Tagged under: helpful phone apps, security phone apps, small business phone apps
You may recall our previous small business phone apps post was about communication applications - this time around we are focusing on security. With the high number of hacker breaches making the news lately, make sure you keep your mobile device safe using one of the options below:
AVG Security
Device Availability: Android, Windows, iPhone (AVG PrivacyFix)
Cost: FREE (with premium option)
Download Size: 14.18MB
Rating: 4.4/5
AVG needs no introductions as far as digital security goes - and it's no different for mobile devices. They offer a fantastic option of services at a permium rate, but their FREE version keeps you safe from the most standard threats. Each app (and each app update) is scanned before installation to ensure security regarding privacy, viruses, theft, etc.
AVG even offers device performance diagnostics & optimization which can help in improving functionality of your phone or tablet, or on the other hand, help improve battery life.
McAfee Mobile Security
Device Availability: Android, Windows, iPhone, BlackBerry
Cost: FREE (with premium option)
Download Size: 10.25MB
Rating: 4.3/5
Similar to AVG, McAfee is well know in the PC industry for it's security services. Now that same security has been translated into mobile devices; providing quality malware protection across multiple platforms (more device availability than AVG).
Some people have complained about buggy functionalities with existing phone apps (what isn't nowadays) but overall it seems to work just fine for majority of users. Premium options are available in addition to the free version of the app.
360 Mobile Security
Device Availability: Android, iPhone
Cost: FREE
Download Size: 11.72MB
Rating: 4.6/5
While this app is only available for Android & iPhone devices it is very highly rated by it's users - and it is an app I use on my own device. All of the features which more establish security brands offer at a premium rate are offered for FREE by 360 Mobile Security.
Security scans all files and applications on the phone much like it's more known competitors. The user interface for phone battery improvement and device performance optimization is easy to understand, making it extremely easy to customize features based on your own personal use.
Avira
Device Availability: Android, iPhone
Cost: FREE (with premium option)
Download Size: 9.55MB
Rating: 4.4/5
Quiet similar to AVG and McAfee this app comes free of cost with an option to upgrade to premium via in-app purchases. This one does seem to include slightly more free features than the previous too and provides all of the basics you might need.
If you want extra secure browsing and faster updates - make sure to upgrade to get the full version. For most basic security needs you can rely on the free version.
Winner?
Personally I like the 360 Mobile Security app: full features are free, has great optimization and file maintenance functions. Give each a try and see what works best for you. However, for the other 3 options be prepared to upgrade to a full version if you want the "whole package".
Have any apps not listed here?
Let us know in the comment section & help your fellow small business professionals.
Tagged under: communication phone apps, helpful phone apps, small business phone apps
Similarly to majority of small business owners I too rely on my mobile device for getting things done. Finding the right small business phone apps to help manage finances, increase productivity or simply help stay on top of things is not as easy as it seems. Here is a list of great communication apps that can help you make the most of your mobile device (information & ratings based on Android OS):
Viber
Device Availability: Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Microsoft, Desktop
Cost: FREE
Download Size: 31.68MB
Rating: 4.5/5
My favourite communication of all: it allows to instant messaging (IM), video calls, non-video calls and basically anything else you can think of! Best thing about it? It's FREE. There are no premium versions of updates. The only thing that costs more money would be purchasing stickers (smiley faces) and emoticons that go beyond their basics (they have a VERY LARGE selection of basic emoticons).
I usually use this app to call contacts in Europe and across Canada without any issues. At times there are call-quality issues but in reality that depends on your data or WiFi connection. As soon as I experienced bad quality I would move to a more "signal friendly" location and the call would pick right up.
BBM (Blackberry Messenger)
Device Availability: Android, Blackberry, iPhone
Cost: FREE
Download Size: 23.12MB
Rating: 4.5/5
Alright - BlackBerry (formerly Research in Motion) has taken a lot of flack for not developing their OS over the last couple of years, as their financial performances indicates. However, since the company reshuffled their leadership the mobile device maker is now back in business and one of the first order of businesses was to expand their reach.
BBM is now available for iPhone and Android (use to be exclusive to BlackBerry) and is now developed beyond just IM options: it includes calling, collaboration, group creation and much, much more. It is free of cost and the quality of messaging/talking is great (pending connection of course).
Downfall? On the Android device the BBM icon always shows up in your notification bar (not sure why they have done it this way) and the messages can take sometimes longer to show up as a notification. Once I lock my phone, the message takes a while to come up after a contact sends it while other communication apps are nearly instant.
Still a fantastic communications app for small businesses. Plus a lot of people would appreciate BlackBerry's extra privacy and security options as they have their own encryption and do not allow outside access. This makes sharing of private data and information much safer and easier.
Skype
Device Availability: Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Microsoft, Desktop
Cost: FREE
Download Size: 19.41MB
Rating: 4.5/5
Since Microsoft's takeover of Skype in 2011, the VoIP software has really developed into an all-device solution from its original desktop-only availabiltiy. While we now have to use our Outlook emails or accounts to login; the calls and IM options are still available with great quality.
Outside of Viber, this is the 2nd most used app here at NR Digital Branding and having great quality (no lagging voice or video) with conference calls to Europe we would definitely recommend it.
Skype also offers premium paid telephone and conferencing (more users to attend call, file sharing, etc.) in case you need it, but if you're OK with one to one video conferencing give Skype a shot.
UberConference
Device Availability: iPhone, Android
Cost: FREE
Download Size: 5.32MB
Rating: 4.5/5
UberConference is not too well-known among conference apps but it does a great job of making mobile conferencing simple and easy. App is easy to understand, has the capability to include up to 10 participants, quality of video is high, social media integration and call recording.
The makers also offer premium options at a price, but the basic version has more than enough of capabilities if you're hosting a conference call for 10 or less people. For conference heavy professionals who are constantly on the go this app will provide a great way to stay connected, free of cost!
Did we miss a great app? Let us know which application helps you stay connected on the go.
