Android: On most phones, the lock screen is just a step between you and what you want to do that adds a little security, but Start is a lock screen replacement that gives you quick shortcuts to calls, texts, favorite apps, even news and social feeds. You can check them all without unlocking first.


Start is a lot like a cross between previously mentioned Cover and another great lock-screen customization tool, DashClock Widget, which we love. which is now owned by Twitter. Where Cover tries to float relevant apps at the right time, Start lets you customize those apps yourself, and focuses more on the "Starters" and mini-apps you can add to your lock screen that deliver things like the news, your Twitter or Facebook feed, missed calls or texts, and shortcuts to apps so you can open them immediately upon unlocking your phone. The video above is a good walkthrough of the app's features, although you obviously wouldn't want to add everything you see there to your lock screen (otherwise it kind of defeats the purpose of a lock screen being a gateway between a user and your phone's features.)


Beyond customizing apps and adding data to your lock screen, Start also lets you personalize the lock screen with visual themes and styles. The app has been designed to work with your phone's security instead of running against it (the way Cover tended to), so for anything beyond the things you allow, you'll still have to unlock your phone. Similarly, the team behind it says they went to great lengths to make sure it won't drain your battery, too. Start is free, and you can grab it at the link below.

Start (Free) | Google Play