Best Tips and Tricks for Google Pixel and Pixel XL You Must Know

Best Tips and tricks for Google Pixel and Pixel XL. Google Pixel and Pixel XL were among the most exciting smartphones of 2016. If you've joined the craze and bought a new Pixel, here are some tips and tricks to set it up and enjoy the pure experience of Android.
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google tricks on phone

Starting


The Pixel incorporates functions to transfer data from another Android, an iPhone or the cloud. If you are looking to do the minimum amount of work, it is best to have both phones on hand.

Do not worry if you need to get rid of your old phone. If this is the case, back up your contacts, music, and photos to Google Drive before recycling or reselling it. If you have an iPhone, follow our instructions to switch from an iPhone to an Android to transfer your phone / iCloud content to Google Drive.

At the end of the setup process, you'll see some additional preferences to set up: automatic device backups, Google services, and the Google Assistant.

As far as automatic device backups are concerned, we would be hard-pressed to find a reason to opt out. On the one hand, backups are saved in Google Drive but are not counted depending on storage limits (which is not the case for automatic backups of the iPhone, which occupy the already limited 5 GB of free space In iCloud). In addition, backups are synchronized with services like Google Photos and Contacts, so they are kept in a format accessible to you.

The preferences you set for Google Services depend to a large extent on your desire for privacy. Therefore, read each section carefully if you have any questions about how your phone data is used.

The Pixel and Pixel XL are the first phones with which the Google Assistant has been incorporated. It's Android's answer to Siri and the adult version of Google Now. If you prefer, you can bypass the Wizard setup during the initial startup process and return to it later. Learn more about Google Assistant below.

Time-saving navigation


Even if you're used to Android phones, it's possible that the Pixel home screen looks a little different. Its simple interface is refreshingly clean and crisp, but it keeps some of its features out of sight and out of mind.


Start Search & weather


For example, the Pixel Home screen does not have the Google search bar frequently present. But simply tap the less aggressive "G" logo in the upper left corner to type in a search. Similarly, touching the weather icon (next to today's date) opens a window with forecasts.

Similar Menus of iOS


Only a few applications adorn the home screen but press the up arrow to see the entire list of applications. Some applications also have context menu shortcuts. Like the deep presses in Apple's 3D Touch ecosystem, you can click on many application icons to jump directly to common tasks.

Moves


Many Androids have gesture-based shortcuts for certain actions, and Pixel is no exception. Display these movements and turn this option on or off in Settings> Moves.

There are two movements for camera shortcuts, "Jump to Camera" and "Flip Camera". The first opens the camera with a double tap on the power button. The latter enters and exits the selfie mode when you use the camera (with the phone in hand, turns the wrist twice).

There are three movements that control whether and when the locked screen is locked: "Swipe for notifications", "Double tap to check the phone" and "Lift to check the phone". The safest option is the first, "Slip for Notifications", which displays notifications after a downward shift in the fingerprint sensor.

The other two selections (double touch/elevation to check the phone) allow you to view the notifications without having to press any button or unlock the phone. These options were not available at startup and, if you do not see them, your phone probably needs an operating system update. To check for software updates, go to Settings> About Phone> System Updates.

Pulse notification light


The pixel has an indicator light for notifications, which you can never find if you are not going to specifically look for it. It is disabled by default, but you can activate it in Settings> Notifications> Settings (touch the gear icon in the upper right corner)> Pulse notification light.

When the phone is asleep, look at the area on the left edge of the handset. If you have a notification, you will see a pinpoint size LED flashing occasionally.

Ambient screen


Unlike many other major Androids (including last year's Samsung Galaxy flagship) pixel displays do not include in the always-on option. However, they have an "Ambient Display" setting that can be turned on and off.

By default, it is activated: the phone's screen is automatically activated whenever a new alert appears. If it drives you crazy, turn it off in Settings> Display> Environment Screen.

Multitasking


Pixels have a split-screen multitasking mode that lets you view the content of two side-by-side applications. With both applications running (and one in fullscreen mode), press and hold the square icon to the right of the start button. After a moment, you can select the applications you want to share the screen.

If you double-tap the square icon instead of holding it, it will be sent back to the last application you were using.


