10 + 1 Google apps to try on your Android mobile

Did you find your very first Android mobile phone under the tree? Or are you used to this environment and are you just wondering what applications to choose for the basic tasks in it now? Unless you’re one of the opponents of the American giant Google (of which Android itself is, of course), we have tips for its applications to make it easier for you to use your phone. You may find a replacement for them over time (more experienced readers can advise on comments), however, mainly due to the possibility of using with one Google account, it is good to try them…

Basic Google application for using Android mobile

Gmail. A mobile version of a world-famous email client that, in addition to sending and receiving messages in your Google Account, also offers mail management from other services you’re used to. The application currently allows you to use, among other things, integrated Chat, Places (group rooms) and recently even video calls. And what’s more: The email address is the basic login and identification for the entire Google ecosystem.

Google Maps. A map application that allows you not only to search, discover or rate places, but also to get to them by navigation using various means of transport or on foot. For example, it uses the data of another giant named Waze. Google Maps is also useful for easily sharing your location if you want to show someone where you are. In the Czech Republic, however, this application has very strong competition, mainly in the form of the Mapy.cz tool from the List, which we can recommend for hiking and cycling navigation search.

Google photos. A tool whose primary mission is to store captured photos and videos in the cloud for archiving, sharing (to other people and other devices) and backup. The rules for (un) paid use have changed uncomfortably recently, but they are still at the forefront of this area. In addition to saving, the mobile application also offers interesting editing options. Recently, for example, there has been a very effective retouching of background objects.

Chrome. Of course, the world’s most used web browser also has its mobile appearance and offers a huge number of basic and advanced functions. Chrome is sometimes a condition for running some system-wide tweaks. Whereas in the past it was a direct competitor of the browser from Microsoft (formerly Internet Explorer, now Edge), today it shares the Chromium core, in the development of which both companies participate. The Vivaldi or Brave browsers belong to the same group, but everyone goes a little different from the cornerstone.

Google Chrome: Fast & Secure

Disk Google. An extremely popular cloud service for creating and sharing documents, which is used by ordinary users as well as entire schools and companies. Thanks to the integration into other Google tools, it is basically a central repository for files from various sources. Together with Photos and Gmail, it saves data from free space, which can be expanded via Google One.

Google Translate. Although Deepl is really very good at it, given the quality of the translation, the mobile version of the Translator is a fixture among the tools for converting between different languages. And not only in the form of ordinary inserted text, but also through images or dictation.

Google Calendar. Many users use it straight away without realizing that it is from Google. This does not change the fact that it is a very practical tool for managing events and, in part, tasks. It also benefits from a clever connection with other services and the constant introduction of gadgets.

Google Camera. If Google Calendar is unobtrusive and straightforward as an essential part of the system without wondering who developed it, then this is doubly true. However, “Google Camera” is a showcase of an American company and shows the greatest power mainly in Pixel phones. If you happen to have no official access to this Camera from the Play Store, we strongly recommend that you try to find it in one of the suitable modes.

Google Keep. Why carry a notebook with small tasks or simple drawings when you can bring something so banal to your smartphone? Plus share to preview or edit with other people? This is exactly what the simple but very handy Keep helper does, which can even record dictated notes.

Google Keep – Notes and Lists

Google Pay. If your mobile phone has an NFC module, it will most likely be possible to install the Google Pay utility in it, with which you can add a virtual version of your payment card and pay at the cash registers contactlessly by phone. The service generally also facilitates online payments on websites and can now be turned on for even easier payments in hours.

Android Auto. A bonus application that bears the name of the entire system and is responsible for image transfer and user-mobile interactions to the vehicle display. It also officially operates in the Czech Republic and, for example, in the latest Škoda cars.

Would you be one of the tips of another Google application?