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Hidden Gems: Unveiling Apps That Could Have Enhanced Your Experience Sooner?

There are a few noteworthy ones that have significantly enhanced my digital experience. Let me share them with you:

  1. Musicolet: It’s a fantastic music player with a user-friendly interface. The best part is, it doesn’t bombard you with pesky ads like the default music player does.
  2. Cube Acr: If you ever need to record calls, this app is a game-changer. It’s the best free call recorder I’ve tried so far.
  3. Macrodroid: This app lets you automate almost anything you can think of. Personally, I love how it allows me to easily turn on the WiFi hotspot with just a few taps. I couldn’t find any other app on the Play Store that offered this feature without requiring root access.
  4. Auto redial: You know those moments when you keep calling a restaurant repeatedly until they finally answer? This app saves you from that frustration. It automatically redials the number for you, making your life much easier.
  5. Dynamic rotation: Auto-rotate can be a bit annoying, right? But sometimes, you do want your screen to rotate. That’s where Dynamic Rotation comes in. It prompts you to rotate the app whenever you rotate your screen, giving you more control.
  6. Folder sync: It’s surprising that popular cloud apps like Mega don’t offer a way to sync folders. Fortunately, Folder Sync fills that gap. You can keep selected folders always in sync without any hassle.
  7. Volume booster: We all come across situations where the audio is too low. This app comes to the rescue by boosting the volume, allowing you to hear even the faintest sounds clearly.
  8. Always on AMOLED by Tomer Rosenfeld: Recently, I dropped my phone in water, and since then, the screen has been acting up, moving randomly. However, I noticed that if I use this app for a while, it stabilizes the screen. It’s been a lifesaver for me.

These hidden gems have definitely made a significant difference for me. It’s fascinating to think about the missed opportunities had I known about them earlier. But hey, now that we know, we can make the most out of these fantastic apps, feel free to add your list below as well ❤️

ludw ,
  • Spectroid: what’s that sound? Do I hear that faint but annoying sound or just imagine it? With spectroid you can see the sound spectrum over time.
  • Nova launcher: Lets you cutomize the home screen of your phone and make it just right. I like my apps a bit closer together in five columns instead of four. Nova launcher let’s me do this.
  • Business calendar: it’s just so much better than the default calendar, especially if you have lots of meetings and need an information dense view.
sharkfeek ,

I second nova launcher and business calendar. They’ve been staples on my phones for the past 5+ years

Rhiannax3 , (edited )
@Rhiannax3@kbin.social avatar

Love Nova Launcher! It offers so many customisation options, particularly in terms of home screen and app drawer layout, icons and fonts.

I remember a few years back when my phone was stolen (I accidentally left it in the back of an Uber) and I was forced to buy a new one. The relief I felt when I started up the new phone, signed into Google and straightaway saw my familiar home screen, courtesy of Nova Launcher.

I guess I was surprised so much was still there given I didn't do a formal backup / transfer between old and new phones, but that's the beauty of the cloud! :)

Edit: Also @distantlight, agree with Cube ACR - I have been immensely grateful having an easy way to record calls. It has a button to allow you to start and stop recording in the middle of a call so for me, it was piece of mind, especially during legal scrapes! But as another commenter has said, I feel like it stopped working at some point so no longer have it installed..

midnight ,
@midnight@lemmy.one avatar

I recently found out Nova was purchased by an analytics company. I don’t have any proof or solid reason to think they’re up to no good necessarily. But I have zero desire to use something as integral as a launcher that’s owned by a company like that.

I moved to Neo Launcher and it’s been 95% as good as Nova. The knock is just some fine tunings that Nova had, but I’m not having any issues with Neo.

GetsThruBuckner ,
@GetsThruBuckner@lemmy.world avatar

Was not aware of this. Thank you!.. :(

Iamdanno ,

I use Business Calendar daily. It’s very customizable, easy to use, and has been awesome for years.

sv1sjp ,
@sv1sjp@lemmy.world avatar

Joplin. Organise your notes into notebooks and you can also write them in markdown. You can also save your notes encrypted and syhcronise them with the cloud to have them in all of your devices. Joplin is available in all Operating Systems. Also supposts Nextcloud so it can be self-hosted!

