During this festive season, many of you probably unwrapped some shiny new Androids. Whether you're new to the platform, or have been with Android since Cupcake, now is a great time to get some new apps. I recently destroyed the 100 Best Android list. Let it be your guide through the galaxy of Google Play apps.
Communication and Social
Plain ol' SMS and voice calls just don't cut it anymore. These apps help you keep in touch with the most important people in your life, all from your handy Android.
Free
Google Voice integrates seamlessly with your Android phone, giving you a single number that can ring through to as many devices as you like. Hand it out to whomever, and use the service's spam and blocking filters to protect your privacy. You can also use Google Voice make cheap international calls, but my favorite features are sending and receiving free text from any device—even my desktop PC.
Free
Google Talk is dead, long live Google Hangouts! This app can not only send instant messages to other Google users, but it can also do video chatting for free. Users lucky enough to have Android 4.4 can also use it manage their SMS messages, and Google+ users can enjoy video conference calls with up to twelve participants.
Free
This handy messaging client lets you connect with Facebook, Google, MSN, Yahoo!, ICQ, Jabber, Steam, and AIM services. It also lets you chat with other imo users, and post Twitter-esque public broadcast messages to the service. While instant messaging has declined in the face of texting, this app lets you reach just about anyone—instantly.
Free
Viber distinguishes itself from other free voice and texting apps by adding your computer as a communication device. From your Android, you can seamlessly transfer a voice call to the Viber PC app and keep talking, or pick up a text message conversation already in progress. With a growing list of fans, Viber is well positioned to make talking and texting a little easier (and cheaper).
Free
If you're worried about the NSA or anyone else peeking at your text messages, consider TextSecure. Messages sent to other TextSecure users are encrypted over the air, but the app will also encrypt all of your text messages when they're at rest on your phone to keep them away from prying eyes. We first reviewed the app when it was in Beta, but it's since had a full version release and is ready for prime time.
Free
The companion to TextSecure, this handy app lets you make encrypted calls over the developer's secure VoIP network to other TextSecure users. I particularly like that it works with your existing dialer and phone number, alerting you when another RedPhone user is on the line and the call can be encrypted. If all those PRISM and NSA headlines have you worried, be sure to give this app a try.
Free
Those addicted to the big blue social network can now stay connected at all times thanks to the Facebook Android app. You can use it to browse the entirety of Facebook and chat with other users, and you can also access all the settings available on the website. It's a brilliant mobile adaptation of a sprawling service.
Free
This unique app is for those dangerous situations when you need to quickly (and discreetly) get help from your friends. Two quick taps sends one of three pre-written text messages to as many as six of your contacts. One message sends your GPS location and a request to be picked up, while another asks your friends to quickly get in touch with you. The app also includes links to the RAINN and Love is Respect hotlines.
Free
Sure, there are plenty of ways to fire off a 140-character Tweet, but users looking for more control should consider Plume. This powerful Android Twitter client lets you change all sorts of settings, right down to the LED color used to alert you of a message. My favorite feature is muting, which lets you suppresses users, and even specific words, from your timeline.
Free
Tumblr has grown in leaps and bounds since it first came onto the scene, letting users quickly share their creations and discoveries and—most importantly—re-blog things they find on Tumblr. The blogging platform's slick new Android app shows just how far it's come with a great new interface.
Security
The freedom of Android also gives bad guys the freedom to attack you. Stay safe with these handy apps.
Free
This completely free app packs in a ton of security features, like remote wipe, remote-lock, app management, safe Web browsing, a battery manager, and as an added bonus, a an anti-virus engine that received top marks from independent testing labs. It's incredibly lightweight, but it lacks a backup feature—fortunately, we have other apps that help you with backup.
Free, $9.95 per year
Bitdefender has all the features you'd expect in a top-tier Android security app: on demand scans, automatic scanning of each newly installed app, anti-theft tools, app reputation info, web security, and more. But its laser-focus is on security, eschewing time consuming scans and using a super fast cloud-based method. While the annual fee may be off putting, it's a third of what other big name companies charge.
$2.99/month, $29.99/year
Though my Editors' Choice for paid Android security is Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus, Lookout's security app brings solid malware protection and ingenious anti-theft tools to the table. Lookout has also led the charge against aggressive adware, and it has been known to push out fixes to core Android issues before OS patches are released. It also has an impressive free version once your free trial runs out, giving you access to core features that will keep your phone safer.
