The iPhone 4 and iOS 4 update may have finally brought multitasking to the iPhone, but a few Android apps rose to the occasion with launches this week. GetJar’s upcoming app store will bring an entire market platform to Android, further validating developers’ faith in Google.
Here are some emerging and top-performing Android apps of the week.
Multitasking
T-Mobile users now have a task-killer option added to their My Account app. With the upgrade, it’s easier to kill unused or unneeded apps that are running on your phone. The idea is to keep the device running smoothly, and it’s good to see a proactive attitude around maintaining multitasking efficiency on the Android platform.
QuickDesk BETA is another new multitasking app for Android, and its launch during the week of initial iPhone 4 sales has helped it rise in popularity. The free app adds a virtual desktop accessible from anywhere on your phone. Manage apps in multiple ways, such as skipping a song track without leaving the Twidroid app.
BlueAnt has broadened its Android app support to work with more headsets. The free apps are designed to offer hands-free actions around your phone, reading text messages aloud, and connecting you directly to customer service for all product needs. The hands-free service also has a searchable manual optimized for mobile screens.
Looking forward
GetJar already sells enough mobile apps to rival iPhone downloads, with a virtual shop that spans nearly every device but Apple’s. The mobile app shop is expanding to the Android Market with its upcoming app, providing more direct access to the goodies it has in store. It should open up a wealth of global exposure for both app developers and users.
Brightcove’s new Android SDK offers video-delivery options to developers, which will encourage more media apps in the Market. Until then, get a glimpse of what Brightcove can do with its own One Planet app. Free, One Planet has video clips highlighting the wonders of the animal kingdom. There’s not much to choose from, but it does show off the sleekness of Brightcove’s player.
WorldMate is finally on its way to Android; the travel company announced its plans for an Android app this summer. You’ll be able to aggregate your travel plans, access the itinerary and stay updated on things like flight alerts, delay times and flight search tools.
If you don’t mind giving up your location for the greater good of AT&T’s network, you may one day benefit from the phone company’s new Android app. The free Mark the Spot app lets you note areas that are yielding low signal strength. Mark if there was a dropped call, no connection, slow load times, etc. Mark the Spot is already available for iPhone users.
Big Fishes
The new app eBooks by Kobo is a big release for the company, which has now launched across all the major platforms. While iPhone users have had several well-designed readers to choose from, Android users have been limited. The eBooks by Kobo app is free, and provides a good-looking interface to an online bookstore and library.
Papaya Mobile is gaining on Android, with new funding and a platform for developers. Soon, you’ll be seeing a lot more from this social gaming portal, offering versions of popular adventure, card and puzzle games. The free Papaya Puzzle Bobble is a fun game to check out, with in-game chats, leaderboards and online challenges.
