The smartphone market is continuously growing, introducing more and better apps. 2015 was a great year for new ideas and interesting applications. With the development of smartphones, we saw a huge rise in the quality of apps too. Here are the top 10 Apps, developed in 2015 that you must download in 2016 on your new smartphone. These applications are platform independent, i.e. you can download them on any smartphone regardless of the Operating System it is powered by.
Quora
Quora is available for all smartphones and is an app that gives perfect answers to your questions. All you have to do is ask a question and let the professions answer it. It has 4.5 stars on Google Play and has been widely loved by the users. The app is only of 2.9M and is compatible with all latest smartphones.
SHAREit
SHAREit is currently the fastest sharing app available. It allows the user to share all kinds of file, including, pictures, text, audio or video at very fast speed. It is 200 times faster than Bluetooth and supports all operating systems. You can share files from android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Windows Phone and Mac. One the best feature that this app offers is that it is network independent; you can share files through the app even if you are offline.
Pocket
The pocket is a simple, beautifully designed app that allows you to enjoy the best stories available on the Web, based on your interests. It provides unlimited space, allowing the user to save and share countless stories, videos, and pictures.
Truecaller
Truecaller is the smartest communication app available. It is compatible with all devices and allows the user to go beyond the phonebook. With the app installed, the user can identify an unknown call and know who it is from. It can also block unwanted calls and texts. The app is full of other interesting features that can be purchased.
MX Player
MX player is a great app for enjoying videos and watching movies. It supports almost all formats of videos and is equipped with hardware acceleration, multicore coding, zooming gestures, subtitles and has a kids lock.
Mobile Security & Antivirus by Avast
Out of all security apps, Avast’s app is the most comprehensive, easy to use and effective apps in the market while still being free. Compatible with all devices, the app keeps the device safe from Malware threats. With is amazing anti-theft features, you don’t have to worry about your personal data getting in the wrong hands.
Hitman: Sniper
Hitman: Sniper is the best smartphone action game of 2015. It is packed with details and interesting features. It has over 150 missions and the user can challenge their friends and play against the leader board.
Camera360
Camera360 is one of the best camera apps available. It offers over 200 filters, NFC photo sharing and allows fixing the pictures after they’re taken. The adjustments allowed are powerful and easy to do. It is suitable for both professional and new photographers.
Google Drive
Backing up your data and making it available on all your devices is really important these days. Google Drive is the best cloud storage app available to date. The app is easy to use and gives out free GBs of space, allowing the user to store more data.
Modern Combat 5: Blackout
This amazing action game has set high bars for all other shooting apps. It has an interactive gameplay, allowing the user to customize the controls and even the play style. Enjoy the realistic graphics and get lost in the addictive game style.
Android emulators have been around for a while now and BlueStacks has always led the pack with its easy installation process, simple and intuitive interface and high performance. For those who are not aware what an Android emulator is; it is a simple application that can be easily downloaded and installed on your computer. Android emulators are available for Windows and Mac operating systems.
Once installed, an Android emulator functions as a platform allowing searching, downloading, installation and operating Android apps on your Windows or Mac personal computer. The interface of an Android emulator is similar to an Android device thereby enabling you to convert your PC into a fully functional Android device.
Android emulators have several practical applications. They allow you to operate an Android app on the bigger screen of your PC as compared to your Android mobile phone or tablet. You also do not have to invest in an Android phone simply because you want to play a game or use an application. Therefore, cost efficiency is another important benefit of using an Android emulator. If you have a Windows PC, you can simply install an Android emulator and further install the Android apps or games you want instead of buying an Android phone.
You can also enjoy your favourite Android games on a much larger screen and use the keyboard and mouse of your computer as gaming controllers. Android emulators have several benefits as they allow easy cross platform access to Android apps.
There have been several Android emulators that have been released over the years and quite a few of them are pretty efficient. BlueStacks however still rules over the rest and it continues to hold its position as the best Android emulator around even for Windows 10 platform.
BlueStacks is the most popular emulator and app player due to the convenience of use and several unique features. The BlueStacks application has a very simple and easy installation process. It has an offline installer as well as a split online installer. Once the installation process is complete, users can easily download Android APK files of their favourite apps and games from sources such as Google Play Store and install them on their computer. It is a simple double click installation process. The installed apps and games can be accessed through the BlueStacks menu that has an architecture similar to an Android operating system.
