Five essential free Android apps show the developer’s ability to keep up with Androids that are coming from all directions, as with HTC, Samsung, Nexus and more. While Apple continues to dominate the applications markets with innovative new ideas, the Android market is still highly competitive and offers more choices.
As always, it is important to check the permissions for an application. Some permissions collect harmless information about the user for sale to advertisers. This helps to pay the developer. However, other permissions go deeper into the system to modify memory or keep the application running. The best strategy is to ask whether the permission is more than the application should have. A simple game, for example, does not need complete administrative control over the device.
Advertising is another matter. If a good application has a lot of annoying advertising, it might be better to buy the ad free paid version.
‘Tweetdeck’ by Softonic is the best tool for keeping up with Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare and Buzz accounts on one screen. The feeds are in single columns, one for each account or each part of an account. Just use a finger to slide back and forth between feeds.
‘Evernote’ is the ultimate grabber and saver of the web. When a user needs to store anything, then organize and manage a collection of files, Evernote has never disappointed.
‘Color Note’ is the best notepad ever. When a note includes a phone number, the user can dial the number directly from the note! The calendar function works into the application, too. Otherwise, this is by far the easiest to use app for notes, memo, email, messages, shopping lists and to do lists.
‘Lookout Security’ still tops the list of award winning free Android security apps. Lookout provides backup, a phone locator, download and app security scans, and more.
‘Google Maps’ is essential since this app incorporates the brilliance of Google Maps and voice, turn-by-turn GPS navigation. There is navigation for driving, public transit, biking and walking. Also, enjoy 3D Street View and traffic.
‘Advanced Task Killer’ will manage those battery-draining apps that keep running when out of use.
Android apps, which are the software for a host of mobile functions on the Android operating system platform, are readily available at Google Play, Android’s market. While some of them are worth every cent they cost, users are able to download many apps free of charge. All it takes is the possession of an Android device and a user account.
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There are thousands of apps available for android phones these days. Above are just five of the ones that Wes considers to be essential.