If you’re getting bored with your phone’s lock screen, maybe it’s time to try another. This is Android after all, so you’re not locked in to what came with your device—there are a ton of options to put impressive images, better notification controls, and a steady stream of news and updates right in front of you.

There are more lock screen replacements in the Play Store than you can count, but the following four are among the best. They combine great design and helpful features that go beyond the stock offering from Android and handset makers.

One word of advice: be sure you turn off system lock in your phone’s settings menu. Otherwise you may have to unlock your phone twice, as it will still show the default lock screen after you unlock your custom lockscreen.

Bing it out with Picturesque Lock Screen

OK, you’re probably not dying for one-touch access to Bing on your lockscreen, but there are many other cool features that make the Picturesque Lock Screen a good choice. It’s the latest project from Microsoft’s Garage team, which dabbles with Android apps and various other projects and games.

Microsoft built a great-looking and resourceful home screen with Picturesque.

It puts Bing’s best feature on your lock screen, the gorgeous homepage that displays a different nature or architecture photo every day. If you don’t like the day’s selection, just shake your phone for a new one. Swipe to the right to save the image to your phone or make it your wallpaper.

Along with the good-looking images there is quick access to your favorite apps and a steady diet of new information. You can pin select apps to the screen and launch them directly by touching their icon.

There are also two other screens: one features news and sports updates (courtesy of Bing, of course) and the other gives quick access to Bluetooth, WiFi, and other settings.

Picturesque is the second Android lock screen to roll out of the Microsoft Garage, which also released. While Next has a few more customization options, Picturesque is a better all-around experience.

Get that iOS look with CM Locker

If you’ve ever been envious of the svelte and clean look of the iOS lockscreen, then here’s your chance to get it on your Android phone.

CM Locker brings that super-thin font and translucence, complete with a slide-up quick settings menu—something we think Android should steal from iOS. You can quickly launch the calculator, turn on airplane mode, or turn off WiFi.

Get a calm and peaceful feeling when you glance at the CM Locker screen.

In fact, launching the camera performs just like the iPhone: you swipe up on the camera icon to take a quick photo.

Source: www.greenbot.com