However, BlueStacks is a power guzzling application and requires significant RAM and processing power. You need to ensure that you have sufficient system resources to install and run BlueStacks. Even with sufficient RAM and processing power, running BlueStacks on your computer slows it down and you may find it difficult to concurrently use other software.
Despite this, BlueStacks gives a simple and easy access to Android apps on your Windows PC. If you have recently upgraded to Windows 10 and want to access Android apps on it, you can download the executable file of BlueStacks from its website for free and start using it right away.
TrustGo is the one of the most popular free mobile security for android platform, while keeping the things little far at the good side – the security tool is pretty effective. On, the other hand bitdefender provides faster and light weight app, which is full of features, but comes at a price.
Lets determine which one proves to be a better option for a range of users based on different factors.
1. Scan Speed and impact on user’s device
Unlike any other antivirus or malware detection tool – TrustGo tries to detect malware and other virus intrusion, based on apps installed on your device. The security tool scans the installed apps on the device and matches it with the database of trusted apps, which has been approved by TrustGo using the information gathered from 400 app marketplaces around the world. This gives the app faster scan speed and better protection from malicious apps being detected before they are actually installed.
Bitdefender, on the other hand uses the traditional virus and malware detection algorithm that scans the full system files and apps in order to detect any intrusion or security breach.
It took TrustGo an average of 39.02 seconds to scan 187 apps and other assorted files while a dozen other apps were running. This was well behind the much faster Bitdefender, but still fast enough to where it wouldn’t impact the user.
However, Bitdefender scanned all my files on the device within 17.38 seconds while I was playing subway surf to kill the time for a while. That almost seems surprising because Bitdefender’s on-demand scanning is so fast that I wasn’t entirely sure it was doing anything at all. The developer explained that during a scan, Bitdefender extracts information from only the files that could harm your device—apps, apks, and others—and then performs the analysis on the cloud.
As nearly all other Android security apps, Bitdefender automatically scans any new apps loaded onto the device. When loading a suspicious penetration testing app, I noticed that it took two seconds before Bitdefender’s warning appeared on the screen. Be careful not to move too fast, or you might launch a dangerous app – which is not the case with TrustGo, as it is app dependent antivirus.
I would give 3/5 for TrustGo for comparatively slower scan speed and 4/5 for blazing fast scan speed & impact on user’s device.
2. Download size and Bootup time
Both device comes with the pretty small file size to be downloaded from playstore – 3.89MB (TrustGo) and 2.44MB (Bitdefender) for a security tool is really sleek. They don’t bother users for updating the app annoyingly and can perform the job silently at the background.
Both security tool doesn’t slow down your device, provided your gadget has enough ram to handle some extra tasks. I never experience any lag on my Samsung Galaxy S4 during general tasks and boot up time. I even installed both apps at the same time and I could play any game on my device without any issues.
With the TrustGo installed, it takes an average of 22.3 seconds to boot up the phone, and only another five seconds after that before the TrustGo logo appears on the top bar. Likewise, rebooting the phone with Bitdefender installed took an average of only 22.1 seconds, about as long as it takes to reboot a Galaxy S4 with other security software running.
TrustGo : 4/5
Bitdefender : 4.1/5 (due to low app download size on Google play)
3. Identifying and removing suspicious files/apps
To see how TrustGo handled potentially malicious apps, I installed a penetration testing app that is frequently flagged as malware. After I installed the test app, TrustGo popped up a warning which I was pleased to note categorized it as a low threat, and also included information about the app. Most security apps do not provide information about why they flag the apps that they do. However, enough time had elapsed that I could have easily opened the suspicious app before TrustGo’s warning appeared.
From this warning I could uninstall the app or add it to my list of ignored apps. Once ignored, TrustGo will not include the app in its list of possible threats during a system scan. Tapping delete here, or in the scan results, opens the Android uninstaller and removes the app.
On the other hand, Bitdefender automatically scans any new apps loaded onto the device. When loading a suspicious penetration testing app, I noticed that it took two seconds before Bitdefender’s warning appeared on the screen. Be careful not to move too fast, or you might launch a dangerous app.
