It remains no secret where Android was derived from. But one the source code for this inspired operating system became open-source, the possibilities were limitless. The testament is the shiniest Android device in the market, be it high-end or budge-end, packed to the brim with the latest version that has not only made life easier, revolutionized portable entertainment but has also made communication more sophisticated. The Android device comes with a host of tweakable feature including a Developer Mode which is invoked after a few furtive taps on the Android version number in the ‘About Phone’ section. But do you know all the basic as well as advanced-level settings which can optimize your device’s performance or increase its utility manifolds. Let us have a look at these 10 common to virtually unknown tricks to make your Android smartphone smarter:
Not as frequently used as its cousin, the ‘Uninstall’ button, it is a safer alternative than the uninstall option as it ensures application data cache is not lost. The application is removed from the app drawer and prevented from running in the background.
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The digital age has little respect for privacy and security and to this intent, the android device manager has the capability to track your phone’s location should be lost while on silent or stolen. It can also be used to remotely wipe sensitive information from your phone by doing a full-blown remote data-wipe.
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The DND Settings or the Do Not Disturb Settings are responsible for ensuring your smartphone does not end up becoming a botheration to your schedule. It is much more sophisticated than the “profile” system on the Symbian device which we are familiar with, as it allows you to choose from a wider range of notifications such as system notifications and contacts profile specific DND options.
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The Google Assistant is a much more sophisticated version of Google’s voice features. It can be invoked both using the OK Google feature on your home screen or by using the voice feature. Google Assistant merges with third-party services like Nest, Google SmartThings and IFTTT, which makes it easier to use the voice feature in natural languages.
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If you were a fan of interface skins on the ancient Symbian phones as much as I am, then launchers might not be such a new element to you. The Google Play Store is flooded with launchers or 3rd party applications which allow you to change the icon set for your app deck, the transparency level of menus, transition animations as well as the shell in some cases. There are plenty free launchers and free skins available in the market that can literally make your device screen look like something out of the Matrix!
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If you are as scares about people moseying over to your personal gallery and memos and messages without hesitation, then the pin-screen option maybe your new best friend. Yes, we do use app locks, but app-locks have a cumbersome repeat-value unlike the pin feature which is a one-touch option. It is available over every open window so you can lock the screen to that application and prevent unauthorized app-browsing.
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It is no news that Android allows you to install 3rd party renditions of stock applications. But did you know that everything, down to the keyboard as well can be changed to suit your need? Yes, you can swipe your fingers over letters instead of typing if that is too slow for you. The accuracy would of course vary from device to device, but you can enhance that by taking a pick of the 3rd party keyboards out there on the Play Store.
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This unfortunately would be available only on Android Nougat (Android 7.0) and above. If multi-tasking is the name of the game for you then this facility shall make you fall for the Android OS even further. The split-screen option can be invoked by using the Overview function. Once you have chosen which screens to choose from, you can also choose to alter the amount of screen-space to assign to each application.
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In case you haven’t noticed, Lollipop onwards, Android has started maintaining user profiles akin to the familiar counterpart on the desktop. Now we have a Guest user feature as well, which comes into handy if you are lending the phone to anyone and wish to have their preferences distinguished from yours.
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One of the many reasons people opt for high-end Android smart devices is also because of developer related reasons. High-end phones allow one to overclock their device to a good extent to test the boundaries of Androids nuances. As mentioned above, tapping the Android version number in the About Phone section of your settings invokes the Developer Options. Given the open source nature of Android, if you are a developer, you can take full advantage of the facilities such as the permanent awake function, the process statistics, USB debugging, aggressive Wifi to mobile date takeover among many more!
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