13 Must Have Apps - The Essential Android App list!
Posted on 3/17/2010 by A.A.I
Ever run into someone else with the same phone? Of course you have. What's one of the first things that you start talking about? The apps! Lets face it android is cool and all and as a geek I could go on and on about why I pick android over other mobile systems but take away the apps and android wouldn't be the platform it is today.
The following list of apps is what I consider to be a group of apps that everyone should have on their device or at least checkout. I'd like to point out that I'm looking at this from the point of new android users and introducing them to some cool and useful apps. But I think this list holds up for newbie android users and veterans alike. There will be some apps that have alternatives that others may think are better or more useful. If so, leave us a comment or hit us on twitter. Http://twitter.com/androidinspect Don't forget to join us on facebook as well.
*I've included Qrcodes that can be scanned to download the apps as well as links that can be used from the device to send you to the app within the market.
Shazam - "Shazam can identify music anywhere: from the TV, radio, or in a bar." I use this in my car a lot. My radio can ID songs itself but I like to Shazam them so i can remember to grab them online later. And it's so useful to grab that catchy song that's playing in a Tv show or movie.
You can find out more about Shazam and how it works at http://www.shazam.com/
Twidroid Pro - "Twidroid PRO is the leading full-featured Twitter client for Android. The PRO version features extended functionality like multi-accounts, video posting or themes." - I mentioned Twidroid back in our review of Tweetcaster. It's still my fave twitter app. Fully functional and I can work with multiple accounts. Can't go wrong. There is a free version as well. More info at http://twidroid.com
Pandora Radio - "Start with the name of one of your favorite artists, songs or classical composers and Pandora will create a "station" that plays their music and more music like it." Having your favorite Mp3s loaded on your device is great and being able to grab new ones from the amazon store or other apps on the go is useful. The ability to discover a new favorite is even better. Checkout Pandora.com for their internet radio site.
MyBackup Pro - "Backup (schedule option) to our online secure servers, or SD card, your Applications, Contacts, Call log, Bookmarks, SMS\MMS, Calendar, Settings, Home Shortcuts, Alarms, Dictionary, Music Playlists, and more. Restore on existing\new phone." - This app can be a life saver. The best thing is it integrates with other apps. I have a note app, with plenty of info i'd like to hang onto and it backsup the info within that as well. There is a free version available. http://Reware.com
ShopSavvy - "The original barcode scanner on Android. Aim the camera at any barcode, wait for the beep and ShopSavvy will provide you with a list of online and local prices." - This is the first scanner app I tried out on Android and it manages to stay my go to app for shopping assistance. Checkout our post about Google Shopper and it's competition to see how ShopSavvy stacked up.
Astro File Manager - "The ASTRO File Manager helps you get the most out of your Android smart phone. ASTRO helps your phone reach its full potential by giving you the tools to manage your phone." - For some maybe you have no use for a file manager. But when you can store everything from music and photos to apps and APKs on your SDcard. A file manager is a very useful tool. http://www.metago.net/astro/fm/
PdaNet - PdaNet allows your computer to go online through the Android phone's data connection. Supports USB Tether and Bluetooth DUN. No root access needed. Works on ALL Android phones. Mac&PC." - This app is very useful. If you travel with your laptop or netbook you can tether to your android device. Using your phones data plan to surf the internet on your laptop.
Babbler - "Babbler is the first full-featured native Android application on Facebook Platform.
See/post on walls, comment on posts, share photos and videos straight from your phone" - I've been using this for a long while now. It's been around a lot longer then the official facebook app. That being said i prefer Babbler over the stock app, which isn't much better than the mobile site. Make sure to check out this app to stay connected with facebook. There is a free version as well. http://www.babblerforandroid.com/
Handcent SMS - "Handcent SMS is a free sms tools for android,unleash the full power of your phone: Full support SMS & MMS, great customize options ,different style and power function (search sms, sms popup, speak sms & T9)" - This little app is one I use to improve upon the stock sms app, which is a little a little bland. You can add your own image to the background of every text message and speak your text to be sent. http://www.handcent.com
Beautiful Widgets - "This is a set of beautiful widgets, containing two skinned clock + weather with access to forecast and beautiful weather animations (rain, storm, clouds, etc). Also come with a few nice toggle widgets for Wifi, Bluetooth, etc." - If you are unaware of this particular widget or don't have the Sense UI already, you will thank me. This attractive little widget has a ...beautiful display. Clicking the weather display pops up a animated forecast window. You can also access the alarm clock and calendar from the widget as well. http://levelupstudio.com/widgets/weather
Google Voice - "Google Voice for Android lets you place calls and send SMS showing your Google number. Listen to voicemail and/or read transcripts from the Google Voice inbox." - I get so much use out of this app. I use my Google Voice account for all my business related stuff. The best part is when I need to I can have my GV number automatically forward to any phone or phones. Auto transcription of voice mails and he ability to check my inbox from any computer.
Qik - "Qik lets you record and share videos with your friends, family and the world!" - This is an app to keep handy. I use it a lot. Qik not only records video but lets you stream live to the internet from your phone. Friends can watch and even chat live with you while you stream. Better than posting pics from that concert you went to is streaming the event live to friends.
Swype - "Swype provides a faster and easier way to input text on any screen. With one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard, the patented technology enables users to input words faster and easier..." - This one is still in beta and thus not released for all devices yet. So be sure to remember the name and keep an eye out. Check out our review of Swype. For more info and/or to enter the beta. http://www.swypeinc.com/index.html
*Other suggested apps.*
Weatherchannel
Phonemypc - Our review Here
Streamfurious
RingDroid
Evernote
Movies (formely movies by flixster)
Tv.com this one was almost in the must have section. Watch full tv shows from the CBS network.
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I would argue that Soundhound is far superior to Shazzam
ReplyDeleteThanks for so many nice sharing. I love these app, and you are so careful that add QR Code for each app, thanks.
ReplyDelete