ProjectXFire.com

This page was originally published back in March… a lot has changed since then (it is now the end of October).  Those highlighted in blue are new.  So, time to update!

Security

• Call Control – Helps block unwanted calls from telemarketers, scammers, robo-callers, etc.  Has a social network behind it so people can report numbers and you are automatically protected.  Also lets you build your own black list!  I recommend spending the $8 on this app!
• Lookout Mobile – Not only is an antivirus & backup (photos and contacts) app, but it is probably the easiest way to find your misplaced phone.  Log into https://www.mylookout.com/and will give you a GPS location of your phone (with a map) or make your phone scream, even if it is on silent.  The paid version will give you more storage for backups, the ability to remotely wipe and lock your phone as well as give you information on what apps have what permissions.  This should be the first app you install (and maybe the first you buy!?)!
  • Plan B – If for some reason you don’t want to use Lookout Mobile, and you do loose your phone, you can always push Plan B to it.  Plan B, after installing, will immediately start emailing you the location of your phone, and a map.  During my testing, it didn’t automatically start sending my location to my email.  The solution to this is to have someone text your phone “locate” to your phone.  This worked for me and within seconds I was being sent the location of my phone (which was a half a foot to my right at the time).  Again, only install this app AFTER you loose your phone.
  • This is still my current choice for an overall security app.  I may be moving onto SeekDroid at a later date.

Social & Communications

• Facebook – Do I really need to say?
• Google+ – What is it?  Not Facebook!  What is it like? Facebook! (xkcd: Google+)
• Gmail – Somehow didn’t get on the original list, but should have been.
• Messenger (Facebook Messenger) – Much better tie-in to Facebook Chat.  Best part?  Facebook is one who released it (not to be confused with Google+ messenger that comes with the Google+ app).
• SMS Backup+ – Backup your SMS and MMS messages to your Gmail account.
• SMS Popup – Little popup window when text messages come in. Useful for those that use the stock app.
• SyncMyPix – In Gingerbread Motorola took away the ability to sync with Facebook profiles.  This doesn’t bring it back, but at least most of your contacts will have photos!  You have to manually run this.
• Talk (Google Talk) – Nuf said.
• Trillian – For those that use all the major communicators (AIM, MSN, etc.).  I now days pretty much just use Google Talk and Facebook Chat.
  
• Twitter – Another app that got missed on the first list.
• WhatsApp – Similar to the Blackberry Messenger App, but this is cross platform.  Think of it more as a smartphone  instant messaging service.  This does not count towards your text messages, and you can use it to “text” international numbers.

Utility

• Advanced Task Killer – Something you should never have to use, but good for those apps that seem to hang and not close right.  Especially for those badly programmed games!
• ADW - Replacement home screen, like LauncherPro.  Switched to this as LauncherPro hasn’t been updated in MONTHS and was starting to get a little buggy with Gingerbread.  ADW also lets you skin it, changing the look and feel of your home screen and app launcher.  I will probably go back to LauncherPro once the developer gets back to updating it.
• ASTRO File Manager – More powerful file manager then what comes with the phone.  Also allows you to open compressed files.
• Authenticator (Google Authenticator) – See my post on Google’s Two-Factor Authentication.
  
