Please note that we have not done our customary in-depth assessments of every app this time around as you get ready to explore our fantastic selections.
Just a quick reminder that although some applications are free to download, they can have optional in-app purchases or ads. Have fun with what you find!
Even if you do not immediately require an app, download it if you find one that interests you. If you do this, it will be marked as “purchased,” thus even if you take it off your smartphone shortly after, it will be in your app library forever.
Android Apps and Games Available for Free–Limited Time Offer
Top Free Android Apps for Productivity and Lifestyle
Volume Scheduler ($0.99): Want to silent your phone at different times? Why not let this app get the job done for you?
Bright LED Flashlight Pro ($2.99): Not happy with your default flashlight app? This should help you get sorted out.
Shuriken Jump ($0.99): See how far you can travel with your shuriken!
iOS Apps and Games Available for Free–Limited Time Offer
Top Free iOS Apps for Productivity and Lifestyle
Step Out! Smart Alarm Clock ($1.99): Can’t find enough motivation to get out of bed even when the alarm rings? This app will irritate you enough to wake up.
Mavis Camera ($5.99): A camera app that offers more flexibility when it comes to shooting photos and recording videos.
Attendance ($9.99): Are you a stickler for attendance for all your classes? This app is perfect for you then.
Eyka ($0.99): A relaxing puzzle game that requires you to harmonize all colors.
Egyptian Senet ($2.99): See how life in the Egyptian afterlife will be in this game!
As of the date of publication, the deals were active. Please share any expired deals you come across in the comments section below. We advise you to review the app’s details in the Play Store or App Store before downloading any of the aforementioned apps. This is crucial as some of these free apps can have unique features or drawbacks of their own.
The home screen of your smartphone serves as the entryway to your digital life, and you may personalize it to improve its usability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. This article explains how to customize your home screen for a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience, from altering the background to adding widgets and arranging apps.
Change wallpaper
The aesthetic tone of your smartphone is established by your wallpaper. Changing your wallpaper is easy, regardless of your preference for abstract art, beautiful landscapes, or intimate portraits.
On Android:
Long-press an empty space on the home screen.
Select Wallpaper or Wallpaper & style from the pop-up menu.
Choose a pre-installed wallpaper or select an image from your gallery.
Decide whether to apply it to the Home screen, Lock screen, or both
On iOS:
Open Settings > Wallpaper > Choose a New Wallpaper.
Select an image from Apple’s preloaded options or your photo library.
Adjust and tap Set to apply it to the Home screen, Lock screen, or both9
Add widgets for quick access
Without opening apps, widgets offer functionality and information at a glance.
On Android:
Long-press an empty area on the home screen and tap Widgets.
Browse through available widgets (e.g., clock, weather, calendar).
Select a widget and drag it to your desired location on the screen.
On iOS:
Touch and hold the Home Screen background until apps jiggle.
Tap the “+” icon in the upper-left corner.
Choose a widget from the list and select its size (small, medium, large).
Tap Add Widget, then drag it into place
Organize apps
A clutter-free home screen improves usability and makes navigation faster.
Create Folders:
Drag one app icon onto another to create a folder.
Add more apps by dragging them into the folder.
Rename folders by tapping on them and selecting the name field.
Arrange Apps:
Move frequently used apps to the first page of your home screen for quick access.
Drag icons to different pages or positions by holding and moving them.
Advanced Organization Tips:
Use themed rows (e.g., “Work,” “Social,” “Entertainment”).
Sort apps by frequency of use or color coding for visual appeal.
Use customization apps
Download specialized home screen customization programs like WidgetClub or Nova Launcher for more sophisticated customization choices including unique icons, fonts, and themes.
Benefits:
Access all-in-one themes that include wallpapers, widgets, and icons.
Customize grid layouts for app placement flexibility
I have spent a significant chunk of my life looking for ways to extend the battery life of my Android phones. That may sound dramatic, but growing up with only inexpensive models meant I was constantly modifying device settings to get the most out of their batteries. Thanks to this micromanaging, I was able to drive the batteries on all of my previous devices to their utmost limits. I do not want to keep this knowledge for myself, so I chose to share it with everyone.
