5 Android magic Tricks for a Smarter Smartphone
5 Mag Android Tricks for a Smarter Smartphone
Android tricksIn some ways, new technology can be a lot like
magic. Things that seemed impossible are suddenly happening right before your
very eyes, and unless you are versed in programming, you probably can’t explain
them. Google, in its Android operating system, loves to emphasize this ability
of technology to impress. Take, for instance, the Google Now app: a modern day
mind reader that knows where you are going, how to get there, and maybe even
where you’ll want to stop on the way.
This tech magic is not just for novelty. It has very
practical applications as well. People everywhere are coming to Android for its
smart, time-saving, and customizable features, making it the most widely used
operating system on smartphones
But if you are new to Android or switching from iOS, you may
still be discovering your device’s full potential. Maybe you’re even scratching your head
wondering what gets people so excited about this software. If that’s true for
you, read on to discover five of the best Android tricks to get a smarter
smartphone experience.
Note: none of these features require access to
administrative or “root” privileges on your phone.
1. Home Renovation (customized launcher)
When you swipe to open your Android device and look at your
home screen, are you happy with what you see? Are there things you wish you
could change about the look and feel? One of Android’s main selling points is
customization, but if the device’s style isn’t suiting you, you may think it is
pretty limited.
What you may not realize, though, is that the Android
home-screen, lock screen, and app drawer can all be replaced easily. The Google
Play Store offers a wide-range of alternatives to custom fit your taste and
needs.
Nova Launcher, one of the most popular options for tweaking
the Android experience, gives you control over virtually every detail. But if
you are looking for simplicity and style, you might try Chameleon Launcher,
MIHome, or the soon-to-be-released Aviate app.
2. Quick-Draw (smart widgets)
Widgets are a unique feature for Android. These helpful
tools deliver information, updates, and app-specific data right to your
home-screen in a stylish, interactive display. This way, you can get what you
need quickly, without launching a separate app.
Many apps that you download from the Google Play Store come
with widgets built in to them. But if you wish you had a widget that doesn’t
seem to exist, you can also make it for yourself! User-friendly tools such as
UCCW (ultimate custom widget) will allow you to design almost anything you can
dream up with just a few steps. You don’t even have to know code!
Some savvy graphic designers even make money selling their
own pre-made widgets for the UCCW app. Anyone with good design sensibilities
and a publishing account on the Google Play Store can do the same. If this
interests you, all you really need is some inspiration and some basic design
skills, which you can easily learn in this graphic design course.
3. Presto Change-O (quick navigation)
Early versions of Android were task-management challenged.
If you wanted to switch apps, you had to press the home key and navigate all
the way through from there. There was no way to switch between apps you already
had open.
This has become much easier in Android 4.0 (Ice Cream
Sandwich) and later versions. There is now an app switching key built in to
most devices. But if you really want to
pick up speed, you can do even better.
Independent android developers have devised some very clever
approaches to quick navigation on your device. Sidebar, Homeflip, Glovebox, and
SwipePad all offer unique options for setting up quick navigation that you
wouldn’t think was possible on your device. Each of the apps is unique and
worth a try. Give them all a spin to find out what works best for you.
4. The Hidden Hand (task automation)
Are there things you want your phone to do automatically?
For instance, when you plug in your headphones, do you wish your favorite music
app would come up? Do you forget to turn wi-fi on when you get home and wish
your device would remember to do it for you?
These are just two examples of many automations you can
accomplish using Tasker. A long-time favorite of tech enthusiasts and
productivity champs everywhere, the Tasker app lets you make mini-programs that
carry out tasks you would otherwise need to do manually. Limited only by the
user’s comfort and skill level, Tasker’s ability to “get it done for you” is
truly remarkable.
Once you install the app, you can easily find templates
online to start making simple tasks. But
if you really find yourself drawn to creating intricate tasks, you may want to
learn some programming fundamentals. As an aside: apart from allowing you to
save time by building Android automations, the skills you will learn in a basic
programming course will help you approach real-life problems methodically and
logically. It has immense general
applicability.
5. The Do-It-Yourself (easy app-making)
A great thing about Android is that it is relatively easy to
create and publish your own apps on the platform. If you have a great idea for
an app and no clue how to make it, here is some good news: some code-free
software will let you get it done today! For free! And if you want a jump-start,
there is even a course to get you up and running on Android in no time.
If you find you enjoy working with Android, and you do learn
a little code, you open up many more possibilities to turn your ideas into
apps. There is always something to learn, even for advanced programmers, but
getting started may be much easier than you think. You can get there in very
little time with the help of a comprehensive online course in Android
programming.
Hopefully, these Android tricks will get you on the path to
discovering the potential of Android and possibly even building on it. Google
and third party developers are always unveiling new ideas and technologies,
sometimes with the grandeur of a modern magic trick and sometimes with the
simple promise of a few minutes saved. Either way, it is an exciting and
promising world, and it is right there at the end of your stylus
