Tips for boosting the volume of Google Android Smartphone or Tablet

Some Google Android Smartphones and Tablets have speakers or headphone jacks which are not very loud, and are hard to hear in loud rooms with lots of people talking, or when the TV is on in the background.

First, you should make sure your volume is set to it's highest by pressing the volume up button until the volume bar is full. Some tablets like the original Kindle Fire does not have volume buttons, so you need to use  the on screen volume controls/settings found in your tablet's operating system if your tablet or smartphone does not have volume buttons on it.

There is a Free App called Speaker Boost for Google Android which would boost your speakers and headphone jacks volume after you installed it, and adjust the boost settings. I tried it on my Kobo Vox Tablet, and now I can hear my Tablet's speaker when the room is louder because of a stereo or TV being on. I set the Speaker boost to 40 percent on my tablet. I like that Speaker Boost automatically starts up when I turn on my Tablet, and my settings are saved, so I don't need to turn it on, and adjust it every time I turn on my tablet. Speaker Boost also has an Icon which sits in the notifications area of Android which makes it easy for me to adjust the boost, or turn it off. Speaker Boost can also be used to adjust the default volume in Android in the settings area. The user interface is simple, all you do is slide your fingers to the right on the sliders to make the boost, or volume higher, and slide your fingers to the left to make the volume and boost lower. In the settings, you can also adjust how high you want the maximum boost to be to prevent damage to your speakers or hearing.

If your tablet or smartphone has Bluetooth, you can use a Bluetooth speaker like Jawbone JAMBOX Wireless Bluetooth Speaker to boost your audio by using a Bluetooth speaker instead of your tablets internal speakers. A Bluetooth speaker is wireless, and there are no wires and cables to untangle, so it is more tidy and convenient. Bluetooth is also digital, so the sound should be clearer then analog sound from an FM transmitter, or headphones. You can also use it on Apple iOS devices with bluetooth like the iPhone or iPad.



You can also use a portable wired speaker which is battery powered like X-Mini II Capsule Speaker to plug into your 3.5mm headphone jack on your tablet or smartphone. You can use portable speakers on a MP3 player, hand held game console, and other device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack.



There are also headphone amps like Fiio E3 Headphone Amp which uses an AAA battery which boost the audio with the battery in it which would make your headphones, FM transmitter, or speakers plug into the headphone jack louder.



Buying a better pair of headphones like Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones can also make listening to your audio from your Tablet, Smartphone, and other audio device sound clearer, louder and better compared to the headphones you owned, or came with your devices.

Voice chatting for beginners with a 3.5mm microphone for PC

Voice chatting is very convenient since you don't have to type while you chat with someone like Instant messaging, so your hands are free to do something else like folding Landry, origami,  and other tasks.

It is also cheaper then using your cell phone since Voice chatting on Skype, Windows Live Messenger, Google Voice, YIM, AIM, etc are free compared to paying by the minute for cell phone voice service. All you need is a broadband internet connection like DSL, Cable, or better internet.

Most computers and laptops have a 3.5 mm microphone jack which is usually pink, and found on the front, back, or side of your computer. The plug usually have a small mic symbol close to it. All you have to do is plug in your Mic, and turn on your computer to start using your mic for voice chat on programs like Skype, YIM, AIM, Ventrillo, Team Speak, BlogTV, UStream, and other voice programs.

Most laptops these days have a built-in mic, but if you are using a desktop, or older laptop without a webcam with a microphone, you'll need a 3.5mm microphone like the Cyber Acoustic 3.5mm Stick PC Mic with an adjustable arm and on/off button.

You can also use Google+ to start a hangout to voice chat with your friends on Google's newest social network.

In some cases, you need to configure your mic to work properly with Windows, Linux, and other OS and your voice chat programs like Skype.

You can click on the speaker icon found on the system tray to increase and decrease the sensitivity of your mic, and make sure it is not muted.

JVC Gumy Headphone, Loud Affordable Headphones for Kobo Vox eReader Tablet and other audio devices

 The JVC Gumy Headphones which I used for my Kobo Vox eReader Tablet works great as a pair of inexpensive headphones for listening to music, video, audiobooks, and Apps. They are also comfortable to wear, and fits nicely in my ear because they are made with a soft rubber gumy material. The best part is they only cost under 4 dollars on Amazon, so they are very affordable.

In my experience, the Gumy headphones louder and produce more natural sounding sound compared to other headphones I own, and used on the Kobo Vox.

The plug is also gold plated, so it looks nice, and provide better audio quality.

The length of the wires for the headphones is also pretty long, and flexible.

Portable Speakers for Rocking great sound for laptops and portable devices!

Many speakers which are built-in to portable devices like Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, Laptops, MP3 players have poor quality sound which is not loud enough or sound tinny compared to regular stereo speakers or your desktop computer speakers.

Most portable devices have an 3.5mm audio port for letting you plug in 3.5mm headphones, but you can also use the same 3.5 mm audio plug to plug in a pair of  portable speakers which is great for playing music at the park, or at home.