AndroidTutor2018- There so many cool things you can do with Android that you probably don't even know. From custom ROMs to gorgeous launchers, apps, LED notifications, gesture controls, icon packs and tweaks, there is plenty to keep you happy for a while. Here are nine things every Android owner should try.
How to improve performance on Android
Save battery life on Android
1. Supercharge your Wi-Fi
Did you know you can tell Chrome to save time and money by reducing data usage? Most people don't. By using this setting, I've cut my data usage by 30 percent in the past month. How's that for easy savings? Go to Chrome > Settings > Data Saver and turn it on.
Everyone should tell Chrome to compress web pages before downloading them. / © ANDROIDPIT
Likewise, did you know you can tell your phone to keep Wi-Fi on during sleep? Just go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Advanced > Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep and select Always.
Doing this means that not only will you download things while your phone's display is off, but you will also save battery life, because your phone won't have to reconnect to Wi-Fi every time you wake it up.
How to boost your phone's Wi-Fi signal
The Advanced Wi-Fi Settings is a great place to save time, money and battery life. / © ANDROIDPIT
2. Enable Google Now on Tap
Google Now on Tap was introduced with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It provides contextual information for whatever is on your screen, allowing you to find information without having to search for it manually. You'll need (at least) Android Marshmallow to run it.
To enable Google Now on Tap, head over to Settings > Google > Search & now > Voice and switch it on or off. Once it's on, you'll then be able to enjoy fast, contextual information on tap. To disable Now on Tap, hold on the home button and a menu will appear. Tap the three-dotted icon and then Settings, where you'll be able to disable it.
You really must try Google Now on Tap. / © ANDROIDPIT
3. The battery optimizations
No matter which Android device you have, there are ways to improve the battery life from the get-go. Firstly, you should turn off 'ambient display' or 'adaptive brightness'. This setting changes the display brightness based on the current lighting conditions, but it's not perfect.
The sensor used to determine the light levels is not as accurate as the human eye, you can set a more appropriate display brightness for the current circumstances, and as the display is a key area where battery life is lost, make sure you keep this at the lowest level possible.
Make sure you disable ambient display, and use a battery saving function when necessary. / © ANDROIDPIT
Additionally, all of the major Android UIs come with some form of battery saving mode. While the strengths of each vary, they are worth digging into to see how they can be best applied for your particular needs.
For example, Sony's Stamina mode alters very little in terms of performance and it's one of those you can (and probably should) have enabled at all times.
The stock Android battery-saving function affects performance and app functionality quite heavily, so it might worth considering using this only when it's essential.
HTC's Power Saver, on the other hand, has several options that you can enable or disable within it, making it a little less rigid than the others.
Investigate the battery functions on your device by going into the settings and looking for battery, power or something similar.
HTC's Power saver mode (left) and Sony's Stamina mode. / © ANDROIDPIT
4. Grant app permissions individually
Have you got Android Marshmallow? It has a cool feature you should try: granular app permissions. This feature allows you to give apps permission to access hardware or data on your phone on a need basis. So if an app needs to access the microphone, it'll ask you for permission to do so when you launch the app and the app needs to use this piece of hardware.
Save battery life on Android
1. Supercharge your Wi-Fi
Did you know you can tell Chrome to save time and money by reducing data usage? Most people don't. By using this setting, I've cut my data usage by 30 percent in the past month. How's that for easy savings? Go to Chrome > Settings > Data Saver and turn it on.
Everyone should tell Chrome to compress web pages before downloading them. / © ANDROIDPIT
Likewise, did you know you can tell your phone to keep Wi-Fi on during sleep? Just go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Advanced > Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep and select Always.
Doing this means that not only will you download things while your phone's display is off, but you will also save battery life, because your phone won't have to reconnect to Wi-Fi every time you wake it up.
How to boost your phone's Wi-Fi signal
The Advanced Wi-Fi Settings is a great place to save time, money and battery life. / © ANDROIDPIT
2. Enable Google Now on Tap
Google Now on Tap was introduced with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It provides contextual information for whatever is on your screen, allowing you to find information without having to search for it manually. You'll need (at least) Android Marshmallow to run it.
