The Best Free and Open Source Apps in 2024!

Summary

In this video, the host introduces 15 of their favorite free and open-source applications for 2024. The list includes System UI Tuner for system-level customization, James DSP for enhanced audio quality, Positional for GPS and geographic information, and Telegram Themer for custom themes. Other apps featured are Save on Device for organized file saving, Plan and Octe for device management, and Cashew for budget tracking. The list also covers Hail for hiding system apps, Noto for note-taking, Dual Wallpaper for theme-based wallpapers, Smart Spacer for advanced widget functionality, Notification Dictionary for quick word definitions, Audio Share for streaming computer audio, and OB tanium for keeping apps updated. The video concludes by inviting viewers to share their own favorite free and open-source apps.

Takeaways

• 📱 The video showcases 15 favorite free and open source applications for 2024.
• 🔧 System UI Tuner is a powerful app that unlocks system-level modifications, requiring ADB permissions.
• 🎵 James DSP enhances phone audio quality with customizable settings and also requires ADB permissions.
• 📍 Positional is a well-designed app for GPS and geographic information, offering a range of location-related features.
• 🎨 Telegram Themer is an open source tool for creating and applying custom themes in Telegram.
• 💾 Save on Device simplifies file management by allowing users to save files directly to their preferred location.
• 🖥️ Plan app enables phone management through a web browser, offering file access, note syncing, and screen mirroring.
• 🔄 Octe allows syncing and monitoring of information from other Android devices, providing insights like battery levels and app lists.
• 💰 Cashew is an expense and budget tracker with a focus on design and customization, helping users manage their spending.
• 🧊 Hail is an open source app for hiding system apps from the home screen and AppDrawer, enhancing user experience.
• 📓 Noto is a clean and minimal open source note-taking app with formatting, categorization, and reading mode features.
• 🖼️ Dual Wallpaper lets users set different wallpapers based on their phone's system theme and is compatible with Android 14.
• 📊 Smart Spacer enhances Google's glance widget on Google Pixel phones with added functionality like unread counters and Tasker plugins.
• 📚 Notification Dictionary provides instant word definitions through a notification, aiding in reading comprehension.
• 🎶 Audio Share is a simple app for streaming audio from a computer to a phone, offering flexibility for listening on the go.
• 🔄 OB tanium is a tool for keeping apps updated, especially those not available or outdated on the Google Play store.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the System UI Tuner application mentioned in the video?

System UI Tuner is a free and open source application that unlocks various system-level modifications for your phone, such as hiding icons in the status bar, customizing UI sounds, setting custom device lock timeout durations, and disabling specific radios in airplane mode.

How does James DSP improve audio quality on a phone?

James DSP is an application that enhances audio quality by allowing users to adjust a variety of settings. With the right configurations, it can significantly improve the sound output from phone speakers to match individual preferences.

What kind of information can be obtained from the Positional app?

Positional is a GPS and Geographical information application that provides detailed information about any location, including latitude and longitude coordinates, compass directions, and the ability to set waypoints for trails.

What is the main function of the Telegram Themer app?

Telegram Themer is an open source app that allows users to create and apply unique themes to the Telegram app, customizing its appearance with a wide range of settings and options.

How does the Save on Device app help with file management on a phone?

Save on Device is an app that enables users to manually save files to their device from any app or service. It provides an option in the system share sheet to choose the exact location where files are saved, helping to keep the downloads folder organized.

What are the features of the Plan app for managing phone files through a web browser?

Plan app allows users to manage their phone through a web browser, enabling them to view, open, and save phone storage files to a computer. It also includes options for writing notes that sync across devices and mirroring the phone screen.

What is the main purpose of the Octe app, and how does it work?

Octe is an app that lets users sync and view information about other Android devices. After setting up the app on the desired device, users can monitor details such as battery levels, operating temperatures, network connection information, and app lists from any phone with the app installed.

What features does the Cashew app offer for expense and budget tracking?