Google Assistant


As we mentioned earlier, Google Assistant is the Android response to Siri. The two virtual assistants are used in a similar way, but in our experience, the Google Assistant seems to be a bit more versatile and reliable than its predecessor iOS.


Start with start button or voice


In order for Google Assistant to work (and to access your account information and settings), press the start button. You will see that you can interact with the Wizard using keyboard or voice commands.

To start Google Assistant with your voice, make sure "OK Google" is enabled. Start the Google Assistant, and then press the right menu button (three dots) to view a menu. Tap "Settings" and set "Accept Google detection" in the on position. If you have not used it before, you'll have to say "Ok Google" sometimes as part of the setup process. After that, you can say "Ok Google" to start the Wizard at any time, even when the phone is locked.

Main features


If you're stunned about how best to use the Wizard, try asking "What can you do?" To get some ideas.

Keep in mind that it plays very well with Google's powerful applications. For example, say "Show me pictures of my dog" shows dog photos automatically detected in my Google Photos account. Assistant can also take hands-free photos: "Ok Google, take a selfie in five seconds."

The Pixel iteration of the Google Assistant also includes a voice-controlled shopping list memo. "Ok Google, add dog food to my shopping list." A Google Assistant shopping list is added to Google Keep and completed with the voice note. View the list through the Google Keep app (preinstalled on the pixel) or ask the wizard to show it.

Battery saving mode


The battery saving mode comes into play during times when the phone's battery is in its last stage, but you need to hold it a little longer. When enabled, Google Maps navigation can not be used, background operations are limited, and synchronized applications (email and messaging, for example) are not synchronized until you open them.

You can turn the Battery saver mode on and off by going to Settings> Battery> Battery saver. You can use it sporadically, or you can set a preference to automatically activate battery saving mode at 5 percent or 15 percent remaining battery power.

You may see some other useful items in the Settings section. Include a list of your applications so you can see which are the most hungry. If you touch the three-point menu icon, you can check if any of your applications have available battery optimization options.

Turn your phone into a VR machine


Pixels are on the short list of smartphones that work with Google Daydream View. The US $ 79 headset is stylish, comfortable and has a remote control/pointer clean in the box.

Once you have your hands in one, go to our guide to getting started.

Quick Setup ... and an Easter Egg

You may have noticed the "Android Easter Egg" that lists in the image of the battery life above. This Easter egg is a cat theme game hidden in the operating system. To enable it, you will have to go through Configuration and then Quick Configuration, a contextual menu accessed by sliding twice from the top of the screen.

To complete the first step, go to Settings> About phone> Android version. Tap the Android version until a full screen appears. N. Repeatedly touch N for about 10 seconds, press and hold. You should see a small emoji cat below the N.

After you have seen the cat, exit the settings and access Quick Settings by sliding twice from the top of the screen. The first blow down shows your notifications; The second scroll down shows the quick settings. This is a customizable menu; By default, it includes useful switches for daily tools like flashlight and airplane mode.

To activate the game, click Edit (pencil icon in the upper right corner). There should be an "Android Easter Egg Icon" under the "Drag to add tiles" section. Drag it up to the main window, and then return to Quick Setup.

Touch the empty Easter egg icon/dish, and you will see a new window with four different types of cat treats. Here, you are choosing which treat you would like to bait for a digital cat. You will choose a gift and nothing will happen ... for now. Keep trying and you will finally get a notification that a cat came for your treats. The goal of the game is to collect as many cats as possible.

Keep in mind that this is the Easter egg for Android Nougat. Once the Pixel's operating system is upgraded, this game (along with some of the above settings) will probably change.

Top Google Home Tips and Tricks To Play With Google Home Assistant

Google Home Tips and Tricks. Google Home is not just a speaker with an integrated Google search feature.

With it, you can control your smart home devices, cue up a movie on your TV, replace your desk speakers, and more. To get the most out of your Goole Home, you really need to do a deep dive in the Home application or just play around the device for a while. Luckily for you, we've done both, and we've rounded up a selection of the best tips and tricks to help you master the voice-activated speakerphone in no time.
Google Home Tips and Tricks
Google tricks on phone


Google Home Assistant Tips and Tricks


Google Assistant is the Google iteration of a personal assistant. It is considered an upgrade or extension of Google Now, as well as an extension of Google's existing "Ok Google" voice controls. It's conversational, too. You can ask a question and follow-up questions, and the wizard will track the conversation, determine the context, and respond audibly with the correct information.

