some cool tricks for noobs

Almost every Android phone is different than the next.

Different manufacturers, different screen sizes, and different hardware.

That can make it tough to figure out the best ways to get the most out of your Android phone.

To help, 

i've assembled the best tips and tricks for navigating your Android that will work on practically every phone.
some cools tricks for noobs

Call your favorite contacts with one tap

Android allows you to create icons on your home screen for contacts. To add one press and hold an empty space on your screen. When the menu pops up select Shortcuts > Contact. You can then scroll through your list of contacts and tap the person you want to add.

Search with your voice

Google's search app lets you search the web or your phone just by talking. Tap the microphone next to the search bar and record your search. It's incredibly accurate.

Type with your voice

Many Android phones have talk-to-type built into the keyboard. Tap the mic icon and just talk. Android does the rest.

Manage Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Airplane mode from your home screen
Android has a nice built-in widget that lets you toggle Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, Brightness levels, and syncing with Google. It's a great way to manage your battery power without digging through your setting.

Use your phone as a portable hard drive

When you plug your phone into your computer with a USB cable, you can activate Android's storage mode. This allows you to swap files between your computer and phone, making an excellent way to take files with you on the go.

Manage your files

The beauty of Android is that you can use your phone's internal memory to store practically any file. But it can be hard to find those files once you transfer them. Download a file manager like Astro File Manager to locate and sort your files.

Quickly access special characters

If you want to get to your special characters like commas and back slashes quicker, tap and hold the period key. A box will pop up with commonly-used characters.

Sync with Google for the ultimate experience

When you install apps for services like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Flickr (to name a few), you have the option to sync that information with your phone's contacts. For example, you can sync Twitter handles with your contacts' phone numbers and emails.

After downloading one of those apps, go to Settings > Accounts And Sync to set it up.

To get the most out of Android, make sure you enter your Google account information when you first set up your phone. After that, all your Google services will just work. Apps like Gmail, Voice, Talk, and Calendar will automatically sync.

Sync with other social networks

When you install apps for services like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Flickr (to name a few), you have the option to sync that information with your phone's contacts. For example, you can sync Twitter handles with your contacts' phone numbers and emails.

After downloading one of those apps, go to Settings > Accounts And Sync to set it up.

Open your phone to non-market apps

With a few exceptions, most Android phones give you the option to allow non-Market apps on your phone. That means you can download third-party software like Amazon's Appstore or apps you find online. To enable the feature go to Settings > Applications Settings and check the box next to "Unknown sources."

Keep in mind that this leaves your phone vulnerable to malware, so don't download apps from sources you don't trust

    Protect your phone from malware

Lookout

Malicious apps are still a real problem in the Android Market. Because apps don't go through a vetting process from Google, some bad eggs have gotten through in the past. Download Lookout Mobile Security for your phone. The app scans everything you install and warns you of any potential malicious files.

Close apps that are draining your battery

Android allows you to view how much processing power each open app is using. Go to Settings > Running Services to view the list. if something is open that you don't need tap it and select Stop to close the app.

Make multitasking easy

Hold down your phone's Home button and a window will pop up with recently-opened apps.
Use your Google Voice number to make calls

Google Voice integrates with any Android phone. You can also set it to be your default number for dialing out. Launch the Voice app to verify your phone number and set it as the default. It's also a great option for sending free text messages.

Organize apps into folders

You can create a new folder on your home screen by tapping and holding an open space. When the menu pops up select Folders > New Folder. A new folder will show up on your screen. You can now drag apps into it.