Must have apps for your Android Phone

Here we mention some of the apps that every android phone should have.

SwiftKey

SwiftKey is an Android Keyboard application which provides hassle free typing. With more than 250 million users and a rating of 4.3 at the Google Play Store, SwiftKey proves to be one of the common apps for android users. SwiftKey predicts better than any other keyboard apps available now.It also has a swipe like integrated flow feature which allows you to type faster with just a swipe. Other features of SwiftKey Keyboard are

*Auto correction
*Supports a wide range of languages
*Customizable with lots of themes
*Emoji Keyboard to predict your favorite and most used emoticons

Google Photos

Google Photos is a must have app for organising and browsing through your photos and videos in your android phone. It have a neat, clean and simple interface. You can search photos by the places that appear in them with no tagging. You can also back up your photos and videos and can access the photos and videos on any device. You don't have to care about the storage space or security of your files. You can also remove space from your device by a one tap "free up device " option which would automatically remove the backed up photos from your phone to save space.

It also provides photo and video editing tools along with it to easily edit and effects to your photos.

UC Browser

Android Browsers are now growing in features and possess almost all the features of their PC counterpart. UC Browser is one of the best and the fastest android browser app available. Some of the highlighted features of UC Browser are

*Speed Dial to Quickly access your favorite site
*Support for extensions
*Simultaneous downloads and a clean and organized download manager
*Online videos without waiting in Speed Mode
*Expanded unwanted Ad blocks
*Control videos with gestures
*Customizable themes

Pushbullet

Push Bullet app allows you to transfer files, links and messages between your android phone and computer. You will also get notifications from your android device at your PC.  Some extra features of Pushbullet app includes

*end-to-end encryption
*Fast file sharing 
*look through and send SMS from your computer

Best Android Tablets of 2015

Google Pixel C

Google Pixel C is the first tablet designed and build by Google. The 10.2 inch  tablet works on Android v 6.0 Marshmallow. Like new Nexus Smartphones, Google has introduced Type C port for this tablet for faster charging.  It comes with an  external keyboard which can be attached to it using magnets and the tablet can be attached tilted to any angle as your wish. 

Pixel C comes with a 1.9 GHz quad-core Nvidia Tegra X1 processor and with 3 GB of RAM. The tablet comes in 2 variants 32 GB and 64 GB versions with no scope for expanding storage. It has dual speakers which is not actually located at the front but the audio is incredibly loud and crystal clear.

It has an 8 MP rear camera and a front facing 2 MP camera. The rear camera is well suited and provide good quality images at good light conditions. The front camera can be used to take selfies and for video calls.

Priced at $ 499 for the 32 GB version and $599 for the 64 GB version, the tablet finds somewhat costlier when compared with its counterparts. The connectivity options of this device include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v 4.1. The device packs sensors such as Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope and Hall Effect Sensor.

Pros

* Good Battery life
* Neat and beautiful screen
* Good 3D experience
* Good Performance

Cons

* Lacks Split screen muti-tasking
* Cramped Keyboard

 Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet

 Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet is a slim, handy, light,fast and waterproof Tablet and is one of the top rated tablets available in the stores.  Sony Xperia Z4  body is made of soft plastc material which makes it much lighter. With a thickness of just 6.1 mm and a weight of just 393 grams, the 10.1 inch tablet is light and handy device and its doesn't even feel like holding a giant screen device in hand. The matte finish on the back side provides grip as well.

Xperia Z4 Tablet packs  a powerfull  2 GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor with Adreno 430  GPU and 3 GB od RAM. It has an internal storage of 32 GB which can be expanded to up to 128 GB with micro-SD card. The device works on latest Android v 5.0 Lollipop.

It also has a giant 6000 mAh battery with last up to 17 hours on watching video. The Tablet also comes with IP68 rating  which makes it dust and water resistant and the device can be submerges in 1.5 metre under water for 30 minutes. 

Sony Xperia Z4 tablet features an 8 MP rear camera which produces good,clear and crisp images with much details. It also has a 5 MP front camera for video calls and shooting selfies.

The connectivity options of this device include Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth v 4.1, GPS, GLONASSS, NFC, FM Radio, micro-USB 2.0. Priced at $699, the Tablet is availbale in White and Black colours.

Pros

* Water and Dust resistant
* Excellent display
* Exceptionally thin and light
* Simple design

Cons

* Poor main camera
* Disappointing battery life

Google Nexus 9

Nexus 9 was Google's 8.9 inch flagship tablet released in the November 2014. Nexus 9was the first tablet to run on Android v 5.0 Lollipop. It has an IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2048 pixels by 1536 pixels. It has a thickness of 8mm with tapered edges to make it feel thinner. The tablet comes with a 2.5 GHz Nvidia Tegra K1 processor with 2 GB of RAM. 

