The Samsung Galaxy Note® 10.1 is a powerhouse tablet packed with features that are sure to keep you productive. Top-notch features include Android 4.1 operating system, a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor with 2 GB of RAM, and both front- and rear-facing cameras. But the real stars of the show are its expansive, super-clear 10.1-inch screen and its Multi Windows functionality.

Multi Windows, multitask

Choose between Cascade View and Dual View to get a gander at two or more applications at one time. Cascade View provides you with a look at multiple apps in a flowing, patterned view for easy access and resizing, while Dual View allows you to work with two main apps in a side-by-side or top-and-bottom orientation. You’ll be surprised how often this feature will save you time, help you stay productive and keep your tasks moving along with minimum frustration.

The design deadline

You’re in the cab on the way to the big presentation when you suddenly realize that you forgot to replace this logo with that one on the new website you designed. No problem. Just whip out your Samsung Galaxy Note® 10.1 and open your design template right alongside your browser. Update the template as needed with the tablet’s cool S Pen™ stylus, and then simultaneously review the change in your browser on the same screen. No juggling apps, and no sizing and resizing of multiple windows. Crisis averted. Breathe easy.

The quick social share

Still reeling from the shock of winning backstage passes to meet your favorite band? Make everyone a believer by showing off that pic of you sandwiched between the lead singer and the drummer. Use the Samsung Galaxy Note® 10.1 on your train ride home to edit out that chili stain on your T-shirt and then share via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram all at once. No need to open and close a bunch of mobile apps repeatedly—just quick and easy bragging of your epic night.

The work/life balance

You love your job, but it can be difficult to balance your boss’s demands with your family life. With the Samsung Galaxy Note® 10.1, you might find striking that balance is a bit easier. You can be at the ballpark, snapping and viewing photos of Timmy hitting his first homerun while at the same time making notes on that spreadsheet you need to edit. Then you can open your email and send the pics to your folks in Tucson and the spreadsheet to your boss. Just don’t get the addresses mixed up, or you’ll have some explaining to do.

The class video project

Your group assignment is to create a video for the class. And since your classmates know that you have a snazzy new Samsung Galaxy Note® 10.1, you’ve been delegated as the one to review the first cut and provide notes to your group. Using your tablet, you can view the video and make notes speedily, on the fly, without shuffling back and forth between windows and apps. Your group’s a shoo-in for the A+.

What is a connected device?

Connected devices are stand-alone consumer electronics products that connect to the Verizon Wireless network using your Share Everything plan. These stand-alone devices include products such as the Samsung Galaxy Camera™, a 16-megapixel camera with 21x optical zoom that can upload to the web via 4G LTE on your existing plan.

Another great example of a connected device is the Vehicle Diagnostics by Delphi. This product helps you manage your trips, find your parked car, keep alerted to vehicle diagnostics and even use your compatible phone to operate existing key fob functions.* To use all the functions of this device, you’ll also need a monthly Delphi Connected Car subscription.

The beauty of a connected device is that it connects directly to the Internet and not to your phone, so you can use it independently of your smartphone or tablet.

What is a smart accessory?

A smart accessory is a class of product that really focuses on doing one thing well—a very specialized task that works in conjunction with your smartphone. A smart accessory connects directly to your smartphone or tablet, using your existing data connection instead of requiring a Share Everything plan of its own.

Smart accessories include a wide range of fun and helpful products. Health and fitness accessories such as the UP by Jawbone® Wristband, which tracks various biometrics, help you manage your exercise and rest, even reminding you to move once in a while.

Bring smart thinking home with Tagg—The Pet Tracker™. You’ll get alerts via a text or email message if your schnauzer steps out of his safe zone. Find toys and games for all ages with such products as Crayola DigiTools™ Deluxe Pack or the MOGA™ Mobile Gaming System, console-quality controls that snap onto your smartphone.

