Although the Android-iPhone duel continues, Google’s phone software is more versatile and customizable than Apple’s iOs. Surely there are still some useful functions and tools that you didn’t know about on your Android phone. Today we review some of these tricks that will change the way you interact with your smartphone.
Cast the screen to a TV
For several years, if you had a Chromecast device, you could be able to cast the screen of your Android phone or tablet to a television screen. However, you may not be aware that newer versions of Android include this built-in option, Android Casting. To use it more comfortably, create a shortcut in the Quick Settings panel of this option, you will find a Cast option in this menu. If you don’t see it, make sure you’ve installed the Google Home app for Android: open the app, hit Cast Screen / Audio from the menu, and then choose Chromecast. The screen of your mobile should already appear on TV.
Automatic unlocking of screen security when you are at home
You can configure the Android mobile or tablet to automatically unlock when the device detects that you are at home; This option is very useful, since you will not need to enter the pattern or the code that you have stored as access as often. You are safe at home, so it is best to use the function called “Smart Lock”. In it you will see the option “Trusted places” where you will have the possibility to add locations that represent a safe environment for you, such as the office and your home. By adding and saving, every time you are in one of these stored locations, the device will automatically unlock.
Quickly switch between two recent apps
This feature is available from Android Nougat, but it is one of the easiest to forget. How to do it? Double-tap the recent apps button and you’ll go back to the previous app, which means you can quickly switch between the last two apps you’ve used without having to open the menu. It will save you time.
Zoom in with your finger
It is a classic Android function, but it is still another of those tricks that one tends to forget over time. How can you zoom with your finger on images, maps or web pages? You do not have to perform the typical screen “pinch” gesture, but press twice quickly on the screen and keep your finger on it. If you slide down the image will be enlarged; if you slide up, otherwise, you will reduce its size.
Choose your favorite default apps
The ability to set default apps is a difference between Android and iOS (you can’t choose them on iPhone). You have the possibility to choose which applications should open automatically when you do something on your phone. To customize this function you have to go to Settings, then Applications, then touch the gear icon in the upper right corner. Select the apps for default tasks and you’re done. Thus, you can choose that your default chat app is Facebook Messenger instead of any other or even the one that comes from the factory.
How to recover lost notifications
Have you ever missed a notification by swiping it without having read it and wanted to get it back? How to do it? Thanks to the registration of notifications. You have to create a new widget on the home screen by following these steps: “Widgets” → “Configuration shortcut”. Drag and drop it on the home screen. You will see a list of different settings to choose from. Select “Notification log” and you’re done. You will never miss any more notifications.
Use the Google Assistant!
IPhone users have Siri, but Android has the Google Assistant. Google Assistant is clearly a much more sophisticated tool than Apple’s for different reasons, but the most important is that it makes use of Google’s colossal database. Among other things, it integrates tightly with other phone functions, for example, to remind you when to leave so you are not late for your next appointment or if the traffic is very dense at the time. Also, if you have smart speakers from Google Home or Nest Home or other compatible devices, you can also use the Assistant to control all those gadgets you have at home, be it lights, plugs or the speaker. To activate the wizard, say “OK, Google.” Those with an iPhone can also install the Google app to use the Assistant, but they should remember that it is not built-in and is not the default personal assistant.
