How To: 18 Tips & Tricks to Help You Master Your Google Pixel

How To: 18 Tips & Tricks to Help You Master Your Google Pixel
Google's new Pixel and Pixel XL flagships are some very powerful smartphones, but as with any high-tech gadget, they're only as capable as the user allows them to be. So if you're a proud new Pixel owner, it's time to bone up on a few new features to help get the most out of your device.From hidden settings like the System UI Tuner to sweet new gestures and even Google Assistant Easter eggs, there's a lot to learn about your shiny new toy. So read on below for fifteen must-know tips, and by the time you're done, you'll be getting more out of your Pixel than any phone before it.Don't Miss: The Pixel Exemplifies Google's New Hardware Philosophy—To Do It Right, Do It Yourself
Tip #1: Switch from iPhone EasilyIf the Pixel is your first Android device, you'll be happy to know that Google's made it easy to switch from an iPhone. There's an adapter in the box that you can use to plug your old device into your new one, then transfer data like contacts and photos. It's a super-simple process, and Google has it outlined in the following video:
Tip #2: Get to Know Your Pixel with Help from GoogleWhile we're on the subject of Pixel help videos from Google, there's a great guide that covers all of the basics of getting started with your Pixel. From home screen shortcuts to various Settings, you'll quickly find your way around the Pixel after watching the following video:

Tip #3: Get 24/7 Live Support Right from Your PhoneOne of the Pixel's best features is its 24/7 live support. Just head to the Support tab in the main Settings menu, then you can either call a Google support technician, or chat with one. If you opt for chat, you simply describe your problem, then the technician will help you resolve it—and you can even share your screen with them so that they can see what you see.

Tip #4: Enable Fingerprint Swipe for NotificationsThe fingerprint scanner on most phones goes unused once you've unlocked your device, but that's not the case with the Pixel. A feature called "Swipe for Notifications" lets you use the finger scanner as a handy way to view quick information on any screen, and it's easy to enable:Full Guide: Enable the Fingerprint Swipe Notification Gesture on Your Pixel or Pixel XL Image by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks
Tip #5: Get Secure Access to Open Networks with Wi-Fi AssistantGoogle has built a massive database of reliable and fast Wi-Fi networks as part of their Project Fi cell service. But even if you're not using Google's carrier network, you can still take advantage of these free and open hotspots by enabling the "Wi-Fi Assistant" feature on your Pixel, which even tunnels the internet traffic through a VPN to make sure it's secure.Full Guide: Turn on Pixel's Wi-Fi Assistant to Get Secure Access on Open Networks

Tip #6: Enable Night Light to Get Better SleepYour Pixel's display emits blue light frequencies that can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime—even when it's time to go to sleep. To remedy this, Google included a feature called "Night Light" that gives your screen an orange tint after dark, which should help you sleep better if you use your phone a lot at night. It's turned off by default, but simple enough to enable:Full Guide: Enable Night Light Mode on Your Pixel to Get Better Sleep Image by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks
Tip #7: Turn on the LED Notification LightHidden in your Pixel's front-facing speaker is a tiny LED light that can be used to notify you of missed messages. It's turned off by default, but you can enable this feature in just a few simple taps:Full Guide: Enable the Pixel's LED Notification Light
Tip #8: Enable System UI TunerStarting with version 6.0 Marshmallow, stock Android has had a hidden menu called "System UI Tuner" that lets you tweak several aspects of your phone's interface. This has been expanded on with the version of Android that ships with the Pixel (7.1 Nougat), so it's definitely something you should enable if you like to customize things:Full Guide: How to Enable Android's Hidden System UI Tuner
Tip #9: Remove Unwanted Status Bar IconsOnce you've enabled the System UI Tuner, you might want to use it to get rid of some of those pesky, unwanted icons at the top of your screen. To see how, just check out Step 3 at the following guide.Full Guide: Remove Status Bar Icons with Android's System UI Tuner
Tip #10: Add Percentage to Your Battery IconEven with the Pixel's awesome battery life, heavy users will still probably want a more accurate depiction of how much juice is actually left. With System UI Tuner, you can add text that shows the current battery percentage to the existing battery icon at the top of your screen, so check out Step 3 at the following guide to see how.Full Guide: Enable Battery Percentage Text with Android's System UI Tuner

Tip #11: Get Custom Quick Settings TilesWhile you're customizing the look and feel of things, you should know that you can rearrange, replace, or even completely remove the toggles in your Quick Settings panel. It's a new feature in Android Nougat, and it even allows you to add your own custom tiles.Full Guide: Add Your Own Quick Settings Tiles in Android 7.0 Nougat Image by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks
Tip #12: Customize Google AssistantAs it stands, Google Assistant is one of the Pixel's biggest selling points—but it gets even better when you let it know more about yourself. You can tell it your favorite news sources, give yourself a nickname, and even let the Assistant know your home and work addresses for quicker directions.Full Guide: Customize Google Assistant
Tip #13: Say 'Good Morning' to Get a Daily BriefingOnce the Google Assistant gets to know you a bit better, you can have it give you a briefing on today's news and your upcoming events. When you wake up, just tell the Assistant "Good morning," then it will give you the weather forecast, read your calendar events, and even start playing news radio feeds.Full Guide: 10 Things Google Assistant Can Do to Make Your Life Easier
Tip #14: 'I'm Feeling Lucky' Google Assistant Easter EggThe next time you're bored, Google Assistant has a neat game show Easter Egg waiting for you. Just tell it "I'm Feeling Lucky," then get ready for a fun ride. If you just want to see how it all works, check out the following guide.Full Guide: Google Assistant Has a Fun Game Show Easter Egg for When You're Feeling Lucky