Prepare in advance for this contingency with the right apps on your smartphone or tablet. Get help finding and planning indoor activities and outdoor adventures, or serve up fun (and educational) games. Looking for craft ideas or other indoor activities for kids? Want to plan some day trips? Go to the movies? There are plenty of apps that can help you out—and some protective accessories that will allow you to rest a little easier while your kids use your phone or tablet.

Outdoor adventures

If the weather complies, summertime activities for kids often begin outdoors. Use apps to find those special places to make family memories. The Chimani National Parks app enables you and your children to plan a national park getaway by providing information on America’s 59 national parks, as well as hundreds of National Park Service units. Other Chimani apps focus on individual parks—Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, Cape Cod National Seashore, etc.—with detailed information about activities and the locations of restaurants, restrooms and other park services.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities closer to home, ParksByNature apps may help. ParksByNature currently offers free interactive guides for more than 20 state park systems—these apps include GPS navigation capabilities; detailed maps of trails, facilities and campgrounds; and calendars of events.

Indoor activities

Stuck inside on a rainy day? Time can pass more quickly if you plan some craft activities for your children. Paper Crafts Making – Fun Kids includes instructions on how to create photo frames, homemade bubble bath, headbands and other fun things from simple items you’re likely to have at home (paper, cardboard, glue, crayons, string, etc.).

For the budding artists in your bunch, try downloading drawing and painting apps for your Android smartphone or tablet. Some great ones to try are Picasso Draw Paint Doodle, Scratch Draw and Kids Paint.

Movie madness

Hot summer days are also great for taking the kids to a cool midday matinee. Find movies that are showing nearby—and at practical start times—with Fandango Movies. And if you sign up for a Fandango account, you can create lists of movies you want to see and favorite theaters, read reviews, and sort films by MPAA ratings. View trailers and purchase tickets too. If your device has GPS capabilities, Fandango Movies will even provide directions to the theater.

Don’t want to take your energetic brood to a movie theater? Check out Redbox Instant by Verizon. For just $8 per month, you can enjoy unlimited streaming of popular movies and TV shows, plus you’ll get four DVD credits to use at the kiosks.

If you prefer pay-as-you-go video streaming, Amazon Instant Video is a great choice. Rent some of the hottest new releases, or check out some old-school classics. And with an Amazon Prime membership, you get unlimited access to a library of great hits included for free.

Extra protection

Before handing over your smartphone or tablet to your kids, it’s wise to invest in a display protector. These thin films that protect your screen from scratches are easy to apply and wipe clean. For little ones or rough-and-tumble outdoor types, consider a ruggedized case such as those offered by Otterbox for even further protection.

Though it can’t provide a complete cure for the summertime blues, let the technology behind Android apps and smartphones make this summer a lot more cool for the kids (and for you).

Exclusive devices

Running on the new Windows Phone 8 OS, the Verizon exclusive Nokia Lumia 928 is a camera powerhouse with optical image stabilization and Carl Zeiss® optics, allowing you to get the perfect shot even in low light. Among many other cutting-edge features, the Nokia Lumia 928 offers wireless charging support built right into the device—making it compatible with a range of docks and accessories. When placed on top of a charging pad, the Nokia Lumia 928 can easily power up without the need for wires and cables. (Charging pad sold separately.)

The Droid DNA by HTC is another Verizon exclusive. Among the first phones to have an ultra-fast quad-core processor, Droid DNA is a great performer. When you combine its potential with Verizon 4G LTE speed, you feel the power: faster streaming, multi-tasking and gaming. Exclusive apps on the Samsung ATIV Odyssey™ help you see important information and share important moments. It’s proof that cutting-edge technology can be easy to use—with Verizon.

Exclusive apps

Do more with apps like INDYCAR 13, exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers on Android smartphones. Hop in the driver’s seat and take control of the racetrack. Select your favorite driver or team; view live, in-car streaming video; and even watch four video feeds at one time. If hockey is more your speed, enjoy exclusive Verizon content with the Premium version of NHL GameCenter™; get live NBC national games; NBC’s Inside the Glass; and live streaming of NHL On The Fly™. Not a sports fan? Use the Verizon Accessory Store App to shop a wide variety of accessories, deals and exclusives available only to you as a Verizon customer.

