Written by With the release of the eagerly anticipated Nexus One and with Android slowly taking back some of the market from Apple; it seemed only right that we let you know about the essential Android apps that will give the iPhone more than a run for its money.
Ebuddy
Starting with the basics this rather nifty little app will handle all of you IM needs and will work with MSN, Gtalk, AIM and ICQ amongst others. The interface is user-friendly and attractive and makes the whole business of chatting so much easier.
Google Goggles
Google bring together their new OS with their legendary search skills and this is one smart little app that will analyse photos and will then search its databases to help you compare prices and will also help you to identify unknown objects. It can be a bit temperamental but then again that makes it all the more fun. It is also hoped that you will soon be able to take pictures of text and then translate it too but there are no details of this yet.
Talk to Me
Talking of translation, this is a handy app which can translate either the text you input or your speech and then translate it into over 40 different languages as well as repeat your translations back to you. It’s as simple as Google’s translation tool online and all you need to do is input the text, choose the language and then hit the green button to start the speech recognition. This could be a handy app for those travelling abroad or are hoping to learn a new language.
Shazam
Ok, so this isn’t exactly new but it is rather fun! Listening to a song and can’t remember what it is or who sung it? Power up Shazam and it will identify the song for you and will also link you to places where you can buy it if you feel the need!
Android Lightsaber
For all you star wars fans out there this is the ultimate app for anyone who’s ever wanted to wield a lightsaber. The app is officially sanctioned by LucasArts and lets you channel the force by selecting one of five characters (Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Mace Windu, Master Yoda or a Sentinel Jedi) who each have a different coloured lightsaber and then tap the screen to unleash your deadly weapon.
Cue lightsaber sound effects when you swing and move your handset and it will flash and crackle. Turn on the epic one-click music for a true battle feeling. Perfect for defeating those invisible foes or perhaps when with other like-minded Jedi’s.
