Smartphones have developed quite a lot over the last decade. From chunky models to sleek designs, the hardware and software have advanced to new heights. Similarly, how we use our phones to perform actions has also changed. Over the years, Android and iOS phones have moved on to gesture models. It means that we can do things with a flick or a swipe on the touch screens. Now with the latest Android 12, your phone can even read face gestures.
If you want to run your smartphone at optimum speeds, single and double taps won’t cut it. All the latest models have bigger screens with bezel-less displays. So, specific hand gestures have become important shortcuts for navigation. Remembering all the gestures we could use can be a difficult task. Although, if you want to save some time, using gestures can help.
Useful Gestures on Android Phones
Android phones can be easier to navigate through if you learn some key gestures. Here are some that will help you in almost all apps:
#1: Facial Gestures (Android 12)
One of the most talked-about features on the Android 12 is the ability to read facial gestures. The phone can recognize up to six facial gestures and perform associated tasks with them. Although there are limited actions, it is still a start to something great. For example, you want to click on a link with the latest Cox plans. So, all you have to do is smile. The other gestures include raising eyebrows, opening mouth, looking up, right or left. These simple gestures can allow the user to create shortcuts for functions.
The feature is called “camera switches”, and it uses the phone’s camera to recognize facial expressions. In the future, it could change how we use phones altogether. We might have to look at our phone screens, and it’ll know what to do. Moreover, you don’t have to find a particular command hidden deep down in the settings. Not only does it save time it is also very convenient.
#2: Jump to Quick Settings
When you swipe down on an Android screen, the Notifications bar slides down. There are a bunch of settings toggles on the top of the screen as well. But if you want to access more Settings options from the same menu, swipe down one more time. This will give you access to Bluetooth, Hotspot, Airplane Mode, and other settings. So, you don’t have to go to Settings from the menu. The Quick Settings shortcut gesture can help you save some time and hassle.
#3: Shift Between Google Chrome Tabs
Another convenient option is to swipe down on the Address bar in Google Chrome. The gesture will pull up all the open tabs in Chrome. Moreover, you can swipe right or left on the address bar to shift between tabs. You can also press and hold tabs to move them on top of others. It can also make it easy to group them or move them down the list.
#4: Archive Messages
The Android Messages app also allows swiping gestures. You can swipe right or left to archive any conversation without deleting it. Although there are no other swipe gestures, this one might be enough to make your life easier.
Useful Gestures on iPhones:
iPhones have always had swipe and slide gestures to help you navigate the screen. Here are some key gestures that still work wonders:
#1: Hide Keyboard
When you want to look at something down the screen, the keyboard might get in the way. So, to hide the keyboard on iPhones, all you have to do is swipe down. Then, when you want it back, you can tap on the text box.
#2: Go Back and Forward
Some iOS apps like Safari or Settings have a Back button on the top left of the screen. But with bigger screens, it can be a little hard to reach it. So, there is an easy way to move back and forward. If you swipe right on the screen, you’ll move forward. Conversely, swipe left to move back.
#3: See Time Stamps
It can be a bit annoying that iPhones don’t automatically display message arrival times. But there is an easy way to see the timestamps. Hold the screen in the conversation thread and move it to the right. The text balloons (whether they’re green or blue) will move with your finger. Along with each message, the timestamps will be visible. When you let go of the screen, the balloons will return to their original positions hiding the arrival times.
#4: Delete Digits on Calculator
The Calculator app on iOS is much simpler than Androids. There aren’t enough buttons or a visible cursor. So, when you type in an extra digit on the calculator, it can get annoying. If you press C, it will clear everything. Instead, swipe right or left on the number, and it will delete one digit at a time. For example, if you have typed in 78541 instead of 7854, swipe right or left to fix your mistake.
A dynamic and multifaceted professional developer who has made significant strides in the Android industry. As a pivotal member of the Milagro Mobile Marketing team, Vinh’s journey is a testament to the power of education, experience, and unwavering passion for mobile technology.