The Google Assistant is a featured feature of the Google Home speaker. You can use it to control Google Home, Pixel devices, as well as third-party devices and services. To help you find out everything the Wizard can do, we've put together some tips and tricks you can find here. However, if you want to learn unique tips or tricks, exclusive or specific to Google Home, read on.


Remember to use a wake word


The Google Assistant responds to two "alert words": "Ok Google" and "Hey Google." Unfortunately, you can not change it from these two sentences. In addition, you must say one every time you want to participate with Google Home (say the phrase, followed by a question or a command).


Adjust settings and preferences


In the Google Home app, slide the menu drawer from the left side of the screen and tap More options.

If you want, you can tap its name after selecting More settings and adding your home address for specific weather and traffic reports. In addition, in the Personal Information menu in the configuration, you can set a nickname that the Wizard will use for you. In Preferences, you can choose a preferred temperature unit. In the News and My Day sections, you select various news sources, while with My Day you can select what details are included when you invite Google Home to tell you about your day. Examples include time, travel time, reminders, etc.

Another way to access the settings: Open the hamburger menu (the three lines in the upper corner) and look for the Devices option. You will see your Google Home listing. From there, open your menu by touching the three dots in the upper left corner and select Settings. Everything you need to adjust or change your Google home is there.


Give Google Home a new name


In the settings, go to Name and, from there, you can change the name of your Google home when and how often.


Connect third-party services


Google Home relies on third-party services to provide you with a richer experience. Think of these services as applications that you can access on the speakerphone. At the launch, Google Home services were limited to Uber. Now the full list of services goes from WebMD to an animal contest. For a full list of supported services, open More options> Services. From there, tap the service you want to connect to your Google Home.

Keep in mind Google Home does not have a candle for Amazon Alexa in terms of connected applications - not yet anyway. But it does play well with Pandora, TuneIn, Google Music, Spotify, YouTube and even Netflix and Uber. You can also use it to control Nest's smart home products, Philips Hue lights, and Smart Things. It also supports Cast so you can use it with Chromecast to send content to your TV.


Using the Google ecosystem


To make the most of Google Home, use other Google products. It is designed to work with products that many people use frequently, such as Google Calendar and Google Keep. When combined with Google Home, you can turn Assistant into a true personal assistant. You can check your schedule, set reminders, add items to your shopping lists, and more - and all with a simple voice command.


Reset Google homepage


To perform a factory reset and restore your Google to a new state, press and hold the microphone button for about 15 seconds. From there, you can link it to a different Google account using the Google Home app. Remember, it does not allow you to configure multiple user profiles.


Restart Google Home


What do you do when a gadget stops working? Resets or restarts. Of course, Google included this in the Home app. Just open the Start application and then select Devices> Menu> Restart. That's.


Touch your way through things


Apart from your voice, you can control Google Home with your touch. Tap the top of the speaker once to wake up your Google start or to pause and play a stream. You can also slide your finger along the circle centered at the top to change the volume.


Mute the microphone


If you want to stop Google Home from "always listening," look for the button on the back of the speaker. It's the only button, and it has a microphone in it. Press and Home will turn off the microphone (four amber lights will illuminate at the top). Press again, and it will tell you that the microphone is on. When activated, Google Home is in listen mode and will listen and respond to your commands.


Can Google that, Google Home is basically Google.com


Want to Find a Grocery Store in Sacramento? Do you need to convert ounces into cups? How old is Donald Trump? Have you ever wondered what the capital of Florida is? Google Home can be your assistant and set up an appointment, but it also works as a search engine. Remember, you can also ask follow-up questions. The Google Assistant will always remember the topic or topic in the series of questions.


Check your activity


In More Settings, scroll to the bottom and tap the My Activity option. It will open a website with everything Google Home has recorded (and the Phone Wizard). You can sort by date and time, play exactly what you heard at home, get details and delete them.


Set up guest mode


You can set up a guest mode for anyone to connect to your Google homepage once they enter a four-digit PIN provided by the app.


