It cannot be said that this company has wasted time in recent years. Thanks to its multiple work teams, there are already 133 Google apps They cover almost all areas of our life. A figure that is perhaps too large for all users to be aware of what is really offered to them for free.
Therefore, in this article we are going to talk about a good number of them, but what is more important, we are going to highlight the most interesting for any user of Android. You may find more than one treasure, which otherwise would have gone unnoticed in the huge offer on Google Play.
GPS
Google Maps Go
Here is an interesting application for those who have a mobile with few capacities. Google Maps is very complete, but it is true that with a low-end terminal, you can end up desperate because of its slowness or directly because you do not reach your destination. This light version lets enjoy the benefits from google browser, without a cheap smartphone ends up fuming. It is also not a bad idea for phones with several years behind them or that are of a higher range, but are very loaded.
Google My Maps
Some people confuse it with Google Maps, but that "My" refers to the fact that this app has somewhat more personal features. It is a tool that allows you to create and edit your own maps, instead of using those that Google has created and shared with everyone. Before it was known as Google Maps Engine.
Also worth mentioning is the Google Street View app, which is part Google Maps essential and that is used to make virtual tourist visits or see in first person a place you want to go. Now it has video mode to record while walking or riding a bike.
No one who uses a telephone is unaware of the ubiquitous Maps, which is another of Google's most important services, which comes by default on Android. It's about another of the best apps that we can have on hand, because it is possibly the one with the best maps together with Waze. In addition, it serves as a site search engine, browser and many other functions.
To this we must add that Google also offers the well-known app Google Earth. With a more careful 3D images and more focused on browsing around the world. It is like the globe of yesteryear that teachers had in class but in 3D and on the screen of our phone to know remote places of our blue planet.
Virtual reality
Daydream
With this application you can enjoy a large number of Virtual Reality games. Of course, as long as your mobile is compatible with Daydream. To check it, you can enter Google Play by clicking on the link box above this paragraph. On the computer, if you are logged into Chrome with the same account as on your mobile, it will also indicate it next to the app icon.
Daydream keyboard
With this application you will have a roof with which to write virtually while using Daydream. It will appear floating in front of you and you can press the keys to type as on a conventional keyboard.
If what you want is a conventional keyboard on your mobile screen, the Google keyboard was one of the first apps that were launched on the Play Store from Android. So users with older versions of Android could update it without the need to wait for an update from your phone manufacturer. There it continues to fight thanks to its good performance and large number of downloads. If you are looking for him his name is now Gboard.
cardboard
Another application from Google LLC, but more focused on experiences than games. In it you can find guided tours of exhibitions, trips to various places in the world and 360º photos and videos.
As a tip, you can also take a look at the Expeditions application, which specializes in walking trips with Virtual and Augmented Reality, focused on learning. There are also Google VR Services and YouTube VR.
Augmented reality
Google Lens
Do you remember the Google glasses that were called to revolutionize the world? Well, although it has not been like that for the moment, here is an application that inherits a very similar name and brings together various Augmented Reality functions. Its former name was Google Goggles.
Google Play services for AR
The acronym that appears at the end of the name of this application means Augmented Reality. Specifically, it is an app for be able to see the creations made with ARCore. Which is nothing other than Google's own Augmented Reality creation platform.
Among the Augmented Reality applications made by Google LLC, Measurement must also be mentioned. It allows you to measure rooms, furniture or any object thanks to augmented reality technology. There are many others from different companies, but the one from Google works very well.
Surfing the Internet
If you want to have a efficient, fast and complete browser, Chrome is one of the best choices for Android, which comes by default on the smartphone. Indispensable for a total web browsing experience on a mobile device. However, here we bring you other applications that may be even more useful:
Google Go
In this category, Google has more to contribute than its well-known Chrome browser. This company makes an effort so that everyone can take good advantage of its services. Hence the launch of the application Google Go, a version extremely light of the application that is called simply Google. With it, you can do fast searches while using very few mobile resources: only 7 MB of memory. Ideal for low-end mobiles.
Chrome versions
To the Internet browsing section, it should be added many other Google apps, as they are Chrome Canary, Chrome Beta o Chrome Dev. Are still Developing, but they have useful functions that are not available in the current Google browser. Of course, as long as you don't care help the company with data and, if you want, comments.