The devices also features an 8 MP rear camera with LED flash and a 1.6 MP front facing camera for video calls. It also owns Boom Sound stereo speakers for better quality sound and low noise.

Pros

* Strong Speakers
* Big, Sharp and Clear screen
* Good performance
* Good battery life

Cons

* No expandable storage
* Costly

Android 6.0 Marshmallow Features

Android v 6.0 Marshmallow is somewhat visually similar to its predecessor but Marshmallow have come out with many new stunning features. 

Memory Manager

One of the most heard disadvantage of Lollipop was its looting memory for apps. Android 6.0 marshmallow has come with a new inbuilt feature which allows you to check out the memory usage of newly installed apps without the help of any third party app.

You can browse through the RAM usage over the last 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours and identify when RAM looting have occured without much concern from user's side.

Type 3 USB

Marshmallow supports the new Standard Type C USB. which is associated with the USB 3.1 . The new feature supports faster charging . Type C charging cables and adaptors are currently available for a few hand picked number of devices. Type C cables support faster charging, faster data transfer and advanced multi tasking.

Marshmallow devices will also be having reverse charging feature which allows it to reverse charge other devices using Type C cable.

Google Now on Tap

Google Now on tap is the most highlighted feature of Marshmallow update. With this feature, you can go to Google Now with just a long press of the Home button. You can activate this even without leaving the current app you are using. 

while using an app, Tap will create a new Google Now overlay with your running app as the background. Now on Tap scans the current page, and provides relevant details regarding what now seen on the app. In case of music may show links to Youtube, saavn, and if it is a place then it will provide you with its directions on Google Map.

Fingerprint Scan

Google introduces System Level Fingerprint support for the Android Marshmallow. We have seen enormous number of third party finger print sensors in the hardware, but this is the first time fingerprint sensors are supported by the core itself. 

With this feature, you can use fingerprint lock to unlock your device,make payments in Android Pay or log in to various apps and services as seen on iPhone. 

Doze

This feature helps to improve the battery life of the device. This feature senses whether your device is in rest and put your device somewhere close to Airplane mode when not in use and thus adds more life to the battery. It simply cuts down the background processes . 

Cut and Paste

After you had highlighted a text, options for cut/copy/paste will float over the highlighted text rather than at the top of the screen. This feature is seen on iOS devices.

Top Messenger App's of 2015

1. Facebook Messenger 

Facebook Messenger app is integrated with the giant social networking website Facebook. You have to log in with your Facebook user id and password. You can see the list of Facebook friends who are online, chat with them,group chat, send similies, emoticons, stickers . Video call and audio call features are available for the latest version of the app . 

The latest version of the app has a brighter interface, faster response, and cleaner service. You can also send GIF files, images and videos using  this Messenger app.

2. WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp, which is currently under the ownership of Facebook is the leading messenger app. WhatsApp is the most popular instant messenger app, handling more instant messages in a day than the entire global SMS industry. WhatApp is not known for the stunning features like other apps, but because of its fast response, simplicity and user friendly interface. 

Using WhatsApp Messenger app, you can send text messages across the globe for free, send videos, audio clips, send location map. Recently in 2015 , WhatsApp has also come up with the online calling facility and WhatsApp users can call any person using internet free of cost  even using 2G network.

3. Hike Messenger

Hike is the new generation Instant messaging app and is used by people around the world. Hike provides both Instant Messaging and SMS under one roof. Users can send SMS to anyone from Hike. 

Hike offers 100 free messages to anyone who are not on Hike which gives Hike a great advantage over other messaging apps. Hike also has huge collection of stickers in more than 50 languages (local and international) . Hike also allows its users to create groups with a maximum of 200 members while WhatsApp only offers groups accommodating 100 members. Latest Version of Hike also provides use of Hike Stickey with which Hike users can send Hike stickers via other messaging apps as well.

In addition to all these features, Hike also provides money for referring friends to join Hike and can be used to recharge your prepaid mobile phone.

4. Telegram

Telegram is one of the most secure messenger apps available. Telegram is almost similar to Whatsapp. The thing that makes Telegram stand-out from its counterparts is the end-to-end encryption of messages. Encryption will be done on all transmission stations for your chat and your data will be encrypted till it reaches the receiver and no data is stored on the telegram servers.

Top Launcher apps of 2015

Launcher apps allows you to customise your android phones home screen, change icons , add gestures, and provide a better overall user experience than before.

Here are some of the top Android Launcher apps of this year

1. GO Launcher Prime

GO Launcher is one of the most popular Launcher apps available. The Now available version of GO Launcher is GO Launcher Prime replacing the GO Launcher EX version. The app  features a great range of transition effects which also include 3 D transition (cloth, crystal, cross-fade, snake transitions).

GO Launcher Prime also provides additional section of lock screens and security lock feature to protect your apps, files, contacts and ensure your security. It also enables use of gestures  for fast and easy access to your contacts, settings, gallery,apps and more.