Free, $1 per month
A major overhaul to this powerful password manager finally looks as good as it performs. With LastPass, you can access your saved passwords, secure notes, and filled forms from your Android, and you can also create new ones that will sync to all your devices. The new version of the app ingeniously melds the password manager with a built-in browser, putting the app's auto-login features at the forefront. Staying safe has never been easier.
Free
Sometimes you just don't want people to bother you, and that's where Mr. Number comes in. With this app, you can block calls and SMS messages from specific people, code prefixes, and whole area codes. It can also help you fight back against intrusive calls and texts with an easy spam-reporting system.
Free
Tor is probably more famous for providing access to the so-called "Dark Web," but it's also a useful way to connect to the Internet while keeping your movements private. Working with a special browser, Orbot connects you to Tor within seconds. However, I did find that it sometimes takes a few attempts to get online.
Free
The desktop version of this VPN service won an Editors' Choice award for VPN, and it also works great on Android. With just a few taps, your traffic is encrypted and routed through the developer's secure servers keeping your activities safe from snoopers. If you need to check your bank account or any other sensitive information over a public Wi-Fi network, this is the way to go.
Health and Fitness
Whether it's losing weight, working out, or just trying to stay healthy, there's an Android app that can help.
Free, $9.99/month
Noom is a comprehensive weight-loss app that bills itself as a weight-loss coach in your pocket. Every day, the app feeds you customized suggestions on how many calories you need to eat and burn to meet your goals. Premium users get more features and online communities to support one another's weight loss goals.
Free
WebMD is much more than a diagnosis app, although you certainly can use it to input symptoms you are experiencing and find some clues as to what's ailing you. It also contains listings for healthcare professionals and pharmacies in your area, as well as first-aid guides—simple instructions for dealing with an emergency that everyone should have accessible at any time. This free reference app is one you hope you don't need, but, the moment you do, you'll be glad you downloaded it.
$4.99
Runtastic can do so much more than just track your favorite running routes. It keeps track of all sorts of useful data, and can return information-rich maps to plan future outings. It also features a fully integrated music player, to make for a seamless workout experience. Use it for cycling, hiking, and walking as well.
$3.99
If you find it hard to work up the motivation to exercise, try being chased by a rampaging zombie horde. Using either pedometer step tracking or (less accurate) GPS, Zombies, Run! gamifies exercise with a storyline played over your headphones. The voice acting and writing is top notch, and each "episode" can be infused with songs from your personal playlist. As you run, you'll find items and earn points which can be used to upgrade your base and, just maybe, help humanity survive the zombie apocalypse.
Free
If you're curious about what goes on while you're snoozing, SleepBot has all the answers. Leave your phone in bed with you, and SleepBot will track your movements and nocturnal noises using your Android's microphone and accelerometer. But SleepBot is more than a mere tracker; it is designed to wake you up during the lightest part of your sleep cycle, promising better sleep and more wakeful mornings.
$1.99
If you're in possession of an active uterus, consider Period Tracker Deluxe (or P Tracker D). This app makes it easy to log the days of your menstruation, and does it with a friendly, customizable interface. You can also record personal details like moods and symptoms. If pregnancy is what you're after, or what you're trying to avoid, this app has your back as well.
Free
This calorie counter and exercise tracker aims to help you lose weight the old fashioned way: by expending more calories than you take in. With its smart design and an extensive library of foods, quickly logging the calories you take in and what you burn while exercising is a snap. It won't give you a whole work-out regiment, but it will certainly make you more aware of your habits.
Cooking and Food
Cooking at home, out on the town, or ordering in, these apps help connect your mouth with delicious food.
Free
I'm always a little skeptical of crowd-sourced reviews, but Yelp can tell you a lot more than what people thought of a bar, restaurant, or just about any other place where you spend money. Many locations have list their hours of operation, contact information, and menus, making it easy to find the perfect spot in your neighborhood or a new city.
Free
Ordering food for delivery is a real pain: you need takeout menus, knowledge of the terrain ("will they even deliver out here?"), cash, and faith that the person jotting down your order gets it right. Seamless takes care of all that, even letting you pay via credit card from your Android. The downside? The app only supports restaurants in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Miami, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Sorry, everywhere else.
