10+ Apps to boost up your brand new Android Phone

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If you haven’t noticed, I have actually done a big review of HTC Desire (Android 2.1 OS). So that lead me to understand some Android applications as well. One of the benefit of having HTC Desire is, there are some preloaded Android apps so that you don’t have to download them separately. So I’m going to introduce you with some smart and efficient applications which will boost the productivity of your new Android Phone. Having said that, all of the applications I’m going to mention are tested on Android 2.1 OS. Almost all of these applications are free unless stated otherwise.

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How to download these applications? Just find the “Market” icon on your phone and search for the application name. Now to make the most convenient way of installing these applications you should install “Barcode Scanner (open this link from your phone browser)” from the Android “Market” first (See below).

install barcode scanner

There are 2 ways to install the applications from this page.

  1. Follow the link under each product using your Android Phone browser (Data charges may apply)
  2. Scan the QrCode from your laptop or desktop screen using “Barcode Scanner

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Let’s get down to the list shall we..

Barcode Scanner

screenshot-barcode-scanner

My Rating ★★★★¾ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode_barcode_scanner

Scan barcodes on CDs, books, and other products, then look up prices and reviews, or search for a word in a book and find where it occurs. You can also scan QR Codes containing URLs, contact info, calendar events, etc. A must have for any Android user.

 

PicSay Photo Editor (Free)

screenshot-picsay

My Rating ★★★★☆ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode picsay photo editor

Powerful and award winning photo editor. Color-correct your pictures and add word balloons, titles, graphics, and effects like distortion. All in a fun, intuitive, and easy-to-use interface.. A must have for any Android user.

 

ActionComplete

screenshot-actioncomplete

My Rating ★★★¾☆ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode actioncomplete

ActionComplete is a high-tech to-do list for your Droid phone. It makes it easy to organize your tasks and appointments. You can even set reminders that will pop up based on where you are, allowing you to remind yourself of certain tasks at the office, others at the home, and so on. A nice productivity application for any Android user.

 

Ringdroid

screenshot ringdroid

My Rating ★★★★☆ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode ringdroid

This application is actually really cool. It lets you manipulate song tracks, so that you can use songs from your music library as ring-tones. What’s great about that? Well say you want the ring-tone to start 1min 30secs into the song, and last for 20 seconds (chorus maybe?), this application makes life easy for you.

  • Supports MP3, WAV, AAC, MP4, 3GPP and AMR files.
  • Song editing
  • Create ring-tones from edited song

A nice ringtone editing application for any Android user.

 

Uninstaller

screenshot uninstaller

My Rating ★★★★½ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode uninstaller

Fastest and simplest uninstall tool on android!
Features:

  • Remove user application easily by single click!
  • Display application name,version,install time and size
  • Search application by name
  • Various sort mode
  • Ignore system applications that can not be uninstalled

A very useful application when you’ve too many applications to uninstall.

 

Astro File Manager

Screenshot Astro File Manager

My Rating ★★★★¼ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode Astro File Manager

ASTRO File Manager is a very powerful file manager for Android. It really is a must on your Android device when it comes to managing files on your microSD card. It’s packed with features, and here’s some of them:

  • Download any file with browser
  • Browse / create / extract zip files
  • Back up and restore public applications to the SD card
  • Create shortcuts
  • Send files as attachments
  • Thumbnails
  • Multiselect
  • Search
  • Image, Text, HTML Viewers

A very fast file manager, a must have for Android devices.

 

Twicca Beta

Screenshot Twicca

My Rating ★★★★½ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode twicca

twicca is twitter Client for Android that you won’t be able to stop using.
Includes:

  • Notification
  • Auto pager
  • Search
  • Post with photo/video upload
  • Geotag
  • Saved search
  • Recent hash tags
  • View Conversation
  • Lists
  • Retweet
  • Trends
  • Color label
  • Excellent Widgets

I’ve tested all the twitter applications for Android but this is my favorite and once you start using this one there is no going back to any other.

 

aCar (Productivity)

Screenshot aCar

My Rating ★★★★¼ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode aCar

Track the maintenance, fill up, fuel mileage & expenses of your car. Service reminders (e.g. Engine Oil) & useful statistics, charts & reports; plus backup/restore & export/import to/from various sources.

A productive application to maintain your car history using your Android phone.

 

FxCamera

screenshot fxCamera

My Rating ★★★★¾ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode fxcamera

FxCamera enables you to take a picture with various effects.
- ToyCam
- Polandroid
- Fisheye
- SymmetriCam
- Warhol
- Normal

A very nice add-on  for your phone camera with additional effects.

