Many of you AndroidGuys readers are experts, and have a great grasp of how Android devices work. However, we do have a growing base of readers who are making the switch over from iOS devices that don't know the basics when it comes to using their new Android devices. That's what we are here for.
Some of these tips and tricks are intuitive to some of you, but for many they may have never thought about using these tools that Google gives us.
Check them out below.
- Use your voice to control your phone. Just say "OK Google" and give a command to send a text, make a phone call, set a reminder, create an alarm, or play music. The list of commands grows everyday.
- Keep all of your photos backed up with Google Photos and free unlimited storage. Go to settings in Google Photos and turn on Auto Backup. If you're on a limited data plan, make sure to only back up over WiFi.
3. Use the built-in flashlight to see what is going on around you or to read a menu in a dark restaurant.
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4. Find your phone using the Android Device Manager app. You can simply log into your Google account from any computer, go to the Google Device Manager webpage, and find any devices you're signed in on. You can make your phone ring, or even lock it from your computer to protect your valuable information.
5. Quickly determine what song is playing by simply tapping the microphone on the Google Search bar on your home screen, and ask Google what song is playing.
6. Using the stock Google Phone Dialer app, you can block any caller you want. If you are using a Samsung or LG device, those phones come with different phone dialer apps that Google did not build. You can change them out to the official Google dialer by clicking on the link above. Although your LG or Samsung devices will probably have a contact blocking tool as well. To block someone, go to your Contacts, and select the user. Hit the edit button, and send all calls to voicemail.
7. You can vastly improve your Android experience on your non stock device by installing a launcher. A launcher is one of the great features of Android where you can change the way your phone looks and feels. One of my personal favorites is the Google Now Launcher[6]. If you want a more customizable launcher, many enthusiasts prefer the Nova Launcher which is free to download at the Google Play Store[7].
8. Use widgets on to get things done faster. To install a widget, simply go to your home screen and hold down on the display. At the bottom of your display, select "Widgets" and find the ones that will make you faster.
9. Watch your movies and TV shows across multiple devices. Whether you're on a tablet, laptop, or smartphone simply sign into your Google Play Store account to keep things synced.
10. Take full immersive Virtual Reality Photos and Videos using Google's Cardboard Camera app[8]. Cardboard Camera takes VR photos—moments in time you can relive in virtual reality. Hear the sounds as they happened, and look around to see the scene in every direction. VR photos are 3D, so near things look near and far things look far. Whether its a vacation getaway or a family get-together, VR photos bring you back to that moment.
I hope you enjoyed these tips which help to make you appreciate Android.
References
- ^ Google Photos (play.google.com)
- ^ Android Device Manager app (play.google.com)
- ^ Google Device Manager webpage (accounts.google.com)
- ^ Google Phone Dialer app (play.google.com)
- ^ Google dialer (play.google.com)
- ^ Google Now Launcher (www.androidguys.com)
- ^ Nova Launcher which is free to download at the Google Play Store (play.google.com)
- ^ Google's Cardboard Camera app (play.google.com)
Source → 10 Tips and Tricks all Android users should know to get the most from their devices
