- Most extra functionality is actually free
- Small screens can take control of big screens
Check if your Android device has an IR blaster. If so, you can use it to control your television, set-top box, media player o All you need is a decent app such a WiFi which works with brands such as Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Sony, but lots of television companies such as Sky have their own apps and services that enable you to exert extra control Use the Sky+ app to record shows on your Sky+ HD box when you're out and about.
- Chrome cast’s streaming quality can be adjusted
You can stream Spotify audio with the latest Chrome casts, but to unlock more functionality from video, you can quickly optimize it. We know it’s annoying when your streaming flicks are buffering and interrupting your viewing. If you’re casting from your computer though, you can experiment with the playback quality. Grab the Google cast extension for the chrome browser and select options, choose between 480p and a high or extreme 720p. There's a max 1080p for when everything is working as well as it should be.
- You can remotely control a desktop computer
Should you be out and about and suddenly realise that there’s something on your desktop PC that you really need to get hold of, your Android device can become your lifesaver. Using a Chrome browser on your desktop, install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension and it’ll steer you through the whole process of tying your Android device to it. It’s great if you want remote access to files and apps and it means you don’t have to cart laptops around with you.
- There’s a Night Light function for easy reading
To make it more pleasurable to read a book on your device in the dark, Android gave users a night-light as an early Christmas present, but a lot of people still haven’t opened it. Fix that by updating Google Play Books on your tablet or smartphone. You will see a pop-up explaining the new function, but if you miss it tap the A menu icon and select the mode from there. It will adjust automatically from that point on.
- USB-C is currently a USP, see?
Android lets you plug a USB OTG cable into a handset’s micro-USB port and plug peripherals including keyboards and mice into your device. This is great when your stubby fingers don’t hit the touchscreen quickly or accurately enough, but new Android 6.0 devices also support USB Type C, which lets you transfer data at top speeds, and multitask as well. Of course, you don’t always need a wired connection – Android devices let you add peripherals via Bluetooth too – but USB Type C in particular widens a tablet or phone’s functionality.
- Hear crystal-clear audio...
Audiophiles are always looking for ways to get the best sound from their music and it looks like one company has come up trumps. Chord Electronics’ Mojo is a both a Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier that connects to an Android device and pumps incredibly clear sound into your ears. It’s on the pricey side at £399 (hey, we didn’t say all extra functionality was free) but it will turn your device into a professional-sounding music hub.
- Devices can be turned into big-screen gaming controllers
As well as downloading the Tin core Key mapper app and using a traditional controller with your device (letting you create a key map that corresponds to the buttons and movement of the controller), more games are being supported by Chrome-cast. Cast games to the big screen and use an Android device as a controller. Given that touchscreen technology has been revolutionary, this opens up further possibilities.
- Your handset can become a wallet
Android Pay is being widely used in the United States but if you – like us here in the UK – can only sit and wait while the service rolls out where you live. you may be pleased to know that some banks are talking matters into their own hands. Barclaycard has added a contactless NFC payment function to its android app. It can be used to make payments anywhere there is an NFC reader. Other banks may well start to follow suit.
- Finding a hidden game is part of the fun
Android likes to hide treats in the operating system and Marshmallow is no exception. Go to the Settings and select About before tapping numerous times on the section labelled Android Version. In an instant a large marshmallow will appear on the screen, and if you tap and hold on this then you’re taken to a Flappy Bird-style game. Press the + button that appears and you can even add other players for some cool multiplayer action.