To enable Google Now on Tap, head over to Settings > Google > Search & now > Voice and switch it on or off. Once it's on, you'll then be able to enjoy fast, contextual information on tap. To disable Now on Tap, hold on the home button and a menu will appear. Tap the three-dotted icon and then Settings, where you'll be able to disable it.
You really must try Google Now on Tap. / © ANDROIDPIT
3. The battery optimizations
No matter which Android device you have, there are ways to improve the battery life from the get-go. Firstly, you should turn off 'ambient display' or 'adaptive brightness'. This setting changes the display brightness based on the current lighting conditions, but it's not perfect.
The sensor used to determine the light levels is not as accurate as the human eye, you can set a more appropriate display brightness for the current circumstances, and as the display is a key area where battery life is lost, make sure you keep this at the lowest level possible.
Make sure you disable ambient display, and use a battery saving function when necessary. / © ANDROIDPIT
Additionally, all of the major Android UIs come with some form of battery saving mode. While the strengths of each vary, they are worth digging into to see how they can be best applied for your particular needs.
For example, Sony's Stamina mode alters very little in terms of performance and it's one of those you can (and probably should) have enabled at all times.
The stock Android battery-saving function affects performance and app functionality quite heavily, so it might worth considering using this only when it's essential.
HTC's Power Saver, on the other hand, has several options that you can enable or disable within it, making it a little less rigid than the others.
Investigate the battery functions on your device by going into the settings and looking for battery, power or something similar.
HTC's Power saver mode (left) and Sony's Stamina mode. / © ANDROIDPIT
4. Grant app permissions individually
Have you got Android Marshmallow? It has a cool feature you should try: granular app permissions. This feature allows you to give apps permission to access hardware or data on your phone on a need basis. So if an app needs to access the microphone, it'll ask you for permission to do so when you launch the app and the app needs to use this piece of hardware.
For Android versions before Marshmallow, you had to grant that permission before downloading the app in the Play Store. We assumed that denying some app permissions within third-party apps could break them. But now you can manage these permissions individually. Give it a try.
You can view and toggle permissions for an individual app. / © ANDROIDPIT
5. Use Google Now, enable always listening
Google Now acts as a virtual personal assistant, which you can use to retrieve information quickly and easily. But it's also so much more than that: Google Now can interact with your apps, take notes, set reminders along with a whole bunch of other clever tricks.
The more you use Google Now the more you realize what an excellent service it is. To give a simple example, say you wish to take an afternoon nap, but are already in that sleepy state and about to nod off. You don't need to reach for your phone and open your clock app, calculate the time you want to wake and set an alarm for then. Just say "Okay Google, wake me up in two hours."
Tap OK Google detection and select 'Always on'. / © ANDROIDPIT
You can even set it to work from any screen by going into Google Settings > Search and Now > Voice > OK Google detection > and selecting Always on.
We've listed more than 100 Google Now voice commands for you to use – give them a try.
6. Set up Android Device Manager
How Android Device Manager is not pre-enabled on every single Android phone I simply don't know. Android Device Manager is a great tool that lets you track a lost or stolen phone, remotely lock it, ring it, or delete its contents and even display a lock screen message for anyone that finds it. It may not be the sexiest thing you do with your Android phone, but it should be the first thing you do.
How to use Android Device Manager
Give Android Device Manager the power to lock or erase your data in case of loss or theft. / © ANDROIDPIT
You'll find the permissions for Android Device Manager in the Google Setting app under Security. You can enable Android Device Manager to remotely locate your phone as well as lock or erase its contents. But you'll also need to activate Android Device Manager as a device administrator. Go to Settings > Security > Device Administrators and check the box next to Android Device Manager.
Android Lollipop security
Make sure Android Device Manager is enabled as a device administrator. / © ANDROIDPIT
Android Device Manager 7. Try Pushbullet
There aren't many apps that I think absolutely everyone should use, because everyone has different tastes, needs and habits. But Pushbullet is different. Everyone – and I mean everyone – should be using it.
Best free Android apps everyone should be using
Pushbullet connects all your devices for sharing links, calls, SMS and even files. / © Pushbullet
You can push links on your phone to your tablet, from your PC to your phone or from your phone to all of your other devices. Copying and pasting URLs is so 1999. Pushbullet also notifies you of SMS or calls on your PC and you can transfer files between all of your devices with Pushbullet too.
