The Microsoft Store has recently added applications like VLC, Foobar2000, Firefox, and Brave, but several essential applications are still missing, leading users to download installers from developers' websites. Microsoft has discontinued support for Office installations via the store, and the transition to allowing Win32 app formats has introduced more applications, although many developers may find this shift too late, with full support for Win32 apps not expected until 2025. Notable applications currently unavailable on the Microsoft Store include:
- Steam: A critical gaming platform with over 140 million users, absent from the store due to Valve's competition with Microsoft.
- Notepad++: A popular text and code editor known for its simplicity and versatility, requiring direct download from its official website.
- Calibre: An open-source e-book manager that allows users to organize, convert, and enrich e-books, also needing to be downloaded from its official site.
- qBittorrent: A free and open-source torrent client offering a clean interface and extensive features, available only through direct download from its official website.
- Paint.net: While available on the Microsoft Store for a fee, it can be downloaded for free from the developer's website, providing robust image editing features.
Threema is a Swiss messaging service founded in 2012, which now has over 12 million users and approximately 8,000 organizations globally. The platform's ownership has recently changed to Comitis Capital GmbH. Threema uses a unique approach to user identity by assigning a random eight-digit ID instead of requiring personal information like phone numbers or email addresses. Messages are stored locally and deleted from servers after delivery, enhancing privacy. It operates on a paid model with a one-time fee, supports anonymous payments, and employs high-grade cryptography for security. Users can send text and voice messages, share files up to 100 MB, and conduct end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls. Threema targets individuals and organizations prioritizing privacy and data protection, while it may not appeal to those seeking free apps or cloud-based chat history. Key features include end-to-end encryption, QR-based contact verification, and local group management capabilities.
In daily life, people engage in repetitive phone actions that shape their routines, such as turning off Wi-Fi or silencing notifications. Android devices offer basic automation features, but true automation potential lies in apps that allow personalized routines.
Samsung Galaxy users can utilize Modes and Routines, integrated into One UI 5.1, to create preset profiles and custom automations based on triggers like time and location. Google’s Action Blocks enable users to create customizable shortcuts for complex tasks with a single tap, leveraging Google Assistant.
Automate by LlamaLab uses a visual flowchart interface for routine creation, allowing users to design automation flows with over 320 building blocks available. aProfiles focuses on profile-based automation, adjusting settings based on time and location, while IFTTT allows users to create applets for connected services, with limitations on custom applets for free users. MacroDroid offers a three-part structure for automations, with over 100 triggers and actions, and a template library for pre-made macros, while the free version limits users to five macros.
A selection of free Android apps designed to automate daily life includes:
- Action Blocks: Developed by Google, it allows users to create buttons for actions and integrates with Google Assistant.
- Samsung Modes and Routines: A built-in feature for Samsung devices that enables users to automate tasks through "If" and "Then" scenarios.
- Automate: An app that allows users to create complex automation sequences in a flowchart format, suitable for tech-savvy individuals.
- Microsoft Power Automate: Automates tasks across devices with a drag-and-drop interface, facilitating synchronization between smartphone and desktop.
- aProfiles: A user-friendly app for scheduling actions like alarms and switching data connections, ideal for those without coding experience.
- MacroDroid: Combines advanced automation features with an intuitive interface, allowing users to customize tasks using triggers and actions.
- IFTTT: Automates online activities and integrates with smart devices, providing a platform for syncing various tasks and interactions.
Google's Find My Device app is essential for Android phone users, providing security features such as locating a misplaced phone, playing a sound, and remotely locking or erasing data. The app's integration with Android has improved tracking accuracy and introduced features like offline finding and compatibility with Bluetooth trackers. Other recommended apps for a well-rounded Android setup include Bitwarden for password management, Solid Explorer for file management, Google Keep for note-taking, and Signal for secure messaging. Productivity apps like Microsoft’s SwiftKey keyboard and Todoist for task management are also highlighted. Customization options include Nova Launcher, while performance optimization can be achieved with Greenify. Privacy-focused tools include DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser and Authy for two-factor authentication. Emerging trends suggest increased AI integration in apps and innovations for foldable devices. Regular maintenance apps like CCleaner and update managers are recommended for long-term device health.
Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is being offered at a price of .97, reduced from 9.99. This lifetime license provides access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and a free version of Teams. The suite is designed for freelancers, business owners, remote workers, and students, allowing for advanced features like intricate formatting and comprehensive spreadsheets. The license is tied to the device, eliminating concerns about recurring fees or subscription expiration.
Developers are now required to register their applications before users can sideload them on Android devices, a change aimed at reducing malware risks associated with unverified apps. This policy is particularly significant for Android TV users who often rely on sideloading for niche utilities and unofficial streaming tools. The risk of malware is reportedly 50 times higher when apps are installed from outside the Play Store. Google has promised to create a workflow for experienced users to sideload unverified apps despite the new restrictions.
Sideloading allows users to install apps not available on the Play Store, but it comes with increased risks of data-stealing malware. Users can sideload apps by transferring APK files to their devices and adjusting settings to allow installations from unknown sources.
SmartTube TV is an unofficial YouTube client that offers an ad-free experience and integrates features like SponsorBlock, but it violates YouTube's Terms of Service. Aptoide TV is a community-driven app marketplace that provides access to apps not available on the Play Store, though caution is advised due to potential malware risks. Leanback Launcher is an open-source launcher that enhances performance and customization options for Android TV. RetroArch allows users to emulate classic gaming consoles and requires legal copies of games. Syncler organizes and streams shows and movies from user-selected providers without hosting content itself. AdAway is an open-source ad blocker that filters ads at the device level using host files.
The selection of these apps focuses on enhancing the Android TV experience through performance improvements, user-friendly interfaces, and a range of categories including streaming, gaming, customization, and privacy.
A selection of free Android apps with a minimum rating of 4.0 on the Play Store includes:
1. Solid Explorer File Manager - Rated 4.3 stars from 150,000 reviewers; features a dual-pane layout, cloud storage integration, file management across various storage options, batch renaming, and AES encryption.
2. Cashew - Expense Budget Tracker - Rated 4.8 stars; provides visual representations of spending, tracks subscriptions, and securely backs up data via Google Drive.
3. RunPee - Rated 4.7 stars with over 500,000 downloads; notifies users of optimal restroom break moments during movies and provides summaries of missed scenes.
4. Orbot: Tor for Android - Rated 4.0 stars; connects users to the Tor network for enhanced online privacy and allows for device-wide or app-specific encryption.
5. Libby, the Library App - Rated 4.8 stars; connects users to their local library's digital collection for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks, supports offline reading, and integrates with Kindle devices.
6. Image Toolbox - Edit & Convert - Rated 4.7 stars; offers photo editing capabilities, file format conversions, and an OCR feature for text extraction.
7. MacroDroid - Device Automation - Rated 4.4 stars; allows users to create custom automation workflows with over 80 triggers and 100 actions.
8. Hermit - Lite Apps Browser - Rated 4.6 stars; enables the creation of lightweight web-based applications with features like ad blocking and dark mode.
9. Bitwarden Password Manager - Rated 4.8 stars; provides secure password management with end-to-end encryption and syncing across devices.
10. ReadEra - Book Reader PDF EPUB - Rated 4.8 stars; supports various document formats, offers an ad-free reading experience, and includes features like bookmarks and text-to-speech.
In 2025, there is a notable decline in the availability of truly free smartphone applications, as many users are shifting towards privacy-focused, open-source, or self-hosted options. The monetization strategies of developers have led to free apps becoming nearly unusable without paid subscriptions, creating a situation where users feel misled by the marketing of these apps. Historically, free apps primarily relied on advertisements, but now many have stripped their free tiers to the point where users must pay to regain access to functionalities that were once available for free. This trend has caused frustration among users, particularly in regions with weaker currencies, where subscription costs can be prohibitive. Popular applications like Duolingo, CapCut, and Evernote have progressively restricted their free offerings, pushing users towards premium tiers. While there is an understanding of the need for monetization, misleading advertising and a decline in user experience are major concerns. Some apps have successfully balanced monetization with user satisfaction by offering functional free versions alongside premium features, and regional pricing can make subscriptions more accessible. Developers are encouraged to maintain transparency in their marketing practices to avoid user confusion.
