Apps Every Galaxy Nexus User Should Have
I was asked to provide a short list of apps I thought every Galaxy Nexus user could benefit from having, so here it is.
Light flow:
This app is my top pick for every Galaxy Nexus user. This app does not require root access, so it’s available to every single Galaxy Nexus user. Light Flow allows you to take control of your LED light, giving you the option to control what app uses it, how fast it blinks, even pick from stock or custom made colors!
Also found within Light Flow is the ability to assign sounds and specific vibration functions. This might not mean much to the average user, but having Light Flow take control over your sound notifications also allows you to set a ‘sleep schedule’. No more worrying about turning your volume down before bed and turning it up after you wake up. You can set Light Flow to do it for you.
Myself for example. I have mine set to silent itself at 10PM, then back to full volume at 6AM the following morning. Pretty helpful eh?
Light Flow comes in a paid and free versions, obviously the paid version has more options.
Volume+:
Every phone has at least one thing we can pick apart about it. Sadly mine for the Galaxy Nexus is the lack of volume it allows as maximum. Thanks to Meltus, we have an app called Volume+.
Volume+ does not require root, so it can be used for all Galaxy Nexus’. Other Android phones may require root to get the full function of this app.
Volume+ allows you to tweak the sound volume, as well as the equalizer of your phones music. Tweaking these sounds can have negative effects such as sound distortion if set to high or incorrectly, so I suggest taking small steps when cranking your volume up. Finally a solution for those like me who work in a loud environment and need to hear their notifications.
Fancy Widgets:
This is one of my favourite apps for any Android phone. Not only does it have a very nice weather sceme, it has many downloadable themes to make it just right for you.
Fancy Widgets has many customizations such as showing your next alarm, or even showing you remaining battery percent. The only down side to this app, the free version has very little customizability. You will be forced to download the Fancy Widgets Unlocker to enjoy all the features. Trust me… It’s worth it.
Adobe Flash Player 11:
This one is obvious for many Android users, but even I find myself forgetting about this one once in a while.
Adobe Flash Player was not built in to the Galaxy Nexus like other newer Android devices, so it’s on you to download this for yourself. Not much to be explained here, so here’s the download link.
Netflix:
This one may not apply to all Galaxy Nexus user, but if you have a Netflix account, you’ll no doubt want to have this in your app collection.
Netflix has come a long way on the Galaxy Nexus since it first came out. When the Galaxy Nexus first released, Netflix didn’t have any support for it, so users were left with the navigational buttons at the bottom of their screens when trying to enjoy their favorite movies. Now Netflix has been updated a little while back to completely support ICS devices such as the Nexus. You’ll be able to use the full 4.65 inch screen to it’s true potential.
If you want really wow someone with your Galaxy Nexus, showing them a movie with this extremely large screen is defiantly a step in the right direction. For those who don’t know, you will need a Netflix subscription to use this service. It’s fairly cheap, so if you don’t have an account, I suggest checking it out.
Nova Launcher:
Nova Launcher is home screen replacement for the Galaxy Nexus which does not require root access. This Launcher looks exactly the same as the stock launcher that comes with your Galaxy Nexus, except this one allows you to take full control over your phone.
- Custom grids to allow you to fit more icons on each page
- Scrollable dock, so you can throw more icons down for quick use.
- Resize any widget
- Changeable folder and app icons and labels.
- Plus much more.
Not only does this Luncher replacement give you more customization, it also runs more smoothly than the stock launcher that comes with your phone. This is truly a must have for you Galaxy Nexus owners.
- Download here: NovaLauncher_beta.apk
Root Explorer:
Root Explorer is primarily used for Rooters, but can also be used for non-rooters, you just wont be able to get in to those restricted areas of your phone.
For root users, this is an essential tool. Root Explorer allows up to backup, move, delete, zip, even send our APK files to other phones. This is a true must have for a Galaxy Nexus Root users. The Galaxy Nexus is a developer phone after all, lets hope you are using it as such and getting the most out of it.
This nifty little tool holds a hefty price tag of $3.99, but if your serious in to rooting and flashing roms as I am, you’ll find this worth your money.
Android Pro Widgets:
This is a mutli-function widget that I absolutely adore. It includes widgets for bookmarks, Calendar, Facebook, SMS Messaging, People and Timeline (FB/Twitter). Best of all, they are completely customizable and and additional themes are available.
Most of this apps features are free, but if you want to get in to themes and such, you’ll have to buy the unlocker.
That’s all I have for now, I’ll do a few more featured apps later down the road. Of course I can’t list every single app I like within this list, it would never end. So if you feel I missed an importent one, or you disagree with an app I features here, please share. I’d love for others to contribute by posting their favorite apps for the community to share within the comments below.
Thanks, and I hope you all enjoy.