There are numerous strategies for extending battery life. However, there are 12 important options that can be changed right now to see immediate results. The following list highlights the most effective, simple, and quick modifications to boost device longevity regardless of the Android phone you are using, whether it is the latest Samsung model, a luxury Google Pixel, or a cutting-edge OnePlus 13. Furthermore, you will not have to compromise the high-quality experience of using your phone.
Although the power settings are nearly identical on every Android phone available, the procedure of changing them varies by device. Keep this in mind when following the procedures I have outlined, as the technique may alter slightly based on the model you are using.
Turn off the always-on display
The always-on display is one of the largest battery drainers on any smartphone. Companies frequently claim that this display setting only consumes 1% to 2% per hour, but let us be honest: it is always far more. It may be convenient to check the time on your phone while it is sitting on a table, but it is unlikely to be worth the sacrifice of battery life.
Open the Settings app and navigate to the Lock Screen section. This section will most likely be found in the main Settings list or under “Display.” From there, look for the option to “always show info” or a simple toggle to enable the Always On Display. In any case, disable the option and ensure that when you lock your device, it turns absolutely blank.
Switch to dark mode
Over the last few years, many midrange and inexpensive Android phones have followed in the footsteps of their flagship counterparts, adopting OLED displays. When not in use, the technology allows individual pixels to fade or turn entirely off. This feature is considerably more efficient for battery life than typical LCD screens with a single large backlight. By switching to your phone’s dark theme, those pixels will get dimmer much more frequently, saving some battery life.
Go to Settings > Display on your Android device. There are options to choose between a light and dark theme, as well as to have dark mode turn on automatically at specific times of day. To get the most out of your battery, I recommend having dark mode on constantly.
Remove unused accounts
We have all done it: you open a new account for a social networking app or email service (which you subsequently forget about) and then create another account to serve as your primary account for that service or platform. I have been through this process several times. If you create accounts on your phone, all previous accounts stay, constantly refreshing and depleting your battery life in the background. I strongly advocate uninstalling some outdated accounts from your smartphone as soon as possible.
Go to the Settings app and find the accounts section (on Samsung phones, it’s called “Accounts and backup” while Pixel phones use “Passwords & accounts“). You’ll find a list of all the accounts synced to your phone. Tap on one of them and scroll down to the “Remove account” button. Tap it, and the account will disappear.
Reduce the screen’s refresh rate.
Phone screens have improved dramatically in recent years, thanks in part to quicker refresh rates implemented by manufacturers. Increasing the frequency with which a screen refreshes, whether at 90Hz, 120Hz, or even faster, makes animations, scrolling social media, and everyday activities feel smoother and more responsive. Unfortunately, a fast refresh rate consumes more battery power; you may be better off removing the option in some cases.
Open the Settings app and go to the Display section. Here you will find the options for configuring your refresh rate. Most smartphones refer to the function differently; for example, Google refers to it as “Smooth Display” whereas Samsung refers to it as “Motion Smoothness” Find the refresh rate setting and reset it to the regular rate. Your screen will most certainly appear choppier as a result, but this is totally normal. It simply means that it operates at 60Hz, which was the pace at which even the greatest phones ran a few years ago.
Turn off “Hey Google”
If your phone is always listening for you to say, “Hey, Google,” your battery is probably running low. Your microphone is engaged, waiting to hear you utter the two magic phrases that activate the digital assistant, and running that procedure all day consumes a significant amount of energy. Anyone who does not utilize the Assistant on a daily basis should disable the feature without hesitation. And let us be honest: how many of us use the assistance every day?
Open the Google app on your phone and select your profile photo from the top-right corner. Then, go to Settings > Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match, and turn off “Hey Google” Now, your phone will only activate the Assistant if you hold down the power button or use another method.
Block apps to send notifications
You may not realize it, but notifications can be one of the most significant drains on your phone’s battery life. Not only does your phone buzz and ding all day, but the applications themselves are continually refreshing in the background, looking for new notifications to transmit to you. Most apps provide options for reducing the number of alerts you receive, but the simplest way to turn them off is through your phone’s Settings app.
Go to Settings > Notifications > App notifications to see a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Next to each entry are toggles that, when flipped, will disable all notifications for that particular app.
