ANdroid hints, tips and advice.

[norbs]

Well, given there has been a few people jump onto the Android Express, how about a few hints and tips.

Just today I found out how to add widgets. Excellent. But I have some questions still.

Best way to move stuff on and off the phone? I left the USB connection at work and was hoping to load it up with songs and videos.

Is there a way to stream video from a home network to the phone? I used Air Video on the iPhone and it was terrific. Is there an Android equivalent? Red Donut is for Windows only and I need OS X.

But, even if you think you have a pretty basic tip, leave it in here. They will all help.

[nutty]

Few quick ones, I know some are really simple, but I use them all the time.

Hold the home button down for all recent applications..
If you go into the settings and hit battery, then click time on battery it will show you a graph + what applications use the most battery
if you bring down the notification bar, then hold down one of the options (like GPS/WiFi ect..) it will bring up the settings for that item.

[Shonky]

if you bring down the notification bar, then hold down one of the options (like GPS/WiFi ect..) it will bring up the settings for that item.

This isn't working for me, I can only guess you are using a different rom, if so, it might be wise for folks to add what rom/phone they are using.

[KNAPPO]

That tip isnt working on my HTC Desire HD running Gingerbread, would be dam handy tho.

I always need to remember what i need to do; if its just turning wifi on im ok doing it from the notifications/quick settings drop down. But if i need to turn bluetooth on and pair my device to the home stereo i have to do it from the settings/wireless connections tab of the settings menu as i need to check more than one tick box. Im always trying to do it from the notifications menu then forget that i need to pair the device as well so i wish the tip Nutty suggested worked for me as well...

[nutty]

Im 99% sure it worked on stock Gingerbread, Guess Sense/TouchWiz turns it off?

[norbs]

Few quick ones, I know some are really simple, but I use them all the time.

Hold the home button down for all recent applications..
If you go into the settings and hit battery, then click time on battery it will show you a graph + what applications use the most battery
if you bring down the notification bar, then hold down one of the options (like GPS/WiFi ect..) it will bring up the settings for that item.

Excellent. I wondered about that.

God damn this is a good phone. Well, gadget.

[Shonky]

This varies depending on phone and is a bit fiddly to do but on the SGS2 if you press Home key and then the Power key quickly after it will take a screenshot.

[w00dsy]

In the music player, hitting the option button will allow you to set that song as a ringtone.

[EzyRider]

Oddly enough, I just got given a ZTE V9 tablet with Android 2.1 on it. I'll be looking for apps and stuff to break it on. This thread may come in handy

[kwijibo]

Just discovered that holding down the volume down button will put the phone into vibrate mode

[NeilPearson]

anyone know how to organise the application pages? when i install a new app, it doesnt fll up the space of an app i have uninstalled, it just does it at the end of the line so to speak. So i have about 2 half pages of apps if i try move them, it just sends me to the main 5 pages or so to place them there.

[w00dsy]

i have my Menu sorted by List View, i find it much easier. Just go into Menu, and then hit the Option key and select List View.

[Shonky]

anyone know how to organise the application pages? when i install a new app, it doesnt fll up the space of an app i have uninstalled, it just does it at the end of the line so to speak. So i have about 2 half pages of apps if i try move them, it just sends me to the main 5 pages or so to place them there.

You got an SGS2 don't you? If thats the case it's easy mate, go in to the app tray, hit the option key then select edit, from here you can add pages, move apps to different pages, or even create folders and place apps in them, it's pretty self explanatory.

[norbs]

Ripped from WP.

- the easiest way to deal with your contacts is go to Contacts -> Hit Menu Key (bottom left capacitive button) -> More -> Display Options
Then simply tick "Only contacts with phone numbers"

[w00dsy]

Love that one

[Vilante]

Thanks Norbs that one is excellent.

[r8response]

Either i've done it wrong, or it doesn't work with the contact list when doing an SMS

Edit: Solved that issue. Replaced the default "Message" icon on the bottom row with HandCent SMS

[Santaria]

Either i've done it wrong, or it doesn't work with the contact list when doing an SMS

Edit: Solved that issue. Replaced the default "Message" icon on the bottom row with HandCent SMS

GoSMS pro is far better and less bulky than HandCent.

Tip: Press and hold the volume up or down button when the phone is locked and listening to music, to skip the music forward and back respectively. (Gingerbread 2.3.4)