Samsung Galaxy S4: Changes and New Features in Android 5.0.1 Lollipop

Samsung Galaxy S4 supports Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. I myself updated my Samsung Galaxy S4 to this latest Android version a week ago. As same as other updates, this update brings some changes (new looks and features) and also eliminates some old features.

New looks
Some visual changes have been brought by this update to provide a new look and improve your experience while using your Samsung Galaxy S4. Here's the list:

1. The notifications panel is now more interactive.
   The notifications panel gets the following changes to make it more useful and interactive for users:
• Transparent background.
• New S Finder and Quick connect apps. S Finder app can be used to find contents on your phone or search more in the search engine with more easily and fast. While, Quick connect app can be used to search for nearby devices automatically to connect to them quickly and easily.
• Brighter colour is used for the background of the quick setting buttons section.
• Separated sections. Each section in the notifications panel (e.g: notifications, recommended apps, quick settings buttons, etc) is now separated in a different row. It's also applied for notifications in lock screen.
• Expandable notifications. When you have a lot of unread notifications, you can slide down or up the screen to expand them. It's also applied for notifications in lock screen.
• A new Clear button to quickly clear all notifications. This button will not be available if you don't have any notification.
2. The settings menu and other pre-installed apps (e,g: Phone app, Messaging app, Contacts app, etc) are now using white and other bright colours for background.
3. Some new icons.
   Now, you have some circle icons (contacts icon, icons in settings menu, etc) and some floating icons in some pre-installed apps (e.g: create a new text message icon in Messaging app, create a new event icon in S Planner app, etc).
4. Neat animation when you tap buttons or icons, as well as when you scroll the screen up or down.
5. A new card-style UI when viewing recent apps.
6. Widgets list is no longer in the apps menu. You can simply access the list by single pressing the Menu key while you're in home screen.

New features and options
Some new features and options have also been brought by this update to improve functionality, performance and your experience while using your Samsung Galaxy S4. Here's the list:

1. Interruptions
   It's an improved blocking mode feature. You can use this feature to set up your interruptions settings. You can either set your phone to always interrupt or only allow priority interruptions when calls and notifications arrive.
2. While locked
   This feature lets you to show all content, hide sensitive content or even don't show any notification when your phone is locked.
3. Switch access
   This feature lets you control your phone using configurable key combinations.
4. New Easter egg animations
   Easter egg animations in Android 5.0.1 Lollipop contains with an animation game that is similar with a popular game named Flappy Bird. You can play this game and make score as high as possible.

Missing features and options
For whatever reason, the following features and options are no longer available in Samsung Galaxy S4 with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop:

1. Smart scroll feature
   The feature that can be used to scroll down or up the webpages or email messages by tilting your head or the device is now no longer available.
2. Air browse feature (in the stock Internet app)
   The feature that can be used to move between pages by moving your hand to the left or to the right above the sensor in now no longer available in the stock Internet app.
3. Air jump feature
   The feature that can be used to scroll through the webpages and the body of emails by moving your hand up or down above the sensor is now no longer available.
4. No settings icons for installed keyboards.
   Now, you can access detailed settings menu for each installed keyboard simply by tapping the keyboard name in the Language and input setting.

Well, this is a short resume for Samsung Galaxy S4 with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. If you find any new change or feature that has not been listed in this post, feel free to share with us through the comment section below. I'll really appreciate it :)

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Enable and Use the Text Message Preview Feature in Android 5.0.1 Lollipop

Text message preview is a feature that will let your phone shows a preview of received messages in status bar (notifications panel) and lock screen so that you can easily know the sender and the message preview without you have to open the message first in the stock Messaging app. Though the text message preview is not a new feature, it changes a bit when you update your Samsung Galaxy S5 to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. If in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat you have two options of the text message preview that can be used to separately enable or disable the text message preview in the status bar and lock screen so that you can choose to enable or disable one or both of them, in Android 5.0.1 Lollipop you only have a single option of the text message preview so that your choice is only enable or disable the text message preview feature in the status bar and lock screen at the same time.

How to enable the text message preview feature?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Open the stock Messaging app.
2. Tap at the top right or long press the Recent apps key to open up the additional options.
3. Scroll the additional options to the very bottom and then tap Settings.
4. Scroll the screen to the very bottom and then tap Notifications.
5. If Notifications is off, tap the ON/OFF switch at the top right to turn it on.
6. Check the box next to Preview message to enable this option.
7. The text message preview feature has been enabled.