The app is available at Google Play Store  at $6. The free or trial version of the app is also available which would not be having all the features and ads would also be shown.


2. Nova Launcher

Nova is a powerful and robust android launcher app available . With more than 10 million downloads from Google Play Store and a stunning rating of 4.6 Nova stands at the top of the table of Android Launchers.

It is a highly customisable and performance driven launcher app with features like icon themes( more than 1000 themes available ), customisable app drawer, gesture support for fast and easy access, color control for labels, icons and widgets.

Nova launcher is available for download at the Google Play Store and all android users can download it for free.

3. Hola Launcher

If you are looking for an android launcher which consume less memory and less size then Hola Launcher is the best option for you.

Hola Launcher is a clean, fast and small-sized ( 2-3 MB) launcher app for your android phone. Its appearance is similar to  iOS phones with no app drawer. The app has almost no adverse effect on the phone's performance unlike some of its counterpart apps.

In addition to features like use of gestures,hiding apps,personalise wallpaper and themes,Hola Launcher app also posses some great in built features like
Hola shine which enables you to easily access frequently used app with just a swipe
Hola Boost to free up phones RAM with a single tap


4. C Launcher

The C launcher is a smart,speedy , personalised launcher app with battery saving feature which is not seen in other launcher apps. The icons at the home screen are somewhat similar as seen on iOS phones.

This app help you to customise your phone's view and also help save your phone's battery life. despite being fast and simple this bags features like clean junk files and speed up your device with just a single tap, hide and protect apps with pin / password / gesture.

Bluestacks v 2.0 launched with multi-tasking feature

Popular Android emulator for Windows and Mac, Bluestacks has launched its new version with more advanced features. The most highlighted feature of this app is its ability to run multiple apps at a time.

Bluestacks, which was found on 2011 has more than 100 million users within this 4 years. It is currently the No: 1 android emulator. Bluestacks App Player allows its users to run apps and games fast and full screen on Windows and Mac using its Layercake technology. 

The new version of Bluestacks App Player, Bluestacks 2 got many advanced features which include Multitasking ability, easiness to set location, manage volume much comfortably. 

With multi-tasking feature, its users can use more than one app at a time-can chat in one tab and play games in the second, stream videos in the third .

Another highlighted feature in the new version is the new toolbar with quick access features like Rotate App, cut/copy/paste, APK install, provide location, share files. It also comes with a new welcome tab with country specific content. 

WhatsApp continues to block links of its rival Telegram

Recently Social Networking site Facebook had blocked the links from its potential rival Tsu.co  and now the Facebook owned messaging app is reported to be blocking links from its rival Telegram app. Even though WhatsApp allows its users to share Telegram links but these links are not considered as hyper links. The URL's from Telegram just appear as unlinked texts.

It might seem a bit disappointing and discriminating for a popular app like WhatsApp to start blocking links of other competing apps. Currently the block is only applicable for android users,while Telegram links can still be shared iOS app. 

It has also been reported at Telegram's official website it is written that " Facebook seems to have taken down our page for no apparent reason. We're trying to figure out what happened and how to take it back". 

In a survey conducted by Gadget360, they had reported that WhatsApp not only block links like telegram.me and telegram.org but also links such as telegram.notme, and telegram.com which are not even associated with Telegram App. 

Telegram App, launched in the Year 2013, has showed a rapid rise in its customers with an average of 15 billion daily messages sent via the app per day, as reports from November 2015. 

Adobe launched its most advanced Premiere Clip video editor app for Android

Adobe , after being a success in desktop apps is now focusing on spreading its roots into the Android platform. As a primitive step towards this approach, they had recently launched "Premiere Clip" app for Android Devices and this is the first app of Adobe Under Android Platform. The app which is currently available for iOS devices, gives a faster way to create and edit videos on the go.

Premiere clip is a easy to use app and capable of creating videos by assembling clips, Pictures etc. and adding a background music to the video created. The created videos can also be shard to social media sites like Facebook. 

Premiere Clip despite being simple, is faster with its new, clean and streamlined interface. It also enables automatic video creation which is somewhat new feature for android devices. It allows to create video clip from photos of your gallery  just with a single click. It also enables to give effects to the video clips and include music for the created clip. 

The app is currently available for download at the Google Play Store. 

Android M to come with Google's fingerprint Support

There are many rumours popping out regarding the features of Android M which is to go live next week. The Reports suggests that the upcomin OS, named Android M would include a native fingerprimt identification which is currently available on some of the android devices such as Samsung Galaxy s6 and HTC One M9 and iOS devices like iPhone6.

According to the latest news, with this feature the user might not have to type any password for locking his device. the smartphone itself comes with sensors and all you have to do is just place the fingers on top of the sensors and the device will automaticaly unlock.