Keyboard sounds and haptics
If you are using your phone, you are probably typing on the keyboard a lot, whether it is to post on social media or answer to messages from friends. If you activate sound and haptic feedback, your phone’s battery life may suffer since it must produce a succession of vibrations and noises each time you tap a letter. Hearing and feeling the keyboard as you type is a pleasant experience, but it is not ideal for getting the most out of a fully charged battery.
Open the Settings app and navigate to “Language and input” This section contains your keyboard settings. Find the place where you may select your default keyboard and hit the gear icon next to it to modify settings. If you use Gboard (like most people), go to Preferences > Keypress and turn off “Sound on Keypress” and “Haptic feedback on Keypress“
Enable Adaptive Battery
Android include a useful function called Adaptive Battery, which is available on most handsets. Adaptive Battery may automatically control your phone’s performance and efficiency in the background, extending battery life through specific methods. For example, when you do not need maximum speed for something as basic as browsing through your inbox, the setting will slow things down and save you some battery life.
Go to Settings > Battery > Adaptive preferences and check to ensure “Adaptive battery” is enabled. If it’s not, flick it on.
Use battery saver to increase battery life
Battery Saver mode, like Adaptive Battery, is a useful function that helps increase the life of your smartphone between charges. The function makes significant modifications to your device’s firmware, including as limiting visual effects, restricting background apps, and putting on dark mode if it is not already enabled.
Most, if not all, Android phones have a Battery Saver feature, albeit it may have a different name. On Galaxy phones, for example, it is known as Power Saving Mode. Some may refer to it as low-power mode. For assistance with your specific model, check your phone manufacturer’s support website.
On Pixel phones, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver. You can also choose a schedule for when the feature will activate or turn off automatically. On Galaxy phones, go to Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery. Flip the toggle switch next to Power Saving to activate the feature.
Early Easter discounts are already starting to appear now that the Spring sale is over. Numerous Beats products from Apple are on sale at Amazon and Best Buy, including the well-liked Beats Studio Buds +, which are now back at their lowest price ever of $99, a $70 (41%) reduction from their regular $169 price.
The lower pricing is available on Amazon for all four color variations of the wireless ANC earphones, including Cosmic Silver and Transparent. In the meanwhile, Best Buy is selling transparent, ivory, and black/gold finishes at a discount.
Beats Studio Buds + | True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
BEATS’ CUSTOM ACOUSTIC PLATFORM delivers rich, immersive sound whether you’re listening to music or taking calls.
Why eveyone should consider the Beats Studio Buds +
The Beats Studio Buds + are an enhanced version of the standard Beats Studio Buds, yet they still have the same tiny in-ear design. Each earbud contains a multi-function button that is sensitive even when wet, thanks to IPX4 water resistance. Users may also control the earbuds using the Beats app, which provides a more intuitive experience.
The Studio Buds + include revised acoustic vents to improve airflow, lowering ear pressure and boosting audio quality. Apple has also improved the sound profile, with more punchy bass and ultra-low frequencies for a crisper audio experience.
Also, adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode have been greatly improved. The new ANC is said to be 1.6 times more effective than before, while the transparency mode blends in with ambient noise for a natural listening experience. Improved microphones also provide clearer voice calls.
The Beats Studio Buds + have a 9-hour battery life on a single charge (with ANC and transparency mode turned off), which increases to 36 hours with the charging case. They also offer quick charging, allowing for an hour of playing after only 5 minutes of charging.
One of the most notable features of the Beats Studio Buds + is their seamless connectivity with both iPhone (iOS) and Android devices. They also enable Google Fast Pair and Find My Device, giving them a versatile option independent of smartphone brand.
With a $70 savings, better ANC, a long battery life, and universal compatibility, the Beats Studio Buds + are an excellent value for both Android and iOS users.
The largest update in years is One UI 7, which is based on Android 15. Samsung has made numerous optimizations, performance enhancements, and UI changes. Vulkan system-wide integration is another feature of One UI 7 that offers numerous advantages.