Automated_Footprint ,
@Automated_Footprint@sh.itjust.works avatar

What do you think about replacing Samsung notes with this? S notes have everything I need but I think the text formattings in it aren’t markdown.

Swaglordmusclewizard ,

I’m not a Joplin user, but I use Obsidian which is similar as it’s also in markdown and notes are saved locally or hosted with encryption.

I’d say either app is better than the stock note-taking apps. I’ve been using Google Keep prior.

I’m biased since I only use Obsidian but I love it, been a power user for a month now.

Feel free to check both out! The link below is what I just searched for and learned about Joplin.

www.mksguide.com/joplin-vs-obsidian/

RequiredField ,
@RequiredField@kbin.social avatar

I set up a Nextcloud server recently and have been looking for a decent note app. I'll try it out today. Thanks!

sv1sjp ,
@sv1sjp@lemmy.world avatar

You should definitely try, I have this setup (VPN) on my server for more than 1 year

sv1sjp ,
@sv1sjp@lemmy.world avatar

You should definitely try, I have this setup (VPN) on my server for more than 1 year

sv1sjp ,
@sv1sjp@lemmy.world avatar

You should definitely try, I have this setup (VPN) on my server for more than 1 year

HaraldRex ,

I’d add Tasker to that list, even if some of the functionality requires root. It’s actually insane how powerful Tasker is.

Soullioness ,
@Soullioness@atosoul.asuscomm.com avatar

Tasker is good too but a bit redundant with MacroDroid. Both are amazing though! Everyone needs to have one or similar!

moreeni ,

Syncthing, I setup synchronisation between my PC and phone in apps that have bad built-in synchronisation or don’t have it at all, e.g. for PPSSPP: I am able to have my save files for games synchronised and keep playing a videogame on phone just where I left it off on my PC

Satou ,

How about the battery drain on the phone? I tried to use it once to sync my notes but it didn’t work out well in terms of battery drain

MantisWaffle ,

Did you measure that empirically? Gsam indicates it only accounts around 1% of battery drain.

AnOrangeBabbler ,

+1 for sure! I used it to sync my Obsidian Vault between devices, phone included. It’s very useful if you want the same folder in multiple places.

ayyndrew ,
@ayyndrew@lemmy.world avatar

Isn’t dynamic rotation built in to Android these days?

SeeJayEmm ,
@SeeJayEmm@lemmy.procrastinati.org avatar

Think the point is it asks instead of just doing it.

aaaggglll ,

On my phone at least, when I have autorotate off and tilt the screen, an icon appears next to my back button that will rotate the screen. Which sounds to me like the goal of this app.

SeeJayEmm ,
@SeeJayEmm@lemmy.procrastinati.org avatar

There’s an accessibility option that can do this but it’s inconsistent at best for me.

midorikusa ,

I don’t know about other brands but Samsung does have a small icon in the bottom corner prompting this when I rotate my phone yeah. Ignore it if not needed. Very useful.

Argurotoxus ,
@Argurotoxus@lemmy.world avatar

TIL about this and it’s a freaking lifesaver. Thank you!

EddieTee77 ,

It is built into Android proper meaning most phones should be able to do it

SpermKiller ,

Yes but I think many people don't know it exists and how to use it. For those who don't know : rotate your phone and a little rotating phone will appear next to your "go back" button. Just click it.

Karsten ,

KDE Connect is an app to connect your phone and computer. It works on most OS (windows, Linux, etc.), and it works extremely well (better than the solution developed by Microsoft).

Satou ,

I can’t count how many times I used this. It’s been a huge timesaver for me

jonne ,

Yep, the shared clipboard and file sharing options are things I can’t live without now. No more sending stuff to yourself using messenger apps or stupid workarounds like that.

MakeItCount ,

How does it compare compared to Join by JoaoApps ?

