A List of Free Google Android Apps

Most of the world is waiting for the official unveiling of the first Google Android based device (we have seen some leaks already). The so called gPhone has all the features built into it which could challenge any mobile platform out there. But the core feature every platform needs to succeed is an Application Platform support. Google's Android supports an open development framework, through which developers can create and distribute apps free of cost.

Google launched the Android Developer Challenge in January this year which saw some of the most innovative applications designed for the platform, but out of them all a few stood out from the crowd. These are most probably the applications that be used would most in day to day life. I am splitting the list into two categories for easy reference. This article will feature applications that add productivity to common tasks, while the next part will feature apps that bring fun into life.

CompareEverywhere

CompareEverywhere is a neat application that lets you scan a product bar-code from your camera and and get reviews, price comparisons, related products, and local retailers with driving directions.

You can order the selected products to be shipped as gifts as well as make and monitor wish lists.

Locale

This handy app changes your phone settings based on your location. For example, if your college is at 52 South Street, you can set specific settings when you are at that location, like your ringer to vibrate (I could really use this). Locale uses Google Maps API, and the touch screen interface to drag and drop location hot-spots. The app also presents 'integration points' for other applications, adding extensibility features.

Teradesk e-Storage

Teradesk is a virtual file storage and remote file access tool through which users can store files on the Teradesk Server and transfer them in encrypted form to and from the cellphone. Teradesk allows transfers of any size with pause control, resume and full recovery of broken transfers even if your battery life ends or your Internet connection crashes so there is almost no chance of data loss. Some more features include hierarchical and relational navigation, file sharing, file versioning, comments on files and folders, GoogleDocs integration and remote access to other devices and computers running Teradesk.

LifeAware

This happens to be one of those apps you always wanted. LifeAware™ connects you to interact with your family or friends based on their location. You can opt in to be notified when your friends enter or near certain hotspots (defined by you) or when they are in your proximity. It relies on Android's GPS and Google Maps API to monitor your friend's location and allows the information to be easily accessed from your device or the web. The application can run in the background while in "always on" mode to conserve resources and power.

Life360

This application presents a new way for you and your family to connect and share messages from your cell phone. Life360 is designed to keep you update and connected with your loved ones and your surroundings. It uses GPS and Maps API to track and monitor the location of your important contacts. Unlike other social networking apps, Life360's aim is to help you overcome the troubles in life by alerting and requesting assistance from your surroundings. It uses the accelerometer to detect if you had an accident and instantly notify your family and friends about your location as well as your medical profile. You can also ask for support in case of other emergencies like fires or a runaway pet.

BreadCrumbz

BreadCrumbz is a fun new way of navigating using the GPS. In addition to traditional maps, you can also display and capture images along your route. Images are easier to recognize and remember and this technique also helps when trying to set navigation points for an indoor location. NavPoint images can be recorded with the camera, and the route can be geocoded and emailed to your friends with ease.

Fingerpaint

Fingerpaint utilizes Android's multi-touch interface to allow users to make collaborative drawings in real time. You can collaborate and annotate pictures, maps or even websites with this application and share them with other friends. This can be used to discuss business models and work-flows for a project or as a board for an e-classroom. You have a canvas of infinite size to draw meaning that you can draw almost anything you like from fun scenery to a new application work-flow to the wiring layout of a multistory building. The application instantly saves your every action using the built in SQLite RDBMS.

Wertago

An application for the teenage nightlife, Wertago keeps you updated with what's on in the town. Up to the second information, including parties, clubs, events and updates from your friends make this a must have app for every party lover. The application features location based search results which showcase hot items around you as well as events. You can also setup your public profile which is visible to other Wertago users, enabling detailed social networking features in this application.

PicSay

PicSay brings basic photo editing to your pocket and allowing you to quickly add word balloons, titles, and props to the pictures you have in your phone. You can enhance them further with various color correction, highlighting, and distortion effects, as well as add annotations. You can upload the edited pictures to various photo-sharing and social networking services, or you can email them, or post them on your blog. This application is a must have for all those who love to take photos from their cell phones.

TuneWiki

TuneWiki is a social media player that lets you play audio and video with synchronized lyrics and captions. It can translate lyrics to and from various languages and allows you to share what you are playing, even to users who are not on Android. The media can be located on the device or can be played directly off the cloud by utilizing Android's always on Internet connection. The application uses Google Maps and YouTube in an innovative way, allowing you to see what is playing on a specific geographic location and get charts and recommendations accordingly. It uses the Open Social API and Google Translator to translate lyrics and share your content to a number of social networking applications.

Apart from these apps, there would be hundreds of freely available applications for Google’s open source platform once more devic apes enter the market later this year. And as always, you can count on us to provide reviews for the most notable apps among them.