it).

NO PICTURES FOR MY CONTACTS?! There seems to be no way to possibly get your contact photos (once synced with Facebook) into any of the messaging apps. So far, they only seem to appear in the conversation list area, but not within the actual individual conversations themselves. Again, you should be able to download third party apps for this, but it doesn't seem like any of the ones that were recommended to me so far have worked with Jelly Bean. This is very frustrating because I hate looking at the default icon for a contact's picture, when the phone is already linked with a photo in my contacts list.

UHHH, THE APP THAT DOESN'T DO ANYTHING... Driving Mode does not work - it seriously doesn't do anything. Most people may not even know about this, so let me briefly explain. When you go into your status bar where you can turn GPS on, WiFi on, and all that fun stuff, there is also an icon for "driving mode". What this is supposed to do, is any incoming calls or texts are supposed to be answered with a response that alerts the person trying to contact you, that you are currently driving. It then reads you the text message, or tells you who was trying to call you. It then allows you to talk to your device (hands free) and respond via text, or simply call the person directly back. However, it doesn't do any of this. I turned it on for a nice drive today, and all of my texts came through, interrupted my GPS and navigation, and it didn't read me any texts, nor did it tell anyone that I was driving, nor did it allow me to respond or call them, unless I manually navigated to an app that would allow me to do so. Example, use a messaging app, then click on the microphone button, and then begin speaking my message.. but even then I had to hit the send button manually.

The battery life is freaking AWESOME!

If anyone has any solutions to any of the content I have posted above, please feel free to respond and let me know. If you are having any problems of your own with anything, please feel free to extend a question to use in this thread. We will not belittle you, or try to make you feel bad for not knowing the answer. This is a complex phone, and I wish to do nothing but to help extend the knowledge of how to better use the device, and how to better suit it for your own personal needs, (unlinke some people...)

End of a non-duplicate post. :smileyhappy:

Have you tried doing A Google search for these issues ?

Haha of course! Google is always the first troubleshooting tool I use. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear as if anyone else is really having these issues with the exception of the contact photos not showing up in the message conversations. That appears to be a problem that dates back to the spring, which surprises me that developers haven't fixed it by now. I did find a few things on the driving mode; however, they just state what its function is SUPPOSED to be, and that it doesn't work on Jelly Bean. Does your phone have these same issues, ammo?

I have not tried them out yet I am not A facebook fan, but i do have an account there. I have not been on it in probably 6 month or more As far as the driving mode I have Bluetooth in my car I sink the phone for calls. I also have onstar for navigation.

As far as contact photos I have found some cases where it was because I

needed to link my contacts. For instance, my Wife was in as her full name &

again as a nickname. The full name was associated with her facebook and had

a pic. So, I had to hit the link symbol in her contact & link the two& now

her photo shows. If that doest help I don't know.

Never use driving modes but that sounds irritating.

One thing I cant figure out is how to do the one handed zoom where you

glide a finger up and down the side of the screen to zoom in & out. I used

it on A coworkers N2 weeks ago but I cant seem to find an option to

activatethat onthurs VZW version.

Dave16s6

I found somthing you may find interesting go to settings, language and input, text to speech output and look at driving mode. this may be A fix to one of your issues.

blurbaby

@ ammo..thanks for the link...I will try to keep up...most is a little over techie for me..but fun to read!

You Are Welcome

Hey ammo, thanks for looking into how to solve one of the problems that I was having with this phone! I really appreciate that! Unfortunately, this just turns the feature on, just like you can turn it on from your notification bar. The problem is when the feature is turned on, it simply does not work! But thank you anyways for taking the time to try and help me out, bud.

So I finally figured out how to add words to your phone's dictionary directly from the keyboard.. and boy is it dumb!

If you are using swype, simply type the word you wish to add to the dictionary using the individual letters (instead of swiping, press each key individually). Then hit space, then hit backspace. Now the word that you typed appears in the "autocorrect/suggestion bar" above your keyboard. Press the word in that bar, and it will add it to your dictionary.

