If you love Google services, these lesser-known apps can add surprising value to your device.
You may be familiar with the Google apps that come pre-installed on Android devices, but that's not all. If you like Google services , these lesser-known apps can add surprising value to your device.
9. Action Blocks
There are a lot of useful things you can do with Google Assistant , but what if you could do them with just a tap? That's where Google's Action Blocks app comes in. It lets you create custom shortcuts for common Google Assistant actions, like calling a friend, getting directions, or controlling smart home devices.
Instead of having to say a command each time, you can set up an Action Block once and place it on your home screen. Then all you have to do is tap it to perform the action. You can also create custom buttons that read phrases aloud. This can be especially helpful for people with speech and language disorders.
8. Google Opinion Rewards
If you're looking for an easy way to earn Google Play credit, Google Opinion Rewards is a must-have app. This simple app rewards you with Play Store credit for completing short surveys.
Once installed, the app will occasionally send you quick, multiple-choice surveys that typically take less than a minute to complete. These surveys cover topics like shopping habits, travel experiences, and brand preferences. In return, you'll earn a small amount of Google Play credit, which can range from just a few cents to over $1 per survey.
7. Wallpapers
If you love customizing your Android phone's home screen, you know how difficult it can be to find a beautiful wallpaper app that's both free and ad-free. Google's Wallpapers app solves that problem. It offers a curated collection of beautiful images that can instantly refresh the look of your phone.
Overall, with its clean interface and easy navigation, Google Wallpapers is a great choice for Android users who love a fresh, stylish home screen.
6. Google Authenticator
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is available on most popular platforms and should be enabled for added security. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, an attacker still needs access to a generated code that updates every 30 seconds.
Google Authenticator is a lightweight app that generates one-time codes that expire. This adds an extra layer of protection to your account, and you should really switch to 2FA. It supports multiple accounts, so you can use it for everything from Gmail to third-party services like Facebook , Dropbox , and even banking apps.
5. Magnifier
While all Android phones come with a built-in magnifier feature as part of their accessibility kit, Google's Magnifier app makes it even easier to use. As the name suggests, the app turns your smartphone into a powerful magnifying tool so you can take a closer look at small text or intricate details.
You can even freeze images to examine text and objects without holding the phone at an awkward angle. This app is especially useful when setting up an Android phone for seniors.
4. Gallery
While Google Photos is the default photo viewer on most Android phones, it can be a pain for those who prefer a more streamlined, no-frills approach to photo management. Google's lesser-known Gallery app offers exactly that. Plus, it's lightweight, fast, and doesn't have the extra features that Google Photos offers.
Unlike Google Photos, which emphasizes cloud integration and automatic backups, the Gallery app takes a simple approach. You can easily organize your photos into albums or folders, make quick edits, and enjoy a clean interface without being overwhelmed by unnecessary options.
3. SnapSeed
There's no shortage of must-have photo editing apps for Android. However, Google's Snapseed stands out as a favorite for a number of compelling reasons. One of the biggest is that it's completely free — there are no ads, hidden costs, or in-app purchases to worry about.
Snapseed offers a wide range of features that are suitable for both beginners and advanced users. If you are just starting out, you will find basic tools like adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation.
2. Chrome Remote Desktop
Have you ever felt the need to access your computer remotely to retrieve an important file? Chrome Remote Desktop is a surprisingly useful tool that lets you use and control your desktop or laptop from your Android phone or even another computer.
The app is easy to set up. All you need is a Google account and the Chrome browser installed on the device you're connecting to and the computer you're accessing. Once set up, you can remotely control the computer as if you were sitting right in front of it.
1. Google Voice
Google Voice isn't available in every country, but if you're in a region where it's available, you should give it a try. It's a cloud-based service that consolidates all of your mobile communications into one platform. With it, you can make and receive calls, send text messages, and manage your voicemail from the same number, no matter what device you're using.
One of the best features of this service is the ability to forward calls and messages to multiple devices, so you never miss an important call, whether you're on your phone, tablet, or computer. This cross-platform support is perfect for users who use multiple devices or work remotely.