Introduction
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In our list of Best Free Android Apps, we've selected more than 200 apps grouped in various categories, with a brief description of each program. To save you time working out exactly which apps you need most we've selected from that long list nine "must-have" free Android apps that will add key features and functions for your new mobile phone.
All such lists are to some extent subjective, so if you think we have missed out on a great product you feel should be included then post a comment below. Remember we are only interested in free apps that you feel should be installed on every Android device. This review is based on Android version 2.2 Froyo. See this article if you're using later versions such as ICS or Jelly Bean. |
1. Dialer One
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A new device loaded with the Android operating system (version 2.2 in this review) comes with a default Phone app. To make a phone call, one has to tap the Phone app icon from the Home screen, key in a contact number and press the Call button. Or alternatively, one can switch to the Call Log, Contacts or Favorites tab, choose a contact and press the Call button. Couldn't this process be simplified? Yes it can. And with the Dialer One app it all becomes so much easier and better. A single tap on the Dialer One icon brings up pretty much everything you need straight off (saving you from having to fiddle around with other buttons). You get a call log with recent incoming, outgoing or missed calls, allowing you to redial the number or reply easily. Better still, there's a smart T9 dial pad offering speed dialling and simultaneous search on calls and contacts. Pressing a few keys on the dial pad gets you to the matched contacts instantly. |
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URI: market://search?q=pname:kz.mek.DialerOne |
2. GO SMS Pro
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After phone calls, SMS is seen as the second most important feature in a phone. The default Messaging app meets a rather basic need to compose a new message, but having to type out the recipient's name or phone number is a drawback on Android 2.2. This annoyance can be overcome by installing a replacement SMS app such as GO SMS, which is definitely one of the best. After composing a new message, you press the '+' button next to "To", type in a few characters of a contact name and GO SMS will find the contact for you. Just select your contact and click "Send". You can also tick multiple contacts if you're sending the same message to more than one recipient. You can also set GO SMS for message popup alerts, quick reply, chat style, multi themes, messages and folders view, emoji support and more. |
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URI: market://search?q=pname:com.jb.gosms |
3. aContacts
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The default Contacts app looks like a sub-module of the main Phone app, just giving you some basic functions to search, create and edit contacts, add contacts to favorites, or add accounts and sync contacts in the accounts. Fortunately, there are some great free apps to enhance its functions. One of them is aContacts. This free app allows you to organize your contacts by groups (either as co-workers, friends or family) or list contacts alphabetically. This makes your contacts easier to find, especially if you have a long list of contacts. You can long press a contact not only to make a call, send an SMS or email, but also to group a contact, check call history, set a reminder to call or add an event in the Calendar. With aContacts, all these extra features are available to you at no cost and free of ads. |
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URI: market://search?q=pname:kz.mek.aContacts |
9. Lookout
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There's no anti-malware program pre-installed in Android 2.2. But you can get one free to protect your mobile device. Lookout is a reliable security program that provides an easy way to protect your device and data by blocking viruses, spyware or other malware. Lookout scans every app you install with automatic antivirus updates. It also backs up your contacts to the web, and allows you to restore data to a phone. You can also use it to trace your phone should it go missing . The main features should be enough for average users. Unfortunately, other advanced features such as Privacy Advisor are only available on the paid-for premium version. |
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URI: market://search?q=pname:com.lookout |
Related Links
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This category is maintained by volunteer editor Jojo Yee. Registered members can contact the editor with comments or suggestions by clicking here.
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mobile applications, mobile apps, Android applications, Android apps, free Android apps, Google Android free programs, free software for phones, free phone apps, freeware for smartphones, free apps for Android.
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