March has been a big month for mobile platforms, with several releases across multiple devices and the annual SXSW conference offering a real life petri dish for testing mobile apps. For Google’s Android, the growth it’s still experiencing was heightened with news of its support on the upcoming Google TV.
Still, there’s the Apple iPad, which has raised the bar when it comes to media consumption on mobile devices. Yet Android support on upcoming phones such as the HTC Evo 4G means that Google is looking to push the media side of its mobile platform as well.
In preparation for such mobile platform enhancements, here are some of the top Android apps for March:
Mobile device maintenance
As Android devices can make it tricky to access files saved to your SIM card and other areas of your phone, the Estrongs File Explorer Android app helps solve this problem. Not only can you access files with this free Android app, but you can manage them as well. Copy and move files, transfer between your phone and computer and unzip folders.
With the increasing number of apps you’ll be downloading to your Android phone, Load Monitor will help you keep an eye on your systems. The free Android app will watch your load time to see when your battery is draining your system, and which apps may be causing problems.
(Social) Media and entertainment
Opera Mini has been an anticipated browser for Android access for some time, and a new version is out for beta testing. Opera Mini 5 Beta is free to download, and is a faster way to use your mobile Web. There are also options for syncing data between your phone and computer, which is useful for hardcore Opera users.
Bookworm’s free library management system is basic but utilitarian for the serious (or casual) reader. The Android app simply manages books you’ve read or would merely like to add to your library. Search to add books to your shelf, customize details such as the book cover, and access Web pages regarding book sales and info, from Google and Amazon.
Doodle Jump is a popular game that has made its way to Android devices. For $3.99, the game can offer hours of game play, with the character advancing by jumping from one floating island to the next. Move the phone to move your character, if you dare to really get into the game. A tad pricey, Doodle Jump is still one of the better titles available on Android.
HootSuite’s Twitter Android app is designed for professional use, as it enables multiple account management tools on the go. Aside from Twitter interactive features, the $1.99 app offers notifications, scheduled tweets and account stats for tracking things like keyword frequency.
Google vs Microsoft
Google Earth is finally available as an Android app, though the free tool is limited to only a handful of supported devices. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Google continues to roll out cross-device access for many of its apps, products, services and search tools. Google Earth shows 3D imagery of the planet, offers voice search, and several layers for photo tags and more.
Microsoft has taken the bold move of creating an Android app for competing with Google’s platform. Microsoft Tag Reader uses the Android phone’s camera to scan a 2D bar code in order to archive and label nearly any object in the world. As the database builds, your mobile search (with handy camera in tow) improves. This free app competes directly with Google Goggles as well.
Discover more Curated Android Apps handpicked by users like you.
