With the arrival of Android 12, a new design language has made its debut. Or rather an evolution of what we already know as Material Design. In this case, with a name change to Material You that revolutionized Android apps, creating a greater consistency between these as far as appearance is concerned.
In addition to the design, they integrate better with the new features of each version of Android, so having updated applications is something for me, almost essential. For this reason, I have prepared this app list that I use on a daily basis, which are of course designed according to these guidelines.
These are the apps that Google itself could brag about
Stack, a document scanner
This first app is a bit of a cheat, as it was developed by Area 120, a special unit within Google that deals with special projects. That doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a fantastic scanner that lets us use the camera to scan any type of document.
It is a very easy to use. On its main screen, it has several categories, in addition to the search engine that will speed up the process of finding our scans.
The wallpaper
Little introduction is needed for Tapet, an alternative for change wallpaper of our Android. I usually have it installed and every once in a while, when I get bored of the background I have, it gives me new ideas that renew the “home” of my mobile.
It is free and allows us to choose from a full range of backgrounds with different designs. Highlights the variety of colors in the backgrounds, as well as its renewal that occurs from time to time. Additionally, it allows us to change the wallpaper automatically, not only daily, but we can do it hourly.
Infinite for Reddit
If you are not convinced by the official Reddit client for Android, Infinity will be your savior. With a very Material You design, we have talked about it on occasion and I can’t help but recommend it.
Complete without end and with the ability to log in with our personal account on this well-known website. Without a doubt, one of the best apps on this list.
Metro, a complete music player
I mentioned Metro when I talked about open source music players, since it is a highly recommended option if we want to enjoy our favorite songs with a design that falls in love.
reach a level of customization enviable, so we can leave it to our liking, modifying even the smallest detail. Of course, it is free like all those in this top. If you are looking for a local player, give it a try.
Inware, the hardware version of AIDA64
who knows apps like AIDA64 you will know what type of application I am talking about. I refer to applications that allow us to know the material of our mobile, giving us many details on the parts that it integrates.
From the screen, its technology, resolution and refresh, to the type of RAM memory or processor. All this information is provided by Inware, a recommended application if you need to know specific data of your terminal.
Tasker, automation in power
Likewise, if we’ve used IFTTT, you’ll be familiar with Tasker. An application that allows us create routines to automate certain actions. Imagine that when we get home, we want our mobile to turn off data, auto-rotate and turn on WiFi.
Well, all this and Endless Possibilities more are what Tasker provides us, which follows the lines of Material You, is free and we recommend it to make your digital life easier.
Niagara launcher
Changing the launcher of our Android mobile opens a window to which unlimited customization. Of all the colors and shapes, Niagara Launcher is one that stayed on my Pixel for a long time.
And no, it hasn’t been in beta for a few years, so it’s already an app polished and spotless. A recommendable launcher if we like Google’s design language.
Aurora Store
In this list, we have dared to insert two alternative app storesnot anymore now that Android 14 will introduce changes related to these.
One of them is Aurora Store, a replacement of the original Google Play Store this saves us from going through the hoops of the Mountain View firm. This downloads applications directly from the official store, but opens its use even in non-certified terminals. About its design…almost better than the official solution.
Material files
One of the tools I use the most on a daily basis is my file explorer. This has changed over time, and despite the strength of Google Files, wanted a free alternative. This is where I came across Material Files.
Material style interface, clean and smooth, I just asked for it and this excellent file manager gives it to me. In addition to detecting SD cards, it breaks down the various files in categories (Downloads, movies, music and photos). It includes support for FTP servers and tweaks of all kinds.
Increasing
It’s the turn of the second application store, but this time we’re talking about an experience that can become important over time. If you like to try new things and experiment with lesser-known appsthis alternative store is under development but its design is neat.
You don’t need an account is Open Source and as simple as possible. Even so, it is convenient to support the developer who promises freedom to download apps without depending on tech giants.
Read you
I couldn’t end the article without mentioning my favorite feed reader. Since I met her I did not separate from her and every day I read the news from my mobile. Also free and little-known, it has a nice look that follows Google’s design lines step by step.
Read You offers a impeccable ease, and a very high level of customization. We can configure it to our liking, change the font of the source, its size, the design of the main screen… a host of aspects that will make it an ideal place to keep up to date with the latest news.
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