Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, and Android has been leading the way with its user-friendly and highly customizable features. In this article, we discuss the top 5 Android features that revamp your smartphone experience and take it to the next level.
Table of Contents
1. Dark Mode
Dark mode has gained immense popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. This feature is not only easy on the eyes, but it also helps save battery life on OLED displays. Here’s why you should embrace the darkness:
Benefits of Dark Mode
- Reduced Eye Strain: By minimizing the bright white light emitted by your screen, dark mode can make your phone more comfortable to use, especially during nighttime.
- Battery Life: OLED displays use less power when displaying darker colors, so utilizing dark mode can lead to longer battery life.
- Aesthetics: A darker UI is visually appealing and can give your phone a sleek and polished look.
How to enable Dark Mode
To turn on dark mode, simply follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on Display.
- Tap on the Dark Theme toggle to enable dark mode.
2. Split Screen
Split-screen functionality allows users to utilize two apps simultaneously, making multitasking a breeze. This feature can make your smartphone experience more efficient and seamless. Here’s how you can start using split-screen:
How to use Split Screen
- Launch the first app you want to use in split screen mode.
- Press and hold the Recent Apps button (square icon) at the bottom of your screen.
- Choose the second app from the recent apps list, or tap on the app’s icon in the recently used section.
- Adjust the size of each app by dragging the divider in between them according to your preference.
Note: Not all apps are compatible with split-screen mode, and some might show a warning if they’re unable to run in this configuration.
3. Instant Apps
Instant Apps are a unique feature that allows you to use an app without having to install it on your device. This can be particularly useful for users who don’t want to clutter their phones with numerous apps or those with limited storage. Here are the benefits of using instant apps:
Benefits of Instant Apps
- Save storage: Since you don’t need to install an app, instant apps save considerable storage space on your device.
- Try before you buy: Instant apps provide an opportunity to try out an app’s functionality before deciding to install it permanently.
- Quick access: Instant apps load quickly and seamlessly, making it easy to access the app right from your browser.
How to use Instant Apps
Follow these steps to enable Instant Apps on your device:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on Google.
- In the Services section, tap on Instant Apps.
- Toggle the switch to Enable Instant Apps.
Gesture navigation is a modern and intuitive way to control your smartphone. Instead of relying on physical or virtual buttons, you can use simple gestures to complete certain actions. Here’s how you can enable and use gesture navigation on your Android device:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- Tap on Gestures.
- Select System Navigation.
- Choose the Gesture Navigation option.
Here are some common gestures to use with gesture navigation:
- Go Home: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- Open Recent Apps: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold for a moment.
- Back: Swipe inward from the left or right edge of the screen.
5. Google Assistant
Google Assistant is a powerful AI assistant that can enhance your smartphone experience by answering your questions, performing tasks, and providing personalized information. Here’s how you can set up and make the most of your Google Assistant:
Setting up Google Assistant
- Press and hold the Home button, or say “Ok Google” if voice activation is enabled.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process, including accepting the terms and conditions and setting up voice recognition.
Using Google Assistant
Some of the countless tasks that Google Assistant can help you with are:
- Setting alarms and reminders
- Searching for information on the internet
- Sending texts and making phone calls
- Playing music and controlling smart home devices
To access these features, simply press and hold the Home button or say “Ok Google,” followed by your command.
Conclusion
With these top 5 Android features, your smartphone experience is sure to become more enjoyable and efficient. Make use of the Dark Mode, Split Screen, Instant Apps, Gesture Navigation, and Google Assistant – explore what your Android device has to offer and personalize it to suit your preferences. Happy Android-ing!
