TimeOut

Galaxy S4 accessories

 

As with my other devices, I picked up some accessories fo rthe Galaxy S4: TPU case (a Yellow trimmed one), class 10 Sandisk 64gb MicroSD, and a clear screen protector:

When it comes to screen protectors, they offer dry and wet application.  The problem with most installs is that air bubbles gets under the protector and makes the screen look like crap.  This is usually caused by dust or lint getting between the screen and the protector causing the irritating bubbles that show up.  IMO, the best way to get a clean install is with a dslr camera 'Rocket' blower and this:




When installing the protector, pre cut some strips of scotch tape (make sure you use 3M Magic type tape and not packaging tape, Magic tape will not leave any residue and comes on and off easily).  When you lay down the first side of the protector and see any bubbles due to dust just lift up and touch the Magic tape on the area and it removes the dust.  It also helps to be in a dust free environment, some will go so far as using a bathroom with the hot water running to humidify the room to decrease dust particles.  I find that using the tape method works fine. 

The S4 is currently sold with only 16GB.  Another carrier offers the 32 but the one that I am on does not.  Having a external memory card helps out if you have a lot of music, movies, pictures, files, or videos so I picked up a 64GB.  I've been using Sandisk for all my devices, the Ultra cards are the fastest ones for microSD size.  They do have the Pro versions but it's only offered in 16 or 8GB.

Current 2013 packaging:

A microSD that I picked up last year (2012):

A major change to the JB OS is that apps cannot be moved to the sd card.  With games getting larger and larger, it's easy to fill up your internal memory especially if it's limited to 8 or 16GB.  The current solution is to be rooted and create a 2nd partition on the card and use link2sd with foldermount.  The International variant of the S4 has a new update to JB 4.2 that allows apps to be moved so the rest of the phones should be getting this update soon.

Since the card is new, let's format it.  We'll change the exFAT to FAT32:

The advantage of exFAT is that it can have files go over 4gb.  The Galaxy S4 stock kernel and certain custom ones do recognize exFAT files as well as FAT32.  If you have older devices FAT32 is the way to go.

For those of you in the U.S., if you register your Samsung device on their official website, they will email you a 50% off code on up to 4 accessories that are priced under $50.00.  Great way to save on a S-View case, the OEM TPU, 11-pin MHL cable, or an extra battery.  Not sure if they offer this in other countries but give it a shot and hopefully the deal is available elsewhere.

-MW