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Top 12 new features of Android 12 you should know

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Top 12 new features of Android 12 Android 12, as the successor of Android 11,  was publicly released on October 4, 2021, with many new features and improvements, as expected.

This guide summarizes the top 12 new features of Android 12 that most users will like (or need) to know. A concise explanation of each of these new features is provided to help users, especially those upgraded from Android 11, quickly start to use these new features.

Detailed step-by-step guides for some of these new features of Android 12 will be covered in other posts separately (and listed on the Android 12 Guides page).

Please note, a few big Android vendors (e.g., Samsung)  may implement a few of these features differently in their Android 12 releases. So, if your phone is not running the stock (or near-stock) Android 12, you may find the settings are in different locations or have different options.

If you have questions about getting the Android 12 update for your device, you may check this guide.

Here is our list of the top 12 new features of Android 12.

1. Redesigned UI: one of the most eye-catching new features of Android 12

After you update to Android 12, you will very likely be surprised by the huge digital clock on the lock screen.

This is just an example of dramatic changes in the redesigned UI (user interface).

Based on Google, the redesigned UI in Android 12 lets users feel more comfortable. For example, you will see more space in the notification panel. The quick settings panel is no longer just icons: the name and current status (if applicable) are also shown.

The redesigned UI in Android 12 actually changed the entire user interface, from shapes, light and motion, to customizable system colours.

It is also a lot easier to customize the Android 12 UI.

2. Camera and microphone access indicator: the most practical new features of Android 12

Android 12 now lets you know whenever the camera or microphone is accessed by an app. So, this is an addition to the location access control introduced in Android 10 to protect your privacy.

In the status bar, you will see the camera and microphone icons when they are being accessed.

And if you don’t want any apps to access your microphone or camera, you can completely disable camera and microphone access globally in the quick settings panel in Android 12. By default, these two quick setting buttons are hidden.… Read the rest

How to use notification history and notification logs in Android 11?

You can use notification history in Android 11 and notification log to check dismissed notifications.

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Android 11 Notification iconWith the Android 11 update, a new feature, notification history, has been introduced, allowing users to track the notifications on their devices even after being dismissed.

In addition to the notification history introduced in Android 11, stock Android also allows you to access full notification logs through a Settings widget.  It is a somewhat hidden feature.

This Android 11 guide will explain what the Android 11 notification history is, the difference between notification history and notification log,  how to use it and answer some questions you may have about the notification history.

What is the Android 11 notification history?

Since the feature of snoozing notifications was introduced in Android Oreo(Android 8), it has allowed users to organise their notifications on their devices and prevent notifications from cluttering. However, there are times when you may accidentally dismiss an important notification before checking it out. Therefore you may want to check the notification history or the full notification logs.

The Android 11 notification history is essentially a feature which allows users to track their notifications and view all previously dismissed notifications on their devices.

This feature is useful for decluttering the notification panel under the quick settings menu.

Users can always refer to the notifications history to look up some important notification that may have been missed.

In the notification history, the time and date at which the notification was sent are also recorded so users can view time-limited notifications that may have been missed.

Difference between notification history and notification log

Notification history and the notification logs were designed for different purposes.

  • Notification history is only available in Android 11 (and later). Notification log is available through a Settings widget from at least Android Gingerbread (Android 2.3).
  • Notification history only offers notifications in the past 24 hours.  Notification log includes notifications since the last reboot.
  • Notification history only shows notifications that have been shown in the notification panel. Notification log has all notifications including the hidden (not shown in notification panel) notifications.
  • Tapping any notifications in the notification history will open the corresponding app. Tapping and holding (long tapping) the notification will direct you to notification settings for the corresponding app. But if you tap notifications in notification log, you may get different results in different versions of Android. In Android 11, it directs you to the notification settings for the corresponding app. The long-tapping and tapping gestures work identically in the notification log page.
… Read the rest

How to use dark theme scheduling in Android 11?

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Android 11 Dark themeDark theme has been a well-received feature in Android phones since it was first introduced Android Pie (Android 9) and improved greatly in Android 10. In Android 11, new features have been added to optimize and improve the user experience of Android dark theme.

This guide explains the new features in the Android 11 dark theme, how to use it, how to customize it, and how to schedule so that dark theme is turned on and turned off automatically.

