George's Must-Have Android Apps of 2010

These days, more and more people have access to data plans and internet on the go. Smartphones are replacing "dumbphones" and children as young as 4 years old are playing with Androids and iPhones. Even more, iPhones are becoming "introductory phones" to many young children. As if having the ability to call isn't enough for a 9 year old. Right? So, now that you all realize that we're all so technologically spoiled, I've compiled a list of "must-have" Android apps since I've adopted the Nexus One as my daily use mobile phone. First off let me say, Android task killers are useless since Android is a smart OS and kills and launches apps to maximize efficiency and use.

Twitter Client - 

First Prize: TweetDeck (Beta 5 Free), Runner Up: HootSuite

TweetDeck is by far the best Android Twitter Client out there. You have to download it outside of the Marketplace at it's link here. It is the fastest, most enhanced experience. You can add multiple accounts (including FB, Foursquare, Myspace, Twitter - multiple accounts). As a plus, it also acts as a replacement Facebook notifications application - since we all know Facebook notifications for Android are non-existent.

 

Music App - 

First Prize: Pandora (Free), Runner Up: Slacker Radio (Free)

Pandora is such a seamlessly easy-to-use music player. It registers with your online account and syncs your radio stations. I would recommend this to anyone, but keep in mind that it drains battery because of heavy network usage.

 

Task Manager - 

First Prize: Remember the Milk ($3/mo.), Runner Up: Astrid (Free)

Rumor has it that Remember the Milk's Android app will follow in suit with the iPhone app and be listed as a free app. That would be great, since you can control all your reminders, tasks, and schedulers from your computer in a simple and intuitive UI.

 

Location Directory -

First Prize: Yelp (Free), Runner Up: Google Places (Free)

Because Yelp has reviews and the ability to save your preferences and check out an abundance of details about locations, it beats Google Places...but, Google Places is a very simple and quick app to search local (based on GPS) restaurants, stores, etc.

 

Video -

First Prize: Qik (Free)

Qik is hands down the best video app, which allows you to do live streaming video and save the video recorded on your Android device straight to your Qik online account.

 

Games (Free) -

Paper Toss, Abduction, Unblock Me

Pretty simple games that are free. In the case for Doodle Jump, too bad it costs more than $3, but Abduction is an acceptable replacement.

 

Notepad -

First Prize: Springpad (Free), Runner Up: Evernote (Free)

I love Springpad over Evernote, just because you can see ALL your notes on the Android app, which I'm not sure why Evernote doesn't offer that features. Both apps allow you to create notes and sync with the accounts for access from your computer.

 

Location Based Service - 

First Prize: Foursquare (Free), Runner Up: Gowalla (Free)

Love Foursquare in its simplicity. Gowalla just has so many features with all the dropping and picking up of items that people new to LBS might not know how to catch on. Of course, I love the "Passport" features and ways that you can plan a trip for people on Gowalla, but the simple idea of LBS game theory makes Foursquare good enough for me. Let's go Mayorships!

 

Multiple Protocol IM Client -

First Prize: eBuddy (Free), Runner Up: Fring (Free)

It's too bad Fring doesn't allow the "Facetime" feature on any Android phones but the EVO 4G. It does have a good multiple protocol chat client, but it's not as organized as eBuddy is (by the way it is divided by chat categories).

 

Caller - 

First Prize: Google Voice (Free)

Awesome. Period. Use it. Google Voice allows you to call any number from within the US for free. Text is free too. Why not? You can also get your own phone number. You can choose when and when not to use it.

 

RSS Reader - 

First Prize: NewsRob (Free), Runner Up: gReader (Free)

NewsRob does two way syncing between Google Reader and your Android device. It's a sweet device, but I would like to have the little favicons included so I know the source of the news without having to read the caption. gReader does a good job of this, but it crashes way too often when it loads all the news. Both are feature packed and FREE.

 

Voice Recorder - 

First Prize: Voice Recorder (Free)

There is only one that you need, Voice Recorder. It allows you to automatically turn your recording into a ringtone from the app.

 

Weather -

First Prize: Weatherbug (Free), Runner Up: The Weather Channel (Free)

It's an extremely simple app that gives you notifications in your notification bar (temperature), and also gives you severe weather warning. It looks the best and the notifications aren't too blinding.

 

Movies -

First Prize: Movies (Flixster with Rotten Tomatoes) (Free), Runner Up: IMDB (Free)

These two apps doesn't really belong in the same category, but Movies is a great app that gives you movie show times based on location, movie, time, etc. It also allows you to check a database of DVDs.

 

Finance -

First Prize: Mint (Free), Runner Up: Google Finance (Free)

Even those these apps do different things, Mint needs to be first because it dominates. It gives you all the features of Mint from your computer. It's a nice app, kinda slow, but manages all your accounts. Google Finance has the ability to sync with your Google Finance portfolios, which has cool functionality - and it's fast too. iStock Manager is also good for managing your TD Ameritrade account (if you have one).

 

File Manager -

First Prize: Dropbox (Free), Runner Up: Astro File Manager (Free)

Dropbox allows you to manage remote files and files from synced devices/computers. Astro File Manager will manage your files easily. The only file client you need to find your downloads and manage your SD card files. Really two different beasts, but felt like it should be in the same category. Also, Dropbox rocks if you don't already have it on your computer.

 

E-Commerce -

First Prize: Amazon.com (Free), Runner Up: Ebay (Free) 

Some pretty standard Ecommerce experience from your phone.

 

Must Have Apps (Uncategorized) - 

Barcode Scanner (Free) - For ISBNs and QR codes for apps.

Google Goggles (Free) - Can Google search ANYTHING you scan. Amazing for art pieces.

Google Maps (Free) - Awesome for navigation on Android - it actually gives you an ARROW so you can see which direction you are facing. Ahem...Apple.

Power Manager Full ($.99) - Check out your battery level and create profiles for battery use in different scenarios.

Screebl Lite (Free) - AWESOME app that manages your screen timeout based on the angle of your mobile phone.

BART Rider (Free) - Does realtime BART arrival times and departures. Not the best app, but gives you the option to create favorite stations.

Google Sky Map (Free) - Gives you the ability to see constellations virtually from your phone so you can name them!

Google Chrome to Phone (Free) - Can transfer whatever is on your browser to your phone and launch appropriate apps.

AppBrain (Free) - Can save your app history remotely and sync. You can then access information on those apps from your computer. Added with "Fast Web Installer" you can install an app on your Android device from your computer.

Flash Player (Free) - Get it for Flash in your web browser.

Smart Taskbar (Free) - Enhances your multitasking capability by providing a dock that you can open from any state. 

 

Yes, I know that was a lot, but it's the cream of the crop. Also, be sure to check out SD Mover since your internal memory is probably dying after all those downloads.

Posted via email from boochikan's posterous