SMARTPHONE applications sometimes help with our daily lives whether it’s fitness, plannings and managing daily routines. Here are some of the top apps you can find useful on Google Play free.
Plume for Twitter (Free)
Sure, there are plenty of ways to fire off a 140-character Tweet, but users looking for more control should consider Plume. This powerful Android Twitter client lets you change all sorts of settings, right down to the LED colour used to alert you of a message. My favourite feature is muting, which lets you suppress users, and even specific words, from your timeline.
RedPhone (Free)
The companion to TextSecure, this handy app lets you make encrypted calls over the developer’s secure VoIP network to other TextSecure users. I particularly like that it works with your existing dialer and phone number, alerting you when another RedPhone user is on the line and the call can be encrypted. If all those PRISM and NSA headlines have you worried, be sure to give this app a try.
TextSecure (Free)
If you’re worried about the NSA or anyone else peeking at your text messages, consider TextSecure. Messages sent to other TextSecure users are encrypted over the air, but the app will also encrypt all of your text messages when they’re at rest on your phone to keep them away from prying eyes. We first reviewed the app when it was in Beta, but it’s since had a full version release and is ready for prime time.
avast! Antivirus & Security (Free)
This completely free app packs in a tonne of security features, such as remote wipe, remote lock, app management, safe Web browsing, a battery manager, and as an added bonus, an anti-virus engine that received top marks from independent testing labs. It’s incredibly lightweight, but it lacks a backup feature fortunately, we have other apps that help you with backup.
Hotspot Shield VPN for Android
(Free)
The desktop version of this VPN service won an Editors’ Choice award for VPN, and it also works great on Android. With just a few taps, your traffic is encrypted and routed through the developer’s secure servers keeping your activities safe from snoopers. If you need to check your bank account or any other sensitive information over a public Wi-Fi network, this is the way to go.
Mr. Number-Block calls, texts
(Free)
Sometimes you just don’t want people to bother you, and that’s where Mr. Number comes in. With this app, you can block calls and SMS messages from specific people, code prefixes, and whole area codes. It can also help you fight back against intrusive calls and texts with an easy spam-reporting system.
SleepBot – Sleep Cycle Alarm
(Free)
If you’re curious about what goes on while you’re snoozing, SleepBot has all the answers. Leave your phone in bed with you, and SleepBot will track your movements and nocturnal noises using your Android’s microphone and accelerometer. But SleepBot is more than a mere tracker; it is designed to wake you up during the lightest part of your sleep cycle, promising better sleep and more wakeful mornings.
WebMD for Android
(Free)
WebMD is much more than a diagnosis app, although you certainly can use it to input symptoms you are experiencing and find some clues as to what’s ailing you. It also contains listings for healthcare professionals and pharmacies in your area, as well as first-aid guides simple instructions for dealing with an emergency that everyone should have accessible at any time. This free reference app is one you hope you don’t need, but, the moment you do, you’ll be glad you downloaded it.