Getting into Recovery mode for Nexus 5

1. Hold Power button + Volume DOWN button to boot into the Bootloader
2. Press any volume buttons until "Recovery" is shown and press the Power button. 
3. Phone will reboot and show an Android with the exclamation point appearing above the stomach shows with "No Command" below.
4. While holding the Power button, press once on the Volume UP button and it will go into Recovery mode.

Samsung Email app controls light and dark mode

I found this little neat trick on my Samsung S7 phone. The Samsung Email app is controlling the phone's setting for light/dark mode. There is probably a setting for those on One UI with Android Pie or greater. But this is probably one way to set dark mode for older Samsung phones still on Android Oreo and below without installing additional apps.

After launching the app, tap menu on the top left then the gear button at the top of the menu. Tap "Display style" then choose "Always dark". 

This will force all other Samsung apps to go into dark mode. It will also affect every other app that uses Launch Screen for its loading splash screen such as the Google Play store, Maps and Drive apps.

Change CSC (Consumer Software Customisation Code)

To find your CSC code, go to the dial pad and type in:
*#1234#
PDA - build version of the firmware
Phone - the baseband/modem version
CSC - specific to geographical region and carriers. It contains the software packages specific to that region, carrier branding and also APN settings for data connection, MMS etc for your service provider.
Build Info - the time and date of the build you are running.

How to change CSC on Samsung Galaxy S2?

1. Get IMEI number with *#06#. Write it down.
2. Type *#272*# at Phone dial pad.
3. Select the CSC that you want.
4. Click Install.
5. Phone will reboot.

Howto add alternative keyboard to rooted Nook Color

We shall install Gingerbread Keyboard for this example. This is especially for those using Manualnooter from xda-developers but should apply to any replacement ROM.
1. Download Gingerbread Keyboard apk.
2. Install File Expert from Android Market.
3. Run ES File Explorer, a free app.
3a. Enable "Root Explorer" and "Mount File System" in Settings.
3b. Copy apk to \data\app (Use copy and paste icons from "Oper" in bottom toolbar)
3c. Copy apk to \system\app (Use copy and paste icons from "Oper" in bottom toolbar)
4. Restart / Off and On Nook Color
5. Run NookColor Tools and Choose Keyboard. The keyboard should be there.
5a. If keyboard doesn't show up, run the keyboard apk from file explorer.

Android's email app is broken...

Android's own email app can't move emails in IMAP. The only workaround is to use a third party app like K-9 Mail which is open source.

Issue 1128 - android - Email app should allow moving messages between folders - Project Hosting on Google Code

From Symbian to Windows Mobile to Android

I have switched from Symbian (Nokia 6120) to Windows Mobile (HTC Touch2) in December 2009 and now using the Android based Motorola Milestone since April 2010. I am happy to say this is by far the best smartphone I've used. Hence this blog will be geared more towards the Android platform. Symbian is already old and busted while Windows Mobile is rubbish. Hopefully the soon to come Symbian/Meego or whachamacallit and Windows Mobile 7 will come up with something new and exciting. For now Android is the platform to go to. And the iPhone/iOS? You got to be kidding me.