Ten Essential... Android Apps
The mobile applications to download first
Product Round-up You've taken delivery of your shiny new Android handset, you've logged into the Googleverse and now you're thinking 'what next?'. Well, you can start by downloading the following ten apps that will help you get the most from your handset. Whether you want to read, write, chat, work, travel, watch some TV or just to keep your handset in tip-top form there is an app for that.
eBuddy
eBuddy ticks all the mobile instant messaging boxes. It supports MSN, Yahoo, AIM, GTalk, Facebook, ICQ and MySpace, lets you access multiple accounts from the one screen and can be left to run in the background if you want to use your phone for something else. The screen layout is well thought out, letting you conduct multiple chats at the same time without writing something inappropriate to your mum when you have her on one screen and your inamorata on the other.
Reg Rating 90%
Price Free
More Info eBuddy
Twidroid
Not the most colourful or decorative Twitter application, but it makes the most use of the available screen acreage and, frankly, we prefer it to either HTC or Motorola's Twitter clients, or Tweetcaster for simplicity of use, stability and clarity of presentation. Upgrade to Twidroid Pro for €3.39 (£3) and you can add multiple accounts, change themes, access some rather decent widgets and get a shake-to-refresh function, but we can live without those so the free version is our recommendation.
Reg Rating 80%
Price Free for basic app, £3 for Pro version
More Info Twidroid
COMMENTS
http://www.metago.net/astro/fm/
ASTRO File Manager
I really only use this app for backing-up apps to my SD card but that alone is worth the download. I've changed 'droid handsets quite a lot recently and this back-up facility has been a real time saver by allowing me to move apps from one handset to the other, without having to re-download them.
Ace!
https://www.wavesecure.com/
WaveSecure
I think it was you guys who mentioned this app a while ago. Since I installed it on my Hero, it's been invaluable. It allows you to back up all of your contact info, including call history and texts, and download them to a new handset.
In addition, the handset lockdown gives real piece of mind should the phone get stolen and the ability to see who the tea-leaf is texting and calling is a big help to police etc.
Top class app, and FREE!! We Love You Android!
Android Market
WiFi Analyzer
I found this very useful when helping others install home networks, signal strength and quality by channel made finding the best router position a doddle. And yes, Analyzer is their spelling.
http://weloveastrid.com/
Astrid Task Manager
Brilliant little task manager - lets you set targets as well as deadlines along with fixed or deadline-related reminders, lets you record how long you've spent on a task if need be, and can handle recurring tasks.
http://www.appbrain.com/
AppBrain
AppBrain is more than just an Android App, it is a system that uses an App, a website and a user account. It make the Google market manageable and easy to use!
Using the website gives a front-end to the Google market but goes much further. It categorises the hottest apps and lets you see other user's app lists. It hides spammy apps like soundboards or sexy asian chicks. It allows you to get recommended apps based on your current list (and the lists of others).
From the website you can then click to install an App and it will then show up in you install list on the Android application. The AppBrain app will also show all apps that have updates pending and allow you to install them one after the other.
Overall, the best view onto the Android Market via the web and the best way to update, install and keep track of your apps.
