In this article, I will be showing you some tips and tricks to get the most out of your Android device. You spent a lot for your phone - why not get the most out of it?

There is nothing I love more than gadgets, and one of my favorite gadgets of all time is my Android phone. For the record, I also own an iPhone, an iPad, every game console known to man, and a Gensu knife (why yes, it does slice, dice, and make julienne fries). And still I stand by my Android phone (for the curious at heart, I use the Samsung Infuse). It's just that good.

Of course, a device is only as good as your knowledge of it and how well it is configured, so with that in mind, I decided to write an article that would do the impossible - make my (and your) Android even better.

Tip #1: Upgrade

This one is an obvious no-brainer. Always be sure to upgrade your phone or device. Not only does it add functionality, but it also makes your device more stable and secure. Granted, I always wait a few days to make sure all the kinks in an update are worked out and that it is safe (several of my friends have had their phones lock up after a recent update release).

Another reason I mention this is that a huge update is on its way for Android devices. If you have not heard about it, I can only assume that you either don't have one, or live under a bridge.

Known as "Ice Cream Sandwhich", this new update seeks to be a bridge between Android phones and other Android devices, in addition to adding a lot of new functions (too many to list here).

Tip #2: Easy Searching Will Leave You Speechless

Driving and texting can be dangerous and a pain in the butt. Imagine trying to do a Google search while driving - not advised my friend. I'll also admit that sometimes, I just do not feel like typing. I mean, I do do it for a living and a hobby, as well as for fun. Sometimes a guy's fingers need a break.

Thank God for the Google Search App, which lets you give your digits a rest. Simply click on the microphone icon in the right hand corner (located conveniently next to the search bar) and start jabbering away. Couldn't get any easier than that. It also helps that the feature's accuracy is pretty spot on.

Tip #3: Say It, Don't Spray It

While we are on the subject of putting your money where your mouth is, if you really hate to type or are a bad speller, or need your hands for other things (like driving or slapping ugly children), you can use a feature that is similar to the Google Search speech function.

If your Android has a microphone icon on its keyboard, press it and speak and Android will do all the work for you.

Tip #4: Conserve Battery Life

The most enticing feature that an Android phone has to offer is its vast array of applications, both from the Marketplace and from third-party providers (ie; Amazon). Unfortunately, those apps come with a price - if you paid for them, then it comes with two prices. Namely, energy consumption.

If you have opened a million apps or notice that your phones battery life is not quite up to par, try checking your Running Services. It may be that apps are running in the background and eating up your precious, precious power.

To check, go to your Settings and choose Running Services. If there are services or apps running that you do not want or need at the moment, click on them and then choose Stop to close the program.

Tip #5: Conserve Your Battery Life...Again

Another thing that can eat up your battery power is animations - especially animated backgrounds. One thing you can do is use a static background in lieue of the animated variety. It may not look as cool, but it will help keep your battery from being drained to death.

Other animations eat up your phone juice as well. They are just as easy to get rid of. Just go to your Settings, choose Display, then Animations. From there you can decide if you want All Animations, Some Animations, or No Animations whatsoever.

 

DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware.

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