Latest news with #features
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Android Authority
These 8 features on my Pixel secretly boost my daily productivity
Ryan Haines / Android Authority Android is a treasure trove of features — Pixels even more so. The deeper you dig, the more you find. Our own Mishaal Rahman can probably vouch for that, considering he manages to unearth more features than Google even advertises. And that says a lot about a platform most of us rely on daily, on our primary devices, our phones. After spending years immersed in the bright and colorful world of Android, I've naturally developed a few personal favorites; features that remain underrated despite being incredibly useful. Sure, Mishaal may know about all of them, but I'd bet many of us forget they even exist after discovering them once via an obscure Reddit comment. These features — some exclusive to Pixel, others available across Android — have become part of my daily routine. App pinning Joe Maring / Android Authority This one's basic but wildly underrated. When I hand my phone to someone, say to pick up a contact or scan a QR code at a movie theatre, I pin the app by selecting the Pin option from the Overview screen (you must first enable app pinning in your phone's Security and privacy settings). That way, they can't swipe into another app, whether accidentally or intentionally. I can't stop friends and family from mindlessly swiping through my gallery when I show them a single photo, but I can stop them from going over to Messages or Keep. It's especially useful when my little niece or nephew borrows my phone to play games, and I don't want them to delete random notes or rearrange apps. Split-screen multitasking Joe Maring / Android Authority While this feature is often touted for large-screen phones and foldables, I find it just as handy on smaller devices, too. I frequently use it — again from the Overview screen — to run tools like the calculator alongside other apps, so I don't have to constantly switch back and forth. I'll admit, I sometimes forget it's there, but the moment I find myself toggling between apps too often, I arrange them into split-screen and save myself the trouble. Quick tap back gesture Joe Maring / Android Authority Pixel phones come with this fantastic gesture: a double-tap on the back of the phone to trigger shortcuts. It's officially called Quick Tap in Settings app, and I've set mine to pull down the notification shade, which I probably do a thousand times a day, whether it's to obsessively check for a message or dismiss an avalanche of Instagram DMs. It's so much easier than stretching your thumb all the way to the top of the screen, especially when using an app. My index finger naturally rests there anyway; all it takes is two light taps to see who's pinged me and then get right back to work ignoring them. Simple. Notification history Ryan Haines / Android Authority Calling this a lifesaver is almost an understatement. I still remember how surprised I was to learn that Android even had this feature. I have developed a reflex to sometimes swipe away notifications from a certain app without thinking — only to realize I actually needed that one. While digging into the Notifications section of the Settings app to get to notification history isn't the most intuitive process, just knowing that those messages aren't lost forever feels like a big relief to my anxious mind. Smart text selection in overview Robert Triggs / Android Authority Who would've thought that saving one extra tap could feel like such a win? On Pixel phones, you can long-press text in the app overview screen and copy it, without having to go back into the app itself. It might not seem like a big deal at first. But if you're copying details one by one, say from WhatsApp to fill in a form elsewhere while double-checking everything for accuracy, those saved taps really add up. It's a small touch that saves me a lot of friction and frustration. Screen recording with built-in audio Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Android's native screen recorder doesn't just capture the screen; it also records internal audio, not just mic input. It lets you pick the audio source each time you select the option from the Quick Settings menu. The feature is handy for sending how-tos to friends and family, but I also use it for more fun (and functional) things. You can capture livestream segments from YouTube with clean audio, record buggy app behavior to report issues (and claim massive bug bounties, just saying), or save synced lyrics from music apps to share with someone when a song just hits! All of this happens without any noise picked up from the mic. And you sure don't need any third-party shady tools for this. Gboard clipboard manager Andy Walker / Android Authority I genuinely don't know how I to live without this anymore. I use Gboard's clipboard manager constantly for saving text snippets, URLs, parcel tracking numbers, and even Instagram captions I'm still workshopping. And it sits just a tap away under Gboard's menu options. The ability to pin items so they don't vanish after an hour is underrated genius. It also saves me when filling those nasty forms that love to refresh the moment I switch apps. Having long responses backed up in the clipboard has saved my sanity more than once. Quick Share — but for yourself Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Quick Share is known for quick file transfers between devices, but I use it less for others and more for myself. My work requires me to move a lot of screenshots and photos from my Pixel to my Mac. With a third-party utility installed on macOS, I can send files in seconds — as fast and seamless as AirDrop. And if you're on Windows, you're even luckier as Google's first-party Quick Share app works like a charm there. How do you usually share files from your phone? 0 votes Nearby Share NaN % Google Drive NaN % WhatsApp/Google Messages NaN % USB drive, like it's 2010 NaN % If I dig further, I'm sure I'd find a dozen more such gems buried inside Android and Pixel's interface. But these are the ones I use every single day on my Pixel. Take away even one of them, and my flow and my sanity both would be completely thrown off. What about you? What's that one underrated Android feature you use that no one else talks about — the one that makes you feel smug when showing it to friends? Drop it in the comments.