GlitzyArmrest ,
@GlitzyArmrest@lemmy.world avatar

Does it work over LAN if I lose internet?

russjr08 ,
@russjr08@outpost.zeuslink.net avatar

Yes, in fact it only communicates over LAN - so if you go away from home it will stop mirroring, unless they’ve changed that in the last few months.

GlitzyArmrest ,
@GlitzyArmrest@lemmy.world avatar

Perfect, thanks!

idle ,
@idle@158436977.xyz avatar

Does it work ok on Windows now? Last I tried it it wasn’t so great, but it was at least a year ago.

lazycouchpotato ,
@lazycouchpotato@lemmy.world avatar

I’m using the version downloaded from the Microsoft Store and it’s a bit spotty. The experience might be a bit better with the exe installer.

lateraltwo ,

In my experience, windows store server apps (like Plex) are sometimes broken if your os updates are due. It causes some interesting headaches. When in doubt exe it from the trusted site

lazycouchpotato ,
@lazycouchpotato@lemmy.world avatar

Yeah I usually prefer directly downloading installers, I just thought I’d give the Store a try and see what the experience is like.

Karsten ,

Yes. I’ve been using almost daily and it’s great! My only issue is that it sometimes (like once every one or two months), it has some trouble connecting back to my phone.

THE_STORM_BLADE ,

What phone do you use? I recall my call recording app stopped working a couple years ago due to some Google permission thing.

Historical_General ,
@Historical_General@lemmy.world avatar

Same, it’s possibly also because of his location/country. I haven’t tried the app, but if any europeans/british people get it working, please say.

simple ,
@simple@lemmy.world avatar
  • CPU-Z summarizes literally everything about your mobile phone. What model you have, what SoC you have, what your clock speeds and thermals are, which update you’re on, etc. Super useful and you never have to wonder anything about your specs.
  • Notebloc is the best camscanner app. The ads are a lot but you can get an ad-free version for pretty cheap. The black and white scan has great clarity that makes it look legit like it’s scanned.
  • PlainApp is a new open-source Airdroid alternative. Easily transfer files and images from your mobile to PC over wi-fi. It’s super useful.
Larven ,

Quick Cursor: Makes it easier to use large smartphones with one hand.

Shialac ,

Ok, saved lul

Swaglordmusclewizard ,

I just want to share my positive experience with Folder Sync.

I use Obsidian for journaling and note-taking, and unless you use the paid plan it doesn’t have native sync across multiple devices. I have the root folder of my notes stored in Google Drive and use Folder Sync to sync my PC/laptop with my mobile. Very useful as I’m out in the field often and like to jot down quick notes on my phone.

10/10 it just works.

ThatGuyFromWork ,

Folder Sync is great. Have been using it since 2017 to auto backup my phone to a home server I have setup. This means that if I replace my phone or it gets stolen, nothing is lost. Granted, nowadays I am finding less and less use for it with most apps backing up their data to the cloud but for photos/videos, it is great to have a local backup

ThatGuyFromWork ,

Folder Sync is great. Have been using it since 2017 to auto backup my phone to a home server I have setup. This means that if I replace my phone or it gets stolen, nothing is lost. Granted, nowadays I am finding less and less use for it with most apps backing up their data to the cloud but for photos/videos, it is great to have a local backup

Tetsuo666 , (edited )

A few of mine :

  • AndOTP : A good app for OTP that actually let’s you backup your keys and move them easily and securely to a new phone
  • Blokada : A system wide adblocker for Android. 4000000 ads blocked so far on my phone
  • YouTube Vanced: Not really a “hidden” gem but a cool app nonetheless. I wish people knew you could get an ad free YouTube experience on mobile. It also includes sponsor block so you really get straight to content. Also let’s you get a YT popup player and shutdown the screen with the video still playing.
  • F-Droid an Android open source app market. Often includes apps that are not allowed on Google market.
Argurotoxus ,
@Argurotoxus@lemmy.world avatar

Strange, I had YouTube Vanced but I remember it outright dying maybe a year ago. Had been using NewPipe for a while before I finally decided I use YouTube so often it’s perfectly reasonable for me to just subscribe.

