50 most useful open source mobile tools

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[51CTO Translation] This article lists some of the best open source mobile management solutions, mobile security applications, mobile development tools, and mobile applications for working professionals.

In a relatively short period of time, mobile devices have become ubiquitous in the workplace. A recent survey of employees at enterprises and small businesses found that only 3% of companies prohibit employees from using their personal iPads or iPhones for work purposes, and only 7% prohibit the use of Android devices. In fact, 40% of companies provide iPhones to more than a quarter of their employees, and 25% provide Android-based smartphones.

In response to this trend, the open source community has launched a large number of new projects, including solutions to help enterprises track and manage mobile devices, mobile development tools to build new applications, and open source applications that help improve work efficiency. We have compiled 50 such open source tools that are worth noting this month. Although there are many excellent open source mobile applications for home users, this article focuses on those tools that are very useful in the workplace.

It is important to note that this article is not a ranking list. The apps are divided into several categories, and listed alphabetically under each category.

As always, if you know of another open source tool that should be on the list, please leave a comment.

Mobile Management Solutions

1. Convertigo

Convertigo is a full-featured enterprise-class mobile platform for developing, deploying and managing applications. In addition to the free community edition (with more than 50,000 installations), it also has paid standard and enhanced editions.

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, and OS X. Client software supports iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry.

Related link: http://www.convertigo.com

2. ForgeRock

ForgeRock offers several different access management and identity management tools, including several that support mobile devices, mobile apps, and APIs. Support is provided through a paid subscription service with several tiers.

Supported operating systems: Linux

Related link: http://www.forgerock.com/en-us/

3. OCS Inventory NG

Many IT departments use OCS Inventory NG to track hardware in the field, and now the tool also provides agents for Android and Windows mobile devices. It detects active devices on the network and provides information on device type and installed applications.

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android, and Windows Phone

Related link: http://www.ocsinventory-ng.org/en/

4. OpenMobster

The tool includes both a mobile backend-as-a-service that can be deployed to a private cloud and a mobile enterprise application platform (MEAP). Features include: an enterprise-grade sync platform, push notifications, mobile remote procedure calls (RPCs), and a management console.

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, OS X (supports Android, iOS and Windows mobile devices)

Related link: https://code.google.com/p/openmobster/

5. WSO2 Enterprise Mobility Manager

This comprehensive enterprise-class mobile solution includes: mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management, enterprise application store and mobile data security. Fee-based support and training services are available.

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, and Solaris

Related link: http://wso2.com/products/enterprise-mobility-manager/

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Mobile Security and Privacy

6. APG

APG stands for "Android Privacy Guard", which implements the OpenGPG encryption standard for the Android system. It provides encryption, decryption, signing, and key management functions.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related link: http://www.thialfihar.org/projects/apg/

7. ASEF

Ever wonder if your Android apps are spying on you? The Android Security Evaluation Framework (ASEF) attempts to answer that question by running apps through a test suite to identify malware, adware, and bandwidth hogs.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related Links:

https://community.qualys.com/blogs/securitylabs/2012/07/25/android-security-evaluation-framework--asef

8. The Guardian Project

The Guardian organization offers numerous security and privacy-related apps for Android devices. In addition to Orbot (see below), the project also includes the Orweb private web browser, ChatSecure private secure messaging (formerly Gibberbot), ObscuraCam privacy camera, Pixelknot incognito messaging, and Ostel encrypted calling.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related link: https://guardianproject.info/apps/

9. KeePassDroid, 7Pas (KeePass for Windows Phone) and iKeePass

KeePass is one of the most popular open source password safes on the market. The developers have ported the app to all major mobile operating systems.

Supported operating systems: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone

Related Links:

http://code.google.com/p/keepassdroid/

http://7pass.wordpress.com

http://ikeepass.de

10. LBE Privacy Guard

LBE claims to be the "most powerful privacy protection software for Android." Not only does it give users greater control over what data apps can access, it also blocks malware and unwanted traffic. Be warned: you'll need a jailbroken phone to use it.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related Links:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_142196041168311&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09& libId=9f0bc125-1a38-4c5a-afa1-7eda673349d4&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-sourc e-mobile-tools-1.html&subId=9&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.lbe. security.lite%26hl%3Den&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20-%20Datamation&txt=LBE%20Privacy%20Guard

11. MasterPassword

Instead of storing your passwords in a safe, MasterPassword uses an algorithm based on your name, site, and master password to generate secure passwords on demand. The advantage of this approach is that you don't have to worry about syncing or handing your passwords over to a cloud provider.

