Father’s Day is just around the corner. So whether pops is near or far, there’s an Android app for both you and dad. No matter what kind of guy he is, the Android Market has something for the sports lover, the avid reader, and even the grill master.
Make it memorable by “gifting” dad one of these Android apps, so he’ll never forget how much he’s loved, no matter where he is.
For Dad
GolfCard has finally made its way to Android phones, giving dad a golfing aid to track courses, rounds and scorecards. The $9.99 app comes with a range finder and has tens of thousands of courses in its database. Analysis tools for your playing trends give you feedback on every stroke of dad’s golf game (and his friends’ too).
Wattpad’s mobile book service has been around long before the Android or the iPhone, making it a good option for dads that like to read. Designed for mobile reading, the free Android app is also an ebook community, where dad can share comments and read the uploaded works of other members.
To expedite tasks on the honey-do list, iHandy Carpenter has several functions for dad to use around the house. At $2.99, the Android app comes with a spirit and surface level, a ruler and a protractor, as well as a plumb bob for good measure.
From meat selection to cooking recommendations, the Meat Cooking Reference app can help dad get ready for summer grilling. The free Android app has guides for meat cuts, cooking temperature and measurement conversions. The reference app is quick enough for dad to use without looking like he needs the help.
If you rely on dad to send money every once in a while, make it easy for him by suggesting Venmo. This free Android app offers a simple way to share money, with a “Trusting” feature that acts as a shared account between you and the “Bank of Dad.” Better yet, you can eventually get around to paying him back using this very same app.
When dad needs to get away, the WHERE app can really come in handy. From sports bars to karaoke, cigar bars and local happy hours, this free Android app acts as a search and navigation tool to help dad around town. Using GPS, the Android app can also keep tabs on friends and display real-time reviews from other users.
SportyPal is for the health-conscious dads, acting as a mobile companion for running, cycling, etc. The free app lets dad log his progress, chart it on a map and view graphs for detailed analysis. Sharing tools even let dad boast about his progress with mom and the kids, keeping the whole family involved for motivation.
For the kids
If you can’t make it to dad’s house, Skype Lite ensures you can still talk to him for free or cheap. The Android app itself is free, and depending on where dad lives, a Skype-to-Skype VoIP option connects you with your old man. If chatting isn’t your thing, you can always IM. If dad doesn’t have Skype at all, you can still use the app to call him at home.
For the times you get stumped on choosing a gift for dad, the free Popular Gift Ideas app will offer up a few recommendations. The free Android app lets you search gift ideas based on a number of criteria, including price range, popularity, or the type of person you’re buying the gift for.
To keep dad in the loop any time of the year, Print & Mail Photos makes it easy to share photos from your phone. Not only can you send photos with this free Android app, but you can also have them printed and mailed to dad automatically (for an extra fee). Printed photos are sent twice a month, and messages or geo-tags can be included on the back.