Now several months in using the Android OS and finally reaching a nice balance with the HTC Sense UI. It’s time for a new app list to assist in stepping up your mobile entertainment and functionality for the rest of summer and into fall. I got some great suggestions from some friends to include so do a shout out or comment if you find something cool. Again these are not specifically ranked so take them based on your needs.
+ aContacts
This is the best solution for contact navigation and accessibility I have found.
*note – this was a bit difficult to get functioning on 2.1 and took un-installing / reinstalling it to properly sync and import my contacts. Now that it’s working I particularly like how it displays the all contacts screen with icons from their google account and offers direct access to multiple phone numbers, emails, and their social media details. Not for everyone but when I assigned as the default action for the phone button it drasticallyincreased my accessibility to contacts.
+ PdaNet
Great app for utilizing the unlimited data plans. I tether via USB to my laptop and get solid performance for browsing. I was also impressed by the ease of setup. I downloaded the app on the phone which prompted exactly what settings needed changing for compatibility then it prompted to download the desktop app to SD for USB transfer once downloaded, transferred and installed on the laptop I was connected on my first try and online.
+ SilverEdit
Excellent tool for those smaller code ideas on the go. Also when used in combination with AndFTP it can make a great site quick fix combo. I just recently found this app via a sixrevisions post on android apps for developers and have been very greatful since every other text editor I have used has been very cumbersome for coding. Also heard from a friend that it is nicer and more robust than the iphone alternative #win!
+ Multi-touch Gallery for droid
For months I searched for an app or a widget to just make local image browsing and management easier. I use several different camera apps and don’t currently have an actual SLR since mine broke so the hero has been a tolerable replacement for photos out and about or even minor artsy shots. This app has an innate flow that I really like and is fairly customizable.
+ hootsuite
I first started with hoosuites web version for managing my twitter feed when I started to really use lists and managing another twitter feed for a family business. This now is available as a android app and it makes me super happy. I don’t have access to my other social networks that I do in the web version {FB, Linkedin } but full access to lists and accounts in a clean intuitive interface has made twitter via phone so much easier. And with a funny little video like this I have to give a shout out.
+ dropbox
Another great suggestion from sixrevisions, this has made working between multiple locations / different computers that don’t have shared storage a breeze. The app is simple to navigate and install and has a super fast sync between installations. Great for starting some code or image manipulation at one location and then stepping out with the laptop for coffee to finish.
+ Messaging Widgets
Sounds simple but this has added a great interface on my home screen to quickly sms or call a contact. I also like the customization options so I can set it to very opaque and let my custom wallpaper shine through.
+ Camera 360
Another camera app that I was just recently turned onto by Bear and Inkshire. Has some great effects including tilt-shift. Also has a nice lomo effects and a simple UI.
+ AppBrain
Finally a way to manage apps through a web interface! This also came as the top suggestion from Bear and has made app management and procurement a snap. After a bit of exploring this quickly replaced my standard market app on my homescreen.
+ WordPress
Being a WP enthusiast I had to do a call out to a more official robust WP app. This came out just a while ago as the official WP app and hasn’t failed me yet. I would love to see template changes as a possibility in the future but for writing a basic start to a post, page or moderating comments this provides a nice UI and solid performance. Works for wordpress.com accounts and self hosted with simple sign in and initiation.
Thanks again to all the great folks that provided input and resources for this post.
Viva la Android!
