Protect your device, find a great deal on goods and services and even know exactly when it's going to rain – all with Agent Cruickshank's selection of the very best Android apps this August.
Lockdown Pro
The Lockdown Team
Free (in-app purchases available)
If you're always letting other people use your phone – whether it's children looking for entertainment or friends who want to check out some of your photos – you'll probably have worried about getting your phone back with its settings changed, or your emails and messages read. Lockdown Pro is a tool for exactly those situations – putting the control of your phone firmly in your hands, regardless of who's currently holding it!
The way Lockdown Pro works is surprisingly simple. After opening the app for the first time, you'll be asked to choose a PIN or pattern lock code, which is used to secure not only the app itself, but any other apps you choose to lock away from prying eyes. After choosing your security method, you'll notice a list of apps and services on your phone that can be restricted, displaying either a PIN code request or a fake error message when the app is launched.
An additional feature of this rather interesting app is the 'Observer' mode, which is aimed at users who leave their gadgets at home or otherwise out of sight. When someone starts using your phone or tablet, you'll receive an email notification letting you know which app they used, what time it was used, and even a photo of the person using it!
If you want to make sure your kids aren't downloading apps or your messages aren't being read, this is certainly an app I would recommend.
Rain Alarm
Michael Diener
Free
There are plenty of weather apps to choose from in the Google Play Store, and all of them have unique features which make them worth checking out – from hyper-accurate weather reports to interactive weather widgets. What matters most over the summer season, however, is knowing when it's about to rain!
With that in mind, Rain Alarm is one weather app that has the British summer at heart. Instead of looking at trivial things like specific temperatures, humidity and sunset times, it focuses entirely on the important stuff: rain.
Opening the app and sharing your location will show you a pressure map of incoming bad weather, animated over a 90-minute period to indicate where it's heading. But that's not the important bit! When a patch of rain is due to reach you, you'll get a notification on your smartphone, giving you a warning to bring your washing inside and cover up your barbecue.
Download the app, share your location and let it notify you when things are about to get wet. What more could you want from a weather app?
Uber
Uber Technologies
Free
One of the more controversial, yet increasingly popular, apps to hit the smartphone market in recent years, Uber is a ride-sharing app set to beat taxi services at their own game.
The entire process is automated through the app, from ordering a ride to paying your fare. Set up a credit/debit card or your PayPal details to create your account, then let your phone's GPS decide where the Uber car should pick you up from.
With a touch of a button, you can get a car to come and pick you up from pretty much anywhere – and once your ride is over, the fare is automatically deducted from your account.
If you're in an area dominated by expensive black cabs or unreliable taxis with a strange understanding of what "just around the corner" means, Uber is like a breath of fresh air. You can monitor your Uber car's location through the app, accurately seeing where it is and when it should arrive – and you can even get a realistic estimate for how much your ride should cost you, letting you plan every detail of your journey in advance.
If you're a regular taxi user looking to cut costs, reduce waiting times or simply have a bit more control over your route, give Uber a try and check if it's available in your area.
Groupon
Groupon, Inc
Free
Groupon is an app for the bargain hunters amongst us, bringing great deals and coupons for goods, services and getaways in your area straight to your smartphone .
There are plenty of offers to browse through in the app, and the selections change frequently. If you spot something you fancy, you might have to be quick to grab it before someone else gets the last one though, as there are limited numbers for each deal!
The one danger with Groupon is that it's very easy to impulse-buy. I visited the app to look for a new laptop bag and ended up with a Starbucks gift card, a pair of shoes and some very cheap memory cards before even finding a suitable carrycase for my laptop!
You'll find all sorts of weird and wonderful stuff to distract you on Groupon, from first aid courses and laser tattoo removals to relaxing getaways and attractive homeware. If you're thinking about making an expensive purchase or simply looking for a gift for someone special, check out the Groupon app and see what's on offer in your area.
That's it for this month's selection of the best Android apps – but for more fun with your smartphone or tablet, check out August's selection of the very best Android games. And for more great articles from our Agents straight to your inbox each month, get your name down below for the Geek Squad newsletter!