Hidden features of the Galaxy S 4 that every owner needs to know

So you own a shiny Galaxy S 4, but where do you start? There are so many features on this phone that I’m shocked it can’t make me a cup of coffee. There are a lot of obvious stuff, but TouchWiz has a lot of hidden features that you might not know about. Here are 10 hidden features that every Galaxy S 4 owner should know compliments of Samsung Tomorrow. You can also check out all our Galaxy S 4 guides here.

1) Fast access to Quick Settings – Just swipe two fingers down.

2) Add your WatchOn remote control to your notification panel – Just open the WatchOn app, tap the menu key, and hit settings. Scroll down to the Notifications Section and check “Show remote control on notification panel” You can even tap “Auto display remote control on lock screen” to On if you would like your remote to show up on your lock screen.

3) Move the keyboard when you are multitasking – When you have two apps open at the same time, you might feel the need to move the keyboard. All you need to do is long press the setting icon on the QWERTY keyboard (to the left of the space bar) and select the pop-up keyboard icon (the one with a “+” in it). You can now move the keyboard by tapping and holding the tab at the top of the keyboard. To revert back, just follow the steps again, but tap the keyboard icon. Note: You don’t have to be in multitasking to use this feature.

4) Blocking Mode for blocking calls and/or other notifications – Just tap the menu key from your homescreen, then settings, then go to the My Device tab. Select “Blocking Mode” You can toggle it on or off and you can select what types of things you want blocked. You can even set the timeframe so you don’t have to worry about toggling it back to off. The best part of Blocking Mode is that you can allow incoming calls from those people that you cannot miss no matter what. Just tap Allowed contacts and add them. So even if Blocking Mode is turned on, their calls will still come through.

5) WiFi timer – This will allow you to set a starting and ending time of your WiFi usage. Just tap the menu button from the homescreen, then settings, and go to the Connections tab. Tap on WiFi, then tap on the Menu key again, and tap Advanced Settings. Tap on WiFi Timer and you can schedule the times.

6) Adapt Sound – will adapt to the difference in hearing abilities between your right and left ear. Just tap the menu button from your home screen, then settings, and go to the My Device tab. Tap on Sound then Adapt Sound. Select Start and you will go through a hearing test. After completing the test, your Galaxy S 4 will not be calibrated.

7) Optimize in call sound clarity – There is an audio equalizer setting for incoming and outgoing calls while you are in a call. You can select Soft or Clear. You will also find Extra Volume and Noise Reduction buttons. You can also apply these to all calls by going to the Call settings. Tap the Menu button from your home screen, tap settings, and go to the My Device tab. Tap on Call to open the settings. You can tap on Personalize Call Sound and select either Adapt Sound, Soft Sound, Clear Sound, or Off. You can check Noise Reduction if you wish and you can increase the ringtone volume when your phone is in your pocket.

8) Pinch-to-zoom while watching YouTube videos – While watching a YouTube video, if you need a closer look, just pinch-to-zoom. You can even adjust the brightness by using the up-and-down scroll bar on the left hand side of the screen. Want to adjust the volume? No problem, use the scroll bar on the right hand side.

9) Access the camera from the lock screen – You can never open the camera application fast enough. Tap the Menu button from your homescreen, tap settings, then go to the My Device tab. Tap on Lock Screen, then Lock Screen Widgets. Just select Camera and you’re all set. You can now swipe left on your lock screen to start the camera application. Note: This function isn’t allowed if you have chosen a secure lock screen such as a pattern or PIN.

10) Change the lock screen message – You can not only change the lock screen message, but you can also change the font and color. If you are using a secure lock screen such as a pattern or PIN, tap on the Menu button from your homescreen, tap Settings, then go to the My Device Tab. Tap on Lock Screen, then Lock Screen Widgets. Now select Edit Personal Information. If you don’t have a secure lock screen, you can hold the lock screen message line and drag it down from the lock screen. You will then be able to change the info.