Eight hidden features of Android smartphones

Smartphones have made everyone’s lives easier. It has almost every important function – phone, camera, alarm clock, calculator, clock, stopwatch and timer, calendar, e-mail and social networks, internet, where it’s possible to play games or watch sport. But even with a smartphone, sometimes it can be difficult to complete a task. Here’s a selection of Android smartphone features that will make working with a phone much easier.

A long screenshot

In Android, it is possible to take a long screenshot. Depending on the brand and model of the device, the function may be named different things: “More capture”, “scrollshot”, “screenshot+”, “scroll capture” and other options. There are smartphone models in which a long screenshot can be taken after creating a normal screenshot. 

Gesture control

It’s possible to set up a smartphone to quickly turn on the camera. There’s no need to do a series of long actions, just press the buttons on the body of the device. To set the camera to turn on quickly, go to “special features” or “advanced settings” in the smartphone settings.

The camera can be controlled using gestures. Some devices respond to an open palm. Point it at the camera and the picture is ready. In other devices, it’s a wave of the hand, showing  an open palm, clenching a fist, bending a thumb or showing “peace”.

Perfect photos without apps

PlayMarket and AppStore are filled with photo processing programs. Before downloading one of these, check the smartphone’s capabilities. Maybe the built-in editor already has the tools needed.

A smartphone may be able to apply filters while taking a picture. To check this, go into the camera settings.

No one has canceled the different shooting modes. Portrait, night, panorama, wide-angle, macro – check the camera settings to see if these modes are available. Then there’s no need to download additional programs.

A store of secret apps

Some smartphones have the ability to create a second space. With the second space, the smartphone can be divided into two parts: work and private, parent and child, own and friend. But this feature is not available on all devices and everyone has applications that they would like to hide from people.

Show hidden

It can be difficult to see some small elements on the screen. Some users may need to zoom in and this is where the Magnifier comes in. This can be activated through “special features” or “advanced settings”. 

Work in two applications at once

This feature is available for smartphones on Android 9.0 and more modern OS. It is a convenient function when users need to use two applications at once without switching.

The function is edited in the smartphone settings under “advanced settings” – “buttons and gestures”.

Danger protection

If a new installed application seems suspicious, start tapping the screen quickly and frequently. “Panic mode” will be triggered and the system will throw the user out of the app to the Home screen. After that, stop the dangerous app through the settings or uninstall it.

Clone apps

Relevant for fans of social networks who may have more than one account in the same application. To avoid switching every time, create a copy of the program.

Go to settings, look for “Clone apps”. Choose the apps wanted, create a copy of it and name it. A clone icon will appear on the desktop.

The editorial unit