Must-Have Android Apps for August 2024
Let’s showcase the best Android apps you can download to enhance your smartphone experience. This highlights ten standout apps that will significantly improve your device’s functionality, customization, and overall usability.
1. Spam Protection: SpamBlogger
Are you tired of spam calls or messages slipping through your phone’s built-in protection? Enter SpamBlogger, an app designed to serve as an additional layer of protection against unwanted calls and texts. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
Advanced Filtering:
SpamBlogger uses custom filters and typical number patterns to identify and block scammers. You can also fine-tune these filters to control which calls or messages are allowed through.
Anti-Spoofing Technology:
It employs a Stir/Shaken test to detect and block spoofed numbers, where the caller's identity is hidden.
Non-Intrusive Integration:
You don’t need to switch to different messaging or phone apps. SpamBlogger works as a middleman, checking every number before it reaches you.
Free and Open Source:
Available for free, SpamBlogger is open-source and can be downloaded from F-Droid and GitHub.
https://github.com
aj3423/SpamBlocker: Android Call/SMS blocker.
2. Customization: Pixel Expert
IPhones have had a depth effect on their lock screens for a while, where subjects on the wallpaper appear over the clock, adding a neat 3D-like effect. Pixel Expert brings a similar feature to Android, but with some caveats:
Lock Screen Depth Effect:
This app replicates the iPhone’s depth effect on Google Pixel devices running Android 14 or higher. The subjects transition smoothly even to the always-on display.
Root Requirement:
Unfortunately, this app only works on rooted devices with Pixel stock firmware. While this limits its accessibility, rooted users will find the customization options invaluable.
Additional UI Tweaks:
Pixel Expert lets you customize other UI elements, such as adding more rows or columns to the Quick Settings panel, adjusting the brightness slider’s position, and even theming icons that were missed by default. https://github.com/siavash79/PixelXpert/releases
3.Music Experience: Music Live Wallpaper
Remember when Android used to display your album cover in full screen on the lock screen whenever you played music? Music Live Wallpaper brings back that nostalgic feature with modern tweaks:
Dynamic Wallpaper:
Set this as your live wallpaper, and it will show a peaceful background by default. Once you start playing music, the album cover takes over the background.
Customizable Styles:
You can adjust the wallpaper to show the album cover in different styles, such as partial displays or within shapes, making it easier to see your notifications.
Adaptive Color Matching:
The blank areas on your screen will adapt to match the colors of the album cover, creating a cohesive look. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lstapps.musiclivewallpaper
4.Music Control: Soundtap
Soundtap is another music-related app that simplifies controlling your music playback using your device's volume keys:
Long Press Controls:
Long press the volume up button to skip to the next track, or the volume down button to rewind and go back.
Highly Customizable:
The app offers a variety of customization options, allowing you to tailor the controls to your liking. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fr.angel.soundtap
5. Photo Widget: Material Photo Widget
Google Photos' picture frame widgets allow for limited customization, but Material Photo Widget takes it a step further:
Advanced Customization:
This widget not only mimics Google’s picture frames but also lets you specify which photos to display. You can modify the aspect ratio, shape, and tap actions for even more control.
Diverse Shapes:
Material Photo Widget offers a wider range of shapes compared to Google's default options, making your home screen truly unique. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fibelatti.photowidget
6. Shortcut Creation: Quick Short
Quick Short is an app that allows you to create custom shortcuts for your home screen and Quick Settings tiles:
Versatile Shortcuts:
Create shortcuts for apps, contacts, files, websites, and more. You can even group shortcuts together for easier access.
Customization Options:
Change the icons, backgrounds, and shapes of your shortcuts to suit your preferences.
Enhanced Quick Settings:
Add tiles to the Quick Settings panel that Android doesn’t natively support, making your phone more efficient to use. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atolphadev.quikshort
7. Icon Pack: iMaterial
For those who are fans of iOS's design, iMaterial icon pack offers a similar aesthetic for your Android device:
iOS-Inspired Design:
The icons can match the colors of your wallpaper while maintaining a dark theme, just like iOS 18.
Extensive Support:
With support for over 19,000 icons, most of the apps on your launcher should be covered.
Affordable:
The icon pack costs some dollars. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pashapuma.imaterial.icons
8. Travel Companion: PackMate
Never forget your essentials on a trip again with PackMate:
Smart Packing Lists:
PackMate automatically generates a list of essential items for any trip you plan. You can also add personal items and tasks to the list.
Collaborative Features:
Invite others to collaborate on the packing list, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Weather Updates:
The app provides real-time weather updates for your destination on specific dates, helping you pack the right clothing.
Stylish Widget:
PackMate includes a widget that lets you quickly mark items off your list.
Premium Features:
Some advanced features are locked behind a $3.99 in-app purchase. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ouji.packmate
9. Cross-Platform File Sharing: LocalSend
Transferring files between Android, iOS, and other platforms can be a hassle, but LocalSend makes it easy:
Local Network Sharing:
As long as your devices are on the same local network, LocalSend allows you to share files and messages effortlessly.
Cross-Platform Support:
It supports almost every major OS, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and even FireOS.
Open Source:
Free and open-source, LocalSend is a must-have for users who frequently cross platforms. https://localsend.org/download
10. Screen Sharing: ScreenStream
If you need to share your screen with another device or cast it onto a larger display, ScreenStream is your go-to app:
Easy Setup:
Simply set Stream Mode to Local Mode, start streaming, and enter the address provided in the app on the browser of the other device. Your phone’s screen will be mirrored instantly.
Global Mode:
For remote sharing, use Global Mode, where the other person can connect by entering an ID and password on ScreenStream.io.
Audio Support:
The app also supports audio streaming, including device audio and microphone input.
Slight Lag:
While the stream may appear a bit laggy, it’s still functional for most purposes. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.dvkr.screenstream&hl=en_US
Conclusion
These ten apps are sure to enhance your Android experience by offering advanced customization, improved functionality, and seamless cross-platform integration. Whether you’re looking to block spam calls, control your music with ease, or ensure you never forget an essential item on a trip, this list has something for everyone.
Be sure to explore these apps and take your Android experience to the next level. And don't forget to follow and stay tuned for our next edition of must-have apps!
