Owning an Android smartphone provides advantages to its owners because of advanced features such as applications to view all e-mail accounts in one page.

This article seeks to help new smartphone owners maximise their devices, defying the limits of the owner's Android. Below are a few productivity applications that would help do the job.

Reclaim Your Battery

Battery life is the main thing smartphone owners need no matter how high-end are their devices. Large screens, great displays and tons of applications are just some of the major causes that drain the battery life of Androids. To maximise its power, download the Juice Defender, which has fully customisable options or profiles to enhance battery life. The profile options include automated Wi-Fi control, scheduled profile, night and peak timing, 2G/3G/4G controls, brightness options and timeout minimisation. These apps have free versions for those who want to try out first. Other applications smartphone owners may also want to try are the Battery Saver or Battery Defender.

Memory in Control

The Android device allows multi-tasking with each touch to several applications, but not all of it closes even if the owner returns to the homescreen. Because of this, RAM is consumed by these opened applications which may not be needed at the time. One way to end it altogether is to use Task Killer. The Android has this already, but the task manager in some models kills everything and can cause unsaved files to lose data. The solution to that problem is the Android Assistant, which has 17 features, is easy to use and manage, and doesn't take much storage space, CPU or use too much battery on Androids.

Unlike the Default Task Manager, the Android Assistant can be configured to ignore programs the owner wants ignored to avoid being killed during boosting. Other functions of this application are to monitor status of the CPU, for storage memory and battery, as a cache cleaner, as a battery saving option, as a file manager, startup manager and batch installer. Other options available besides the Android Assistant are the ZDbox and Optimize ToolBox.

These applications are great for non-rooted Androids. No need to do the rooting for smartphone owners who would rather be cautious. These apps are free.

Avoid the Invasion

Viruses are common on smartphones. Although the devices have built-in security, these are not ultimately enough to block viruses and malwares. Trojans are one of the digital virus species that can get past security measures, so owners need to upgrade what's already inside their Androids to protect greater protection against all these digital infestations.

The AVG Antivirus is one of the most known software that protects mobile devices. There are different versions for the smartphones and for tablets. Owners can download it for free on a trial basis and eventually purchase it for additional protection and options beneficial to their Android. The AVG Antivirus features scanning applications, settings and files at real time, find/locate lost or stolen phone via Google Map, lock and wipe of device for privacy, killing of task to free memory and Internet browsing securely.

There are other antivirus software out there such as: the NetQin Security & Antivirus, Norton Security and Antivirus, and Lookout Security & Antivirus.

No two or multiple antivirus applications can work cooperatively unless they are suggested by the developer. So choose only one, give it a try, then remove the first one for those who plan to choose another software.

During mass storage mode in PC synching, the antivirus software temporarily deactivates since synching the device is like removing the SD card, which makes the Android vulnerable to PC viruses. Remember to always shield the PC and Android whenever synching for total protection.

Extreme Makeover

Android phones have great, stunning designs and display graphics, but for smartphone owners who want to make their gadgets look different from other models, use the GO Launcher EX.

One of the most popular home applications in the Android Market, it supports customisable home makeover, themes, smooth operation experience as well as various practical utilities. It also provides a new look and extraordinary mobile operation experience.

Features include various personalised themes (which even non-techies can do), widgets, fancy home screen transitions, smooth flipping, user defined folder categories, icon sorting and hide application icons.

This application is constantly updated by the developer, is totally free and the only payback they expect is a good rating in the Android Market.

Plus, the GO DevTeam, developer of this application offers a lot of free applications which gives the same makeover to what is on stock. These apps include the GO SMS Pro which is used to replace stock SMS.

This application uses transitions, different display for each contact, pop-up SMS and multiple SMS tones assigned by the smartphone owner for his different contacts. Another one is the GO Contacts, which allows the use of transitions and cool themes, to match with the GO Launcher and GO SMS.

For more information about these apps, type GO Launcher or GO DevTeam in the Android Market. Go Store is also featured in their launcher to find other application offered.

Other types of launchers worth trying are the ADW Launcher and Regina 3D Launcher. These are basic apps to help improve Android smartphones. For other needs to improve document view, music players, movie players, graphic equalizer or others, check the Android Market. It has so many other applications waiting for Android smartphone owners.

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