Must Have Apps

[Lyssie71]

Has anyone downloaded the new Kindle app?

Yes, and I absolutely love it!! I was going to get a Kindle for my birthday.......but, now, between the app on my Eris and on my PC, there's no need!

 

[bberryhill0]

I went with FBReader over Aldiko.

Shazam and MP3 Downloader are fun in the bar. ' Who does this song?' ' Let me ask my phone. Would you like me to email it to you?'

 

[grvthang]

Yes, and I absolutely love it!! I was going to get a Kindle for my birthday.......but, now, between the app on my Eris and on my PC, there's no need!

The Aldiko app provides many more ways to customize your screen (font size, background colors, etc.), but unfortunately unless you want to read public domain books or go through the hassle of converting to epub format, it's a PITA to find popular books.
The Kindle app is nice in that it's simple to acquire books, and there's a much greater selection. I was on the beach on vacation last week, and dowloaded and red two books right there on the beach.

 

[chezhed]

Freebies I use:

BeerCloud database needs more info but great idea
Ultimate Beer guide can't have too many beer apps
Bubble convenient for parking an RV/camper
Compass use to convince my wife I know what direction I'm going
Dictionary.com use to understand my wife when she talks to me
Google Sky Map it's cool
Keeper got to have something to remember stuff since all the beer is destroying my brain cells
NPR News self explanatory
AP Mobile real news
Pandora nice, really nice break from my music
Ringdroid simple and fun to make ringtones
Shake-Uninstall how many times have I used this...just click app and shake to get rid of it
Shopper
SportsTap It's OK...getting better
WeatherChanne;
Thinking Space this is neat, mind mapping and free
UrbanSpoon
Yelp I prefer Poynt on my blackberry (work)

I need a decent backgammon app.....

 

[Falco73]

Installed Swype from the link in the first post. It now tells me that "Your trial period has ended. Please upgrade your copy of swype."

I have uninstalled Swype and deleted the apk file. Then downloaded a newer version from another location, but it still tells me the same thing. Is there a way to fix this?

 

[xx_bishop_xx]

Installed Swype from the link in the first post. It now tells me that "Your trial period has ended. Please upgrade your copy of swype."

I have uninstalled Swype and deleted the apk file. Then downloaded a newer version from another location, but it still tells me the same thing. Is there a way to fix this?

You have to register on the beta site. They will email you the link with the installer. It says the beta is closed, but I've read that people have gotten their response pretty quickly.

Swype | Text Input for Screens

 

[Falco73]

Thanks, went and registered. Hope I get something soon.

 

[jjr1968]

Thanks, went and registered. Hope I get something soon.

Could try "Shapewriter". Very similar to Swype, Free in the Market.

 

[v941726]

Could try "Shapewriter". Very similar to Swype, Free in the Market.

to me shapewriter is the best. but its not in the market anymore. you have to google it and download the apk

 

[Tiaele]

I just discovered ShoutOut and it is an AWESOME messaging app with voice to text that is really good. Only problem is I cant figure out how to use it as my default messaging app so I unistalled! Uggg!

If anyone knows how to do it please let me know!

 

[Site D]

I just discovered ShoutOut and it is an AWESOME messaging app with voice to text that is really good. Only problem is I cant figure out how to use it as my default messaging app so I unistalled! Uggg!

If anyone knows how to do it please let me know!

Also having the same problem with ShoutOut, but after receiving a message, the program asked me which program to use as my default and that seems to have worked. ShoutOUT is great because I can hold the orange bar and talk while driving, it repeats the message and if its acurate, u hit send, still training it but its working good for me. My kids seem to respond to a text faster than a phone call......very odd.

 

[mc48]

My kids seem to respond to a text faster than a phone call......very odd.

ha. my teenagers to. One of the main reasons for my kids anyway is that they frequently have their ringer for phone calls on mute or vibrate but not the notification for their text messages. They can hear that from a mile away I think.

 

[MrWilliams]

Could try "Shapewriter". Very similar to Swype, Free in the Market.

Actually, it's no longer available... anyone know where I can still get it?

 

[mc48]

a easy place to start is google "shapewriter.apk".

 

[Bluemumba]

Ya shout is a great app so far. But another app I enjoy is VReCoreder. It records phone conversation. Great app for dealing with customer service reps. lol

 

[Tiaele]

thanks everyone, I think I will try reinstalling it and see what happens. I never got that notification asking me which program I wanted to use when I got a text.

