Android apps: What would you want?
These screen shots show the Android-phone interface to the Android Market. The software shows what applications can be downloaded and reviews of applications that people are browsing.
(Credit: Google)Arguably one of the best things to come out of the iPhone 2.0 firmware update, as well as the launch of the iPhone 3G, is the ability for the iPhone to install third-party applications directly to the phone via the App Store. Well, Google's new Android OS will also support such a service in the form of the Android Market.
As Google announced on Thursday, the Android Market is an online marketplace that will let you find, buy, download, and rate applications (which sounds eerily similar to the iPhone App Store). And, as you can see from the example screen shots, it appears that applications like a ringtone editor, a talking compass, and a barcode scanner, are already in the works.
This brings up the question of the kind of applications we would want for the Android phone. Access to Google apps like Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Google Reader is a given (we assume), so that leaves the door wide open for more innovative applications. We would personally love to see a multi-IM client, and an Android equivalent of the iPhone's song-identification apps like Shazam would be nice, too. One thing we would really love is turn-by-turn directions, which the iPhone currently lacks.
How about you, dear readers? What would you want to see in the Android Marketplace? What do you think would make a killer app for the Android phone? Let us know in the comments below.
Nicole Lee is an associate editor for CNET, covering cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, and all things mobile. She's also pretty geeky--she likes World of Warcraft, comic books, and shiny gadgets. E-mail Nicole.
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As for your question, here is a great start where 64 people chimed in (so far) as to EXACTLY what they'd like to see on Android: http://phandroid.com/2007/11/05/vote-what-apps-do-you-want-for-android/
Also an awesome community underway at http://AndroidForums.com
Personally, I'd like to see niche applications like GolfPlay, CookingCapsules and these other "new" concepts that wouldn't have even been possible without Android. A lot of people just want "ported" software from a computer to their phone... but Android is a lot more than that. AndroidScan is another great example.
The stuff that I want are things I can't "request" because they're so unique that I haven't dreamed them up yet!
-codyb
The default calculator for Windows Mobile is useless for anything except very basic math functions, so I installed an emulator for the HP15C. I notice this is available for the iPhone.
The suggestion of automatically setting phone volume and ringer settings by GPS is a pretty good one.
Here are more screenshots of the 0.9 SDK: http://www.djtachyon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=1
Then what about extensions? My son's school has an extension for everything. Rather than sit and try and wait for someone to answer the phone at the front desk, when they never do, I'd much rather have his teachers numbers keyed in with their extensions but nooooo! My phone keeps telling me that the number is already in use!!! UGH!
If I could tag my contacts that would even be better. I don't often need a dog groomer and when I need to make an appointment, I can't find the stupid number because I can't remember what the name of the place is. If I could tag it pets or dogs, then I'm in business.
Sorry to go off on such a rant, I just can hardly believe that contacts haven't improved all that much. Admittedly though, I don't have an iphone so I can't compare to that. Still, I don't like being dictated to by a phone maker. I simply REFUSE to use ATT or Cingular (there is nothing they can do to make me forgive them for such bad service) so I'm likely never going to get an iphone.
I very much am interested in Android though. It definitely sounds promising.
That is something I have been looking for FOREVER!!! That is the #1 thing I need in a phone, and I have never really found one with that. I have only found that Windows Mobile is the closest. The iphone is a cool phone I guess, but not even close in that department.
If you find anything, or have any comments or suggestions, I would love to keep in touch over this issue.
Thanks.
gheaton2@hotmail.com
Allyndreth
GPS ringer settings, great idea!
If I add a person's b'day in my Address book, I want it to show up on my calendar automatically. If a number comes as a SMS, I want the phone to recognize it as a phone number and make it dialable and/or give me the option to add it to my address book.
In apps, some of the current winners of Google apps challenge look very promising
I also want a good financial app that will sync online and help me keep track of expenditures throughout the day. I'm actually already working on this, and will enter it in the next developer challenge.
As for settings being affected by GPS or the current time, see the app called "Locale" (http://code.google.com/android/adc_gallery/), which won one of the $275,000 awards in the first Android Developer Challenge.
2. ability to sync calendars, contacts, email, etc. with all major players: Outlook, iPhone, etc.
3. glitch-free operation!!!
Voice Dialing-numbers and names.
Text to Voice
Wireless Display Projector support.
Internet Radio that works simply
Voice to Text for emails, Docs and spreadsheets with auto complete.
Phone numbers tied to GPS Locations
Voice Input and output to/from GPS,
Optimized for Evernote handwriting and voice recognition.
Candy Bar size.
Ability to adhere to my shoulder under my shirt just below my ear - just like my HTC SDA
Wii Fit onboard with flexible weight pad.
TV remote capability.
Call Record to "The Cloud"
Camera to Picasa
Shopping capability to Costco or other member shopper programs.
I would LOVE this kind of thing on my Viewty...
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by AppleSuxLeo
August 29, 2008 10:37 PM PDT
- Android looks promising , but I`m holding out for the ANADROL OS which is at least twice as powerful.
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