Essential Apps for your Android

[Gigaman92]

These are some of the apps that I've come across and use that are absolutely essential to the well being of my android phone. I currently use a Mytouch 4G rooted with Cyanogen 7.1 Release Candidate so some of these apps may require root. If I don't mention it's cost, the app is free.

Android Assistant


Info: An app that I install first and foremost whenever I'm working on someone's phone. Has an array of tools to keep your android running in top form.





AlwaysOnPC:


Info: While this one isn't truly essential, it's useful if you need to use Java on your phone. It allows you to connect and use a virtualPC running on a remote server. The PC runs Fedora and has Java and Flash with Google Chrome, Open Office, and Adobe Flash installed. This is for both iPhone AND Android and costs $20.00. A deal and a half in my opinion.






Dolphin Browser HD:


Info: The greatest Broswer on Android. Supports Flash and doesn't afraid of anything. Looks great on an HD screen and loads pretty quickly.






Root Explorer:


Info: A useful app for browsing your phone's memory and sdcard. Can extract zip and rar files and delete apps forced on you by your carrier. There are free alternatives but this one is the best in my opinion.






Norton Mobile Security BETA:


Info: A new and currently FREE malware protection app for Android. These days, Android malware are emerging more and more so it's about time to take up arms and install some sort of anti-malware application.





Beautiful Widgets:


Info: An app that installs truly beautiful widgets on your phone. I use it only for the "Super Clock", which makes your phone look pro. There is a free version.





Launcher Pro:


Info: An alternative launcher for Android. Speedy, customizable, stable (most of the time), and cool looking. Definitely essential. I have Launcher Pro PLUS which is a paid version but is even more customizable. I'll post some screen shots at the end of this post.






PowerAmp:


Info: THE greatest music app for Android. Supports a lot of different music formats such as FLAC and ALAC. It's widget looks awesome, the app it's self looks awesome and it even has an Equalizer! I can't listen to music on any other app but this and Pandora. It has a free trial that is just a free version that bugs you forever that you haven't paid yet. In some instances it may stop working, but it hasn't done so to me yet.






SetCPU:


Info: A CPU governor app that allows you to overclock your phone if your kernel supports it. Useful for keeping your phone running fast when your using it while keeping the battery usage to a minimum when the screen is off. It costs money but is totally worth it.





Noom Weight Loss:


Info: An app that keeps track of your weight, a daily log of your Calorie intake, and a fitness program that can keep track of your walking/running and accurately predict calorie burn of all sorts of excercises. Even if your not trying to lose weight, a perfect app for keeping up your health! I've personally lost 22 pounds using this app and I recommend it =D





SD-Booster:


Info: An App for boosting the speed of your SD card. It works by increasing the cache of your SD card. Absolutely free and useful.





And Here are the screenshots I promised! I'm using Launcher Pro Plus. Widgets on the screen include Beautiful Widgets Super Clock, Youtube Widget, and the SetCPU widget.

And here's my app drawer. Launcher Pro has the 3D App Drawer option, as you can see in this screen.

[l00dak]

Hey, I've got a smart phone(my first) a week or so... And I am still getting used to it :P Are all those apps really necessary? I don't know much about the Android OS, but wouldn't all that just overburden it and make it slower? :P

[Gigaman92]

A lot of those apps I listed are essential and no....smartphones are not like windows...at all o_o

[l00dak]

Hm, cool. Next time I catch a Wi-Fi connection I will be sure to test some of those out :P Cheers!

[Darkprodigy]

Android ftw!! cool I've been looking for more apps to add to my smartphone and these are decent, thanks :D

[Belgrade_assassin]

Android of course ...

[Ryuujin_Jakka]

Android! Is this even a challenge haha

Nice topic. i like your list. Though i have tested most of yours and come to a different setup:

1. Root your phone !!! Without rooting android is only half the value!!
2. Apps:
Titanium backup - backup apps and data, make custom roms, etc.
Go Launcher Ex - customize your home screen, widgets, etc.
Advanced Task Killer - kill background tasks automatically and save lots of battery life
Adroid Mate - file explorer that lets you enter the rooted areas od your phone

I support your choice of browser and music player! dolphin and poweramp are the best in the market!!

3. My personal favourites
APNDroid - easy switch for your mobile internet connection
Evernote - make notes and share them on every device/PC via evernote program
Dropbox - store your stuff online and access everywhere


There are tons of more cool apps, so if you have any questions feel free to ask!! I have a Samsung Galaxy S and own it for like 18 months. I love it but im going to get a new one this summer. i need more power and android 4!!


If this is an android thread i want to mention the following:
I bought an ASUS EeePad Transformer Prime last week and it the most awesome tablet you have ever seen!!! Much better than ipad2 and others i have held in my hands!!

[MajorahRose]

Ha, I'm with everyone else, Android is the best ^_^

[KazemaruShuuya]

True!!! Android is the best!!

[weaver]

Finally I got proper smart phone (Sony Xperia S) and It's amazing!!

- voted for Android, @Giga & Ryuu; thanx for the recommendations. I am not sure If want root my phone just yet, but maybe in the future.
My current setup is:
Easy Task Killer & Battery Saver
Opera Mini
Astro for File Manager & Backup
Avast Mobile Security
Officesuite
History Eraser
Flashlight (Very important app, that every smart phone user should have)
+plus other apps came with the phone & I installed...

And my fav app is TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design): Very interesting talks, passes the time and tons of interesting info.