The best hidden features on your Android smartphone
Google Android's latest iteration Marshmallow is in the process of being rolled out across different makes and carriers. The new Samsung S7 comes with the software installed and it is available for all Moto X handsets.
Other brands are rolling it out in stages, including HTC, Huawei and Sony.
Before the software becomes ubiquitous, here are some of the best features inGoogle's Android 6.0 Marshmallow that will make your life easier.
1. Find out exactly how much battery you have
If you're always worried about running out of battery before getting to a charger, fear no more. Android's Marshmallow provides a range of new battery stats to give you a more accurate picture of your remaining charge. These include how long it will take your phone to reach full charge and how long until it runs out of battery.
Go to Settings -> Battery to see the stats.
2. Increase battery life by 30 per cent
If it looks like your phone might inconveniently die you can use this quick, new Android Marshmallow trick to extend your battery life by 30 per cent.
To activate the longer life you'll need to activate battery saver mode. Go to Settings -> Battery, click on the menu and turn it on. When you're not using your phone it will go into a "deep sleep state" and background apps will have reduced activity.
3. Get relevant information quickly by tapping the home button
It can be really annoying when you're in the middle of a conversation and you need to look information up quickly, but have to exit from messages and head to your browser app to get help from Google.
For example, when you're texting with a friend about going to the cinema and you have to keep switching between messages and your browser to check the film details. Android Marshmallow's Now on Tap tries to solve this issue by offering related information and links, based on its understanding of your texts.
To get the Now on Tap information, tap and hold the home button and it will pop up with information relevant to your conversation. If you're talking about going to the cinema it should pop up with information about the film and links for where to book.
The coolest features of Google's Android N
4. Decide what your apps know about you
Google has added a new feature to Marshmallow that lets users control the specific permissions that apps have in a move to give people more power to protect their privacy. On Marshmallow, apps only request the permissions they require as and when they need them. This means users can keep an eye on what each app has access to what on their phone.
For example, WhatsApp will only ask for access to your camera when you want to take a picture for the first time.
Marshmallow also lets you revoke individual permissions more easily. And the update means you can still use the apps even with less permissions.
To remove or add permissions for an app go to Settings -> Apps -> select an app -> Permissions -> add or remove permission.
5. Back up an unlimited number of photos
Google's latest update to the Photos app lets you back up and store an unlimited number of photos.
Go to Back Up and Sync -> switch on Back Up. The Photos app also has a free editing tool.
6. Improved copy and paste
Android developers have taken some inspiration from Apple and added a new copy and paste feature. When you highlight a piece of text the words cut, copy and share appear above the text now, rather than at the top of the screen.
7. Auto-unlock in your trusted places
If you get really annoyed always having to unlock your phone with a passcode even when you're home alone this feature is one for you. You can now tell your phone what your trusted locations are so that it doesn't require a password or unlock pattern to open in those places.
To set it up go to Settings -> Security -> Smart Lock -> Trusted Places. You can also set up a trusted voice and a trusted device.
8. Voice search without unlocking your phone
So if you're stuck needing a translation mid-conversation you can quickly tap the mic icon and ask Google to translate for you.
9. Lost your phone? Google it
Can't remember where you left your phone? If you type "find my phone" into Google on a computer, tablet or laptop it will make your phone ping and show you where it is.
To activate the feature you need the Android Device Manager, which you can visit online or download an app for. In the manager add your Google account to your phone (you can set your phone to lock and erase if it's stolen in this section). Then activate the option to see your device's location in Android Device Manager.
10. Access your phone through a friend's phone
If you've forgotten your phone you can still access your messages, photos, and other information by logging into your device on a friend's Android phone. Simply log in as a guest user. You can also add users so that you can share your device without having to share all of your information.
No comments:
Post a Comment