Didactics
Google Classroom
A very useful application when you want teach online. Something frequent in periods of confinement such as those that have taken place with Covid-19. It is easy to configure and use for various types of matter, in addition to having been created nonprofit, does not contain ads that distract students.
Applications to learn without translation, what about Google?
As for other didactic applications, there is a criticism that can be made to Google: does not translate into Spanish some very interesting. That is the case of Socratic by Google, who answers note or homework questions just by pointing the camera or Read Along by Google, which is an assistant for children to learn to read. And that with the enormous number of Spanish-speaking countries in the world.
Here one could also mention the Google Translator, if you need to know what such a phrase or word means. Is perfect for this, because you can even use your voice. Although you can also write it in Chrome and use it just as well.
Curiosities
Here we are going to talk about applications that may not fit perfectly in any of the categories that we highlight in this article, but that may be interesting to you.
Science journal
This app could be placed in the section of Didactics, but given the number of measurements that can be made, it is useful for many other things as well. You can save scientific measurements about the amount of light and sound, as well as movement with your own phone's sensors. But it can also be used to connect to other external sensors and receive data from them.
Google Spotlight Stories
Here we bring you another of the Google apps that cannot be included in any of the previous categories. In addition, although it is entertainment, it is neither games, nor videos, nor music, nor books. What is it then? As described by those responsible for Google, it is a immersive story platform, often interactive, looking for another way to tell stories. Are you curious? We recommend it to you.
Tools
Files by Google: Free up space on your phone
A very interesting application for those who handle many files and applications, which leave the memory of their phone up to their neck. This Google application frees up phone space in several ways, while making it easy to share them offline. The first and most obvious is the function of free up space after analyzing memory.
The second is upload files to the cloud so we don't run out of space. The third, that this application facilitates the passage of files from phone memory to SD memory. In addition, it alerts you periodically if junk files appear again.
Regarding cloud file storage, Google Drive It is the hub for the Google Docs, Google Slideshow, and Google Sheets applications, as well as other applications. With the recent improvements in the monthly data plan with a very affordable price, Drive is one of the most important services from Google to the cloud, create docs and share with contacts and friends.
Chrome Remote Desktop
If you have to do something from the computer, but you are not in front of it, this application will solve the problem for you in a moment. You will only have to configure previously in the chrome remote desktop. It is also a good way to receive or assist someone if they have a computer problem.
To this must be added, that they have also developed an application called Google Support Services, which allows you to share your desktop with a Google assistant. So he can help you with what you need.
For the car
Android Auto
This app doesn't need many presentations because we have already talked about it in several occasions. allow control with voice various functions of the car and view the navigator y some more applications on the car screen. More and more apps are supported. What you may not know is that it has another version that may interest you:
Android Auto for phone screens
This is the same application, but it allows you use the mobile screen instead of the car. Its only requirement is that your phone must have Android 10.
Documents
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Here Google has a lot to contribute to both individuals and companies. Your applications for edit documents They have nothing to envy to the Office suite with its Word, Excel and PowerPoint. At least, as long as you are not prompted for advanced features. The best thing they have is that they are easy to use, Returns, It can work in group about them by sharing them and allow you save your documents in the cloud.
Also, you can download them in many formats, including the PDF and those used in said Office package (docx, xLSX y PPTX). If you prefer them to be on your computer, instead of on Google's servers, you can always download them in any of these formats and delete them from the cloud.
Cloud Print
Logically, there are many more Google apps suitable for work or for any activity that involves handling documents. For example, it has its own PDF viewer or the app Cloud PrintWhich enables print from various Android devices, manage printers and see what is being printed at all times. A comfortable application for a home and very useful for a company.
Insights
May gmail be the app quintessential email from Google, which has been renewed year after year to keep up to date with what a service of this type should be. But that is an application that comes by default on Android, so we are not going to talk about it.
Google Meet
Here the competition is overwhelming. Whatsapp and other similar apps have practically covered the entire application market for communication. However, Google can still contribute something with Google Meet, which is designed to meeting video calls up to 250 people.
Google Duo
Other application for video calls, but that Google advertises as higher quality current. That is, with high definition and little video degradation in different types of signal.
To these applications we must add others for communication such as Hangouts, which was the result of the merger of all Google messaging apps in 2013. As well Google Chat y Messages, which allow you to chat and send texts, images, video, etc. And of course, to make calls outside the conventional system there are the apps Google Phone y Google Voice.
They can also be mentioned Blogger in this category, which is owned by Google and has its own blogging tool, with version for mobile devices.
