Android 5.0 Lollipop Tips And Tricks: 10 Useful Features You May Not Know About

Android 5.0 Lollipop features several exclusive services that provide better usability than Android Jelly Bean or Android KitKat. Find out these hidden features on Nexus 5, Nexus 9 and other devices with the latest Android OS.

Compacted Background Apps

Background applications on Android 5.0 Lollipop devices will not be affected before and after a reboot. It is due to the new Android Runtime engine which compact background apps and services so users can do more at once. These background apps are still retained on the Recents Tab but not powered after a reboot.

Colour Corrector

Users suffering colour blindness or anomalous thricromacy can use the Colour Correction under the Accessibility section in Settings menu to tweak display colour according to eyesight. This feature offers three correction modes which are deuteranomaly, protanomaly and tritanomaly.

Dominance Over Notifications

Control the notifications in several ways on Android 5.0 Lollipop. Users can set which app should use the notifications centre to prevent spams such as from social games, hide sensitive notifications and its contents on the lock screen, disable lock screen notifications and filter notifications and alarms using Priority Mode.

Easy Access To Flashlight

Flashlight toggle is now available on the Quick Settings menu just like any other functional toggle. Swipe two fingers from the notifications shade to access the built-in flashlight switch.

Guest User Mode

Users can let friends and family members borrow devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop without worrying about privacy. Similar to computers, Guest User Mode is configurable so that other people won't be able to access particular apps, send messages or make calls unless using the Admin user account.

High Contrast Text

Another part of improvements for Accessibility is the addition of High Contrast Text or colour inverter to improve legibility of text on bright backgrounds. Go to Settings, Accessibility then select High Contrast Text to enable.

Native Power Manager

Android 5.0 Lollipop adds a native battery saver mode which can extend usage by up to 90 minutes. Moreover, the battery saver mode displays relevant information such as estimated time how long the battery would last and estimated time how long it takes to recharge.

Search Bar In Settings Menu

Search Bar seems becoming omnipresent as it is now available in the Settings menu. Users can search relevant options just like inside applications.

Quick Check Of Data Usage

Mobile data usage is now easier to monitor since it is now available in the notifications shade. In order to access this, pull down the notifications shades then tap on the cellular icon to view data usage.

Smart Lock

Pairing via Bluetooth or NFC with Android 5.0 Lollipop devices has been made easier and secure than in previous Android version. Users can pair a device via Bluetooth and label it as "trusted" to remove the security challenge for every connection. This is very useful for users connecting an Android device to cars, smartwatches or stereos.

For other tips and tricks for Android 5.0, check out the compiled information from Phone Arena. Android 5.0 Lollipop is now available for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 devices which will be followed soon by Google Play Edition models.