Casting movies or audio to a TV via Google Home


If you have a Chromecast device, go to More settings in the Google Home app, touch TVs, and speakers, and then touch the plus sign in the lower right corner of the screen. The Google Home app will search for voice-compatible TVs on the same Wi-Fi network as your Google home. From there, you can ask Google Home to play Netflix movies and TV shows or even YouTube videos.

You must connect third-party services, such as Netflix, to your Google account using the Google Home app (Settings> More settings> Videos and photos). After doing this, you can simply say things like "Okay Google, play Netflix's House of Cars on TV." You can also pause Google Play or rewind a minute to something you might have missed.


Cast photos to your TV via Google Home


Google Home can not only control Netflix or YouTube on your TV, you can also control Google Photos, Google's free photo storage service. Simply link your account to the Google Home app in the settings and then say "Ok Google, show me pictures of my pets on TV". The service is able to label and recognize people, things, and places, so it is able to serve intelligently what you ask for.


Down the desktop speakers


Google Cast is created directly in the Chrome browser. So when you click the Cast button in the corner of Chrome, you can search your home device, select it, and then stream audio from your computer through Google Home.


Set your music source


Google Home can play music from various sources such as Play Music, Pandora, Spotify or YouTube Music. To set your default font, head to More settings in the Home application, then choose Music (or choose Music from the sidebar) and link an account and select it as the main font.


Manage a family shopping list


You can add things to your shopping list automatically, which means it will be added to a note in the Google Keep app for iOS or Android, simply saying something like: "Ok Google, add coffee to my shopping list." The list can only be associated with the main account holder.

You can add contributors to this list so they can access it, however; Simply select the three-point button in the right corner of the list, select "contributor" and invite other family members to the list.


Play podcasts


All you have to do to listen to podcasts is to ask. Say "Okay Google, Play This American Life" to hear the latest episode of the series. If you pause, the next time you ask about that podcast, Google Home will retrieve where you left off.


Find your lost phone


Can not find your home? Google Home can locate the device if you connect it to a service called IFTTT. Use this recipe (requires an IFTTT account) so that you can automatically call your number when you say "Ok Google, look for my phone".


Turn off the lights


Google Home can control devices connected to the Internet around your home, such as bulbs like Philips Hue. You can not only turn it on and off but also say things like "Okay Google, Turn Purple Life" to change its color. But Google Home is a voice controlled center for all your smart devices. You can also take advantage of IFTTT Recipes for Getting the most out of the house and its devices, but that is not necessary.


Set an alarm


This may seem obvious, but ... Google's home may replace your alarm clock. Say "OK Google, set an alarm for 5 minutes" or when, and you will hear a nice melody and you will see a circle of lights at the top of Google Home when the alarm goes off.


Listen about your day


You can ask Google Home "tell me about my day" to get an audio report of your calendar, your morning trip, weather and any reminders. You can also customize your report to exclude certain things, such as weather. In the end, you will get a news session. But first, to do some of this, you must connect services like your Google Calendar by setting up the Google Home app.


Google Home Easter Eggs


Are you looking for fun things to do with Google Home? While these are technically Easter Eggs from Google Assistant, you'll find that they really give your Google home some personality:

Say "I feel lucky" to start a multiplayer game.

Say "Give me a random number between (x) and (y)" to hear a random number between the two - with beep sounds to start.

Ask him to "Roll (insert number) -dates aside": he will give you a random number, with sound effects.

Say "(contact name) is my (relationship)" to ask the assistant to associate certain relationship information with a contact for future reference.

Say "Good morning" to listen to a summary of your day's agenda, along with the current weather and the news.

Say "Send a message to (Contact name) on (messaging service like WhatsApp)" to dictate a message to a contact.

Say "Wubba lubba dub dub" so that the Assistant responds with: "Do you have pain? How can I help?" Or "I'm sorry, I do not speak Birdperson" (a reference to the Rick and Morty series).

Say "Beatbox" to listen to a clip of someone beat-boxing.

Say "sing a song" to hear a horrible, short song.

Say "Read a poem" to hear a random poem from Google's search.

Say "Tell Me a Joke" to hear a joke appropriate to Pixar's age.

Say "F *** you" to send an error report.

