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Recommended Android Apps 2018

Updated for 2018

Among my friends, I’m often the looked on as the “Android Guy.” I’ve been using Android devices longer than almost all of my friends. I’ve used both iOS and Android devices, and have a pretty good understanding of the benefits and difficulties with each. I’m often asked for assistance in making the transition from iOS to Android..

A few years ago, I wrote up some recommended Android apps for a friend (and a few updates along the way). Most of those apps are still highly recommended, but a few are out of date, better alternatives exist, or the functionality has been incorporated into Android, itself.

Google Project Fi

I signed up for Google’s phone service, Project Fi. It’s only available on a few devices, but if you’ve got one of the devices, or are considering switching, definitely check out Project Fi as an option. It’s saved me literally hundreds of dollars over what I would have paid through T-Mobile or Verizon. Sign up with my code, and we’ll both get a discount.

All of the Google Apps.

Most of them aren’t the default on a Samsung device, and it’s well worth it to either install them or set them up as your default.

  • Google Now Launcher - provides the default Google Android Experience - No Samsung/HTC crap interface. I’m on a Pixel XL now, so I use the Pixel Launcher, which is basically the same, but with Pixel-specific options.
  • Google Photos - This is the best way to manage your photos. Automatic backup, exceptional search capabilities.
  • Android Device Manager - remotely manage your device. Locate it when it’s lost. Remote wipe.
  • Google Opinion Rewards - Answer the occasional survey, get some change added to your Play account. Buy more games.
  • Inbox by Gmail - replacement for standard Gmail app. Allows you to quickly manage email, and take action on your mail.
  • Google Play Music - Now with Songza integration. Great way to pick out music for whatever you’re doing.
  • Chrome Browser - Don’t use the default browser. Just don’t.

Communication Apps

If you don’t have a Nexus/Pixel, you’re likely using the manufacturer’s messaging app. And it’s likely not great. Besides, texting is so 2009; use one of these messaging apps - that can often also do SMS.

  • Facebook Messenger - Yeah. I said it. It’s a great messaging app, it does video chat, and even does snapchat-like filters live on the call. But it’s all getting indexed by Facebook. Probably.
  • Facebook Messenger Lite - Lite handles all of the things we used to do with Messenger: send friends and family written messages. None of the snapchat-y face masks.
  • Signal Private Messenger - Keeps messages private. Only you and the recipient can read them. Also does encrypted calls and can act as your (unencrypted) SMS client.
  • Duo Video Chat - It’s like Facetime, except this one’s cross-platform. It’s crazy easy to use, even for the less technically inclined members of your family.

Security

  • Authy 2-Factor Authentication - Enabling 2-Factor auth is one of the fastest ways to secure your online accounts. Authy makes that process even easier. It’s literally the first app I install on a new device.
  • LastPass - Keeps all of your passwords safe. Will copy/paste your passwords into new apps. Huge time saver.
  • PIA VPN - You can choose any number of VPN apps, but I’ve been using PIA for a few years and it’s been everything I’ve needed. Be sure to turn on your VPN every time you’re connected to public WiFi - at Starbucks, the hotel, etc.
  • ProtonVPN - A free (with paid upgrade options) VPN option from the Swiss folks who brought you the ultra-secure ProtonMail. Can’t stress enough how important it is to keep your connection encrypted.

Daily Life Apps

  • PocketCasts - Definitely the best podcast app out there. Very well designed. Can sync across devices.
  • Life Time Alarm Clock - A great alarm clock app. Easy to use, and works well.
  • Android Auto - Turns your phone into a dashboard while you drive. A great way to turn your phone into a dashboard for controlling audio, calls, and navigation all from a simplified, driver-friendly interface. And all with Google’s additional contextual awareness.
  • Google Family Link - If you have little ones, and want them to have their own Android devices, you can use Google Family Link to set content guidelines, set usage limits, and approve app installs.
  • YouTube TV - This is cord cutting that’s actually as close to having actual cable as it gets.

Work

  • Nine - Exchange/Active Sync client. Holy crap, this is a great app. Easily worth the $10 price tag.
  • Slack - It’s pretty much the same as the app on your desktop. You can configure the app to wait two minutes before alerting you on the phone if your desktop app is active. That’ll save you from over-notification.

Fun & Games

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