It’s hard to top the releases that were rolled out during last week’s Google I/O conference, but the growing popularity of the Android Market means more apps from big names.
Epicurious, for instance, finally launched an Android version of its recipe search site, complementing its long-established iPhone app. Here are some other apps that did well this past week.
Hot tickets
After an allegiance was formed between Google and Adobe at the I/O conference, the subsequent availability of Adobe Reader on Android has piqued interests. The free app lets you view, zoom and perform other basic interactions with PDF and other documents, directly on your phone.
WordPress has released an update to its Android app, allowing you to delete posts, add a post signature, and better attach media, making mobile blogging a simpler and more direct process overall. Free, WordPress has also reached 100,000 Android users this week, making it a happy 7th birthday celebration for the blogging platform.
Epicurious has finally gotten around to an Android app, making it easy to search recipes on the go. Search recipes by occasion or keyword, save them to your box, send them to yourself or friends, and use the in-app shopping list tool that makes it easier to gather the ingredients you need. Free, the app brings more big names in the food industry to the Android Market.
Social sharing
With an established mobile social network primarily for users without a smart phone, MocoSpace has launched an Android app due to increased activity from customers. The free app lets you chat and share files with other MocoSpace users in a more streamlined fashion than accessing the network’s mobile website.
Using GPS and linking to all your social networks, Trip Journal makes it easy to create scrapbooks while you travel. For just under $2.50, you can organize your photos, videos and trip notes in this travel app, and share everything with friends. Integrated with Facebook, YouTube, Google Maps and more, it’s the social mechanisms of this app that make it worthwhile.
Entertainment and utilities
The London Evening Standard has made its way to the Android, introducing more international news sources to the Market. The paper is looking to revive itself with a global reach, made easier with mobile access and social network integration. With a wide mobile push across multiple devices, the Android app is only part of the larger picture.
Vlingo Voice Search has also made its way to Android, offering a useful hands-free alternative to operating your phone. Search for and dial contacts, pull up a mobile search, send an email or update your Twitter status. At $9.99 you may want to hold out for Vlingo’s free version, which is available on the iPhone and BlackBerry, and soon, hopefully, the Android.
