Tips that will improve your experience with Google's mobile OS

Jul 15, 2010 16:01 GMT  ·  By

The following tips might be known to experienced Android users, but those less savvy might find them pretty interesting. The list will probably grow in time, as the operating system is upgraded often and new functions and options are revealed.

One of the most important tips is a simple way to wake up your smartphone bypassing the lock screen. Basically, when the screen is off, you can double press the Menu button to bypass the lock screen and wake up the phone. This will only work if you didn't activate the "Unlock Pattern" option.

Changing between ringing profiles can be easily accomplished by using the Volume keys. You can change from silent mode to ringer mode, just by pressing Volume up/down keys. If you have your phone set to silent mode, further pressing the volume down hardware button will activate vibration mode. This tip may not be compatible with all Android models, but it works on most of them.

When writing a message and you're using the on-screen keyboard, you can do a space bar double tap instead of typing “.” then space for a new sentence. The keyboard will automatically do a full stop, space, and then capitalize the next letter.

You can use the phone's trackball (if one is present) to scroll anywhere in a text message, instead of trying to put your finger in between some words or letters. This way is quicker and much easier. Using the trackball on the HTC Hero will also switch between home screens, replacing the swiping method.

Whenever you press the Menu button in App Drawer (Main menu), it will let you switch the view from Grid mode to List mode.

In case you don't have a certain widget installed on your home screen you can just tap the notification bar to check the current date, which will appear in the upper-left corner of the screen.

Here is another interesting tip, turning your device face down while receiving a call will mute the ringtone. This tip is available for Android devices that feature a proximity sensor. You get the same result if you press the volume down button.

Feel free to add more tips and tricks below, especially if you're an advanced Android user.

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