Not everyone is an expert on mobile phones and, above all, not everyone is interested in the rankings of the various models, tricks, applications or more advanced settings. There are people who are simply looking for a modern cell phone, which phones, with which they can read messages and emails and, perhaps, surf the internet. Choosing a new device, be it a new phone or a tablet must be fun, but with all the possibilities that exist it can be difficult to know where to start (see also "Which new mobile smartphone to buy"> Who is tired of the highs prices of an iPhone and those who want an equivalent system, in some ways better and powerful able to do anything, can switch to Android . This question and answer post, especially dedicated to the less experienced but useful to all, with 20 things to know about Android, general basic concepts to know what you are holding (or what you are buying) and to get the most out of your mobile phone or tablet, whatever brand it is (LG, HTC, Samsung, Google or Motorola).
READ ALSO: 10 options to modify in the Android settings
1) What is Android?
Android is an operating system that can be installed on a mobile phone, a tablet or even on a computer, as is Windows for computers or iOS for iPhone and iPad
2) Who does Android?
Google develops Android and releases the source code of the system which is Linux based and is open source.
Various manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei and Motorola can put Android on their phones, tablets and now even cameras, in customized versions that may appear different graphically, but which are always the same Android.
3) Why do you hear sweet English names when talking about Android?
Whenever Google makes a major update to the Android system, it gives it the name of a dessert.
The names are obviously in English and in alphabetical order depending on the version. In recent years, the KitKat, Lollipop, Nougat, Oreo versions and the latest (for now), Pie versions which correspond to version 9 have been released.
4) In the shop I saw a Samsung Android phone and an HTC and they are very different, how come?
Google develops and releases Android software and allows hardware manufacturers such as HTC and Samsung to install it on their phones and tablets. However, manufacturers add their design changes by "branding" the system and distinguishing it from the competition.
Any mobile phone can be customized in its appearance using different themes and launchers for Android that can replace the default ones installed by the manufacturer.
5) Can every Android phone or tablet be updated to the latest version?
Unfortunately no, this may be the only reason for frustration for an Android user. If a device is sold with the version, for example, Nougat, it is not said that you can install Oreo or the latest, Pie.
This is because each smartphone is different from another therefore, if Google releases an updated version, the manufacturers (Samsung, HTC or others) must adapt that version to the device. If your mobile phone or tablet is cheap, an update to the latest version of Android will probably be available shortly; if instead you buy an unsuccessful or old mobile phone, the manufacturer has no interest in developing a new version.
6) Are there any applications with Android?
Android has a huge application market called Google Play, where you can download books, music and applications, all from one place.
Unlike the Apple Store, the Android market is much cheaper and there are almost always free applications and games.
Another article lists the best free apps for Android.
7) Can Twitter and Facebook be used on Android phones?
Virtually every smartphone phone that can surf the internet today allows you to access Facebook and Twitter and Android is no exception.
8) Do I need a Google Account to use Android?
Yes, as you need an Apple ID to use an iPhone, a Google account is required to use Android.
However, it is not mandatory to use Google services such as Gmail or Google Play if you do not want to and Google allows you to easily add other email accounts on your mobile phone or tablet. Obviously, however, with Google applications for Android the experience is much better.
9) How can applications be downloaded to an Android mobile phone or tablet?
New applications can be installed on Android in two ways. From the device itself using the Google Play application or from the computer, browsing the Google Play site and pressing Install. In this second case, the app is automatically downloaded and installed. The only condition is that you use the same Google account, both on your computer's web browser, and on your mobile phone or tablet, essential for using Android. Signing up for Google Play is done immediately when you first turn on a newly purchased phone or tablet.
10) So there is no need to connect the phone to the computer to install new applications?
No, it can be done simply by using the same Google account and by connecting the device to the internet using the cellular data connection or Wi-Fi, without the need for any cables.
11) Okay for apps, but what if you want to put photos or movies on your phone from your computer?
Even in this Android it is much simpler than an iPhone because you can move personal files from your PC to your mobile phone or tablet without difficulty. You can use an application like Dropbox that allows you to "see" the files shared and uploaded online from your computer on your mobile phone. Applications such as Airdroid allow you to access your phone's files from your computer, via Wifi so it becomes convenient to move documents, photos, videos, music and movies.
Using the USB cable you can also use your Android phone as if it were a USB stick, without using additional software.
12) Can I listen to music on iTunes on an Android phone?
Yes, there is a program called doubleTwist that works identically to iTunes, which allows you to sync your iTunes music collection to your Android phone or tablet. If you are not using iTunes, then you can simply connect the PC to the mobile phone as seen in point 9 and drag the mp3 files into the Music folder. From your mobile phone or tablet you can use different Android applications to listen to music to use the mobile phone mp3 player
13) On the iPhone there are games like Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Cut The Rope and many others that are really fun, are they also on Android?
Yes, not only are they available on Google Play, they are also free!
There are also many others listed in the list of the best Android games to download for free
14) Can a pure Android system be installed without manufacturer customization?
If you want a pure Android experience there are two possibilities. You can buy a device produced directly by Google that have the name of Pixel (before they were the Nexus). Currently there are the Pixel 3 mobile phone, and the Pixel 3A.
The advantage of having a Nexus is that every update of Android is immediately compatible and you can therefore always have the latest version.
In addition, the system remains lighter because there are no pre-installed applications and manufacturer modifications.
The other possibility is to install CyanogenMod, a pure Android ROM developed by volunteers independent of large companies and continuously updated.
15) What is the difference between the home screen and the application screen?
The App Drawer is the list of applications installed on the device as it happens on Apple and iPhone devices, where all applications are presented immediately on the screen. In Android however, there is what on Windows is called Desktop, a customizable Home screen where you can add apps and widgets to access it quickly. However, all apps added to the Android home screen remain in the general list of applications.
16) Widget? What are widgets?
The widget is one of the best Android features.
These are panels to be added to the main screen that provide live information, coming from other apps, always superimposed.
They are therefore interactive snapshots that can show simple things like the weather or more complex things like the flow of news from Facebook or Twitter.
With widgets there is no need to open the complete application every time you want to read something new or do a simple update.
In another article, the best Android mobile widgets to install on the screen
17) What is the easiest way to move all the contacts to the new phone?
You just have to import the address book into Gmail so they will be automatically synchronized with the phone (see guide)
18) How can you reduce the battery drain on your Android device?
On this topic, there is a special guide to optimize the battery on Android and extend the charge
19) Is it true that there are viruses that affect Android?
For starters, it is important to say that Android is an absolutely safe system.
The only way for a virus to infect Android is through an application, therefore, you only have to be very careful when downloading apps if you don't use Google Play.
For security, an antivirus for Android can also be installed.
20) If you lose your mobile phone or it is stolen, is there a way to block it or not to let outsiders access Facebook and other apps?
Yes, it's called Android Device Manager to be activated to find the mobile phone
You can also install for free an anti-theft application to control, block, locate Android remotely, but it is not necessary.
CONTINUE READING: Android guide to be an expert on the new smartphone
Bonus : Most important point of all, to stay up to date on Android and the news of the web and computers, you must absolutely install the free Navigaweb app .
In other articles, the guide continues with:
- With Android 9 Pie the smartphone is smarter and adapts to the person
- Android 8 Oreo with new features to improve smartphones and tablets
- Android 7.0 Nougat: all the new features of the update
- Android 6 Marshmellow cheats and guide to new options and features
- guide, cheats, and best features of Android 5.0 Lollipop
- Android Jelly Bean 4.2 features and tricks guide