YouTube Vanced is still up and running?

fiddlesticks ,
@fiddlesticks@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

The original YouTube vanced is dead, but the new revanced works like a charm

Argurotoxus ,
@Argurotoxus@lemmy.world avatar

Interesting. I’ll have to play around with it at some point.

Historical_General ,
@Historical_General@lemmy.world avatar

Revanced Extended ftw

Granite ,

ReVanced is.

Argurotoxus ,
@Argurotoxus@lemmy.world avatar

Strange, I had YouTube Vanced but I remember it outright dying maybe a year ago. Had been using NewPipe for a while before I finally decided I use YouTube so often it’s perfectly reasonable for me to just subscribe.

YouTube Vanced is still up and running?

weyland-yutani ,
@weyland-yutani@kbin.social avatar

It's not. Check out Revanced on GitHub, it's successor of Vanced.

romano ,
@romano@lemmy.shtuf.eu avatar

AndOTP is no longer maintained. I’d suggest switching to something still supported, like Aegis for example.

dekatron ,

+1 for F-Droid. I always prefer open-source alternatives from there over ad-infested bloatware which the Play Store has a lot of.

zxo ,

Plus, there are some really good F-Droid apps too, like Droid-ify (F-Droid client with smoother UI) and Obtainium (update apps automatically from a GitHub link).

rocket ,
@rocket@wirebase.org avatar

deleted_by_author

    •
    zxo ,

    Oh really? I need to add my apps to Obtainium then.

    HeavyRaptor ,

    Vanced is dead, check out Revanced instead. Takes a bit more effort to get going as you need to build the app yourself but it works just as well

    Kima09 ,

    For me

    1. MiXplorer (Mix) : Clean and powerful file manager at the same time. It’s easy to use for normal user and very powerful for power users.
    2. Lookup Pro: Floating dictionary that can blend in to native Android context menu when highlighting words. It’s similar to iOS lookup or Kindle lookup feature.
    3. Maosure: Google virtual measure app that make use of ARCore library.
    4. Moon+ Reader Pro: favorite ebook reader
    5. Seal: Favorite youtube downloader. Unlike other YT downloader that is riddled with Ads, it FOSS app.
    6. Toolwiz Photos: Best all in one photo editor for me. It’s very underrated. The variety of feature it pack is u match by any photo editing apps for me. From color correction to healing and cloning tools, the fun feature that gets old very fast like face rater, face swap, pip, etc. I just noticed that it has AI painting feature too.
    7. TTS Server : Azure/Ms Edge TTS ported to Android to use it as system wide TTS. It’s the most natural free TTS I’ve ever used. It’s originally Chinese only app, but I forgot where I got English version from.
    cy4n ,

    MiXplorer is genuinely the best file manager I ever used, has basically everything but keeps being easy to use. and it has theme support!

    sharkfeek ,

    How does it compare to Amaze File Manager? I’ve just started testing out different file manager apps today

    aegis_sum ,

    Seconding Moon Reader Pro. Even the basic version is great.

    Historical_General ,
    @Historical_General@lemmy.world avatar

    KOreader is great lightweight, feature-packed alternative like Moonreader but substantially different-looking, some may prefer it (I do).

    NotGivinMyNam2AMachn ,

    Keepass2Android Tasker Joplin DropSync, OneSync, DriveSync Evanova EDS Total Commander Aegis Instander Stocard Waze

    nakal ,
    @nakal@kbin.social avatar

    FairEmail: I hated reading email on my phone, till I found it. I was so happy that I already paid for it 3 times (optional!) just to give something back to the dev.

    Waze: it belongs to Google now, but I like it much better because it's like a social network for navigation and maps. You can also edit the maps by yourself. Another advantage is that it shows speed limits and warns you about police while driving.

    sketched ,

    I also really like fairemail for it's privacy focused approach but often the formatting in emails looks weird.. e. g. Paypal is especially bad :(

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