Airplane mode

A setting that turns off your phone's ability to send and receive signals. Use it on a plane to avoid transmitting signals that could interfere with airplane communications. Or use it when you don't want to receive calls and messages but still need your phone, like when you're using your phone as an alarm clock at night.

app

An application (program) you install on your phone to expand its capabilities. Your phone comes with some apps pre-installed, like the Email and Calendar apps. Download and install more apps from Google Play™. You can delete/uninstall apps that you downloaded and installed; some pre-installed apps cannot be deleted.

Bluetooth™

A short-range wireless networking technology that allows two devices to communicate with each other at distances under 8 meters. Use Bluetooth to connect your phone with a headset for making calls, headphones for listening to music, or a hands-free kit for your car.

cellular network or mobile network

A network of radio-transmitting towers. You make calls on your phone using radio waves sent between the phone and the network towers. You also send data and access the Internet on this network. Carriers use different technologies to handle these radio transmissions (GSM, CDMA, Edge, 3G, 4G, LTE, HSPA, iDEN).

data usage

The amount of data your device uploads or downloads over the cellular/mobile network during a given period. Depending on your plan with your carrier, you may be charged additional fees when your data usage exceeds your plan's monthly limits.

Google Play™

Google's store where you can download apps, books, movies, and music. Choose from an assortment of free books or apps; purchase from an even larger selection.

GPS

Global Positioning System. GPS gives your phone the ability to determine your location on a map. With GPS, your phone becomes your navigator when you're driving and your concierge when you're looking for a nearby meal, movie, or cup of coffee.

notification

An alert from your phone or an app on your phone. Your phone displays icons in the status bar to notify you of new messages, calendar events and alarms. Icons can also indicate ongoing status, such as connection to a Wi-Fi network.

NFC

Near-Field Communication. A short-range, low-speed wireless networking technology that lets you quickly exchange information between your phone and other NFC-enabled smartphones, smart accessories, and smart posters.

short cut

An icon you can add to your home screen that lets you quickly open an app. Create short cuts for apps you use frequently.

status bar

Thin bar at the top of your screen that displays the time and icons that tell you about your phone's battery and network connections. Apps display icons in the status bar to alert you of events, such as new messages.

Wi-Fi

A wireless networking technology that provides Internet access at distances of up to 100 meters. To save data charges when you're uploading or downloading large files on the web, use a Wi-Fi connection instead of your cellular/mobile network.

widget

An element you can add to your home screen that gives you quick access to frequent tasks; for example, the Power control widget lets you quickly turn Wi-Fi on and off and adjust screen brightness. Widgets can also give a you a preview of incoming information; for example, the Email widget shows how many new emails you have, along with the sender and some of the subject/body.

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