With the World Cup in full swing and the world waiting anxiously for the new iPhone 4, many of the popular Android apps this week are centered around entertainment. Nothing wrong with that; it’s the middle of the summer and it’s time to kick back.
Here are some enjoyable Android apps that will keep you occupied and productive with your smartphone.
Remote controls and Television
With Spotify coming to TVs in Finland, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world gets to access the music service. In the meantime, try Spotify Remote. The free Android app lets you control your playlists, and hear and search for your favorite songs on your computer, without having to move very far.
Boxee, a service that brings you television content and recommendations on demand, is another emerging favorite, with plans to come to Google TV. The Boxee Remote app is free for Android users, giving you the ability to control your television viewing activity with your phone. Who knows how much cooler this integration will get in the future?
If Twitter downtime has you frustrated with accessing World Cup news, try the Skyfire mobile browser. Free, the speedy browser launched a special channel for catching up on the World Cup. The site features video highlights and live games. While the mobile site is in Spanish, World Cup fans will have no problem deciphering what’s going on.
Android games and social apps
Building out a mobile and PC game empire, Ubisoft is delving deeper into its publishing platform. With a game catalog on the Android as part of this long-term plan, you’ll have more access to more titles. Hero of Sparta, from Gameloft, may be one such title. At $4.99, the adventurous game brings you face to face with Cerberus, Cyclops and the gods themselves.
Bringing more magazine content to the Android is the All Access app. Free, All Access is quickly expanding its mobile presence with entertainment and music news. You can search and filter articles, share them with friends, or submit your own news directly from the app.
With Vodafone 360’s marketplace making its way to Android, you’ll soon have another way to get content on your phone. Until then, try Guitar Hero 5. The $7.99 app features 20 popular song titles, with game options for rocking out a guitar, bass or drums. Great for practicing on the way to your next tournament.
As the Android gains on the iPhone for mobile social networking, it’s time to get on Facebook. The social network’s Android app features some useful updates, with added support for threaded messaging, inbox access and search.
Twitter has also seen some good responses from mobile users, as the microblog launched an official Android app a few weeks back. Clean and intuitive, the free app lets you send updates, receive messages, access lists and share mobile Web and phone content.
Improve your phone strokes
A limited open beta of Swype has infiltrated Android phones, giving us an opportunity to try out the service before its next major release. The free app looks to improve your mobile typing by letting you slide your fingers across the screen, instead of typing them one-by-one.
If you’re unable to try the Swype beta, try your hand at Better Keyboard. The $2.99 Android app offers a number of settings for arranging your keyboard in a manner that’s better suited to your needs. An array of skins and other add-ons makes your premium keyboard even more customized for you.
