The Google Applications listed below include my favorite apps for the relatively new Mobile Operating System. In part one of this piece i've included the first 5 apps I've chosen to date.
1. Bonsai Blast -This is a great strategy game that just released for Android. The gameplay is simple enough, users try to create strings of bubbles with at least 3 bubbles in each string. If you complete enough strings before your strand reaches the end you move onto the next level. The game has been popular for a while on PC's and the similar soundtrack, tons of backgrounds for each level, and power-ups plus difficulty increases keeps this version of the game on par with the PC version. Sure its a simple game, but I somehow manage to waste alot of time playing it.
2. Weather Channel App - Whether you want to check your local weather by text or video you can do both with the Weather Channel App. This free application also allows for up to 10 day forecasts including information in regards to win speeds, pressure, and even weather alerts for your immediate area or areas nationally. The program can also take advantage of location based services, allowing the app to find your location based on your devices ability to read your location using cellular towers or GPS abilities.
3. MySpace Mobile - This is by far the least technological way to access Myspace, in fact it doesn't even support flash playback, but honestly that doesn't matter considering the amount of features you can easily access. Users can view their inbox, comments, bulletins, view their top friends list (top 8), look at and upload photos, send messages, and even update your MySpace blog entries. You won't be able to view embedded media or other advanced MySpace info with this app, but for basic contact info and updates its elegant in its simplicity.
4. PacMan - If you liked the original PacMan you'll love this updated version, not only can you control PacMan with your devices trackball, you can also take advantage of touchscreen controls or even use your devices accelerometer. The games board levels and sound effects also closely mirror the original. Basically the game play is second to none when playing this Android version of Pacman. Adding to the excitement is the ability to play easy, medium and original levels, starting a new at the last level you mastered if you choose to do so. Being offered for free this is definitely a download at least worth trying, but I can't promise you won't become addicted the moment you turn it on.
5. ShopSavvy - Have you ever been sitting in WalMart wondering if the price of a certain product really was cheaper at Walmart. Now that guessing game is over, using ShopSavvy users can scan barcodes via their devices camera, and by doing so gain access to local store pricing on the items at hand. If you find an item cheaper at another store you can even ask your device for driving direction to the newest location. Currently only brick and mortar store pricing is available. The database of local stores is still a work in progress at this time, but as this free application gains ground we can all expect to see more local pricing come into the picture. Would I drive to Kroger to save $.20 on a loaf of bread...probably not. Would I drive a few miles to save $15 or $20...Absolutely.
That concludes the first part of my Top 10 Google Android Apps. In the next section I'll discuss the final 5 Android Apps that round out my current top 10 list.
Want to see the completed list? Visit Top 10 Google Android Apps - Part 2
