That mobile device in your hand can do more than you think.
Smartphones really are quite remarkable inventions. For previous generations, the very idea of a handheld device that can instantly communicate, not to mention hold extensive storage space of information available at the click of a button (never mind touch-screen technology!) and all in the palm of your hand was an idea solely relegated to the annals of science fiction.
But reality has caught up with fantasy quicker than we ever imagined possible and now the modern smartphone is something even Captain Kirk would have been impressed with! It’s hard to believe how little time ago we were still using landline phones almost exclusively, and the jump from that to the magnitudinal societal shift of almost everyone having their own smartphone is almost as extraordinary as the technology incorporated into said devices.
Not only are they standard phones, but you also have a powerful database, internet access (without having to worry about router issues), social media apps, calendar, schedule, 4K resolution screen and camera that is better in resolution and features than professional cameras of even a few short years ago. They really are marvels of technological engineering that have penetrated and proliferated our daily lives more than most people even recognize.
But, believe it or not, some smartphones – and for this article, we’re concentrating on the Android – have hidden features that many, if not most, people have no idea even exist. And some of these ‘hidden’ features can be quite advantageous to making your life a little easier. So, for this article, we’ll list 5 less-known features on an Android that could provide you with some useful ‘life hacks’.
1. Flash Notifications
It can be very irritating when your Android is constantly emitting loud notification tones to let you know of an incoming message, and even if you switch to a vibrating notification, it’s still relentless and distracting.
Well, fear not because Android feels your pain and has enabled a new notification system wherein you can set your device to let you know of incoming messages in a much quieter way by your screen or built-in flash blinking once a message arrives. Keep up to date with your notifications but keep your sanity in the process!
Learn more below.
2. One-Hand Mode
At one time, the compact size of a mobile phone was a major selling point, but smartphones have put that virtue to bed as with the increasing technological sophistication of the typical smartphone comes an increasing size. This can make operating the smartphone with one hand decidedly inconvenient.
Android has concocted a ‘one-hand mode’ that allows you to operate the phone with a single hand by pulling down the top half of your screen and allowing you instant access to apps, notifications, etc, with a single touch. Et voila!
Discover more below.
3. Restore Lost Notifications
If you’re a busy bee and receive constant notifications, it’s sometimes hard to keep track of them all and sometimes you can inadvertently delete them before fully reading the message therein. If that happens/has happened to you, fear not, Android is here to help.
The Android smartphone has a rather nifty little feature that allows you to open up and scroll through your notification history, even ones that you deleted. Never worry about some important notification you accidentally trashed and now desperately need, Android has it backed up for your convenience and peace of mind.
More info below.
4. Magnifying Glass
Tired of trying to read ultra-small text on screen that when you try to zoom in on becomes all blurry thanks to low resolution? Well, never give it another troubled thought as Android once again comes up trumps with a feature for everyday use.
The magnifying feature will enable you to look at small text and images at a readable close-up and without losing resolution. And you can move the ‘magnifying glass’ as you see fit, it’s not static. Another useful feature for easier living.
More details below.
5. Lock Screen Disabler
The Screen Lock function on your smartphone is obviously a useful feature for security and privacy when you’re out and about. But what about when you’re at home? Still having to go through the PIN code or biometric ID process just to access your apps – even in the comfort and safety of your own home – can be an annoying inconvenience.
Well, as the Scottish say… “nae worries”… Android has you covered on that front too! The Smart Lock feature allows you to bypass this security procedure, but only when you’re at home, which the smartphone itself determines via geolocation technology. It also can detect when you’re on a ‘trusted’ device like Bluetooth or your personal stereo. When they called it a smartphone, they weren’t kidding!
Learn more below.