What’s new in Android 11 dark theme?

In Android 10, Dark theme was introduced to be applied system-wide on both the Android system UI and apps running on the device.

Now in Android 11, scheduling has been added to Dark theme.

With scheduling, the phone will automatically switch to dark theme mode according to the user’s schedule settings. This reduces the hassle for users to switch between light mode and dark mode on their phones during the day.

There are 3 types of schedules users can apply to their phones Dark theme and will be explained later on in the post:

  1. None.
  2. Turns on at a custom time.
  3. Turns on from sunset to sunrise.

How to access Android 11 Dark theme settings?

There are 2 ways to access the settings for the Android 11 Dark theme:

  1. Through Settings
  2. Through the quick settings panel

Method 1: Through Settings

The first way to access the settings for Dark theme is through Settings.

Access Settings either through the quick settings menu or by tapping on the Settings icon in the apps menu.

Quick Settings Panel Android Apps menu

In Setting, tap on Display to enter the display settings.

Android 11 Settings

In the Display settings, tap on the Dark theme to enter the settings for it.

Do not tap on the switch as it only turns on/off Dark theme on the device.

Android 11 Display Settings

Method 2: Through the quick Settings menu

Another way to access the settings for the dark theme in Android 11 is through the quick settings panel.

To access the quick menu panel, pull down the status bar twice.

Once in the quick settings panel, hold down on the icon named dark theme as shown below.

Quick Settings Panel

By default, the icon is not found in the quick settings menu; you can add the icon to the quick settings by tapping on the edit icon and dragging the needed icon to the quick settings panel.

How to use dark theme scheduling in Android 11?

… Read the rest

How To Use Live Caption in Android 10 and Android 11

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Android Live Caption

Android 10 introduced the Live Caption feature, initially for selected Pixel phones, to automatically caption any audio being played.  Later, most Android vendors implemented it in Android 10 phones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 20).  Google further improved this feature in Android 11.

This Android 11 guide explains what Live Caption is, when you need to use it, how to use it, and how to customise it in Android 11 and Android 10 phones.

What is Live Caption?

Live Caption is a new feature that has been added to phones with Android 10 and up.

When the feature is enabled, the phone automatically detects audio being played and captions them on the phone in real-time. You can use the Live Caption even if the phones audio is being muted.

Live Caption generates real-time caption according to the audio that’s being played. The feature is supported by most Andriod apps but may be unavailable for some media and calling apps.

When to use Live Caption?

Live Caption in Android 10 and Android 11 can be used to caption the audio from the following such as:

  • Audio messages
  • Phone calls
  • Videos
  • Podcasts
  • Recordings

Anyway, you can use this feature to caption most audios on Android 10 and Android 11.

How to turn on Live captions?

By default, Live Caption is not enabled in most Android phones.  You can turn on (and turn off)  it at any time. The captions will only show when speech is detected.

Live Captions in Android 10 and Android 11 can be turned on through 2 ways:

  1. Using Android Settings;
  2. Using the volume button.

Through Settings

You may follow the following steps to turn on Live Caption (or turn off) on your phone via Settings.

Step 1: Open Settings

Enter Settings either through the quick settings panel or by tapping on the Settings icon in the apps menu, as shown in the two screenshots below.

Quick Settings Panel Android Apps menu

Step 2: Open sound panel

In the Settings page, tap on Sound as shown.

Settings

Step 3: Tap on Live Caption

In the Sound settings, scroll down to the Live Caption tab and tap on it to enter Live Caption page.

Sound setting page

Step 4: Enable Live Caption

In the Live Caption page, you can turn on/off this feature and change the captions’ settings.

Tap on the switch as shown below to turn Live Caption on.

Tap again to turn it off.

Live caption settings Live caption settings

In this page, you can also access the Live Caption settings, as shown above.… Read the rest

Top 11 new features of Android 11

The best Android 11 new features explained

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Top 11 new features of Android 11Google released Android 11 on September 8, 2020, with many exciting new features and improvements.

Supported Pixel phones including Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, all received the Android 11 update immediately after the release.  The first generation Pixel and Pixel XL stopped at Android 10 and did not receive the Android 11 update.

