Over the last few weeks, I’ve been busy loading up my Samsung Galaxy SII with all sort of applications; useless ones I’m never gonna need and some very important ones. Some of these apps will work quite well on non-rooted Android devices and some need root access to fully function. I consider them what every Android device should have because I personally use them: While some of them are utilities to increase productivity, others are simply for fun. I used these apps on a rooted Jelly Bean 4.1.2 so you should check their compatibility with your device.
I believe you must have heard of this app or came across it somewhere before. This is possibly the most popular backup application for Android out there and if you really care about your device, you should install it. It needs root access to work properly and you may check this article or this post on how to root your device if you haven’t. This app lets you back up your apps and everything on your phone and it’s integrated with Dropbox and Google Drive. It needs root access to function and available for free at Play Store.
2. ES File Explorer
Some Android devices come with a file manage but if yours don’t have one, you can check this out. I rarely use the file manager feature because this app does much more than that. It lets you back up installed applications to .apk packages. Even if you downloaded the app from Google Play, ES File Explorer lets you get the .apk file and save on your SD card. It’s a cool way to package a downloaded application to an apk file and send to your friend through bluetooth on the go. It’s got other features like task killer and cloud storage client.
3. ShieldMyTeen
Being a father to teenage daughters, I always look for different parental control apps that can save the teens from online threats without slowing down their device. I found this app two weeks back and after reading its reviews I was convinced that it is worth installing. It is basically an internet filtering app that makes sure your kid does not get exposed to any harmful material. It blocks all those websites that contain inappropriate content so that your kid can get a safer internet experience. Not only that, it also allows you to restrict your kid’ excess to social media, especially during the exams so that they may not waste their time online. The best part is that unlike other apps, it does not affect the performance of device.
4. Apex Launcher Pro
You probably won’t be needing this but I’ll still include it anyway. There are lots of launchers available at Google Play and some of these eat up your RAM. I tried a couple of them including GoLauncherEX that needs more plugin to be downloaded before settling for Apex Launcher pro. This app entirely changes your entire homescreen and lets you customize it to taste. You can have more apps on your scrollable dock, add cool transition effects, install great looking themes. In short, it the best app to customize your phone’s UI. There’s a free version and as expected, there are limitations you may not really like.
5. iPhone Keyboard Emulator
Being so used to iOS default keyboard that lets me type at a hundred word per second without any mistake (just kiding), trying to get used to the awkward keyboard on my Android device got me typing all sort of rubbish all the time. Although Perfect Keyboard Pro isn’t yet a replacement for the iPhone keyboard I’m already used to, it’s much better than the default keyboard and has a better autocorrect and word suggestion. I chose to stick with iPhone Keyboard Emulator since I’m already used to iOS keyboard layout and the word completion feature too makes sense. The pro version has no ads but you may check out the free version if you don’t feel like paying.
I really don’t like it when people pick up my phone and start going through my stuffs without permission. Some even pick up your phone and start reading your SMS… annoying, huh? Smart App Protector lets you lock selected apps you don’t want people accessing. It prompts for a password each time you try opening the app. You can lock installed apps as well as messages, phonebook and the rest.
7. Startup Manager
Just as the name suggests, this application lets you enable/disable apps that startup with your mobile device when turned on.
This is another battery saving application that cleverly manages your connections like Wi-Fi, 3G and it’s got a sync manager you should find useful. Also, this app lets you manage connectivity for each application o your device.
9. MovieTube ull Movies
I already said some of these apps are just for fun. If you love movies, you will appreciate this app. Enough said.
10. Firefox
You have it already? Then it isn’t for you. If you’re still using your default browser, this is the best browser there is for your Android device. The switch I made to Google Chrome a while ago was mainly influenced by my inability to use Firefox on my iDevice but with this cool Droid, syncing my open tabs, bookmarks, browsing history between my computer and mobile device just got better with good old Firefox.