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Top 5 Best Android Apps You Need to Know About

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Looking for the latest and greatest Android apps? Here are five new or newly updated apps that you should download immediately.

1. Chadder


Learn more about Chadder in the video above.

John McAfee, creator of the widely used McAfee anti-virus software, has been in the news several times over the past couple years. He famously went on the run after one of his neighbors turned up dead. Now he’s making headlines for a much nicer reason: a new app.

Chadder is an encrypted private messaging app. It was last updated on May 14, 2014. You can add your email address and phone number to help people find you, or generate a special code to give to people you want to communicate with.

Buy it here.

Pros:

  • Fast sign up
  • Takes minimal personal info
  • Ideal for the privacy obsessed
  • Simple UI
  • Free

    • Cons:

  • Still in beta
  • App has had some server issues since launch
  • iOS version not available yet (a bummer if you want to privately communicate with someone who has an iPhone)
  • App has experienced some big bugs since launch
  • Use of improper grammar/spelling by devs reduces user confidence

    • 2. 12 Minute Athlete HIIT Workout


    Get an overview of the 12 Minute Athlete program in the video above.

    If you’re looking to get ripped, short bursts of exercise can be just as useful as extended workouts. Brand new for the month of May, the 12 Minute Athlete HIIT Workout app for Android is a great way to get fit fast.

    12 Minute Athlete provides you with workout plans that involve minimal equipment. This ensures that you don’t have to spend much more than the price of the app to get healthy. Say bye bye to your expensive gym membership.

    Buy it here.

    Pros:

  • Great interface
  • Proven results
  • Wide selection of fitness exercises
  • Share workouts on social networking sites
  • Workouts focus on strength, cardio, interval and core training

    • Cons:

  • Paid app
  • While many workouts are bodyweight only, some require additional equipment
  • Requires Android 3.0 and up
  • App is still Version 1.0, may have some bugs
  • Some users hate the sound of the timer

    • 3. doubleTwist Music Player


    Check out AppJudgement’s review of this “iTunes Killer” app in the video above.

    Featured on a recent Android Talk list of best music player apps, doubleTwist is one of the few Android apps that plays nice with iTunes. If you’re looking for an app that can bridge the gap between your iTunes media and your Google Play-purchased media, this may be the app you’ve been looking for.

    Buy it here.

    Pros:

  • Works well with your iTunes library
  • Recently revamped interface
  • Easy access to various sections of your music library
  • Also supports AirPlay streaming
  • Customizable equalizer

    • Cons:

  • App is free, but some extra features require IAP
  • Some users have reported issues with playlists deleting songs
  • Some button placements are vexing
  • Syncing with a Windows PC will require the latest version of doubleTwist’s Windows client
  • Song details not sent over Bluetooth

    • 4. Sunnycomb

    (Sunnycomb)

    A newcomer to Android devices, Sunnycomb is the top weather app in Japan. Now available in the US, Sunnycomb is a uniquely beautiful weather tool that offers a ton of information at a glance. If you want a weather app that is both elegant and feature-rich, this is an app worth checking out.

    Buy it here.

    Pros:

  • Show photos, as well as current conditions
  • Fun social aspect
  • Submit your own weather reports
  • Unique tactile interface
  • Provides “emotional” weather details, as well as hard metrics

    • Cons:

  • Some people find the interface too overwhelming and info-rich
  • Interface could benefit from additional customization options
  • Some users have complained the app is sluggish
  • Interface lacks intuitive controls, has a steep learning curve
  • App crashes have been reported from some users

    • 5. IFTTT


    Check out CNET’s overview of the IFTTT Android app in the video above.

    IFTTT is an app for automating your life. Using basic “If this, then that” rules, you can program your phone to automatically complete certain tasks. It’s a solid productivity tool.

    Recent updates to IFTTT’s functionality include a Fitbit channel. Some of the most interesting “recipes” you can set up with IFTTT include automated Fitbit tracking in Google Sheets, getting a text when you get an email marked “urgent,” or automatically sending a SMS to someone after you miss their phone call.

    Buy it here.

    Pros:

  • Works with services like Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, as well as devices like Philips Hue, Belkin WeMo, and UP by Jawbone
  • Simple interface
  • Saves you time and effort
  • Great community
  • Useful for both business and personal needs

    • Cons:

  • Requires Android 4.0 and up
  • May require a little extra brain work for technophobes to wrap their heads around
  • Some users have reported bugs
  • Some users have reported delays on their recipes
  • Takes up a surprising amount of space

    • For the best Android mobile experience, we recommend:

    Headphones: iFrogz CAL-STEALT Caliber Stealth Mobile Gaming Headphones with Mic

    Portable charger: Anker® 2nd Gen Astro 6000mAh (2A Output) Portable Charger

    Samsung S5 Battery Case: UNU Unity Samsung Galaxy S5 Battery Case

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