Google Android mobile operating system continues to eat away at the iPhone’s dominance, approaching 50,000 apps this month. As the Android Market for apps continues to grow, we’re seeing more brands launching and enhancing their presence in this mobile platform.
From games to media-sharing services, here is our list of Android apps that sprung forward in April.
Games on the Android
Shopper’s Paradise actually launched in March, but April brought a shower of success for the mobile game. Combining tower defense strategies with the popular tycoon theme, this $2.99 Android game can rope you in and hold you captive.
Word Frenzy’s successful launch this month is a notable hit for the mobile gaming industry, which to date has been dominated by iPhone games. While the relatively basic anagrams game has a smooth interface, the 99-cent app’s bright color scheme can get overwhelming. Nevertheless, we’re happy to see popular game begin to take off on Android devices.
For your enjoyment
The queen of daytime television introduced her Oprah Mobile app on Android (as well as iPhone and BlackBerry platforms) this month, expanding her brand to mobile media realms. Get video clips and articles from her show and magazine, or tune into her radio station. While social media integration is lacking, the $1.99 app is prepped for long-term success.
With situations like Iceland’s volcano eruption affecting worldwide travel plans, The Weather Channel’s Android app update is a welcome one. Improved tracking, customized tabs and home screen widgets make it easier to access the information you need from the free app.
Rhapsody also made a splash this month, with a free initial Android app. Stream music, mark your favorites and get artist info. For the full set of perks, add a subscription to sync your music library across several devices and services, including your TV and satellite provider.
Match.com was the first major dating service to launch an Android app, giving it free reign in the marketplace. Search for matches, filter by location, receive match alerts and send private messages. A handful of account management tools are also available with the free app, such as photo uploads.
News delivered straight to your Android phone gets easier with the Engadget app. Free, the mobile app has widgets, article-sharing and easier content-updating. Engadget is among the few major blogs with a presence on Android’s platform, with its success paving the way for others.
Utilities
Best Buy is a big brand with a little app, making it easier to shop on the go. An update to the free Android app added a store locator, directions and call options. While these features should be par for the course, it’s nice to see such a large brand remain dedicated to its initial trial run on Google’s mobile platform.
AppBrain grew in popularity alongside Android this month, probably because of the growing interest in mobile apps. The free app has updated its web-based Android Market for viewing popular items in the past day or week. Having a good, mobile way to filter through the growing number of Android apps will become necessary for users in the coming months.
EmailAlbum looks to turn your phone into an instant media-sharing tool, enabling entire photo albums to be sent out to friends. Recent updates to the free app have made the process more natural and intuitive, better leveraging a user’s mail options and further integrating with the device’s capabilities as well.
