15 hidden Android chips

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Simple gestures, functions and capabilities that not everyone knows about.

In Android, since the Nougat version, there are many convenient actions and gestures that allow you to instantly jump to the desired function or perform a specific task. Not everything about the interface works in third-party shells, but gestures in Google applications are available to absolutely everyone.

1. Split screen in one click

To quickly switch to the mode of simultaneous work with several applications, you just need to hold down the on-screen multitasking button. In this case, the active application will be moved to the upper window, and in the lower one you can expand another. On some devices, split can be done by pinching and dragging the app thumbnail in the multitasking menu.

2. Fast transition between applications

You can quickly switch between the last two apps by double-tapping the multitasking button. The active application will be replaced by the one that was open before it.

3. Checking the date and time by icons

You can quickly find out what time it is and what date it is today, not only with the help of the status bar and widgets. The exact time and date are shown by the icons of the respective applications - "Clock" and "Calendar".

4. Quick access to the deployed curtain

You can open the full list of quick settings from the curtain with a two-finger swipe down. Usually, two consecutive swipes are used for this, where the first one opens only a row of icons.

5. Editing quick settings

The set and position of quick launch icons can be edited for a long time, removing unnecessary ones and adding really necessary ones. This is done after pressing a pencil or a similar element at the top of the curtain.

6. Go to the desired settings from the curtain

You can quickly switch to setting up a Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi or a sound profile by simply pressing the corresponding icon in the shutter. This is relevant for any item in the quick settings list.

7. Unlocking in safe areas

In order not to constantly unlock your smartphone with your fingerprint or PIN, you can activate the Smart Lock function in the settings, which is also called Smart Unlock. With its help, the gadget can automatically recognize the safe zones you have specified and not enable blocking within them. For example, this could be your home or your place of work.

8. Unlock by Bluetooth device

The same Smart Lock function allows you not to lock your smartphone when connecting Bluetooth devices. This is very convenient with a fitness tracker or wireless headphones that you constantly use.

9. Quick Disable Smart Lock

In the case when, with the Smart Lock function active, the smartphone needs to be locked forcibly, you will not have to go into the settings for this. It will be enough just to click on the lock at the bottom of the lock screen. This will ignore both safe areas and paired Bluetooth devices.

10. Fast navigation between Chrome tabs

In the Chrome browser, you can go to thumbnails of open tabs not only by clicking on the number to the right of the search bar, but also by simply swiping down from the same input panel. Side swipes on the address bar will allow you to move from one tab to another.

11. Quick access to submenus

In many applications, you can select an option from the drop-down menu when you click on the ellipsis in one simple gesture. To do this, you just need to slowly swipe down from this ellipsis and, without lifting your finger, stop at the desired point. Someone may find this method more convenient.

12. Rotate "Google Maps"

In Google Maps, the default orientation, with north up and south down, can be easily changed. You just need to touch the screen with two fingers and turn them together clockwise or counterclockwise.

13. Changing the viewing angle in "Google Maps"

You can also change the viewing angle on Google maps. To do this, you need to touch the screen with two fingers and swipe them up.

14. Zoom in Google Maps with one finger

Usually, a two-finger gesture is used to scale maps, but you can also do this in another way. You need to double-tap on the screen and after the second touch, do not lift your finger, but slide it up or down to zoom in or out.

15. Full screen YouTube video on 18: 9 screens

You can get rid of black bars when watching YouTube videos on screens with an aspect ratio of 18: 9 with a simple zoom gesture, that is, you just need to spread two fingers apart. In this case, a small part of the video along the edges will still be cut off: this is not critical, but it should be taken into account.