Phones

Essential Android Tips and Tricks

E-mail, social networking, mobile Web browsing, music and movie playback--your Android tablet or smartphone can do just about anything. (You can even use it to make phone calls!) In fact, between all the awesome apps and the camera, your Android gadgets have probably sent some of your other tech toys, like your point-and-shoot camera, to the Old Stuff Drawer a bit earlier than you had expected.

An Android device has a lot more than meets the eye, however, and unless you have spent some serious time doing your smartphone homework, you're probably not getting the most out of your device.

The pictures you're taking could be better. You could type messages faster. Your media library doesn't have to be so disorganized. And--what's that? You haven't rooted your phone yet? That's...well, that's a shame.

Fortunately, you don't have to figure any of that out yourself (though if you do have your own tips, feel free to share them in the comments). Just check out the collection of how-tos listed on the right side. You'll definitely want to learn how to keep malware off your Android phone, and learning how to take a quick screenshot couldn't hurt.

We don't cover Android apps much in those how-tos, so don't forget to check out "The 10 Most Essential Apps for Android Phone Users," "Top 15 Innovative Mobile Apps to Watch in 2011," and "31 Essential Smartphone Apps" to add more fun and functionality to your Android phone.

Now go forth, and make your smartphone even more awesome!