Cashew is an expense and budget tracker app that includes features to help users manage their spending securely. It offers customization options, attractive design, and animations throughout the interface.

How does the Hail app allow users to hide system apps on their phone?

Hail is an open source app that lets users hide system apps by granting the app permission. Users can select apps to hide, and they will be removed from the home screen and App Drawer. To restore them, users simply go back into Hail and tap on the app they want to restore.

What is the Noto app, and what are its main features?

Noto is an open source note-taking app that offers a clean and minimal interface. It allows users to format notes, sort them into categories, use a reading mode, set reminders, and add folders of notes to a vault that can be secured with a passcode or biometrics.

What functionality does the Dual Wallpaper app provide?

Dual Wallpaper is an app that lets users set different wallpapers based on their phone's system theme. It also works seamlessly with Android 14, making it a go-to app for customizing wallpapers.

How does the Smart Spacer app enhance the functionality of Google's out of glance widget on Google Pixel phones?

Smart Spacer takes Google's out of glance widget and adds more functionality, such as unread counters, digital well-being stats, and Tasker plugins. It does not require root access and only needs permissions to be granted via ADB.

What is the Notification Dictionary app, and how does it assist users in understanding words?

Notification Dictionary is an app that allows users to quickly look up the meaning of words while reading text. Users can select a word, tap the three-dot icon, and then tap 'meaning' to receive a temporary notification with the word's definition.

What is the Audio Share app, and how does it facilitate sharing audio from a computer to a phone?

Audio Share is a simple app that enables users to stream audio from a computer to their phone. Users need to install Audio Share on both their phone and computer and follow the setup steps to start streaming audio from the computer to the phone speaker.

What is the purpose of the OB tanium app, and how does it help with updating other apps?

OB tanium is an app that helps users keep their apps updated. Users can copy the URL of an app from a source like GitHub, open OB tanium, paste the URL, and add the app to a list where they can track updates manually or receive notifications for updates.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Top 15 Free and Open Source Apps for 2024

The video script introduces a list of 15 favorite free and open source applications for the year 2024. The apps are designed to enhance various aspects of smartphone functionality, including system UI customization, audio quality improvement, GPS and geographical information, and more. The list starts with 'System UI Tuner', which requires ADB permissions to unlock system-level modifications. 'James DSP' is highlighted for its ability to enhance audio quality, followed by 'Positional', a GPS app with comprehensive location features. 'Telegram Themer' allows for custom app themes, and 'Save on Device' simplifies file organization. The 'Plan app' and 'Octe' are introduced for phone management and syncing across devices, respectively. The list continues with 'Cashew', a budget tracker, and 'Hail', which enables hiding system apps. 'Noto' is a note-taking app, and 'Dual Wallpaper' allows for theme-based wallpapers. The script also mentions 'Smart Spacer' for Google Pixel users, 'Notification Dictionary' for quick word meanings, 'Audio Share' for streaming computer audio to phones, and 'OB tanium' for keeping apps updated. The video concludes by inviting viewers to share their own favorite free and open source apps.

05:01

🎶 Audio and Utility Apps for Enhanced Smartphone Experience

The second paragraph of the script delves into more specialized apps that focus on audio sharing and utility features. 'Audio Share' is a simple app that facilitates the streaming of audio from a computer to a phone, which is particularly useful for enjoying podcasts or videos while moving around. 'OB tanium' is introduced as a solution for keeping apps updated, especially those not available or outdated on the Google Play Store. It allows users to add apps via their GitHub URLs and manage updates manually or receive notifications for new releases. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of these apps in maintaining an up-to-date and enhanced smartphone experience, and it concludes the list of 15 recommended free and open source apps for 2024.

Keywords

💡Free and Open Source Apps

Free and open source apps refer to software applications that are available at no cost and whose source code is accessible to the public, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute the software. In the context of the video, the creator is showcasing a list of their favorite apps from this category for the year 2024, emphasizing the freedom and flexibility these apps offer to users.

