[The article has been reproduced from Appnomy, a site (and community) of App developers (India focused).]
Androids are slowly but steadily making inroads into the enterprise market with phones that offer features that rival enterprise solutions offered by industry heavyweights like Blackberry. Some say that android cannot match-up to the strength of Blackberries and iPhones when it comes to productivity, but I am not convinced of that just yet.
I have noticed how people absolutely love their Blackberries and iPhones and find it hard to go a day without them because of the features they offer to increase your productivity. Android app developers have realized the potential in the business and productivity applications that make life and work a lot easier and churned out some very interesting apps. These apps will transform your android device from an everyday phone to an automated digital assistant!!
1) Executive Assistant
With the coming of the internet, there has been an information overload. You have to manage multiple email account, social accounts, rss feeds etc. Executive Assistant combines all your personal information into a sleek widget that integrates multiple email accounts, whether it is gmail or any other exchange email app that you use, missed calls, messages, tasks, Google reader rss feeds, Facebook and Twitter!!
Although new, it is by far the most promising attempt at completely integrating your online life and set you free from using multiple apps. Whats more, the app allows for massive customization when the full version is purchased! This is one app you certainly cannot live without.
Download link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.appventive.ExecAssist.ad
2) Teamviewer for Android
As remote desktop control is becoming a necessity more and more by the day, companies are aiming at making better clients that run on phones too!! Teamviewer has been around in the pc market for a long time now and they also released a client for the iphone. Now its the turn of the androids to get it. Although the software is still in beta mode, the client runs smoothly on the phone and is easy to configure. Even though it is free, it is not available on the market and you will have to download the .apk file from the teamviewer website. If you are looking for a remote desktop controller, your search for an app ends here..
Download link : http://www.teamviewer.com/download/TeamViewer.apk
3) Dropbox
This software is utility to the max! It provides you with free online storage to start off with. Aditional storage can be bought if necessary. You can store all kinds of files and even share them in your public folder with your friends and such. It allows you to download and upload files and will be synced with your desktop dropbox account too.Dropbox is easy to use and provides maximum utility.
Download link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.dropbox.android
4) Google Maps 5.0
Google as usual does not disspoint with this amazing new version of google maps that is based on vectors and also has offline support. You can search businesses and even call them directly from their information on google. It has integrated places search that show you places of interest and even wikipedia information! This version of google maps also has 3D map viewing that helps in navigation too. All in all, a great must have for everyone.
Download link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps
5) Documents to go
Documents to go is a full featured document viewer and editing suite. The editing although is available only in the paid version. It allows you to create word, excel and pdf files and also reads MS-Word file formats like .docx etc. You can also download files from google documents and edit them, the software will automatically synchronise them so that you have updated documents on the go and all the time.
Download link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.dataviz.docstogo
6) Locale
Locale makes your phone intelligent and sets behaviour based on cell signal, wifi and GPS. You can also purchase additional add-ons for locale that offer more features like setting silent mode on when in office or auto-reply to message which can be switched on and off based on location! If you are busy as a bee and need your phone to take care of its setting on its own, this app is just for you!
Download link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.twofortyfouram.locale
7) StockIndia
If you are an investor and need a reliable app to update you on the current status of your stocks portfolio, this is the perfect app for you. You can add multiple stock from the BSE and the Nifty and set them to update at your prefered intervals. It also has a built in portfolio calculator that allows for quick calculations. The only drawback of this app is that it has support only for the Indian stock market. The app is free and is supported by donation
Download link : https://market.android.com/details?id=org.bt.android
8) Trip Advisor
As business users, some of you may have to travel a lot. Trip Advisor is free and has a vast collection of hotels, lodges, resorts and more. Travellers can check for user reviews, rates and even availability. It even offers links to websites where you can book hotels, check their location on google maps and even get directions to the hotel. It links perfectly with google maps and provides phone numbers and even user reviews from there. All in all, a great app for a travelling business man.
Download link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.tripadvisor.tripadvisor
9) Google translate
This one is built for International travellers. The app not only translates but also has a text to speech system that will narrate the translated text! This app can prove to be invaluable for a businessman in a foreign country. Like most google apps, this is free and an absolute essential for frequent fliers to foreign lands.
Download link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.apps.translate
10) Pdanet
If you need an internet connection on the go you’ll probably have to shell out a lot of money, right from buying the usb modem to buying a separate plan on the usb-modem. Now with your android phone you can cut the cost of buying a separate usb-modem or a data plan! Pdanet allows you to share your phone’s internet connection (3G) with your laptop via wifi and usb. The app comes with a two week trial, and can be bought from their website. Frequent users who require it will definitely appreciate this app.
Download link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.pdanet
And now, something that i like to call the wink wink app.
Fake call me
All of us have at some time experienced being stuck in a meeting that we’d rather not be at. This app is meant to give you the sly advantage that you might need to get out of what may seem like a tight spot. You can set a time delay, a phone number and a name of the person who you want a fake call from! The app will show an incoming call screen at which point you can quietly excuse yourself and avoid those awkward moments. Although the app is free, i advise you to use it with discretion.
Download link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.agilestorm.fakecall.free
What’s your fav Android App?
[Guest article by Chaitanya Khanapure, an app fanboy. He earlier wrote shared Guide to Install Darky’s ROM for first time ROM Flashers [Samsung Galaxy S]]
