If you’ve just purchased your first Android phone or you’re looking to round out your existing collection, here’s a list of 20 must-have apps that every Android owner should consider. They’re all free, too!
android apps
Want to Avoid Dropped Calls? There’s an App for That (If You’re on Android)
Crowdsourced data is not only helping people stay connected with what’s going on, it may help keep you connected on that phone call. An Android app called OpenSignalMaps (sorry iPhone users, but there is one on the way for you) crowdsources cell phone signal strength in real time so you can see where you can expect service to drop and …
App of the Week: Angry Birds Seasons Valentine’s Day Update
Love is in the air and with it, kamikaze birds and flying debris from the remains of wooden domiciles temporarily inhabited by thieving pigs.
True to form, Rovio’s popular Angry Birds franchise has gotten another injection of levels. The Angry Birds “Seasons” app—available for 99 cents on iPhone or free on Android—plays host to …
Android Market Apps: Buy from a Computer, Download to a Phone
Google held a press conference today to show off some features from its upcoming tablet-specific Android operating system, Honeycomb.
While most of what Google talked about has been public knowledge for a bit already (see here and here), the company also announced that the Android Market app store found on its phones has now …
App of the Week: Times Square Ball for iPhone and Android
Someday we’ll all look back on the Great Holiday Blizzard of 2010 and laugh. Some of us more maniacally than others. Those of us trapped in Minnesota until what seems like the end of time, especially.
“You’ll be on the next flight out,” says Delta. “It’s a sure thing,” says Delta. “Nothing we ever tell you is a sure thing,” says …
Playstation App Coming to iPhone, Android
Soon, you can have PlayStation news on your smartphone. According to the official PlayStation blog, developers are finishing touches on the Android and iPhone apps for the gaming company. The app will be compatible with iPhones and iPod Touches with a minimum OS 4 and most Android phones OS 1.6 and above. The first version will be …
Google Maps Update Brings 3D Buildings, Offline GPS Features
Google has updated its Google Maps Android app to include 3D buildings and offline storage capabilities. These are both features that Google’s Andy Rubin showed off at a recent tech conference, if you recall.
The new 3D buildings feature allows users to tilt and rotate maps at various angles, and Google’s new use of vector graphics …
Make Your Own Android Apps, No Programming Skills Required
Mobile app developers. What a pretentious lot. Drinking their frothy coffee with their pinkies in the air, discussing the latest in Boolean logic and data-driven design—enough! We can all be app developers now.
Google’s App Inventor software was initially released to education-focused groups back in July, but it’s now available to …
Google TV Updated with Better Netflix App, Android Remote
Google is in the midst of pushing out the first major software update for its Google TV service.
Along with some bug fixes, Google TV users now have access to an updated Netflix app that allows direct streaming of any available movie or show, along with the ability to add disc-based movies directly to your queue if you subscribe to …
ESRB App Lets Parents Read About The Violence in Video Games
It can be tricky picking what video games are appropriate for certain age groups without trying the game for yourself. While the Electronic Safety Ratings Board (ESRB) isn’t giving out free demos, their updated app might make it a little easier to figure out if that first-person shooter is appropriate for a 10 year-old. The non-profit …
Top Apps To Travel With This Holiday Season
Traveling during December can be especially busy, and it’s hard to navigate the roads clogged with traffic and the extra long airport security lines. Luckily for us, apps can make getting home for the holidays a lot easier. Here’s our favorite helpers to aid you during this time.
More on TIME.com:
Oh Thank Heaven For The Slurpee App
You know when you’re driving down the road looking for a refreshing, frosty drink, but only a Slurpee will suffice? Now, there’s an app for that. 7-11 launched an iPhone and Android app that will make it easier to find the beloved beverage that’s been quenching our thirst for something sweet since 1967. You can find your closest Slurpee …