The new Google Nexus 6 has a huge screen and tons of impressive features with the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop, but one worth talking about is its camera, flash and use as a dedicated flashlight when needed.
Motorola’s new Nexus 6 smartphone features an impressive 13-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization and a new dual LED ring flash for great low-light photos. This dual LED flash can also be used as a very bright flashlight. Many smartphone owners use this feature, on most it is extremely simple to set up, but with the Nexus 6 it is easier than ever.
Most smartphones released in the last few years have had this feature in some way. However, most owners, other than Samsung buyers, resort to third-party apps on the Google Play Store, most of which have a bad reputation as shady apps that collect user data. While this is all a bit extreme, Google added a way to use the flash as a dedicated camera in Android 5.0 Lollipop.
After that all rumors We’ve seen that our flashlight apps collect user data. However, camera flashlight apps are nothing new in the Play Store, and most of them are quality apps with tons of advanced features worth checking out.
However, this is about the Nexus 6, and luckily Google fixed all the aforementioned issues by making a “Flashlight” stock toggle in the notification popup bar on stock Android 5.0 Lollipop. This means that all Android 5.0 and above devices will not have to worry about this and owners will not need to download any apps from the Play Store.
Your new Nexus 6 (or any Android 5.0 phone) will have a built-in flashlight from here and it’s super easy to find. Instead of increasing the screen brightness, use this button and the built-in camera flash to see your keys when unlocking a door or doing anything else.
Instructions
There really isn’t much to say here. To quickly access the expanded notification bar, simply swipe down from the top of the notification bar with two swipes (or once with two fingers). These are called “quick settings” or quick toggles. It has one-tap on/off buttons for WiFi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode and it’s brand new Flashlight to stock Android.
Simply tap the flashlight toggle shown in the image above; By using both LED flashes on the back of your Nexus 6, you will instantly have an extremely bright flashlight. I have used this for the past few weeks and it is extremely shiny. In fact, it was more useful for emergencies than my own flashlight, which I always had in my truck.
One tap instantly turns on the LED flash for a flashlight and another tap turns it off. This much. It’s that easy. Users can also turn off the screen while using the flashlight and it will stay on until disabled.
It’s a small and ridiculous feature when you think about it, but it’s also an extremely useful feature for a wide range of uses. Many have probably already noticed this, but for those who haven’t, now you know. Stay tuned for more Nexus 6 how-tos in the future, and check out our 16 Nexus 6 Tips, Tricks, and Hidden Features as you enjoy Google’s latest smartphone.
