28 votes

Tildoes with Android, what are your essential apps?

Here's a couple of mine:

Flamingo for Twitter
Pocket Casts
JuiceSSH
RealVNC Viewer
DigiCal

EDIT: I forgot my most important one, Sesame Shortcuts

36 comments

  1. [3]
    SplatTim
    Link
    I'm surprised no one has mentioned f-droid yet, it's an alternative to Google's play store for FOSS apps.

    I'm surprised no one has mentioned f-droid yet, it's an alternative to Google's play store for FOSS apps.

    28 votes
    1. [2]
      Comment deleted by author
      Link Parent
      1. SplatTim
        Link Parent
        I use that too, the one thing I haven't figured out is how to share/download playlists. It's nice that you can include anything from YouTube or SoundCloud (since it's a client for both apps) but I...

        I use that too, the one thing I haven't figured out is how to share/download playlists. It's nice that you can include anything from YouTube or SoundCloud (since it's a client for both apps) but I like to listen to my playlists when I'm offline.

    2. top
      Link Parent
      I always search for apps there first. I'm so happy that it exists!

      I always search for apps there first. I'm so happy that it exists!

      3 votes
  2. [4]
    Treemo
    (edited )
    Link
    F-Droid: AdAway - adblocking for rooted phones Amaze - file browser Conversations - OMEMO encrypted chat DiskUsage - Self-explanatory Document Viewer - Self-explanatory NewPipe - forgot to add the...

    F-Droid:
    AdAway - adblocking for rooted phones
    Amaze - file browser
    Conversations - OMEMO encrypted chat
    DiskUsage - Self-explanatory
    Document Viewer - Self-explanatory
    NewPipe - forgot to add the Youtube alternative.
    Xposed - for the Network Indicator on the taskbar that I need to monitor home internet speeds

    Play Store:

    Aus Weather Australia
    BlackPlayer - music
    GPS Averaging - more accurate tracking for work
    Image Shrink - for quickly sharing reduced photos for work
    Keepass2Android - password manager that uses Dropbox to sync
    mpv-android - video player
    Nova Launcher - well-known
    SD Maid - cleaning space
    Signal - encrypted messaging and text
    Slide for Reddit
    Useful Knots - for when I forget my knots
    Wake On Lan - for unraid to wakeup at home

    And Magisk Manager for root and to help with Xposed.

    8 votes
    1. [3]
      TreeBone
      Link Parent
      What does OMEMO encrypted chat mean?

      What does OMEMO encrypted chat mean?

      2 votes
      1. [3]
        Comment deleted by author
        Link Parent
        1. [2]
          TreeBone
          Link Parent
          Okay so some sort of advanced privacy measures?

          Okay so some sort of advanced privacy measures?

          1 vote
          1. Treemo
            Link Parent
            https://conversations.im/omemo/ - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OMEMO Just another end-to-end like @apoctr stated. Conversations uses the Jabber protocol, accept the other users signature device...

            https://conversations.im/omemo/ - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OMEMO

            Just another end-to-end like @apoctr stated. Conversations uses the Jabber protocol, accept the other users signature device fingerprint and you are secure.

            2 votes
  3. [2]
    microfracture
    Link
    Additional Security Settings (F-Droid / Google Play) - Disable the fingerprint reader on the Lock Screen, but allow it else where. Altcoin Prices (F-Droid / Google Play) - Monitor altcoin prices...

    Additional Security Settings (F-Droid / Google Play) - Disable the fingerprint reader on the Lock Screen, but allow it else where.
    Altcoin Prices (F-Droid / Google Play) - Monitor altcoin prices in real time.
    Amaze (F-Droid / Google Play) - File Manager.
    AntennaPod (F-Droid / Google Play) - Podcasts.
    ConnectBot (F-Droid / Google Play) - SSH and local shell client.
    LibreNews (F-Droid) - Decentralized breaking news notifications.
    Firefox (Google Play)
    KDE Connect (F-Droid / Google Play) - Integrate Android with your desktop.
    Muzei (F-Droid / Google Play) - Live Wallpaper
    NewPipe (F-Droid) - YouTube frontend with lots of features.
    Open Camera (F-Droid / Google Play)
    QKSMS (F-Droid / Google Play) - SMS
    Red Moon (F-Droid / Google Play) - Screen filter (color temperature, intensity and dim level) similar to Twilight.
    Riot.im (F-Droid / Google Play) - Matrix client / Messaging.
    Scrambled Exif (F-Droid / Google Play) - Remove metadata from your pictures.
    Simple Gallery (F-Droid / Google Play)
    Slide for Reddit (F-Droid / Google Play)
    Syncthing (F-Droid / Google Play) - File synchronization.
    Twidere (F-Droid / Google Play) - Twitter client
    VLC (Google Play) - Media player
    Wallabag (F-Droid / Google Play) - Read-it-later client.

