Google’s Pixel phones are practically overflowing with useful stuff. And some of the best options of all are things you’ve probably never even noticed.
That’s true for the Pixel’s core Android software as well as its Google-made apps — everything from the excellent calling-related features in the Pixel Phone app to the expanded array of advanced options in Google Assistant on Pixels.
It’s even true in apps that seem so basic and utilitarian, you’d never think they had anything interesting lurking in their dusty virtual corners.
Today, it’s time to explore one such app — the seemingly mundane Pixel Clock app that came preinstalled on your phone. The Clock app may appear to be a simple spot for setting an alarm or timer, but don’t let yourself be fooled: Beneath its second-ticking surface, that unassuming part of your Pixel has some powerful options that’ll make your life a whole lot easier.
Oh, and if you don’t have a Pixel, don’t worry: While the Clock app is the default time-keeping tool on Google’s self-made phones, you can actually download it on any Android device and get the exact same experience even outside of the Pixel universe.
All right — ready to see all the cool stuff your phone’s Clock app can do?
[Psst: You can give yourself all sorts of advanced Pixel intelligence with my free Pixel Academy e-course. Seven full days of experience-enhancing knowledge!]
Google Pixel Clock trick No. 1: Custom recurring alarms
If you’re anything like me, you probably find yourself getting up at different times for different purposes — y’know, the standard workday time, the weekend or holiday time, and maybe even the pretending-to-be-a-platypus wacky Wednesday time (or whatever it is you do to celebrate the middle of the week).
Well, stop futzing around with adjusting your alarms each time your wakey-wakey needs vary and start taking advantage of your Pixel Clock’s custom recurring alarm features:
First and foremost, on the main Alarm tab within the Clock app, tap the circular plus button at the bottom of the screen to add extra alarms into your list.
Tap the “Add label” option within each card to give it a name that’ll let you know what it is at a glance (even when your eyes are bleary and your brain is 94% offline).
Remember, too, that you can keep any alarms you create off and available only for manual activation when you need ’em — or you can flip the toggle within their cards into the on position and select certain days of the week to have ’em automatically activate on a regular weekly schedule.
JR
And all of that’s just the start.
Google Pixel Clock trick No. 2: Custom wake music
In addition to your Pixel’s built-in alarm sounds, you can connect your Clock app to a handful of different music services and wake up to the likes of System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine, or whatever soothing morning music you prefer.
All you’ve gotta do is get that connection set up once:
Tap the sound configuration line…
2023-07-13 16:00:03
Original from www.computerworld.com rnrn