This week saw a lot of entertainment and retail app releases in the Android market, as more high-end Android devices make their way to consumers. The growing diversity among these apps is telling of the Android’s influence, as it holds steady against Apple’s iOS domination.
Here are the top Android apps of the week.
Social and retail
Cliqset’s social updater has gone mobile, with an Android, iPhone and iPad release this week. The free app lets you post and syndicate content to Facebook, Twitter, Google Buzz and other accounts, like Foursquare and Evernote. Filter and organize content being shared by friends, and create a unique social stream.
Mobile blogging just got simpler with the launch of Tumblr on Android. The blogging tool lets you share photos, videos, audio files, links, chats and text, with posts appearing on your Tumblr site. Free, the new app appears as an option under the “Share” menu from other Android apps, as well.
Fourcash’s new Android app combines check-ins with expense reports, keeping tabs on your spending as you visit your favorite venues. Free, Fourcash lets you check into Foursquare, and has space for you to note which friends tagged along, or how much cash you spent. Take a photo of your receipts for records, and log into your account for later access.
Entertainment and sports
Who doesn’t love a good highlights reel? ESPN’s upcoming Goals app will bring the best of the UK Premier League’s scores and news clips, live to your Android phone. Free, this second app release from ESPN is the first of its kind, delivering content exclusively before it hits TV screens. The full-service app will cost you about $6 per month.
Grooveshark has updated its free Android app this week, optimizing it for the 2.2 (Froyo) OS version. This includes the option to save the app to your SD card, among other bug fixes. Grooveshark has also been smartly updated to launch with no connectivity, so you can always get to your saved Offline Songs folder.
Miso’s social TV app has made its way to Android, letting you search, discuss and share your favorite programs. See what’s popular with your friends, learn more about trending shows and movies, and earn badges and points when checking in. The app is free, and supports voice search, as well.
Make contact
PhoneTell’s “personal assistant” app has been updated to include hundreds of hard-to-find numbers for businesses’ customer service. It’s even got some unpublished numbers in the mix. The free Android app already manages your calls, with pre-set and custom text message responses, and has an extensive search tool to help you make direct contact with people and places.
RepairPal saves you from shady mechanics by providing estimates on car repairs. The new Android app has information on more than 40 car manufacturers, and will help you locate a trusted repair shop nearby. Free, RepairPal also has a roadside assistance search tool, keeping you from getting stranded on the side of the road.
