Android Series: 16 Must-Have Free Apps for the Droid
*Update 1/10/10*
I have added three more apps to the list, bringing my total to 16. I'll continue to add and remove to the list as I come across great apps.
So I finally forked over the cash for my first smartphone, and ended up with the Verizon Wireless Droid. I have always been a fan of Verizon’s coverage, and the Droid (with its Android Powered OS) finally convinced me to take the plunge.
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. Twidroid - The must-have Twitter application for your Android phone. Amazing interface, with all the bells and whistles of the traditional twitter application and more. Pro Account ($5) will give you the ability to manage multiple twitter accounts as well as manage themes.
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 - 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. Cherry RPlayer - 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.
*UPDATED* Here are a three more "Must-Have" apps for Android:
14. Home++ - Great replacement for the default home screen in Android. Adds a convenient (and scrollable) "Powerbar" at the bottom of the home screen, linking to various common tasks (Phone/Contacts, Browser, Search, Application link). As a bonus it even includes an application killer, much like the "Advanced Task Killer Free." If you're a power user, this is a must have.
15. AppsOrganizer - Aids in the creation of quick folder-like shortcuts on your desktop. The bonus over the regular folders function is that this allows you to Tag/label apps and quickly organize them. Bonus feature: It automatically closes the open folder after an app is selected.
16. 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.