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, OS X, iOS, and Android

Related link: http://masterpasswordapp.com

12. Orbot

Orbot allows Android devices to access the Internet through the secure and private Tor network. In order to provide a truly anonymous communication service, it sends encrypted information through several servers, making it impossible to trace the information sent.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: https://guardianproject.info/apps/orbot/

13. Secrets for Android

It encrypts your passwords and other "secrets" in a secure database. There is also a PC version called PCSecrets that allows you to access the data from your computer and easily transfer the data to a new device.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related Links:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_14219607718498&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09& libId=9936b309-aff1-427e-94f6-c8aaf41e2f24&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-sourc e-mobile-tools-1.html&subId=9&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dnet.tawa central.roger.secrets&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20-%20Datamation&txt=Secrets%20for%20Android

14. XPrivacy

XPrivacy, which won Black Duck Software's Rookie of the Year award, lets users restrict the types of data that Android apps can access. If an app asks for permission to access contact or location data in order to run, XPrivacy sends it fake data so the app can run normally while protecting the user's privacy.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related link: https://github.com/M66B/XPrivacy

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Mobile Development Tools

15. Apache Cordova

The Cordova platform provides a set of APIs for developing native applications using web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. More than 600 plug-ins are available to extend its functionality.

Supported operating systems: iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone

Related link: http://cordova.apache.org

16. Appcelerator Titanium

Titanium platform is used by more than 75,000 applications, it includes open source SDK (with more than 5,000 devices and mobile operating system API), Studio Eclipse-based integrated development environment (IDE) and Alloy model/view/controller (MVC) framework. It also provides mobile backend as a service (MBaaS).

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, OS X, iOS, Android, and BlackBerry

Related link: http://www.appcelerator.com/titanium/

17. Bootstrap

Developed by Twitter, Bootstrap claims to be “the internet’s most popular HTML, CSS, and JavaScript framework for building responsive, mobile-first projects.” It’s highly customizable, allowing users to check boxes to specify which components they want included in the download.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: http://getbootstrap.com

18. Edhita

Edhita is an open source text editing tool that makes it easier to write code from an iPad or iPhone. Several related projects add functionality to the text editing tool, including EDHFontSelector, EDHInputAccessoryView, EDHUtility, and EDHFinder.

Supported operating systems: iOS

Related link: http://edhita.bornneet.com

19. Hammer.js

Hammer.js makes it easy to integrate touch and mouse based gesture recognition into your code. By default, it includes recognition functions such as click, double click, press, drag, slide, pinch and rotate.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: http://hammerjs.github.io

20. Ionic

This front-end SDK for developing hybrid applications promises to help developers "build amazing apps". It includes several libraries, gestures, and tools for components such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is specifically optimized to be used in conjunction with AngularJS.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: http://ionicframework.com

21. JQuery Mobile

JQuery Mobile is based on HTML5 and helps developers develop fast and responsive applications that can be accessed from any mobile device. It includes a theme customizer (Theme Roller) that simplifies the process of building and applying custom themes.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: http://jquerymobile.com

22. jQT

With jQT, you can do web development from your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. Features include: Sass-based themes, Zepto support, native WebKit animations, callback events, swipe detection, image preloading, and more.

Supported operating systems: iOS and Android

Related link: http://jqtjs.com

23. Kurogo

Named after the stagehands of Japanese theater, Kurogo is a mobile-optimized middleware that helps develop content-rich websites. Users include Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Brown University, Georgetown University, and many other well-known institutions.

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, and iOS

Related link: http://kurogo.org/home/

24. LoopBack

Loopback describes itself as “a powerful Node.js framework for developing APIs and easily connecting to backend data sources.” Some add-ons add push, file management, third-party login, and geolocation capabilities.

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android, and iOS

Related link: http://loopback.io

25. MoSync SDK and Reload

MoSync offers two different versions of its mobile development tools: SDK allows users to build cross-platform native, web or hybrid applications using C/C++ or HTML5. Reload allows developers to build cross-platform native applications using HTML5/JavaScript.

Supported operating systems: Windows, OS X, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone

Related link: http://www.mosync.com

26. OpenMEAP

OpenMEAP claims to be "the first open source HTML5 mobile application platform that enables businesses and consumers with no programming experience to easily build, manage and deploy mobile applications that are automatically optimized for every device, including desktops, smartphones and tablets." It allows users to quickly develop applications using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript; they can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud.

