Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android - Part 3

This post is the third installment in the series "Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android". In this post too, I am listing some of the already well-known utility / productivity apps for both smartphone and tablet.

See also:
Other posts in this series:

1. Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android - Part 2
2. Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android

Let's see what we have in store this time.

1. QR Droid

Human beings are very curious species. This is evident from almost all our actions. Think about it, if we see a barcode or now a days a QR code (Quick Response code), we try to understand the information hidden in it, but that's not an easy task. So, we look for apps on Google Play store which can do this task for us. Look no further, QR Droid from DroidLa is one of the best app available on Android to read barcode and QR code along with providing some other useful features.

As you launch the QR Droid it activates the Android device's main camera. Just point the device to the barcode or the QR code and this app will read the code. Once it is able to read it, it will give you feedback (beep and vibrate) about the completion.

QR Droid: Scan the code

After the previous step, it shows the screen where it displays the just read product number and few actions which can be performed with the number like you can web search for details or can use Google shopper or Amazon to get details of the product. QR Droid is quite accurate and fast and gets the required information based on the scanned code quickly.

QR Droid: Product search

You can also create your own QR code using this app for example it can create QR business cards, Web Address, Contact etc.

QR Droid: Create your own code

Here is a small quiz for you, I have also created one QR code based on some information, get QR Droid app on your device and try scanning the below code and let me know what is it through the comments section :).

QR Droid: What's hidden in this code?

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

2. XE currency

Well, if you are into foreign currency trading or an expatriate planning to send some money back home and wondering what the latest exchange rate, which site you head to? The answer is simple, xe.com, which is simply the best currency site. They also have this app 'XE currency' on Google Play store to get the information right on your Android device.

XE currency is a simple app, which is easy to understand and does its work efficiently. Once you launch the app, you can add the currencies you like to monitor. As you select the option 'Edit currency' you can add currencies to monitor and also change the order of the shown currencies.

XE Currency: Adding another currency

Essentially that is what you need to do, and 'XE Currency' will start showing you the conversions. From the settings menu though you can set preferences like update frequency, number of decimals to display, shake to reset etc.

XE Currency: Showing the conversions

It also provides a basic calculator which can be accessed from the right side of the currency on top, so you can do some basic math from the app itself.

XE Currency: Basic calculator for quick math

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

3. Pixlr Express

Now days, Android smartphones are laced with very powerful and high quality cameras which can take stunning pictures. But accept the reality, not all users are good photographers so the pictures may not look that stunning which was expected from the high-end phone. But all is not lost as there are good photo editing apps available on Google Play store and I find Pixlr Express one of the most feature rich app. Coming from Autodesk you can expect this photo editing app to be of a certain quality and it is. I have earlier covered "SketchBook Mobile: Fantastic drawing / painting app with professional touch" from Autodesk.

As you launch Pixlr Express, on the launch screen you have option of choosing an existing photo from the gallery or taking a new photo.

Pixlr Express: Launch screen

Once you have the photo, apps shows you the photo and the options bar at the bottom. Pixlr Express has a rich set of options under 'Adjustment', 'Effect', 'Overlay', 'Border' etc. You will be amazed by this app functionality and its results once you are done editing your photo. 

Pixlr Express: Photo Adjustment options

Pixlr Express: Applying color effects

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

If you like this post or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments section.
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