Every time I set up a new Pixel phone, a familiar ritual unfolds. A curated list of essential apps awaits my attention, including Spotify, 1Password, Slack, and others. However, among these, a selection of Google-developed applications stands out, despite not being pre-installed on the device. Each app serves a unique purpose, enhancing the overall user experience. Here are five Google apps I recommend adding to your Pixel, along with their distinct advantages.
Chrome Beta
While the standard Chrome browser comes pre-loaded, the beta version offers a compelling reason for installation: multiple account support. Unlike most Google apps, switching accounts in the regular Chrome requires logging out and back in, which can be cumbersome. By utilizing Chrome, Chrome Beta, and Chrome Dev, I can manage different Gmail accounts seamlessly. My personal account resides in Chrome, while my joint account with my husband is in Beta, and my Workspace account is in Dev. This setup allows me to maintain distinct bookmarks and browsing histories, ensuring a clear separation between personal and professional use. Although it requires a bit of manual URL management, the benefits of this arrangement are well worth it.
Google Maps Go
Google Maps is indispensable for navigation, yet it has a notable limitation: once navigation begins, searching for additional information becomes nearly impossible. Enter Google Maps Go, a lighter version that allows for simultaneous navigation and exploration. This app enables me to search for nearby restaurants or gather details about locations without interrupting my journey. While some users suggest using Waze for navigation, I find Google Maps Go particularly useful for my frequent walking and transit trips, where Waze isn’t applicable.
Gallery
Many users remain unaware of the existence of Google Gallery, a fast and efficient alternative to Google Photos. This app scans and organizes all media files on the device, performing light facial recognition while keeping everything offline. After an initial setup, Gallery becomes a reliable tool for accessing screenshots, WhatsApp folders, and various media files. Its privacy features and efficiency make it a valuable addition to my app collection.
Google Translate
Google Translate needs little introduction, yet it remains absent from the preloaded Pixel apps. This essential tool translates text, audio, and images across numerous languages, even supporting offline translations. As a frequent traveler, I rely on Google Translate to communicate in countries where I don’t speak the language fluently. Its ability to facilitate conversations, as demonstrated by a taxi driver in Turkey using it to coordinate my pick-up, underscores its practicality and necessity.
Google Go
Another lightweight alternative, Google Go, caters to users with less powerful devices and limited internet access. It offers a faster experience while retaining the core functionalities of the main Google app. Notably, Google Go includes features like incognito searching and a built-in reader mode, allowing me to listen to articles while multitasking. These enhancements, which are not readily available in the standard Google app, make Google Go a standout choice for my Pixel.
Honorable mentions
In addition to the aforementioned apps, several other Google creations deserve attention:
- Google News: Ideal for staying updated on current events across various topics.
- Google Tasks: A straightforward task manager that integrates seamlessly with Assistant voice commands for reminders.
- Google Fit: While it has evolved since Google acquired Fitbit, it remains a robust tool for aggregating health data.
- Find Hub: Essential for locating other Pixel or Android devices, as well as compatible Bluetooth trackers.
- Photoscan: A handy tool for digitizing physical photos, automatically enhancing images for easy storage.
These Google apps, though not pre-installed, can significantly enhance your Pixel experience. If you have other favorites, I invite you to share them in the comments!
Got a Pixel phone? Grab these 5 Google apps because they’re not installed by default
Every time I set up a new Pixel phone, a familiar ritual unfolds. A curated list of essential apps awaits my attention, including Spotify, 1Password, Slack, and others. However, among these, a selection of Google-developed applications stands out, despite not being pre-installed on the device. Each app serves a unique purpose, enhancing the overall user experience. Here are five Google apps I recommend adding to your Pixel, along with their distinct advantages.
Chrome Beta
While the standard Chrome browser comes pre-loaded, the beta version offers a compelling reason for installation: multiple account support. Unlike most Google apps, switching accounts in the regular Chrome requires logging out and back in, which can be cumbersome. By utilizing Chrome, Chrome Beta, and Chrome Dev, I can manage different Gmail accounts seamlessly. My personal account resides in Chrome, while my joint account with my husband is in Beta, and my Workspace account is in Dev. This setup allows me to maintain distinct bookmarks and browsing histories, ensuring a clear separation between personal and professional use. Although it requires a bit of manual URL management, the benefits of this arrangement are well worth it.
Google Maps Go
Google Maps is indispensable for navigation, yet it has a notable limitation: once navigation begins, searching for additional information becomes nearly impossible. Enter Google Maps Go, a lighter version that allows for simultaneous navigation and exploration. This app enables me to search for nearby restaurants or gather details about locations without interrupting my journey. While some users suggest using Waze for navigation, I find Google Maps Go particularly useful for my frequent walking and transit trips, where Waze isn’t applicable.
Gallery
Many users remain unaware of the existence of Google Gallery, a fast and efficient alternative to Google Photos. This app scans and organizes all media files on the device, performing light facial recognition while keeping everything offline. After an initial setup, Gallery becomes a reliable tool for accessing screenshots, WhatsApp folders, and various media files. Its privacy features and efficiency make it a valuable addition to my app collection.
Google Translate
Google Translate needs little introduction, yet it remains absent from the preloaded Pixel apps. This essential tool translates text, audio, and images across numerous languages, even supporting offline translations. As a frequent traveler, I rely on Google Translate to communicate in countries where I don’t speak the language fluently. Its ability to facilitate conversations, as demonstrated by a taxi driver in Turkey using it to coordinate my pick-up, underscores its practicality and necessity.
Google Go
Another lightweight alternative, Google Go, caters to users with less powerful devices and limited internet access. It offers a faster experience while retaining the core functionalities of the main Google app. Notably, Google Go includes features like incognito searching and a built-in reader mode, allowing me to listen to articles while multitasking. These enhancements, which are not readily available in the standard Google app, make Google Go a standout choice for my Pixel.
Honorable mentions
In addition to the aforementioned apps, several other Google creations deserve attention:
These Google apps, though not pre-installed, can significantly enhance your Pixel experience. If you have other favorites, I invite you to share them in the comments!