I Didn't Know There Was an App for THAT!

Back in January I upgraded to my first smartphone - an HTC Eris by Android.  Yes, those Droid commercials with the little green robots are cute, but not the only reason I chose the phone.  An iPhone was my first choice (despite its flaws); the phone isn't yet supported by Verizon.  The Droid has similar functionality - with the bonuses of syncing all of my Google accounts and a lower price tag.

The Droid allows me to update all of my social media accounts on the go via "apps", or applications.  I can maintain my Twitter and Facebook accounts, as well as check my Gmail and send pictures.  These are just the basics.  What are apps are out there?

How to Find Apps - Straight From the Source

Much like iPod/iPhone users download songs, movies, games, and other applications from iTunes, Droid users use the Android Market.  This app store (which contains plenty of free apps) is accessible from mobile phones.  Recently, Google created an online version of the Android Market, "“a showcase for some of the featured and top ranked applications and games available" (O'Dell).

There are three tabs on the Android - Market site; each displays 40 apps.  The tabs display "Featured", "Top Free," and "Top Paid" apps.  I use a moderate amount of apps on my phone (20-30) and thought I had the most useful ones installed.  Perhaps this is because I had spent time searching for what I thought I needed - and never took the time to browse.

Here are a few of the apps listed on the Android - Market site that are useful for social media:

• Congress - uses your location to provide you with a way to contact your local officials and view bills that were recently voted on
• Pocket Agent - contact your State Farm agent, submit a claim, and view all account info
• Yelp - find and review restaurants and other establishments
• Grocery iQ- create a grocery list by scanning item barcodes; share lists with other users
• WordPress - blogging interface

Other Ways to Find Apps

Mashable mentioned six other ways to find Android apps.  Some sites list all available apps; others have reviews and the latest offerings.


So get out there and look for apps - there are many ways to stay connected on the go.  Apps like Yelp and WordPress can assist you with maintaining your corporate image; others are great for personal productivity.


Resources:

Android - Market. Android, 2010. Web. 6 June 2010. . 

O'Dell, Jolie. "7 Ways to Find Amazing New Android Apps." Mashable. N.p., 5 June 2010. Web. 6 June 2010. .