Why these 5 apps are worth downloading on your Android phone
Android has arguably become the most-loved mobile OS in the world, and Google has the numbers to back such claims.
During the recently concluded Google I/O event, the company's CEO, Sundar Pichai, revealed that the Android OS has notched up a tally of two billion active monthly users. From smartphones to tablets and Android TVs, the OS has made serious inroads into our daily lives.
If you've gotten your hands on a new Android phone and confused about what apps to install, worry no more. Here are five apps that we recommend installing on your phones right now!
Find My Device
Smartphones in the modern day have become an integral part of our lives. They don't only work as communication devices but also hold contacts, personal information and even images and videos from our most cherished moments. As such losing your phone can become a traumatic experience like no other. However, there are steps you can take to protect your phone in case of theft or loss.
"Find My Device" is a tool provided by Google that's probably the best of the "find-my-phone" apps available on the Play Store. For starters, it's completely free and can be installed on any Android device. Setting up the service on your phone is as easy as can be. Simply download the app, log into your account, and you're ready to go.
NovaLauncher
One of the biggest advantages of the Android platform over Apple's iOS is its open, customisable nature. However, many users still find pimping up their OS to make it look and feel different a difficult task.
For such users who want something fresh, but are not looking for much trouble, custom launchers represent the best way forward, and our preferred launcher of choice for this is TeslaCoil's Nova Launcher.
The launcher is low on RAM consumption, and as such is buttery smooth at most times. It is highly customisable and even allows users to customise icon packs to suit their mood.
AppLock
If you value your privacy and are concerned about prying eyes going through the personal data on your phone then what you need is an app locking software. The most basic way to keep control over the personal data on your phones, these apps help by shielding your contacts, messages, and images.
The best tool available on Google's Play Store for this purpose is DoMobile's AppLock. It's free and comes with great functionality.
Not only can AppLock do basic stuff like locking up specific apps, images, and videos but it also brings to the table fingerprint support, locking of incoming calls, and even uninstalling of apps. It also has an invisible pattern lock and allows hiding the app's icon.
Super Mario Run
Well, this is not exactly an essential, but hey, we all need games on our phones to get us through boring weekdays. Our recommendation here is Nintendo's Super Mario Run. The game is lightweight, fun to play, and highly addictive.
For decades, Mario remained shy of crossing over from the Nintendo ecosystem, but Nintendo earlier in April finally released a game tailored specifically for the mobile platforms. The much-awaited Super Mario Run from the franchise has been received well by users and critics alike. Game review websites such as IGN and pocket lint have given it above 80 per cent score, marking it out as a good download.
Walnut
The app shot to the limelight following the November 8 demonetisation exercise when it introduced the functionality of searching for nearby ATMs. Now with most of these machines flush with cash, the app has lost some of its charm. But for those looking for a mobile solution to track your expenses and manage your budget, Walnut still represents a worthy download.