Android L 5.0 Lollipop Update: 10 Tricks & Hacks for Google OS

With Google's Android Lollipop now out, many are excited to see what new things the latest operating system brings to users. Here's a list of 10 tricks to maximize the features of Android L 5.0, compiled from The Guardian.

1. Settings Search Bar. One of the new things users would notice with the Android Lollipop is the addition of a separate search bar for Settings, reported The Guardian. This allows users to simply type what they are looking for regarding their smartphone's settings on the bar and it would come up promptly.

2. Data Usage Notification. Those who want to keep track of their data usage may swipe the screen with their two fingers to show the phone's quick settings. Once there, select the symbol for your phone's signal and the screen would automatically show the amount of data the phone has already used. The new OS took it a step further and added a feature where one can indicate a limit to the data used on their phone to lessen extra charges on bills.

3. Disable or Hide Sensitive Notifications. The new OS also added notifications on the phone's locked screen for easier control. But if the notifications are delicate, an option to prevent it from appearing on the lock screen is available at the Sound and Notifications under Settings. Just choose "Hide sensitive notification content" and it would do so.

4. Remove Notification Spam. Numerous notifications regarding updates of applications and games may be bothersome and one can stop the application from sending further messages with just a tap of the "i" button. Conversely, one could also opt to make the notifications of a certain application a priority so one would not miss any of the messages and updates it sends.

5. Do Not Disturb. Those who want to take a break from answering phone calls or receiving notifications may turn on the "Do Not Disturb" option by increasing or decreasing your phone's volume via the rocker switch found at the side of the unit until a small window pops up. Select from the options, "Priority," "All," or "None" to indicate the level of interruption you want to receive.

6. Color Correction and Color Inversion Options. Not all users of the phone are created equal and some may suffer from color-blindedness while others prefer softer color tones for their eyes. To address this, Google created this option which allows users to choose from three options that would adjust the colors on the screen for better viewing of those with eye conditions.

7. Battery Saver. One concern of users with the OS' new features are its effects on the device's battery life. But Google addressed this with the Battery Saver. Not only does this feature let you know what is using up your phone's power, it has also incorporated a one-touch option to lessen vibrations and usage of background data, which could add to battery power usage.

8. Share Your Screen Through Chromecast. The application is already outfitted in the system so no need for users to download and install it. Users would just have to double swipe the notifications bar to show the options and choose the "Cast" switch to automatically show your phone screen on TV.

9. Voice Wake Up. A new feature, which allows users to use their voice to activate the phone when it is in idle mode, is called the "OK Google" feature and is outfitted in the operating system. To access this feature, swipe your home screen to the left to go to the Google Now options. Select "Settings" and then go to the "Voice" menu. Once there, turn on the "OK Google Detection" and users could then remove their phones on idle mode just by saying, "OK Google" to activate it.

10. Face Detection to Unlock. Aside from entering the password, one could also unlock his device with the use of Face Detection. Just head on to "System" and choose "Settings." Under this, select the "Smart Lock" option and then click "Trusted Face." An instruction on how to set up this facial recognition feature would be given to activate it.

Here are more tips and tricks from sakitech.