Google launches Datally for Android, a tool to monitor and control mobile data usage

For many people -- particularly in certain parts of the world -- mobile data is an expensive commodity. If you're someone who likes to keep an eye on exactly what's using up all of your allowance -- and take control of it -- Google's new Android app, Datally, can help.

Datally has been designed to not only reveal which apps are using up data, but to provide a way to rein it in. Formerly known as Triangle whilst in beta, the app lets you block background data usage on a per-app basis, and makes it much easier to access data-related settings.

Depending on the version of Android you're using Datally does replicate some of the features that are built into Google's mobile operating system. Even though this is the case, the app makes accessing these options much quicker and easier, meaning they are not the exclusive domain of Android experts.

The app is available for Android 5.0 Lollipop and above, and Google explains that it has been produced with three aims in mind:

• Understand your data. See your usage on a hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis and get personalized recommendations for how you can save more.

• Control your data. Turn on the Data Saver bubble to block background data usage and track real-time data usage while using each of your apps -- it's like a speedometer for your data. You can also block data with one tap if an app's data usage gets out of control.

• Save your data. Sometimes you just need a little more than what you've got on your data plan. Datally will tell you if you're near public Wi-Fi and help you connect. Once you're done, don't forget to rate the network quality to help other users.

Check out the video in which Google introduces the new app:

You can download Datally from Google Play free of charge.