If the launcher provided by your manufacturer is lacking in some helpful features, consider the Microsoft Launcher. This launcher adds helpful productivity features from Microsoft and enables additional personalization options.
I’d only recommend replacing your default launcher if you think you’ll find some of the Microsoft Launcher features to be useful. The launcher provided by your phone’s manufacturer will likely perform slightly better than a third-party launcher. This is especially true for OnePlus phones, which have a well-optimized first-party launcher. Experiment as you want - you can always switch back.
Switch out Android’s default Chrome browser for the Microsoft Edge browser to experience improved privacy and ad-blocking capabilities.
The Microsoft Outlook app for Android provides the best email and calendar experience on mobile. Enable contacts sync with the Android system to enable other apps to access your Outlook contacts.
If you’re not embedded in the Google ecosystem, OneDrive is an excellent cloud storage option that enables you to automatically backup your photos and access documents from your PC.
The Office app brings together most tools you’ll need to stay productive on the go. Note that you’ll need an Office 365 subscription to take advantage of many features.
For capturing notes, documents, scans, etc., while on the go, the OneNote app is a must-have.
Signal is the best in secure messaging, and it can also replace your SMS app. However, if you’d like to receive SMS messages on your Windows 10 PC, keep your default SMS app and just use Signal for secure messaging. Signal also offers audio and video calls, and there’s a desktop app for messaging at your PC.
Skype is an easy way to make video calls on the go, and chances are the person you know already has it installed. As a bonus, you can invite people to your video meetings without requiring them to have an account, just like Zoom.
Speaking of Zoom, best get their app installed as well for the occasional video conference.
Spotify lets you listen to just about every song imaginable for a reasonable monthly subscription. I’ve found the automated and curated playlists to be quite enjoyable. Spotify has rather impressive cross device features that let you control your music from just about anywhere on just about any smart device.
Pocket Casts is a full-featured podcast player for Android. Browse suggestions, add your favorites, and automatically download what you desire. You can adjust playback speed and skip silence to save time.
Keeping track of unique passwords for each online service is a hassle, if not an impossibility. Use LastPass to generate, store, and fill your credentials.
Use LastPass Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator for your second factor authentication codes. LastPass Authenticator has helpful backup to your LastPass account.
The Microsoft Authenticator enables faster push-button authentication to your Microsoft Account.
Formerly Wunderlist, Microsoft To-Do is a well-polished to-do app that integrates with your Outlook task list. It also has a Windows 10 counterpart for when you’re at your PC.
Set up Google Pay with your credit card to take advantage of tap-to-pay at most retailers. No more digging out your wallet at the cash register. You’ll probably also need to install your bank’s app to set up the integration.
If you’ve set up a Plex server with your personal media, be sure to get the Plex app on your phone. Sync content for those long flights.
Install the Your Phone companion to get notifications, SMS messages, photos, and phone calls on your linked PC.
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