Best apps for multi-tasking on Android
Pushbullet connects your phone, tablet, PC, Chrome browser and more. / © ANDROIDPIT
Pushbullet - SMS on PC 8. Save time with NFC
Many people don't even realize what NFC is, how it works or what it can do for you. But NFC is brilliant. A single tap can pair your Bluetooth headphones to your phone, transfer all of the contents of your old phone to a new one, or even send a default message to a contact when you walk in the door at home.
What is NFC and why you should use it
See that NFC logo on those headphones? One tap and you're paired. / © ANDROIDPIT
Some guy even implanted an NFC chip in his hand so he'd never have to unlock his phone again. You don't have to go that far, but an NFC-equipped device and a pack of NFC tags will change your life and save you tons of time. NFC is one of the coolest and underrated things to do with your Android.
9. Setup lock screen security
If your adventurous nature stops a little short of implanting an NFC chip in your person, the next best thing to do is set up your lock screen security. I am always surprised by how many of my friends don't have lock screen security set up.
Best Android lock screen apps
Whether you prefer a PIN or a pattern, do make sure you have a security method set up. / © ANDROIDPIT
If you lose your phone or have it stolen do you really want that thief to have access to all the intimate corners of your smartphone? No? Then set up a pattern or PIN lock right now. Just go to Settings > Security > Screen lock or, on some devices, Settings > Lock Screen to set up your preferred type of lock screen security. Seriously, do it right now.
What else should everyone do with their Android? Share your tips in the comments.
2,240 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 2,240 Shares
More from the web
How I Found Motivation by Ditching Earbuds and Embracing DiscomfortZappos
Say Goodbye to Phone Bills Forever With One Super-Low Wireless Payment Per Year!MintSim
Hollywood Actress Tells All: “I Hope My Story Will Help Other Women”ActivatedYou
Monterey Park, California: This Company You May Not Have Heard Of Is Disrupting A $200 Billion IndustryEverQuote Insurance Quotes
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
42 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
1 Colonel Indiana Longnuts 1 week ago Link to comment
F Google in the A. Anything that is google related, I $h!t on. If I have to use something, because they have monopolized some software, always go with fake information, and a VPN. F%*k them!!
0
Reply
21 Dwarfer66 5 months ago Link to comment
Wow, rehashing old articles again, well done.
1 Sonic S.
Reply
20 Parvind Chahal 5 months ago Link to comment
nice artical....need some more
0
Reply
1 Perfekt 7 months ago Link to comment
My only negative with Marshmallow is NO tap to wake
0
Reply
8 Yahya 10 months ago Link to comment
Most Android devices don't have most of these features.
I'm running KK 4.4.4 and don't have most of these features.
Fail.
https://techroasted.net/spotify-premium.html
4Show all 4 jugiDean L.Andro NutsNutscation
Reply
25 Dean L. 10 months ago Link to comment
Yeah same here cause my droid incredible is stuck on gingerbread.
This article will probably help when I get a new phone. Maybe....
1 Yahya
Reply
5 Mansoor Bozdar 10 months ago Link to comment
It's really useful topic
1 itprolonden
Reply
1 qbgrow 10 months ago Link to comment
best app for business is "qbgrow" amazing
0
Reply
2 Man United 11 months ago Link to comment
Great effort has been put into this article , really appreciate this a lot. I am an IT Admin and I believe sharing this info with my android Staff users is a great idea.
1 itprolonden
Reply
5 Vikas Dhar Jun 16, 2016 Link to comment
Wow!!! This is awesome and very helpful in many ways. I have already done everything on this list. If we use all Points in our device very carefully, then our phone worked a long time, and anything that can be done in one Android device, as long as they have the same version of android, except if limited by hardware.
1 Andro Nuts
Reply
5 James Thomson Apr 28, 2016 Link to comment
Good article Kris. I have already activated some of them. I love the Voice command, I just asked it to wake me up in 15 minutes. The kind lady told me my alarm was set. Cool.
