Since every forum seems to have a thread like this...and I've found some useful things on them elsewhere...might as well add one here...here are some of my early favs as an Android Noob:
Free Apps
EasyTether (Lite...full version is $9.95)
Google Navigation
Google Voice Actions
Vlingo
Easy Filter
Color Flashlight
Quick Settings
Lookout
App 2 SD Free (by Sam Lu)
VM Minutes Checker
Dropbox (allows easy moving/sharing of files to/from PC's)
"auto mount your sd card" app works great if you are a mac user. just turn on the app and plug in your phone to your mac, the phone then shows up as a removeable drive on your desktop.
1) Handcent - Simply the best SMS for customization
2) App2SD by Sam Lu - Sure, 2.2 has the ability built in but not as intuitive as this. Also notifies you on install if the app can be moved.
3) Folder Organizer Lite - Why scroll through an endless app dump when you can categorize your apps on install and build dynamic folders on your home pages. Why Google didn't include this in the OS is beyond me but they should pay the developer (Fabio Collini) for this and include it in future versions!
4) ES File Explorer - Yeah, I tried Astro as well but this one works great for me and browsing shared folders on my home network needed no additional plugins and went quite a bit smoother.
5) handyCalc - Need a calculator? This one does it all!!!!
6) Pulse - RSS feeder, just testing it out but I believe I like it
7) QQPlayer - Media player (movies). I tried RockPlayer as well but had better luck with this one.
8) Winamp or MixZing - Hmmm, not sure yet they both have a place on my Optimus for now.
9) Aldiko - Sweet eBook reader. If you have several eBooks already in different formats pair it up with the PC soft called Calibre for conversion options out the wazooo.
10) AppBrain - Almost a given, even with the new Market.
I could go on and on but would like to see what you have experience with so I can find some more gems.
FYI - Anyone hear if Android Forums will get an app similar to HowardForums? Sure it's Tapatalk but free, it would be sweet if Android Forums was able to do the same thing!
Thanx!
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FYI - Anyone hear if Android Forums will get an app similar to HowardForums? Sure it's Tapatalk but free, it would be sweet if Android Forums was able to do the same thing!
Thanx!
Try the Suggestion Box & Feedback forum for that one...lots of info there. There is a beta of Phandroid that allows forum access downloadable via the Market. There has also been a lot of Tapatalk discussion, and there's a beta of that as well, it appears.
Thanks for the info. I did a search for Android Forums on the Market prior to submitting the comment and then after the fact found it by doing a search for Phandroid. The Tapatalk interface makes the forum experience sooo much better and although the $3 cost is minimal I'm only active in HowardForums and now Phandroid. Who knows, if I start branching off into other forums Tapatalk might be the way to go.
Mutipicture Live Wallpaper:
yes , live wallpapers seem to drain battery but what good is a smartphone if you cant use it to its full potential? this app allows you to set up a different wallpaper for each homepage and its highly configurable with transitions and auto pic changes, etc.
ESFileExporer:
what I really like about this app is the ability to explore your home network easily . its great for apps you may download to your home computer and want to install. just go to the folder you downloaded the apk , select it , and it will automatically copy it to the sd card and ask if you want to install it.
Android Assistant:
lots of info , task manager, autostart mgr, and more.
OP I notice you put Blacklist in your list. I am having a heck of a time getting a call blocker to work (pick up/hang up). Does it work for you on your OpV?
*Edit. I have tried to get Blacklist working and it's actually not doing anything. Doesn't even attempt to pick up the call or send it to voicemail. weird
Last edited by jayleekay; February 10th, 2011 at 02:55 PM.
OP I notice you put Blacklist in your list. I am having a heck of a time getting a call blocker to work (pick up/hang up). Does it work for you on your OpV?
*Edit. I have tried to get Blacklist working and it's actually not doing anything. Doesn't even attempt to pick up the call or send it to voicemail. weird
I've been running into the same issue, actually...and am switching to find something else. There's another call blocker program that's been having trouble as well...I'm trying out some other programs.
I'll list some apps I use that aren't already posted,
Go Launcher - First launcher i've tried. Customizable dock, app tray has a task killer in it, more usable screen space with 1x5 rows, lots of other options. wp clock - Stylish live wallpaper showing date, time, battery level, includes animations, etc, Widgetsoid - Highly customizable widget docks. Includes brightness, wifi hotspot, flashlight, sound, screen lock widgets and many more all in one dock or multiple if needed. Smart Shortcuts - Group together apps under one specific icon on the screen. When the icon is pressed, the group of apps will pop up in a box for selection. Great for organizing apps and reducing clutter on the screen. Colornote - I use it for to do lists, passwords, account #'s, etc. Set reminders for a specific time or place a note in the notification bar. Swarm - Torrent client for android, works great under both wifi and 3g. PowerAmp - Best sounding music player, up to par if not better than my ipod. Nice widget as well.
