Alexis Kestler
We all know the basic Google apps that come pre-installed on Android devices, like Gmail, Maps, and YouTube. But Google actually offers over 100 different apps spanning a wide range of categories and uses!
In this post, I‘ll highlight 13 awesome Android apps published by Google that you might not know about. I‘ve personally used and enjoyed all of these apps myself, so I can vouch for their quality and usefulness. Whether you want to be more productive, tap into Google‘s amazing AI, or just find something new to try, there‘s likely an app here that will spark your interest.
Socratic – Your Homework Helper
Socratic is an amazing app for students that acts like an private tutor in your pocket. Just snap a photo of a homework question or input the text, and Socratic will show step-by-step explanations, diagrams, and videos to help you understand the concepts.
The app covers subjects like math, biology, chemistry, physics, history, and literature. According to Socratic, they use AI behind the scenes to analyze textbook, online course and user input data to find the best explanations.
This free app is a must-have for any student looking to boost their academic performance and gain deeper comprehension of tricky topics. The simple interface makes it easy to quickly get help on-demand.
Snapseed – Professional Photo Editing
Snapseed is my go-to photo editor on mobile for advanced editing capabilities in an easy-to-use interface. With 29 tools like Healing, Brush, Perspective and extensive filtering options, you can take your photos to the next level.
Some of my favorite features are the ability to stack filters, save custom looks to re-apply later, and edit RAW DNG photos. Everything is adjustable with precise control over each effect.
Snapseed is completely free with no ads or subscriptions. For mobile photography enthusiasts or anyone who wants professional-grade editing without the desktop, this app is a must-have.
Lookout – A Visual Assistant
Lookout from Google helps people with visual impairments or blindness perform everyday tasks. Using your phone‘s camera, Lookout can identify objects, text, and currencies.
The app reads text aloud, even full documents using OCR. There‘s an experimental mode to identify objects, though this isn‘t fully accurate yet. Overall, Lookout provides invaluable assistance through AI and computer vision.
Family Link – Manage Your Child‘s Android
Family Link gives parents remote control over their child‘s Android device. You can restrict apps, monitor activity and screen time, set daily limits, and lock devices. It even provides recommendations for appropriate apps based on the child‘s age.
The child gets a separate Family Link app that gives them visibility into the restrictions. This opens up transparency and education around proper device use.
For any parents concerned about their kid‘s usage, Family Link is a must-have that can alleviate worries and prevent excessive technology use.
Read Along – Reading Assistant for Kids
Read Along helps young children improve literacy skills with the help of "Diya", an AI-powered reading companion. Kids can read stories aloud and get real-time feedback on how they‘re doing.
The app promotes independent reading through stories, games, and badges to keep kids engaged. Read Along supports 7 languages and works offline so it‘s accessible to more children globally.
According to Google, early internal studies show the app helps improve reading accuracy and comprehension. This free literacy app is a great learning tool for emerging readers.
Crowdsource – Improve Google Products
Want to help Google improve its products while leveling up your own skills? Download Crowdsource. Google sends you short tasks like translation, photo moderation, handwriting input, and more.
It only takes a few minutes per day, but your contributions have real impact. You‘ll gain new knowledge about language, culture, geography and more in the process.
As a top contributor, you can access chat forums, local meetups, and recognition from Google. If you love seeing how technology works behind the scenes, contributing to Crowdsource is an enlightening and fulfilling experience.
Wallpapers – Daily Refreshing Backdrops
Tired of the same old wallpaper every day? Wallpapers by Google refreshes your home and lock screens daily with beautiful scenery taken from Google Earth.
The app intuitively picks complementary wallpapers and lets you control the frequency of change. You can select from categories like nature, cityscapes, textures, landscapes and more.
Turn on the daily surprise to see a new stunning view first thing each morning. For an ever-changing backdrop without having to do the work, this app is a delight.
Digital Wellbeing – Control Your Tech Usage
We all need help controlling our technology usage sometimes. Digital Wellbeing gives you insight into your device habits and tools to improve them.
The dashboard reveals how frequently you use apps, pick up your phone, and receive notifications. App timers restrict daily usage, Focus Mode blocks distracting apps, and Wind Down grays out the screen when it‘s bedtime.
If you feel distracted or overwhelmed by technology, Digital Wellbeing provides the awareness and interventions you need to find balance. The reports may surprise you!
Google Go – A Lighter Search App
Google Go provides a faster, lighter Google experience optimized for unstable networks and lower-end devices. Image results and JavaScript are limited to save up to 40% of data usage.
You can tap the mic to speak your searches and questions. It can even read search results and web pages aloud as it scrolls. For multilingual users, Google Go offers translate features built-in.
Overall, this is a great search option when you need speed and efficiency over bells and whistles.
Google My Business – Manage Your Online Presence
If you run any type of local business, you need Google My Business to manage your online presence across Google. Easily update your hours, add photos and menus, interact with customers and track your business performance.
Key features include real-time alerts for new reviews, messages and customers finding your business. You can instantly communicate with potential customers right from the app.
I use this everyday to engage with customers, understand traffic patterns and observe the competition. This free tool is vital for local search domination.
Google Podcasts – Your Personal Pod Hub
Google Podcasts provides free access to podcasts across all topics imaginable. Browse trending shows, search for your interests, or take recommendations based on your listening history.
Key features include automatic downloads of new episodes, continuous play even with the screen off, and adjustable speed listening. You can also cast podcasts to speakers and share episodes.
For both casual and diehard podcast fans alike, this is a slick app for centralizing your listening. Discover your next audio obsession here!
PhotoScan – Digitize Your Old Printed Photos
Rescue your old printed photos with PhotoScan. Simply use your phone‘s camera to capture each photo. The app will automatically crop, enhance color and remove glare as it creates a digital copy.
PhotoScan is optimized to reduce curvature and other artifacts that arise from shooting a 2D print. You can edit each scan and adjust boundaries before saving to your Google Photos library.
For preserving family albums for the digital age without expensive scanners, this app is a easy and innovative solution.
Chrome Remote Desktop – Access Your Computers From Anywhere
Chrome Remote Desktop lets you control your computer directly from your Android device. Just set up the remote access on your PC, install the app on mobile, and connect from anywhere with an internet connection.
The app provides full access to all your PC applications, files and media. You can even open multiple remote sessions to control multiple computers.
Whether you need to retrieve a file or provide remote tech support, this app enables your Android to act as the control hub for all your devices.
Summary
I hope this post exposed you to some intriguing Google apps you may not have tried yet on your Android device. Beyond the usual suspects, Google actually offers over 100 apps spanning tools for learning, creativity, productivity and more.
The apps listed in this post represent some of the most useful yet overlooked gems published by Google. Socratic, Snapseed, Crowdsource and Chrome Remote Desktop are my current favorites, but you may find another app speaks perfectly to your needs.
Each app is free without ads or necessary subscriptions, so there‘s no barrier to try them out! Expand your app horizons and tap into the full scope of what Google offers Android users today.