0
Reply
2 Dhananjay Bhardwaj Apr 22, 2016 Link to comment
Kris, I love your write-ups. They are overwhelmingly simple and so much useful to every Android user. This one is just like the others. Another one added to the huge pile, right?
Over to the article, I found each and every point to be equally useful, such basic settings and features, right in front of our eyes, and do we even look into them? Not to say, but Pushbullet indeed is an outstanding app. I am a blogger too, and the app helps me a lot when I am working across my desktop and laptop.
EDIT: Where are my manners. Forgot to thank you. So, thanks for the awesome job that you're doing.
0
Reply
18 anshul Apr 21, 2016 Link to comment
I have tried most of them. Nice article.
0
Reply
29 Paul d Scott Apr 20, 2016 Link to comment
apart from pushbullet, I can vouch for everything else, in particular Now on Tap which is getting to be awesome,
reading a star wars blog... now on tap links to images... couple of taps and a little editing I'm rocking star wars wallpaper brilliant...
0
Reply
14 Bob visser Apr 20, 2016 Link to comment
You can also use apps like macrodroid, AutomateIt or tasker to automatically send messages.
1 Jimmy Ellis
Reply
18 Albin Foro Apr 20, 2016 Link to comment
I've found that the screen is overwhelmingly the battery drainer - everything else pretty trivial (though I've never used Facebook or its app.) My solution is a 30 second screen timeout and then using KeepScreen to identify specific apps to keep lit when on screen. I do use Greenify hibernation when I want the device inactive for long periods but want it on to receive communications. Just got a small pocket charger (with LED flashlight) for emergencies and that saves a ton of worry.
0
Reply
2 Abhishek Londhe Mar 29, 2016 Link to comment
Got Lenovo A210... The Google Launcher is not working on the device... Please help
tech2eco.com
0
Reply
2 Dhananjay Bhardwaj Apr 22, 2016 Link to comment
What is the problem, exactly?
0
Reply
6 Robert Shockley Nov 4, 2015 Link to comment
I leave the Wi-Fi on at all times so that when I'm using it it doesn't stop a download when the screen turns off. And to save my battery from the reconnecting. I still turn Wi-Fi off when I'm not using it to save battery it doesn't affect it.
2 Mark G.GT Ohh
Reply
1 Nicholas Bodley Jul 3, 2015 Link to comment
The advice to keep WiFi on seems foolish. The microwave two-way radio that connects WiFi draws battery power; the receiver is probably always on when you enable WiFi. The process of connecting should take only a few seconds at most, and doesn't drain the battery enough to matter.
Tapping to connect NFC is ridiculous. NFC hardware does not include a tap sensor, and if you tap, you're likely to misalign the antenna coils, making a poorer connection than if you lay the portable coil on top of your phone or tablet's coil. Think stacking playing cards.
Finally, why is this textarea spec'd. to use such a wee type size? Competent developers
set up code to find out whether the device feeding text is mobile, and have mercy on those who aren't severely nearsighted. This is a /desktop/ textarea!
Sorry, folks.
0
Reply
Show all comments
Write a comment!
You can view and toggle permissions for an individual app. / © ANDROIDPIT
5. Use Google Now, enable always listening
Google Now acts as a virtual personal assistant, which you can use to retrieve information quickly and easily. But it's also so much more than that: Google Now can interact with your apps, take notes, set reminders along with a whole bunch of other clever tricks.
The more you use Google Now the more you realize what an excellent service it is. To give a simple example, say you wish to take an afternoon nap, but are already in that sleepy state and about to nod off. You don't need to reach for your phone and open your clock app, calculate the time you want to wake and set an alarm for then. Just say "Okay Google, wake me up in two hours."
Tap OK Google detection and select 'Always on'. / © ANDROIDPIT
You can even set it to work from any screen by going into Google Settings > Search and Now > Voice > OK Google detection > and selecting Always on.
We've listed more than 100 Google Now voice commands for you to use – give them a try.
6. Set up Android Device Manager
How Android Device Manager is not pre-enabled on every single Android phone I simply don't know. Android Device Manager is a great tool that lets you track a lost or stolen phone, remotely lock it, ring it, or delete its contents and even display a lock screen message for anyone that finds it. It may not be the sexiest thing you do with your Android phone, but it should be the first thing you do.
