Almost every aspect of the Android device can be customized, which is one of the key features of Android. There are different widgets available that will help you to get information on the home screen, create ringtones and notifications, and install custom keyboards and skins. Now let’s find out some of the ways by which you can optimize your Android experience.
1. Stay Up to Date With the Use of Widgets
Widgets are applications seen on the home screen which make easier for you to get information. You can add widgets on your home screen simply by pressing on an empty space on the screen for few seconds. There are widgets for everything including music controls, news information, stocks, weather, email, Twitter, and texting.
It is possible to configure several home screens in Android, so you can group weather and news widgets on one screen, Pandora and music library on another, messaging widgets on the next, and so on. This will allow you to get information with just a swipe of your finger.
2. Organize the Shortcut Keys Properly
Just like widgets, you can add shortcuts of your choice on the home screen. A shortcut can be added in the similar fashion as the widgets. When you long press on the empty space, an option will be shown to create a shortcut.
Shortcuts can be created for playing a music playlist, accessing settings, calling a specific contact, launching a bookmarked website, opening a specific application, and of course, inbox.
3. Find The Proper Keyboard Software
The default software keyboard of Android is not so popular among the users. However, there are many options available in the Android market. It is a good idea to go for the keyboard software such as Swype, HTC IME modified keyboard, and Better Keyboard. You will soon notice the difference when you start using any of these keyboards.
4. Use Identifiable Notifications and Ringtones
The Android phone allows you to create and select ringtones of your choice. Creating notifications and ringtones can be done with the help of apps or even manually. You will need to create several directories on the SD card to add ringtone of your choice manually. It is much easier to create ringtones with the help of apps.
You can simply download the free app known as the Ringdroid from the Android market and start to trim and edit the audio files of your choice and save them as alarm, notification or ringtone.
5. Create a New and Unique Look
There are many things that can be customized in the Android apart from the ringtones and keyboard. With the help of Live Wallpapers, you can have your own background wallpaper that react and move according to your interactions. You can also apply skins to every aspect of your interface with the help of the app known as aHome.
You can download different widgets, fonts, themes, and skins from aHome to make your phone unique. There are even apps that will make significant changes in the device apart from the change in colors.
Article by Vishal
Vishal Gaikar is a professional blogger from Pune, India. If you like this post, you can follow him on Twitter.