Free
Pepperplate makes it easy to access your recipes from any Android device so you can cook up a storm. On the desktop side, the service connects to websites like Allrecipes and Epicurious so you can import recipes (and sync them to your phone) with just one click. You can also easily build shopping lists and keep your recipes handy wherever you are.
Free
If Pepperplate isn't your style, Allthecooks connects you with a vibrant array of over 150,000 recipes. Easily add favorite recipes, manage shopping lists, and a handy meal calendar all from within the app. Once you start using it, you'll have one less excuse to eat out.
Free
This handy app lets you record each brew your try along with a rating and tasting notes. Think of it like Foursquare for beer! No more staring at a tap list, wondering which you've had before. The app also has a vibrant community of beer drinkers that can point you toward new discoveries, and an extensive list of beers. While it's not perfect, it can change the way you think of that sweet amber ambrosia.
Travel
Make your Android your constant companion, even when you're out on the road.
Free, premium for $4.99
Don't have one of those fancy new cars with collision warning features? This handy Android app can do that and more from your windshield. It alerts you when a car in front of you looms too close, and even detects road markings to warn you if you start to drift out of your lane. It's not perfect, and some might find it even more distracting than regular driving, but it's one more amazing thing to do with your Android.
Free
Use your Android's camera to take a snapshot of anything from a painting in a museum to a placard that's written in a language you don't understand, and Google Goggles will do the searching for you. It even handles QR codes and barcodes for easy comparison shopping. It's not an immersive alternate-reality experience, but it's faster and easier than trying to find the right search term.
Free
Part amateur historian, bargain hunter, and gourmet, Field Trip alerts you to articles, deals, and factoids relating to the world around you. Once activated, it keeps tabs on your location and displays cards drawing from sources like Zagat, Scoutmob, Arcadia, and others. Perfect for tooling around a strange city or learning more about your hometown, but Field Trip struggles outside the U.S.
Free
This may seem like a no-brainer, but Google Maps is kind of fantastic. With just a few taps, this app will tell you exactly how to get to your destination. It even supports walking, bicycle, and mass transit directions—though these aren't always trustworthy. Recent updates have also improved its discovery powers, making it easier to see what's around you.
Free, additional fees for rides
It's pretty easy to get a cab from the PC Mag Labs in New York, but it can be more challenging in other cities—even parts of this city. With Uber, calling a cab takes just a couple of taps. You can also select between yellow cabs, pricier sedans, SUVs, or private individuals who act as drivers through UberX. All payments are handled through the app, so no cash is necessary.
Free
Probably my biggest fear as a traveler is being unable to communicate with other people. Google Translate takes a bit of the edge off, quickly translating either written text or spoken words. You can even use the app to do the speaking for you, and input text through your camera or handwriting. Unfortunately, you'll need a data connection to perform the translation, but it's the next best thing to actually learning another language.
Free
And if you want to learn another language, have we got the app for you! Duolingo gamifies language learning with bite-sized lessons, and a friendly interface. The more you use the app, the more you unlock and—with practice—the more you learn. This free app currently supports Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
Shopping
Whether it's finding the perfect gift or the perfect deal, these apps will help you find what you want and maybe save you some money.
Free
Instead of making an impulse purchase, ShopAdvisor lets you see an item's price history so you know when you're getting the best deal. You can also quickly comparison shop between online and local stores. If you're on a budge, create a price alert and ShopAdvisor will let you know when an item is within your price range. It's the perfect companion for the methodical shopper.
Free
The original deal locator for mobile, Groupon partners with businesses to offer low prices to a certain number of people for a limited time.. While the value of Groupons offerings is sometimes debatable, it is a useful way to try a new restaurant in your area or try a totally new activity.
Free
Pinterest is sort of like a social network of stuff, a place to "pin" things that interest you on themed boards. I recently used it to help redecorate my living room, letting me see everything I wanted all together. It easily integrates with your browser for fast pinning, and you can view the pins of others for added inspiration.
Free
Amazon is the Internet's marketplace; the one place where you can buy just about anything—and it's cheap too! On Android, two of my favorite features are the barcode scanner and photo search, making it easy to surreptitiously comparison shop from a brick and mortar store. You can also make purchases from Amazon's streaming video store, but Kindle eBook titles are still unavailable for purchase.
Free
While probably better known for (the sheer unavailability of) NFC purchases, Google Wallet still has a few tricks up its sleeve. You can access a number of deals through the app, and send money to anyone in the US with an email address. It will even carry a balance, and take the place of physical loyalty cards. And yes, if your phone supports it and you can find a place that accepts it, you can pay for stuff in stores, too.