How to use Android Device Manager
Give Android Device Manager the power to lock or erase your data in case of loss or theft. / © ANDROIDPIT
You'll find the permissions for Android Device Manager in the Google Setting app under Security. You can enable Android Device Manager to remotely locate your phone as well as lock or erase its contents. But you'll also need to activate Android Device Manager as a device administrator. Go to Settings > Security > Device Administrators and check the box next to Android Device Manager.
Android Lollipop security
Make sure Android Device Manager is enabled as a device administrator. / © ANDROIDPIT
Android Device Manager 7. Try Pushbullet
There aren't many apps that I think absolutely everyone should use, because everyone has different tastes, needs and habits. But Pushbullet is different. Everyone – and I mean everyone – should be using it.
Best free Android apps everyone should be using
Pushbullet connects all your devices for sharing links, calls, SMS and even files. / © Pushbullet
You can push links on your phone to your tablet, from your PC to your phone or from your phone to all of your other devices. Copying and pasting URLs is so 1999. Pushbullet also notifies you of SMS or calls on your PC and you can transfer files between all of your devices with Pushbullet too.
Best apps for multi-tasking on Android
Pushbullet connects your phone, tablet, PC, Chrome browser and more. / © ANDROIDPIT
Pushbullet - SMS on PC 8. Save time with NFC
Many people don't even realize what NFC is, how it works or what it can do for you. But NFC is brilliant. A single tap can pair your Bluetooth headphones to your phone, transfer all of the contents of your old phone to a new one, or even send a default message to a contact when you walk in the door at home.
What is NFC and why you should use it
See that NFC logo on those headphones? One tap and you're paired. / © ANDROIDPIT
Some guy even implanted an NFC chip in his hand so he'd never have to unlock his phone again. You don't have to go that far, but an NFC-equipped device and a pack of NFC tags will change your life and save you tons of time. NFC is one of the coolest and underrated things to do with your Android.
9. Setup lock screen security
If your adventurous nature stops a little short of implanting an NFC chip in your person, the next best thing to do is set up your lock screen security. I am always surprised by how many of my friends don't have lock screen security set up.
Best Android lock screen apps
Whether you prefer a PIN or a pattern, do make sure you have a security method set up. / © ANDROIDPIT
If you lose your phone or have it stolen do you really want that thief to have access to all the intimate corners of your smartphone? No? Then set up a pattern or PIN lock right now. Just go to Settings > Security > Screen lock or, on some devices, Settings > Lock Screen to set up your preferred type of lock screen security. Seriously, do it right now.
What else should everyone do with their Android? Share your tips in the comments.
2,240 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 2,240 Shares
More from the web
How I Found Motivation by Ditching Earbuds and Embracing DiscomfortZappos
Say Goodbye to Phone Bills Forever With One Super-Low Wireless Payment Per Year!MintSim
Hollywood Actress Tells All: “I Hope My Story Will Help Other Women”ActivatedYou
Monterey Park, California: This Company You May Not Have Heard Of Is Disrupting A $200 Billion IndustryEverQuote Insurance Quotes
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
42 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
1 Colonel Indiana Longnuts 1 week ago Link to comment
F Google in the A. Anything that is google related, I $h!t on. If I have to use something, because they have monopolized some software, always go with fake information, and a VPN. F%*k them!!
0
Reply
21 Dwarfer66 5 months ago Link to comment
Wow, rehashing old articles again, well done.
1 Sonic S.
Reply
20 Parvind Chahal 5 months ago Link to comment
nice artical....need some more
0
Reply
1 Perfekt 7 months ago Link to comment
My only negative with Marshmallow is NO tap to wake
0
Reply
8 Yahya 10 months ago Link to comment
Most Android devices don't have most of these features.
I'm running KK 4.4.4 and don't have most of these features.
Fail.
https://techroasted.net/spotify-premium.html
4Show all 4 jugiDean L.Andro NutsNutscation
Reply
25 Dean L. 10 months ago Link to comment
Yeah same here cause my droid incredible is stuck on gingerbread.
This article will probably help when I get a new phone. Maybe....