• Barcode Scanner – Lets you scan barcodes (including QR codes).
• Chrome to Phone – Use the Chrome (or Firefox) web browser (if not, go download Chrome or Firefox)?  Install the app on your phone, install the add-on on your browser, and send any link from your computer to your phone.
• ConvertPad - Convert some unit of whatever into another unit (miles to kilometers, etc).
• Dropbox – Tie in to the web application to save your files in the cloud.
• Flash – Go back your iPhone friends jealous!
• FlexT9 Text Input** – The best keyboard I have used to date!  Much better then stock.  I know a lot of people love SwiftKey X, but I just have to have my swype!
• Gentle Alarm – My current alarm of choice for the phone.  Has a pre-alarm that goes off 30 minutes before the main alarm to help kick you out of a deep sleep, before you actually wake up.
• Overlook Fing + AndSMB – Nice network analyzer.  Scan for devices on the network (WiFi only!) and scan for open ports and services.  The companion app of AndSMB lets you try and connect to open ports browse files.
• PPT Remote – Amazing for those that do a lot of presentations (like I do).  Connect the phone via WiFi or Bluetooth and control the presentation from your phone.  You can also see the notes you have made in the PPT slide deck, right there on your phone!
• PrinterShare** – Love this app!  Print right to your printer, over your WiFi network!  You can also print through 3G if you setup the server on a local computer.
• StopWatch – A basic dumb stop watch.
• Tricorder – Another one that missed the first list.  Just a little app that is a lot of fun and makes you feel like you are a red shirt beaming down to some unexplored planet… just before you die that is.
• Unified Remote – Manage applications or use your phone as a mouse and keyboard.  I tend to use this app to control Spotify or some other media that is playing from my desktop.
• Unlock with WiFi – Set your home network, and when you connect to it, the app will unlock your phone so you don’t have to keep putting in your password when you are in the safety of your own home.
• Vlingo – The closest we Android users get to Siri.
• Voice (Google Voice) + Voice Plus – Get that free Google phone number and put it to good use.  Voice Plus adds a few features to Google Voice that should already be there, by giving you the ability to set what number to use for what person by contact group.
• Widgetsoid – Gives you a ton of widgets to control your phone with.  You can customize your widgets and display just what you want.
• Wifi Analyzer – Scan the local area for WiFi networks, what encryption they are using, and lets you connect to that network.  Useful also for those that have poor WiFi coverage.  You can use the app to find an open channel.
• WiFi File Explorer Pro** – Start the server on your phone, and browse the contents of your phone from your web browser.  WiFi only.

Media

• DirectTV (Official App) - Set shows to record… that is about it.  Note: Receiver has to be plugged into the network.
• DirectTV Remote (not official) – Control your DirectTV Receiver/DVR from your phone.  Great way to mess with your friends!  Note: Receiver has to be plugged into the network.
• Music (Google Music) - Companion app to Google Music Beta.
• Pandora – Free radio?  Nuf said.
• SoundHound – An awesome replacement for Shazam.  Seems to be more accurate and faster.
• TuneIn Radio** – Great app.  Has tons of radio stations from local to stations on the other side of the planet.  Excellent for sports radio.
• XBMC Remote – Control that XBMC media server.

News/Reader

• APPY Geek - App filled with geek news!  Android only!
• Amazon Kindle – Not sure how this wasn’t on the original list… I can’t live without my Kindle!
• Engadget – Should have been on the original list….
• Read Later* – With the Chrome browser tie-in, a great app to save longer articles (you find on the web) and keep it synced between your computer and phone.
• Reader (Google Reader) - Finally, a Google created RSS reader to go along with their web app.
• Weather, US Radar, Alerts, Quakes** - Great weather app!  Lots of nerd information, plus a pretty sweet clock!

Finances

• Chase – Manage your Chase Account on the go.
• E*Trade – Manage your E*TRADE account.
• Finance (Google Finance) – Should have been on the original.  Ties into Google Finance.  Nuf said.
• Mint.com – App that ties into their website.
• Wells Fargo – Manage your Wells Fargo Account on the go.

Miscellaneous

• Appstore (Amazon Appstore) - Can’t get apps from Amazon without it!
• CardioTrainer (with Pro Module**) – Best workout tracker out there!
• Earth (Google Earth) – Works the same way the computer app works.
• Docs (Google Docs) – New within the last month or so.  It is a little funky to edit documents, but works well enough.
• Goggles (Google Googles) – Take a picture of something, get more information.
• Google Sky Map – Just a cool look at the night sky.
• OfficeSuite** – This is a $15 app!  This is the Microsoft Office for the Android phone!
• Roadside – AAA’s companion app.  Load your info and get assistance right from it!
• S.O.S – From the American Red Cross and provides some useful first aid information.
• Yelp – A tie in to the website.
• Zedge – By far the best way to find new wallpapers and ringtones for your phone.  Setup a free account, and browse using your computer and later sync to your phone.

Keep checking this page… more apps to come!  And make sure to post your additions below!

* Paid only (no free version)
** Using full version from the Amazon App Store App of the Day