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I've been running into the same issue, actually...and am switching to find something else. There's another call blocker program that's been having trouble as well...I'm trying out some other programs.
let me know if you find anything. I have literally tried at least 6 of the free apps. I've had a few pick up the phone but they don't hang up. None work so far.
I'll list some apps I use that aren't already posted,
Go Launcher - First launcher i've tried. Customizable dock, app tray has a task killer in it, more usable screen space with 1x5 rows, lots of other options. wp clock - Stylish live wallpaper showing date, time, battery level, includes animations, etc, Widgetsoid - Highly customizable widget docks. Includes brightness, wifi hotspot, flashlight, sound, screen lock widgets and many more all in one dock or multiple if needed. Smart Shortcuts - Group together apps under one specific icon on the screen. When the icon is pressed, the group of apps will pop up in a box for selection. Great for organizing apps and reducing clutter on the screen. Colornote - I use it for to do lists, passwords, account #'s, etc. Set reminders for a specific time or place a note in the notification bar. Swarm - Torrent client for android, works great under both wifi and 3g. PowerAmp - Best sounding music player, up to par if not better than my ipod. Nice widget as well.
Do you happen to have a link for WP CLOCK? I can't seem to find the one you mentioned...
Another app I've found useful is Silent Boot. It gives you the ability to turn off the "Virgin Mobile!" audio when booting up, as well as an option to clear it when shutting down, without having to turn off your other audio notifications (as in Silent Mode).
Even with the move to SD option, I'm finding the limited internal memory of the Optimus V limits the # of apps I can install as lots of apps still only want to exist in internal memory. Is there any way around this without having to root the phone?
Even with the move to SD option, I'm finding the limited internal memory of the Optimus V limits the # of apps I can install as lots of apps still only want to exist in internal memory. Is there any way around this without having to root the phone?
In short, no. There's only around 150MB of space reserved for apps, and even with rooting, some apps cannot be moved to the card. To me, that's the biggest limitation of these lower end Android phones...the amount of usable memory to install apps.
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Why does my phone seem much slower with more apps on it?
Not to encourage illegality (it is legal if you own a hard copy of the game, according to some DRM laws) I promote Gameboid and EmulatorROMs - combined for some nostalgia in the form of FF1 and 2
Also, idk about you guys but the custom launchers like lancherpro seem to lag a tiny bit. not so noticable, but just enough to keep me minimalist - for now.
Also, idk about you guys but the custom launchers like lancherpro seem to lag a tiny bit. not so noticable, but just enough to keep me minimalist - for now.
Launcher Pro doesn't lag at all if you disable transitions (Homescreen) and maximize opening speed (Advanced).
Last edited by aldamon; February 15th, 2011 at 08:09 AM.
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I can put up with a little lag if the payoff is something cool like a fancy UI or something! I like that flashy stuff...LOL! I just wish i had more memory for apps also!
Realcalc
Text enlarger- though it may not work with all apps, has the option to be turned on the incompatible ones.
Tris
Aces Solitaire
AK notepad
K-9 mail
Talking clock
Google Voice Actions
Talking caller iD free
Silicon Oxide- a Korg Kr55 drum machin emulator
Ideal magnifier- turns phone camera into a magnifying glass.
Tune in Radio
News and weather.
All Free
Advanced Task Killer- I know google says you don't need task killers, but I don't remember leaving 12 apps running all at the same time (elixir widget confirmed the amount of free memory before and after killing all of those running apps)
Silent Boot - Love it, I hate that VM jingle
Barcode Scanner - love comparing prices while shopping
Elixir and Widgetsoid - numerous options for switches and device status, I use both
ES File Explorer - easier than astro and found my home wifi with ease
Lookout
MixZing Basic - FREE music player with graphic equalizer, not too many of them out there
Handcent SMS- still don't know about this one yet
Apps2SD
Pandora
Paypal
Google Shopper
TiKL- walkie talkie style, use data instead of minutes to talk to other TiKL users
Weatherbug - they have a weather station at my kids' school
WF & Clock Widget - flipclock widget with weather
1080 TheFan - ESPN radio, why would I pay for their app when this is free?
Launcher Pro and Desktop Visualizer - customization options I really haven't played with yet, but thanks to aldamon I will now
Last edited by cpht; February 21st, 2011 at 11:27 PM.
