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Android Application Rundown of 2009

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Android Application Rundown of 2009

Posted on 01 January 2010 by Michael

No better day to post this.  This is a run down of the applications I currently have installed on my T-Mobile G1, rooted and running Cyanogen’s 4.2.11.1 ROM.

- Astro File Manager: Best file manager system for Android. While it acts like a regular file browser, it has many tools for things like backing up applications.

- Better Terminal Emulator: Best terminal emulator for Android. I also use it for SSH occasionally, however connectbot is a better tool for SSH in my opinion.

- 3Banana: notes application. I usually use OI Notepad, however this integrates with other applications.. not a necessity, but useful to have if you can waste space.

- ANDftp: Mobile FTP Client. With an 8gb SD Card, I’m able to use my phone for quick fixes and backing up files on my server. I’ve also used it to mass upload photos and videos.

- AP Mobile: Horrible news application. I downloaded it to write a review, however it never made the cut.

- Archipela: RTS game on android. It is kind of lame, and easy at times.. but the lite version is worth the free download to check out.

- Armored Strike: fun game. I only have the demo, and don’t really see the point in upgrading to the full. Kind of old school, but good for while you’re taking a shit.

- Artful bit’s MineSweeper: Still play minesweeper? Good (free) minesweeper game.

- aTumble: $1.99 tumblr application. Great for mobile blogging, however I can’t say that Tumblr or the application are my favorite. Still, for those on Tumblr it’s worth checking out.

- Barcode Scanner: Neccesity. QR Codes are more and more popular. While unlike other barcode applications, this doesn’t do price comparison.. but the high point is that it integrates with other applications and is good for reading QR Code.

- Beat Down Boxing: Mike Tyson Punchout on a touch screen. I only have the demo, but I play it occasionally.

- Calvin and Hobbes: Like the comic? Get the app.

- Chess: Mobile multiplayer chess.

- CM Updater: CyanogenMod updater. Essentially a self updater for people running Cyanogen ROMs on rooted phones.

- Compass: Again, probably not necessary. I have used it twice to get my bearing, one of those was to choose the room with the least morning light at my new place.

- Connectbot: Manage a server? Ever need an SSH connection? This is your app. It does telnet/SSH flawlessly. I use it as my primary SSH Client, even while at my computer.

- Daily Dilbert: Like the comic? Get the app!

- Dope Wars: Remember that game we used to play on our TI-83 Calculators? This is the same, with a couple more options. Well worth the FREE download.

- DroidAnalytics: Got a website using Google Analytics to track your stats? This app is the perfect interface with Google Analytics on the go. Information is neatly organized and easily accessible.

- eBuddy: Multi instant messaging client. It’s my favorite chat client on Android, although I rarely use it because it randomly signs me off.

- Facebook: Facebook’s Android client. It’s nice, but I prefer just going to http://touch.facebook.com/

- Flashlight: White screen full brightness.

- FX Camera: Nice alternative to the regular camera. Fun stuff like fisheye lens effects..

- GDocs: Use Google Docs, you might be interested in this application.. I’ve used it for creating documents, but it’s not that intensive.. I’m unable to access folders (shared or unshared).

- Google Voice: This application is win if you use Google Voice.. for those unimpressed like Kevin, this application is likely to be a waste. I use my GV Number for business, which makes the application almost a necessity for me. It allows almost full control over GV.

- Greed: Mediocre RSS reader. It was the top RSS Reader, however got beaten by News Room.

- Gube: It’s like a rubix cube on your phone! Tricky and not really responsive, I have played it several times.. never really made process though.

- Hold ‘em: Online texas hold ‘em game. Multiplayer is fun, I just don’t have time to play.

- Kevin: Remember Simon? The memory based game.. Yeah, same thing on a phone.

- Key Ring: Scan/Save your keyring cards (like Kroger or CVS?) and use your phone to have them read. I got it under suggestion, however shortly later realized that I have no use for it.

- KittenCannon: This is the game of games. Shoot kitten from a cannon.

- Layar: “Reality browser.” Again, not extremely practical. Was asked to review it, but never got arround to it. Kind of like the Sherpa application with more options.

- Light Racer: One of my favorite games. 2d tron type game.

- Listen: Podcast tool.

- Midnight Bowling: decent bowling game. Rather easy though..

- MobileSlide: Alternative to the Android Market. I have it because Google claimed proprietary rights on their market app, and for a while this was the only option.

- My Account: T-Mobile users can check their account from their phone!

- News Room: BEST RSS Reader on android.

- OI Notepad: Preffered notepad application. Basic.

- PacMan: Yes.

- Pandora: Internet radio streamed over 3G.

- Photoshop: John linked to my review. Read it. Enjoy it.

- QuickBoot: Root users only. one touch reboot, one touch reboot into recovery..

- Screen Capture: Does what it says.. Does it well. (ROOT ONLY)

- Screenshot: Does what it says.. does it well. (ROOT ONLY)

- Seesmic: Twitter client. I don’t use it often, however keep it around because it’s faster the Twidroid.

- SNesoid: Super Nintendo emulator for your phone.

- Solitaire: If you don’t know what solitaire is, shoot your self.

- Speed Test: Speedtest.net on your Android.

- Tapatalk: Application Dave uses for OS.

- Tether Petition: The way for HTC Android owners to get a wireless tether application on your phone. Essentially turning your phone into a 3G modem with WiFi connection. ROOT ONLY
- TheWeatherChannel: You know what it is. It does the job well too.

- Throttle Copter: fun game of keep up. I have found it addictive, but that’s because I’m simplistic.

- Time Clock: I actually use this to track my hours for billing. I’ve found a few glitches, and it’s a $3 application.. but it really has been a help.

- Twidroid Pro: Best twitter client for android. Multiple accounts and almost full functionality of twitter. It starts when the phone starts, and downloads the newest 200 tweets from each account.. So it can be a hassle.. but it can be a great tool.

- Ultimate Stop watch: Is exactly what is implied.

- USA Today: Best news application, due to layout and usability. I know people have their favorite news sources.. but this is the best in terms of layout and accessibility.
- Whois: Ever thought about a domain name you want, but have been away from the computer? This is a great solution, although about as stripped as can be.

- Wireless Tether: What you get with the Tether Petition. Great for ROOT users though.

- Wixel: Boggle meets android. Definitely fun time waster.

- WPtoGO:  A mobile wordpress client utilizing XMLRPC.  Great solution for bloggers like myself.

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Less is more

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Less is more

Posted on 09 August 2009 by Michael

google

I keep telling myself this, day after day, however there’s that part of me that wants everything running at once.  Whether it’s infinite features on a website I’m building or just more plug-ins for a wordpress blog, I get caught up on the small things and forget what REALLY matters.

For a website to be functional, in my opinion, it needs to load quickly and present the newest and more accurate content that it can.  This is where CMS scripts and blogs really shine, however even these can easily be bogged down with modifications and take time out of the little that you already have to catch the audience’s attention.

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