One of my favorite things about my phone is the ability to download Apps. So here's a review of some of the ones I can't do without.
PS--They're all free, too!
(Disclaimer: These are all through the Droid Marketplace. I know some are available for the IPhone, but I'm not sure about all.)
- Shazam
- What it does: Ever heard a song on the radio and wondered who sang it? Shazam will take just a few seconds to listen and analyze a song, then give you the artists, title, and record. It even gives you the option to buy the song.
- Wishlist: It works 99% of the time, but sometimes if the volume isn't very loud (as in a store or a TV across the room) it won't work. Otherwise it's spot on every time.
- Where to get it: http://shazam.com
- Daily Strip
- What it does: You can choose from 108 (currently, always new ones being added) comic strips to view. It also has a calendar function, so you can go back to the start of a story line, if you like strips with those. Has some very unusual ones that aren't in your typical Sunday edition of the paper.
- Wishlist: There are times that the program can be a bit glitchy (i.e. freezes, has to force close, or takes a looooong time). But it is a free program that relies on other people's systems as well, so I can't complain that much.
- Where to get it: Only through the Android Market. Sorry.
- Pandora
- What it does: Type in a song or artist that you like. Pandora will stream similar music. A great way to broaden your music base. You can create multiple stations to fit your mood or create a quick mix of all of your stations at once.
- Wishlist: Pandora can be a bit of a battery hog, and can sometimes freeze or become glitchy. But it is handling a lot of information all at once, so it's to be expected. Also dependent on the quality of your 3g connection.
- Where to get it: http://pandora.com
- EEBA
- What it does: A mobile version of the envelope system made popular by Dave Ramsey. You set us categories, budget money into them, then record expenses. The main screen is a bar graph system that allows you to see how much is left. The great part of this app is that multiple people can use the same account, so Mom, Dad, and kids can enter in their expenses.
- Wishlist: When first beginning, the interface can take some getting used to. But, I have to really credit the developers too, because they really listen to their users. Since I first started using this, three or four different versions have come down the line with new features, all based on user suggestions.
- Where to get it: http://eebacanhelp.com
- Our Groceries
- What it does: A mobile grocery list. You can have multiple lists going at the same time (I have a normal list and a wish list), and multiple people can enter in items. So if Dad realizes he needs more shaving cream, he can add it to the list while at work, instead of trying to remember until he gets home.
- Wishlist: Sometimes the lists can take a while to refresh and show changes. More than once I've had to exit the app to get it functioning correctly.
- Where to get it: http://ourgroceries.com
- ASTRO
- What it does: This is a file management system. I'm pretty OCD about my pictures and like to have them in themed folders. ASTRO will allow you to do this, and also find those pesky download files that you can't seem to access.
- Wishlist: The interface can be a bit hard to understand at times. (They recently just added online help, so you'll have it made!) But most of my problems come from not knowing/understanding the folder system built into my phone.
- Where to get it: http://www.metago.net/astro
- Calorie Counter
- What it does: Allows you to keep track of what you've eaten, you're exercise regimen, and your weight. It even has a barcode scanner that will enter in the food automatically. You can save favorite foods and exercise regimens. It's been really helpful since I've started Couch to 5k.
- Wishlist: This is my newest app, so I'm still trying to figure it out. The interface isn't very user friendly at times, and you sometimes have to get creative while keeping your food diary (food's won't be listed, or be another brand, etc.) I haven't used the weight diary, but other users have said it can be glitchy.
- Where to get it: http://fatsecret.com (This is the online version of the app. Apparently you can only get the app through a marketplace.)
- DroidLight
- What it does: Turns the flash for your phone into a flashlight. Much stronger than you would think! Very helpful in movie theaters, or when your husband turns out the hall light before you come to bed. :)
- Wishlist: The on/off function is easy to accidentally turn off.
- Where to get it: Through the Droid marketplace
- Lightning Bug
- What it does: A relaxation/white noise generator. Will play in the background or the forefront. Also has a built in alarm clock with a wide range of non-teeth-grating alarms. Lightning Bug comes with six different themes to choose from, each with several customizable features.
- Wishlist: I stopped using the alarm clock, because some days it just wouldn't work. There have been a couple of different versions since then, so the issue might be fixed.
- Where to get it: http://www.1908media.com/mobile/lightningbug/
- Ringdroid
- What it does: A music editor that allows you to cut clips of songs to use for ringtones, notifications, and alarms.
- Wishlist: Won't edit all types of music (but feel that's probably because of copy protection on the files). The editing process can be a bit tedious, as well. But I guess that depends on how OCD you are. :)
- Where to get it:http://www.ringdroid.com
What are your favorite apps?
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