Have to take text Enlarger off the list now. Per app settings not working anymore making this too risky to use. As I said in another post, I'm heartbroken! This app made my phone so easy to see.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lpnalda
My favorites so far:
Realcalc
Text enlarger- though it may not work with all apps, has the option to be turned on the incompatible ones.
Tris
Aces Solitaire
AK notepad
K-9 mail
Talking clock
Google Voice Actions
Talking caller iD free
Silicon Oxide- a Korg Kr55 drum machin emulator
Ideal magnifier- turns phone camera into a magnifying glass.
Tune in Radio
News and weather.
Device(s): LG Optimums , Motorola Triumph, HTC Evo 4g V
Carrier: Not Provided
Thanks: 27
Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts
In no particular order but here are must haves. . I just started using android within a week.
foursquare
paypal
gmail
google lattitude
google maps
opera mini
skype
google voice
google goggles
barcode scanner
NY times
ebay
paypal
bank of america
wikinvest
facebook
amazon
youtube
craigslist
last.fm
speedtest
ing direct
Google Reader
GPS Status
AdvancedApp Killer
ustream mobile app
Since VM will not allow voice mail forwarding tointegrate with Google voice, has anyone stumbled over an app that will effectively forward the phone to GVoice regardless to the source of the call and not only if the source started say with your google voice number that was directed to your cell? Forwarding VM voice to my google voice is the only thing I have not gotten working
I read some where that the VM Optimus hardware included a FM tuner. Has anyone heard this and if so is there an App to download that makes use of the FM tuner built into the phone?
I read some where that the VM Optimus hardware included a FM tuner. Has anyone heard this and if so is there an App to download that makes use of the FM tuner built into the phone?
Some GSM models of the Optimus have an FM tuner...the V does not.
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Barcode Scanner with CardStar
Scanner Radio
Tango
Sipdroid VOIP WIFI or 3G calls, no minute use
Music Ring
Ringdroid
Quick Settings
Android System
Google Search
SkyFire
Talk
YougTube
Poynt
Where
TMZ
Navigation / Maps
Engadget
Medscape
Zillow
FB
Amazon
Pandora
TV.com
WiFi Analyzer
ShopSavvy
Compass
Skype
TuneInRadio
Advanced Task Manager
USA today
Google Sky
Wheres My Droid
TipNSplit
Anti Virus Free
TV Listings
Event crazy
Yahoo Finance
Last edited by imanjunk1963; March 22nd, 2011 at 04:11 PM.
Reason: Add more and removed those I change my mind on.
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Hey all, to TVCCS, you mentioned early in this thread you were trying blacklist apps but none were working... Did you happen to find one that worked for you? I've searched around myself, and another forum mentioned that for 2.1 android users to go to: Settings -> Call settings -> All calls -> Auto reject. Of course we don't have that option, at least I don't, only have Settings -> Call settings -> Excuse Messages | Plus Code Dialing | TTY Mode | DTMF Tones...
Anyway, anyone else have any suggestions? Thanks!
Hey all, to TVCCS, you mentioned early in this thread you were trying blacklist apps but none were working... Did you happen to find one that worked for you? I've searched around myself, and another forum mentioned that for 2.1 android users to go to: Settings -> Call settings -> All calls -> Auto reject. Of course we don't have that option, at least I don't, only have Settings -> Call settings -> Excuse Messages | Plus Code Dialing | TTY Mode | DTMF Tones...
Anyway, anyone else have any suggestions? Thanks!
BeachGuy
Call Blocker just blocks Anonymous calls...Easy Filter is more comprehensive and let's you create Block lists, etc...that's what I prefer. I'm still testing...and am not taking a lot of calls yet on the phone. Try Easy Filter.
Adobe Reader
Backup everthing
Audiogalaxy
Barcode Scanner
Google Maps
Beutiful Widgets
Cnet News
Facebook
Google Sky Map
Open Signal
Pandora
Quick Settings
Rotation Toggler
Smart places
TD Bank
tune in radio
Yellowbook
Angry Birds
I second a reply above: I'd love to have an app that will take a call to my real phone number but use google voice to take the message - this way eliminating the need to call in and get my messages in my "real" voice mailbox.
