Owning an Android device opens up endless ways for customizations. Google play store as well as some developers contribute thoroughly through apps to make our device stand our from the others. Therefore without wasting any time lets dig into some apps that you must try and are highly recommended.
*This is not a sponsored post and I am recommending these apps only after spending some time with them.
1. TouchBar
Apple had introduced the MacBook Pro with touchbar. The touchbar became their selling point however it doesn't take much time for it to be replicated on Android. The touchbar app is available on XDA forums and adds great functionality. Although its not exactly similar to the one from Apple but will be a great add-on to your device.
The basic controls such as brightness, sound, media volume, Google search bar, WiFi, Bluetooth, rotation settings are available.
Right swiping on the touchbar leads to the mini music player.
The Google search bar is similar to any search widget and comes in handy when you need to search on any topic while browsing through other apps. This touchbar can be accessed by swiping from the bottom from any app and even the home screen. You can easily enable and disable the bar with the help of a shortcut if you find it irritating.
The app allows custom changes in terms of colour, size , etc however not all changes may work. Keeping this app on default settings will get the job done.
This app is available on XDA forums: Download
2. Flick launcher
Launchers enhance the user experience of any device and adds great functionality which the default launcher never provides. The Flick launcher is similar to the Pixel launcher however it adds all the customization options that are not available with the original Pixel launcher. Although the Flick launcher displays as Early Access on the Play Store yet its an almost perfect launcher.
With the newer update, the launcher has been equipped with Android O features like notification count badge, app icon shape, theme and so on. One can play with various settings like changing the number of apps in row, grid size, colour, icon size, etc.
Gestures are also supported and one of the most useful gesture is double tap to OFF the screen. Other gestures like double tap to wake screen, camera, etc are available.
Overall, this launcher provides a lot of customization options for free and is the best alternative to original Pixel launcher.
Download from Play Store
3. AMOLED dark wallpapers
If you love dark wallpapers with minimalist feel then this wallpaper app is a must try. This app provides wide range of Black background wallpapers with an option of pure black wallpaper too.
If you have a device with AMOLED screen then opting for a black wallpaper will lead to slightly better battery life as the black pixel's are usually turned off. However, this is not the case with IPS LCD display.
There are variety of categories to choose from ranging from abstract, super heroes, cars, etc.
Some of the wallpapers from Super heroes section. Do let us know what you think about this. If you find any other app with better wallpapers, do mention them in the comments below!
Download
Do let us know in the comments if you have any other apps to recommend and till then stay tuned for more!!
The app allows custom changes in terms of colour, size , etc however not all changes may work. Keeping this app on default settings will get the job done.
This app is available on XDA forums: Download
2. Flick launcher
Launchers enhance the user experience of any device and adds great functionality which the default launcher never provides. The Flick launcher is similar to the Pixel launcher however it adds all the customization options that are not available with the original Pixel launcher. Although the Flick launcher displays as Early Access on the Play Store yet its an almost perfect launcher.
The Home screen is very similar to the original Pixel launcher. The background is from AMOLED wallpapers whose description has been provided below. The weather and time widget is from 1weather app. All the apps mentioned here are a must try.
The launcher allows folder option as well as one can change the icon size, shape , dock size, drawer and so on.
The app grid background colour, size, shape , icon pack, etc can be changed with ease. The main advantage of this Flick launcher is endless customization as stated earlier.
The recently used apps also appear at the top in the app grid as in the original Pixel launcher.
Overall, this launcher provides a lot of customization options for free and is the best alternative to original Pixel launcher.
Download from Play Store
3. AMOLED dark wallpapers
If you love dark wallpapers with minimalist feel then this wallpaper app is a must try. This app provides wide range of Black background wallpapers with an option of pure black wallpaper too.
If you have a device with AMOLED screen then opting for a black wallpaper will lead to slightly better battery life as the black pixel's are usually turned off. However, this is not the case with IPS LCD display.
Some of the wallpapers from Super heroes section. Do let us know what you think about this. If you find any other app with better wallpapers, do mention them in the comments below!
Download
Do let us know in the comments if you have any other apps to recommend and till then stay tuned for more!!