 

Tip Calculator

screenshot tip calculator

My Rating ★★★★¼ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode tip calculator

Simple tip calculator which allows you to split your bill. Switch between basic and advanced views with the tab.

Simple yet effective tool while hanging out with a group of friends.

Bonus Apps:

Gowalla

Screenshot Gowalla

My Rating ★★★★☆ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode Gowalla

Gowalla is the easiest way to share places you go with friends. Download the app to discover eateries, coffeehouses, hotspots, hangouts, shops, landmarks, parks, museums and more.
Share your experiences through Gowalla with friends on Facebook and Twitter, then stamp your passport to earn rewards at the places you visit.

Official application from Gowalla.com.

 

Foursquare

screenshot foursquare

My Rating ★★★★☆ 

Install using Android Market link (only browse with your Android phone)

QrCode: (Scan this from your laptop and desktop screen using phone’s Barcode Scanner application)

qrcode foursquare

Foursquare helps you find new ways to explore your city. See where your friends are, learn about the places they frequent and unlock rewards as you travel.
See foursquare.com for more info.
Latest Release: Check Preferences -> Changelog for details!

Official application from Foursquare.

 

There you have the 10+ Applications you need to get started with your brand new Andriod phone. Do you have a suggestion of a nice and useful app? Feel free to suggest.

Advanced Task Killer application is not good to use with Android OS. Found out why?

As you have noticed I haven’t added some applications like official Facebook, official Twitter application, QuickOffice, PDF Viewer which are already included with my HTC Desire.

About Ruhani Rabin

Ruhani Rabin is the original owner and author of this blog. He also reviews web 2.0 startups at Tech2all.com. Largely interested in web 2.0 apps & Social Media. Currently the Vice President of MOL Access Portal (MOL is owner of Friendster.com). Also he is Web 2.0 & Social Media Researcher and a Total fun Geek!.. There you have it ;)

Facebook Comments

  • http://www.dota2hook.de ted

    QR code for the win..i always stand there and scanning :D

  • honeymoon villa

    thanks for this post.

  • April

    Thanks Ruhani. I just got a new droid. These recommended apps were just what I was looking for.

  • http://bestresearchpaper.com/ research paper writing

    great job and very interesting article) thanks a lot) don’t you mind if i share this information with my friends?

  • Hurulaini

    Cool list…but i guess different user will like different application that serve the same purpose…for example, i use plume as twitter application, occasionally use tweetcaster to RT..haha…
    I also use fuelage to record petrol purchase; daily expense manager to record daily spending…lol…and colornote to keep simple note..
    Not to forget: WordPress, Tumblr, picasa tool, Yahoomail & hotmail <~ some of application if you're user of these service

    • http://www.ruhanirabin.com/ Ruhani Rabin

      You are right about that.. but Twicca is an unbeatable twitter app regardless any other twitter applications.. it’s features are not only outstanding.. it is remarkably helpful to people who doesn’t only use twitter as a chat.. :)

  • http://twitter.com/RoxieKat Catherine

    I like TipCalc too

  • http://www.webguide4u.com Vivek Parmar

    thanks for sharing must have apps in android phone, going to install some of them

  • http://mintyrich.net Amol Dhir

    You missed Angry Birds.

    • http://www.ruhanirabin.com/ Ruhani Rabin

      That is not necessarily a productive app by the way ha ha ha :)

  • http://tricksntipscomputersninternet.blogspot.com/ Kepler

    Great post. Thanks

  • Wowcast

    I think u forgot closez but still best top 10 on the inet …mby try watch my 10 at http://www.wowcast.de

  • Phil

    Really nice to know. LOVE YA

  • Pingback: AndroidNX » 10

  • Claire

    Thank you. Do you like foursquare or gowalla better?

    • http://www.ruhanirabin.com/ Ruhani Rabin

      Foursquare: more peoples, locations, faster execution, less accurate
      Gowalla : Organized, slower execution, more accurate

      I use both actually :)

  • iahmat

    great list …keep it coming

  • http://www.revealty.com/ Revealty Rbs

    I am also going to buy the new version of Android and I am very excited about it. I am buying it just for its app.

  • http://www.fbt-global.com/ AAT Provider

    I want to buy a new smartphone and hesitating between droid and iPhone ones, though after your post I'm most likely to buy a droid phone :)

  • http://loadmsn.net loadmsn

    Wow Great Android app collection ..Cool : )

  • http://www.teamcurtisfamily.com Teamcurtisfamily

    The Mobile Revolution has begun. Who needs computers these days? Great stuff!

