Google launched a newer version of its Android OS – the Ice Cream Sandwich or Android 4.0, in the last quarter of 2011; this release was highly anticipated by the Android fans and users all over the world. This new OS from Android has a number of features and functionalities, which made it worth the wait for this highly anticipated version of the Android OS.

Let us look at some of the tips and tricks which all the Android users out there can use on their Android 4.0 devices.

Face Unlock – add extra faces

I am sure you must have some knowledge about the Face Unlock feature of the ICS; you can unlock your devices simply by scanning your face using the front camera. This is a great feature which ensures that your Android phone/tablet remains secure throughout. But just imagine what will happen if you forgot to shave for a long time or what if you got a new hair cut or hairstyle? In such scenario, the device won’t recognize your face isn’t it?

Well, there is no need to worry since the ICS has the ability to store multiple images of your face. So what you can do is, click your pictures in different looks such as – sporting a French cut or a goatee, spikes or fishtail braid, fringes or anything under the sun. Additionally, you can also add a friend to the “visually verified user list” so that you can take their help to unlock the device.

Keep track of your data usage

Monitor your data usage and curb extra charges by following some simple steps. First of all, open the Settings menu. After doing so, tap on ‘Data Usage’ and proceed to select ‘Set mobile data limit’. You will see a red and a green sliding bar; set the red bar to set your data usage and use the green one to set a warning zone so that you get an alert when you are nearing your data limit.

Record videos and take snaps simultaneously

The brand new camera app for Android 4.0 devices allows you to take still photos while you are recording video clips. All you need to do is tap the screen and the picture is saved to the device’s photo gallery on its own. What’s even better is that all the snaps are taken in full resolution.

Easily close the apps

Now you can close your apps effortlessly on our Android ICS devices simply with a swipe of your finger. Just go to the ‘Recent Apps’ button to see the applications which you are currently using. Tap the icon of the app you want to close and swipe the icon off the screen and your app will be closed instantly. Easy isn’t it?

Control background processes

Often, multiple apps running in the background can drain out your smartphone’s or tablet’s battery. Although, there are debates over this topic, it is better to stay on the safer side and stop the device from storing too many apps in its memory. Over a period of time, you will come to know whether or not this helped you in saving the battery life of your device.

Do away with the lock screen

Yes, it is possible to show the lock screen of your Android ICS device the door. This is due to the fact that you can make the phone turn instantly on by pressing the power button. Although this makes your phone a wee bit less secure than the devices owned by your friends, family and colleagues, it is a good option if you want instant access to your device anywhere, anytime. Just go to Security and select Screen lock and tap ‘None.’

To conclude, I hope if you own an Android 4.0 device, you will try out at least some, if not all tips and tricks mentioned above and benefit in some way from them.