8 Secret Android Functions 90% Of Users Don’t Know About

Given how much time we spend on our smartphones, it is amazing to think how many of us haven’t got the faintest idea what these incredible devices are actually capable of.

To right that wrong, we have compiled a list of 8 “hidden” features that Android-powered smartphones are armed with.

Battery Saving Feature

Smartphones have large screens that drain the battery at a much higher rate than their predecessors from ten years ago, for example.

But if you choose a black or dark background for your screen, the automatic pixel highlighting will switch off and you will find that your battery will hold charge much longer than before.

Sadly, this feature is currently only available on Samsung’s smartphones and tablets, so if you own one, be sure to check it out.

Text-To-Speech Capability

This feature basically allows you to choose whether you prefer to read, say, an article yourself, or have the device read it TO you.

So if you choose the latter, go to Settings -> Accessibility and turn on the Text-to-Speech Output option. This is a great feature that will allow you to multitask and save time, so give it a try as soon as possible.

Did You Know That You Can Use Your Smartphone As A Remote Control?

This feature can come quite handy if your actual remote control is broken or simply misplaced. It is easy to activate too.

Just make sure your phone has IR blasters – the same tech that TV remotes use to communicate with the TV – and download and install a TV-remote app like AnyMote Smart Remote, for example. This will not only allow you to control the TV, but all other devices that receive an IR signal as well.

‘Guest Mode’

Say a friend of yours asks to borrow your device for a period of time, but you are reluctant to agree because all your personal stuff is in there. This is when the ‘Guest Mode’ feature comes in handy.

Just swipe down from the top with two fingers and touch the user icon on the upper right. The Add guest icon will appear on the screen, allowing you to choose which actions the person using your smartphone will be permitted to take.

Screen Magnifier Feature

A real lifesaver for those of us with poor eyesight, this feature provides the ability to zoom in on any part of the display just by tapping it. To activate it, go to Settings -> Accessibility -> Magnification gestures.

Hotspot Mode

By activating the hotspot mode, you can basically turn your smartphone into a 3G modem or a router that ‘feeds’ internet to other internet-enabled devices. To do so, go to Settings -> Tethering and portable hotspot, and switch on Portable WLAN hotspot!

You Can Control Your Smartphone With Head Movements

You may sometimes find yourself in a situation where you have to use the phone but your hands are occupied. Well, you can now ‘use your head’ to get around this problem. Just download and install a free app called EVA Facial Mouse and give it a try!

They Even Have Secret Games?

Just like some good old bands and musicians put hidden tracks in their albums for fans to find, Google also puts a small secret present for users into all their devices.

However, these gaming treats can be difficult to find, so what we are offering to you is basically a shortcut. First, go to Settings and choose About phone or About tablet.

Then, quickly tap Android version several times, and when a small marshmallow shows up on the screen, quickly tap it again. This should activate the secret mini-game.

Source: Curious Mind Magazine