Other Android manufacturers will roll out their Android 11 update based on their own schedule. Some manufacturers may release the Android 11 update in November to December. But for the majority of owners of non -Pixel phones, very likely,  they will receive the Android 11 update from early 2021.

This Android 11 guide explains the top 11 new features of Android 11: conversations in one place, notification history, bubbles, native screen recorder, seamless media control, smart device controls, one-time permissions and auto-reset permissions, dark theme scheduling, security updates via Play Store, smart Reply, app suggestions, and smart folders for Pixel phones, and wireless Android Auto.

Of course, there is an Android 11 Easter egg: Neko Cat game.

Conversations in one place: the most useful new features of Android 11

In Android 11, all notifications from messaging apps now are grouped as conversions in the notification panel.  You can not only read the incoming new messages but also directly reply in the notification panel.

And it works for all messaging apps.

On the lock screen, you can even choose to show priority conversations from specific contacts or individual chat threads.

Most Android 11 users will admit the conversation is one of the best new features of Android 11.

Notification history

Very often, we dismiss some notifications without checking them. But sometimes, you may realize the notification may be important.

Prior to Android 11, you cannot access notification history unless you use some third-party apps.

Now, you can enable notification history in Android 11 (Settings —Apps & notifications — Notifications — Notification history) to check snoozed and dismissed notifications.

Bubbles

Bubbles are just a minimized pop-up view of a chat.

Android 11 lets you pin conversations anywhere on the screen. Because the chat bubbles appear on top of other apps and screens, you can always check and participate in the conversation when using other apps.

By default, chat bubbles and notification history are not enabled in Android 11. You need to enable bubbles in Settings — Apps & notifications —Notifications  —Bubbles — Allow apps to show bubbles.… Read the rest

How to share Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10?

You can generate a QR code for your WiFi and share it with friends

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hare Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10In Android 10, Wi-Fi sharing via QR code (Quick Response code) is a new feature which allows users to share Wi-Fi networks with friends by generating a QR code instead of announcing the Wi-Fi password.

This is helpful if you prefer keeping the password of your Wi-Fi network secret when sharing the network with others.

This Android 10 guide shows you the detailed steps of sharing Wi-Fi through  QR code. Some frequently encountered questions on sharing Wi-Fi using QR code were also answered.

How to share Wi-Fi using a QR code in Android 10?

There are at least 2 ways to share Wi-Fi using a QR code in Android 10:

  • Through the Settings app.
  • Through the Quick settings panel.

Through Settings

Step 1: Open Settings

To access Settings, as shown below, tap on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen.

Of course, you can also tap the gear icon in the quick settings panel.

Accessing Settings through application

Step 2: Access Network and internet page

In the Settings page, tap on Network & internet, as seen below.

Android 10 Settings

Step 3: Turn on Wi-Fi

If the Wi-Fi is not enabled, you need to switch on the Wi-Fi by tapping on the switch, as shown below.

You could skip this step if WiFi was enabled already.

Android 10 Network settings

Step 4: Access the network details

In the network settings page, tap on Wi-Fi.

Then, tap on the name (SSID) of the Wi-Fi that you want to share.

Android 10 Network settings Android 10 Wi-Fi settings

Step 5: Generate a QR code

In the network details page, tap on the Share icon, as shown below.

Before the QR code is created, you will need to verify your identity by inputting the password for the phone.

Once the QR code is created, others can scan it to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Android 10 Network details QR code example Share WiFi through QR code in Android 10

For example, as shown above, a QR code was generated and ready for share.

Through Quick Settings panel

You can also access the same sharing page from the quick settings panel.

Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open the Quick settings panel.

In the quick settings panel, tap on the Wi-Fi icon to switch on the Wi-Fi, if it is not enabled, as shown below.

share Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10 through Android 10 Quick Settingsshare Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10 through Android 10 Quick settings

Once WiFi is connected, you can then press and hold the Wi-Fi icon, as shown above.

Then, tap on the name of the Wi-Fi, as shown below.

Android 10 Wi-Fi settings

Now, you can access the same network details page, and use the Share button to generate QR code as discussed earlier.… Read the rest

How to use navigation gestures in Android 10?

A definite guide for Android 10 navigation gestures

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How to use navigation gestures in Android 10?Android 10 brings a new (and improved) set of navigation gestures for you to use the phone more effectively and intuitively.