Android Authority
20-07-2025
- Android Authority
5 underrated Android features I use all the time, and you should too
Andy Walker / Android Authority Features like split-screen mode, Quick Share, and various battery optimizations are more or less common knowledge amongst Android users. But Google's OS has so many features, it's easy for some to fly under the radar — especially since they can be buried deep within the settings. A lot of the features I use regularly aren't talked about as much as they should be, partly due to the fact not everyone is aware that they even exist. I want to change that by sharing five underrated Android features I think deserve more attention. I've added instructions on how to use them and where to find them, but keep in mind that some may not be available on all devices, while others may be located in a different folder due to the differences in Android versions and skins. App pinning Joe Maring / Android Authority We've all been there: You want to show someone an album with your vacation photos, an interesting app you just discovered, or have them try the latest game you downloaded, but you're worried that they will start going through your phone. The idea of a friend or a family member going through my messages and search history makes me feel uncomfortable, to say the least, which is why I use App pinning in cases like these. App pinning basically 'pins' the app to the screen, meaning the person holding the phone can't close it or open a new one. If they tried, they would have to unlock the phone with a fingerprint or a PIN, which is something only I can do since it's my phone. Problem solved. To enable App Pinning, head to Settings > Security & Privacy > More security & Privacy > App pinning. To pin an app, bring up the multitask screen, tap on the icon of the app you want to pin at the top of its preview, and then select the Pin option. Share Wi-Fi via a QR Code Robert Triggs / Android Authority One of the most frequent questions I get asked by people visiting me at home is, 'What's your Wi-Fi password?' It's a bit sad if you think about it, since I believe I'm more interesting than anything that happens on one's screen, but that's just the reality I have to deal with, unfortunately. My Wi-Fi password is long, so typing it in can be time-consuming. The problem here is that my Wi-Fi password is long and complicated, as it should be for security reasons. I don't know it by heart, and typing it in can be time-consuming anyway, so I just share it via a QR code. I just head to Settings > Network & internet > Internet and then tap on my Wi-Fi network. After that, I select the Share option, which brings up a QR code my guest can scan to instantly connect to my Wi-Fi network. So simple, yet so efficient. It's how technology should be. Notification history Ryan Haines / Android Authority I get a lot of notifications on a daily basis. And what happens is that sooner or later, I swipe some of them out of view, not knowing whether I received an important message or if a random app sent me a notification I couldn't care less about. So, how to solve this conundrum? This is where Notification history comes in. The name says it all — it basically shows me a history of all my notifications. So, if I swipe one or five out of view by mistake, I can still check them thanks to this feature. To access Notification history, pull down the notification panel and tap on the 'No notifications' text (or sometimes the small History button). If you don't see your history, you'll first have to enable it with the toggle that shows up at the top. Document scanner Rita El Khoury / Android Authority The days when I needed to plug in my all-in-one printer, wait for it to boot up, and then scan a document I needed to send someone are long gone. Not only was that process time-consuming on its own, but if you've ever worked with printers/scanners, you know there are tons of issues all the time that extend the process — at least that's been my experience. The tool automatically detects the edges of the document and then uploads it to my Drive. Now, whenever I need to scan a document, I place it on a table, open my camera app, and wait for the 'Scan document' option to show up. The tool then automatically detects the edges of the document, takes a picture, and converts it to a PDF that's then uploaded to my Google Drive. However, this is a feature that may not be available on all phones. I have a Pixel, which is obviously well integrated with Google Drive. Samsung phones also have this feature, but they usually upload the document to Samsung Notes. You'll find the feature on many other popular brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi, but not on all of them. Give it a try and let me know if you have it in the comments. Smart text selection Andy Walker / Android Authority Everyone knows how to select text on an Android phone. You just press and hold on it and then drag your finger to the part you want to select. It's easy. But while most people just use this to copy text, Android's smart text selection can do much more than that. For example, when I see a phone number on the website, I select the number, and the option to call it shows up right away. So there's no need to open the Phone app and type it in manually. The same goes for addresses: I just select the address, and an option to view it in Google Maps shows up instantly. Then there are dates: selecting a date brings up an option to create an event in Google Calendar, which saves me a ton of time. It's a brilliant feature, one not many people know about. How many of these features are you familiar with? 0 votes None NaN % 1 NaN % 2 NaN % 3 NaN % 4 NaN % All of them NaN % There you have it — my five most-used underrated Android features. However, there are plenty of others on offer in Android. I really want to hear which ones you use, so share them with me in the comments.