How to increase RAM in Android Phones Easy Best Ways To Expand RAM

How to increase RAM in Android phones? How to make a more effective android phone work tp play games without any lag? Read the article and you will learn ways to increase Android RAM!

Many people are interested in how to increase Android RAM. It is absolutely clear that the size of the physical memory in the smartphone is constant, and it is impossible to increase it. If the technical data sheet specifies that the volume of random access memory is equal to 1 GB or 2 GB, it means that only this value will be available to the system. In the situation when the android device begins to work slowly, it is necessary to optimize the work of the system. The solution to this problem is feasible in three ways how to increase RAM in android:

SWAPit RAM EXPANDER, How to use swapper for root

* Optimization of work applications;

* Removal of unnecessary applications;

* An installation of special RAM applications creating the additional file to increase it.

How to increase RAM in android Phone with root?


It is important to know that after resetting the Android system, all applications will start again, and you must stop them independently. Applications such as games, a small lamp, synchronization, mail, cloud services, google play, GPS navigator are one of the biggest relative to random access memory and whether to disconnect something or to delete, then you need to start with these apps.

When you delete the installed applications, you will face a problem of can't delete these apps. It is impossible to remove standard Android programs. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate what you have set separately. But the solution, however, exists if you acquire super administrator rights (ROOT). Then you can delete everything you want from your smartphone.

The easiest and most convenient way to receive root rights for android is through the Kingo Android ROOT program. It supports a large number of producers.

* Download the program;

* Start the computer;

* Connect the phone via USB;

In addition, the program defines the model and the producer of your device and installs the necessary drivers automatically;

In the window that appears, it is necessary to press the ROOT button. At this time, there is a rights reception on the Android owner device. In some cases, some queries may appear, both on the device screen and on the personal computer. If it occurs, confirm the action. If you do not, just wait.

Then there will be an affirmative message at the successful end of the operation, and a request to restart the device. The work of the Kingo Android ROOT program is terminated, the root rights are received.

Also, this program allows returning to the right in the previous value. At the device connection, the window will appear on the screen with the Remove Root button. Press, wait for the result and then restart.

How to increase Android phone RAM without root?


If to go in a first way and to participate in the optimization of the applications, then it is necessary to define which of them are not necessary for you. To do this, you must enter the system settings and select an Application - Memory Usage menu item. You can see the list of all applications here, the list of those applications, which are installed by you, and those of them are placed on a memory card. Also, here you specify how much RAM is occupied and how many are free.

If the free random access memory value is at least or equal to zero, it means that your smartphone will run slower than usual. Therefore, you need to stop work applications that are not necessary for you. To do this, click on its name and in the window opened, select the button to uninstall.

How to increase the RAM of the Android phone?


The third way to increase RAM on Android phone - is a special applications installation, which creates pumping file, which is being set to constant ROM memory or Micro SD memory card, etc.

The first application is SWAPit RAM EXPANDER. The main opportunities for this application are:

* Creating the pumping file in ROM or memory card;

* Control of speed and stability of the system;

* Visualization of complete information on the use of memory;

* Management of the pumping file (increase in size);
* Create a widget on a desktop, allowing quick access to the management of the pumping file.

The Swapper 2 application creates so-called swap files, which operate those applications, which do not require large volumes of random access memory, thus leaving the entire volume of physical memory random access for heavier applications.

The third is the RAM Manager. This application is intended for the optimization of random access memory work of the android system. All devices running Android 2.1 and above are supported. The application allows the use of several optimization modes:

* Balance - this mode optimizes the random access memory of the system to work without delays as much as possible.

* Balance (with more free memory) - this mode works the same as the first one. The only difference is that it is suitable for devices whose random access memory volume does not exceed 512 Mb.

* Balance (with more multitasking) - this is intended for optimal operating system work with random access memory capacity of more than 512 Mb.

* Hard Gaming is suitable for starting heavy games, which require a lot of random access memory.

* Hard multitasking - the multitasking application mode, allows you to optimize system work while working with many applications at the same time.

* Default (Samsung) is used on Samsung devices by default. (Can be used on devices of other producers).

* Default (Nexus S): The modem that is used on Google devices by default.
Default settings for your phone: This mode allows you to return the RAM settings by default.