    6 votes
    1. Celeo
      Link Parent
      That's a great list, and made even more so because you took the time to get the thinks - thanks!

      That's a great list, and made even more so because you took the time to get the thinks - thanks!

  4. [3]
    what
    Link
    F-Droid: Amaze (file manager) andOTP (two factor authentication) Fasthub-Libre (fully FOSS version of Fasthub Github client) Fennec (Firefox Android, not sure it’s called Fennec) Firefox Klar...

    F-Droid:

    • Amaze (file manager)
    • andOTP (two factor authentication)
    • Fasthub-Libre (fully FOSS version of Fasthub Github client)
    • Fennec (Firefox Android, not sure it’s called Fennec)
    • Firefox Klar (Firefox Focus, default browser)
    • Antennapod (podcasts)
    • K-9 Mail (email)
    • KeePassDroid (password manger)
      Materialistic (Hacker News)
    • MuPDF (PDF viewer)
    • NewPipe (Youtube client with no ads, no Google play services, video downloading, playing in pop-up window or background, and more; this is one of my favourites)
    • Riot.im
    • Silence (SMS app that supports encryption, all over SMS, no Internet required)
    • Syncthing (sync files across all my devices)
    • Twidere (Twitter client, this is another favourite, this app is impressively fantastic, and so much better than the official app)

    Google Play:

    • The boring stuff: Spotify, Twitch, Google Keep, Waze, Netflix, VLC, Genius
    • Anyme (best anime app I’ve found, integrates really well with MAL, and lets you watch everything directly in the app (I don’t think this app is on GPlay, it has a subreddit))
    • Neutron (very advanced music player that lets me take full advantage of my LG V20’s hifi DAC)
    • AIMP (very lightweight and simple music player, for when I don’t need everything from Neutron)
    • Fing (useful for scanning devices on your network)
    • Cytus 2 (I love rhythm games, and Cytus 2 is my favourite mobile rhythm game)
    • LingoDeer (awesome, completely free app, great for learning Japanese)

    That list was longer than I planned.

    5 votes
    1. [2]
      tvfj
      Link Parent
      Mozilla doesn't allow modified builds of Firefox meant to be distributed to be called "Firefox" or use Mozilla's trademarks (hence GNU IceWeasel/GNU IceCat), so F-Droid used Mozilla's internal...

      Fennec (Firefox Android, not sure it’s called Fennec)

      Mozilla doesn't allow modified builds of Firefox meant to be distributed to be called "Firefox" or use Mozilla's trademarks (hence GNU IceWeasel/GNU IceCat), so F-Droid used Mozilla's internal project name and logo from before they renamed it "Firefox for Android", which Mozilla left open for use.

      3 votes
  5. devlinium
    Link
    Having recently had a new phone that I've set up based on the rule that if I don't find myself needing it, I don't install it, I've discovered I don't actually have a lot of "essentials" other...

    Having recently had a new phone that I've set up based on the rule that if I don't find myself needing it, I don't install it, I've discovered I don't actually have a lot of "essentials" other than the usual GSuite. I went a year and a half before realizing I hadn't installed Twitter.

    Prey is an older app that I like, particularly because it enables me to have a lot of control in the situation where I lose my phone or have it stolen. It's not an app you need, it's a security net for if you ever do need it.

    That said, I always like seeing good SSH clients mentioned. SSH is not something I would choose to do on my phone over something with a physical keyboard, but it's great for if I ever need it, so thanks for the suggestion!

    4 votes
  6. Flashynuff
    Link
    Signal, Bitwarden, LocalCast, AutoDesk Sketchbook, and Nova Launcher.

