Tigsfan’s Mumblings

*Updated 4/3/10* 

Almost immediately after receiving my phone, I went about finding the best apps for the platform.  Here I have composed this list by only listing the Top Applications that I use and require on my Droid.  This list will be updated as necessary with new apps that I deem to be "Must-Haves." 

*Of Note* I have only included applications that need to be installed, not those prepackaged on the phone.

Top Applications:

1. Google Voice - This application was arguably the reason I wanted the Droid so bad in the first place.  I have been using Google Voice for almost a year and it has become an essential component to my wireless communication.  This application does everything that you would expect it to and more. Including: Optional automatic usage of Google Voice number on outbound calls, SMS management, Visual Voicemail and transcriptions, etc… Amazing product.

2. Where’s My Droid? - Ever lost your cellphone when it was on vibrate or silent and spent hours trying to find it? Well, this app eliminates that problem entirely.  By sending a chosen worded text message to your phone, it will activate your phone to its loudest ringer setting, and will proceed to blast a notification sound until you find it.  All I can say is, THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS APP! A definite must-have.

3. Hootsuite - My new favorite Twitter client. Great for managing multiple accounts. Downfall being that the pro version costs about $5.

4. Facebook - The facebook Android application is awesome for several reasons. It gives you a pretty, fast, and intuitive interface to view and post to your facebook account.  It also gives you the awesome ability to import pictures, phone numbers, and notes from Facebook directly into your Contacts (which then syncs with Google Contacts, AWESOME).  If you love facebook, you’ll need this app.

5. Advanced Task Killer Free - Long name for an application that does one thing. Ends the background tasks of your running Android applications.  If you’re a power user who wants your Droid (or any other Android phone) to be running at top speed you will need this app.

6.  Astro or Root Explorer - File management is hard to come by with the default programs in Android.  Astra adds that missing management by adding advanced tools for digging through your Android device’s file system.

7.  Barcode Scanner - This application adds the ability to scan barcodes (surprise surprise) of application links.  If you do some searching online for Android applications, this tool will be invaluable as it skips the need to type in URL’s.

8.  Evernote - Coolest Note-Taking and Organizational System, Ever. If you’re not using Evernote, you definitely should be as it provides amazing note taking and transcribing features.  I have the app added to take pictures of receipts, record voice commands, and create on the go shopping lists, but this program really can be used for anything.

9. A Online Radio- While the app name doesn’t do it justice, this amazing little player can pick up radio streams in various cities across the United States. Specifically I use it to listen to 97.1 (local sports talk radio station) when I’m on the road.  Very very helpful app.

10. Google Listen - Simply the best podcast management listen, download, and subscribe tool available for Android users. Excellent application from Google.

11. Movies - Like Movies? Want to know showtimes, figure out what’s coming out, or watch trailers? This is your application. Tons and tons of information about the latest movies out. Great app.

12.  Key Ring - While I don’t have many reward’s cards, library cards, or bonus cards, the ones I do have are now consolidated into this application.  This little app will create scannable barcodes based on the card numbers entered. Not the most exciting, but definitely useful.

13. Mabillo Ringtones - Not going to go into much detail with this one other then to say it is a sweet and quick way to find free ringtones.

14. HelixLauncher - The best replacement home screen for the Droid. Just check the link for screenshots to see what I mean. Very helpful. Adds stationary links on the bottom of the screen. 

15.  Shazam - I personally consider this to be a "Must-Have" app for the fact that it provides a solution to a problem I run into regularly.... What's that song I'm listening to? Shazam quickly finds the answer (assuming its in its database) and provides you with links to download the song.  It's one of those apps that just does exactly what its supposed to do, perfectly. 

16. Dialer One - This application is great at what it does. And that is to add the ability to add to the basic dialing functionality.  In addition to allowing you to dial numbers by hand, it has call history, and alphabetical typing (via the dialing number interface) to call contacts.  The last of these functions mimics pretty much all older cellphones, but I love it.

17. Color Note or Remember the Milk (Paid) - Both of these are to-do/notetaking applications. Both are great, they just do different things. Color Note is a great free note taking application. Remember the Milk on the other hand is the defacto standard of all note-taking clients.  It allows you to synchronize with www.rememberthemilk.com which is great added function, as well as allowing schedules due-dates, structured levels of importance, etc...

18. Clock App from Nexus One - What makes this application so great is that it essentially replaces the boring alarm application built into the Droid, and replaces it with a full on dock like application. It shows has weather info, alarms, and turns the Droid into a more typical bedside alarm clock. take a look at the link for the download of the application or to see screenshots of the app in action.

19. Weather - This is the weather application provided by The Weather Channel.  It's great for any and all weather info.

20. WaveSecure - This is the best of the best when it comes to security applications for the Droid. I'd recommend checking out the provided link for all the info, but heres a quick rundown: Locate Lost Phone, Turn off Silent Mode and Ring (in order to find lost phone), Remotely Lock/Wipe Data on Phone. Also, it allows you to backup media online.  Great program to have, even if you never use it.