Android: 10 hidden features

Android smartphones are used by millions of people worldwide, but how many of us know the little tricks and hidden features they are capable of?

1. Google Maps

If you’re lost and without wifi or data, you can still use Google Maps. The system is available offline and allows you to select and download a specific area on the map which you can then browse later.
To create an offline map, press Search > Make this map area available offline. You can store up to six maps on your device.

 2. Speed dial

Instead of just having a list of numbers on speed dial, Android lets you create icons for your most-dialled contacts and place them on your home screen. Press and hold an empty space on your home screen, and then press through to Shortcuts > Contact, and select the contact you want to add. Alternatively you can press down on a 'Favourite' contact and create a shortcut to the home page.

 3. Lost phone

Not everyone is going to return a lost smartphone to its owner but if you want to increase your chances of having your phone returned to you, you can display your contact information on your password protected lock screen. Go to Settings > Security > Screen Security > Owner Info. Then just enter your name, email address or phone number to help a kind passer-by reunite you with your phone.

 4. Google Chrome

Download Google’s Chrome to Phone app, and you will be able to send links, messages and phone numbers from your desktop browser straight to your phone. It helps you access bookmarks and saved searches immediately on your phone.

5. Screen shot

Capturing an image on your screen can be done by swiping your little finger across the screen from left to right. Do it slowly until the shutter clicks and an image should be automatically stored to your gallery.

 6. Data usage

If you don’t have unlimited data, Android Jelly Bean allows you to program your phone to monitor your data usage. When you are approaching a high amount, it can warn you, and then stop you altogether when you reach a certain limit. This will save you going over your limit and receiving a costly bill.

7. Add to dictionary

Android lets you save complicated names and words to its dictionary. This means when you want to write out the name again, it will come up as predictive text and save you from re-writing it each time. To add a word to dictionary, press down on it and hold until the white line beneath disappears. This means it has automatically saved.

 8. Storage

You can use your smartphone as a portable USB drive by storing files onto it and transferring them onto your computer. Plugging the phone into your computer with a USB cable allows you to swap files between the two.

 9. Save battery

Use a built-in widget that lets you access Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, Brightness levels and Google syncing on the home page. This means you don’t have to keep entering Settings to access these features, and will help you prolong your battery life.
You can also close down apps that are draining your battery by going to Settings > Running Services, and pressing Stop to close apps you are no longer using.

10. Special characters

When you want to access commonly used special characters, you don’t need to press the symbols button for the separate keyboard. Instead you can hold down the full stop button and a box of commonly-used characters will pop up, saving you time.

 Source : The Telegraph