Google Navigation, Amazon Lending, SD Card Tips - Quick Updates
Weekly Tech Tips Roundup
Each week, we review submitted tips and feedback from our readership to highlight helpful techniques and solutions. This installment focuses on accessing the updated Google navigation bar prematurely, utilizing web-based searches within the Kindle Lending Library, and resolving common SD card formatting problems.
Early Access to the Google Navigation Bar
Users are discovering methods to enable the new Google navigation bar before its official rollout. This allows for an advanced experience with the updated interface and features.
Searching the Kindle Lending Library Online
A convenient workaround has been identified for searching the Kindle Lending Library directly from a web browser. This eliminates the need to navigate through the Kindle device itself to find available titles.
Resolving SD Card Formatting Issues
Problems related to SD card formatting can often be addressed with specific troubleshooting steps. These solutions aim to restore proper functionality and data accessibility on your storage cards.
We consistently strive to provide practical solutions based on community input. These tips represent a selection of the most valuable insights shared by our readers.
- The Google navigation bar update offers a preview of future changes.
- Web access to the Kindle Lending Library enhances search convenience.
- Addressing SD card formatting issues ensures data integrity.
Stay tuned for next week’s compilation of user-submitted tips and tricks. We value your contributions and encourage you to continue sharing your discoveries.
Access the Updated Google Navigation Bar Before Official Release
Previously this week, a video demonstration of the redesigned Google navigation bar was presented. While Google is gradually implementing this update for all users, a reader named Harkaboy has discovered a method for early access.
How to Enable the New Google Bar
The following steps will allow you to utilize the new Google navigation bar immediately:
- Step 1: Obtain a browser extension designed for cookie modification. A suitable option can be found at http://goo.gl/CeKtT.
- Step 2: Navigate to Google.com and utilize a right-click function to access and edit the site’s cookies.
- Step 3: Locate the cookie labeled “PREF” and replace its existing value with the following string:
ID=03fd476a699d6487:U=88e8716486ff1e5d:FF=0:LD=en:CR=2:TM=1322688084:LM=1322688085:S=McEsyvcXKMiVfGds. - Step 4: Ensure that all modifications are saved before proceeding.
- Step 5: Refresh the Google.com webpage to activate the new navigation bar.
- Step 6: Begin utilizing the updated interface.
This technique was successfully verified. Changing the cookie value effectively transitioned the navigation bar from its previous black design to the new logo-based, mouse-over activated version.
This is a valuable contribution from Harkaboy, allowing users to experience the new Google interface ahead of the wider rollout.
Accessing the Kindle Lending Library Through a Web Search
A reader, Mark, has shared a valuable method for Kindle users who wish to utilize the Kindle Lending Library. This service, offered to Amazon Prime members, allows the borrowing of one book each month from a catalog of approximately 5,000 titles.
Discovering a Workaround for Web Browsing
Initially, Mark encountered a usability issue. While searching for Lending Library books is straightforward on Kindle devices – including both Kindle Fire and standard Kindle models – there wasn't an obvious way to browse the collection via the web interface.
He devised a solution involving navigating the search settings to filter results. This process effectively prompts Amazon to display only Kindle books that are also integrated with the Prime system, signifying their inclusion in the lending program.
The sorting process proved cumbersome, leading Mark to provide a direct link for simplified access. This link directs users to the current selection of 5,480 books available within the Lending Library.
Benefits of Web-Based Browsing
Although the actual book loan must still be initiated on a Kindle device, this method significantly streamlines the browsing experience. It is considerably more convenient to explore the entire book selection through the web interface.
This approach avoids the need to manually scroll through extensive lists directly on the Kindle itself, offering a more comfortable and efficient way to discover new reads.
Key takeaway: This technique addresses a peculiar omission by Amazon, providing a user-friendly alternative for exploring the Kindle Lending Library.
Here's a summary of the benefits:
- Simplified browsing of the Lending Library catalog.
- Avoids tedious scrolling on Kindle devices.
- Efficiently locates books available for loan.
Resolving SD Card Read Errors Using SDFormatter
A reader, RoadWarrior, has shared a helpful tip concerning SD and SDHC cards.
The Benefits of SDFormatter
The tip highlights the utility of a tool released by Panasonic several years ago. This application, SDFormatter, performs a thorough formatting of SD cards, adhering strictly to industry standards.
Issues can frequently arise when formatting SD cards using standard operating system tools like Windows.
Certain devices demonstrate incompatibility with these conventionally formatted cards.
Device Compatibility
Specifically, the reader notes that a Nikon camera and a Wii console have exhibited problems when utilizing system-default formatting methods.
These devices function optimally when SD cards are formatted with SDFormatter instead.
The application is freely available and has a minimal system footprint.
It has consistently resolved formatting-related issues encountered by the reader.
How to Geek's Experience
The team at How to Geek has also found SDFormatter to be invaluable.
It was previously required to enable a Wii to recognize a problematic SD card.
This reinforces the app’s effectiveness as a solution for SD card compatibility concerns.
Share Your Tips
Do you have a useful tip or trick to share with the community?
Submit your suggestions via email to tips@howtogeek.com.