Advertisment

androidWhile not everyone trusts Google, everyone think Google creates amazing programs.  The Motorola Droid, which runs on Google’s open source Android platform, excites smartphone users worldwide, but many are too attached to the apps offered in Apple’s app store to switch from their iPhone.

Many popular sites, such as Facebook, Pandora, Last.fm and others have mobile apps for both phones.  But some apps are available on only one platform.  Google’s Android platform is an open system, which allows developers greater ease to get their apps to users.  Here are some of our favorite Droid apps for 2010.  Visit the Android Market to download.

Google Voice

The biggie.  Use Google Voice to make and receive calls, texts and access voicemail.  If you have tons of people on Google contacts, it will be a lot easier to contact them through GV.  Banned on the iPhone, this is a key difference between the products.

gvoice

CompareEverywhere

Ever wonder if that thingy on sale is cheaper somewhere else?  Scan the barcode and see prices at other stores, plus read reviews to find out if others think it’s a good product.

Open Home

Customize your wallpaper, icons, layout and more.

openhome

Google Sky Map

Wanna know what that star is over there?  Point the phone at it and Google Sky Map will tell you.  Or wanna know where your zodiac sign is?  Sky Map figures out where you are in the world through GPS and will tell you which way you need to look to find the constellation or star of your choice.  Just move the phone along the sky in the direction it tells you and you’ll find it.

skymap-lg-03

Twidroid

The top twitter app for the Droid.  While not as elegant as the iPhone’s Tweetie, it works great and does everything tweeple need.

twidroid

Locale

Program your Droid to have different setting based on your location.  Have it go silent if your in a movie theater, play a loud ringtone at a baseball game and vibrate at home.  Create different wallpapers for Saturday nights at ‘da club and Monday mornings at the office.

KeyRing

Is your real-life key ring getting clunky with every retailer’s membership card?  Install KeyRing and it will load the barcodes on your Droid, so the checker can scan the code directly from your phone.  Your keys will never feel so bulky again.

Google Goggles

See something you want to search?  Rather than typing your query, simply take a photo and the app helps you find associated businesses.
More apps will be coming every day, so let us know your faves in the comments.

In 2010 you can expect carriers to bill directly for android content.  In fact, T-mobile just announced that they will become the first to do so – even allowing users to test apps for 24 hours before being charged.

Mobile advertising network is also the next inevitable wave for android owners.  Greystripe, which already delivers millions of ads to iPhone apps, is helping developers cash in on their Android apps.

Advertisment