Free
What's a location-based social network doing in the shopping section? Deals, my friend. Deals. Check in at a location and sometimes you'll unlock a special discount. Other business challenge their customers to check in more often to unlock better rewards, or give the mayor (that is, the person with the most checkins) even better deals.
Reading and News
Apps to keep up with the news, read a novel, or relax with a comic book.
Free
Comixology's digital comics app is so good, it makes a diehard print nerd like me think twice. Doubling as a reader and a digital marketplace, Comics is your one-stop shop for comic books from just about all the major publishers (except Dark Horse). Readers new to comics might enjoy the guided view mode, which takes you through each book panel by panel. Looking for a few great apps for your shiny new app? Try our monthly list of 10 Digital Comics You Should Read Right Now.
Free
Even the best news sites don't always look great on your mobile device, and that's where Flipboard comes in. This handy app lets you flip through articles reformatted into a magazine style, with very readable text and large images. The unique "flip" interface is perfect for idly paging through the news in search of something interesting.
Free
Google's recently launched Newsstand app is quite ambitious. It rolls up the magazine-like reading experience of Currents along with easy access to your digital magazine subscriptions. You can also discover news stories by browsing the Read Now or Explore sections. Of course, it includes sharing features for when you find something really interesting.
Free
There's plenty of ways to read popular news stories, but few apps can claim to let you listen to breaking news. Umano is different, employing professional voice actors to read long-form articles from sources like The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and others. The only downside is that you can't listen to just one news source, but variety is the spice of life.
Free
Your Bag of Holding for the Internet, pocket lets you save articles, images, and video for later. I especially like how it reformats articles for more comfortable reading, and how it syncs between all my devices. A new version of Pocket added improved sharing features making it even easier to pocket stuff no matter what app you're working in.
Free
What impresses me most about ESPN ScoreCenter is the sheer number of sports it covers. Everything from American football to Brazilian soccer to INDY 500 is available. For those unmissable games, you can set alerts and follow specific matches as they unfold. It also connects you to videos and news headlines, courtesy of ESPN.
Free
If you don't care for ESPN, try out The Score. This minimalist app has a very Android design, and keeps you up to date on upcoming games and current scores. You can also follow particular games, and set a schedule of competitions to follow. The Score doesn't have as many options as ESPN, but will keep most sports fans happy.
$2.99
Calibre is the 800-pound gorilla of eBook management, and this app is the perfect (ahem) companion for it. With just a few clicks, you can add any book from your computer to your device over USB or Wi-Fi. What's so surprising is how well it works, and how easy it is to use. If you've got a lot of eBooks, this is the app for you.
Free
The library is an oft-overlooked public resource, but OverDrive brings it back into the fold with its app. Supported by 27,000 libraries worldwide, the app lets you access your local library's array of available eBooks. Use it to download titles, place holds on titles not yet available, and read your borrowed eBooks. The only requirement? A library card (or its digital equivalent).
Free
This app puts all of your existing Amazon eBook purchases at the tips of your fingers, and gives you mobile access to the Kindle eBook store for impulse purchasing. Best of all, it syncs your notes, bookmarks, and where you left off between all your devices.
Free
Though its interface is a bit tricky, Stitcher connects you with just about every podcast out there. Podcasts are organized by subject, or you can just search for a familiar title. Once you've subscribed to a few shows, you can organize them into playlists for a continuous stream. Once you've exhausted all your favorites, let Stitcher recommend something new.
Utilities
These apps take advantage of Android's openness to change how you use your device.
App Master (formally Uninstall Master)
Free
In the course of assembling this list, I installed many apps onto my Android. Thankfully, app Master was there to help me quickly remove them with just a few taps. Prune your app garden better with a powerful search function, and check the last time an app was used. For $2.99, you can unlock even more features like memory-saving "freezing" and batch uninstalling for rooted devices.
$4
There are many launchers available in Google Play that replace your stock phone homescreen interface with something more customizable. Nova Launcher Prime not only gives you settings to play with, but it's super-fast and smooth. It also gives you access to numerous custom-made themes and icon sets available on Google Play. If you're not willing to part with four bucks, try the free version, called Nova Launcher.
