Apple’s iPad launch is just days away, leaving the world anxious for yet another member of Apple’s mobile device family. But Google may have another trick up its sleeve. The Android platform is being used by smart phones right now, but will soon be accessible on another small screen—your television.
And suppose Google launches a tablet all its own? It’s not so far-fetched. As Google preps the world for the Android-supported Google TV, we look at Android apps that would also work well on a larger, more interactive screen.
Media-centric
Aldiko is mentioned a lot for Android apps because it’s one of the only viable book readers for the Android platform. As such, the $2.99 Android app stands to dominate on a larger Android screen, which would be more apt for enjoyable reading of books, magazines and other print media.
The Meridian Player Noble gives you access to all the media on your phone, making it more visually appealing and easier to find and play. For free, you can get the closest thing to iTunes with album art available for Android. With iPad’s heavy focus on media consumption, the Meridian Player is a good alternative for Android users.
Another useful media app is Tscinema, which is for viewing videos on your mobile device. Free, the Android app is primarily a cloud-storing solution to keep from filling up storage on the device itself. Android’s version of the iPad will certainly be media-focused, meaning you’ll need a way to store, access and view several videos on-demand.
Content distributors recognize the power of mobile content delivery as well. DirecTV’s NFL Superfan Android app streams games, highlights and other content live to your phone, keeping you abreast of your team. In this way, mobile apps provide means for content distributors to stay connected with their customers at any time. The app is free for existing DirecTV subscribers.
Mobile web
Web browsing on the iPad is expected to be improved from the iPhone, meaning alternative Android browsers stand a good chance with larger tablet devices. Dolphin’s Android browser adds some perks to mobile browsing with things like Google bookmark sync and content download options, expanding beyond the default browser.
For a simpler mobile browsing experience on Android, try Steel. The minimalist browser is free and takes full advantage of the Android devices’ touch screens. Full-screen browsing, a virtual keyboard and other perks look to enhance mobile browsing, with a distinct effort towards integrating the new options with Android for a more seamless experience.
Games and entertainment
TV.com is a free Android app giving you a collection of television programs from CBS. The iPad and upcoming competitors are expected to help major broadcasters such as CBS reconnect with consumers, so streaming content to mobile devices will soon become the norm. An app such as TV.com gives CBS an existing presence on Android, anticipating future growth.
Google Sky Map, which outlines the star’s constellations as you hold your phone up to the sky, is already great on smaller Android devices. Increase the screen size and improve usability, and this free Android app would become even more like a window to the night sky. Other augmented-reality apps will likely do well on devices such as the iPad.
There aren’t as many popular action games for Android as there are for the iPhone (and upcoming iPad) but the 99-cent Tangram Pro puzzle game makes good use of the Android device’s touch screen. Good graphics and easy game play ensure that such games will be even more compelling on a larger and more interactive touch screen.