Why you have to space, then backspace for it to show up in the bar above your keyboard is beyond me! It should always show up in the bar when you first type it, that way you can just click the word in the bar instead of having to space, then backspace. Very non-intuitive if you ask me... Oh well, that's one problem solved!

Yes, I had to do that for a few of my contacts as well. Unfortunately that is not the problem that I am having. Within certain messaging applications it has a image for the person that you are talking to. It appears that so far, unless they have a Google+ account linked to their contact in your device, only the default image will appear as their image, even though under my contact list their facebook pictures are showing. Like I said before, this seems to have been going on for quite some time now, since I have found some posts from a few months back. But thank you for responding and trying to help! It is much appreciated!

As for your issue with the one handed zoom, I did not know that this feature existed. Maybe you need to have the one handed features enabled in order to explore the possibilities of this working. Another possibility could be that your coworker might have had their phone rooted. I would suggest an inquiry with the coworker on the matter on Monday :smileyhappy:

For anyone that is wondering about all of the hidden posts: you get to see them in your email if you join the thread. That's all I'm going to say. :smileyhappy:

Now the phone: I have been using a Samsung Galaxy 7" tablet for about 7 months while I waited for this phone to become available on the Verizon network. (Only because of their network, not because I like the company.)

I use my phone mostly to keep me organized (business). After testing many apps and programs, I use the following: Onenote - syncs with my computer through skydrive. (I only have a live email to do this, used for no other purpose). Dropbox for documents and pictures that I may need on the fly. I've played with Evernote but just can't seem to adopt it. MHelpdesk for invoicing, work orders and customer requests. I have really tried hard to use Autotask but it is really hard to adopt and works horribly on the tablet. I also use Cozi for home/family lists. MyFiles to find my stuff on my phone. I set the blue tooth up for music in my car but some how I missed setting up the blue tooth to receive calls.

I am a little confused on how my exchange, outlook email is now what I am sending and receiving messages to. I have not found a place to change this yet.....

I am planning on buying the dock.

I can't find any cases, etc. locally so I can't report on any accessories yet.

My husband just got the S3 and I got the Note2. We did get the bump??? to work for a picture but not music. Maybe it can't do a song.

Why use bump instead ofthe NFC such as S Beam?

Because i saw the bump in a video and haven't had time to figure out the difference yet.....

I used to useBump years ago with my wife. I mean its cool but an older

technology. I think it uses Bluetoot.

Tanooki2

Great idea for a forum....this phone is a beast full of opportunities!

I'm trying to find a way to change the email contrast to white text on black background like I could do on my Fascinate. Actually, just the way the settings screen look. Much easier to read, especially in bright light. I see the option to inverse all the colors on the phone, but that isn't what I need. Anyone have ideas?

Aikidood

Has anyone figured out a way to make Google Wallet work on our Note II yet? My friend was over last night and I saw Google Wallet works on his S3... :smileysad:

http://www.google.com/wallet/get.html

I haven't and I've searched the net looking for solutions or anything... I think it's a Jelly Bean issue that has to be fixed in the app itself.

Aikidood

I just did a search.

Note II isn't listed. :smileysad:

It appears it doesn't work on anything V has?

http://www.samsung.com/us/article/tips--tricks-galaxy-note-ii

Hello all hope you are enjoying your new GN2 I got A link for you that I think will be usefull :

I can't get half the stuff to work on mine... like the smart stay stuff, and my voice command stuff works sometimes and sometimes not.

try doing A fctory restore . I have done it and every thing so far has been working that I use.

I'm good!... done got this thing set up... not wanting to start over lol

I just restarted it and some of the features are working better than they were

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcK82qvN6fA

Has anyone else downloaded Flash Player? Seems to work pretty well.

Tanooki2 wrote:
Great idea for a forum....this phone is a beast full of opportunities!
I'm trying to find a way to change the email contrast to white text on black background like I could do on my Fascinate. Actually, just the way the settings screen look. Much easier to read, especially in bright light. I see the option to inverse all the colors on the phone, but that isn't what I need. Anyone have ideas?

Not exactly what you were looking for, but I just found a setting under Accessibility within the browser that allows you to invert the colors turning white to black and black to white.

