12 Android 4.0 Tips You Should Know

Google looks set to launch its next mobile OS, Jelly Bean, but a majority of Android users are just now getting their first taste of Android 4.0, better known as Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). So with the latest software update making its way onto every major handset (most can be found on our 10 Best Android Phones Available Now list), we figured now would be a good time to break down the tips every ICS user should know. Time to take notes as we breakdown the must-know tricks for your Android 4.0 handset. From screenshot grabs to wireless data transferring, here is 12 Android Ice Cream Sandwich Tips You Should Know.

ICS offers three ways to capture screenshots on your smartphone. Option 1: Press the power button and volume down key at the same time. Option 2: Hold the power and home buttons simultaneously. Option 3: Access the "Power" menu and select the screenshot option. It takes some practice perfecting the first two, but once you catch on, you'll be snapping screens of every WTF tweet or Facebook pic that comes your way.

Many complained about Gingerbread's cluttered real estate. So the Android team gave some serious attention to shortcut organization, hence ICS’ ability to store multiple shortcuts into different folders via homescreen or docking tray. Drag an app on top of another and a folder will pop up storing any number of apps you choose to bring over. The folder can then be dropped into the docking tray for instant access when waking the phone.

Unless you’re a Sprint subscriber, keeping tabs on your data plan is critical. Google's made it possible to monitor data usage by setting notifications and data limits. Once you select "Data Usage" (the "More" option for HTC One users) from the "Settings" screen, feel free to disconnect the mobile network, analyze the data cycle, or assign a data usage limit by hitting the check box and selecting the max.

Don't waste time going through the Task Manager to close out applications. Instead, hit the Recent Apps button and swipe the icon (or window) off the screen to end a program.

Like screenshot grabs, here’s another feature that has slipped under the Android radar. Tired of going through a series of touchscreen commands to answer a call or text message? Enter your contact list, phone log, or message thread and just swipe right to make a call or left to shoot a text. That's it.

Some of you might have toyed with the new face unlock feature and others are just discovering it for the first time. Well, the beauty behind Google’s new facial recognition system is that instead of storing just one face image, you can save multiple ones and assign it to your unlock screen. Access the "Screen Lock" option under "Security" and snap several self-portraits. This should come in handy on those days you forget to shave.

The HTC One series has been praised for its phenomenal camera technology, which boasts a number of dynamic features including the ability to take photos and record videos at the same damn time. Just so you know, this same feature is also present on every ICS handset. Just tap the touchscreen when recording a video and the phone will capture full-res stills.

Google's made some upgrades to its voice recognition engine, improving accuracy and making the service compatible with all keyboard-enabled apps. Speak text messages and emails instead of struggling with the cramped on-screen QWERTY. Touch the microphone icon below the keyboard to open the program. Typos are to be expected, but tapping on a misspelled word will automatically correct the error per spell check.

Instead of searching for the hang up button to ignore an incoming call, program the phone to end a call by pressing the power button. Enable the option by going through "Settings" and "Accessibility," then choose “Power button ends call.” Looking to be more nonchalant in your approach? Head over to "Call Settings," choose "edit quick responses/default message," and create a personal message to brush off any incoming calls.

One time or another you'll forgot the assigned PIN or pattern to your phone. And after five failed attempts, you’ll be assed out. Not anymore. Google sends a notification to the screen asking: "forgot your password?" Once you enter your Gmail username and password, the phone will unlock. Just remember the email assigned with your Gmail account.

Most of us have become familiar with NFC (Near Field Communication) thanks to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. But it was the Galaxy S III that really embraced the technology, introducing Android Beam: a feature that allows users to wirelessly transfer multimedia files, contacts, and more onto another handset. Enter Settings and enable NFC and Android Beam. Once activated, choose the transferable content, tap both phones together (back-to-back), and wait to feel a vibration for confirmation.