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Did you know that the number of smartphone users in 2022 is estimated at 6.6 billion? That’s more than 80% of the current world population. In other words, you’re unlikely to meet anyone without a powerful Android handset in their back pocket. Or an Apple device, if you’re that kind of person. We don’t judge.
Humans have become increasingly dependent on smartphones, but the days when phones were just a means of communication are over. Today, a smartphone can be your source of entertainment or your source of fitness motivation; it can be your budget planner, your tour guide, and even your translator. In this list, we are looking at the best tools and utility apps on Android. Whether you’re concerned about privacy or accessibility or want to become more productive, there’s probably an app for you.
Bouncer – Temporary App Permissions
Don’t you hate giving apps permission? Permission to access your device’s camera or storage or even your exact location? Unfortunately, this has become unavoidable because most apps refuse to run unless you give them access to what is essentially your privacy.
Google automatically removes permissions for apps you haven’t used in a while. But it’s the kicker. Going through each app’s settings to remove permissions one by one is a hassle. Bouncer does it much earlier. Immediately, in fact, the app only grants temporary permissions to other apps you install. If desired, all previously granted permissions can be automatically removed. Bouncer costs $1.99, but it’s a small amount to pay to make your device more private and secure.
Do it now: RPG to-do list
Wouldn’t life be more fun if it was like a video game? Imagine if you could earn experience points for almost any action, like going to work, doing laundry, or just reading a book. On paper, Do It Now is a typical productivity and task management app, but it does things differently.
As you can probably tell by the RPG in the subtitle, Do It Now makes everyday tasks more rewarding. Do It Now gives you a virtual hero who gains experience points, acquires valuable skills, and even levels up. Use the app’s built-in calendar and to-do list and earn rewards for completing certain actions. Create tasks, organize them, tick them off and watch your hero grow from apprentice to master.
Google Find My Device
The thought of losing your phone is dreadful because your device pretty much involves a large part of your daily life. Maybe you left it at a bar after a long night out. Maybe you were in transit and forgot your phone on a bus or plane. Now your device is touring across the country or maybe the world.
Google Find My Device allows you to remotely access your handset from another device. With this application installed, you can remotely lock it to prevent access or leave your details to anyone who has come across your device. As a last resort, you can also completely erase all information from your device.
Google Translate
Who do you turn to when you need a quick translation? Probably Google Translate. But opening it in your browser every time you need to translate something is cumbersome. However, installing the Google Translate app gives you translation tools in almost every app you use.
Just tap the translate prompt and the text will be translated in almost any app, including messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. Google Translate uses its vast repertoire of 108 languages ​​and translates between many of them in real time. Even better, the app translates text to the real world using your device’s camera. Just point the camera at a sign or billboard, or anything with text, and Google Translate will quickly translate it into your language of choice.
Android comes with a decent amount of visual customization options by default. That said, most of them don’t offer much control over your device’s layout. If you want to customize your device into something unique, you can check out additional apps, such as KWGT Kustom Widget Maker.
In a nutshell, KWGT lets you customize the look of your launcher and lock screen with unique widgets. It gives you access to over a thousand free widgets and gives you nearly unlimited control over what appears on your device’s lock screen.
KWGT is ad-supported but offers a Pro version which is also included with a Play Pass subscription.
For the most part, many turn to the Play Store to install an app on their Android device. That said, apps not officially offered by Google are still available for download as APKs or Android bundle kits. In essence, the APK contains everything to install and run the app on your phone or tablet.
ML Manager lets you download apps as APKs and save them in a safe place. What if the app is removed from the list or you need a particular version that is no longer published on the store? Maybe you want to share this APK with someone you know through a messaging app like Telegram or WhatsApp. ML Manager also allows you to do this. ML Manager also offers a paid Pro version which gives you access to additional features, such as the ability to uninstall redundant system applications, as well as their cache and data.​​​​​​​
Twilio Authy Authenticator
Unfortunately, being always connected means that you are simultaneously connected to potential hackers or scammers. Having a strong password is no longer enough, especially if you use the same password for multiple accounts. This is why many services stress the importance of 2-factor authentication or 2FA. In addition to the password, with 2FA enabled, you must also receive a code on your phone to access the account.
Authy makes this seemingly tedious process easy. All you have to do is get a prompt to enter the code. Authy then generates a temporary code. If a bad guy wanted to invade your account, they would also need immediate action on your phone, in addition to the standard password.
Ultra Lock – App Lock & Vault
Ultra Lock improves the security and privacy of your device. First and foremost, Ultra Lock provides you with a dynamic device pin. You can set your PIN to change with the current time and date. In other words, your PIN is what your device’s clock is currently showing.
With Ultra Lock, you can also lock specific apps or folders with a password, or limit their use to specific times. To make your device even more secure, Ultra Lock uses the front camera to capture anyone trying to access your phone while you’re not looking.
Additionally, just like KWGT, Ultra Lock comes with an ad-free version through a Play Pass subscription.
Apps that streamline your Android experience
In addition to frequent updates, the Android operating system receives exciting new features. But they are not always enough to give you full control over the personalization of your new smartphone. Advanced customization and accessibility options often require the installation of additional apps, and that’s when these tools and utilities come into play.
What apps did we miss? Highlight your favorites in the comments below, and we’ll potentially include them in the next update.
