Know about Android app shortcuts that are actually useful

The android phone is a big boon due to the simplicity of use compared to the iPhone and the computer. But, when it comes to the crunch, does it deliver? How many times have you dug out the phone and then put it back because the moment had passed and you could not access the app in time? We come to the moment when we can finally install the shortcuts that allows instant access to apps you need to use.

Make a shortcut for Massages, Direct calls, Navigation

You can use the Messages and the Calls with just a tap on the Home screen. Go to the Widgets sections and activate the Directly Call and Message a contact. You can also use the Navigate widget to find the shortcut to any place you want to go. When you use communication apps like Skype or WhatsApp you can create groups. This lets you get in touch at a mere touch.

Use Activity shortcuts to go directly to the app

You see Activities depicted as screens for an app. You can create app shortcuts and create links to specific pages within the app. Like this you can create a direct link to the Navigation screen of the Maps app. In addition, you can use the third-party launchers. This will come with the app you download. There you have the option of placing the app on the Home screen. You cannot use the shortcut on any other screen.

Use Google Voice Commands

This helps you manage your Android hands-free. You must activate the “OK Google” voice detection in the Settings. Under Settings, go to Voice. Then, click the OK button and you can activate the phone by saying “OK Google”. You can set reminders, make calls, take notes, or make a general query.

Make the Search for apps easy

When you have plenty of apps installed, searching for app that you use once in a while may be difficult. Then, there is one way around this. Google widget helps you locate and launch apps quickly. You can also use the search bar on the phone search page.

Scan a document

Did you know that Google Drive has a Scan button? You can quickly scan a receipt or any document but the process is tedious. Another way to do this is to tap and hold the Drive icon, you can then tap Scan. You will go immediately to the scanner viewfinder. The item you scan will upload to the top level in the Drive directory. You can change these files to another separate folder. For this, install Drive Scan widget. You will see this on your widgets screen.

Add a note fast

To do this, you must have Google Keep. Once you have downloaded the app you can tap and hold the Google Keep icon. Tap on New Audio Note and speak your piece. You will have a note transcribed of what you say in addition to recording your voice.

Easy touch

This may be a copy of the Assistive Touch from the iPhone but it proves useful. The idea of putting a floating button on the Home Screen was in the minds of many Android developers even before this. This EasyTouch button helps you with an array of functions including toggle Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, lock the screen, and much more. You can bring out the camera or launch your favorite app and do a lot of other things. It is fully integrable with the Android OS as it is today. And of course, you must be familiar with the pull-down screen to refresh the page.

So, those are the new things to brighten up your day. You will see more shortcuts as software developers come up with new things.

And with that you should be well on your way to implementing Android 7.1’s new feature App Shortcuts! You can find Android’s official documentation for App Shortcuts here. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments, and thanks for reading!

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