    Signal, Bitwarden, LocalCast, AutoDesk Sketchbook, and Nova Launcher.

    4 votes
  7. [2]
    patience_limited
    Link
    I used to root everything, but I've gotten old and cranky, so I satisfice with a "pure" Nexus phone. OpenVPN - gets me back into the home network NordVPN - cheap, well-tested, relatively large...

    I used to root everything, but I've gotten old and cranky, so I satisfice with a "pure" Nexus phone.

    OpenVPN - gets me back into the home network
    NordVPN - cheap, well-tested, relatively large network, reliable Android client
    Brave - see prior mentions above; it's fast and light, as well as ad-free (Dislike - often uses AMP search results for speed)
    Fing, Ping & Net - similar tools with slightly different feature sets
    OONIProbe - useful for finding out what carrier/wireless networks are blocking and detecting MITM risks
    SpeedTest - does what it says on the tin
    WiFi Analyzer - quick and dirty first-pass wireless network survey tool
    NoRoot Firewall

    Moon Reader - one of the better handheld readers out there, with excellent theming and file compatibiity

    Telegram - not as well-validated for security as Signal, not FOSS, but I'm just using it to follow the Nature Magazine channel, not for secure chat

    Terminal Emulator
    AnkiDroid - flashcard review
    Daylio - simple and efficient mood tracker
    Insight Timer - excellent meditation application with decent freemium features and communities.
    Gardenate - great tool for determining what garden vegetables to plant when, customizable for growing zones, garden tracking, wishlist
    Gastrograph - most interesting "tasting notes" app I've found, can track across beer, wine, cigars, food, coffee, etc.

    4 votes
    1. tomf
      Link Parent
      Daylio is an app concept I hadn't considered until now. Thanks for mentioning it!

      Daylio is an app concept I hadn't considered until now. Thanks for mentioning it!

      1 vote
  8. [6]
    Crespyl
    Link
    Keyboard: MessageEase, literally the only software keyboard I can stand Launcher: Nova Launcher (with a KLWP live background for widgets) Browsers: Firefox and Chrome Networking: VX ConnectBot...
    • Keyboard: MessageEase, literally the only software keyboard I can stand
    • Launcher: Nova Launcher (with a KLWP live background for widgets)
    • Browsers: Firefox and Chrome
    • Networking: VX ConnectBot (ssh), WiFiAnalyzer
    • Notes: Evernote, slowly migrating to Orgzly
    • Social: Relay (Reddit), Discord, Slack, Google Messenger
    • Root: Magisk/GravityBox, I need my precious pop-up radial menu
    • "Essential" Games: Euclidea (geometry puzzles), Desert Golfing (what it say son the tin), Simon Tatham's Puzzles collection, and Hoplite (simple hexagonal roguelite)

    Misc:

    • And Bible
    • AnyMote: I love my IR blaster and custom remote panels
    • F-Droid
    • KDE Connect: relays files, notifications, and input between phone and desktop
    • Serval Mesh: mesh networking app for voice and text communication without cell infrastructure
    • Survival Manual: Like Serval, I'll probably never need it, but if I do I won't have an internet to go and get it from

    I really want to expound on how much I love MessageEase. The 2 grid 9-key/swipe system means that I can have a full set of letters, numbers, and symbols on the screen at once, with fast unambiguous selection without any explicit mode/layer switching. This includes Ctrl and Esc keys, which are seamlessly understood by my ssh client, making it possible to actually use the full set of terminal apps on my linux server, even (especially) including normal GNU readline shortcuts like Ctrl-U/P/N/K/Y etc, and make my way around tmux and even emacs in a pinch.

    That's on top of just being a fantastic way to quickly input normal text.

    4 votes
    1. [5]
      Treemo
      Link Parent
      I installed it as per your recommendation. This is going to take a while...

      I installed it as per your recommendation.

      This is going to take a while...

      2 votes
      1. [4]
        Crespyl
        Link Parent
        It is definitely a bit of an adjustment, and I've been using it so long that it's easy for me to forget how weird it felt at the beginning. If the 2-grid layout makes the keys too small, you can...

        It is definitely a bit of an adjustment, and I've been using it so long that it's easy for me to forget how weird it felt at the beginning.

