Google has entered the mobile phone realm with brand new software operating system called Android. This fresh faced platform is shaking things up, and is here to rival Nokia’s dominant and extremely competent Symbian platform - think of it as the Apple OS X to Microsoft’s Vista.
Having debuted on the G1, Andoid will be rolling out in lots more handsets over the coming months. So we’ve wrangled together the key applications you need to download right now to unleash the real power of Google’s Android operating system.
They’re all available on the Android Marketplace to download already, and if you get them before 2009, they won’t cost you a penny either. From productivity to social networking and gaming, these are the apps you need installed this minute, and will ensure you exploit the hidden skills of your Android equipped handset. Read on for the best apps out there…
BreadCrumbz
Using the power of the G1’s inbuilt compass, you can go off the beaten track, following trails of images left by other users, or create your own.
Never buy a guidebook again.
City Slikkers
The T-Mobile G1 screen may be lavish and large, but sometimes it’s not enough.
Team up with others in the area for super secret GPS espionage, putting mobile gaming in the real world.
Compare Everywhere
Use the camera to scan a barcode, and it’ll bring up not just the price where you are, but of other stockists in the area, and reviews too.
Essential.
e-ventr
Co-ordinate all the events you’re attending with friends in one place with this handy social networking tool.
Plus, it lets you automatically SMS mates daft enough not to own a G1 already.
TuneWiki
Social networking that’s actually useful.
Add lyrics to songs and media for karaoke on the go, and use GPS to find out what songs are popular by location.
iSkoot
Make international calls on the cheap with Skype on your mobile - make the most of your data allowance, though be careful you don’t go over if you like a long natter.
Smart and simple.
Maverick
Skip SMS and send more messages for less with the T-Mobile G1’s QWERTY keyboard and the internet.
Maverick puts all your favourite instant message applications, including Google Talk and iChat, at your fingertips.
PAC-MAN by Namco
The real McCoy from the real developer. Chomp your way around the maze, making use of the G1’s touchscreen, tilting accelerometer or trackball.
Old skool entertainment with a new tech twist. Must-have.
Shazam
A music store with a difference: if you don’t know the name of the band or song, don’t worry, just play it down the phone and Shazam will find it for you.
Take that, iTunes!
Video Player v0.1
Video playback is one of the few flaws with the G1 out of the box, but this early app will handle movies on your mobile, no probs.
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