In addition to using the traditional 3 navigation buttons, and the 2-button navigation gestures as in Android Pie, you can now use gestures only without using any buttons in Android 10.

This Android 10 guide explains the new features of the Android 10 navigation gestures, how to enable them and how to use them.

What’s new in Android 10 navigation gestures?

Previously in Android Pie (Android 9), navigation buttons (3 or 2) are found at the bottom of the screen. Now in Android 10, navigation gestures can fully replace the navigation buttons.

This means that if navigation gestures are enabled, the Home, Back, and Recents (Overview) buttons located at the bottom of the screen, seen below, will be gone.

Android 10 Home screen

How to enable navigation gesture in Android 10?

If you upgraded the phone to Android 10, very likely, the original navigation buttons will likely be used by default.

In this case, you need to follow the following steps to enable the Android 10 navigation gestures.

Step 1: Open Settings

To access Settings, as shown below, tap on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen, or through the quick settings panel.

Accessing Settings through application Android 10 Quick Settings Panel

Step 2: Access System settings

In Settings, scroll down and tap on System, as shown below.

Android 10 Settings

Step 3: Access Gestures settings

In the System settings page, tap on Gestures, as seen below.

Android 10 System settings page

Step 4: Access System navigation page

In the System settings page, tap on System navigation, as shown below.

Android 10 Gesture settings

Step 5: Enable Gesture navigation

In the System navigation page, there will be the option to change the phone’s system navigation. Tap on Gesture navigation to enable it.

Android 10 System Navigation page

Additionally, you can change the sensitivity of the back gesture by tapping on the settings icon as seen below.

This adjusts how sensitive the phone will respond to gestures along the screen edge and hence prevent any accidental gestures along the screen edge.

Android 10 Gesture navigation Android 10 navigation gesture

How to use Navigation Gestures in Android 10?

Here are the 10 operations you need to master when switching to the new navigation gestures.

1. Returning to Home Screen (Home Screen) — Swipe upwards

To exit from an application and return to the Home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, as shown below.

This has the same function as tapping the Home button in the previous version of Android (0r if you switch back to navigation buttons).… Read the rest

How to Use Location Access Control in Android 10?

You can easily control your privacy through Android 10 location access control

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Use Location Access Control in Android 10Location access control is a new Android 10 feature that protects your privacy.

This Android 10 guide explains how the location access control in Android 10 protects your data, how to enter location access settings from location settings of from permission manager, and how to use location control on Android 10.

What does location access control in Android 10 do?

The location access control in Android 10 is an extension of the privacy controls in Android 10.

Previously in Android Pie (Android 9), app location access can only be changed from the application setting.  Users have to change the location access permission of each application one by one.

In Android 10, the Location Access control allows users to check, assign, and revoke location access for all apps in one centralised location.

This makes it easier for users to customise which apps can have access to the phone location.

Additionally, with the Android 10 location access control, it ensures external apps cannot easily view information about the phone’s location, and therefore enhances the privacy of the users.

How to enter the location access control page?

Firstly, you need to access Settings, as shown below, by tapping on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen.

Alternatively, you can access settings through the quick settings panel.

Accessing Settings through application Android 10 Quick Settings Panel

There are 2 ways to go to the location access settings page from the Settings page:

  • From the Location settings page
  • Through the Permission Manager

Method 1: Location settings page

In Settings, scroll down and tap on Location, as seen below, to access the location settings page.

Android 10 Settings

In the Location settings page, tap on App permissions, as shown below.

This will bring you to the location permissions page.

Android 10 Location settings Android 10 Location Access page

As shown above, in the location access control page, you can manage the location access (read on).

Method 2:  through Permission manager

In Settings, tap on Apps & notification.

Android 10 Settings

In the Apps & notification settings page, tap on Advanced to expand the list, as shown below.

Android 10 Apps manager Android 10 Apps manager

As shown above, tap on the Permission Manager to access permission managers of Android 10.

In Permission Manager page, tap on Location, as shown below.

This will bring you to the same location access control page.

Android 10 Permission manager Android 10 Location Access page

How to use location access control?

The location access age allows users to see which apps can view the phone’s location as well as apps that may require permission to use the phone location.… Read the rest

How to use the Android 10 Emergency button?

