The Michael Hulme Project: Android Application Selection

Choosing which applications to install when setting up your new smart phone can be a bit overwhelming. However, in order to really get the most out of your new device it is great to find applications which effectively target your interest, hobbies and daily needs.

Mobile computing should be a technology which helps make your life easier to manage, more connected, a bit more entertained and always better informed.

For those using the Android platform, here is a nice little set of tips and the accompanying application needed for managing your entire App Collection and discovering and installing new tools as thousands more are being introduced every week. Yes, we will be using an App to manage and discover new apps. May sound a bit confusing at first, but it will save a lot of time and energy in the long run, and allow you to get the most out of your device from day one!

The key to this Application Management and discovery process is a tool called "AppBrain"; so there are a few steps you need to follow to initiate and utilize this time saving tool.

1st) go to the AppBrain website, and create your own account. (This really isn't very difficult since AppBrain, uses your Android phones own Google account to register you.)
2nd) Go to your typical "Android Market" icon on your device to download the AppBrain application.
3rd) Your almost done! - just run the newly installed "AppBrain" application on your Android device, and all of your current Application information will be synced with your online "AppBrain" account.
4th) From now on when you are curious about getting a new app, you can start by frist browsing he "AppBrain" site from your won personal computer, read reviews and rating, and even go to their "What's Hot?" listing to discover the latest apps. You can of course still browser, search and install directly from your phone, but this gives you a perhaps easier, faster way to to started in your searches.

When you return to AppBrain.com it will now display statistics on your apps downloaded; including costs, free vs paid percentage, total storage size, plus a breakdown in categories. You can share your app list publicly or keep it private. You can even uninstall apps from via their website.

There are two other ways you can simply review and learn about new apps via your web browser

Google host an online listing of all of the apps at the following web address: http://www.android.com/market/
The only downside to this listing, is the fact it isn't searchable. Other than the fact you can choose the "top app" list and then select categories beneath those list.
You can use the AppBrain site itself to see a ranking by Android developer download stats and who’s producing the most downloads, highest ratings, and total apps available in the Market.

And once you've create your own AppBrain loggin, you can also share with other the apps you have found most usefull. Appbrain even provides a list of your favorite apps complete with their corresponding links and HTML code neccesary to e-mail or embed your own current listings.

Here is an example of some of the Apps I currently have installed on my own Android device: