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here is a plethora of apps out there that allow you to customize just about every single thing on your android smartphone without even rooting. That is why we have started the weekly series “Monday Makeover.” Each week we will take one of these customization apps and talk about setting it up, discuss the features of it, and show you how you can make your android device truly one of a kind. Last week we talked about Dashclock Widget. This week we are taking a look at Cover.
What is Cover?
Cover is a lock screen replacement that attempts to learn which apps you use where. It has different settings for when you are at home, at work, in the car, and just out. After using Cover for a few days, it figures out which apps you use most often and displays them on the left of the homescreen for quick and easy access. There is also an app switcher included in Cover that is accessible while your phone is unlocked by swiping down from the top right. The apps available in the app switcher also change based on your location.
Why should I use Cover?
If you are tired of having a normal lock screen and want to change things up, Cover will give you a different look while also adding some functionality. Also, if you find yourself constantly opening the same apps, Cover can help you get to those apps even faster. Many people do not think about their lock screen, but it is something that they look at daily and Cover changes their lockscreen into something useable.
How do I use Cover?
One of the great things about Cover is that is basically sets itself up. After installing, it will give you a little walkthrough of how everything works, and it will ask you for the address of your home and work. You do not have to fill these out, but you will not get app recommendations when you arrive at the places. Other than that and signing in with an email, you are done and will be taken to your new lock screen. As you go through your daily routine, you will find that the apps on the left will change to reflect the apps you use the most. You can also swipe up on Cover to reveal more apps. Holding a certain app and swiping right will open that app immediately, allowing you to get into certain apps quickly. If you want, you can simply leave Cover like this and not mess with anything, but if you are feeling daring, you can follow us into the customization settings of Cover.
At the top right of your lock screen, there is a drop-down menu that lists your different locations (Home, Work, Car, Out), but there are two other options for Wallpapers and Settings. Wallpapers let you change what photos are displayed on your lockscreen. The wallpaper changes depending on where you are and the time of day, and you can have up to five different wallpapers. You can choose between wallpapers that come with Cover, or you can choose your own photo by selecting “Custom.”
“Settings” lets you dive further into Cover and change a few things around. Here, you will find where to enable or disable Cover as your lock screen. You can also edit you home and work addresses as well as some extra features. For Home and Work, you can associate a certain WiFi network with each location so that Cover can do a better job telling when you are at those places. For Car mode, you can change how it is detected plus your ringer preference. For all four modes, you can also change your ringer preference to settings like ringer on, vibrate, silent, etc. “Preferences” brings up a few more options that may be useful. You can choose what side the app switching tray is on or disable it altogether. You can also restrict certain apps from showing up on Cover. Music controls can be configured in this menu, but they require Android 4.4 KitKat. I have a Nexus 6 running 5.1 Lollipop, and do not have the option for music controls, so this may be a bug.
Where do I get Cover?
Cover is available for free in the Google Play Store. It is still in beta so there will be some bugs, but it is definitely an app to look into downloading.Cover is a fantastic app that adds some great functionality to your lock screen. One drawback to Cover is that it disables any sort of lock you have on your device (pattern, PIN, password, etc.) which may be a drawback to some users. However, if you are looking to change up your lock screen and gain some features, you should put Cover at the top of your list. Are you going to use Cover or have used it in the past, tell us what you think about it in the comments. While you are down there, leave some suggestions for apps you would like to see featured on future Monday Makeovers. Have a great week!
Cover Lock Screen (beta) (Playboard) | Cover Lock Screen (beta) (Play Store)
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