Learn some new tricks for your Android smartphone with our tips on maps, storage, data plans and more.
Throughout the past year, Android skyrocketed in popularity and currently holds 79% of the global smartphone market. When it comes to number of users, Google's operating system trumps even Apple's iOS. Together, Android and iOS make up 93.2% of the global market, but Android's share has been rising while Apple's share dropped.
Many of today's devices run on the 4G network. Unfortunately, 4G coverage is often spotty, and using it can quickly drain your phone's battery and put you over your monthly data allowance. You might want to use the 4G network only in a well-covered area, or switch to 3G when you're running low on power. Android makes it easy to do this. To switch networks, simply go toSettings > Mobile networks > Network mode and set your phone to CDMA only (3G) or LTE/CDMA (4G). These settings might vary depending on your location and which network you're on.
If you have the misfortune of losing your phone, it's unlikely that you'll get it back. Even if someone wants to return it, password protection will keep them from accessing a number to reach you. With Android 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 (Jelly Bean), you can display your contact information on the lock screen to increase the chances of reuniting with a lost device. From Settings, go toSecurity > Screen security > Owner info. You can enter your name, email address, phone number or other information to appear on the lock screen
With Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or any newer version, you can decline a phone call while sending the caller a custom text message. This is not a new feature, but the latest OS has different settings. To customize auto-response texts, go to Phone > Settings > Quick Responses. Tap one of the pre-written responses to change it. When your phone rings, you would normally slide the circle to the right to answer the call or to the left to send the caller to voice mail. To send a response text, slide the circle upward to the message icon and let go. From there, you can select a pre-written message or write a new one.
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Throughout the past year, Android skyrocketed in popularity and currently holds 79% of the global smartphone market. When it comes to number of users, Google's operating system trumps even Apple's iOS. Together, Android and iOS make up 93.2% of the global market, but Android's share has been rising while Apple's share dropped.
Android's surge contributed to smartphones outselling feature phonesglobally for the first time in Q2, according to Gartner.
What gives Android the current edge? The smartphones are well-known for their customizable interface, which continues to attract new users. You canmake the devices your own with apps, games and custom settings.
You can also optimize your Android's performance with personalized shortcuts, search boxes and widgets. Many people take personalization to a new level by adding custom words to the Android dictionary, adding contacts' images to the home screen or downloading animated backgrounds for a fun (though battery-draining) touch.
Android's many options and features are numerous enough to overwhelm even smartphone veterans. For every feature you know, there is another that can help you do something new with your smartphone.
Consider, for example, the Android's ability to run Google Maps offline. With Google Maps for Android, you can select and download a specific area on the map. The downloaded section can be used in places that have limited or unavailable Internet connection and on devices that don't have a data plan. If you don't have an unlimited data plan, using an offline map will save you the cost of accessing Google Maps on a mobile network.
To create an offline map, enter Google Maps for Android and display your desired map on the screen. As of July 11, 2013, there is a button that says "Make this map area available offline" to simplify the process. The estimated size of the area in your map will appear on the screen. If it is too large, you will be asked to choose a smaller area. You can store up to six maps on your device.
Click through our slideshow to see more things you can learn about your Android smartphone. If you have further suggestions to share with your fellow readers, please add them in the comments section.
Want even more Android app suggestions? Check out our round up of classics: 10 Epic Android Apps.Learn some new tricks for your Android smartphone with our tips on maps, storage, data plans and more.
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Many of today's devices run on the 4G network. Unfortunately, 4G coverage is often spotty, and using it can quickly drain your phone's battery and put you over your monthly data allowance. You might want to use the 4G network only in a well-covered area, or switch to 3G when you're running low on power. Android makes it easy to do this. To switch networks, simply go toSettings > Mobile networks > Network mode and set your phone to CDMA only (3G) or LTE/CDMA (4G). These settings might vary depending on your location and which network you're on.
Learn some new tricks for your Android smartphone with our tips on maps, storage, data plans and more.
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If you have the misfortune of losing your phone, it's unlikely that you'll get it back. Even if someone wants to return it, password protection will keep them from accessing a number to reach you. With Android 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 (Jelly Bean), you can display your contact information on the lock screen to increase the chances of reuniting with a lost device. From Settings, go toSecurity > Screen security > Owner info. You can enter your name, email address, phone number or other information to appear on the lock screen
Learn some new tricks for your Android smartphone with our tips on maps, storage, data plans and more.
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With Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or any newer version, you can decline a phone call while sending the caller a custom text message. This is not a new feature, but the latest OS has different settings. To customize auto-response texts, go to Phone > Settings > Quick Responses. Tap one of the pre-written responses to change it. When your phone rings, you would normally slide the circle to the right to answer the call or to the left to send the caller to voice mail. To send a response text, slide the circle upward to the message icon and let go. From there, you can select a pre-written message or write a new one.
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