Tech Answers

With the rise of the smartphone we have entered the world of the app.  My, my, there is an app for that, isn’t there?  Problem is, there are thousands upon thousands of them, and I’ll tell you what, most of them are junk.  But this just makes the good ones stand out that much more.  This is a list of my favorite apps for Android phones; I will follow this up soon with a list for iPhone/iPad users.  And, please understand this list is by no means comprehensive and does not include games.  These are simply the apps that I have found to be the most useful and fun in my day-to-day life.  If you have a favorite Android app that you’d like to see added to this list please contact me here or leave a comment on Facebook!  Most of these apps are free, except for a few that I’ve marked otherwise. 

Utilities:

Lookout Security & Antivirus – FREE, w/ paid upgrades
Your Android smartphone can get a virus just as easily, if not more easily, than a PC or Mac.  Make this your first install.  The free version will run scheduled scans of your phone for viruses and make certain that every app installed is safe.  It will also allow you to locate your phone in the event that it is lost.  For a few dollars a month, you can get extra features like safe Web browsing and a privacy advisor which will keep track of which apps have access to personal data on your phone. 

I gave up my smartphone contract the other day and I'm only too glad I did.  Wait, this is the library blog - what am I doing writing an opinion piece about cellphone carriers here?  Library patrons come to me on a weekly, sometimes daily basis with questions about their smartphones.  These little devices we carry around in our pockets and purses like so much loose change represent some of the greatest advancements in computing, telecommunications, and miniaturization technologies ever.