Other apps require you to run a system scan before generating an alert on the security app’s main page. However, Bitdefender immediately altered its main page to warn me of the suspicious app before I performed a system scan. Once a threat is identified, Bitdefender makes it easy to uninstall the offending app.
TrustGo: 4/5
Bitdefender: 4/5
4. App control
Both security tool provides extensive way to manage your apps and determine which one might be harmful for your smartphone under a different name. Bitdefender organize and lists the app under the “Application Audit” tab where as TrustGo provides similar function in “Manage App” tab.
Bitdefender has some interesting filters implemented at the software audit window and users can filter the app according to – internet, privacy control and costs. As the name suggests – “internet” lists the app that requires internet connection to perform various task, “Provacy and control” lists the apps that requires certain privacy and device control with-or-without user’s permission and “cost” lists the app that might require payment for the service.
On the other hand, TrustGo lists the app on two simple sub-drawers – Hot Apps and My Apps. “Hot Apps,” lists apps trusted by TrustGo and “My Apps” lists currently installed applications on your device. You can view details by clicking on the little document icon or remove the app by clicking on trash icon.
You’ll be presented with a list of popular apps that TrustGo has scanned and certified as safe to use. According to TrustGo, the company scans 400 app marketplaces around the world, and gathers information from users to stay abreast of new Android apps. For users this is a first line of defense against malicious applications.
Both app management system is pretty impressive providing the users control on the overall privacy and permissions.
TrustGo : 4/5
Bitdefender : 4/5
5. Antitheft and other options
Similar to the Privacy Guard information, TrustGo pulls some of Android’s security-related settings and puts them in one easily accessible spot. From the System Management button, you can set limits on your mobile data, see your overall data consumption, and see how much data has been used by individual apps.
Bitdefender provides some basic options and features, which can be customized according to user’s requirements. However, it doesn’t implement the options as we saw on the TrustGo, that tries to unify the android settings into TrustGo options list.
Anti-thefty, often is the main area where user focuses while opting for a premium security tool for portable device after the malware detection capacity. Getting such features from the free application is like getting a free desert at the restaurant.
TrustGo and Bitdefender offers several anti-theft features accessible from a web portal or SMS commands. From here, you can track your device’s location, lock it, activate an alarm, or wipe its memory.
I was little confused when I first signed in to TrustGo’s web portal because I couldn’t find my anti-theft options. It was hidden behind the My Phone section of the Trusted Cloud menu. Another issue I found was that the TrusGo’s device locator couldn’t detect my device even when I tried it multiple time. These were the only bumps on the road.
TrustGo’s remote device lock and alarm with message worked flawlessly and I was able to lock my device without any problem. Activating alarm with 140 characters, custom message is really helpful. You can mention your phone number and owner’s name at the same time.
Unlike other security tools available for android devices TrustGo allows users to undo any remote commands that they can manage at their webportal. I was able to instantly enable or disable any remote command for my device.
If someone fails three times to enter the correct unlock code, TrustGo will activate the device’s front-facing camera and snap a photo, which is then sent to the email address associated with your TrustGo account. While I’m glad to see this included in the app, I prefer having the flexibility to take photos on demand.
Bitdefender also offers similar functions like TrustGo. I was very pleased with their fluid web portal interface, which was very informative and nicely organized. It detected my device without any problem – however, it took a little while before it could show it on Google maps.
The alarm was activated quickly and though quite annoying (my colleague described it as “like dubstep”), it’s not as loud as TrustGo’s offering. It can also be dismissed by tapping a dialog box. This would definitely scare and annoy a thief, but it’s probably better for locating a lost device.
Most security apps give you some granularity about what information to remove during a remote wipe –It’s all or nothing. I was disappointed that Bitdefender did not include a spy camera option to surreptitiously snap photos from the device’s front facing camera.
TrustGo : 3.5/5
Bitdefender : 3.5/5
So, which one is better?
TrustGo is the free tool, comparing it with a premium security component is insane. However, being a completely free tool, we can say that it provides a good competition to the premium version of bitdefender mobile security. TrustGo provides top-tier malware detection built around an ambitious app scanning scheme. It rounds out its features with system management options and handy metrics which are convenient and easy to use—especially for new Android users. Weigh those benefits and its price tag against bitdefender’s security features and option which comes at a price tag.
