7 Best Google Apps and Tools

If you own an Android OS device, you'll want to make use of the best apps and tools available to supercharge your smart device. There are literally millions of apps to choose from so which ones do you choose?

You could randomly choose apps and hope for the best, or think about installing some of the most popular apps around. Here we explore some of the most popular apps of all time and focus on seven great Google apps and tools you'll definitely want to consider installing. 

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What are the best apps for 2018?

There are many, many apps you can download and use on your Android phone, but some are more popular than others. In 2018, according to sites like alphr.com, these are just some of the best:

• Gallery Doctor – Photo Cleaner
• Avast Antivirus & Security 
• LastPass Password Manager (free)
• Greenify (free) 
• Clean Master (free) 
• Tasker (£2.99) 
• Opera Max (free) 
• WifiMapper (free)

What is the most popular app right now?

According to Wikipedia, the most downloaded app on Android is Google Play Services. It has over 5 Billion downloads quickly followed by YouTube and Google Maps. 

For non-Google apps, according to sites like makeuseof.com, the most popular app is Facebook. To date, it has over 4 Billion downloads.

The second most popular non-Google app is also from Facebook - Facebook Messenger. It has over 3 Billion downloads and is one of the most popular messenger apps of all time. 

What are the top 10 apps?

According to Google Play's Top Chart, the following apps are some of the most popular to date:

1. FaceApp

2. Whatsapp Messenger

3. Facebook Messenger

4. Instagram

5. Netflix

6. Face Reading

7. Wish

8. Spotify

9. Oldify

10. Snapchat

What are the best apps for Android?

Here are 7 of the best Android apps and tools. This list is far from exhaustive and is in no particular order.

1. Find My Device by Google is great

If you are in the habit of leaving your phone behind by mistake or fear it being stolen, then you really should get this app. Find My Device is an incredibly valuable app that lets you ping the location of your lost or stolen device. 

The app can be installed and used on all Android devices from phones to tablets and can even be used on OS Smartwatches. Find My Device also lets you lock your device, erase data on it, and send a message to it pleading for its return. 

2. IFTTT and Tasker is very useful

IFTTT and Tasker is a great and powerful, little app that is entirely free. This awesome app lets you make connections between your existing apps. 

If, for example, you upload a picture to Instagram, you can program IFTTT to save a copy to your Dropbox app. But that is not all.

Many other apps on your Android phone have some form of IFTTT integration built-in meaning you can have them dance to your tune with the right "recipe." 

3. MiXplorer Silver is another excellent app

MiXplorer Silver is another powerful and awesome Google app and tool. For a small fee, this app gives you one of the most useful file browsers on mobile.

The basic app gives you root access to your Android phone with various file browsing tools, support for most popular archive files, FTP server support, support for most cloud storage apps, and more.

You can also install a variety of plugins to provide even more functionality. 

4. Google Translate is essential for those who travel

If you travel to different countries a lot, Google Translate will prove to be an invaluable tool. While you may have a basic grasp of a language there are times when you need some help when out and about.

Google Translate supports most languages from around the world and has a variety of input and output modes for translation. You can even use your camera to translate menus and signs on your screen in real-time. 

Although the translations can be a little buggy at times, most native speakers will get the gist of what you are asking or saying. 

5. Google Authenticator adds another layer of security

Google Authenticator is one of the most popular app downloads on Google Play, and for good reason. This little app provides a 2-Step Verification code system on your phone.

"2-Step Verification provides stronger security for your Google account by requiring a second step of verification when you sign in. In addition to your password, you’ll also need a code generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone." - Google Play. 

6. Google Family Link for parents

Google Family Link for parents is a powerful app that helps parents oversee their children's online activity. 

"Whether your children are younger or in their teens, the Family Link app lets you set digital ground rules to help guide them as they learn, play and explore online.

For children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age of consent in your country), Family Link also lets you create a Google Account for your child that's like your account, with access to most Google services," notes Google Play. 

7. Google Lens is the personal assistant you've been waiting for

Google Lens is an all-singing, all-dancing personal assistant of a kind. This handy little app can help you look up dishes from a menu, add events to your calendar, get directions, call a number, translate words, and much more.

You can also use it to help you identify landmarks, animals, plants, and other things using your phone's camera. Why not try it out for yourself?