Free, $3.99 pro version
An impressive keyboard replacement, Swiftkey suggests what it thinks is the most likely next word as you type. A pioneer of this technology, you can speed up your typing by inserting whole words with a tap. The app also supports Swyple-like input, and a recent update condensed the tablet and phone versions into a single mega-app. Pennypinchers should consider the free Google Keyboard.
Free, $3.99 pro version
Swype was the first to introduce dragging your finger between letters to input text, which has since appeared in SwiftKey and even Google Keyboard. The developers are not resting on their laurels, however: Their app has numerous input options, including the powerful Dragon Dictation, gestures, handwriting recognition, and SwiftKey-like predictive text. Swype is a sprawling app that makes mobile typing a breeze.
$2.99
I'm going to be honest here: I haven't completely mastered Tasker. But I recognize that this is perhaps the most powerful app available in Google Play. With it, you can script basic actions for your Android to perform when specific conditions are met—like flash the LED when you receive a text message. Now I just need to learn how to get the most from it.
Free
Netgear's free app lets you get the lay of the Wi-Fi landscape. With a few taps, you can see the strength of networks in the area and what channels have the most interference. It's the perfect companion to our article on how to set up your wireless network.
Free
Android devices can often feel like islands unto themselves, but SnapPea lets you access to your phone's files from your computer via USB or Wi-Fi connection. Recently refreshed, the service can also back up your device and let you send texts from your computer via your phone, among other things. SnapPea has a minimal presence on your Android, but it will change how you use your phone.
Free
Unlike iOS, Android actually lets you plumb the depths of its innards—provided you have the right app to do it. Let Astro be your guide as you explore your Android's files. In addition to the basics (copying files, moving files, etc.) Astro connects with cloud services (Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive), backs up your apps, and doubles as an application manager.
Free
This simple, lightweight app gives you a handy graphical representation of your Android's RAM usage, CPU performance, network traffic, and a host of other options. It's particularly useful for keeping tabs on apps or processes that might be slowing down your device, or just to see some pretty graphs.
Free
Dropbox pioneered the idea of a personal cloud service, where all your stuff would be available no matter what device you were using. On Android, it holds its own—even against the highly integrated Google Drive. Dropbox can also act as a seamless backup for your images, automatically uploading every photo to the cloud. If you're a heavy Dropbox user, this app is a must-have.
Browsers and Reference
Whether you're trying to win a bar bet or just surf the Web, these are the apps that connect you with all the information the Internet has to offer.
Free
What's incredible about the Android version of Firefox is that it feels as mature, if not more so, than its desktop counterpart. It's lickity-split fast, and its clean design is a joy on mobile. Mozilla makes a big point about how they don't collect your data, and I was pleased to see that the app comes with a full compliment of security settings—including an option to protect your information from advertisers.
Free
Not to be confused with its Mini cousin, Opera is a full-fledged browser for Android. With a slick design, it aims to be your gateway to web content with features like a built-in news portal and the Opera mobile apps store. It also includes an "off-road" mode to quickly load webpages while taking it easy on your data plan.
Free
Don't let its old-style appearance fool you: Opera Mini is a clever little browser designed to thrive where network conditions are not their best. And it doesn't skimp on features, giving you access to special Opera web apps; a handy homepage complete with news and social media updates; and a surprising array of powerful security settings.
Free
A clean, tabbed browser, Dolphin delivers a very nice user experience on Android almost making you forget that you're on a mobile device. Dolphin also supports tight integration with services like Evernote and LastPass, as well as robust settings. My favorite feature is gestures, which might not always be efficient but are definitely cool to use.
Free
Most of us probably ask Google Now to define words, but what about those times when you're unable to connect to the Web? That's where Dictionary.com and its extensive omnibus of the English language come in handy. It also includes a thesaurus to ameliorate your lexical aptitude, and an optional rhyming dictionary to unleash your inner poet.
Free
While its interface is in bad need of a refresh, the Wikipedia Android app brings one critical feature: offline viewing. Just two taps and any page on Wikipedia is stored in its entirety for whenever you need it. Plus the app gives you access to over 20 million articles in 280 languages and is basically a for-real Hitchhiker's Guide.
Productivity and Finance
Keeping track of your information and your money has never been easier.
Free
Mint is a fantastic online service to keep track of all your finances, and it really shines on Android. Once you've entered all your information, you can easily see where your money is going. I really like Mint's budgets, which help me make spending decisions on the fly. Mint can be a bit overwhelming at first, but well worth the effort to learn.
