Andy Walker / Android Authority
Many new Android apps are out there, but keeping track of them is tough. But we’re happy to do that hard work for you. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best new Android apps available, focusing on apps that offer something different to the status quo. Be sure to visit our list of the best Android apps of all time and our selection of the best new Android apps released in 2023 for more.
Bitwarden Authenticator
Bitwarden’s latest app extends beyond password management.
- Price: Free
- Developer: Bitwarden
Bitwarden has long been my go-to password manager. It’s reliable, cross-platform, and free. However, it dearly lacks free access to a verification code generator. This month, the company finally launched a similar, albeit separate, solution for verification codes, Bitwarden Authenticator.
The app lets users enroll their various online accounts and generate verification codes when required. It’s not the most exciting app, but I like its simple and concise UI. All accounts are displayed alphabetically on a single, scrollable screen, which speeds up finding and copying codes.
Bitwarden Authenticator might share its name with its password manager sibling, but the two apps aren’t integrated. However, Bitwarden does have integration plans, and the ability to import codes from other TOTP apps is also coming soon. Keep an eye on this app in the coming weeks.
Wallpaper Changer
Rediscover the wallpapers you forgot you downloaded with this nifty wallpaper auto-changer.
- Price: Free / Optional premium features from $0.99
- Developer: j4velin
Do you have too many wallpapers and have no idea what to do with them? I have a terrible habit of downloading new wallpapers and forgetting I ever had. I blame my colleagues for collating the best Android wallpapers around.
Wallpaper Changer is a nifty little app that rotates your home screen wallpaper from files in a folder however often you require. It also offers triggers like lock screen unlocks, changes at specific times, and album support (albeit for a small fee). You can also double-tap the home screen to shuffle through images manually.
The app isn’t particularly new, and it shows. Its UI feels decidedly dated, especially in 2024, and some images have a few resolution issues. However, I particularly like its set-it-and-forget-it usability, and it really is among the more fuss-free apps I have on my phone.
Openreads
Organize your physical library and monitor your reading habits with this free, open-source app.
- Price: Free
- Developer: Mateusz Bąk
Openreads is another app that has been lurking on the Play Store and GitHub for a while, but after using it for the past week, I felt it was well worth including in this list.
Finding a comprehensive book management and reading tracker app is tough, but Openreads accomplishes both. Its UI is clean and approachable, and the app performs well and lacks ads and user tracking elements, making it a great choice for privacy-minded folk.
To add books to the app, you can scan their barcode or search using the Open Library database. Overall, this process is decidedly pleasing, especially as your library grows. The app also boasts a tracking feature to help you build and maintain reading habits.
While it lacks the social elements in other apps like Goodreads and more intricate reading timers, it’s a great solution for users with growing collections.
Aurelian
A smooth podcast app with a pleasing aesthetic and (premium) Wear OS support.
- Price: Free / Optional Premium subscription for $0.99 annually
- Developer: Bluck Apps
It’s always great to find an alternative podcast player. While my current favorite is Podcast Republic, Aurelian has several features I quite enjoy.
For one, its UI is slick and clean, with minimal tabs and toggles to get yourself lost within. The app does offer a handy filtering tab that displays the content you want based on a few important filters. You can choose whether these filters encompass entire podcasts or episodes — it’s a good way to keep visual clutter to a minimum. However, the queue management tab is perhaps my favorite feature. It allows you to view upcoming episodes quickly, scoot them around, or add new files from your library. You can then download these files from the tab.
The developer recently took iOS podcasting app Castro under its wing, and there are already signs of crossover. Aurelian packs podcast recommendations from its iOS cousin. It’s a nice addition that was added earlier this month.
Aurelian is a freemium app, but there is a subscription for those who want to support development, require unlimited subscriptions, or want Wear OS support to manage queues or playback speed from their wrists.
ReZ Launcher
Scribble to search with this minimalist, one-hand-friendly launcher.
- Price: Free
- Developer: perryOnCrack
ReZ Launcher picks up where Nokia’s Z Launcher left off, offering a minimalist layout with gesture support. Its stripped-down home screen layout lists a handful of your most popular apps, but you can draw a letter or phrase with your finger to initiate a search of your entire app library. This works surprisingly well, especially if you use your device with one hand. I could reach the scribble area and select the app of choice, all in one swift thumb motion. I imagine it would also be great for use with a stylus.
While it’s nice to see Nokia’s ingenious effort reimagined, I can’t understand several of the app’s quirks. For one, I couldn’t find an option to change the default font used by ReZ Launcher. There’s also seemingly no way to move the scribble area to a desired location on the screen, making the thumb-reaching antics a little tougher than they need to be.
Nevertheless, ReZ Launcher is a quirky tool that might interest users who want to experiment with an alternative launcher.
Zoom Earth
Hurricane season is here. This app helps you track them, and more.
- Price: Free, ad-supported
- Developer: Neave Interactive
Finally, let’s talk about the weather. I’ve searched for the perfect weather app for the past few months and have recommended a few examples in this series. However, one that comes to the fore — especially during hurricane season — is Zoom Earth.
The interactive weather map app presents incredibly detailed satellite imagery and animations of the globe with a 10-minute resolution. It allows users to visualize cold fronts, troughs, and other phenomena affecting land. The app also offers other precipitation, wind, pressure, and temperature overlays.
However, Zoom’s best use case is visualizing and tracking tropical weather. It utilizes data from the major tropical weather monitoring services, including the NHC and JTWC, to chart hurricane tracks. It also display full-text warnings from these services. Pair these features with the detailed satellite imagery and radar overlays, and you have a great pocket alert and monitoring system.
As I don’t live in a tropical zone, Zoom Earth complements my primary weather app and widgets with a real-world overview of the sky above. It’s well worth a look.
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