How to use the text message preview feature?
Assuming that you have enabled the text message preview feature, see the following steps as the example of how to use this feature:

1. When the screen is locked
   When a new text message arrives, a preview of the received message will be displayed in your lock screen. If needed, you can tap the preview in lock screen and then perform your unlock screen method (e.g: swipe, pattern, etc) to open the message in the stock Messaging app.
2. When the screen is not locked
   When a new text message arrives, a preview of the received message will be displayed in the status bar. You can swipe down the status bar to see the preview message in the notifications panel. If needed, you can tap the preview in the notifications panel to open the message in the stock Messaging app.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Use Quick Settings Panel in Android 5.0.1 Lollipop

You can quickly enable/disable some options or access the detailed settings of options by utilizing the quick setting buttons in the notifications panel. However, since there are only 10 quick setting buttons available in the notifications panel, if needed you can use the quick settings panel to use more quick setting buttons. By default, you'll be provided with 21 quick settings buttons in the quick settings panel, they are: Wi-Fi, Locations, Sound, Screen rotation, Bluetooth, Mobile data, Ultra power saving, Multi window, Toolbox, Mobile hotspot, Screen mirroring, NFC, Sync, Smart stay, Smart pause, Power saving, Do not disturb, Flight mode, Car mode, Private mode and Touch sensitivity

How to use quick settings panel?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notifications panel.
2. Tap at the top right corner of the notifications panel to view all quick setting buttons in the quick settings panel.
3. Tap the required quick setting button (e,g: Wi-Fi, Mobile data, etc) to enable or disable the option. The button will turn green when it's enabled.
4. Long tap the required quick setting button to view more detailed settings. For instance, when you long tap Wi-Fi, you'll be brought to a Wi-Fi settings menu.
5. If needed, you can rearrange the quick setting buttons in the quick settings panel by using the following steps:
• Tap at the top of the quick settings panel.
• Below the Set quick setting buttons, drag and drop the required quick setting button (in Active buttons section or in Available buttons section) to rearrange their positions. It'll be useful if you place your favourite or the most frequently used quick setting buttons at the top side of the list so that you can easily find them in the quick settings panel.
• To reset the layout back to the default, tap Reset (it's located next to Active buttons section). A window will appear to ask you whether you really want to reset the layout, tap Reset button to confirm. The quick settings buttons layout will be reset back to the default.
6. To go back to the notifications panel, tap at the top right corner of the quick settings panel.
7. Swipe up the bottom of the screen to close the quick settings panel.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Use Notifications Panel in Android 5.0.1 Lollipop

The notifications panel was the first thing that grabbed my attention when I had finished updating my Samsung Galaxy S5 to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. It's now more interactive after getting some visual changes. The notifications panel can be used for multiple purposes, e.g: enable or disable some features, view more information of indicators appear on the status bar, open up unread notifications in appropriate apps, etc.

How to use notifications panel?
See the following steps as the example of using notifications panel:

1. Open the notifications panel:
   Swipe down the top of the screen (status bar) to open up the notifications panel.
2. View the current date and time:
   The current date and time is displayed at the top left corner of the notifications panel.
3. Launch the settings menu:
   You can quickly go to the settings menu by tapping at the top right corner of the notifications panel. I myself prefer to access the settings menu by using this method than other ones because it's easier and faster.
4. Access the quick setting panel:
   You can view all quick settings buttons in the quick setting panel by tapping at the top right corner of the notifications panel.
5. Use quick setting buttons:
   By default, there are 10 quick setting buttons that can be used to quickly enable or disable options. They are: Wi-Fi, Location, Sound, Screen rotation, Bluetooth, Mobile data, Ultra power saving, Multi window, Toolbox and Mobile hotspot. If needed, you can tap and hold the quick setting button to view more detailed settings.
6. Adjust the screen brightness:
   You can adjust the screen brightness manually by dragging the brightness adjustment bar in the notifications panel to the left or to the right, or you can enable auto brightness feature so that your phone will be able to adjust the screen brightness automatically using its sensor.
7. Launch S Finder:
   You can easily launch S Finder app by tapping the S Finder button in the notifications panel. Next, you can use this app to find contents on your phone or search more about a search term in the search engine with more easily and fast.
8. Launch Quick connect:
   You can easily launch Quick connect app by tapping the Quick connect button in the notifications panel. Next, you can use this app to search for nearby devices automatically to connect to them quickly and easily.
9. Use music playback control:
   When you play a music using the stock Music Player app, the music playback control will be displayed in the notifications panel so that you can easily control (e.g: play/pause/resume/rewind/forward) the music playback.
10. Launch recommended apps:
    When you connect a headset into your phone, some recommended apps will be displayed on the notifications panel so that you can access them with more quickly. By default they are: Music Player app, Phone app, Video Player app, Voice Recorder app and Youtube app.
11. Expand notifications:
    When you have a lot of unread notifications, you can swipe down or up the screen to expand notifications.
12. Open unread notifications:
    When you receive new notifications, e.g: missed calls, text messages, email messages, etc., indicator icons will appear on the status bar. By opening the notifications panel, you can view more information about the icons or notifications. If needed, tap the required notification to open it up in an appropriate app.
13. Clear notifications:
    Swipe away a notification to remove it from the notifications panel, or you can easily clear all notifications by tapping the Clear button.
14. Close notifications panel:
    Swipe up the bottom of the screen to close notifications panel.

