a few of my favourite things …. well android apps
It has been a few weeks of playing the the HTC-Desire now and I am starting to settle into a few key apps. Those ones I use on a day to day basis or ones I have migrated to and that are now sitting on top level scenes to access them quickly.
Whilst I have an appbrain account http://appbrain.com/user/wolfcat which gives you the name of the apps, I thought I would explain a bit more a few of the apps.
In no particular order and more importantly all are free.
Seesmic.
This is my preferred twitter client, the Twitter Android App just isn’t as well developed. It still gives me the ability to ols style retweet aka quote, my own bit.ly account, follow hashtags, multiple accounts et.c. It still isn’t perfect but is close enough to be usable 🙂 One thing that is annoying is that if yo are a heavy user of the account you can bump into API limits, which sees you heading off the the website again.
My Tracks
Perfect for capturing your route and showing it on a Google Map. Gives you speed, moving time, time at rest, elevation changes, grade e.t.c and it works. Export tracks as KML and GPX to use in other software.
Google Voice Search.
Sitting in a bar some one asked me about the Penumbra ABC MP3 remix. Press Google Voice, speak Penumbra ABC MP3 and hey presto there are the search results. No typing, instant results. You have to watch what you say and be careful with pronunciation or your search terms can be amusing at least.
On My Way
A new toy from Google that creates a Google Map with real time updates for your location. With each URL being unique it can be as private or public as you want. I’m looking forward to my next big road trip to really test this out. But handy even for travelling around town if you wish to share your travels in real time.
Gps Stats
Not only gives me a compass, but gives me a great set of data showing the strength of the incoming GPS satellites with number of fixes e.t.c.
Compass
Not only gives me a great traditional compass, but 5 other types of compass with pitch and roll, GPS location and an easy to use compass calibration as well.
NeoReader
Reads every type of code from flat codes to bar codes to QR with one touch operation and internet looking up of the code, great for comparing products when you are out shopping. You don’t have to tell it what kind of code, just open the app and point. Reads of the back of packets or from a computer screen quickly and reliably.
Wifi Analyser
Great tool for seeing what networks are round you and what security they are using. Coupled with Wifi Connecter Library you have a great set of controls for accessing wifi and storing passwords for various accounts.
Google Skymap
Just because it is cool. If you like astronomy you need this.
Aussie Weather Radar
Just the BOM radars, I wish it could include a lot more features, like storm tracking, lighting, rainrates, but it doesn’t. Still handy if you are out and want to know if it is going to rain on your parade as it were.
Layar
Is what calls itself a Reality Browser, which is an augmented reality app. Australian content is kind of lacking, but it starting to come. Surprisingly the Public toilet map is really helpful 🙂 I think a lot more content should be built for it in the next few months and the latest version seems quite stable and opens with a new what is around you mode which encourages browsing a lot more
AppBrain
Is a great way of hooking into what others are using on their android device. Not only can it give you the ability to queue and manage your apps from your desktop then you can sync with your device at a later time.
Google Goggles
A visual search engine, just point the camera at an item, take a photo and away it goes. Great for identify logos and buildings e.t.c. Still quite early in the database of images, but you can see where the future of search is going with this kind of app, where information on anything is a single click on your camera away.
Robo Defense
Damned this game is addictive. Get the free version if you want… but you are going to want to upgrade it soon after. A classic tower defense game with stunning graphics and a great way to pass the time on the daily commute
Let me know if there is something along the above lines that I haven’t found…