Free
Check (formally Pageonce) is focused on one thing: paying your bills. Enter your bills into the app, along with your payment options, and Check does the rest. You can also use Check to send money to anyone with an email address or a mobile number—like your landlord or that guy you owe money too. It's not a broad financial tool like Mint, but it will help you stay on top of your bills.
Free
It can be hard to buckle down and get work done on your Android, especially when there are so many great games just begging for your attention. Enter RescueTime, which tracks everything you do on your Android and delivers reports about how much time you spent productively and how much time you spent on Candy Crush. The design is a bit wonky, but it's a powerful tool.
$9.99
Creating and editing documents on your mobile device still isn't as easy as on your desktop or laptop, but OfficeSuite Pro comes close. It supports most Microsoft Office files and PDFs, so you can quickly create and edit PowerPoint, Excel, and Word documents wherever you are. It also integrates with cloud services, putting all your documents at your fingertips.
Free
Perhaps the most amazing thing about this mobile office app is the pricetag: Free. With full support for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, it's a juggernaut among office apps. However, it only supports a few devices and only works with Dropbox—no Google Drive. If it can work for you, give it a spin.
Free
Creating and editing documents in Google Drive is easy, unless they happen to be Microsoft Office documents. Enter QuickOffice, which serves as a highly capable bridge between Office and Google Drive. It supports Word and Excel and is perhaps the best mobile editor for PowerPoint I've yet seen. It's got a limited scope, but it's great at what it does.
Free
Not just another cloud service, SugarSync can automatically backup all your photos and videos from your Android to a free 5GB online account. In addition to the standard sharing, syncing between devices, and very nice interface it's one of the best cloud storage services out there. You need to try this one.
Adobe Reader
Free, $9.99 per month upgrade
Many apps will open PDFs, but Adobe Reader lets you markup documents and even make changes. If you find yourself having to fill out a lot of electronic forms, or reading long academic texts, this app is for you. With a $9.99 per month subscription, you can convert any file to a PDF through the app.
Organization
You can access the entirety of your digital life through your Android and these are the apps to keep it all organized.
Free
If you've ever had to email a link to your computer from your phone, Pushbullet is for you. This handy service lets you send notes, links, files, addresses, and even lists between your computer and your Android. You can even push all these between friends.
Free
With its close integration to Android, Google Drive is an obvious choice for cloud storage. But it has a few other tricks up its sleeve, like sharing to other users and saving items for offline viewing. It's also a powerful office companion, letting you create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Free, $5 per month premium account
Once you start using it, this note taking app becomes a powerful tool for organizing just about everything. Notes can be anything—text, images, audio, or a mix—and are organized into notebooks. One of its killer features is optical character recognition, which makes the text in images searchable. I use it to keep track of the different beers I try and my comic book collection.
Free
At its core, Any.do is a list manager. You can quickly create a shopping list, and have it sync between devices and even share it with others. The app also doubles as a task manager, keeping you on top of what needs to be done. A new feature, called the Any.do Moment, encourages you to take a second and review your plans for the day.
Free
If you're the forgetful type, EasilyDo is your savior. Once you hook the app up to a slew of supported social and calendar services, it suggests simple actions from a unified dashboard. Did you know it's Susie's birthday? EasilyDo will suggest you send her a message or a gift. It makes the little things easier, and proves its worth with saved time.
Free
Trello is a free service that aims to help you organize any project—everything from novels, to home improvement, to dinner parties. Its card-based interface is very mobile friendly, letting you easily add to-do items, pictures, and tags. All your changes swiftly sync between all your devices, and the Trello website.
Entertainment
Keeping your favorite movies, music, and everything else with you at all times.
Free
If you're an audio nerd or just prefer to have a lot more control over your music collection, take a look at DeaDBeeF. This sprawling app supports mp3, ogg, aac/mp4, alac/mp4, flac, ape, wv, wav, tta, mpc, sid, mod, s3m, nsf and more. There's also a 10-band equalizer so you can get your tunes sounding just so. Perfect for all of those live recordings of Steely Dan concerts you've been hoarding.
Free
Play Music seamlessly connects with your Google Play music purchases. You can stream purchased music to your Android, and mark favorite tracks for offline storage. It also automatically detects and plays any music stored locally on your device, and you can adjust the jams with the built-in equalizer. Although Music supports more exotic files like FLAC, it does so by transcoding them to 320 kbps MP3s.