💡System UI Tuner

System UI Tuner is a specific application mentioned in the video that provides system-level modifications for Android devices. It allows users to customize various aspects of their phone's user interface, such as hiding icons in the status bar, disabling system sounds, and setting custom lock timeout durations. The app exemplifies the theme of the video by demonstrating the power and flexibility of open source applications in enhancing user experience.

💡ADB Permissions

ADB, or Android Debug Bridge, permissions are a set of privileges that allow users to perform various development tasks on their Android devices, such as installing and debugging apps. In the video, it is mentioned that certain apps like System UI Tuner and James DSP require ADB permissions to function, highlighting the level of control and customization that open source apps can offer.

💡James DSP

James DSP is an application featured in the video that enhances the audio quality of a phone. It provides a range of settings that users can adjust to improve their audio experience. The mention of James DSP in the script underscores the video's focus on apps that can significantly enhance the functionality and user experience of devices through open source software.

💡Positional

Positional is described as a beautifully designed GPS and geographic information application. It offers detailed location information, compass functionality, and the ability to set waypoints for trails. The app's inclusion in the video emphasizes the practical utility and aesthetic appeal of open source apps in providing valuable tools for users.

💡Telegram Themer

Telegram Themer is an open source app designed for customizing the appearance of the Telegram messaging app. Users can create unique themes and apply them to personalize their interface. The script highlights this app as an example of how open source software can enable users to express their individuality and creativity through technology.

💡Save on Device

Save on Device is a simple app that allows users to save files from various sources directly to their device, offering a choice of storage location. This app is highlighted in the video as a solution to the common issue of disorganized downloads folders, demonstrating the practical benefits of open source apps in managing digital files.

💡Plan App

Plan App is a tool that enables users to manage their phone through a web browser. It allows for viewing and transferring phone storage files, writing synced notes, and mirroring the phone screen. The video presents this app as an example of how open source software can provide secure and convenient remote management of devices.

💡OCTE

OCTE, as mentioned in the script, is an app that syncs and displays information about other Android devices. It enables users to monitor details such as battery levels, operating temperatures, and network connections from any device with the app installed. OCTE exemplifies the video's theme by showcasing the interconnected capabilities that open source apps can offer.

💡Cashew

Cashew is an expense and budget tracker application featured in the video. It includes comprehensive features for managing finances and is noted for its secure and customizable design. The app's inclusion underscores the video's focus on open source apps that not only provide essential functionalities but also prioritize user experience through attractive and intuitive interfaces.

💡Hail

Hail is an open source app that allows users to hide system apps from their phone's interface. By granting the app permission, users can select and freeze apps, effectively hiding them from the home screen and App Drawer. The video uses Hail as an example of how open source apps can provide users with greater control over their device's appearance and functionality.

💡Noto

Noto is a note-taking app highlighted in the video for its open source nature. It offers a clean, minimal interface and allows for extensive formatting and organization of notes. The mention of Noto in the script emphasizes the video's theme by showcasing an open source alternative for a common productivity tool.

💡Dual Wallpaper

Dual Wallpaper is an app that lets users set different wallpapers based on their phone's system theme. It is noted for its compatibility with Android 14 and is the creator's go-to app for this purpose. The app's feature in the video illustrates the theme by demonstrating how open source apps can offer innovative solutions for personalizing devices.

💡Smart Spacer

Smart Spacer is an app designed for Google Pixel phones that enhances the functionality of the glance widget. It adds features like unread counters, digital well-being stats, and Tasker plugins without requiring root access. The video highlights this app as an example of how open source software can significantly augment the capabilities of existing device features.

💡Notification Dictionary

Notification Dictionary is an application that provides instant definitions of words selected in text. It is mentioned in the video as a handy tool for quickly accessing word meanings through a temporary notification. This app exemplifies the video's theme by showing how open source apps can offer practical and convenient solutions for everyday tasks.