  • http://www.tecrux.com/ Asad

    Astro file manager is a quite useful app for android phones as it makes navigation much easier for users.
    Don't know much app other apps but they seem worth trying.

  • http://www.sqlsteps.com Alex @ SQL training

    Thanks a lot for listing these great android applications. I am planning to buy an android phone very soon. Will be very helpful then. Bookmarked

  • http://yachtexports.com Vanessa

    Thanks for this list! I've been thinking about getting an Android phone but I don't want to get rid of my iPhone just because of ALL the different apps it has. This gave me some insight to what Android has to offer.. maybe I'll reconsider soon ;P

  • joshcaza

    Nice aggregate of apps here. I actually use most of them. I absolutely love ringdroid, I think that is one of the coolest apps I have. Great article!

  • Hyder

    Cool list to start with!

  • http://www.travel-bangladesh.net Ron | Travel Bangladesh

    This is a great list for Android users. Thanks Rabin!

  • Skyeden

    Hi,
    This is a great list to explore your New Android Mobile Phone. Try http://www.getandroidstuff.com/ you can download above applications for free

  • http://twitter.com/technobozo Donna Winter

    Thanks, Syed. I haven't had a problem but I also navigate back to home before killing…I've also only had my phone for a couple months. Androids have a native Task Killer, also, but it is a pain to use.

    Let me know if you post, I'll gladly read and share.

  • http://twitter.com/technobozo Donna Winter

    Thanks, Syed. I haven't had a problem but I also navigate back to home before killing…I've also only had my phone for a couple months. Androids have a native Task Killer, also, but it is a pain to use.

    Let me know if you post, I'll gladly read and share.

  • http://twitter.com/technobozo Donna Winter

    Thanks, Syed. I haven't had a problem but I also navigate back to home before killing…I've also only had my phone for a couple months. Androids have a native Task Killer, also, but it is a pain to use.

    Let me know if you post, I'll gladly read and share.

  • http://www.ruhanirabin.com/ Ruhani Rabin

    Hi Donna, I used to use the Task Killer on android till i've saw this article ( http://geekfor.me/faq/you-shouldnt-be-using-a-t… ) , you might want to take a look too. Thanks so much for visiting. I'm planning for more android articles later on.

  • http://twitter.com/technobozo Donna Winter

    This is a great and unique list. Well done!

    The BEST app I have added to my phone is TasKiller which saves a ton of battery life if I'm using my phone heavily. I will be adding a couple you have here that I've not tried. Thanks for the detailed info and suggestions.

    I need to add you to my Android list :) Thank you for the listing, btw, I just saw it.

    AndroidOn ~ D

  • http://twitter.com/technobozo Donna Winter

    This is a great and unique list. Well done!

    The BEST app I have added to my phone is TasKiller which saves a ton of battery life if I'm using my phone heavily. I will be adding a couple you have here that I've not tried. Thanks for the detailed info and suggestions.

    I need to add you to my Android list :) Thank you for the listing, btw, I just saw it.

    AndroidOn ~ D

  • http://twitter.com/technobozo Donna Winter

    This is a great and unique list. Well done!

    The BEST app I have added to my phone is TasKiller which saves a ton of battery life if I'm using my phone heavily. I will be adding a couple you have here that I've not tried. Thanks for the detailed info and suggestions.

    I need to add you to my Android list :) Thank you for the listing, btw, I just saw it.

    AndroidOn ~ D

  • http://twitter.com/technobozo Donna Winter

    This is a great and unique list. Well done!

    The BEST app I have added to my phone is TasKiller which saves a ton of battery life if I'm using my phone heavily. I will be adding a couple you have here that I've not tried. Thanks for the detailed info and suggestions.

    I need to add you to my Android list :) Thank you for the listing, btw, I just saw it.

    AndroidOn ~ D

  • http://twitter.com/technobozo Donna Winter

    This is a great and unique list. Well done!

    The BEST app I have added to my phone is TasKiller which saves a ton of battery life if I'm using my phone heavily. I will be adding a couple you have here that I've not tried. Thanks for the detailed info and suggestions.

    I need to add you to my Android list :) Thank you for the listing, btw, I just saw it.

    AndroidOn ~ D

  • http://twitter.com/robinng Robin Ng Photography

    cool stuff