Free
The Bandcamp app really misses the mark, focusing solely on streaming music you've already purchased from the service. That's too bad, because Bandcamp is probably the best place to discover new bands and buy their music. Though very limited, the app works well and will save you the trouble of downloading and managing your songs. Note that songs you play will be cached for offline use, but it's an awkward way of doing things.
Free, subscription fees for streaming
Netflix streaming has quickly become a staple of modern existence, and the premiere movie and TV watching service looks great on Android. Though the stable of content isn't always, ah, stable, the selection is enormous. You can also stream video from the app to your TV through Google Chromecast.
Free, optional subscription
While Pandora may have introduced the world to streaming radio, Slacker has an entirely different approach. You can listen to what Slacker thinks you'll like, or try out one of their human-curated channels and playlists. They also have hyper-specific playlists, like Yacht Rock. It's a new, more personal approach to music discovery.
Free
If you're tired of mobile games, try some titles like Assassins Creed or L.A. Noire streamed to your Android through OnLive. The account is free, but games will probably cost you money—though many include timed free trials. Also, you may want to invest in some kind of controller as many of these games were simply not made for touch screens. It's a tricky, but unique, service.
Free, subscription required
If you can't wait for a TV show to end up on Netflix, Hulu Plus is the way to go. Search or browse through the available shows, or subscribe to on-air shows to see them right away. Many of the shows, like The Simpsons, are available online exclusively through Hulu. The service also features high-quality movies, like the entire Criterion Collection.
Free
Songkick is the bridge between the music in your digital collection and concerts in your area. Once installed, Songkick scans your device and lets you see when and where your favorite artists are playing. If you see a show you're interested in, you can also purchase tickets all from within the app. Add multiple locations to Songkick to catch concerts when you're on the road.
Creativity
Most of us use our Androids to take in media, but these apps let you create amazing things from your phone or tablet.
Free
Instagram boasts a fantastic community of users, whose appreciation for digital filters has earned them hipster pariah status. A recent update added a new feature: Instagram Direct, which lets you send images to specific people without posting to your timeline. It's like Snapchat, just less creepy and more permanent.
Free
If you've ever browsed through image-sharing services and wondered where the picture collages came from, it's probably Pixlr Express. This photo editor can do more, though: it has a host of effects and adjustments that run the gamut from subtly artistic to ridiculously bombastic—perfect for giving your images a touch more pizzazz.
Free
If you want more control than Instagram affords, try Snapseed. This app straddles the line between full-fledged image editor and filter app, but it brings a lot of useful tools to the table. Best of all is the amount of control it gives you over how filters and effects are applied to your images. Run a photo through Snapseed before Instagramming it.
Free
I had some harsh words for Vine since the last time I reviewed it, but things have changed. The six-second looping video sharing app may have finally come into its own on Android with the ability to edit clips before posting them and (finally!) access to the front-facing camera. While I get ready to revisit this app, Vine users out there should take a look at mytips on how to make better Vines.
Free
The venerable photo site Flickr made a big splash earlier this year when they not only announced a total redesign of their service, but a whole terabyte of free space for each and every user. Their Android app sports both of these features, along with photo-filters and on-the-go uploading. It's not perfect, but Flickr has suddenly become very tempting.
Free
If you take a lot of photos, consider sharing them with the world through the Wikimedia Commons app. Each image you upload is marked with a Creative Commons license and made available to everyone online for free, forever. Unfortunately, you cannot view the entirety of Wikimedia Commons through the app, just your own uploads.
$0.99
Writers looking for inspiration should investigate this app, which spits out different writing prompts at set intervals. The idea is to write quickly, and incorporate the ideas from the app as they come. It probably won't help you write the great American novel, but it's a fun way to practice.
Free
Some things aren't for sharing, and those personal thoughts or photos can be stored safely in the Flava journal app. The app's clean interface invites quick additions to your continuous flow of entries, and a unique tagging system makes it easy to find entries based on note type, your mood, or even the weather.
Free
While it sports a lot of advanced features like layers that artists will appreciate, SketchBook Mobile Express is great for compulsive doodlers, too. Use your finger as a brush, pen, or pencil to create your masterpiece. The developers have also created a tablet version, and Note 3 users can finally put their styli to good use.
