Since Android 4.2 is only available on a small number of Nexus devices so far, we didn’t think this guide would be too terribly useful if we only stuck to 4.2 specific features. We also have some tips that should apply to just about any current Android device.
Swapping Keyboards – Not everyone is content with the default keyboard that comes with their Android. Fortunately, there are plenty of great alternatives in the Google Play Store (check out our recommended keyboard apps below). Once a keyboard app is installed, you can typically configure it under Settings>Language & Input, and on some versions of Android, this is where you’ll find the options to enable it as well. If you can’t enable new keyboard from the Language & Input menu, you’ll need to long press on any text box and chose the Select Input Method option from the resulting pop-up menu.
Android Beam – NFC enabled devices running Ice Cream Sandwich or later have the ability to use Android Beam to share data. The options for enabling Android beam are in Settings>More. To use it, simply open up the content you wish to share, and then touch the backs of the devices together. You’ll be prompted with an option that says “Touch to Beam.” What happens from here will vary depending on content. Generally, the transfer is handled automatically via Bluetooth, so you’ll need to stay within range until the beam is complete.
Android Screenshot – It used to be that taking a screenshot required rooting your phone and installing special apps. Now, most Android devices come with this feature built in. The method for triggering a screenshot will vary from model to model, but the default for vanilla Android devices is to hold the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time.
Managing Data Usage – Overages can get expensive, but starting with Ice Cream Sandwich, Android has a built-in feature to help manage your data consumption. Under Settings>Data Usage you can monitor your data use, set a warning threshold, and even configure a maximum limit to help prevent overages. It’ll also tell you which apps are the biggest data gobblers.
Personalizing Voice Recognition – Ever since its inclusion in Android 2.2, Google’s Voice Recognition has been improving considerably with every update. As of Ice Cream Sandwich, the built-in voice recognition is actually a viable alternative to typing, but if you’ve got a mouth like a sailor, you might find it doesn’t understand you very well. Under Settings>Language & Input you’ll find options for “Google Voice Typing” and/or “Voice Search” which will let you not only allow offensive words, but also improve accuracy by giving Google permission to collect some information on your speech patterns.
Respond to Calls with a Text – When you get a phone call, you can’t always answer, but as of Gingerbread, you can provide the caller with some instant feedback. Rather than sliding left or right to answer or ignore the call, you can slide upwards to launch a menu with a few canned responses and the option to compose your own message.
Click the next page for tips on improving Android battery life
Comments are closed on this article
Cy-Kill
November 30, 2012 at 1:30pm
I'm still waiting for the OTA update to 4.2 for my Galaxy Nexus S.
kixofmyg0t
November 30, 2012 at 2:42pm
Ummm you're gonna be waiting forever then because it's not getting 4.2 officially.
Don't worry my Xoom is the same way.
Mikey109105
November 30, 2012 at 12:33pm
Seeing as my current phone (HTC Inspire 4G) wont bother to allow an official 4.2 update (I'm stuck on Gingerbread I thing or whatever droid OS is 2.x), I don't see how this even pertains to me. YES, I could root my phone, and YES I could install 4.2 after rooting, but I'd rather not risk it because I'm not exactly any good at rooting devices. Then again, my upgrade comes up in April, so, I'll be upgrading to either the HTC One (I got ATT so lol) or some other droid phone, possibly the Galaxy, or whatever version isn't fucking illegal in the US thanks to fucktard Apple.
Paul Escallier
November 30, 2012 at 6:24pm
If you're in a hurry to upgrade, the Nexus 4 is perfectly compatible with AT&T's HSPA+ network, and it is sold unlocked and contract-free. Plus, despite being a considerably high-end device, it actually doesn't cost much more than most contract subsidized phones. The biggest issue you'll run into right now will be finding the Nexus 4 in stock.
jimmthang
November 30, 2012 at 6:22pm
Hey Mikey,
Even if you don't have a jelly bean-enabled phone, a lot of the general android tips in this article should be helpful! :)
- Maximum PC Online Managing Editor Jimmy Thang
nunu10000
November 30, 2012 at 11:28am
How is Cerberus not in the Top 21 Apps?
IMO it's the best app for getting a stolen phone back (as well as finding it under the sofa cushions after you misplaced it)
jimmthang
November 30, 2012 at 1:29pm
We suggested a similar app called SeekDroid. :)
Thanks for your feedback!
- Jimmy Thang
Snate
November 30, 2012 at 11:27am
You mentioned the addition of Photo Sphere but failed to mention that they finally added HDR mode to the camera app.
I was actually surprised and annoyed that Android 4.0 didn't have it since it was available for iPhones for quite some time before it came out.
sickley
November 30, 2012 at 9:55am
So how come you guys didn't mention any of the new security features?
Scanning for sideloaded apps, malware through text protection, implementation of SELinux, and VPN Lockdown!
They also are doing some enhancements on Google Now, making useful as a personal assistant :)
zepontiff
November 30, 2012 at 9:24am
I'm finding the stock gesture typing to be lacking compared to swype.
diedrichg
November 29, 2012 at 6:16pm
I don't get it; why is gesture typing "new"? I've had it on my HTC Vivid since Gingerbread 2.3 (now ICS 4.0.3). Sure it's not enabled by default but it's there...
sickley
November 30, 2012 at 9:47am
That's because by default HTC phones don't use the stock android keyboard!
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