App Radar: Must-have apps and games for Android and iOS

Indian users have been trying new apps a lot. A report published by research firm AppAnnie on 17 January shows that India recorded a 71% increase in the number of app downloads in 2016. The first month of 2017 saw the release of several exciting new apps which may not have received a lot of media attention, but are quite interesting in their own right.

Lenskart app is available on Android.

Lenskart Lite

Free

Available on Android

Online store Lenskart.com has come up with a light and data-friendly version of the Lenskart app. It allows users to browse through the store, look at the glass designs and place an order even if the internet speed is slow or not available at all. When the phone is not connected, the order will be placed using SMS and payment can be made through cash on delivery.

The Intex My Wallet will work with all Android smartphones and not just the Intex devices.

Intex My Wallet

Free

Available on Android

After Micromax, another Indian phonemaker Intex has released a mobile wallet of its own. The Intex My Wallet will work with all Android smartphones and not just the Intex devices. One can use it to pay electricity, gas, DTH or mobile bills or transfer money to a friend. Users can also use it to book railway tickets via IRCTC or movie tickets through Bookmyshow. The app will reward its users with free coupons and attractive deals.

Peek Launcher has an always active keyboard occupying half of the homescreen.

Peek Launcher

Free

Available on Android

This unique Android launcher has an always active keyboard occupying half of the homescreen. Unlike other keyboards which have to be customised manually, Peek Launcher automatically grabs the colour from wallpaper on the screen and changes its colour accordingly. The other half of the homescreen automatically shows apps based on the users’ search and usage pattern. One can open the search bar by swiping down anywhere on the homescreen.

FaceApp is a filter app which uses neural networks to modify a person’s face in a photo.

FaceApp: Free Neural Face Transformation Filters

Free

Available on iOS

FaceApp is a filter app which uses neural networks to modify a person’s face in a photo and not just the look and feel of the image. It has a unique array of filters called Smile, Hot, Young, Old, Male, Female which can make a person in an image look more attractive. One can add a smile on a person who is not smiling in a photo or get rid of wrinkles or marks to make the person look younger.

The app allows users to make payment for the pilgrimage and download the application form from the app itself.

Haj Committee of India

Free

Available on Android

Smartphone users can now access all Haj related information and news updates directly with this new mobile app. Launched by the ministry of minority affairs, the app also allows users to make payment for the pilgrimage and download the application form from the app itself. The app is free to use, works offline and can be used in English, Hindi and Urdu.

One can keep track of one’s mood by adding notes on one’s mood and activities.

MoodCast

Free

Available on Android

If you have not been able to identify the reasons for your bad mood or mood swings recently, you can use MoodCast to help identify the pattern or habits leading to it. One can keep track of one’s mood by adding notes on one’s mood and activities. The app will gather the rest of the information from your social media posts, if you allow it to link to them. One can also take back-up of all entries and statistics on Google Drive.

11x11: Football Manager

Free

Available on Android, iOS

Developer of popular mobile games Vector and Shadow Fight 2, Cyprus-based start-up Nekki has come up with a football manager game. What makes it different from the existing lot is the easy gameplay and light interface. If the likes of Top Eleven 2017 or PES Club Manager seems too confusing, this can be a good way to take part in off-the-pitch action. The emphasis on pictures and graphics gives it a lively look and makes navigation easier for casual users.