Androidapps tips

As we can now run Linux on Chromebook, we can use the Linux app called wine to run Windows app on the Chromebook. Windows have a great collection of apps than Linux and we can install apps like Photoshop, Brave Browser, etc which are not even available for Linux. As these Windows apps are working on Linux and Linux is working on Chrome OS in a virtual box kind of setup, these apps have few lags and work great only on powerful Chromebooks like Pixelbooks. To install, open the terminal and run the command

sudo apt-get install wine

Wine will only work on the intel based Chromebooks but not on ARM-based Chromebooks. Wine is also available as an Android app, which can be installed on any Chromebook and work perfectly, but it can only install Windows RT apps.

Enabling Linux brings new features and software to Chromebook, but installing Linux apps is a bit hefty process and you need to use the terminal to install any Linux apps. But we can get Gnome Software Center which can act like an app store for Linux. To install, open the terminal and run the command

sudo apt-get install gnome-software gnome-packagekit

If you aren’t seeing any apps on the store, try these 2 commands and then reboot

sudo apt-get update 

sudo apt-get dist upgrade

Some Chromebooks can even run Linux. But it is not supported on all the devices, so it’s a good idea to first, check if your Chromebook supports Linux. If it does, it opens the door for a lot of possibilities and now you can install many professional apps like GIMP, Kdenlive, etc. To Enable, open system settings and click on the ‘turn on’ button beside Linux. You will get a terminal in your app drawer which can be helpful to install Linux apps. Here are some of the best Linux apps you should try on your Chromebook and how to install them.

While you might already using your Android to unlock your Chromebook, do you know you can also sync open tabs between your Chromebook and Android? For example, if you are searching for some shoes on the Amazon, you can seamlessly shift your browsing to your Chromebook and take advantage of the bigger screen. To set it up make sure you are logged into the same Google account on your Android and Chromebook, Next, open the Chrome app on your Android and tap on More option and then Settings. Next, tap your name, tap Sync and turn it ON. Once done, take a look at the top portion of the app drawer, whenever you browse something on your phone with Chrome browser, you can see the title of that page as the first suggestion on the Chromebook below the launcher’s search bar. Just open it and continue your browsing on the Chromebook.

Our next Android Auto tip relates to saving that data consumption and battery juice while using the app. The point to note is that while using Android Auto in your car, it’s your smartphone that is doing the majority of things. You are using the smartphone for data connection, Bluetooth, apps and more. This could result in your phone getting hot and also drain out the battery. To save battery you can preload maps and other stuff when you are WiFi frequency range and then turn off the WiFi to save battery. Moreover, you could also use the “WiFi Suspend Mode” to stop searching for a WiFi signal. This will save your battery and won’t heat up your device.

What better way if you could use your smartphones apps in your car. Android Auto allows you to do the same with ease. You can install third-party apps from the Google Play Store. You have to open the Android Auto app and then tap the hamburger sign on top to bring the list of menu. Then select “Apps for Android Auto” which will show you the apps that you can install and use with Android Auto. You get messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Skype, and others. Moreover, the list also includes various music apps like Google Play Music, Gaana, Saavn Music, etc. Editor’s Pick: 7 Best Android Auto Alternatives to Use in Your Car

For starters, it could be a bit lengthy process to connect your smartphone with Android Auto. But, there is another way which will connect your smartphone with Android Auto. The “Auto Launch” feature lets you automate this process. This feature will open Android Auto in your car, whenever you connect your smartphone to the car’s Bluetooth. To use this feature you have to go to Settings and tap on the “Auto Launch” under the Phone Screen Settings. There, you just have to enable the option of “Auto Launch”. Besides, there is another option of “Pocket Detection”. This feature lets you connect your device to the car only when it is out of your pocket. Moreover, you can select the option to turn ON the Bluetooth whenever the Android Auto app is launched. You’ll find this Android Auto tip interesting.

We have become habituated to pick up our smartphones every now and then. But, while driving it could be dangerous to type or even use the phone. Android Auto will help you with Auto Reply feature. To set up this feature you can set up Auto Reply. Just go to the settings menu of Android Auto and turn this feature ON. You can also set a custom message or response. Besides, you can also opt to read the text messages aloud to you. Must Read: 20 Google Maps Tips and Tricks and Hidden Features