Hey everyone,
Modern Android versions are packed with great built-in tools that can seriously boost your productivity. You don’t need to hunt for third-party apps that might be resource-heavy or loaded with ads. Let’s explore some of the most useful ones.
Focus Mode
Focus Mode is a fantastic way to minimize distractions. It came to Android around versions 9 and 10 and is part of the Digital Wellbeing suite. It lets you silence notifications from specific apps so you don’t get bombarded by social media or other non-essential alerts when you need to focus.
Another great feature of Focus Mode is that it allows you to completely block access to certain apps for a set amount of time. This can be handy if you want to avoid games or other time-wasting apps when you’re trying to get work done. These apps will be greyed out in your app drawer, and you’ll get a notification if you try to open them during your Focus Mode period.
Unlike the standard Do Not Disturb feature, Focus Mode gives you granular control over the apps you want to silence. You can also set up a schedule, so it automatically activates during your work or study hours. This makes it a powerful tool for staying concentrated on the task at hand.
To access Focus Mode, go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls > Focus Mode. Select the apps you want to mute and configure a schedule for automatic activation.
Split Screen Mode
If you are someone who frequently multitasks, Split Screen Mode is a must-try. This feature, while a later addition to Android, allows you to use two apps simultaneously, saving you time and effort by eliminating the need to switch back and forth.
For instance, if you’re drafting a document and need to frequently check information on the web, you can have your document app on one half of the screen and your browser on the other.
You can also use it to chat with colleagues on Slack while responding to emails in Gmail, or browse flights on Google while checking your availability in the Calendar app.
Split Screen Mode supports a wide variety of apps without needing to open any of them in full-screen mode. The limitation is that you can only use two apps at once.
To use Split Screen Mode, open the first app and then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the ‘Recent Apps’ menu. Tap on the app icon at the top, select ‘Split Screen’ and then choose the second app you want to open.
One-Handed Mode
With phones becoming increasingly larger, using them comfortably with one hand can be challenging. Google’s One-Handed Mode is designed to make phones with large screens easier to use. It makes all elements on the screen more accessible with one hand.
To enable it, go to Settings > System > Gestures. Once enabled, you can use it across all different apps.
For example, you can pull down a chat at the top of your screen in a messaging app by swiping down from the pill or home button at the bottom. To return to the normal mode, swipe up from the pill again.
Quick Share
Quick Share works similarly to AirDrop on Apple devices. It enables you to transfer files between your phone, Windows laptops, Chromebooks, and other devices quickly and easily.
Previously known as Nearby Share, it allows you to share virtually any file with others using Bluetooth or WiFi Direct. Quick Share is supported on all Android devices running Android version 6.0 or later. You can customize your privacy settings, and choose to share files with only your devices, with your contacts, or with everyone.
From a productivity standpoint, Quick Share is an extremely useful feature since you don’t need to rely on cables to transfer files to and from your phone. It’s also useful when you’re working on group projects or in an office where many people need access to the same files.
To use Quick Share, swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings menu. Look for the Quick Share icon and tap on it to turn it on. It may be on the second page, so you may need to swipe right to find it.
Voice Typing
For quickly responding to messages and emails, voice typing is incredibly useful. It lets you get your thoughts out quickly while multitasking, like walking the dog.
Voice typing works throughout the Android OS in apps that support it, so you don’t have to waste time typing out long messages. You can search information online by speaking to Google Assistant or Gemini. You can also jot down notes or prepare a to-do list.
This feature is useful for those who have difficulty typing or who prefer voice commands. However, remember to speak clearly, as incorrect phrases might be transcribed and need to be corrected manually.
To use voice typing, open any app that allows text input, like Gmail or Keep. Tap the text entry area, then tap the microphone icon. Begin speaking once you see “Speak Now” on your screen.
App Pinning
App Pinning allows you to lock an app to your screen, which is helpful if you want to prevent accidental app switches or home screen access. This can also be useful when handing your phone to someone else and limiting their access to other apps. This is a great privacy feature that also allows you to avoid distractions when working.
App pinning has been a feature of Android since Android 5 and has remained largely unchanged. Before using it, enable it from the Security section of the Settings app.
For enhanced security, you can set a pattern, PIN, or fingerprint that will be required to unpin the app.
App pinning is very useful when giving presentations and you want to prevent app switching and distractions. To pin an app, open it and then press and hold the app logo at the top. Then select the “Pin” option that appears to pin the app. You will need to use your PIN, pattern or fingerprint to unpin the app.
Gemini
Gemini, previously known as Google Bard, has become a powerful AI chatbot that can be a great productivity tool. While it still has room to improve, it’s now useful for researching topics quickly, which can save you time when writing blog posts, creating presentations or working on other similar tasks.
If you are visiting a new place, you can ask it for must-see locations or events. Manually researching and planning your trip can be time-consuming, so Gemini can significantly cut the time needed.
Gemini can help you with tasks such as performing calculations quickly, making a grocery list, looking up recipes, or checking traffic, among many other things. Since it is now built into Android, you can access it either using the Gemini app or by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
Things to Know
- These are just some of the options Android offers for enhanced productivity. Explore your device; you may find more that suit your needs.
- Keep in mind that while these apps and features are generally available across devices from different manufacturers, it isn’t always the case. Manufacturers like Xiaomi sometimes remove some Android features, or add their own, on their custom MIUI skin.
- Some manufacturers such as Samsung add their own features to Android to improve the user experience. You will likely find more productivity features on Samsung devices than on phones from other brands.
- Third-party apps that mimic or enhance these features may exist. However, such apps may require permissions that compromise your privacy, so be careful when installing them on your phone.