Android is the fastest growing Operating System for mobile devices and tablets. Almost all companies have started producing the Android Phones (except Nokia as of now!). Growth of these devices is tremendous as most mobile device manufacturers have shifted to Android operating system.
If you are thinking about buying a new mobile device, chances are that it will be probably Android based. If you are new to Android, this Android guide will get you started with Android.
Using Navigation Keys in Android
- Home: Pressing the home key will take you back to your home screen, no matter what you’re currently viewing. Holding the home key while at the home screen will show a list of Android apps you’ve used recently, or all of the icons stored on all of your screens.
- Menu: The menu key works like the left click on your mouse on your computer. It opens up any setting for the screen that you’re viewing. Pressing the menu key from the home screen will let you to change your wallpaper, manage your applications and adjust your settings.
- Back: The back key works just like backspace button on computer. It will take you back to the last screen you were viewing.
Searching on Your Android Device
The magnifying glass or search key will launch a Google search bar automatically. Some devices (like the Samsung epic) will let you use the search key to search through your apps as well.
Syncing Email and Social Networks
Syncing means that your Facebook, Twitter and Email accounts will share information with your phone. It is easy to use Facebook, Twitter and Email on your phone. Just sign in with your username and password. The contacts of your phone will be shared with these services.
Creating and Managing Contacts
In ‘people’ or ‘contacts’ press the menu key and select ‘create new’. Once your new contact is entered into your device, the information will be automatically linked to your Gmail account. Once your contacts are uploaded into your phone, its a good idea to create a backup of all your contacts to your memory card. To do this, just click on contacts and press the menu key, select Import/Export, then export to memory card.
Using The Camera on Your Android Device
Its easy to adjust your camera’s setting for any environment and within a few clicks text your picture to anyone. You can select the default file storage space (Memory card or phone memory as in other camera phones) and many other camera settings as you already encountered in other camera phone.
Tips To Take Basic Care of Android Device
- Always charge your device on a level surface.
- Don’t make calls while your device is charging.
- Never expose the phone to moisture.
- Use a microfiber cloth to keep your touchscreen clean.
Changing Passwor of Your Android Device
Resetting your username or password is simple. Just click on the ‘Forgot Password’ link. Always create secret questions that you should remember the answer to. These can be used for your verify your identity.
Improving Battery Life of Your Android Phone or Tablet
- Display settings: Screen brightness should always be set to ‘Automatic’ or less than 50% and screen timeout should always stay below 1 minute for best use of battery source.
- Connections: Turn off 3G/4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS when not in use. The ‘Power Control’ widget helps you manage connections easily.
- Vibration: When vibration is turned on, your phone has to spin a small motor, which uses a lot of power. Games and constant notifications are common cause for bad battery life.
- Check usage: When in doubt, check your battery usage.
Ringtones
Using your music as your ringtone couldn’t be easier by going to Android. Settings > Sounds > Phone Ringtone.
Downloading Android Apps From Google Play Store
‘My Android Apps’ will show entire app library. From here you can re-install anything by simply clicking on the application you would like to install to your phone. The apps you selected will be automatically installed to your phone. You can also install the apps by directly downloading and installing the .apk files.
Android Security How To Keep Your Android Device Safe?
- Use a password: Setting up a lock code is easy and it’s a great way to secure your data.
- Check apps permissions: Suspicious apps will ask for lots of permissions that are unrelated to the app itself.
- Read user feedback: Poorly designed or malicious applications almost always have bad reviews.
- Updates: Your manufacturer ‘patches’ security exploits with software updates. Keeping your phone up to date will prevent a lot of problems.
We hope that this beginners’ guide to Android will get you started towards your journey of being and Android expert. Note that this Android Guide is always a work in progress and we update this guide as Android is updated. Subscribe to Zoopable to receive an email whenever this Android guide is updated.