Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • CES
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • more
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • CES
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Six Clicks: Apps to customize your Android smartphone

1 of 6 NEXT PREV
  • Themer

    Themer

    To start down the customization path, Themer is an Android launcher -- a kind of skin for your device which allows you to install custom themes. There are hundreds of free and premium themes to choose from, which allow you to change elements including screen backgrounds, icons and widgets.

    Published: May 30, 2015 -- 09:05 GMT (02:05 PDT)

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

  • Muzei

    Muzei

    If you enjoy your art and want your phone to reflect this in an active way, consider downloading Muzei. The app gives users an array of live wallpaper to choose from, whether you want to see popular works of art or a montage of your own photos.

    Published: May 30, 2015 -- 09:05 GMT (02:05 PDT)

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

  • Light Flow

    Light Flow

    Light Flow goes beyond customizing backgrounds and sounds; instead, the app taps into the potential of your LED lighting -- used for notifications -- and allows you to experiment. The app gives you the option to set different LED variables depending on an event; for example, if you receive a text message one color then another could flash. You can also control other events such as missed calls, email notifications, low battery alerts or when you enter a signal-less zone. The app can also be used to customize vibration patterns for notifications.

    Published: May 30, 2015 -- 09:05 GMT (02:05 PDT)

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

  • Ultimate Custom Widget (UCCW)

    Ultimate Custom Widget (UCCW)

    UCCW is a customization app which focuses on widgets. Without requiring a launcher, the app allows you to add custom clocks, battery meters, weather alerts, text objects and calendar widgets on your homescreen. What makes this app particularly interesting is the inbuilt WYSIWYG editor which lets you customize layouts, fonts and images used in widgets.

    Published: May 30, 2015 -- 09:05 GMT (02:05 PDT)

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

  • Nova Launcher

    Nova Launcher

    Nova Launcher is a launcher I tend to use to customize my phone with skins and themes. Nova's strength is its ease-of-use; while you pay for the app if you're keen on customization it is well worth the money. The launcher allows you to customize themes, colors, backgrounds, app drawers and widgets -- and does not slow down your smartphone to do so. Once downloaded, there are free and premium Nova-compatible themes and icon packs available in the Google Play store.

    Published: May 30, 2015 -- 09:05 GMT (02:05 PDT)

    Photo by: Nova Launcher

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

  • Beautiful Widgets Pro

    Beautiful Widgets Pro

    Finally, despite the sheer size of customized templates, icons and widgets available for Android smartphones, I am yet to find many widget designs which compare to those on offer by Beautiful Widgets Pro. The app, which costs a few dollars, gives you a library of widgets, clocks and weather tabs for devices of various screen size -- and attention has been paid to details in each widget.

    Published: May 30, 2015 -- 09:05 GMT (02:05 PDT)

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

1 of 6 NEXT PREV
Charlie Osborne

By Charlie Osborne for iGeneration | May 30, 2015 -- 09:05 GMT (02:05 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • Themer
  • Muzei
  • Light Flow
  • Ultimate Custom Widget (UCCW)
  • Nova Launcher
  • Beautiful Widgets Pro

Your smartphone doesn't have to just be functional -- there are many apps which can customize your gadget to your satisfaction in a matter of clicks.

Read More Read Less

Themer

To start down the customization path, Themer is an Android launcher -- a kind of skin for your device which allows you to install custom themes. There are hundreds of free and premium themes to choose from, which allow you to change elements including screen backgrounds, icons and widgets.

Published: May 30, 2015 -- 09:05 GMT (02:05 PDT)

Caption by: Charlie Osborne

1 of 6 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Google Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware
Charlie Osborne

By Charlie Osborne for iGeneration | May 30, 2015 -- 09:05 GMT (02:05 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • First look: Galaxy S21 and everything else announced at Samsung Unpacked [in pictures]

    Browse all the products and highlights from Samsung's January 2021 Unpacked event.

  • Winter Zoom backgrounds: New year, new virtual meeting decor

    Choose from beautiful landscapes, snow birds, winter holidays and more.

  • Incipio Grip case for Google Pixel 4a 5G: Enhanced grip and 14 feet drop protection

    While the Pixel 4a 5G is an affordable phone, it is still worth protecting from accidental drops. Incipio has its Grip case available in two colors for this black Pixel phone. ...

  • ZAGG Pixel 4a 5G hands-on: Cases and screen protectors for Google's affordable 5G phone

    There are Gear4 cases and InvisibleShield screen protectors available for the new Google Pixel 4a 5G smartphone. These products offer protection for one of Google's best values. ...

  • BodyGuardz cases for Apple iPhone 12: Unequal drop protection and antimicrobial treatment

    BodyGuardz incorporates its Unequal technology to help protect your phone from drops. The cases do not add much weight or thickness, but provide a nice option for protection for less ...

  • ESR cases for the Apple iPhone 12: Kickstands, protection, and MagSafe support

    Video content is enjoyable on a smartphone, but it helps to have a kickstand case to prop it up. ESG makes some of the best kickstand cases, but also has other case options for the new Apple ...

  • Incipio and Survivor cases: Sleek, stylish protection for the Apple iPhone 12

    The four new Apple iPhone 12 devices are available to purchase and case collections from Incipio and Survivor are now available to protect your new investment. ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums