Android Market

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The Android Market for Android mobile devices is the equivalent of the Apple App Store for the iPhone.

Contents

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Many free apps (The Market has paid apps but unlike the App Store, there are more free apps to try out!)
  • Less restrictive requirements for developers
  • Open Development
  • Finding applications by certain publishers is easy. (pub:Publisher Name)

Cons

  • Spam apps (See the Black List section for some of the biggest offenders)
  • eBook don't have their own category

Recommended Apps

This section contains a list of Android Applications that are legitimate. Much of this software list contains the official applications from various groups. To avoid downloading imposter applications, this list contains the official apps from the real contributors.

This table includes some commentary on my experiences use some of the apps. It is generally the second paragraph of the description. Feel free to add your experiences.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Application Publisher Type Price
Description/Notes
PdaNet free edition June Fabrics Technologies Inc. Wireless Tethering FREE!
Wireless Tethering allows you to plug your phone into your computer via USB cable. Now everywhere is a wireless hotspot! So as long as you have 3G service and unlimited (5GB) data plan!

Hopefully Verizon doesn't catch on. A must have for anyone with a netbook and on the road!--MrHacks 02:53, 3 March 2010 (UTC)


MagicMarker Jaytronix Drawing FREE!
A fun glowing drawing program.


BatteryLife CurveFish Widget FREE!
A more descriptive battery monitor.


WiFi OnOff CurveFish Widget FREE!
Toggle WiFi without stumbling through the Settings


SilentMode OnOff CurveFish Widget FREE!
Enable silent mode.

I haven't really used this all that much. Generally, you can enable Silent and Airport Modes on your Android enabled device (specifically the Motorola Droid) by holding down the power button until a dialog shows up.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


GPS OnOff CurveFish Widget FREE!
Take's you to the setting pannel to toggle WiFi and GPS setting without stumbling through the Settings.

Convenient.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


My Maps Editor by Google Google Inc. Maps FREE!
Use maps that you created on Google Maps, perhaps even Google Earth.


PayPal PayPal Mobile Shopping FREE!
OFFICIAL! Make payments with your PayPal account.

Haven't really gotten around to using it. I'll let you know my thoughts about it later.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


gkcd Jake Albert Entertainment/Comics FREE!
View the thrice weekly updated comic XKCD.


Google Sky Map Google Inc. Maps FREE!
Browse constillations. Perfect for backyard astronomy.

A must have!--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Coloroid Benjamin Lewis Games FREE!
Color grouping game.


Phit Droid mToy Games FREE!
Puzzle piece fitting game.


Amazon.com Amazon Mobile Shopping FREE!
OFFICIAL! Shop Amazon using your Android-enabled device.


MisMisMatch Benjamin Lewis Games FREE!
Based on the set matching game Set.


Phandroid News phandroid.com News FREE!
News about Android-enabled devices from phandroid.com


Documents To Go 2.0 Main App DataViz, Inc Office $20?
Open and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents on your mobile device. Also view PowerPoint presentations and PDF files.

A must have, even though I wish Google would make a program for the Google Docs service. Documents To Go has been around for years and was used on other devices like Palm and Windows Mobile.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Photoshop.com Mobile Adobe Systems Photos FREE!
OFFICIAL! Not a full fledged version of Adobe Photoshop, but does allow you to make small changes to photos taken with the Camera.


iMap Weather™ Weather Decision Technologies, Inc. Maps/Weather FREE!
A mash-up of Google Maps with Weather Information. If you like this app, check out iMapWeather.com.


Android Terminal Emulator Jack Palevich Tools FREE!
FOR ADVANCED USERS! A basic Unix/Linux terminal emulator for Android.

Ideal for Linux hackers. Still has a few flaws. Needs more bash-like behavior. Not recommended for regular users.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Droidlight LED Flashlight Motorola Inc. Tools FREE!
FOR MOTOROLA DROID. Turn your smartphone into a flashlight! Idea for dimly lit restaurants or other dark places.


Corporate Directory Motorola Inc. Tools FREE!
Motorola's address book program. You'll probably never use this since there is an Address Book application already on the device.

Verizon users don't really need this. It more or less complements the Exchange calendar and email that come loaded on the Motorola Droid.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


A Online Radio aor.leadapps Music/Radio FREE!
Listen to online radio stations on your device.

Make sure you have unlimited (5GB) data plan for listening to internet radio where 3G data service is used instead of WiFi.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Barcode Scanner ZXing Team Tools/Shopping FREE!
The must have Barcode scanner application. Reads Barcodes and QR Codes.

Like any barcode scanner program, it might take a few tries for it to work, especially if your device has an autofocus bug when used. (Droid users in particular. It will be resolved eventually.)--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Sensor List Idea Matters Tools FREE!
For more advanced users. Displays sensor data. Ideal for Motorola Droid.


Text-To-Speech Extended Eyes-Free Project Tools FREE!
Ideal for people with disabilities.


SoundBack Eyes-Free Project Tools FREE!
Ideal for people with disabilities.


Talkback Eyes-Free Project Tools FREE!
Ideal for people with disabilities.


Google Goggles Google Inc. Tools/Augmented Reality FREE!
Using the camera on you device, you can point the camera at some things and Googles will search Google for it. Eventually, leafs and some animals will be recognizable with Goggles.

A must have. There are still several thing it needs to do, like offer text translations.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


CNET Scan & Shop CBS Interactive, Inc. Shopping FREE!
Use this application to read reviews about technology products on CNET.


Facebook for Android Facebook Social Networking FREE!
OFFICIAL! The Facebook application for Android devices.

As good as this program is, it is generally more convient to use your browser to use Facebook. This app really isn't that good.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Backgrounds Stylem Media Wallpapers FREE!
Download free backgrounds for your Android-enabled device.

Small collection. Try searching google for backgrounds then crop an image to fit the screen.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Bluetooth OnOff CurveFish Widget FREE!
Toggle Bluetooth settings.

Haven't gotten around to using this.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Andoku Sudoku Markus Wiederkehr Games FREE!
Sudoku for Android


Droid Comic Viewer Robot Comics Software Entertainment/Comics FREE!
An e-book like reader for comics uploaded for Robot Comics.

Not all that good, espically since many of the comics are their own apps. Eventually this will change.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Advanced Task Killer Free ReChild Tools FREE!
For more advanced users. Control runaway processes.

This made since back for older version of the Android operating system. Not so much as of Android v2.0.1.


Key Ring Reward Cards Froogloid, LLC Tools FREE!
Use this app to store those keychain barcodes that clutter your keychain.

Haven't really tried this one yet. Might be good.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Light Racer 3D Basic Battery Powered Games, LLC Games FREE!
3D Tron game!

Awesome!--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Google Translate Google Inc. Tools FREE!
Translate text to other language.

Needs to use something like Google Goggles to scan text in other languages to translate it. You can use the keyboard to type in words for Spanish, French, Portugues, and Italian. Cryllic, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese not so much. Still a must have app.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


The Weather Channel The Weather Channel Weather FREE!
OFFICIAL! Application for the latest weather forcast from The Weather Channel.

The Windows app isn't good. This app and the widget for Google Chrome are good because they don't try ask you to upload a who bunch of other garbage. I wish The Weather Channel (or better yet the National Weather Service) was used for the Weather widget when the Motorola Droid was in Dock Mode instead of Accuweather.


ShopSavvy Big in Japan, Inc. Shopping FREE!
Barcode scanning program.

An alternative program to ZX Reader and Amazon. ZX Reader and Amazon are still better, but sometimes they might not give you the results you were looking for. ShopSavvy can help.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


MorseCoder Heliosophic Labs, LLC Games/Tools FREE!
Just a program to create Morse Code Messages. Fun with friends and for HAM radio fans.


Color Master Alasdair Mackenzie Tools FREE!
A color picking program ideal for web programmers.


Pkt Auctions eBay Bonfire Media, Inc. Shopping/Auction FREE!
Auction Program for Ebay.

