TECH SPECIAL........................... 10 things you can only do on an Android phone

10 things you can only do on an Android phone 

Android doesn't deserve the flak it gets, especially at the hands of Apple.
In fact, there's a lot more freedom with Android. Here's why

Just last month at a developer conference, Apple CEO Tim Cook pointed out that only 8.5 per cent of Android users are using the latest version of Android (KitKat) while 74 per cent of iOS users are on iOS 7.

What he didn't mention was this -there's not a lot of difference between Android JellyBean (4.3) and KitKat (v4.4). JellyBean and KitKat combined make up 72 per cent of all Android devices, according to latest figures released by Google. What he also didn't mention is that the 8.5 per cent of KitKat has gone up to 13.6 per cent according to fresh data published by Android's developer blog. That's a 60 per cent increase in less than 20 days.
Naturally, uptake on Android is slower because manufacturers customise Android for their devices. Android also offers tremendous variety for de vices that start as low as `5,000. Make no mistake; it's Android, not iOS, that is spearheading the smartphone revolution, especially in markets like India where smartphone penetration is low. From a productivity stand point too, Android offers several advantages which a power user will enjoy.
Transfer files using WiFi direct When you want to transfer 1GB of video files, WiFi Direct can do it within a few minutes. Since the phones connect directly to each other, a WiFi network is not needed. Easily pair with NFC Wit h N F C or Nea r Field Communication, you can tap two devices together to pair. Where NFC payments are enabled, you can pair your credit card with the phone and simply swipe the phone.
PICS: Transfer files at will using OTG With USB host, you can plug in any USB f lash drive into the phone and freely copy-paste files. Unlike Apple, Android also gives you the conven ience of a file explorer (access to the complete file system of the device).
Change keyboards Apple's keyboard is fi xed -but e Android allows you to get excellent op , tions like Swype and SlideIT. Not only e do these keyboards suggest words, e they also learn your style and offer n multiple input options.
t s Block spam with ease iOS doesn't give apps control over messages and calls. On Android, you can take things into your own hands and get a call/SMS blocker. You can also make your own blacklists.
Change everything about the way it looks Every iPhone looks the same. Android offers nearly limitless customisation.
You can use a launcher to complete ly change the look, feel and perform ance of a phone.
No pricey lightning cables Lightning cables are proprietary to Apple and they apply strong protec tion, so cheap knock-offs may or may not work. In comparison, any micro USB cable from anywhere will work on an Android phone.
Widgets and automation On Android, widgets can be used for quick access to information and there's a widget for every thing ! Secondly, features like automation are not available on iPhones. For instance, on Android, you can have WiFi automatically turn on when inside your home or office.
Affordable memory expansion Primarily, you can have a micro SD to enhance the storage on Android. But you can also use the card to quickly share large amounts of data. How about cost effectiveness? A 16GB micro SD card costs just `700 while the difference between a 16GB iPhone 5S and 32GB iPhone 5S is `7,000.
Control all data on your device Share a photo from either device -you'll have three times as many options on Android. Using a file manager .app, you can also share system files, set ringtones and transfer songs

by HITESH RAJ BHAGAT ET140611