Here are some of the best apps for android Phones and Tables which 2013 got to see. If in case I've missed out an app which you feel deserved to make the list, do leave it in the comments section below.
- HangoutsGoogle rolled out its Hangouts central messaging hub in 2013, which replaced the old Google Talk chat app. Now your Google+ conversations, text and video chats, and SMS (Android KitKat 4.4) are all integrated in one place.
- Google KeepGoogle's note-taking Evernote rival, Keep, is fast, simple and tied to your Google Drive account. 2013 saw Google adding in features such as Reminders, pics, etc.
- AnyDoAnyDo makes keeping track of your to-do list a little less painful by giving it a beautiful design and easy, quick entry options. The best feature is called "Moment," a daily triage of your tasks that actually manages to feel empowering.
- SwiftKey 4 KeyboardAndroid's keyboard has gotten better over the years, but the vagaries of custom manufacturer skins can still make typing a pain. Swiftkey's latest version makes for a great replacement, which improved correction, prediction, and gesture-typing. You can also chose various themes, and patterns which suit your keyboard needs.
- Swype KeyboardThe Swype trace keyboard has been around for years, but in 2013 it finally exited beta and hit Google Play. It even comes pre-installed with some of the Android devices.
- Fleksy KeyboardIt isn't for everyone, but Fleksy is another alternative keyboard that has a gorgeous layout and boasts of accurate auto-correction – even if you aren't looking at your phone. Fleksy even has an invisible keyboard option, for the truly brave souls.
- 1PasswordYou'll have to sign up and wait for an invite, but AgileBits' popular password storage client for iOS, Mac, and Windows is finally getting a full-fledged Android client.
- Photoshop TouchIt isn't full-blown Photoshop, but it's the closest you'll get on a smartphone. About the only downside here is that owners of Photoshop Touch for Tablets will have to make another purchase to enjoy it on their phones.
- DashclockNow that Android allows you to put widgets on your lock screen, you could spend hours hunting down the one that shows exactly the information you want. Don't. Just install Dashclock, which gives you the time, weather, and customizable notifications.
- Buy me PieGrocery apps may not be the sexiest category of apps, but they can be extremely handy for families keeping their shopping requests in sync. Buy Me a Pie is a simple and user-friendly grocery app that made its way over from iOS.
- PocketThere are two big, popular "read it later" apps: Instapaper and Pocket. On Android, at least, Pocket gets the nod for more frequent updates and support for video. Articles are synced automatically and saved offline, with options to adjust the layout to your liking.
- SnapseedAs a photo editor, the app moves well beyond basic filters into the kinds of changes usually reserved for the desktop. With a set of simple tools the app makes even complex photo adjustments understandable and accessible.
- SliceSlice, is a super clever service app, that automatically watches your inbox for emails from big-name merchants and shipping companies. Why would you risk giving that access? To get automated package tracking, deal alerts, and price-drop notices. So useful, it's creepy.
- Nova launcherAll too often the stock home screens on Android phones either get boring or are terrible. Nova Launcher makes it better, with cleaner designs and plenty of customization and theming options. You can pony up for premium versions that offer more features, too.
- VSCO CamA longtime favorite on the iPhone, VSCO Cam is finally available on Android and it works really well. You’ll get photo filters that aren’t as heavy-handed as Instagram’s along with the ability to quickly revert the image if you don’t like how it turned out.
- Dynamic NotificationsAn Android app called DynamicNotifications arrived in Google Play that wakes up the screen by plugging into the notification listener or accessibility options (pre-4.3 devices) to put your notifications on the screen. If you're on Android 4.3 or higher, you can even dismiss all the notifications right from that interface. It supports DashClock extensions too.
- Push BulletGoogle used to offer an app called ChromeToPhone, but has since moved on to offering a less powerful (but reliable) tab syncing solution for Chrome. However, early in 2013 a neat app called PushBullet hit Google Play and I've made sure to have it installed ever since. This app lets you push text and files across devices using the cloud, and it keeps adding new and interesting features. This app is free, and definitely one of the best things from 2013.
- TimelyTimely has a ton of useful features and it is stunningly beautiful.The app is split into three tabs that you can swipe between. The left panel is for your alarms, the middle is the clock, and the right is a stopwatch and timer. To set new alarms, just drag in from the left of the screen and move up and down to set the time. You can then add repetition, various sounds, and dismissal challenges to make sure you're awake. ne of the coolest parts of Timely is the way it syncs between devices.
- AviateAlthough it's still in beta, Aviate is one of the coolest makeovers you can give to your phone. This home screen is based around predicting what you're going to need before you need it. Aviate does this by tracking the time and your location to group apps and settings. It's usually at least partially right, and you can tweak it as needed to make it more right. It's sort of like Google Now for your home screen.
- Riptide GP2This game uses Google Play Games for achievements, multiplayer, and (most importantly) cloud saves. I wish all developers would make use of this feature, but very few do. When you install Riptide GP2 on a device and log into Play Games, it asks if you want to download the cloud game data. You never have to worry about losing your progress again. The visuals in Riptide GP2 are almost worth the price of admission alone.
Source:
Gizmag.com, theverge.com, tested.com
VSCO (Android & iOS)
ReplyDeleteA hugely popular photo editing app amongst Instagram users, VSCO is more than just photo editing, it
offers a community for photographers to connect and create. Simply searching the Hashtag #VSCO on
Instagram will reveal the huge community of photographers and casual users that use VSCO every day, a
testament to the app’s popularity.
VSCO houses all the tools you’d expect from a favourable photo editing app; saturation, highlights,
temperature and vignette can all be adjusted alongside many other settings. VSCO also offers a built in
camera with advanced controls, allowing you to capture the perfect shot, edit and save, all without
leaving the app, an A for convenience. Filters are also a huge feature for VSCO, with the option to buy
filter packs each with their own distinctive styles and tones, very popular amongst users of the app.
VSCO (Android & iOS)
ReplyDeleteA hugely popular photo editing app amongst Instagram users, VSCO is more than just photo editing, it
offers a community for photographers to connect and create. Simply searching the Hashtag #VSCO on
Instagram will reveal the huge community of photographers and casual users that use VSCO every day, a
testament to the app’s popularity.
VSCO houses all the tools you’d expect from a favourable photo editing app; saturation, highlights,
temperature and vignette can all be adjusted alongside many other settings. VSCO also offers a built in
camera with advanced controls, allowing you to capture the perfect shot, edit and save, all without
leaving the app, an A for convenience. Filters are also a huge feature for VSCO, with the option to buy
filter packs each with their own distinctive styles and tones, very popular amongst users of the app.