Woah there! The year is zipping by, but before we launch full-force into next month, there’s just about enough time for a quick roundup of the best updates and launches in April.
From notable updates from big names like Google, to the world of bots and ultrasound-like file beaming.
And if you disagree, you can leave your favorites in the comments, or check out last month’s roundup.
Google Photos
Google released a few updates for Photos this month, including some that are only available on Android for now but are scheduled to come to iPhone later.
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One that did land on both platforms, however, is the ability to search by emoji, though releasing it on April Fools’ Day was perhaps not the best choice.
Android users also got the ability to manually save photos rather than relying on the auto-backup, and it’s easier than ever to organize (and retrieve) them, as hashtags are now supported too.
Better search, hashtags, manual backups; all in all, a worthwhile update for Photos this month.
ShakeSpeak
SwiftKey rolled out a keyboard update this month that puts the words of the Bard at your fingertips.
That’s right, if you’ve always wanted to doth your cap and take on a little of the Shakespeare’s way with words, ShakeSpeak gives you that chance.
The app is essentially the basic SwiftKey keyboard, except that you get a tweaked suggestion algorithm and a yellowed parchment paper background for your messages.
I’m sure whoever you’re messaging won’t get bored with that quickly.
Kik bots
Kick bots are like mini apps that run inside of other apps. In this case, Kik beat Messenger to the punch by launching its bot store in April.
There are a whole bunch to check out, but among some of the more interesting ones is Record Bird, which can keep you up to date on the latest in music releases.
Just search for the bot Record Bird on Kik and start chatting.
➤ Kik
DJI+ Discover
While the flying of drones can be a solo pursuit, it’s probably a whole lot more sociable to meet up with a few like-minded individuals.
If that’s you, then it’s now a whole lot easier with DJI’s new Discover app for Android and iOS.
As well as making it easier to meet up with other drone pilots, it can also suggest new flying spots for you.
Because, y’know, flying them near airports is just dumb.
Or if you don’t have a drone at all, it’s a good way to find out about regular meetups near you.
Radon
Sending links or other content from one device to another isn’t the challenge it once was, as there are a whole load of apps and services that will let you do just that. Radon, however, uses near-ultrasonic sound, WiFi and Bluetooth to instantly zap across a link to some text to friends.
It’s quicker than messaging the information to people individually, but don’t try and send photos or videos – it’s strictly for small amounts of data, so those are a no-go.
To receive the Radon message, other users don’t even need to connect or pair with other devices – you just need to be in the same vicinity and both have the app installed.
➤ Radon
Inbox by Google
Google announced a slew of worthwhile updates for Inbox users in April for both Android and iOS.
Most notably, it now lets you keep track of events and any related emails a whole lot easier, saving you time. You can also now preview newsletters directly in your inbox.
However, the best bit is the way the app now lets you use a ‘Save to Inbox’ feature, rather than making you email yourself those links, images and other bits.
Google Calendar on Android also got a handy new feature this month that helps you find a time that works for everyone for meetings.
Giphy
This one won’t need a whole lot of explaining, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t millions of people out there happy about its arrival; there’s now a proper Giphy app for Android.
iPhone users got an app back in October, and Giphy for Messenger has been around for over a year but it’s now escaped those walled gardens.
Go unleash endless ‘joy’ via text, email or any other messaging service you use now.
➤ Giphy
Want more?
If the best apps from the last month aren’t enough for you, why not check out 11 of the best iPhone and iPad apps from March?
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