31 top tips for Google Android Froyo and Gingerbread

The latest versions of Google Android's mobile operating system, 'Froyo' and 'Gingerbread' both offer speed and a spiffed up user interface. We've got 31 power tips to help you get the most out of your Android smartphone.

The latest versions of Google Android's mobile operating system, 'Froyo' and 'Gingerbread' both offer speed as their main selling point. Nevertheless, each has as well come a long way from the original Android and spiffed up the user interface.

However, with great power comes great confusion. Though these editions of the Android OS make your smartphone more feature-rich than previously, it's not always obvious how to take advantage of the improvements.

Comprehensive list of the most compelling new features

Read on for a comprehensive list of the most compelling new features, plus tips and tricks. These items are specific to Froyo/Android 2.2 as then as to Gingerbread/Android 2.3.

1. Store apps on your SD CardFor owners of older phones with little on-board storage for applications, this feature is huge. Provided that the developer of an application allows it, you can move the application to your SD Card. Go to Settings, Applications, Manage Applications, and at the time click the app you want to move. You will see an option called Move to SD Card. Click it, and your app will move over, and nothing will be lost.

2. Chrome to PhoneIf you use the Chrome browser on your desktop, this add-on is a must-have. First, install the Chrome to Phone extension in your Chrome browser; at the time, from the Android Market, download and install the Chrome to Phone app on your handset. Afterward, if you run across a web page you like, you can click your new 'Chrome to Phone' button in your browser to send it instantly to your phone. You can as well highlight a phone number and click the button, and the number will open in your phone's dialler. Or send directions, and they'll open up in Maps on your phone. If you highlight some text, it will copy to your phone's clipboard, ready for pasting.

3. Get FlashAndroid versions 2.2 and newer support Adobe Flash in the browser. First, you may have to download Flash from the Android Market. It's great to have this option. Some web pages that are loaded with Flash can as a matter of fact slow down your phone, nevertheless.