Welcome to Ask Jerry, an engaging platform dedicated to answering all your burning questions about the smart technologies in your life. I'm Jerry, your host, and I bring with me over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, specifically focusing on Android and Google technologies. Having a background in engineering and research and development, I have devoted much of my career to understanding and exploring the vast world of technology.

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Question of the Week: Which Apps Should I Pick?

This week, I received a question from Sarah, who recently purchased a new Samsung smartphone. She writes:

I just bought a new Samsung and it already has apps for mail, calendar, contacts, and other things installed. Is it OK to use these, or should I install Google's versions from the app store?

Hi Sarah! First off, congratulations on your new phone! Theres nothing quite like the excitement of setting up a new device and exploring its features. I can relate to the mixed feelings involved in the initial setupmany users find it to be the least enjoyable part of the experience. Its a common frustration, especially when phone manufacturers preload their devices with numerous apps.

To directly address your question: Yes, it's perfectly fine to use the apps that come pre-installed on your Samsung device. However, some applications may be worth reconsidering. Lets unpack this a bit further.

One fundamental aspect to remember is that manufacturers like Samsung utilize built-in tools from Android to link their apps to your Google account, just as Google does with its applications. For instance, the contacts and calendar apps can seamlessly connect to Google's cloud service, ensuring that your information is automatically synchronized once you log in.

The primary distinction between Samsungs apps and Google's versions often lies in the user interface (UI) and the additional features offered. Different manufacturers may add unique aesthetics or functionalities to enrich the user experience, which can be a significant factor in your decision-making process.

Interestingly, some pre-installed apps on your Samsung device are actually developed by Google, as they are required to be included on all official Android devices. Applications like Photos and Chrome, for example, are universal across various brands.

Despite the options available, I would recommend keeping or downloading three essential Google apps:

• Google Chrome: While it may not be the ultimate browser for Android devices, it's crucial for accessing many websites that are optimized for Chrome. Other browsers may share the same base code (Chromium), but often compatibility issues arise.
• Google Messages: Although it might lack some features present in other messaging apps, it consistently receives updates for Android's messaging platform. Id suggest using it for text messaging, especially if your contacts arent utilizing apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
• Google Photos: This app is indispensable for Android users. Despite its somewhat confusing interface, it offers excellent cloud storage for your photos, ensuring you never lose precious memories. Make sure to configure it for automatic backups, even if you prefer a different app for viewing images on your phone.

In addition to Googles offerings, there are several other applications worth considering that dont originate from Google. When it comes to calendar and contacts apps, you can choose any that appeal to you; the functionality remains similar, although the appearance might differ.

If you prefer a different web browser, Samsung's own browser is a solid choice if you own a Samsung phone. It provides a user-friendly interface, enhanced features, and supports extensions, giving you a more comprehensive browsing experience while still having Chrome as a backup.

For messaging, consider using WhatsApp, which has a significant user base and is popular globally, making it an excellent alternative to Google Messages. Find out which app most of your friends and family use and install that for a smoother communication experience.

Don't shy away from exploring various file browser apps as well; many alternatives to Googles file manager exist, some even pre-installed on your Samsung device, which could offer superior functionality.

When it comes to music streaming, you might want to explore services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal. While YouTube Music works adequately, many users find its user interface and discovery capabilities lacking.

The beauty of owning a smartphone is the endless array of possibilities it offers. There are countless recommendations available online, ranging from specialized camera apps for photography enthusiasts to user-friendly apps for casual users. Most of these applications are free, so feel free to experiment and uninstall any that dont meet your expectations. Embrace the fun of discovering new features and capabilities on your device!