Supported operating systems: Android, iOS, Windows, and Blackberry

Related links: HTML5/JavaScript

27. Phaser

Phaser is designed specifically for HTML5 game development, and it promises to make developing interesting games fast. Features include: WebGL and Canvas rendering, preloaders, three different physics systems, sprites, groups, animations, camera, touch or mouse input, and more.

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android, and iOS

Related links: sprite

28. PhoneGap

PhoneGap is extremely popular and makes it easy for people to build native mobile apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In addition to the open source version, it also has a paid enterprise version, and the PhoneGap Build service can compile your app in the cloud.

Supported operating systems: Windows, iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone and others

Related link: http://www.phonegap.com

29. Qt

Qt supports both mobile and desktop development. It is a cross-platform application and user interface framework that has been used by more than 800,000 people. It supports C++ and QML, which is a language based on CSS and JavaScript. A paid version is also available.

Supported operating systems: Windows, OS X, and Linux

Related link: http://qt-project.org

30. Rhodes

Rhodes is based on Ruby and is a mobile application rapid development framework that can be used to build native applications that take full advantage of device hardware, such as GPS, camera, barcode reader, Bluetooth and near field communication (NFC). It claims to be the only framework that supports model view controller, synchronizes data, supports all devices, has a hosted build service and "true industrial device capabilities".

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, OS X, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Phone

Related link: http://www.motorolasolutions.com/US-EN/RhoMobile+Suite/Rhodes

31. Sencha Touch

Sencha Touch enables users to build mobile web applications using HTML5, and includes more than 50 built-in components. Paid support and services are available.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: http://www.sencha.com/products/touch/

32. THyM

As part of the Eclipse project, the Hybrid Mobile Project (also known as THyM) allows developers to build hybrid mobile applications using the Eclipse IDE. It supports Adobe Cordova and has been integrated into JBoss Developer Studio and Zend Studio.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: https://www.eclipse.org/thym/

33. Vim

Now you can use common and uncommon code editing tools on your iPhone or iPad. Notable features include: auto-indentation, visual mode, language-aware syntax highlighting, macro recording and playback, multiple clipboards, and more.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: http://applidium.com/en/applications/vim/

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Mobile Database

34. Realm

Realm aims to speed up iOS and Android app development by providing a database designed specifically for mobile devices that it claims can "save you thousands of lines of code and weeks of work."

Supported operating systems: OS X, iOS, and Android

Related link: http://realm.io

Application Testing

35. Akamai Mobitest

This tool is designed to make it easier for users to find out how their network will perform on actual mobile devices. You can download the source code from this link, and Akamai also offers a limited hosting service on its website.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: https://code.google.com/p/mobitest-agent/

36. Appium

Appium is a test automation framework that supports iOS, Android, mobile web, and hybrid applications. Unlike some other testing tools, it does not require special SDKs or recompilation - it actually just tests your production code.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related link: http://appium.io

37. QuincyKit

QuincyKit is the open source technology that supports Microsoft's HockeyApp crash reporting mechanism. It provides real-time crash report management and long-term statistics.

Supported operating systems: OS X and iOS

Related link: https://github.com/bitstadium/QuincyKit

Mobile Utilities

38. Android-VNC-Viewer

This Android VNC client, available through Google Play, can connect to TightVNC, RealVNC, x11vnc, and Apple Remote Desktop. It allows users (or technical support personnel) to remotely control a desktop or laptop from an Android device.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related link: https://code.google.com/p/android-vnc-viewer/

39. Connectbot

Connectbot is a great choice for UNIX administrators. It is a SecureShell (SSH) client that allows users to manage simultaneous SSH sessions, establish secure tunnels, and copy/paste between other applications. If you search for the app on Google Play, you will also find a forked version that updates some of its features.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related link: http://code.google.com/p/connectbot/

40. Floating Stickies

If you use a sticky note utility on your desktop or laptop (or if you use a lot of sticky notes in real life), you might like this sticky note app for Android devices. The notes stay on top of all other apps, but you can dock them to the side and/or shrink the notes to save space. The source code is available via GitHub.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related Links:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_14219649725068&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09&libId=cba6efe8-34b2-4fbc-8 91a-7c73188c0ced&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-3.html&subId=9&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2F play.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dgenius.mohammad.floating.stickies&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F 50-open-source-mobile-tools-2.html&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20%3A%20Page%203%20-%20Datamation&txt=Floating%20Stickies

