Android 5.0 lets you turn on and off your flashlight, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth via Google Now commands

Up until now, Android users who wanted to use their phone as a flashlight would have to use the one provided by the manufacturer, or download an app from the Google Play Store. For those Android handsets with Android 5.0 installed, a Google Now command can now turn on your phone's flashlight feature simply by saying "Turn on flashlight" You can also say "Turn off flashlight" to turn off the light. With Lollipop, Google Now also will work with other commands such as "Turn on (and off) Wi-Fi" and "Turn on (and off) Bluetooth."

Besides receiving audio feedback of each command, a Google Now card will appear with a toggle switch inside it so you can quickly change the action that you've just requested. Other commands such as those to turn on/off Airplane Mode, Brightness or Volume do not work. Instead of your request to Google Now bringing on the desired change, the user is sent to the settings tab to manually change each setting.

Here is another reason why those with KitKat are anxiously looking forward to having their phone Lollipopped. Once you have Android 5.0 on your phone, you just might want to remove that popular "Brightest Flashlight Free" app which has been found to report your exact location and unique device identifier to third parties including ad networks.


source: AndroidPolice via AndroidCentral