Rob Young

I recently changed my phone to one running Google’s Android operating system.

Here is a list of the applications I’ve found useful since having it

Used Often

These are applications I use regularly.

Locale – $10.99

This application lets you create situations specifying conditions under which your phone’s settings should change.
While it may have a high price tag, it’s useful for making sure your phone automatically switches itself to vibrate-only when you’re within a certain distance of places you don’t want it ringing, using the GPS to detect whether you’re within the trigger zone

Seesmic

Seesmic is my favourite Twitter client. Another great example of how to write an Android application; it’s got a great user interface taking cues from Tweetie on the iPhone in places. Supports most if not all the latest Twitter features and also integrates nicely with Android sharing context menu.

Astrid

A great example of how Android applications should be written, Astrid is a to-do list application with Remember The Milk integration. Astrid also links in with Locale, so you can set reminders to accomplish certain tasks based upon your GPS position.

Meebo IM

I’ve not tried a great number of IM clients, but Meebo seems to do a good job. Supports loads of protocols, including Facebook Chat.

Google Maps Not a lot to say here – this is the Android flavour of Google Maps! Great if you’re lost, or don’t know your way around.

GDocs

Allows you to view your Google Docs on your Android phone.

Evernote
The Android client for Evernote, an online synchronised notes application. Useful for jotting down something important and retrieving it from your computer later.

News Rob

RSS reader that syncs with Google Reader.

Neat/Useful

Applications I don’t use as regularly, but they’re still good.

Layar

One of the most famous Android applications; Layar is an augmented reality browser which lets you lift your phone to your scenery and enhance the landscape with data provided from various sources. Definitely worth a look!

Last.fm

Last.fm’s Android client – which allows you to listen to Last.fm radio stations based upon your musical taste.

Shazam

As per the iPhone app, this application lets you point your mobile phone at a music source and attempts to identify it for you.

My Tracks
I use this for recording .gpx trails for geotagging photos or tracking walks and runs.

Where’s My Droid
Allows you to set up a secret phrase which, when received by your phone as a text message, will set the ringing volume to maximum and ring for the length of time you specify. Great if you’ve misplaced it and it’s on silent.

ConnectBot
SSH Client.

ASTRO File Manager

A file manager which lets you view and move files both on the phone and memory card. You can install applications using ASTRO, also.

aTrackDog

Useful for tracking which of your applications require updating.

AppManager / AppMonster

Useful for quickly uninstalling applications. Also allows you to back up all applications to the SD card.
I think it’s changing name to AppMonster for newer platforms; I can’t see it in its latest incarnation as I’m restricted to viewing Android 1.5 compatible apps only.

Barcode Scanner

Allows you to read QR codes and barcodes and search the Market for apps quickly! Useful when browsing the internet and someone links to an Android application using a QR Code; you can scan it with this application and head straight to the market to download it.

ShopSavvy

Allows you to scan bar codes of items to compare prices online. Works very well!

Flashlight – free
Makes the screen white and turns the brightness up to the maximum. Better than nothing, if you’re desperate for some light

Ones to watch..

These are the unreleased applications I’ve come across that look good!

Dropbox
Android client application for the most useful service I’ve found in the past year at least!
Check out the blog post to see what features it has.

Swype
A seriously nice alternative to touch text entry; this application lets you swipe your finger or thumb through the letters you’d use if typing normally. It works very well, and accurately.

Flicka
This looks like it might be a promising Flickr client for Android

I hope this list has helped! I’ll try and keep it up to date as I find good new stuff.