💡Audio Share

Audio Share is a simple app that allows users to stream audio from their computer to their phone. It is highlighted in the video for its convenience in scenarios where users want to listen to audio while moving around their house. The app's inclusion demonstrates the video's focus on open source apps that enhance the flexibility and enjoyment of digital media consumption.

💡OB Tanium

OB Tanium is an app mentioned in the video for managing and updating other apps, especially those that may be outdated or not available on the Google Play Store. It allows users to add apps via a URL and track updates, either manually or through notifications. OB Tanium is presented as a solution for keeping open source apps current and functional, aligning with the video's theme of promoting the benefits and practicality of open source software.

Highlights

System UI Tuner is a free and open source app that unlocks various system level modifications for your phone.

James DSP is an application that can significantly enhance audio quality with customizable settings.

Positional is a GPS and geographic information app with detailed location data and a user-friendly design.

Telegram Themer allows customization of Telegram app themes with a variety of settings.

Save on Device app simplifies file saving by allowing users to choose the destination for each file.

Plan app enables phone management through a web browser, including file access and screen mirroring.

Octe app syncs and views information about other Android devices, including battery levels and app lists.

Cashew is an expense and budget tracker with comprehensive features and a visually appealing design.

Hail app lets you hide system apps from your phone's home screen and App Drawer.

Noto is a clean and minimal open source note-taking app with formatting and organization options.

Dual Wallpaper app allows setting different wallpapers based on the phone's system theme and works well with Android 14.

Smart Spacer enhances Google's glance widget on Google Pixel phones with additional functionality.

Notification Dictionary provides instant word definitions through a temporary notification.

Audio Share is a simple app for streaming audio from a computer to a phone.

OB tanium helps keep apps updated by adding them via a URL and tracking updates.

The video showcases 15 of the best free and open-source applications available in 2024.

Transcripts

[Music]

