The Obama Android app made its debut not too long ago, with developer group Swiss CodeMonkeys offering up an aggregate tool for accessing news, tweets and other information about the president in real time. Considering everything that’s happened since President Barack Obama took office, it’s still just as important to follow political occurrences, even while you’re on the go.
The Android phones, which are growing in market share and supported apps, can be host to several politically-driven mobile apps. From humor to interactive tracking tools, the beginning of political Android apps is looking brighter.
Android apps for News
The Huffington Post may not be all political, but it’s known for its angles on political subjects. Free, The Huffington Post Android app gives you real-time updates for news and opinion items. Since you can customize your news home screen, it’s easy enough to select political news and stay updated.
CBS is oftentimes a little less opinionated than the Huffington Post, but it’s another trusted news source with a dedicated politics section. Also free, the CBS Android app has a clean interface that makes it easy to view several headlines and select the ones of interest. Items can be shared to friends and profiles as well.
The BBC may not specialize in American politics, but its international news coverage often overlaps with political situations in the U.S. Presenting some perspective to your political news repertoire, the free BBC News Android app shows headlines in a widget to be placed on your home screen. It could be more popular with newer Android layouts.
Interactive
Visible Vote’s Android app gives mobile access to a catalog of political officials and legislative bills. Creating a community around its service, the free Android app lets you vote and comment on various bills, and contact your legislator’s office directly. The Visible Vote app can also be linked to your Facebook account, among other things.
Similar to the new Obama app, Congress’ free Android app is an aggregate tool for news regarding your elected officials. The tool is location-based, giving an edge to your local efforts. Contact officials directly through the app, access their Twitter feed and YouTube videos, and become more communicative about your dealings with members of Congress.
Political Humor
Not quite MadLibs but fun nonetheless, LOL Libs has a Politics pack for its fill-in-the-blank game. Enter a word that fits the Libs requirements, and read a funny but incoherent political tale minutes later. The full $1.99 version of this Android app will read the story aloud, and save them for later access. Stories can be shared as well.
The Boondocks is somewhat like the Simpsons in that tackles political issues in its comic strips. The main character, Huey, has plenty of political satire to help you laugh about current events. The free Android app delivers comics on a daily basis, with options for sharing them with friends.