 

[Nnnnr12]

thanks to those of you who have helped me put this list together or provided links to the applications.
-bjf88
-tpatnoe
-xstackedx
-rycheme
-renholder5x
-hattrick
-jaboda79
-OfTheDamned
-Trident


So I thought I'd do the new users a favor and start a list of the must have apps.
Feel free to add any of your own to this list.


Astro
-file manager
-easy backing up applications
-easy application installation from non-market sources

Spoiler

Lookout Mobile Security
-backs up photos, call logs, and contacts
-remote gps locating if your device is lost
-enables remote siren in case you phone is lost around the house

Spoiler

Swype
-keyboard replacement

Spoiler

New Swype Custom Themes for All Users | Droid Life: A Droid Community Blog

Pocket Empires
-fun game
-free
-check at your liesure, slow paced

Spoiler

Battery Left Widget
-tells the amount of time left until your battery dies
-accurate to the minute
-widget available in 2x1 and 1x1 sizes

Spoiler

Screebl
YouTube - Screebl Overview

Spoiler

SSI GTASKS TODO
-simple to-do list that synchs with google tasks
-good integration with PureCalendar Widget

Spoiler

ScreenModeWidget
-3 toggles, stay awake, screen stay, and auto sleep
-screen stay keeps the screen from locking
-auto sleep locks and tuns off the screen
-stay awake allows the screen to sleep but not lock

Spoiler

Audio Manager Widget
-allows volume for alarm, music, alerts, ringer, system, and voice to be controlled on the homescreen

Spoiler

City CallerID
-lists the city the call originates from
-type in number and see where it is registered

Spoiler

Skype for 2.1

Spoiler

Waze
YouTube - waze guided tour

Spoiler

Android System Info
-Spare Parts meets Astro meets Battery Meter
-tons of details about phone and processes
-task manager
-application manager
**disclaimer**
I don't recommend using a task killer, since dropping mine, my phone has become much faster. use at your own risk

Spoiler

PDA Net
-bluetooth (2.0+) and wired (1.5+) tethering
-mac or PC compatible
-allows SMS sending via your computer

Spoiler

Gesture Search
-allows searching of apps, contacts, music etc by drawing the letters

Spoiler

MixZing Media Player
-replacement for stock music app
-mp3 tagging
-mood player
-homescreen and lockscreen widgets
-finds album art
**recommend using the paid version, lots of ads in the free version**

Spoiler

Handcent
-replaces messaging app
-customizable appearance
-pop up for received messages

Spoiler

Pandora
-internet music player

Spoiler

Album Art Grabber
-find album artwork

Spoiler

gDocs
-edit, synch, and read google documents
**i couldnt get this to synch my documents, hopefully you have better luck**

Spoiler

Keyring Rewards
YouTube - android application key ring demo 5 9 09

Spoiler

Red Poker Club
-free multiplayer Texas Hold'em

Spoiler

USAA Mobile
-for online banking at USAA

Spoiler

Why download waze when you can use google maps as a gps?

 

[OfTheDamned]

Why download waze when you can use google maps as a gps?

When this thread was created, about half of the members where still using 1.5 and did not have Google Nav. Waze was/is one of the better free alternatives. Also, Waze has better traffic information many times than Google Nav does.

 

[fresh haggis]

+1. If you have root you can even make it your default dialer.

How do I make this my default dialer with root? - running Kaos Froyo v31.

 

[Napalm]

I too like urbanspoon and so far really love wifi analyzer for checking out wifi setups in an area.

 

[Podivin]

How do I make this my default dialer with root? - running Kaos Froyo v31.

You should just be able to press the green phone button, and it will ask you which dialer you'd like to set as the default. At least that's what it did for me.

 

[albion]

i've not found an app that comes close to improving the google reader native web experience.

Google Listen. I use it daily. I think it's better then reader.

 

[Deleted User]

My must haves:

Screebl
Swype
LauncherPro Plus
Beautiful Widgets
Kindle
LastPass Password Manager
Lookout Mobile Security
Our Groceries (shareable grocery list app)
Shazam
Y5-Battery Saver

 

[clifnigel001]

Hey man, thanks for the compiled list! But I think you didn't include any finance apps though. I would recommend EasyMoney for expense tracking. It connects all my accounts, remind me of all my bills and gives me a detailed report on where all my $ had gone to. Absolutely fantastic!

 

[golfbiz]

zillow & mortgage calculator are amazing for real estate investing, QuotePro for Stock market quotes, Ameritrade & Bank of America mobile for online investing/money management...also love Wireless tethering at my cabin after rooting my phone which has no broadband internet but has a VZ tower a mile away