it's been over a year since I last made

a video showcasing my favorite free and

open source apps so naturally I thought

it was about time to make a new one so

with that being said here are 15 of my

favorite free and open source

applications for

2024 all right kicking off the list

today we have system UI tuner and this

is an incredible free and open source

application that unlocks a bunch of

system level mods for your phone so for

example you can use the app to hide

pretty much any icon in your phone

status bar you can also use it to

disable the system safe audio warning or

to customize various UI system sounds

you can even set custom device lock

timeout durations or change which radios

should be disabled when toggling your

system airplane mode plus there's a huge

amount of tweaks on top of those as well

just keep in mind that the app does need

ADB permissions to be granted for it to

work but it's incredibly powerful

regardless then we have James DSP which

is a Nifty application that can

seriously improve the audio quality from

your phone there are a stack of settings

to play around with and it can be a bit

complex to get your head around what

some of them do but with the right

settings applied you can essentially

make any phone speakers sound exactly

how you want them to the app does also

require ADB permissions to be granted so

keep that in mind but it's worth

checking out if you're looking for that

slight bump in audio quality for your

phone following that we have a

beautifully designed GPS and Geographic

graphical information application called

positional so if you're in any scenario

where you need to find out detailed

information about your current location

or really any location then this is the

app for you whether you want the

latitude and longitude coordinates of a

location or you need a compass or you

want to set way points for a trail that

you're embarking on seriously anything

related to location information it's

probably available within this app and

then as mentioned it's also got a

seriously brilliant design to go with

and whil there is a paid version of the

app that you can get pretty much all of

the core features are available with the

free version so I still think it's well

and truly worthy of a spot on this

list okay if you're a big user of

telegram which by the way is also open

source itself and you kind of try your

hand at creating some unique themes to

make the app look your own then you

should definitely try out the also open

source app telegram themer there's a

whole selection of settings and

customizations that you can make but

once done you tap on create then share

the theme to a conversation in telegram

then you can just tap on that theme hit

apply and there you go then we have a

super simple app called save on device

with the app installed anytime you then

share anything from anywhere on your

phone you'll get this new option in your

system share sheet to manually save that

file to your device this means you don't

have to worry about your downloads

folder becoming a complete mess of

unorganized files now you can choose

where to save each and every file

exactly which is amazing

after that is Plan app which is a really

handy tool that lets you manage your

phone through a web browser with

everything set up you'll then be able to

use a web browser to view all of your

phone storage files which you can then

open and save to your computer as needed

there's this option to write notes which

are obviously syncs between the

different devices and there's even an

option to mirror your phone screen it's

also secure and completely ad free and

another app in a similar vein is this

one called octe but instead of managing

and viewing your phone's files through a

web browser

oi actually lets you sync and view

information about other Android devices

you just go through the setup process on

whichever device you want synced and

once complete you can then monitor

information about each device from any

phone with the app installed and set up

so this includes battery levels

operating temperatures network

connection information even entire app

lists so it's definitely really

powerful all right halfway down the list

we have a beautifully designed expense

and and budget tracker application

called cashew this app packs in just

about all the features you'd want in a

budget Tracker app all of which will

help you to stay on top of your spending

in a secure way plus it's also packed

the brim with customizations as well but

then as mentioned the design and the

animations throughout the entire

interface are seriously gorgeous to look

at highly recommend after that is hail

another open source app that actually

lets you hir system apps from your phone

all you need to do is Grant the app

permission using whichever method you

like from there you just select any apps

on this list including system apps if

you enable them then back on this

homepage you just tap the freeze icon

and there you go those applications will

be completely hidden from your phone's

home screen and AppDrawer to restore

them you just come back into hail and

tap on whichever app you want to restore

and there you go following that is Noto

and I know a lot of people are always on

the lookout for new notet taking app

recommendations but for those looking

specifically for an open source VAR

varant then this one is worth looking

into it's a very clean and minimal note

taking app and you can format notes as

much as you like you can also sort them

into different categories to keep things

organized plus there's also a reading

mode you can set reminders for notes and

you can even add folders of notes to

this vault which will lock them behind a

passcode or Biometrics dual wallpaper is

one of my favorite apps on this list and

as the name indicates it basically lets

you set different wallpapers depending

on your phone's system theme it also has

some extra bits of functionality to go

with but the key selling point is that

it works flawlessly with Android 14

which is why it's now become my go-to

app for this purpose then there's smart

spacer and if you're using a Google

pixel phone well then this is an app

you'll definitely want to try out it

essentially takes Google's out of glance

widget and makes it way way more

functional from adding unread counters

to digital wellbe stats to even Tasker

plugins this app is seriously powerful

and what's amazing is that it does not

require root access only permissions to

be granted via ADB then we have a much

simpler yet still impressively useful

application called notification

dictionary once the app is installed

anytime you're reading some sort of text

and you see a word that you want to know

the meaning of you just select it tap

the little three dot icon here then tap

on meaning you'll then instantly get a

temporary notification with the

definition of that word which is really

handy all right second class today is

audio share another Simple app that

allows you to share any audio from a

computer to your phone you simply

install audio share on both your phone

and on your computer and follow the

steps to set it up and from there on out

anything you play on your computer will

get streamed through your phone speaker

this is super handy if you're playing a

video podcast on your computer for

example but you then want the

flexibility to move around your house as

you keep listening to it so it's

absolutely worth trying out and so

finally today today we have OB tanium

and given that many of the apps featured

on today's list are out of date on the

Google Play store or potentially not

even available on the Play Store Al

together OB tanium is a super simple way

to keep them all updated all you need to

do is copy the URL of where an app is

located from so let's say this GitHub

URL then open obum tap on add app then

paste the URL here and tap on ADD and

just like that it'll be added to this

list where you can track its updates

manually or even be notified whenever an

update is released but that's it 15 of

the very best free and open-source

applications available in 2024 if you

yourself have any other recommendations

for free and open source apps that you

love using definitely let everyone know

down in the comments below but aside

from that hopefully you enjoyed the

video thank you all very much for

watching and I will catch you

[Music]

later

St