The API is now supported across the board in Samsung’s One UI 7 update for Android 15. This important connection allows more programs to default to Vulkan rendering, including UI components. Users of the Galaxy with One UI 7 can anticipate:
Smoother animations and transitions
Better gaming performance
More efficient battery usage
Potentially better visual effects with lower power consumption
Compared to more antiquated APIs like OpenGL and DirectX, Vulkan is intended to offer more efficiency and control over GPU resources. Lower CPU overhead, improved multi-core CPU usage, more direct GPU control, and cross-platform compatibility are some of its salient characteristics.
How was the One UI 7 x Vulkan update made public?
A perceptive A UI 7 Beta tester observed that the Galaxy S24’s graphics API varies. The system was using the new API in the initial beta version, but in the subsequent beta releases, it reverted to OpenGL.
One of Samsung’s Beta employees arrived to verify the update after the disclosure generated discussion in the community. Vulkan is now more widely supported as a system-level graphics API for applications and user interface components with the new One UI 7.
Yes, Android 15 (and by extension, One UI 7) has broader support for Vulkan as a system-level graphics API, and in some cases, apps and UI elements may default to Vulkan where supported.
Samsung (US Community Moderator)
The moderator also disclosed that during continuous testing, the graphics API fluctuates based on compatibility or stability issues. Additionally, the rendering behavior may change based on performance optimization, app compatibility, or device.
When something is free, who does not love a good deal? To increase awareness and downloads, app makers give away their premium apps and games for a short period of time every week. This gives people the ideal chance to obtain top-notch software without having to pay a thing. Both the iOS and Android platforms offer something for everyone, from work tools to captivating games.
We have compiled a list of some of the top temporarily free apps that are currently accessible. Keep in mind that these deals will not be there for long, so take advantage of them now! Downloading them ensures they remain in your library indefinitely, even after you uninstall them, even if you do not need them right away. Have fun downloading!
Limited-Time Free Android Apps and Games
Must-Have Free Android Apps for Productivity and Lifestyle
Offline Password Manager($0.99): A straightforward app that securely stores your passwords without unnecessary features.
QR/Barcode Scanner PRO($5.99): An application designed for scanning, reading, and generating QR codes and barcodes.
Simple Photo Widget($0.75): An Android widget that allows you to display photos from your gallery directly on your home screen, enabling personalized customization of your device.
Free Android games
Word Search Game: Offline($1.99): A word search game featuring letter puzzles that you can enjoy without an internet connection.
Cooking Kawaii: Kitchen(€1.09): A kawaii-style cooking and baking game that lets you create delightful dishes.
Summoners Era: Idle Strategy($0.69): Dive into a fantasy world, engage in battles, and aim to become a Grand Summoner.
Guardian War: Ultimate Edition($0.99): An action role-playing game where you control various heroes, fight battles, and embark on an exciting adventure.
Free iOS Games and Apps—for a Limited Time
Top Free iOS Apps for Productivity and Lifestyle
Art Space: Artwork Preview App($37.99): This app enables artists to display and present their works in a virtual gallery, providing an impressive preview of their art.
Network Usage Monitor($10.99): Network Usage Monitor provides a detailed analysis of network connections on your device and helps monitor data and bandwidth usage.
Resume Designer 3($4.29): This app allows you to create professionally designed resumes that can be customized to fit the needs of the job.
Free games for the iPhone and iPad
Warlords Classic Strategy($5.99): An engaging strategy game where you lead armies and defeat opponents in tactical battles.
Mr. Traffic($2.99): A game that challenges you to navigate traffic and avoid accidents while driving various vehicles.
Bloom Sort ($14.99): A relaxing puzzle game where you arrange colorful flowers in the correct order.
Neolysium($2.99): An innovative, futuristic adventure game that immerses you in a mysterious world full of puzzles and discoveries.
While exploring new apps can be exciting, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and protect your personal data. Always download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, as these platforms have rigorous security measures in place to vet applications. Avoid third-party stores or unknown websites, as they often host apps that may contain malware or spyware.
Before installing any app, take a moment to review its permissions. Be cautious if an app requests access to features or data unrelated to its functionality, such as a calculator app asking for location or microphone access. Additionally, check user reviews and verify the developer’s credibility to ensure the app is legitimate and secure.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of mobile apps without compromising your privacy or device security. Stay vigilant and download wisely!
