Six Must-Have Android Apps

There are few times I will tell someone that something is a 'must have'. However, if you own an Android phone (version 2.1 and above) or Android tablet (3.0 or above), these apps should be a must-have for you. The very first recommendation I have is ES File Explorer. This application is a powerful file/folder browser that allows you to open files, browse folders on the phone/tablet, and make changes (rename/copy/paste/delete functions). It is small, fast, and effective. I use it on both my LG Optimus V phone and Acer Iconia a500 tablet.

Second is the Advanced Task Killer.This app does have discrete apps, but it is free at the same time. It lets you kill certain apps quickly and effectively from the notification center- either all at once, or just one or two. Very handy, especially with its powerful exception-allowing features. Be sure to uncheck itself, or it'll self-kill. And uncheck any apps with running notifiers on them, as they'll stop checking (e.g. Facebook).

Third is ezPDF Reader. While it does cost a little pocket change, the ezPDF reader is a much faster PDF reader than most apps I've tried. It also works much more effectively than Adobe's PDF Reader they have, especially on Honeycomb (3.0+) tablets. I use it for any PDF files on both devices.

QuickPic is a relatively self-explanatory app. Alternative to the Gallery app that devices come with, is very fast and effective. Gets good color reproduction on the screen.

Finally, last but not least, are the Wi-Fi Finder and Wifi Analyzer apps. I'll explain the former first. Wi-Fi Finder is an app that, on pre-3.0 Android devices, allows you to search by zip code for nearby hotspots. This is not so useful with non-3G devices (such as 2.x-based tablets), but on a phone, can locate free wi-fi hotspots that are nearby. On 3.0 devices (a patch may have added this for pre-3.0), you can actually download an offline database that you can search on the go. Very useful if you need an internet connection. Wifi Analyzer shows all the networks in your area, the channel they are operating on, and signal strengths. It is free and powerful, and can even help you set up and optimize your home wifi signal so it is operating on channels that may not be as congested.

Enjoy!