Credit: www.sion.pics – FreePik
With 2022 already a thing of the past, it’s important to remember the good that came from the year.
In collaboration with an application development company in Calgary, we’ve compiled a list of the best Android hacks of 2022.
#1 – Android’s “Find My” Alternative
Apple’s Find My, the all-in-one solution for tracking friends, devices, and items, is a rare thing of envy amongst Android users.
However, Google Maps can do almost the same, giving Android users a suitable replacement for the Find My app. Best of all, it’s Google Maps, which means you can track your friends whether they’re on iPhone or Android.
#2 – Google Lens Camera Integration
With its integration with Chrome and Google database backend, Google Lens is fast becoming an everyday tool. Google Lens lets you scan the world around you to learn more about it giving you more information about everything from house plants to pets.
As convenient as the app is, there’s a faster way to use it: All you need to do is open the Camera app and long-press on the subject in the viewfinder.
Though for those with a Pixel 7, and the latest Chrome version, this hack doesn’t apply anymore with the shortcut moved, it’s still useful for millions of other phones.
#3 – Hide Chrome Incognito With Your Fingerprint
In September 2022, Google rolled out a flag from Chrome for Android that allows you to lock your Incognito tabs behind your fingerprint.
No one can access these tabs without the proper scan, so you can keep your private internet browsing private.
How to turn on fingerprint authentication for Incognito mode:
- Open Google Chrome on your device.
- Tap the menu in the top right corner.
- Tap “Settings,” then “Privacy and security.”
- Slide the toggle for “Lock Incognito tabs when you leave Chrome.”
- Scan your fingerprint to confirm.
#4 – Transfer Google Authenticator BEFORE Erasing Your Phone!
Many exciting Android phones were released last year, but one critical setting to check before erasing your old phone for good is Google Authenticator.
The tool is excellent for managing your two-factor authentication apps and ensures hackers can’t break into those accounts with access to your phone.
Of course, you may unwittingly include yourself in that camp if you erase that old phone before moving Google Authenticator to your new device.
Google Authenticator is limited to one phone at a time, so you won’t be able to simply log in on the new phone. Once you’ve lost access, it’s gone for good, and getting back into those accounts will be a nightmare.
#5 – Add Website Shortcuts To Your Homescreen
If you have websites that you frequently visit, add them to your Android home screen as a shortcut. Doing so makes opening the site as simple as launching an app.
For Chrome:
- Navigate to the website or web page you want to pin to your home screen.
- Tap the menu icon and tap “Add to homescreen.”
- Choose your website shortcut name, and Chrome will add it to your home screen.
This content is a joint venture between our publication and our partner. We do not endorse any product or service in the article.