* "Artificial" increase RAM on Android is achieved by creating a special swap file. Good hands will not do anything necessary. A lot of developers have taken care of that by releasing their products they just have to place in the MID and adjust.

This, so-called, managers are the paging memory on their Android. Consider the most popular representatives. However, before starting, I must mention that you must already have root access on the device.

SWAPit RAM EXPANDER


The program is able to create a special page of files that control small applications. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of RAM to 2.5 GB. The files themselves can be stored in the MID's internal storage and on an SD card.

SWAPit RAM EXPANDER

Moreover, you can personally control the speed of the system, to allow a complete monitoring of the memory used, to make the stability control of the operating processes of the gadget. SWAPit RAM EXPANDER provides a gadget for easy access.

A similar product, creating a special swap file. For the latter, you can also choose the location to determine its size. Advantages include the Swapper facility that can be integrated with system files, which accelerate the MID download when it is powered on. It will also allow you to free some physical memory, which will allow, for example, to load "heavier" games.

Download and Use Top Windows 10 Apps On Android and iOS Phones

Download these applications for your iPhone and Android to be compatible with Windows 10. So just turn off the Windows platform from Microsoft, or you just got a new Surface Studio and are interested in testing the Windows ecosystem once again. While the Windows Phone is no longer an option for most people, this does not mean that you can not enjoy Microsoft applications and services on your android and iOS devices. On both iOS and Android, the firm offers a lot of applications available so that Microsoft fans can bring their devices to a Microsoft "stock" experience as much as possible.

Download and Use Top Windows 10 Apps On Android and iOS Phones

This is what you should install.

Arrow Launcher


On Android, Microsoft offers a launcher replacement application known as Arrow Launcher. Apart from being the typical launcher with customization features and a drawer application to boot. Microsoft's Arrow launcher makes it easy for you to contact people who are important to you, track your notes and documents, and even track files you've worked with recently, all from the Home screen.

Download Arrow Launcher from Google Play

Onenote


Microsoft's note-taking service is available on both iOS and Android, with unique features for each. On iOS, you can start capturing notes on any screen simply by passing the notification center and participating with the OneNote Widget. On Android phones, Microsoft offers an emerging bubble, similar to Facebook's chat headers, which allows you to add notes, take lists and capture photos quickly in the application.

Needless to say, these applications also sync with your Windows 10 device and should allow you to keep your notes intact from one device to another.

Download Onenote Google Play | iTunes

OneDrive


With OneDrive, the main attraction for mobile users on iOS and Android is the ability to keep your photos synced with your Windows 10 PCs and Android devices. Of course, Google Photos is a pretty amazing service, but Microsoft's OneDrive backup offers 1 TB of backup if paired with an Office 365 subscription, with the added benefits of coming with a native application for Windows 10, in addition to Be integrated with the Microsoft Photos application.

Download OneDrive Google Play | iTunes

Groove Music on Android and iOS


Microsoft recently upgraded Groove Music on iOS and Android with feature parity with the Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile applications. The application offers cured playlists, playlists generated by algorithms and more.

Although it can not fully compete with native services like Apple Music and Google Play Music in platform integration, Groove Music is quite competitive in its own niche, especially for users who mainly organize their music on PCs.

The ability to store and synchronize your library transparently between your PC and mobile device through OneDrive will surely be useful for more than a few users.

Download Groove Music Google Play | iTunes

Skype / Skype Mingo (Android)


If you are a fan of All in One messaging services, Microsoft Skype is doing its best to be the service you are going to use.

On Android, the firm has introduced a new application - Skype Mingo - that allows users to make use of native telephony functions such as SMS and regular phone calls through the same interface. Microsoft also plans to integrate Skype with SMS into PCs via Skype relay, a feature it has already implemented on Windows 10 phones.

 Download Skype Google Play (Skype Mingo) | iTunes

Swiftkey / Swiftmoji


While Wordflow is not available everywhere, Microsoft has two powerful keyboard applications for Android and iOS in the forms of Swiftkey and Swiftmoji. Both offer powerful algorithms for predictive text, theme support and gesture writing.

Download Swiftkey Google Play (Swiftmoji) | iTunes (SwiftMoji)

How do you use Microsoft applications on your iOS and Android devices? Let us know in the comments below.