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Hands-on with 5 Android apps you should download in October 2016 [Video]

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There are nearly 1.5 million applications currently on Google Play and with so many to choose from, finding interesting new experiences can be a hassle. As we have the last couple of months now, today we’ll be showing you another 5 Android apps that you should definitely give a shot…

Allo

The first big release of October was the long-awaited Google Allo. This latest messaging client brought a lot to the table compared to anything Google offered before, and it’s a very interesting app to use. Allo stands out from the crowd since it can allow you to better express yourself in the conversation with the ability to change the “volume” of your message, a tool for drawing on images, voice chat, and best of all, several packs of awesome stickers.

The biggest standout feature, however, is Google Assistant. Google’s vision for the future of AI lies in Allo for all to try, even if it’s not as powerful as it is on the Pixel. If you can get your friends on Allo, it’ll be a fun time, but from speaking from personal experience, it might not replace any established client you’re currently using.

allo

Introducing Google Allo, a smart messaging app that helps you say more and do more. Express yourself better with stickers, doodles, and HUGE emojis & text. Allo brings you the Google Assistant, preview edition.

Download on Google Play

Inkwire

Another app that stands out this month is Inkwire. This app is perfect for anyone who ends up being the “tech support” of the family, yours truly included. Inkwire allows users to share access to their device with another person to get assistance. All you need to do to get this working is to open Inkwire, get an access code, share it with the other user, and they can input it into Inkwire. Once the devices are “paired,” the connected user can point out what to do on the “host” device to solve a problem or teach someone how to do something.

Inkwire also features built-in voice chat for talking the person along with the problem. Best of all, Inkwire is completely free and works really well.

inkwire

Ever wanted to give another Android user a hand? Inkwire lets you easily share your screen to another Android user. With just a couple clicks, you can request to view another user’s Android. Once connected, you can optionally start a voice chat, and draw on their screen to guide them through their issue.

Download on Google Play

Messenger

You can never have enough messaging apps, right? Google certainly seems to think so… Anyway, another app we wanted to show off this month is an SMS client from Kinker Apps. The yet-to-be-named “Messenger” is a fully featured, customizable SMS client that works on any Android smartphone. It features a good-looking and fast UI, but the special features are what really set it apart.

More notably than anything else, “Messenger” offers cross-platform/cross-device support for SMS. That means you can download the app on another phone, tablet, or computer and access all of your SMS messages. If you use a computer the majority of the day, Messenger is an app you’ll definitely want to check out! If not, it’s still worth a shot.

Currently, Messenger is available on Google Play (and the Chrome Web Store) as an Early Access app. Things might be buggy until the final release although I haven’t had any notable issues to date.

messenger

Fully featured text messaging with tons of customization! You get all of the messaging features that you’ve come to know and love such as cross platform messaging, group messaging, themes, etc.

Download on Google Play

Swappa

One of my favorite ways to buy and sell devices is with Swappa. The online service has been available for a few years and it’s great, but one flaw has always been the lack of a mobile app. Trying to respond to comments or snag deals is difficult on the mobile site. Luckily, Swappa is changing that with its own dedicated app.

Swappa for Android brings a good-looking Material Design UI which is well laid out. As you’d expect you can use this app to easily browse listings, leave comments, buy products, and create your own listings. Right now the app is a bit slow, which is excusable considering it just released. If you’re trying to offload some old devices to save up for a new Pixel, V20, or another new release, this app may be what you’ve been looking for. It is, of course, free on Google Play.

swappa

The ease of safely buying and selling gently used phones on Swappa just got even easier. The Swappa marketplace app makes it simple to shop for smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, smartwatches and more on the go.

Download on Google Play

Dactyl – Fingerprint Camera

The last app we’ll feature this month is Dactyl. This app accomplishes a pretty simple task ─ it turns your fingerprint sensor into a shutter button. This free utility works well with most camera apps, including the Google Camera. To activate it, simply give the app accessibility access on your device and ensure you’re using a supported app. Unfortunately, this one seems to only work on Nexus devices as I haven’t had any success using it with the LG V20, Galaxy S6 Edge, or other devices I have in office.

dactyl

You can now use your fingerprint to take photos, selfies, and videos with almost any camera app!

Download on Google Play

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