Manage your emergency info and make emergency calls on Android 10

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Emergency buttonThe Android 10 Emergency button may be one of the most popular new features that have made a comeback in Android 10.

This Galaxy Android 10 guide explains what the emergency button is, how to access the button and emergency information, how to use the emergency button and manage the emergency info. It also answers some questions you may have on this feature.

What is the Android 10 Emergency button?

The Emergency button is a shortcut for users to access the Emergency call page which allows users to do the following:

  • Dial Emergency numbers.
  • Access Emergency Information where you can view and input necessary medical information and emergency contacts.

The button can be accessed without unlocking the phone.

How to access the Android 10 Emergency button?

You can hold down the power button for about 2 seconds until the power menu appears.

In the power menu, as shown below, the Emergency button would be located right under the screenshot button (which was added in Android Pie).

Android 10 power button menu

How to use the Android 10 Emergency button?

Accessing the Emergency call page

Tap on the Emergency button to access the Emergency call page, as shown below.

The Emergency call page allows users to dial Emergency numbers and access the Emergency Information panel.

Android 10 power button menu emergency call page

The Emergency call page can also be accessed at the lock screen by tapping on the Emergency button, as shown below.

Android 10 Lock Screen

Manage Emergency Information

The Emergency Information panel allows users to access and edit medical information and emergency contacts.

The Emergency Information can be viewed without unlocking the phone and be useful in some critical moments.

For example,  medical personnel can identify the owner of the phone as well as their medical conditions without unlocking the phone. Hence making it easier for medical personnel to take necessary medical actions during an emergency.

In the Emergency call page, tap on Emergency Information twice to access the Emergency Information panel as shown below.

Emergency call page Android 10 Emergency Information

By tapping on the pen icon next to Medical Information, users can edit their personal medical information.

Medical personnel can view this information during an emergency without unlocking the phone and can take necessary medical actions.

Android 10 Emergency Information Android 10 medical information

Tapping on the Pen icon next to Emergency contacts will allow users to add emergency contacts.

The Emergency contacts can be contacted during an emergency without having to unlock the phone.

Emergency Information Panel Android 10 Emergency contacts

Can I move the position of the Emergency button?

Unfortunately, no.… Read the rest

How to use Android 10 dark mode (dark theme)?

You can use the system-wide dark theme on Android 10 to save battery and protect your eyes

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Android 10 dark modeAndroid 10 dark mode can be regarded as one of the best Android 10 new features.

The dark mode is not an unfamiliar feature for Android phones. It was introduced previously in Android Pie (Android 9).

This Android 10 guide explains the new features of the dark mode, shows you how to enable and use the dark theme in three different ways, and answers some questions you may have on this feature.

In addition, now in Android 11, scheduling has been added to Android Dark theme. With this new feature, devices can automatically switch between dark and light mode according to its settings, reducing the hassle for users to manually switch between the 2 modes. Check out this page to learn more about what’s new in Android 11 Dark theme.

What is new in Android 10 dark mode?

Similar to the dark theme in Android Pie (Android 9), dark mode in Android 10 brings about the following benefits:

  • Improves visibility for users with low vision or are sensitive to bright lights.
  • Less eyestrain when using phones in low light environments.
  • Longer battery life as there is decreased power usage.

However, in Android Pie (Android 9),  the dark mode was not applied system-wide.

For example, in Android Pie (Android 9), the Settings menu remains white even if dark mode is enabled.

Now in Android 10, it can be applied to both the Android system UI as well as supported applications. This means that once dark mode is enabled, the entire Android system UI, as well as supported applications, will automatically switch to the dark theme according to the application’s settings.

How to enable and use Android 10 dark mode?

There are 3 ways to enable dark mode in Android 10:

Method 1:  through Settings

The first method to enable dark mode in Android 10 phones is through the Settings menu.

Step 1: Open Settings

To access Settings, as shown below,  tap on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen,  or through the quick settings panel.

Accessing Settings through apps screen Android 10 Quick Settings Panel

Step 2: Access Display settings

In Settings, scroll and tap on Display, as shown below.

Display Settings panel

Step 3: Enable the dark mode

In the Display Settings page,  you can find the option for the dark theme.

Tapping on it will turn on dark mode for the phone as well as all supported applications.

If the phone is already in the dark mode, tapping it will turn off dark mode.… Read the rest