Great protection

Security is crucial to your mobile device. That’s why Verizon has introduced the Verizon Mobile Security app for Android smartphones. With the app, you get virus-scanning capabilities and safe browsing protection for free (data usage applies). For a monthly charge, the Premium security suite adds remote recovery features if your device is lost, and app safeguards to protect your personal data. Either way, you experience fewer potential disruptions and greater availability of services.

Reputation for reliability

More customers recommend Verizon than any other wireless network. Verizon has the largest 4G LTE network in the nation, covering over 90 percent of the US population. And only Verizon’s 4G network is 100 percent 4G LTE. Count on staying connected to upload pictures and download movies and songs to match the pace of your life.

Easy-to-manage data plans

Verizon makes it easy to monitor your data usage and manage your wireless service, 24/7. Quickly view how much data you’ve used in the current month or change your plan options by going to verizonwireless.com/myverizon on your computer or using the My Verizon Mobile App on your device. Choose the plan that’s right for you to keep you current and connected in today’s digital world, then manage every tap and tweet with the online Data Calculator. It’s just one more benefit of being a Verizon customer!

Watch more with the Mowgli’s and see why mobile Internet is so important for a touring band and how they use their Verizon prepaid Jetpack to stream live, mobile concerts.

Check out the Mowgli’s when they’re in your town and keep up with them on Twitter.

Document your thoughts 

Innovative apps make it easy to record your life. If you’re a diary-keeper, you can entrust your most personal vacation experiences to Private Diary, a password-protected Android app that lets you record your feelings with emoticons, or the iJournal app, which lets you capture text, photos or voice entries from wherever you are this summer. The Catch app is handy if you want to sync a diary account to multiple devices including a desktop. Just create a free account at Catch.com. Entries can be location-tagged and shared via email, Facebook, Twitter and more.

If a photo is the centerpiece to one of your diary entries, use a photo app that enhances your visual memories. PhotoFun is a quick and easy photo-editing app that lets you customize your photos. Take a pic of your friend with your smartphone and add cool graphics, borders and text bubbles to it. Once completed, you can save the photo, share it or download it as wallpaper.

Snap any moment 

It’s a carefree season. Make the most of it with great photos taken on a premium camera such as the Samsung Galaxy Camera™. Sharing your best vacation shots has never been easier with the preloaded Instagram app and a powerful 16-megapixel camera featuring a 21x optical-zoom lens. Thanks to Verizon’s fast 4G LTE network, your friends and family can enjoy your picture-perfect moments as if they were right there with you.

If you only want to carry one device, get a smartphone with a great camera. The Droid DNA by HTC offers one-press continuous shooting capability, so you never miss capturing a perfect moment in the sun (or low-light environment, for that matter).

For smartphone newbies, the Lucid™ 2 by LG helps you learn how to get the most out of a smartphone while offering an easy but excellent picture-taking experience.

Record your adventures 

You’re about to embark on your first deep-sea fishing expedition. Wouldn’t it be great to share with friends back home that epic moment when you reel in a 10-foot marlin?

The Looxcie® 2 Wearable Video Cam makes it possible. It’s sleek, small and can stream anywhere—over 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi. Looxcie fits on your hat, helmet and even your ear to unobtrusively record your summer fun as it plays out.

Make more hot summer memories with cool apps, devices and accessories found at VerizonWireless.com and in the Verizon Accessory Store.

About the series

Just about everyone has a smartphone in their pocket these days. But how much do we really know about these amazing little devices? Get Smartphone Smart, our man-on-the-street series, aims to find out exactly how much (or little) we know about our mobile devices. Of course, you might just learn a thing or two along the way.

Free Wireless Workshops

Need a little help mastering your smartphone? Verizon offers free Wireless Workshops in most retail locations. Topics range from Android basics to configuring your email and taking better photos.