Using a warning to backup the key to prevent losing access, a recently identified Android malware known as Crocodilus deceives users into entering the seed phrase for the bitcoin wallet.
Despite being a recent banking malware, Crocodilus has fully functional capabilities to remotely control, take over the device, and collect data.
According to researchers at the fraud prevention firm ThreatFabric, the malware is disseminated by a custom dropper that gets around security measures in Android 13 and later.
The dropper circumvents Accessibility Service limitations and installs the virus without activating Play Protect.
Crocodilus is unique because it uses social engineering to force victims to divulge their crypto-wallet seed phrase.
A screen overlay alerting users to “back up their wallet key in the settings within 12 hours” or risk losing your wallet is how it accomplishes this.
“This social engineering trick guides the victim to navigate to their seed phrase (wallet key), allowing Crocodilus to harvest the text using its Accessibility Logger,” ThreatFabric explains.
“With this information, attackers can seize full control of the wallet and drain it completely,” the researchers say.
Crocodilus was seen to target customers in Spain and Turkey, including bank accounts from those two nations, during its initial operations. Based on the debug messages, it seems that the infection originated in Turkey.
Although the exact mechanism of the first infection is unknown, users are usually duped into downloading droppers by malicious websites, phony SMS or social media advertisements, and third-party app shops.
When Crocodilus is launched, it has access to Accessibility Services, which are typically designated for helping individuals with disabilities. These services allow Crocodilus to make navigation motions, monitor for app launches, and unlock screen content.
Crocodilus puts a phony overlay over the legitimate app when the victim accesses a targeted banking or cryptocurrency app in order to obtain the victim’s login information.
The bot component of the malware supports a set of 23 commands that it can execute on the device, including:
Enable call forwarding
Launch a specific application
Post a push notification
Send SMS to all contacts or a specified number
Get SMS messages
Request Device Admin privileges
Enable a black overlay
Enable/disable sound
Lock screen
Make itself the default SMS manager
Additionally, the malware has remote access trojan (RAT) capabilities that let its operators swipe, tap, and browse the user interface, among other things.
To collect one-time password codes used for two-factor authentication account protection, a specific RAT command is also available to snap a screenshot of the Google Authenticator application.
To conceal the activity from the victim and give the impression that the device is locked, Crocodilus operators can mute the device and activate a black screen overlay while doing these tasks.
Crocodilus may soon expand its activities and add more apps to its target list, even if it currently seems to be targeting only Spain and Turkey.
It is recommended that Android users make sure Play Protect is constantly enabled on their devices and refrain from downloading APKs from sources other than Google Play.
The Xiaomi community is ecstatic with the latest HyperOS update, which offers users’ devices an abundance of customization options and AI-powered capabilities. With a number of notable enhancements that demonstrate Xiaomi’s focus on user experience and creative design, tech enthusiasts and fans are busy testing out the March update version RELEASE-5.39.40.10843-03212137. The upgrade demonstrates the company’s continuous attempts to combine the newest technology with functionality.
Key updated:
The March update brings with it some noteworthy enhancements that will delight Xiaomi users:
Desktop Grid Options Resurrection
Grid layout options have been restored, offering greater personalization to the users:
4×6 grid pattern
4×7 grid layout
5×9 grid pattern
AI-Powered App Search
A groundbreaking feature that elevates the search experience:
Smart responses right in search results
Interpreting search queries contextually
Enhanced app discovery (Note: May not be available globally)
Wallpaper Customization
A new level of aesthetics has been added to device personalization:
New blur effect for wallpapers has been added
Enhanced visual customization options
These updates give users more power and customization, which is consistent with Xiaomi‘s user-centric philosophy. While the AI-powered search is intended to make app discovery more straightforward and intuitive, the reinstated grid layouts allow for greater freedom in app arrangement.
Samsung basically teased their major One UI 7 update with a two-minute video that was just released. They are all getting ready and showcasing some of the exciting things that are on the horizon. In addition to letting us know that One UI 7 will soon be available for the Galaxy S24 and older phones, they are also using it to sort of encourage people to buy the new Galaxy S25. At last! Up until now, we had only seen it in beta.
