Written Android App Review
Everyone’s heard of app killers, but have you tried Watchdog? It’s a comprehensive Android app management system, from developer ZoMut. Instead of killing your apps without knowing exactly how they are functioning, Watchdog offers intelligent app monitoring with CPU limits and more!
Features
I was cautious with my Android app review as I’ve been pretty disappointed with many of the “app monitor” and “app killing” apps for the Android. Too many don’t feel comprehensive enough or really detailed. While Watchdog appears to have a relatively simple layout, don’t be fooled!
Watchdog shows three main areas in it’s central screen: Stats, Alerts, and CPU. The Stats section is where most users will spend their time. It shows the CPU % use due to background Android apps, Memory (free/total), CPU info, time CPU spent off and the last collection. Watchdog also shows you if any app is “misbehaving” under the alerts section. This cool option (sucking too much CPU background memory) and limit it or kill it. Finally, the CPU section shows details on running processes, in a ‘real time CPU’ or ‘freeze’ modes. Together, these options add up to make Watchdog an excellent Android app and system controller.
The ‘blacklist’ option is one of the many places where Watchdog shines. If an app is constantly going haywire, you can assign it to the blacklist and limit it’s max CPU usage. Then, if the app attempts to use more than its allotted memory, the app gets auto killed by Watchdog. Pretty nifty, eh?
Graphical Layout
I was happily surprised with Watchdog’s layout. It’s super easy to navigate (three main tabs, plus some more options upon hitting the menu button) and doesn’t take much to get used to. You’ll need to be at least moderately familiar with your system’s apps and background programs before you start really jumping into Watchdog, but even new users shouldn’t find it too hard. I like how the developers kept Watchdog simple appearing, but didn’t slack on keeping the interface look clean and relatively professional.
Value
There are dozens of app killer and app memory management available for handhelds, including the Android system. I was impressed with the power and ease of use of Watchdog. It’s an interesting approach to the issue of memory management on Android and I believe it works rater well. The cost is a little steep ($3.49), but a free (lite) version is available.
Android Apps Review Details: Watchdog Android app is $3.49. This app requires Android 1.5 and up. You may download Swamp Defense Lite from the Android Market.
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