What widgets or applications would you recommend to a newcomer to Android?

I've been a content user of Apple's iOS for just over a year now, but I'm also thinking of purchasing an Android device soon, and since I've never used Android in my life, I was wondering what widgets and/ or applications for the Android operating system you would recommend to me and the rest of the community?

opinions google portable mobile system preference applications operating-system recommendations widgets android software

asked Jul 10 '10 at 14:16

Maeurd
1.6k●33●42●64

edited Jul 12 '10 at 19:18

5 Answers:

oldest newest most voted

I would say:

Google Shopper
Amazon Kindle for Android
No to 08 (if you're in the UK, will save you a FORTUNE in bills)
ColorNote (a brilliant little note taking, and check-off task list app)
Battery (a little widget that sits on one of your homescreens and gives you accurate battery information)
Wapedia (for Wikipedia)
Google Sky Map
c:geo (if you're into Geocaching...if you're not then it's a great way to get out and about and use the GPS)
Shazam (for when you desperately want to know what that music track is)
TrainTimesUK (again only if you're in the UK, but gives you all the info from the official National Rail app but for free)
XE Currency if you travel a lot and want good currency conversion quotes
RAC Traffic (again, if you're in the UK)
Spotify, naturally
MSN Talk for Windows Live Messenger

These are the apps I personally use the most - the ones that have made it onto my home screens...It always helps with this sort of request if you say what sort of things you're interested in, hobbies, etc...

answered Jul 10 '10 at 15:12

Andrew Keith
31●2

I already own quite a few of these on my iPhone (including Spotify and Shazam), so I'm glad to hear that they're available on the Android Marketplace too.

By the way, is the Android version of Spotify capable of playing music in the background similar to the way the version available on Apple's App Store can on iDevices capable of multitasking?

(Jul 10 '10 at 15:21) Maeurd

I would mention what sort of apps I was looking for if this question was only to help myself, but since I stated in the question "what widgets and/ or applications for the Android operating system you would recommend to me and the rest of the community", I wanted people's answers to help more than just me, as someone else who is new to the Android operating system may want completely different apps, and by leaving this question completely open to suggestion, this question may also help them too.

(Jul 10 '10 at 15:24) Maeurd

They are available indeed. Yes, the Spotify app can most definitely play in the background (it has done since launch). It puts an icon and a menu option in the notifications bar/area, which takes you to the now playing screen, if you want to control it.

Fair enough regarding the community element, I just think it's nice to be able to give specific apps that you might be interested in where possible without having to list a whole bunch of things that most won't be interested in...

(Jul 10 '10 at 15:31) Andrew Keith

1	I just picked up my phone and the tech insisted on loading the Advanced App Killer. Using it has made the battery life bearable answered Jul 10 '10 at 15:04 WarrenWhitlock 16●1

Dolphin browser
handcent
Videobox
my tracks
Dropbox
ixmat scanner
appbrain
weatherbug

answered Jul 10 '10 at 15:05

Pkplonker
16●1

edited Jul 10 '10 at 15:27

Maeurd
1.6k●33●42●64

Dropbox is on Android? Thanks for letting me know! I've been using it for a few months now to back up my photos and view PDFs, but if I do decide to get an Android device, I'll certainly be downloading it.

(Jul 10 '10 at 15:07) Maeurd

0	I would recommend Google Voice, Dropbox, Amazon.com app, WaveSecure answered Jul 10 '10 at 15:13 Eric Grimm 1

0	Must have's are: Lookout Astro file Advanced task killer Opera WiFinder vRecorder answered Jul 10 '10 at 16:07 becki023 1●1

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