essential apps Archives

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

5 productivity apps I swear by, and one of them unlocks the rest

Productivity apps elicit varied reactions, with users often finding a balance between detailed organization and simplicity. Enpass is a password manager that securely stores passwords and documents, while Ente Auth manages two-factor authentication codes for streamlined security. TickTick is a task management app with features like reminders and habit tracking, allowing for customization. Notion serves as a versatile workspace for organizing reading lists and writing projects, promoting creativity with minimalist formatting. Google Keep functions as a digital notepad for quick notes and lists, despite some cross-platform limitations. ChatGPT aids in research and idea generation by synthesizing information and facilitating brainstorming. Each app contributes uniquely to enhancing productivity and maintaining focus in daily tasks.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

I have a lot of Windows PCs, and these are my 6 tips for managing multiple Windows PCs at home

To manage multiple Windows 11 PCs effectively, consider the following practices: 1. Use Windows Backup to back up settings and app lists to the cloud, simplifying device setup and restoration. A Microsoft account is required for this feature. 2. Disable OneDrive folder backups to avoid complications from limited free storage and syncing issues. 3. Utilize the Windows Package Manager (winget) to manage applications across devices by exporting and importing lists of installed apps. 4. Enable nearby sharing in the Settings app to transfer files between devices without internet reliance. 5. Use a software KVM, like Microsoft's Mouse Without Borders, to control multiple PCs with a single keyboard and mouse. 6. Implement a remote desktop tool, such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk, for remote access and control of other PCs.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Unlock Your Android 10 Secret Apps Only Power Users Know

1. The Yin-Yang Minimalistic Launcher features a grayscale interface to minimize visual clutter and includes phone usage statistics. 2. The Transfer App enables seamless file sharing over Wi-Fi without needing an internet connection or user account. 3. The Everything Widget offers over 125 customizable widgets for home screen personalization. 4. The Bluetooth Camera Shutter app allows remote photo capturing with a range of up to 30 meters and supports burst mode. 5. The Noid File Manager automatically categorizes files and includes smart filters for efficient file management. 6. Choy Wall provides over 600 handcrafted 4K wallpapers with multiple color variants for device personalization. 7. The Glit Photo Editor allows users to create retro-inspired images with features like light leaks and vintage filters. 8. The Flip Clock app combines retro aesthetics with practical features, including a Pomodoro timer and world clock.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

I’m fed up with ads on my Google TV, so I got rid of them with this third-party launcher

The transition from Android TV to Google TV has led to mixed reactions from users, primarily due to the increase in sponsored content and ads, which can be frustrating for those who have invested in hardware. Unlike Apple TV 4K, which is ad-free, Google TV users can utilize a third-party launcher, such as Projectivy Launcher, to eliminate ads and enhance their viewing experience. Projectivy Launcher is customizable, allowing users to reorder apps, hide unused ones, and create personalized categories. It offers features like adjustable icon sizes, dynamic wallpapers, and the ability to sideload APKs. It also includes parental controls and is free to use, with some premium features available for a one-time payment. Google TV provides an "App-only" mode to reduce clutter, but Projectivy is considered a better option for a streamlined experience.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

7 must-try Android apps you didn’t know you needed until now

JustWatch is an app that helps users find specific films or series across multiple streaming platforms. Skyscanner is a flight aggregator that finds affordable travel options and offers information on hotels and car rentals. Paprika Recipe Manager compiles recipes, manages pantry ingredients, and generates grocery lists. Coolors generates harmonious color palettes for design purposes. Too Good To Go connects users with restaurants selling unsold food at reduced prices, promoting sustainability. Spin the Wheel is a decision-making tool that randomly selects options for various choices. Splitwise tracks shared expenses among friends or family, simplifying financial interactions.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

