Activate the Android Power Strip

An important feature in Android is its built-in power tune-up widget. Here, you're able to quickly disconnect all the phone's battery-destroying features, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the Great Batter Killer that is GPS.

To install it, long-press on the screen and choose widgets.  Look for "Power Tune-Up" and choose a widget to add to your apps.  Once installed, you will have quick access to some important power settings.

Now you can block senders in Gmail from Android!

Gmail and Android users, Gmail just made it easy to block senders from your Android device or from the web.

From your Android device, while viewing the email from the unwanted sender, tap on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner.  You will now tap on "Block....."  When this sender is blocked, all messages from that email will now be sent to your spam folder.  You always have the option to "unblock" later.

An Amazing Tool: IFTTT

Have you heard of If This Then That (IFTTT)?  This app connects apps together, so they work best for you.  Visit the IFTTT site and sign up for an account.  Next, connect some of your apps, Gmail, Evernote, SMS (yes, texting on your phone), Facebook, etc.

When it comes to using this service, the possibilities are endless, but here are a few examples:

• Get a text every night of what tomorrow's weather will be.
• Track the time & your location in a spreadsheet.
• Automatically text someone when you are headed home.
• Have blog posts automatically emailed to you.
• When you post a photo to Instagram, have it automatically sent to Dropbox.

For just about any action you wish to automate that includes any app supported by IFTTT, you can find a recipe for.  Because there are so many possibilities, a Google search will give you so many more ideas.

Tax Calculator

Figuring out sales tax on the fly is not fun.  It can be easier with an app like the Sales Tax Calculator Free.  Download it on your phone, put in the tax rate, then you're all set.

When you're ready to use it, type in the price and it gives you the tax amount and total with tax.

This is a great app to have on-hand!

Hangouts Has It's Own Website

Google recently introduced a new space for Hangouts on the web.  If you access Hangouts from your computer, the new site is pretty nifty, providing you with all your Google contacts and options for getting in contact with them.

If you're like me, you get your text messages through the Hangout app on your phone.  Accessing the website allows you to send SMS through your computer and not even have to touch your phone.  Check it out:  hangouts.google.com

What's The Weather Forecast?

Having a weather report with just one click is pretty handy! "Weather", a Chrome extension gives you a simple forecast with just one click. The data comes from Forecast.io, a trusted weather site that proves accurate.  You can find the Weather extension in the Chrome Web Store.

Are You Using Google Now?

Have you tried using Google Now?  It's a nifty service that can help you navigate, give quick information such as weather and scores, and so much more.  You find it on your Android (or iPhone), say, "Okay Google", then ask it whatever you need.

You can set reminders for just about anything, search for whatever information you need, research so many topics, and a whole lot more.  It's one of those apps that you have to use and explore and make it work best for you.  Give Google Now a try!