According to Samsung, One UI 7 will be far more “you” than it has ever been. Like, more natural, more user-friendly, and more intimate. They are showcasing Google’s Gemini, “Now Brief,” “Now Bar,” “Sketch to Image,” and various AI-powered search tools.
The teaser video from Samsung hints at a few UI 7 features.
This video now? It is only a preview. We are not seeing everything. However, the timing is intriguing. It is obvious that they are preparing for a big release.The strange aspect is that last week, they announced that the S24, Z Flip 6, and Z Fold 6 updates would be available in certain locations beginning on April 7, 10, and 14. However, they later retracted the April 10th date for the US, which gave them a somewhat uncertain appearance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4AEIu3V6F4
In essence, Samsung is building anticipation for One UI 7, but they are being a little reticent about when it will be released. The only thing we can do is wait and see when it lands. However, before that, you may see if your Samsung Galaxy phone is compatible with the company’s recently announced seamless updates function, which installs updates while you are still using your phone, saving you time waiting for it to restart.
The business claims that if your Galaxy phone was released prior than 2025, it probably does not enable seamless updates. The Galaxy A55 is an odd outlier. But anything starting in 2025? It ought to have it.
This week, we are excited to present our carefully curated selection of essential free apps that you will not want to miss! Our hardworking staff has searched the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store for some hidden gems that are normally available for purchase but are now free for users on both iOS and Android devices.
If you find an app that piques your interest, even if you don’t need it right away, go ahead and download it. Doing so will mark it as “purchased,” ensuring it remains in your app library indefinitely—regardless of whether you remove it from your device soon after.
Android Apps and Games Available for Free–Limited Time Offer
Top Free Android Apps for Productivity and Lifestyle
AppLock Pro ($4.49): Choose different styles to lock your apps without being limited to what the app offers itself for a greater amount of flexibility.
Sound Meter & Noise Detector ($2.99): An app that claims to be able to detect the sound and noise level in the vicinity.
Fake Call Screen ($0.99): Ever been in a tight spot socially and need to be bailed out? This app simulates a fake call for you to get out of a tough situation.
Dark Screen Filter ($0.99): If you use your phone late into the night, perhaps dark mode is not enough, but having this dark screen filter might help ease the strain on your eyes.
PhotoApp ($6.49): An AI photo app that allows you to edit and modify images at your whims and fancy.
Puzzle Words Pro ($1.49): A word search game with three modes to choose from to keep things happening.
Theme Park Simulator ($0.99): Enjoy running a theme park wherever you go with this cute little app.
Live or Die Survival Pro ($0.49): The end of the world is coming, and you need to do your very best to remain alive with your wits.
Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD ($2.99): A tower defense game with amazing graphics that is set in a futuristic war setting.
iOS Apps and Games Available for Free–Limited Time Offer
Top Free iOS Apps for Productivity and Lifestyle
weather+ ($0.99): Want to know what the weather is like outside? Find out in this app before you head out.
Outfit Outdoor Fitness ($2.99): Let the app inform you on what you need to wear before you head out for your exercise.
Light Filter ($3.99): Want to take the perfect photo? Make sure the surrounding lighting is right with this app.
Feelly ($1.99): A personal mood tracker that helps you keep tabs on how you are feeling, perfect fro those who want to figure themselves out.
Bookends ($10.99): Do you do a lot of writing and research that needs referencing? Guess this reference management app will come in handy.
Free Games for the iPhone and iPad
Cooking Game for Kids ($5.99): Think your kid will be the next Gordon Ramsay? Why not let them have a go at a cooking game and see if they have the chops to do so?
Catennacio Football Manager ($2.99): If you think you are able to do better than the real-life football managers, then give this game a go!
My City: Star Horse Stable ($3.99): Learn the ropes of taking care of a pony without incurring actual cost on a virtual platform.
Pirate Drops 2 ($4.99): A Match-3 game that takes on a pirate theme which will surely offer a refreshing experience.
Cuppy Ball ($0.99): Hopefully you’ll be able to place the cup at the right place for the ball to fall into.
We advise you to review the app’s details in the Play Store or App Store before downloading any of the aforementioned apps. This is crucial as some of these free apps can have unique features or drawbacks of their own.
While making sure your data is safe and secure, you are free to browse the wide range of free apps available for both iOS and Android smartphones.