41. SMS Backup+

This helpful app can help you back up your text messages to your Gmail account. There are several apps on Google Play with similar names, but the authentic version from the GitHub project is available here: http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_142196513719512&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09&libId=cba6efe8-34b2-4fbc-891a-7c73188c0ced&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-3.h tml&subId=9&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.zegoggles.smssync&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.co m%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-2.html&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20%3A%20Page%203%20-%20Datamation&txt=here.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related link: https://github.com/jberkel/sms-backup-plus

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Mobile Applications

42. A Time Tracker

This app helps freelancers, service professionals, and other professionals keep track of when they work and when they stop working. It can help with billing or help improve productivity. It can be installed through F-Droid, which is described below.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related link: https://github.com/netmackan/ATimeTracker

43. CrocodileNote

Take notes on your mobile device, organize them into folders, and encrypt them so that no one can read them without your password. The example below will allow you to download the app, and the source code is available through Goodle Code.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related Links:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_14219655466948&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09&libId=9b65fa15-56df-4f 5a-9748-b2b733ca65b9&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-3.html&subId=9&v=1&out=https% 3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dgroomiac.crocodilenote&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source% 2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-2.html&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20%3A%20Page%203%20-%20Datamation&txt=CrocodileNote

44. Direct Dictaphone

You can leave yourself a short message to view later. To keep the file size small, the app limits each note to 45 seconds or less.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related Links:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_14219656823239&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09&libId=9b65fa15-56df-4f5a-9 748-b2b733ca65b9&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-3.html&subId=9&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2F play.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dfr.herverenault.directdictaphone&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F 50-open-source-mobile-tools-2.html&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20%3A%20Page%203%20-%20Datamation&txt=Direct%20Dictaphone

45. Drupal Editor

Manage Drupal-based websites from your phone or tablet. Note: you need Drupal to use this. Source code is available via GitHub.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related Links:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_142196574979010&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09&libId=9b65fa15-56df-4f 5a-9748-b2b733ca65b9&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-3.html&subId=9&v=1&out=https%3 A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dch.dissem.android.drupal&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2 F50-open-source-mobile-tools-2.html&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20%3A%20Page%203%20-%20Datamation&txt=Drupal%20Editor

46. ​​F-Droid

F-Droid makes it easy for open source enthusiasts to download more than 1,000 free and open source software (FOSS) applications to their Android devices. It includes: games, development tools, utilities, office tools, and even apps for kids.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related link: https://f-droid.org

47. K-9

This alternative email client claims to have search, multi-folder synchronization, tagging, archiving, signatures, PGP, and more. It supports IMAP mail, POP3 mail, and Exchange mail.

Supported operating systems: Android

Related Links:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_142196528272411&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09&libId=9b65fa15-5 6df-4f5a-9748-b2b733ca65b9&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-3.html&subId=9&v=1 &out=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.fsck.k9&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-so urce%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-2.html&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20%3A%20Page%203%20-%20Datamation&txt=K-9

48. Jaspersoft

Jaspersoft, one of the most popular open source business intelligence tools, offers a free mobile app that lets users work with business intelligence data and analytics tools. More information about the full suite of solutions and commercial services is available at Jaspersoft.com.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related Links:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_142196546882412&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09&libId=9b65fa15-56df-4f5a -9748-b2b733ca65b9&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-3.html&subId=9&v=1&out=https%3A%2 F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.jaspersoft.android.jaspermobile&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-s ource%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-2.html&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20%3A%20Page%203%20-%20Datamation&txt=Jaspersoft

49. NoNonsense Notes

Keep track of your to-do lists and leave notes to yourself with this simple yet attractive app. Features include reminders, password support, and syncing with Google Tasks. Source code is available via GitHub.

Supported operating systems: Independent of the operating system

Related Links:

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_142196559077513&key=a8b3db45c5a4f36e59ba21e41d544c09&libId=9b65fa15-56df-4f5a -9748-b2b733ca65b9&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F50-open-source-mobile-tools-3.html&subId=9&v=1&out=https%3A%2 F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.nononsenseapps.notepad&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datamation.com%2Fopen-source%2F5 0-open-source-mobile-tools-2.html&title=50%20Open%20Source%20Mobile%20Tools%20%3A%20Page%203%20-%20Datamation&txt=NoNonsense%20Notes

50. Task Coach

You can keep track of your to-do list with this hierarchical task manager. There are iOS and Android clients that sync with the desktop tool, but beware: the iOS version isn't truly open source, as it requires a small fee to download.

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, OS X, iOS, and Android

Related link: http://taskcoach.org

English original: 50 Open Source Mobile Tools

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