Pie Controls vs. Stock Navigation on #Android

I decided to try out Pie Controls for a change on my #Nexus4. It’s at the moment running CM 10.1. I know it’s nothing new, but I like to use everything in a ROM if I can use it. Overall its a neat idea and I enjoyed having the extra screen real estate, but I found it too much of an extra step to get it on the screen. The regular navigation, while not aesthetically pleasing, is very quick and handy.

Have you used Pie Controls? Which do you prefer? and do you have another navigation alternative that you think may be better?

Why you would use a customized kernel on your Android Device

People ask all the time why would you root your device. One reason you would root would be to control the kernel on your #Android device. Kernels allow you to:

• Control clock speeds - allows faster performance by overclocking
• Voltage - allows you to limit the amount of voltage your clock speed can utilize
• CPU Governors - allows you to set certain profiles to on the fly clock your cpu up and down as needed.
• Task Schedulers - allows you to control on processes that your apps use in the background and the foreground.

With control over these items allow you to increase your performance and get better battery life that what your phone comes with. Kernels can do much more, but this is just the basics.

I just started using Franco Kernel Updater ( +Francisco Franco ) which allows you to customize these settings and more in the app.

Trinity Kernel Toolbox is another popular kernel that I have heard good things from.

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A Case for your Use Case

I am not buying another case in a regular retail store because I bought these cases for about 10 buck when at a retail store you can't buy a good case that is cheaper than $9.99. You should get a case based on your set use case for your phone. SURE, style plays a part, but the case should be dictated on your environment.

In my case I am a college student and a soldier. I have a LG Nexus 4, which is glass on both sides, with that said, I need cases with style as well as support. SO when i'm at school I use the poetic case and when I am in the field I use the Ballistic case for my nexus. 

Poetic Slimbook Case for Google Nexus 4 - $10.95 (http://amzn.to/V4oPWF)

-Folds horizontally to allow for typing
-Perfect port cutouts for your headphones, charging cable, and speakers
-Has card holders and a pouch area that you can put money

Exact Armor Case for Google Nexus 4 - $3.95 (http://amzn.to/V4oL9e)

-Nice gelatin feel for the inside of the phone
-Tough shell for the outer of the phone
-Feels nice in the hand and a price that you can't compete with

15 bucks and coupled with Amazon Prime, free shipping, just something I had to pull the trigger on and buy.