        If the 2-grid layout makes the keys too small, you can swipe up or down on the "hand" icon to expand to a single 9-grid which takes up a bit less than half the screen. There's also a simple typing game to help practice with.

        1 vote
        1. [3]
          Celeo
          Link Parent
          +1 to trying this out. I've been frustrated with typing on a phone lately, so I guess the time is right to try something new. I like the little games they have to help learn; a few minutes in and...

          +1 to trying this out. I've been frustrated with typing on a phone lately, so I guess the time is right to try something new. I like the little games they have to help learn; a few minutes in and I can remember where the main 9 letters are, though learning the rest of the alphabet is going to take a while. :)

          1 vote
          1. [2]
            Crespyl
            Link Parent
            I don't remember how obvious they make everything during the tutorial or training, so here's a few particularly useful tricks that I use all the time: A horizontal left or right swipe on the...

            I don't remember how obvious they make everything during the tutorial or training, so here's a few particularly useful tricks that I use all the time:

            • A horizontal left or right swipe on the spacebar will act like the left or right arrow keys, moving the cursor
            • A horizontal left-right or right->left swipe on the spacebar will move the cursor by a full word
            • You can swipe left or right on the delete key to delete forwards or backwards, and the same left->right/right->left swipe gesture will work to delete full words forwards or backwards
            • Swiping up from the i key or down from the s key acts like the up and down arrow keys
            • You can customize which extra symbols show up on the main board, or disable them entirely if you find that it's too easy to hit them instead of the letters you want. If you disable them, you can get them back temporarily by swiping up on the spacebar
            1 vote
            1. Celeo
              Link Parent
              All great info, thanks! I only read the basics that the app shows after the setup so I haven't seen any of these before.

              All great info, thanks! I only read the basics that the app shows after the setup so I haven't seen any of these before.

              1 vote
  9. lars
    Link
    Fing, Signal, Lichess, chess.com, Droidfish, VLC, IPVanish mobile app, Proton Mail mobile

    Fing, Signal, Lichess, chess.com, Droidfish, VLC, IPVanish mobile app, Proton Mail mobile

    3 votes
  10. Kom
    Link
    the two apps I find as a must for me personally are - Tasker - This one had a somewhat steep learning curve, thankfully it's been simplified a ton. Solid explorer - If you have root access this...

    the two apps I find as a must for me personally are -
    Tasker - This one had a somewhat steep learning curve, thankfully it's been simplified a ton.

    Solid explorer - If you have root access this becomes even better, but I haven't rooted a device for a few years now.

    3 votes
  11. MangoTiger
    Link
    My additions that I didn't see covered by others: *Smart Audiobook Player *Desert Golfing *SleepTimer *Authenticator+

    My additions that I didn't see covered by others:

    *Smart Audiobook Player

    *Desert Golfing

    *SleepTimer

    *Authenticator+

    3 votes
  12. DigitalHairshirt
    Link
    The free version of Automatic Call Recorder does exactly what it says, although I've only tested it on calls using the speakerphone. Very handy when having to deal with various customer service...

    The free version of Automatic Call Recorder does exactly what it says, although I've only tested it on calls using the speakerphone. Very handy when having to deal with various customer service departments.

    Overall, I keep it pretty light on my trusty Nexus 5X: Gmail, Google Maps, the Kindle app, and WSOP (poker) are pretty much all I use away from home.

    2 votes
  13. Whom
    Link
    AutomaTag Chan Burauza Discord Firefox Focus lichess Stately for NationStates Simple Last.fm Scrobbler Shuttle Pocket Casts Nova Launcher Google Keep Inoreader (just started using this one) Hermit...
    • AutomaTag
    • Chan Burauza
    • Discord
    • Firefox Focus
    • lichess
    • Stately for NationStates
    • Simple Last.fm Scrobbler
    • Shuttle
    • Pocket Casts
    • Nova Launcher
    • Google Keep
    • Inoreader (just started using this one)
    • Hermit (set up for ~)
    • Baconreader Premium
    2 votes
  14. eka
    Link
    What I use the most: Nova launcher Swiftly switch Swiftkey Firefox WhatsApp Hermit Goggle maps Relay for reddit Simple gallery Solid explorer

    What I use the most:
    Nova launcher
    Swiftly switch
    Swiftkey
    Firefox
    WhatsApp
    Hermit
    Goggle maps
    Relay for reddit
    Simple gallery
    Solid explorer

    1 vote
  15. tomf
    Link
    For me I use BubbleUPnP around the house. Bitwarden for passwords. For games, Simon Tatham's Puzzles. The others have been listed (VNC, AdAway, etc). Another thing I should mention about Android...

