One of the great advantages of having a web-based Android Market is that I can now effectively link to the apps I use. Here's a list of what I've currently got installed on my various Android devices, separated into various categories.
Number One App
(Recently installed and trying on for size)
- Google Maps
The Mobile Maps team continue to blow my mind. The current release with 3D buildings, vector maps, and offline caching is incredible. This is the benchmark.
- Gmail
Another of my essential apps. If my phone stopped making and receiving calls I probably wouldn't notice for weeks. Losing immediate access to Gmail would likely cause me physical pain. - Google+
Since Google+ midway through 2011 I've found I've been using Twitter less and less. - Foursquare
I consume other people's checkins via TweetDeck, but for checking in I prefer the Foursquare app.
- News Republic
I've been hunting for a good news app for ages, and News Republic is my winner so far. Slick, polished interface, breaking news alerts, and excellents news from dozens of sources. It doesn't hurt that they've got a great tablet version (and one for Google TV too -- though I'd be happier if they were all distributed as one app.)
- TripIt
My job requires a lot of travel, and I've found TripIt indispensable for keeping track of where (and when) I'm supposed to be. - Currency Converter
It's always good to know how many Kroner, Dollars, or Rubbles I will get for my Pounds.
- Pandora
Since moving to the US I've discovered two things. (1) Bay Area radio stations are absolute rubbish. (2) Pandora makes radio stations irrelevant. The app could do with some more polish, but the service is fantastic. - Google Music
The only thing wrong with this app is that Google Music isn't supported world-wide yet. I've uploaded all my CDs and MP3 to Google Music, and between it an Pandora my music is sorted. - MX Video Player
I picked this up so I could watch non-HD content at full screen on my 10.1" Galaxy Tab. Awesome, simple to use but comprehensive replacement for the built-in Android video player.
- Amazon Kindle
I do most of my reading using my Kindle Reader, but there are times I get stuck with just my phone and time to kill. Whispersync + Kindle Reader App = is as seamless as it is awesome.
- IMDb
All the power of IMDb in a handy app. Does what it says on the tin. - Goggles
Goggles is one of those apps. It's impressive now, but you just know that over time it's going to slowly grow from "cool" to "OMFG".
- Google Wallet
I love the idea of leaving my wallet behind when I leave the house, NFC payments is a big step in that direction.
- Barcode Scanner
Provides barcode scanning functionality, both independently and on behalf of a bunch of other apps. - Dropbox
- Seamless cloud storage. 'Nuf said.
- Swiftkey
Very nice alternative to the Android Keyboard. Great prediction. - DirecTv
Sometimes you find yourself away from home and realize you've forgotten to record something you just can't miss. When that happens...
- Cut the Rope
If crack is addictive, they'll need a whole new word to describe this game. - 3D Bowling
I'm not sure why I enjoy playing this game so much. But I do.
(Recently installed and trying on for size)
- CricBuzz
With the Australian cricket season well underway, I need a good app to keep track. ESPN CricInfo didn't do it for me, so let's see what CricBuzz has to offer. - Solitaire Ultra
Simple solitaire game with buttery smooth gameplay and beautifully understated graphics. I feel like this might be a keeper. - Lightbox / Camera ZOOM FX / Paper Camera
I picked up most of these during the 10 billion app promotion. I'll play with them and see which ones survive the next phone wipe.
- New Horizons Gyro Compass
Does what it says on the tin. - Earthquake!
My go-to app for experimenting with new Android API features. Check out what I've done to it with the new Android 3.0 SDK.