I just found another setting under the Accessibility part of the Browser options that allows you to force zoom and override websites requests to control zoom.

Yes I did load it up and is seems to be working good :smileyhappy:

BrotherDave

Hi folks - just got the GN2 - I'm an iphone convert - so far I'm blown away by the features and speed of this device - really nice.

I did note an anomaly when when using bluetooth headset (LG-HBS 730) - it may be the way I'm using it that is the source of the issue though. The headset paired perfectly, connects and plays perfectly. However when I turn the headset off and try subsequent re-connects - the connect works, but there is no sound that comes from either the GN2 speaker or the headset. I've tried various things (disconnecting/reconnecting in GN2 bluetooth settings, turning bluetooth off/on in the GN2, turning headset off & on, etc), but the only thing that seems to work consistently is power-cycling the GN2. After that, it connects as usual, except this time we have sound from the headset.

I also have an Alpine in the car that is also bluetooth - it behaves the same way, which combined with the power-cycling of the phone correcting the issue points to the GN2 as the source of the problem.

I'm thinking maybe I need to take the overt action of going into settings --> bluetooth and disconnecting the headset before powering it off - although it would be inconvenient to do that every time particularly in the car.

Anyone else notice this behavior or have any ideas?

Thanks!

I have the same headset and am loving the sound quality you get with AptX. So far I am not having the same problem you are. I just paused my music, turned off the headset, turned it back on and started my music again without a problem. So far my headset is the only bluetooth device I've paired with. Maybe give it a go after unpairing with your Alpine?

Has anyone had a problem with LTE reception? I work in a fully covered 4G area, and my Note stays on 3G more than 4.. even outside. My razr maxx work phone is glued on 4G....

I live in 3G but travel to 4G often and I have not had any problems. Do

you have your Network mode set to Global under Settings > More settings >

Mobile networks?

It's currently on LTE/CDMA... but it's been on both before and its the same. When its on 4G the signal is good... but it tends to stay on 3G more.

Note2Fan

Glad there is a new thread for our Note 2's. After I pre-ordered and waited for the phone, I got a few accessories for it. Car Charger, 32gig SD card, Sport Arm Band http://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-GALAXY-ARMBAND-HEADPHONES-SNDPLACE/dp/B008PMGRJS/ref=pd_17 The Arm Band was actually for a 5.0 Galaxy Player I had before, but the Note 2 also fits in it fairly well. Also bought a case for it, I wanted as much full protection as I could get and prefer these types of cases for what I use the phone for every day. http://www.amazon.com/WalkNTalkOnline-Executive-Specially-Designed-Business/dp/B009PP4Q3S The case had a magnetic clasp, and I read somewhere else that your not supposed to use a case with any magnets in it for the Note 2, as it will screw up the screen. So I used a razor blade and removed the magnets and used Velcro instead. I like the case and it seems to protect it very well.

magneticfusion

It does songs. Pull up the song in Media Player then tap and it will send. I have the S3 and Note II and tried it today. Its pretty cool.

marz1

Anyone noticed some distortion in the loud speaker ? I noticed it when placing calls and in the intro song of the angry birds and some youtube vidoes when the volume is set to high.

marz1

Google Drive will do it too.

Jazz_E

Hi, i have a question.. what cover case/holder is better for Galaxy note 2? I want one that already have protection screen include..

I would highly recommend the OtterBox Defender.

Jazz_E

not bad, but i rather have the phone attrach to my belt than pocket because i heard it may damage the phone if i put in pocket

The Defender comes with a belt clip.

http://youtu.be/TPw4ZJGy4xk

I might be switching to that myself. When I looked on the website earlier

it said coming soon. Going to be getting the glacier color.

Tanooki2

Has everyone set up Google Now on their phones? It's been called the "Siri killer" and I can see why after watching this video on YouTube! It's a personal assistant that learns about you over time and then predicts what information you might want. For example, I have my home and work addresses set up and this morning my phone told me that traffic was heavier than normal and it would take 9 extra minutes to get to work. That's pretty cool. Looks like the uses for this are endless, but it's only as good as the info you put in. The video link is below: