Most people would agree that smartphones have revolutionized the way we live our lives. Phones are no longer just used for calling people or sending messages. With millions of apps available, the possibilities of what you can do with your phone are endless.
Android is considered to be the most versatile platform in the world. Android phones and tablets come in a variety of sizes and prices from many brands and manufacturers. They are great for customers who like a lot of options.
Since Android’s operating system is made to be modified, many hardware manufacturers customize them with their own tweaks and tricks. Plus, your Android gadget is very customizable. Just a few examples include changing your wallpaper using a picture you took, or creating ringtones and assigning them to contacts.
Google maintains Android and has designed the mobile operating system with many features to make your life easier. You might not even be aware of some of the features that come packed in your Android gadget.
Here are some nifty Android features you might not have known about:
1. Unlocking Your Gadget
Don’t you hate having to unlock your phone every time you use it? This is especially annoying when you are alone in the comfort of your own home and there is no one else who can join in. Well, Android has a solution.
Google Smart Lock was introduced with Android 5.0 Lollipop. This eliminates the need to constantly unlock your phone after it has been deactivated. All you need to do is enable it and set the scenario in which your phone can be safely left unlocked for an extended period of time.
2. Transferring Data
Chances are you like the phone you have. However, if you’re like me, it’s tempting to upgrade to the shiny new version as soon as it’s released.
Android has made it very easy to upgrade to that trendy new phone with a feature called Tap and Go.
If you buy a new Android gadget you should see the Tap & Go menu pop-up at some point during the setup process. Tap & Go wirelessly transfers your accounts and data from your old gadget to your new gadget.
3. Check Experimental Features
Isn’t it nice to be ahead of the curve? Keeping internal track of features on your gadget that aren’t available to everyone just yet can be fun.
If you have an Android phone, you may be able to access some experimental features. Google has a hidden menu in many phones called System UI Tuner. If your phone has an incognito menu, it allows you to check out some of the features that may be standard on future versions of Android.
The first time you open this feature you’ll see a warning that says: “System UI Tuner gives you additional ways to tweak and customize the Android user interface. These experimental features may change in future releases, break.” may or may disappear. Proceed with caution.”
Once you’re in, you can change the look of the status bar. You can do things like customize the battery life symbol and show the battery percentage to always, never show, or only show while the phone is charging.
There are many nifty tricks you can use to make your phone fit your style. You can also decide which settings you want to show in the status bar, remove the icons you never use.
The hidden menu is worth a look. Poke around it and see some of the features hidden beneath the surface. If you don’t find it useful, you can always remove it from Settings and your phone will be back to normal.
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