1 Yahya
Reply
5 Mansoor Bozdar 10 months ago Link to comment
It's really useful topic
1 itprolonden
Reply
1 qbgrow 10 months ago Link to comment
best app for business is "qbgrow" amazing
0
Reply
2 Man United 11 months ago Link to comment
Great effort has been put into this article , really appreciate this a lot. I am an IT Admin and I believe sharing this info with my android Staff users is a great idea.
1 itprolonden
Reply
5 Vikas Dhar Jun 16, 2016 Link to comment
Wow!!! This is awesome and very helpful in many ways. I have already done everything on this list. If we use all Points in our device very carefully, then our phone worked a long time, and anything that can be done in one Android device, as long as they have the same version of android, except if limited by hardware.
1 Andro Nuts
Reply
5 James Thomson Apr 28, 2016 Link to comment
Good article Kris. I have already activated some of them. I love the Voice command, I just asked it to wake me up in 15 minutes. The kind lady told me my alarm was set. Cool.
0
Reply
2 Dhananjay Bhardwaj Apr 22, 2016 Link to comment
Kris, I love your write-ups. They are overwhelmingly simple and so much useful to every Android user. This one is just like the others. Another one added to the huge pile, right?
Over to the article, I found each and every point to be equally useful, such basic settings and features, right in front of our eyes, and do we even look into them? Not to say, but Pushbullet indeed is an outstanding app. I am a blogger too, and the app helps me a lot when I am working across my desktop and laptop.
EDIT: Where are my manners. Forgot to thank you. So, thanks for the awesome job that you're doing.
0
Reply
18 anshul Apr 21, 2016 Link to comment
I have tried most of them. Nice article.
0
Reply
29 Paul d Scott Apr 20, 2016 Link to comment
apart from pushbullet, I can vouch for everything else, in particular Now on Tap which is getting to be awesome,
reading a star wars blog... now on tap links to images... couple of taps and a little editing I'm rocking star wars wallpaper brilliant...
0
Reply
14 Bob visser Apr 20, 2016 Link to comment
You can also use apps like macrodroid, AutomateIt or tasker to automatically send messages.
1 Jimmy Ellis
Reply
18 Albin Foro Apr 20, 2016 Link to comment
I've found that the screen is overwhelmingly the battery drainer - everything else pretty trivial (though I've never used Facebook or its app.) My solution is a 30 second screen timeout and then using KeepScreen to identify specific apps to keep lit when on screen. I do use Greenify hibernation when I want the device inactive for long periods but want it on to receive communications. Just got a small pocket charger (with LED flashlight) for emergencies and that saves a ton of worry.
0
Reply
2 Abhishek Londhe Mar 29, 2016 Link to comment
Got Lenovo A210... The Google Launcher is not working on the device... Please help
tech2eco.com
0
Reply
2 Dhananjay Bhardwaj Apr 22, 2016 Link to comment
What is the problem, exactly?
0
Reply
6 Robert Shockley Nov 4, 2015 Link to comment
I leave the Wi-Fi on at all times so that when I'm using it it doesn't stop a download when the screen turns off. And to save my battery from the reconnecting. I still turn Wi-Fi off when I'm not using it to save battery it doesn't affect it.
2 Mark G.GT Ohh
Reply
1 Nicholas Bodley Jul 3, 2015 Link to comment
The advice to keep WiFi on seems foolish. The microwave two-way radio that connects WiFi draws battery power; the receiver is probably always on when you enable WiFi. The process of connecting should take only a few seconds at most, and doesn't drain the battery enough to matter.
Tapping to connect NFC is ridiculous. NFC hardware does not include a tap sensor, and if you tap, you're likely to misalign the antenna coils, making a poorer connection than if you lay the portable coil on top of your phone or tablet's coil. Think stacking playing cards.
Finally, why is this textarea spec'd. to use such a wee type size? Competent developers
set up code to find out whether the device feeding text is mobile, and have mercy on those who aren't severely nearsighted. This is a /desktop/ textarea!
Sorry, folks.
0
Reply
Show all comments
Write a comment!
0 Response to "9 things every Android owner should try right now -[AndroidTutor2018]"
Post a Comment