8 of the Top Apps for Android

iOS may have a larger selection of exclusive apps but some of the most popular apps on the market today are only compatible with Android.  From health and medical apps to the Intertops casino bonus app, Android users will not feel any lack of access to useful applications

Tasker

If the description of Tasker makes you worry that it's too complicated for you to manage, just open it up and give it a try - you'll appreciate what a powerful tool it can be once you master the basics.  Tasker is an automation tool that lets you use your device for many different tasks that you, almost certainly, never considered. 

Tasker creates integration profiles that are triggered by various events. 

Some of the tasks that Tasker can accomplish include:

• Connecting your device to a specific Wi-Fi network when you move to a new location;
• Turning on your home's lights automatically as soon as the sun sets
• Launching specific apps when Bluetooth is connected to a device
• Sending app-specific media and control commands through third-party plugins
• Disables auto-rotation in certain apps 
• Forces specific system-wide orientation when needed 

There is a learning curve to fully maximize Tasker but once you master it, you'll be glad that you did. 

Flynx

Another app to help with multi-tasking issues is Flynx, an app that utilizes chatheads -- a feature that uses profile pictures of the people with whom you're chatting on a chat (FB Messenger, etc) as a shortcut for the chat.  Chatheads pop up on your screen so you can enter the conversation at your leisure -- to increase usability.

Flynx is actually an Android browser. When you click on the Flynx link, the link to the browser opens automatically in a floating tab. The floating tab loads in the background to provide users with an interrupted experience while they enjoy an uninterrupted experience. The link is always there and the user never needs to leave the app that she/he was initially using. 

Android Auto

Android Auto platform is actually available as a standalone app in the Google Play Store and is full of friendly functionalities which links up to your Android device. Everything hooks up with Bluetooth technology so there's no need for a cable. Android Auto allows you to switch between the podcast player, Google Maps, your preferred music or your phone app.  There's Google Assistant to assist you so you can accomplish everything hands free including receiving incoming message notifications from Messenger, Whatsapp, etc, through voice. 

Android Auto is designed to be distraction-free. If you're using it too much, it will pause and remind you to keep your eyes on the road. After a few minutes the app will reload and you can use it again. Best used for navigation, Spotify streaming, and hand-free phone calls.  

Some of the most useful Android Auto-compatible Android apps  for download include Scanner Radio, Pandora, Overdrive, WAZE, Google Play Music, PocketCasts, Google Play Music, Audible and Amazon Music. 

Steam Link

The Steam Link app allows you to stream Stream Library games to your tablet or smartphone.  iOS turned some the Stream Link app because competing app markets can't be easily accessed through iOS apps but Google grabbed the opportunity to offer it through the Google Play Store and they haven't regretted it.  Via the link, users can access their Steam games on their phone and then play on a compatible device -- a dedicated mobile gaming rig, a Bluetooth device or some other mobile console. Once you connect your Wi-Fi network to your main Steam machine, the bandwidth will be synchronized and you'll be ready to go. 

Nova Launcher

Launchers are apps that help make your home screen more user-friendly.  The Nova launcher was built specifically for Android and it shows -- once you download the launcher you can assign gestures (double tap, pinch) to your home screen apps to make it easier to enter the various apps.  You get unread counts - small overlay badges that alert you to unread messages on Whatsapp, Messenger, your email, etc.. The launcher supercharges the homescreen with themes, optimations and features and replaces the app drawer and scrolling list.  

Muzei

Wallpaper apps have become wildly popular and Muzei is one of the best.  You can download Muzei from the Google Play Store. There are no animations or anything glitzy -- its just a super-customizable wallpaper slideshow app. 

Once you download the app you get a huge choice of wallpaper choices. There are add-ons that give you added options including add-ons from Reddit, NASA, Bing, National Geographic, Unsplash  and more. 

Flud

Torrents offer a legal and safe option for downloading or distributing large amounts of data when there's no copywritten material involve. Apple bans torrent apps but Google welcomes the service that it offers to its customers.  There's a rich torrent client selection from which to choose at the Google Play Store and of all the options, Flud gives users the most. Flud is based on the BitTorrent protocol. Users can download files, prioritize downloads, conduct sequential downloads, download magnet links and more. 

Cerberus

While Apple users rely on Find My iPhone to help them locate a lost or stolen device, Cerberus goes one step further. In addition to tracking the device,  a Cerberus download lets you remotely see to which Wi-Fi network it is connected, check out incoming and outgoing calls, video and capture audio to helpful identify the thief, take pictures and wipe the memory and storage of the device if necessary.

You can only use few pre-selected SIM cards with the device which alerts you immediately to the phone's location, even if the thief puts the phone in Airplane Mode.   Users can also remotely control the device through the Cerberus dashboard website.

If someone does get a hold of your mobile, unless they know the username and password for Cerberus, they won't be able to uninstall it or hinder its functionalities