2014 in APPTEASERS: 20 great Android apps and games you should know about 

APPTEASERS is a collection of apps and games that are new to Android, recently updated, discounted, etc. Whatever the case, we think they’re worth exploring and are willing to bet that many of you would enjoy a few of them.

We understand that we won’t get every single app that crosses our path but we hope to filter things a bit and pass them along to you, dear reader. What you’ll find below is a quick plug for apps and games, occasionally using the developer’s own words to describe the title.

Note that this column is not intended to be a list of “must have” apps but more of a random assortment of titles you might not already know about. No, these are not always new titles. Yes, they can be from big name developers and little indie teams as well.

Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ as we showcase different apps over on our social network streams.

 

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Mobie

This one free app provides users with a variety of features and tools including anti-theft, memory boosting, data monitoring, power management and more. Looks as sharp as it is functional. FREE

Start

Forget the lock screen that comes with your Android smartphone; you’ll get many more features and options with this client. Launch up to 24 apps of your choice or let the algorithm pick out the best and most relevant shortcuts. FREE

Switchr

You know that ALT-Tab capability on your Windows desktop experience? Bring that over to Android with a polished, user-defined app that makes it much easier to toggle between running apps and games. More natural and intuitive than the stock Android approach. FREE Go Pro to remove the apps and toss in additional features $1.99

Cleverbug

Create and order real, printed cards from as low as $2.99 + postage and have them delivered anywhere in the world. Don’t wanna go the physical route? Send some digital cards across Facebook, SMS, or email, and let your friends know you’re thinking about ‘em. FREE

Quixey

Trying to find the right app to suit your needs but don’t know the name? This free beta app helps you hunt down the proper apps and games based on what you want to do. Clean and clutter free, it’s perfect for discovering gems that might otherwise slip under your radar. FREE

Sherpa

Put a virtual assistant in your pocket and have your smartphone work for you. Hungry? Want to hear a specific song? Need to call mom? Have to look up a stock price? Stop wasting your time and have Sherpa do the heavy lifting. FREE (beta)

Molto

Turn that boring old email inbox into something that more closely resembles a social media platform. Pictures, contacts, profiles, and navigation are completely changed up and much more refreshing. Only downfall we see is that it’s limited to tablets for now. FREE (beta)

Stay Alive

Create a custom profile that tells your Android not to go to sleep when running specific apps. Prefer to keep the screen on when docked in the car? Maybe you want it to pause once the battery level gets to a pre-defined percentage. Do it! We don’t judge. FREE

YPlan

Visiting New York or London for the weekend? Forget trying to organize something to do with friends, let the events unfold serendipitously. The free app curates a list of things to do every night and provides quick and easy ways to discover events. Also includes perks and discounts; earn rewards for referring new users. FREE

Kicksend

Send premium grade photos to your friends and family directly from your Android device. Thinking of sending an entire gallery’s worth of images? Shipping is free when 10 or more prints are ordered. No size limits to worry about and you can also send via email or SMS. FREE

 

Paperland Pro

Aviate

Automatically organize your home screen based on the time of day or location. Icons, information, and shortcuts are placed in smart locations and change throughout your day. Perfect for those who have busy schedules or spend time commuting, dining out, etc. FREE (invite only beta)

A Better Camera

Tired of the uninspired and barebones camera experience that came with your Android? Swap that out for something better. Features 11 shooting modes such as HDR, panoramic, burst, self-timer, and more. Also developer friendly! FREE

Call PopOut

A much friendlier way to take your calls, you can have the app show up over top of your other apps. This way you can quickly answer or dismiss and get back to reading, email, browsing the web, or whatever it is you. Handpick apps, customize size, alignment, and other settings to create the best experience. FREE

Plants Vs Zombies 2

The follow up to the highly popular casual game, it’s the perfect way to spend time waiting for the next episode of The Walking Dead to air. You’ll take on a whole new batch of zombies, explore new worlds, and meet new plants but the mechanics stay the same as before. FREE

Trailer Pop: Trailers & Trivia

Answer hundreds of thousands of trivia questions from across more than 20,000 movie trailers to see just how much of a movie buff you are. Ties in nicely with other move-related apps such as Fandango, Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Google Play. FREE

Dead Trigger 2

Optimized for the NVIDIA Shield and other Tegra 4 devices, this is a much more mature zombie game than Plants Vs Zombies. Incredible weapons and gorgeous graphics are just a part of this simply stunning and immerse game.  FREE

Indigo

Feature-rich personal assistant app that brings a little something extra to the table. Instead of staying with one device you can seamlessly start a conversation on your smartphone and carry on with it on your tablet or desktop and back again. Naturally, you can also use to place calls, play music, search for locations, save notes, and update your social media.  Polished beta if we’ve ever seen one. FREE

Aero

The official app to the disruptive would-be cable killer, users can log in to their remote antenna and DVR to watch real TV their Android smartphone or tablet. Note that you’ll need an Aero account and that the app itself is in beta. Nevertheless, you’ve got all the more reason to put your face in your phone and ignore the in-laws. FREE

Cover

One of the most talked about apps from this past week, Cover is an invite-only app that replaces your lock screen with a ridiculously smart algorithm. Watch as it changes based on location or activities. Marvel at its simplicity and functionality! Gaze upon its intuitive layout! We think you get the point. Get your name on the list immediately! FREE (sign up)

Paperland Pro Live Wallpaper

Animate your Android home screen with a cute and clever paper cut-out design. Choose from a variety of themes in the free version but go Pro and pick up additional settings such as Halloween, Autumn, Wilderness, and Christmas. Works year ’round and gets better with each update. FREE | Pro ($1.99)