Nexus 5 - 10 Tips and Tricks

October was a great month for Android fans, with the official announcement of Android 4.4 Kitkat and the subsequent launch of the Nexus 5. As always, the updated Android OS introduces a host of new features and enhancements, that allow for a smoother and faster experience.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Nexus 5!

You might like: Best Nexus 5 Cases

Since the Nexus 5 runs stock Android , albeit with the Google Experience Launcher, some of these tips aren’t only particular to this device, but to Android 4.4 Kitkat. Granted, it may be a while before a lot of us see the latest of flavor of the OS on our devices, but if you have a Nexus smartphone or tablet, you should definitely check them out. Let’s get started!

#1 Lock Screen Quick Camera

The first tip doesn’t even require unlocking your device. To access the camera quickly, hence “Quick Camera,” all you need to do is put your finger on the camera icon on the lock screen, and swipe left to open the camera interface.

#2 Take Better Photos

The Nexus 5 camera has received its fair share of flak, and even with an update to Android 4.4.1 to improve camera performance (check out our review of the update here), so here’s a tip on how to take better photos using the Nexus 5. While the camera is good in decently lit situations, for better quality snaps in dim lighting, you may want to set the camera to HDR (High Dynamic Range) for non-motion shots. Make sure you update to Android 4.4.1, as the camera is improved quite substantially.

As you may know, HDR combines two images that are taken at lower and higher exposures, allowing for a picture that is more saturated, high-contrast, and rich in color.  You can find out more about HDR photography here.

#3 Default SMS Application

One of the much-talked about features in the integration of SMS in Google Hangouts, with this feature being pre-configured in the Nexus 5. While many may find this useful, there are some who prefer a separate SMS application. If you fall in the latter group, this option is available as well.

You need to go to Settings -> More (under Wireless and Networks) -> Default SMS app. In that menu, you can pick the option that you wish to choose. Since the Nexus 5 doesn’t include a separate SMS app, you’ll need to download a third-party app from the Google Play Store.

#4 Quick Settings

Quick Settings is a very useful trick that was introduced with Android Jelly Bean, but is often unknown to users and overlooked. Sliding down from the top of the screen with one finger opens the notification center, but if you do so with two fingers, you can directly open the Quick Settings and Toggles menu.

#5 Business Look-Up

Instead of doing a Google Search to find the phone number of a local business, you can now do so directly from the Dialer. Using the search bar at the top, you can find the number of any local businesses such as restaurants, stores, and more. This also cross references with the Caller ID. So when you receive a call from an unknown number, Google looks up the number and when applicable, matches it with a local business.

#6 OK Google Voice Settings

We know that saying “OK Google” while on your homescreen opens up Google Now. Keep in mind that this only works if the language is set to US English. To enable this, go to Settings -> Language & Input -> Voice Speech (under the Speech section) -> Language. In the Language options, tap English, and then choose English (US). Now you can go back to your homescreen and say “OK Google” to activate voice search automatically.

#7 GPS Location Data Settings

It seems like more and more applications require GPS Location data to function properly, but keeping GPS enabled all the time also drains the battery quickly. Battery Saving GPS Mode minimises the number of reference points used to obtain your exact location, and reduces the amount of power required. To enable this, go to Settings -> Location -> Mode, and choose Battery Saving. You can also directly access Location settings from the Quick Settings menu (see #4).

#8 Lock Screen Controls

When the phone is locked and you’re listening to Google Play Music, Play Movies, or using Chromecast, you can press and hold the Pause button to skip ahead, or rewind the media.

#9 Developmental Feature – ART

With Android 4.4 Kitkat, users get to user ART(Android Runtime) for the first time, to replace the aging Dalvik. ART uses ahead-of-time compilation, which means that your apps are compiled in a ready-to-run state after the first time you install them. The end result is that ART  launches apps much faster, and without the lag issues that are sometimes found in Dalvik.

For now, you can enable and test it out, although not every application currently works. To enable this, go to Settings -> About Phone, and tap the build number section multiple times until it says “you are a developer.” Now go back to Settings -> Developer Options -> Runtime, and choose ART. You can check out the difference in speed between ART and Dalvik here. ART is a developmental feature, and will certainly see marked improvements with future versions of Android.

#10 Background Process Stats

In the same Developer Options menu mentioned above, you can also find Process Stats. It shows you the background applications and background processes, and is a great tool to show you what the device is actually running.

Check out the best accessories for the Nexus 5! 

Don’t forget to share your favorite tips and tricks for the Nexus 5 in the comments section below!