This program was good. It was a good program to have until the Ebay application became available. Still, if you like this program more than the Ebay App, it is a must have.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Crosswords Tea.ch Games FREE!
Download crossword puzzles. (Generally from the Houston Chronicle.)

A must have if you love crossword puzzles. Needs more sources. I wish it would send you the crosswords instead of having to get them yourself.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


My Tracks My Tracks Team at Google Maps/GPS FREE!
OFFICIAL! Use this app to track where you've been, just like any GPS program.


Last.fm - Personal Radio Last.fm Ltd. Music FREE!
OFFICIAL! Listen to streaming music at home or on the go.

Requires a Last.fm account. Some music is censored. Some artists aren't listed despite being a great source for listening to lesser know and non-big-label artists.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Congress Sunlight Labs Government FREE!
Find your local congreeman and see what they are doing.

A must have for anyone interested in politics!--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Jewels MHGames Games FREE!
A game that is similar to EA's Bejeweled.

A must have! Better than EA's Bejeweled.--MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Aldiko Book Reader Premium Aldiko Limited eBook reader/Shopping $5?
Download DRM-free e-Books

Waiting on an Amazon or Barnes and Noble e-Book Reader program. O'Reilly Publishing has many books for computer enthusiasts available. --MrHacks 20:50, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Retro Clock Widget jSource Widget FREE!
A clock for Motorola Droid users who want something that looks like the clock program on the HTC Eris.


Places Directory Google Places Directory Team Maps/Directory FREE!
OFFICIAL! Find things locally with the help of Google Maps.

Still needs a little work.


AndChat (Free) Al. R. Communications FREE!
An IRC Client. Perfect for Motorola Droid.

IRC is no place for regular users. Know the risks when using IRC!--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Droid48 shagrath Tools FREE!
An HP 48 Calculator Emulator


Slashdot Reader sak+ News FREE!
Read news from Slashdot.org


Citysearch Citysearch Maps/Directory FREE!
Find local reviews from Citysearch.com


LOL Sites Ian Hawkins Entertainment/Comedy FREE!
Retrieve funny images from "LOL Sites" like ICanHasCheeseBurger.com and PeopleOfWalmart.com

Stores the images on the memory card. So be sure to flush that out after a while.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Circlograph Richard Cohen Games FREE!
Make Spirograph drawings!

I really want to make a page on this Wiki to explain the math behind these beautiful drawings. Perhaps later.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Ustream Viewer Ustream.tv, Inc. Video FREE!
View live video feeds from Ustream. Might require a Ustream account.


Ustream Broadcaster Ustream.tv, Inc. Video FREE!
Broadcast live video feeds to Ustream. Requires a Ustream account.


A Top Job Search Bostone Consulting Job Search FREE!
Also known as Hire*A*Droid, search for jobs using SimplyHired.com and save searches.

Great!--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Anystop: St. Louis Metro Bus Brothers Transit FREE!
Find transit information in the St. Louis area.

Google Maps has a similar feature.


Apps Organizer Fabio Collini Tools FREE!
Organize your apps.

I haven't really figured this one out completely.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


twidroid PRO for twitter Zimmermann & Marban Social Networking $5?
{{{desc}}}


App Referer Drathus Tools FREE!
Recommend apps to your friends.


Notes Yuli Tools FREE!
Jot Notes Down and create lists.

I wish Google hadn't discontinued their Notebook service and that they created a program for the Tasks service. Still, a must have app for anyone who needs to write something down with no major frills.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


AndroZip File Manager AgileSoft Resource Tools FREE!
Unzip compresed software packages.

A must have if you are downloading a big file.


FMyLife FML Official FML/VDM Entertainment/Comedy FREE!
OFFICIAL! Stories about the stupid things some people do from FMyLife.com

Any other app that is an FMyLife feed is not legitmiate. Download this one and this one only!


Visible Vote Mobile Visible Vote Government FREE!
Vote on what congress votes on. Requires account creation.