Samsung Galaxy S5: the Changes and New Features in Android 5.0.1 Lollipop

Android 5.0.1 Lollipop have been available months ago. That's why, no wonder if some of you may have already updated your Samsung Galaxy S5 to this latest Android version. Since I myself have just updated my Samsung Galaxy S5 to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop a couple days back, this time I'm going to resume about the changes (new features and looks) brought by this Android version.

New looks
Android 5.0.1 Lollipop brings some visual changes. For me, it's now simpler, more interactive, smooth and fun. Here's the list:

1. The notification panel is now more interactive.
   Some changes have been made to make it more useful and interactive for users:
• Transparent background.
• New button for S Finder and Quick connect.
• Separated sections. Each section in the notification panel (e.g: notifications, recommended apps, quick setting buttons, etc) is now separated in a different row. It's also applied for notifications in lock screen.
• Expandable notifications. When you have a lot of unread notifications, you can slide down the screen to expand them. It's also applied for notifications in lock screen.
• A new Clear button to quickly clear all notifications.
2. The settings menu and some pre-installed apps (e,g: Phone app, Messaging app, Contacts app) is now using white and other bright colors for background.
3. Some new icons. Now, you have some circle icons (contact icon, more options icon, etc) and floating icons in some pre-installed apps (e.g: create a new text message icon in Messaging app, create a new event icon in S Planner app, etc).
4. Neat animation when you tap buttons or icons, as well as when you scroll the screen up or down.
5. A new card style UI when viewing recent apps.
6. Some new wallpapers to beautify your home screen and lock screen.

New features and options
Some new features and options have been added in Android 5.0.1 Lollipop to improve functionality, performance and your experience while using your phone. Here's the list:

1. MirrorLink
   This feature lets you connect your phone to your car using a USB cable to mirror your device's screen on your car's display so that you can still use your phone while driving. This feature works if your car system supports with MirrorLink feature.
2. Do not disturb
   It's an improved blocking mode feature. You can use this feature to mute all calls and alerts except for your selected exceptions. You can set to allow all notifications, block all notifications or only allow priority notifications.
3. While locked
   You're allowed to show all content, hide sensitive content or even don't show any notification when your phone is locked.
4. Switch access
   This feature lets you control your phone using configurable key combinations. You can move focus to clickable items and select them.
5. New Easter egg animations
   You can find and play an animation game that is similar with a popular game named Flappy Bird within the hidden Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Easter egg animations.

Missing features and options
Aside from adding some new features and options, this Android version also eliminates some old features and options. Here's the list:

1. Smart scroll feature is no longer available.
2. Air browse feature no longer can be used while viewing a webpage in Internet app or viewing a body of an email message in Email app.
3. The option to enable or disable the preview text message in the status bar and the lock screen is no longer separated.
4. No settings icon for installed keyboards. If you want to access detailed settings menu for each installed keyboard, you can do so simply by tapping the keyboard name in the Language and input menu.

These are some changes and features that I have found in my Samsung Galaxy S5 with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. If you find any new feature or change that has not been listed in the list above, I'll really appreciate if you will to share them with us through the comment section :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to See Hidden Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Easter Egg Animation

Every Android version has different hidden Easter egg animation. If you have updated software in your Samsung Galaxy S4 to the latest Android version, Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, you can find and play an animation game that is similar with a popular game named Flappy Bird as the hidden Easter egg animation. The differences between the game within this Easter egg animation and the real Flappy Bird game are the bird will be replaced with an Android guy and the pipes will be replaced with the lollipop pipes.

How to see hidden Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Easter egg animation in Samsung Galaxy S4?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notification panel and then tap at the top right to go to the settings menu.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Scroll the screen to the very bottom and then tap About device.
4. Tap Android version rapidly for 5 times or so. A coloured circle will be displayed at the middle of the screen.
5. Tap the coloured circle and you'll see that this circle will change to a big lollipop with the word "lollipop" inside it.
6. Single tap the lollipop to change its colour.
7. Long tap the lollipop and you'll be brought to a screen where you can begin the animation game.
8. Tap anywhere on the screen to begin the game. An Android guy will appear on the screen.
9. If needed, tap the screen to flap the Android guy and try to pass the lollipop pipes.
10. If you're managed to pass the lollipop pipe, the counter at the top left of the screen will count your score.
11. If you're failed to pass the lollipop pipe, the game will end.
12. Tap the screen to play the game again.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Check Android Version

Samsung Galaxy S5 runs with Android 4.4 Kitkat by default. But, you're allowed to update the software in your phone to the latest Android version, Android 5.0 Lollipop so that you can enjoy some enhancements brought by this Android version, e.g: new features, improved functionality, etc.

How to check Android version?
If you have updated the software in your phone via over the air or other methods, you can check the Android version to make sure that the software in your phone has been updated to the latest one by using the following steps:

1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notification panel and then tap at the top right to go to the settings menu.
2. With the settings menu is displayed in grid view, scroll down to the System section and then tap About device .
3. See the value of the Android version option. If the value of this option is 5.0, it means that you have updated the software in your phone to the latest Android version, Android 5.0 Lollipop.