Now that the year is in full swing and you may have some breathing room, we though we would take the opportunity to have some fun and explore some of our top apps. These are the popular apps everyone is downloading on both Android and iPhone – and there is something for everyone.
With countless apps being developed constantly, and so many to choose from, this is a small sampling of some of our favorites – but there are so many more.
Remember, if your phone is used for both business and personal applications, be sure to protect your mobile device to keep the cyber criminals at bay!
3 Android Top Apps
While some of these are not new to the space, this is their year. Whether they are maintaining a hold, adding a new function we love, or finally coming into their own – these are the top apps for 2020 and beyond. Of course, the next best thing may appear tomorrow!
Photo App: 1Gallery allows you to edit photos and galleries and save favorite memories like a social media app. But the best part of this new app is the ability to select your media and hide it behind a fingerprint ID (or password/PIN if you prefer.) The data is encrypted, and can be kept from prying eyes completely if you turn off cloud sharing.
Productivity: Any.do combines note taking apps, calendars, and even the Alexa-based commands to offer a multi-faceted, multi-functional little app that will keep you organized. From deadline setting to reminders and alarms and verbal reminders, it is all in one place. You can sync all your Google profile devices as well, making your life seamless no matter which device you are looking at.
VPN Access: Of course, you knew we were going to talk about online security. A VPN is a security necessity for anyone on a mobile device these days, but especially so for those using a business phone in public. (Read more here.) While there are any number of free VPNs, their terms of service typically indicates that they “may” sell your data – not exactly what you use a VPN for. Online Tech Tips recommends Private Internet Access (PIA) which keeps you secure, allows you to change locations, and to customize setting per app.
3 iPhone Apps to Check Out
Camera App: Late last year, Apple bestowed the honor of “App of the Year” to the Spectre Camera app. The AI-based Spectre utilizes machine learning to take simulated long-exposure photos, a feature previously unavailable on phone cameras. The Spectre Camera app also includes support for the ultrawide camera on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.
Entertainment App: Combining Disney and Apple seemed like a good idea – and it was. Disney Plus is a $7 per month streaming service which arrived 3 months ago amidst thunderous hype – which no doubt helped it to garner its first 10 million subscribers in just one day. It’s initial offering included 500 movies and 7,500 episodes of TV shows, including the wildly popular Mandalorian with its runaway star, Baby Yoda. Disney has wasted no time improving the app, already adding a resume button to assist with viewing.
Social Communication App: Google awarded Ablo the Google Play Best App of 2019 award. The app allows you to interact with random people all over the globe. The goal is to educate one another on culture, learn new languages, or meet friends who also travel worldwide. The app translates chats and video calls in real time; and while this all may sound just a bit risky, the app has firm ground rules and the ability to kick offending parties off the app. Users seem to love it, and it may transform worldwide social activity as we know it.
As we said, the key to all good apps is the ability to use them safely. If you own a business and want to keep your data safe, set up a consultation with Alliance IT. We can help you to train employees, install VPNs, and monitor usage to keep everyone safe while doing business offsite.
