MySettings offers Quick Access to Android Settings without Poking Around
by Paul Wilks
Aug 17, 2011 7:59 AM –
Install
MySettings is a superb and comprehensive settings application that provides a bright, clear interface and interactive toggles. While on the outside it looks like a functional although basic toggle interface, there are lots of extra options and information available. Obviously most of this information is available on your phone anyway should you search for it, but it draws all these resources together into a little app that packs quite a punch.
Price: Free, $2.99
Tested on: HTC Desire HD
Content Rating: Low maturity
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Comprehensive variety of Settings options and information available in one resource.
- Brilliant and smooth UI.
- Simple to use.
- Fast and responsive.
Cons
- The information is available on your phone already.
Features:
It is easy to dismiss apps like MySettings as merely applications that does nothing that your phone cannot do already with native features. While in a way this is true, it can still be a chore to look up say, battery usage statistics or find your torch light quickly. What MySettings does superbly is drawing all this information together into one very simple application.
Your view of the app is initially a grid-like set of toggle options: Ringer Mode, Brightness, Unlock pattern, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, Sync, Rotate, Screen Timeout Airplane Mode, Cell location and Networks Modes. Each are either straightforward to toggle- such as WiFi and Airplane Mode, or instead present a quick overview of the various options related to that function. So, with Brightness there are 5 pre-set brightness options and a sliding scale to adjust brightness manually. Therefore the app enhances some of these options (My HTC Desire HD doesn’t have any such presets) in addition to making them easily accessible through the app interface.
MySettings also provides access to an assortment of relevant information; battery statistics, your unlock pattern settings and mobile network settings. I think what really stands out with this application is the smooth and responsive UI that presents all these settings in such a user-friendly way it’s hard to see why manufacturers haven’t adopted some of the simplistic principals here. While many users are extremely comfortable to change settings on their phone, Android is growing at a rapid rate and many new users are not going to be as initially savvy. In my opinion MySettings is an ideal application for such users to consider, or in fact anyone that would like a simpler and more straightforward interface. On top of all this the app can be easily hidden in the notifications panel (with or without icon), so accessing the app is a breeze.
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MySettings – Main toggle view
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MySettings – Ringer mode
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MySettings – Brightness level setting
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MySettings – Preferences
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MySettings – Power settings
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MySettings – UI settings
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MySettings – Various battery information
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MySettings – Various battery information 2
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MySettings – Screen timeout settings
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MySettings – Notification bar shortcut settings
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MySettings – Display settings
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MySettings – Choose memory status settings
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MySettings – Access to torch function
Usefulness:
If you are new to Android, MySettings will perhaps be a massively useful app to have. Everything you might need to adjust is right there, alongside extra features such as your torch light and battery information. Even more experienced users can appreciate the simplicity, convenience and user-friendly aspect of the app.
Ease of Use:
If there is a settings app that is simpler than this one I don’t think I have seen it. It neatly includes a range of functionality and setting options in a very simple interface. The ability to pop a shortcut to the app right there in your notifications bar is also incredibly easy to access.
Frequently Used:
Settings sometimes have to tweaked for all manner of reasons. Personally, if I am trying to preserve battery so I head to my settings to lower screen power consumption (my 4.3″ screen can be a massive drain!), but also you might want to put the phone on silent or vibrate during meetings, etc. There are plenty of uses for the app so frequency of use is principally down to the user.
Interface:
For me, the interface is the biggest draw of the app itself. You can do most of the settings yourself in the Android system, but MySettings brings all these together in a large, clear, smooth and polished interface. The tabs are responsive and fast, making adjustments becomes very straightforward indeed.