My Android Apps

In case you are getting an Android phone this weekend, here is a list of apps I use. All of these apps are FREE.  None of these apps require rooting.

1 – Barcode Scanner

I’m putting this application first because you can use it to easily get the rest of the apps I have listed.  Barcode Scanner is an app that will read barcodes.  It will also read QR codes.  You can download almost any Android app without searching through the app store, if you have a QR code which will take you directly to the application page.  Start Barcode Scanner.  Point your camera at the QR code that’s on the screen.  Take a picture.  Magic.

Use Barcode Scanner and point at the QR code for Gesture Search.  It’s that easy.

2 – Gesture Search

This application will let you scribble search information on the screen.  Want to call Buzz?  Use your finger to draw a “B”.  Follow that with a “U” if there are too many B’s in your list.  It will search names, apps and media on your device, if you decide to turn all of that on.

3 – Twidroid

It’s Twitter for Android. I plan to use this until Twitter’s official app is available on Android.

4 – PdaNet

With Android, tethering is free. Until Android 2.2 comes out (where it’s part of the OS), use this app to connect your computer to the Internet using either a USB or Bluetooth connection to your Android phone.

5 – Google Goggles

Got a picture you can’t identify? Start Google Goggles and point your camera at it. Chances are good that Google can figure out who or what it is.

6 – Shazam

This does for audio what Google Goggles does for pictures.

7 – Ringdroid

Turn any song on your phone into a ring tone.

8 – Wifi Analyzer

See the names of signal strength of the wifi access points around you.

9 – Shop Savvy

I think this one also reads QR codes, but that’s not what I use it for. Use this app when you’re in a store and wonder if the sale price is comparable to what you can find online or at other stores close to your location. From Best Buy it told me I could drive one mile down the road to Staples and save ten dollars.

10 – Where

Find food, gas, entertainment… just about anything in your general location. Application also shows prices.

11 – Bible

Use this app to get almost any version of the Bible: KJV, NKJV, NIV, ASV, ESV, etc. I used the same app on my iPod Touch (my church has wifi). Now it’s on my phone even if I don’t have wifi.

12 – RealCalc

Best calculator I’ve found. Has all the scientific functions and it’s laid out logically… as long as you don’t think RPN is logical.

This should keep you busy for a bit. I also use Google Voice and Evernote on my Droid. I have one game: Air Control. Now that I have an iPad, I don’t use the Droid for games very often. The size of the iPad makes it a killer game platform.