Android Authority
13-07-2025
- Android Authority
5 features I don't care about when buying a new phone
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority When it comes to buying a new smartphone, it's easy to get caught up in all the hype. Manufacturers constantly push the latest and greatest features, leading many of us to buy more phone than we actually need. When I'm in the market for a new phone, I always try to narrow down my options as much as possible. I do that by making a list of not only the features I want in my next smartphone but also those I don't care about. This approach helps me cut through the marketing noise and find a device that truly suits my preferences, without overspending on things I'll never use. Here are some popular smartphone features that I, personally, don't care about, and why you might consider them optional too. Which of these smartphone features you care about the least? 0 votes IP rating NaN % Wireless charging NaN % The latest and greatest SoC NaN % Lots of storage NaN % A super-slim body NaN % 1. IP rating Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority An IP rating indicates a phone's resistance to dust and water. While most high-end phones come with one, it's never been a deciding factor for me. In all my years of using smartphones, I've never found myself in a situation where an IP rating would have saved the day. I've never dropped a phone in a pool, spilled a drink on it, or taken a call in a downpour without an umbrella. I also make a habit of not handling my phone with wet hands. Of course, accidents happen, and some people are naturally more prone to them. Everyone's preferences are different, but for me, a phone without any water resistance is something I can absolutely live with. 2. Wireless and reverse wireless charging Ryan Haines / Android Authority Much like an IP rating, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are standard features on many flagship phones these days. My current Pixel has it, but honestly, I couldn't care less. I've never used it. For starters, wireless charging is often slower than wired charging. It's also less convenient for me. With a cable, I can easily pick up my phone and use it while it's charging. Grabbing a phone off a wireless charging pad obviously cuts the power supply. I have a habit of plugging in my phone and tossing it on the bed. And let's be real, wireless charging doesn't technically get rid of cables; you still have one connected to the charging pad. Speaking of pads, they usually need to be placed on a flat, stable surface, whereas I have a habit of plugging in my phone and tossing it on the bed, couch, or other soft furniture. The only real benefit I see to wireless charging is when I'm at a coffee shop or restaurant that have tables with built-in charging pads, offering a quick top-up while I'm out. Beyond that, it's a feature I happily pass on. 3. The latest and greatest Joe Maring / Android Authority The days when you needed the absolute newest phone to get a smooth, lag-free experience are long gone. Modern mid-range phones are incredibly capable and more than good enough for most users, even some demanding ones. I don't play graphically intensive games on my phone, so I don't need the very latest Snapdragon SoC to be happy. The Tensor chip in my older Pixel works perfectly fine, and many mid-range options from Snapdragon would also suit my needs. I also don't need 16GB of RAM or the absolute newest camera hardware. Phones like the Pixel 9a or the Galaxy A56 are more than sufficient for my daily use, and that goes for the vast majority of people, in my opinion. My point is, I don't chase the latest specs and features just for the sake of it; I prioritize what I actually need. 4. Excessive storage Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Phones now come with as much as 1TB of internal storage, which, for me, is complete overkill. I don't use hundreds of apps or play dozens of demanding games. Most of my photos and videos are stored in the cloud, which makes them easily accessible from all my devices. The same goes for other documents. 256GB is the sweet spot for me. A phone with 256GB of storage is typically all I need, although I could easily live with less. For me, 256GB is the sweet spot that ensures I won't run out of space over the few years I'll use a specific device. With that in mind, I also don't need a microSD card slot. Granted, most high-end phones don't have one these days, outside of certain models like the Xperia 1 VII, for example. I understand that some people prefer local storage for privacy reasons, and that others download a ton of apps and games. But with my current wants and needs, a phone with massive internal storage is simply unnecessary. 5. An ultra-thin body Ryan Haines / Android Authority Don't get me wrong, I don't want a phone as thick as a brick. But I've also never asked for a phone as thin as the Galaxy S25 Edge. It seems manufacturers are constantly trying new tricks to convince us to part with our money, and an ultra-thin body appears to be the latest craze that I hope not every manufacturer will jump on. A thinner phone often means a smaller battery, which is a compromise I'm not willing to make. A phone with a standard thickness of around 8 to 9mm is perfectly fine for me, and I've never wished for it to be thinner. Usually, it's the overall size I have a problem with. A phone that's too big isn't easy to hold and use with one hand, and it's certainly not the easiest to pocket. The phone's thickness rarely plays a significant role in that, so it's not something I care about when buying a new phone. And unlike some other entries on this list, I think most people would agree with me on this one. These are the things I don't care about when buying a new phone. Of course, there are plenty of features I do prioritize, but that's a topic for another post. What about you? Are there any popular smartphone features that you just don't care about? Let me know in the comments.
Wall Street Journal
30-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Apple to Delay Some Feature Rollouts in EU, Citing Regulatory Hurdles
Apple AAPL -0.14%decrease; red down pointing triangle said it will delay offering some planned new features to users in the European Union this year because regulations are making it harder to bring them to market in the region. The company's lawyers said on Monday that tools such as a 'visited places' service that tracks and records where users have been won't be rolled out in the EU when it releases its iOS 26 software update later this year.