Tip #15: Get Pro-Style Bokeh in Your Photos with Google CameraThe iPhone 7 Plus uses its dual-lens setup to let you set a focus point for your photos after they've already been taken. The Pixel's stock camera app (AKA, Google Camera) can create this same effect using a feature called "Lens Blur," which involves moving your phone while you're taking a picture. It's a fun effect, and it gives your pictures that pro-style look.Full Guide: Google Camera Gives You the iPhone 7 Plus Portrait Mode Blur Feature Right Now Image by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks
Tip #16: Earn Free Credit for Apps with Google Opinion RewardsIf the Pixel is your first Android device, you'll be happy to know that Google has an app that gives you free money for buying anything on the Play Store when you fill out quick surveys. The app is called "Google Opinion Rewards," and if you want to ensure that you get as many surveys (and credits) as possible, hit up the link below.Full Guide: Earn Play Store Credits by Getting Google Opinion Rewards to Give You More Surveys
Tip #17: Save Money on Your Phone Bill with Project FiThe Pixel and Pixel XL are two of the only phones that are fully compatible with Google's next-gen carrier network, Project Fi. We did the math, and in most cases, you could save lots of money by switching to Project Fi—even if you had to pay fees to get out of your current contract. But money is only part of the story. Get the full rundown on Project Fi below.Full Guide: If You're Getting a Pixel, You Could Save Some Serious Money by Switching to Project Fi
Tip #18: Get the Most Out of Android NougatThe Pixel is the first phone to ship with Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box, and there were a boatload of cool new features added in this update. If you're out of the loop on the latest changes, head to our full Android Nougat guide to make sure you're not missing out on any of the fun new stuff.Full Guide: 25 Cool New Things You Can Do with Android NougatFollow Gadget Hacks on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube Follow Android Hacks on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest Follow WonderHowTo on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+
Cover photo by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks



Why does Flickr offer 1TB of storage for free yet charge $499/yr for 2TB? The answer is that Yahoo! doesn't expect many Flickr users to use anywhere near the 1TB they are offering.
Upload Anything to Flickr's New 1TB of Space With a Simple Hack


Roku has more 4K content than Fire TV Stick 4K. For 4K content, you get Netflix, Amazon Video, YouTube, Vudu, and others. Roku has a special section to see all available 4K content. Speed & Specs (B-): Roku Streaming Stick+ (3810R) and Roku Streaming Stick (3800R) came out in 2017.
Get A Free Fire Stick Or Roku Stick With A 3-Month Sling TV


How To: Solder a wire onto a switch when building circuits How To: Make a USB cell phone battery from a 9-volt How To: Solder a 0603 LED How To: Solder instrument cables How To: Remove MELF diodes with the tweezer solder method How To: Lead-free solder a 1206 surface manner resistor
How to Solder speaker lead wires « Home Audio :: WonderHowTo


Photoshop Express Collage gives you flexibility and control - including border size, color, and pan and zoom - to edit your collage. Create professional-quality collages easily with a host of ready-to-use options like backgrounds, gradients, and layouts.


There is a registry tweak that can bring back the uninstall confirmation prompt to ensure you have less "OH GOD, THAT WAS A HUGE MISTAKE" moments when managing your programs. Best of all, this tweak works in Windows Vista all the way up to Windows 10 .
How to Uninstall Programs That Won't Uninstall from Windows 7


A convenient feature built into the BlackBerry KEYone keyboard is the ability to set custom key shortcuts from the home screen. You're able to assign two distinct shortcuts for every letter key — for long presses and short presses. Keyboard shortcuts can be used for so many functions: set a key to
How to Remove On-Screen Keyboard From Desktop | It Still Works


News: Create a Fire Mixtape with Your Friends Using Spotify's Group Playlists News: New Apple Music Update for Android Adds Support for Lyrics & More How To: Turn Pandora Likes into a Spotify Playlist Spotify 101: How to Use Voice Commands to Play Artists, Playlists & More on Your iPhone How To: Use Siri to Play Spotify Music & Start Playlists
How to Create Playlists on YouTube « Internet :: Gadget Hacks


Our vinyl records are manufactured exclusively by GZ Digital Media. Established over 60 years ago, and based in the Czech Republic, GZ is one of the most reputable production and full service printing facilities in the world.
How to Store Vinyl Records: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow


How To: Share & Scan PayPal QR Codes for Faster Transactions When Receiving or Sending Money Apple Pay Cash 101: How to Transfer Money from Your Card to Your Bank Account News: PayPal & Venmo Are Finally Offering Instant Pay Transfers, Within Minutes
How to Easily Share Your Wi-Fi Password with a QR Code on


Windows 10 is the most cloud-oriented version of Windows to date—yet, while this means you get some nifty new features, it also means some of your personal data is being shared with Microsofts servers.
Windows 10 With S Mode Enabled, Everything You Need to Know


No matter your reasons, you might need a second phone number that's a little more disposable than your primary number — a "burner" number, so to speak. If you create this burner number using Google Voice, you'll get new functionality like call forwarding and voicemail transcripts, and best of all
How to Add and activate phone numbers when using Google Voice


Check out Another Video:

0 comments:

Post a Comment