Android is Google`s open-source mobile phone operating system. It was first released in the UK on the HTC G1 phone on the T-Mobile network. Unsurprisingly, considering it was created by Google, the system is ideal for mobile internet access. At Android Market, users can download applications directly to their phone. These apps have all kinds of diverse functions, and this is an overview of some of the best.
Compare Everywhere - With this app you just scan the barcode of any product and it gives you a list of prices from online stores and shops near your GPS coordinates, so you know if what you`re looking at is a good deal, and where to go if it isn`t.
imeem - Basically this is personalised radio. You can stream music from your favourite artists and it recommends similar artists that you might like. You could discover your new favourite band.
Twitdroid - If you love Twitter you need a Twitter app on your phone and this one is probably the best. It has all the features you`d want and expect.
Babbler - The best FaceBook app for Android. It will let you access everything, except for Facebook chat.
Google Sky Map - With this cracking little app you`ll actually know what all those stars in the sky are called. It uses the internal compass and GPS to work out where you are, and where you`re pointing the phone, it then tells you what stars your seeing, and draws the constellations for you.
Soccer Livescores - On match-days probably the thing a true footy fan uses their phone for most is checking the scores. With this app you get all the recent and live scores from all over the world, and detailed game info for some games too.
Maths Workout - We all need a bit of brain training to keep us sharp. Doing this once a day will give you a good workout, and you can take on the world with World Challenge, which gives it a nice competitive edge.
Pacman - For a bit of fun you can`t beat Pacman: the original classic arcade game from Namco. If you`ve played it in the arcades you don`t need convincing, if you haven`t you`re in for a treat.
ikamobile Movie Finder - With this app you can find out what`s on and when at cinemas near you. You can also watch the trailers to decide which one you want to go and see.
Wikitude - A great app offering what is best described as augmented reality. Using GPS and the built-in compass to give you information about your local area, the results can be presented on Google Maps, or more excitingly overlaid on the view from your camera. So basically it`s what you`re looking at annotated with Wikipedia content. It`s just a shame it`s only available on
mobile phones, and not as a brain implant.