Geeky Gadgets
30-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Beta Battery Drain? FIX It Now! (Ultimate Guide)
The iOS 26 beta introduces a range of exciting features, but as with any beta software, it comes with its share of challenges. One of the most common issues users face is increased battery drain, which can disrupt daily usage. If you've noticed your iPhone's battery depleting faster than usual, there are several practical strategies you can implement to optimize performance while still enjoying the latest features. In the video below, iReviews provides a detailed guide to help you manage battery consumption effectively. Watch this video on YouTube. 1. Reduce System Animations System animations, such as parallax effects and screen transitions, can significantly impact battery life by consuming processing power. To reduce their effect: Open Settings and navigate to Accessibility . and navigate to . Select Motion and enable the Reduce Motion option. This adjustment not only conserves battery life but also improves system responsiveness, making your device feel faster and more efficient. 2. Enable Adaptive Power Features The iOS 26 beta includes an innovative 'Adaptive Power' feature that dynamically adjusts your device's performance based on usage patterns. To activate this feature: Go to Settings and select Battery . and select . Ensure the Adaptive Power option is enabled. By intelligently managing power-intensive tasks, this feature helps extend your device's battery life throughout the day without requiring constant manual adjustments. 3. Choose Static Wallpapers Dynamic wallpapers and frequently changing lock screens may enhance your device's appearance but can also drain your battery. To reduce this impact: Navigate to Settings > Wallpaper and choose a static wallpaper. Static wallpapers require less processing power, helping to conserve energy and prevent overheating during prolonged use. 4. Simplify iMessage Backgrounds The latest iMessage update supports dynamic backgrounds, which, while visually appealing, can strain your device's battery. To conserve energy: Switch to static backgrounds in your iMessage settings. This adjustment not only reduces battery consumption but also ensures smoother messaging performance, especially during extended conversations. 5. Keep Software and Apps Updated Beta software often contains bugs that can negatively affect battery efficiency. To address this: Regularly update to the latest iOS 26 beta version, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Update your apps to ensure compatibility with the beta software and reduce unnecessary background activity. Staying current with updates ensures your device operates at its best while minimizing battery drain caused by outdated software. 6. Disable Unnecessary Background Features Background features like Siri and Apple Intelligence can consume significant battery power. If you don't frequently use these features: Go to Settings > Siri & Search and disable options you don't need. > and disable options you don't need. Turn off Apple Intelligence features that are not essential to your daily use. Reducing background activity in this way can significantly extend your device's battery life. 7. Adjust Accessibility Features Certain accessibility features, such as sound recognition, vocal shortcuts, and music haptics, rely on sensors and processing power, which can drain your battery. To optimize battery usage: Disable non-essential accessibility features by going to Settings > Accessibility. This ensures that only the features you actively use are enabled, reducing unnecessary power consumption. 8. Manage Widgets Wisely Widgets on your home and lock screens frequently update in the background, consuming both battery and data. To minimize their impact: Remove unnecessary widgets by long-pressing them and selecting Remove Widget. This simple step can significantly improve your device's battery performance while keeping your home screen organized. 9. Monitor App Battery Usage Some apps are more resource-intensive than others, leading to faster battery drain. To identify and manage these apps: Go to Settings > Battery and review the battery usage by app. > and review the battery usage by app. Uninstall or limit the use of apps that consume excessive power but are rarely used. By monitoring app activity, you can make informed decisions about which apps to keep and which to remove. 10. Turn Off AirDrop When Idle AirDrop's 'Bring Devices Together' feature is convenient but constantly scans for nearby devices, which can drain your battery. To conserve energy: Swipe down to open the Control Center and turn off AirDrop when not in use. This quick adjustment prevents unnecessary battery usage while maintaining the feature's availability when needed. 11. Optimize Wireless Connectivity While 5G offers faster speeds, it can also drain your battery, particularly in areas with weak coverage. To manage this: Switch to LTE or 4G in areas with poor 5G reception by navigating to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. This adjustment reduces strain on your device and helps maintain a more consistent battery life throughout the day. 12. Use Low Power Mode When Necessary Low Power Mode is a built-in feature designed to extend battery life by limiting background activity and reducing performance. To enable it: Go to Settings > Battery and toggle on Low Power Mode. This feature is particularly useful when your battery is running low and you need to conserve power for essential tasks. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage your iPhone's battery performance while exploring the new features of the iOS 26 beta. From reducing animations and managing widgets to optimizing connectivity and app usage, these adjustments allow you to enjoy a smoother, more efficient experience without sacrificing functionality. Stay proactive with updates and settings to make the most of your device and ensure it operates at peak efficiency. Master iOS 26 Beta with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Source & Image Credit: iReviews Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
