Portal (Floating Apps) for Android Review
You could find apps that provide Facebook Chat-head type notifications in Google Play. If to cite one example, there is Floating Notifications app. But it requires root access, which might be a turn off. Portal (Floating Apps) app for Android provides the same functionality on non-rooted devices. It is a free app.
Portal (Floating Apps) Features
Portal (Floating Apps) app for Android is a new cutting edge way to easily send updates to Facebook and Twitter. It can also send text messages, and browse the Internet. Portal floats over your existing apps making it much quicker to multi-task. The app not only allows you quicker access to popular apps, but also shows notifications for all your apps once the accessibility service is started. That is, you got to enable the app in the Android accessibility menu from within the stock settings. When you run the app for the first time, it’ll prompt to do so and if you accept it, you’ll be taken to the respective menu. The first time your run it, the app places a notification orb right on your home screen. It remains on top of all other windows including full screen games or media players that you open. You can view the most recent system notifications associated with all types of apps and functions on the orb.
Of course, you can move around the icon anywhere on the screen by simply pressing/holding and dragging it to the desired location on the screen. Double tapping on the icon will dismiss the orb. If you tap on the orb, it’ll move to the top portion of the screen and open several actions. This include, from left to right, sending/browsing text messages, posting a status update to Facebook, posting a Tweet, and browsing the internet. Choosing one of them opens up a small window underneath the bar of notification orbs.
The utility of extra shortcuts is that if you leave the notification orb on the home screen, you’ll always have access to related functions. In other words, even if you’re watching a Youtube video, you can easily side track and post a status update on FB or post a tweet. Another plus with Portal (Floating Apps) is that it uses only little system resources. The app is compatible with Android OS 3.0 and up.
Conclusion
Portal (Floating Apps) adds Chat-head type notifications alongside providing quick access to several apps including text messaging, Facebook, Twitter, and web browser. The notification orb stays on top of other apps that you always have quick access to notifications/shortcuts. The app is also pretty light on system resources. Verdict: Check it out if you want chat-head like functionality without having to root the device.
Category: Free Android Apps
