Download Best apps for your new Android Smartphones

Swype & Swiftkey

Android's keyboard has gotten better over the years, but the vagaries of custom manufacturer skins can still make typing a pain. Both Swype and Swiftkey make great replacements, which improved correction, prediction, and gesture-typing. 

Snapseed

 

As a photo editor, Snapseed moves well beyond basic filters into the kinds of changes usually reserved for the desktop. With a set of simple tools the app makes even complex photo adjustments understandable and accessible. 

Google Play Music

Google Play Music is probably already preloaded on your phone, but if you haven't tapped in and looked around recently, you really should. In the past year Google has added free and paid streaming options and improved the interface dramatically. The result is probably the best music app for Android users.

Pocket

 

There are two big, popular "read it later" apps: Instapaper and Pocket. On Android, at least, Pocket gets the nod for more frequent updates and support for video. Articles are synced automatically and saved offline, with options to adjust the layout to your liking. 

Dropbox

 

Dropbox makes it easy to access your files from your phone. But there's another use that might interest you even if you don't think you need it: the service is great for simply getting files from your computer to your phone without a cable. 

Google Keep

Google Keep is designed for quick, short notes — everything looks like a little Post-it, but you can do a lot in those little boxes. To-do lists, location reminders, and fast searching make it feel full-featured without bogging you down. 

Dashclock

Now that Android allows you to put widgets on your lock screen, you could spend hours hunting down the one that shows exactly the information you want. Don't. Just install DashClock, which gives you the time, weather, and customizable notifications.