5 apps I install on every new phone

Unboxing a new smartphone is an exciting experience that includes setting up essential apps. Spotify provides access to millions of tracks and integrates with Android Auto for music and podcasts. Avast Antivirus offers robust protection and features like threat scanning and a network scanner, ensuring digital security without excessive ads or subscriptions. FitOn is a fitness app that sets realistic goals, tracks activity levels, and offers tailored workouts, including features like celebrity trainers and meal plans. Brave is a browser app that blocks ads and trackers, providing a distraction-free browsing experience with customizable settings. Microsoft 365 allows access to Word and Excel files on the go, with OneDrive for document storage and backup, although some features remain underutilized. These five applications enhance daily smartphone use by serving unique purposes.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Android Enterprise’s latest update is here to tackle the modern work grind

- The latest Android Enterprise feature drop includes Advanced Protection and Identity Check, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access even if a user's PIN is compromised. - Employees can use their phones to load corporate IDs into Google Wallet for access to NFC-enabled buildings. - The Advanced Protection feature provides robust defense against cyber threats, while Identity Check requires face or fingerprint verification for access. - IT teams can utilize APN Overrides via AMAPI to push customized network settings to company devices, ensuring compliance with data usage policies. - Work applications are updated with Material 3 Expressive in Android 16, offering improved visuals and usability. - Gemini integration in Google Docs allows users to summarize documents and draft content in over 20 languages. - Notifications are auto-grouped to reduce distractions and improve focus. - The Desktop Windowing feature enables multitasking on tablets by allowing multiple app windows to be run side by side. - Taskbar Overflow provides an expandable panel for managing open applications on tablets. - Support for Android App Bundle (AAB) files for Managed Google Play enhances the deployment of private applications.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Got a Pixel phone? Grab these 5 Google apps because they’re not installed by default

A curated list of recommended Google apps for Pixel phones includes: - Chrome Beta: Offers multiple account support, allowing seamless management of different Gmail accounts without logging out. - Google Maps Go: A lighter version of Google Maps that enables simultaneous navigation and exploration for nearby places. - Gallery: An efficient alternative to Google Photos that organizes media files offline and includes light facial recognition. - Google Translate: Translates text, audio, and images across languages, supporting offline translations, useful for travelers. - Google Go: A lightweight app for less powerful devices that includes features like incognito searching and a built-in reader mode. Honorable mentions include Google News, Google Tasks, Google Fit, Find Hub, and Photoscan.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

June 2025: The Best Android Apps Right Now

1. Multi-Device Battery Monitor synchronizes battery statistics for smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, optimizing energy consumption and sending alerts for low battery levels. 2. Camera Remote Shutter allows users to capture photos remotely via Bluetooth, featuring timer settings, burst mode, and repeat captures. 3. Luminar provides advanced photo editing tools, including skin retouching and RAW file adjustments, with intuitive gesture controls. 4. Volume Styles enables users to customize their volume slider with themes and layouts and create shortcuts for brightness and media playback. 5. Noid automatically categorizes documents, photos, and videos, offering advanced search tools and secure backup options for efficient file management. 6. By Air offers real-time flight tracking, updates on flight statuses, gate changes, and delays, along with airport guides and online check-in options. 7. Widget Share allows users to share widgets like photos, notes, or reminders with friends and family for collaboration and personalization. 8. Evapail generates temporary email addresses to protect users' inboxes from spam and unwanted emails, maintaining privacy and reducing digital clutter. 9. Pixelshot organizes screenshots using AI, automatically categorizing and tagging them for easy retrieval while ensuring sensitive information is secure. 10. Crossplatform Disc Test measures the speed and health of internal and external storage devices to monitor storage performance effectively.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Mobile apps to continue your birding

Deb Nofzinger and Dave Wilkins recommend several mobile applications for birding enthusiasts, including eBird and Merlin Bird ID, both associated with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. eBird operates on a donation model and allows users to maintain detailed bird lists, track sightings, and utilize a Hotspot function for prime birding locations. It has recorded 149 species at Earth Heart Farms since its addition, with 78 species identified this year. Wilkins has completed 239 checklists at Creek Bend Farm Park and observed 137 species there. The Merlin Bird ID app offers a sound identification feature for 1,382 bird species and is noted for its accuracy in familiar environments. Other suggested apps include BirdCast for migration updates and the Sibley Birds v2 app, priced at .99.