Banking
Google Pay
In the era in which we live, an application could not be missing with which to do payments via smartphone. With it you can add several different cards and you will pay through the NFC system of the mobile.
Image
Snapseed
There are many mobile brands that offer good image editors, so you don't have to download any external applications. Even if that is not your case, there are many free apps that offer good results. Among them, Google brings us its version of what a good photo editor: the Snapseed. A very complete application thanks to its 29 editing tools and the ability to read RAW files.
For children
YoutubeKids
For everyone who is a parent, this is a well-known application. With it you can be calm about the content that the child is going to watch on mobile. Unlike in the application of Youtube, only the appropriate videos for your age will appear. In addition, the adult can configure many aspects such as the maximum usage time, select what they are going to see or even block content if you don't like them.
Google Family Link for kids and teens
It is true that the use of smartphones is somewhat controversial for some parents. Therefore, there are applications of parental control like the one we bring you here. Google Family Link for children and teenagers is a slave app to Google Family Link for parents (which is the master app).
In other words, it only makes sense if it is installed on the minor's mobile and is linked to the adult's device with its version for parents. It is a control very complete and safe, which can also be oriented to guide the children in their experience on the Internet. Well run, it is very enriching.
Health & Wellness
Google Fit: activity and health tracking
A good way to have a physical activity daily with which to stay healthy. It serves both for those who really train, and those who want to count their daily activity to see if they reach an adequate minimum. One of the best virtues of this application is that make exercise a game, thanks to its system of cardio points. Unlike applications from many other developers, Google Fit is created in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
Digital well-being
Care because health is not only about taking care of the body. The additions to mobile devices are the cause of problems mental health and wellness. That is why Google LLC has developed Digital Wellbeing, which allows you to know what your daily use of each application is, the notifications and messages you receive, etc. In addition to that you can self-limit your time spent on the mobile or in each application and disconnect those that bother you at certain times.
Google also has available to users My Tracks, a competitor of apps like Endomondo to register the physical activity, and Wear OS by Google smartwatch, for connection with smart watches (widely used in training).
Security
Google Authenticator
Note that the security provided by this application is very strong, But if you lose your mobile, you are going to have a serious problem. With Google Authenticator you go one step further than with conventional Google XNUMX-Step Verification. Is compatible with various applications like Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, etc. So when you want to enter them, it will generate a code to give you permission.
Find my Google device
With this application Google offers a way to increase the security of your phone against theft or loss. You can be calm, because with it you can see your phone's location in Maps and thus be able to reach him. In addition, you can make your phone ring at maximum volume and block notifications so that thieves do not know that you are looking for them. It also allows you to lock your smartphone, erase sensitive data from your phone and even check the status of the battery, the hardware and coverage. Its predecessor was the Android Device Manager app, now defunct.
Regarding security, Google has also developed the application Personal security. Although it is only suitable for Pixel phones.
Organisation
Google Keep: notes and lists
Google's alternative to compete against note-taking apps like Evernote. It stands out for its minimalism and the use of cards seen in other apps such as Google Now. It allows you to quickly jot things down, create to-do lists, set alarms, associate images and even transcribe your voice notes so you don't have to write. Highly recommended for those who want to organize themselves comfortably.
Google Tasks: do tasks and meet goals
Not as well known as Google Keep, but for many its successor for its better usability and simplicity. In addition, it has functions for companies with G Suite, which can be used by all employees.
Do not forget also the Google's own calendar which is shown as indispensable so as not to miss any appointment and organize our daily chores with an elegant visual style in the interface. But that will already be on your phone by default.
For companies
Google My Business
And if what you want is for your business to appear on Google, with this application you will have everything you need at your fingertips. You can manage your company profile, such as your location or locations on Google Maps. In addition, it will allow you to know the evaluations and comments they make about it, you can answer them if you wish and much more.
More Google apps that stand out in this category could be: Device Policy Apps, which are only for companies with G Suite, or Google Admin, which is used to manage the Google Cloud account from the mobile. That is, employee accounts, work groups, contact Google technical service, etc.