All Free
Advanced Task Killer- I know google says you don't need task killers, but I don't remember leaving 12 apps running all at the same time (elixir widget confirmed the amount of free memory before and after killing all of those running apps)
Silent Boot - Love it, I hate that VM jingle
Barcode Scanner - love comparing prices while shopping
Elixir and Widgetsoid - numerous options for switches and device status, I use both
ES File Explorer - easier than astro and found my home wifi with ease
Lookout
MixZing Basic - FREE music player with graphic equalizer, not too many of them out there
Handcent SMS- still don't know about this one yet
Apps2SD
Pandora
Paypal
Google Shopper
TiKL- walkie talkie style, use data instead of minutes to talk to other TiKL users
Weatherbug - they have a weather station at my kids' school
WF & Clock Widget - flipclock widget with weather
1080 TheFan - ESPN radio, why would I pay for their app when this is free?
Launcher Pro and Desktop Visualizer - customization options I really haven't played with yet, but thanks to aldamon I will now
CPHT, Did you get the elixir's widget "mobile data switch" to work with your optimus? I cannot turn the data on and off, and I cannot find the apn settings with elixir.
This is what I have installed so far:
Android Assistant
ABC+BBc+CNN
Adobe Reader
Antivirus Free (the android one)
Color Flashlight
ConvertPad
Facebook
Google Sky Map
Yahoo Messenger
Note Everything
Solitare
NOTE: I also have the crap load of apps that came with the phone, many of which I probably will never use. Any idea how to get rid of them? Android Assistant doesn't list them so I can delete them that way.
This is what I have installed so far:
Android Assistant
ABC+BBc+CNN
Adobe Reader
Antivirus Free (the android one)
Color Flashlight
ConvertPad
Facebook
Google Sky Map
Yahoo Messenger
Note Everything
Solitare
NOTE: I also have the crap load of apps that came with the phone, many of which I probably will never use. Any idea how to get rid of them? Android Assistant doesn't list them so I can delete them that way.
To get rid off Apps already installed, you would have to root the phone.
Free Music Download - Searchable database to download MP3s directly to your phone for free. I can make a better mix than Pandora, although I still use it.
RealCalc - Scientific calculator.
Google goggles - Google search using pictures. Pretty cool.
Google skymap - Point your phone at the sky, and Google Sky Map will show the stars, planets, constellations, and more to help you identify the celestial objects in view.
Virgin minutes checker - Instant info on minutes used/left and payment due date.
ShopSavvy - Scan a barcode and find out where it is locally (and the price) or where to buy online.
QuickSettings - One touch app to control battery consumption. Change wifi, gps, 3g (among others) settings almost instantly.
Zedge - Hundreds of thousands of wall papers and ringtones. Searchable.
Google Voice Actions sounds cool. Going to get it next.
hugeoso, I ran into the losing 3G issues and thought maybe elixir was the culprit. widgetsoid can do everything elixir did for me and isn't as big, so elixir has been removed from my phone. I haven't found a mobile data widget that works yet.widgetsoid beat out elixir because of file size, the brightness switcher, and the mobile hotspot toggle. elixir looked nicer, but I need all the free space I can get.
I'm still having connectivity issuesabout once a week but my wife's samsung instinct on vm has none.
I had a LOT of apps on my Incredible so when I sold it and bought the V, I got to decide what I really wanted to download again, since i didn't use half of them probably, and space is limited on the V.
The list is much smaller now.
AppBrain - organizes all the apps...helps me find new ones too
Swype (came with and i really like it now...haven't re-downloaded Vlingo because I am liking this)
Maps (I use Maps-Nav-Places probably more than anything else on this phone)
Vibe Vault (archive.org music player)
Pandora
Car Home (customizable Car Mode)
Quick Settings (like being able to turn stuff off and on quickly)
Facebook
Our Groceries (list)
Good Morning (neat alarm, tells me the weather and stuff)
Weatherbug
Calorie Counter (cal tracker)
GTunes (dl's free mp3s from around the net)
Barcode Scanner
Shazam
My Days (it's a chick thing)
Google Voice (I use the GV # for business, with I could use the visual voicemail as default for VM # too but not yet...)
Mint.com (money management)
Carrr Matey (finds your parked car or whatever, with pirate theme)
Maverick (offline maps, hiking)
NY Times
Time Magazine
K-9 Mail (use for my not-gmail)
Handcent (love for SMS)
Mileage (tracks mileage I get)
Gas Buddy (find prices)
Business Calendar Beta (prefer the widget for cal display over stock)
Haven't gotten around to re-downloading yet but will - Flight Status - shows you where planes are and when they'll land/take off, Kayak (flight price search), Endomondo (sports tracker for runs and bike rides and whatnot).
another thread said that most apps that toggle data may be the source of our droppef data issues. has anyone found a toggle for data that lets you turn data back on and works? btw, new version of elixir beat out widgetsoid for me
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Favorite Android/Optimus V Apps - List Yours