I was little disappointed that bitdefender doesn’t provide spy camera feature bundled with the app but I was really impressed with app’s other anti-theft features – particularly the lock screen which prevented all the interaction with the device.
Bitdefender provides some nasty security tools by SMS commands and seemingly organized and integrated web portal but lacks scheduled scanning while providing smart unobtrusive continuous protection.
However, the bitdefender app does lack a beatiful interface – you might be surprised if you have just installed it on your device while reading this article, but if you go through the manual scan screen and other areas of the app you will notice empty spaces all over the place. TrustGo is strong with its flawless interface design.
If you are looking for a security app that can monitor the application’s behavior and intrusions in your device without spending any bucks – TrustGo might be your clue. Security apps are a very competitive space, but Bitdefender offers security and peace of mind, all while remaining unobtrusive, and at a price that won’t crunch your wallet.
What could be the best app for a music lover? Some new music player? Nah! thats would be too old of a concept. How about some concert related apps? You will be surprised to know how many apps are currently available for download that give users the ability to either know which concert is being held where, when and who are going?
We are here about some commonly knows apps that are specifically made for the comfort of music lovers, which can detect a person’s location and then tell that one which concerts are happening nearby with all the details tagged along with it. Apps like Bandsintown and songkick are the ones are specialise in scanning music libraries of users and then learn their musical preferences so that they can never miss a show.
For those who may be a frequent user of online streaming services like spotify, pandora and soundcloud, these apps also have the permission to scan the stream of data and then collect their own info. Imagine never turning on the tv ever again or looking up the internet just to find what concerts are happening and where you can reach locally.
To add to the already long list of features, the app Bandsintown also shows you which of your friends are going to which concert so that you can enjoy to the full extent without even making a single call or plan a trip, because you already know where everyone is going to be.
Lets listen to the opinion o Julien Mitelberg, the CEO of New York based Bandsintown, why she thinks people actually go to the concerts –
“There are two reasons why someone might go to a concert. The first is that they like a particular style of music or the artist. The second is that it’s a social event with friends.”
In the favour of the app bandsintown we can add that the app not only notifies you about the concerts and friends going but it also allows the users ability to invite mates all over the world. This app is available for both android and iPhone.
If you are kinda bored with this app then you might try Songkick which is also available for both iPhone and Android, its speciality being that fact that it collects data from the ticket vendors, website and newspapers just to compile a very informative database about concerts happening worldwide. Another similar app related to the idea of concerts is Rhapsody Concerts, from the music streaming service Rhapsody. The app tells users which concerts are happening and they allow free streaming for the band’s albums before asking the user to buy tickets to the show.
“Our customers like to go see live music. But there weren’t really any services out there that combined an unlimited catalog of songs with live music discovery,” said Paul Springer, senior vice president of product at Rhapsody International, which is based in Seattle.
Similar app that lets users buy online tickets to all the shows worldwide is Thrillcall, started almost 4 years ago this app is one the most successfull online ticket vendors available for both android and iPhone. What actually got this app high was the special exclusive offers in Los angeles, New york and other major cities to meet the band members, bypass lines, buy VIP merchandise etc. What other app provides you the ability to buy tickets to your favourite band’s show in just two clicks.
After all these apps, the responsibility fall on the shoulders of the musicfreaks only to know what app might be the best one for them, as on a rough estimate there are more than 100,000 concert apps available at any moment on the smarthphone stores! So whats your choice?
![TrustoGo mobile security vs Bitdefender mobile security – Android app [Free vs Paid]](https://digitfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/scan.jpg)
Both security tool provides extensive way to manage your apps and determine which one might be harmful for your smartphone under a different name. Bitdefender organize and lists the app under the “Application Audit” tab where as TrustGo provides similar function in “Manage App” tab.
Similar to the Privacy Guard information, TrustGo pulls some of Android’s security-related settings and puts them in one easily accessible spot. From the System Management button, you can set limits on your mobile data, see your overall data consumption, and see how much data has been used by individual apps.