Another good app for people interested in politics.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


WordPress Automattic, Inc Blogging FREE!
OFFICIAL! Use this app to link to your WordPress Blog and blog from over your phone. Requires a site with WordPress or a WordPress account.


Google Maps Google Inc. Maps FREE!
Google's ultra-versatile mapping/navigation program!

This program rocks! EPIC WIN!--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Reversi for Android Aart Bik Games FREE!
An Othello/Reversi game for Android.

Aart Bik is a great programmer! I would recommend any of his programs for Android!--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Checkers for Android Aart Bik Games FREE!
A Checkers program for Android.

Another great program by Aart Bik.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Chess for Android Aart Bik Games FREE!
A Chess program for Android.

It's good. Still needs a little work.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


WordSearch FREE Brendan Games FREE!
A seek-and-find program. Great for brain exercises.


Voice Recorder Mamoru Tokashiki Tools FREE!
Use your phone as a voice recorder.


ConnectBot Kenny Root and Jeffrey Sharkey Tools FREE!
FOR ADVANCED USERS! This program is an SSH Client for connecting to servers using you phone.

A must have for site administrators, Linux hackers, and computer geeks. Requires a link to an SSH account.


Surveyor Idea Matters Tools FREE!
Use your phone to take measurements.

Haven't really gotten around to using this.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Fishin' 2 Go (Lite) CyxB Games FREE!
A fishing game

Haven't tried it out yet. I hear it is pretty good.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


CraigsNotifica (Craigslist) Rafael Sanches Classifieds FREE!
Set up Craigslist notifications

Good. I'd like to turn off the notifications when I'm not really looking for stuff though.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Nethack Fredrik Farnstrom Games FREE!
Classic Unix game


Netrunners Beta TotalMadOwnage Games FREE!
Another Unix game ported to Android?


Discovery Channel Discovery Channel Entertainment/Information FREE!
Watch clips from the Discovery Channel.


AndroidFortune Smallbouldering Projects Entertainment FREE!
A port of the classic Unix fortune program for Android.


AIM AOL Mobile Instant Messenging FREE!
AOL Instant Messenger


Coldwell Banker Real Estate Coldwell Banker Inc Maps/Real Estate FREE!
Browse for houses on the market

Needs work still, but good.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Pandora Radio Pandora Music FREE!
OFFICIAL! Listen to streaming audio online. Requires a Pandora.com account.

Many restrictions. Only saves about 60 artists. So it might be a good idea to use the Notes program to write down some of your artists.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Listen Google Inc. Podcasting FREE!
Listen to audio podcasts from your favorite websites.

How do they use RSS feeds with this program for non-audio feeds?--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


DIRECTV DIRECTV Inc. Entertainment/Tools FREE!
OFFICIAL! View Television listing on DirecTV. Even greater features if you link your DirecTV accounts to this application like the ability to tell your DVR record stuff over the phone.

Good. Needs work. DirecTV has alot of channels! Needs to filter out the listings for the infomerical channels and the adult listings.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


Draw! (Free) thewongandonly.com Drawing FREE!
Free version of a popular drawing program. Fun to play with.


Movies Flixster Inc. Entertainment FREE!
Find movie information and theater listings. Also share your feedback on films you've seen or want to see.

A must have! Might require registering with Flixster. Facebook has a Flixster app that could get you registered as well.--MrHacks 21:49, 1 March 2010 (UTC)


eBay eBay Inc. Shopping FREE!
OFFICIAL! Manage your eBay auctions, bid on items, etc.


HuffingtonPost.com The Huffington Post News FREE!
OFFICIAL! News from The Huffington Post.

Black List

The Android Market has hundreds of great free and paid applications. However, there is always that small group of people who take something good and ruin it for their own private gain. Here is a list of those scoundrels who have made the Android Market a quagmire to navigate through. If you see any of there apps, DO NOT DOWNLOAD THEM. If any of them look suspicious, report them.

  • Vidition Droid
  • Michael Quach
  • Genwi

Links

Personal tools