    For me I use BubbleUPnP around the house. Bitwarden for passwords. For games, Simon Tatham's Puzzles. The others have been listed (VNC, AdAway, etc).

    Another thing I should mention about Android is changing ro.sf.lcd_density in build.prop. I always like to shrink the UI down to about 65% or so. Its not for everybody, but if your eyes are good and you want some extra real estate, its a good method.

    1 vote
  16. [4]
    TreeBone
    Link
    I want to ask someone in here instead of making a new thread. I see a lot of people on Android forums talking about launchers, especially Nova Launcher. Could someone explain this to me? I feel...

    I want to ask someone in here instead of making a new thread. I see a lot of people on Android forums talking about launchers, especially Nova Launcher. Could someone explain this to me? I feel like I'm missing out but it also seems very confusing to me and unnecessary.

    1 vote
    1. [3]
      PlatoLake
      Link Parent
      If you'd like to fully customize how you interact with your phone then Nova Launcher is the go to. Some people utilize Nova to get closer to the "stock" Android experience if they are using models...

      If you'd like to fully customize how you interact with your phone then Nova Launcher is the go to. Some people utilize Nova to get closer to the "stock" Android experience if they are using models that aren't Google's Pixel/Nexus line of phones. Others like to "theme" their phone so all of the icons are similar like this.

      That being said, if you think it's unnecessary that's because it is. No harm in trying it out though! That's one of the best Android features - the customization.

      2 votes
      1. [2]
        TreeBone
        Link Parent
        I do like more customization options, but I don't feel particularly lacking in the base model (I have a Galaxy S8).

        I do like more customization options, but I don't feel particularly lacking in the base model (I have a Galaxy S8).

        1. Celeo
          Link Parent
          If you're happy with how your launcher looks and works, then there's not a whole lot that switching to another launcher would get you. If you know where all your apps / widgets are and don't have...

          If you're happy with how your launcher looks and works, then there's not a whole lot that switching to another launcher would get you. If you know where all your apps / widgets are and don't have trouble or delay in getting around your phone, then you're fine without switching.

          If you were interested in getting into that area of customization, then Nova is a wonderful place to start (as it's where most end up staying with).

          1 vote
  17. [2]
    PlatoLake
    Link
    Telegram X Sync Pro (Reddit) Firefox Focus "Weather" MyRadar Coinbase Authenticator + IFTT

    Telegram X
    Sync Pro (Reddit)
    Firefox Focus
    "Weather"
    MyRadar
    Coinbase
    Authenticator +
    IFTT

    1 vote
    1. h313
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Just curious, but why did you choose Telegram X over the official Telegram app?

      Just curious, but why did you choose Telegram X over the official Telegram app?

  18. just_some_guy
    (edited )
    Link
    Weather Timeline - I prefer this over the official Dark Sky app Terrarium TV - For streaming Letterkenny, because Hulu only has the first 2 seasons FeedMe or Readably - for Inoreader Pocketcasts -...

    Weather Timeline - I prefer this over the official Dark Sky app
    Terrarium TV - For streaming Letterkenny, because Hulu only has the first 2 seasons
    FeedMe or Readably - for Inoreader
    Pocketcasts - If somebody thinks they have a better alternative I'm open to it, Pocketcasts is missing some features that I'd like.
    Lawnchair - Nice lightweight launcher
    Mixel - Fancy cocktails are my one remaining luxury now that I've got my darling 10 month old. This app is the best. You tell it the ingredients you have and it tells you all the cocktails you can make. It also suggests new ingredients based on how many more cocktails you could make with it.

    Edit: Boost for Reddit. I've tried every single other reddit app, this is the only one that does exactly what I want. Joey and Sync for reddit are close behind though.