Video and Television
Little can be said that is not known about YouTube and a essential video service for all types of multimedia content that has been in our lives for some time and that is part of it. But you may not be as familiar with Android TV, which is the operating system that many smart televisions have. For it, Google has developed several applications for use on smartphones or tablets. For example: Android TV Remote Control and Service, YouTube for Android TV, your version Kids, Android TVHome y Google app for Android TV. Also, outside of Android TV, you also have live channels y Chromecast built-in.
chromecast is the app for him device for video streaming on the TV screen that Google launched years ago and soon after arrived in regions like ours. If you have a YouTube channel, YouTube Studio is an indispensable app for control everything about himself from your phone.
Other interesting applications ...
Android Accessibility Suite
An accessibility service to help blind users or with vision problems. It used to be called Google Talkback. There is also an application designed for this type of user called Intersection Explorer, which is used to create a custom layer of streets e intersections. We do not highlight it because, although it is still valid, it is becoming somewhat obsolete. Still, it's not a bad idea to give it a try, because it's a great app.
Google speech synthesis
A tool that reads aloud the text appears on the screen. Therefore, useful for people with vision problems, but also for anyone who wants an extra comfort.
Google Analytics
To follow from the phone reports and statistics of your websites.
Google Ads
If you have advertising campaigns in Google Ads, this application allows you to have them controlled from your smartphone. Before you could only see the revenue, but now the functionalities have been expanded. You can edit your keywords, change your budgets and bids, contact a Google advisor, and set up alerts.
All Google Play ...
Google Play Books is part of the Play Music or Play Movies conglomerate. You can access a good amount of e-books and even upload your own PDFs.
If Google put on the overalls to combine its own messaging apps in Hangouts, with Google Play Games it almost did the same last year, since as of 2013 videogames is something important and essential for Android, as shown in the continuous updates of this service that even has levels as the different achievements of the games that swarm the Play Store are achieved.
A monthly subscription service that for a small price you can have all the music that is for sale on Google Play, for a maximum of six people.
Movies for sale or for rent to be able to see them from a Smart TV, Chromecast, tablet or smartphone with a high image quality.
A minute of silence for missing apps
Google is a company that does not think much about whether an app or service has to cease to exist. The first application that comes to mind is the missing Google Reader. Neither short nor lazy from one day to the next disappeared from the Google app ecosystem, despite the fact that it was a very important service for RSS worldwide. Here are many others who followed the same path:
Google+
Google's social network, which struggled for a long time to try to get off the ground, but finally ended up withdrawing. However, although many believe it to be completely extinct, it is still active as Google+ for G Suite.
Google Play Kiosk
Since Google Currents ceased to exist, Google Play Kiosko came to replace him to offer subscriptions to digital magazines of all types and categories. Then it was her turn, to end up in the Google Play trash can.
News and Weather
Its title does not hide secrets, with coverage of up to 65.000 publications, it was used to be up to date with the news and know what the weather will be like in the next few days.
Voice Search and Google Now Launcher
The application of voice search It became important in its time, but it was destined to disappear. Along with the Google App Launcher (with its "Ok Google") it was the predecessor of the Google Assistant that we know today.
Google Korean / Hindi / Pinyin / Japanese / Zhuying / Cantonese Input
If you wanted to learn any of these languages, Google had its own applications to introduce you to them. However, only Google's Japanese introduction remains active. For the rest of the languages, Google only has specific keyboards for each language and some more related applications, but not educational ones.
SoundSearch
It was a Google application in the style of SoundHound or Shazam, which identified the song that was ringing. It ended up losing the battle with its rivals and disappeared from the Google Play landscape.
Chrome to Phone
It served to share links between your phone and your computer in which Chrome was installed. It ended up disappearing, although today there are versions of other companies that do the same and have good ratings.
Androidify
If you wanted a custom avatar of the style of the Android doll you could use this Google app. Unfortunately it disappeared, but there are alternatives from other companies The bad thing is that they do not work very well for compatibility reasons.
Google GestureSearch
An application that, through gestures, allowed access to all kinds of apps, settings or contacts on the phone. Due to its lack of use and other technical issues, it ended up disappearing from the Google application list for Android.
Google Finance
This application served to be up to date with the news financial through graphs. It ended up disappearing due to the large number of specialized companies that competed with their apps and for the information that is readily available on the Internet.
As Google apps usually appear continuously, we will be aware of all that are released in the Play Store. As you can see, in 2020 they are already a good accumulation of them, although some have disappeared. For this reason, we have dedicated ourselves to highlighting the ones that seem most useful to us, instead of limiting ourselves to listing the 133 that exist. Then you can download Google Apps that make up the huge repertoire and ecosystem of Google.
