The SanDisk Memory Zone Android app is a centralized hub for controlling, managing, and backing up your local device and cloud-based memory.

• Version: 1.2.1
• Size: 2.00MB (apps2SD enabled)
• Category: Productivity
• Price: Free

The SanDisk Memory Zone app supports your Android device’s local storage sources (e.g. internal memory and external SD card) as well as cloud services (e.g. Dropbox, Box, Google Docs, Picasa, and SugarSync).

The app’s main page displays a list of all the memory sources/accounts you use along with their current usage/limits. By clicking on a specific memory source you can view a breakdown of exactly what’s being stored, like the number of files in categories such as music, photos, videos, documents, and apps. By swiping up and down you can quickly switch between your various memory sources.

Furthermore, a list of each file can be viewed and sorted by its name or size in the file-type categories mentioned above (tap “A-Z” or “Size” to sort). Long-pressing a file brings up the options to move a file to your memory card, upload it to an online storage service, delete it, or make it private. Making a file private locks it with a password (which you’ll be prompted to create the first time), however, it’s important to mention it will not remove it from the file list view. Also, make sure to enable multi-select (in the Menu) for managing multiple files all at once.

Pros:

• Local device and cloud memory management
• Quick transfer and backup of files between storage services
• Elegant and efficient graphical interface
• Lock and secure local files with a password

Areas for improvement:

• Ability to view a list of files categorized as “Other”

Conclusion: The best Android app for managing and integrating your storage connectivity between your Android device, memory card, and files kept in the cloud.

[AppBrain Link]

SanDisk Memory Zone Android App, Manage All Files is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The APP Lock Android app is a simple solution for protecting some (or all) of your applications with a number passcode or lockscreen style pattern.

• Version: 1.21
• Size: 600KB (no apps2SD)
• Category: Tools
• Price: Free

When you launch APP Lock for the first time, you’ll be asked to choose a passcode or pattern that will be required to open APP Lock and any secured applications. As many of you already know, it’s best practice to use a completely unique password that would be difficult for someone to guess. Also, avoid using the same passcode or lockscreen pattern as you’ve set for the phone itself.

The app’s main screen displays a comprehensive list of every app you have installed on your device. For app’s with potentially private or otherwise sensitive information, flip the lock switch to instantly make it password protected. Some Android apps you might want to lock are Email, Facebook, Gallery, Google+, or Messenger. For those who prefer ultimate protection there’s even the option to lock every single app (whether or not it’s practical is up to you).

As a bonus, there are specific system functions you can lock like the ability to install/uninstall apps from the device or Android Market as well as even answering an incoming phone call.

APP Lock also includes a few convenient settings like whether or not you’ll need to re-enter the password for an app after toggling the screen on/off or how much time can pass before being asked for credentials again.

Pros:

• Individually secure applications and important system functions
• Protect with a number passcode or lockscreen pattern
• Straightforward interface/lock management

Areas for improvement:

• Remove need to press “Ok” button after entering numeric passcode

Conclusion: APP Lock Android app is a simple, elegant method for protecting various apps’ private information from snoopy friends, family, or total strangers.

[AppBrain Link]

APP Lock Android App, Secure Private & Personal Info is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The CloudMagic Android app (and browser extension) lets you search across personal data services using a single query, minimizing the time it takes to find what you’re looking for.

• Version: 1.1.3
• Size: 1.16MB (apps2SD enabled, removes widget)
• Category: Tools
• Price: Free

CloudMagic Android App: Fast, Personal Search Engine is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The Blast Monkeys Android game is as “fun as a barrel of monkeys” thanks largely in part to its cute graphics and rapid-fire gameplay.

• Version: 2.5
• Size: 4.22MB (apps2SD enabled)
• Category: Games
• Price: Free

Blast Monkeys currently features over 270 levels across 9 worlds with more promised to be coming soon. Each level starts with Moki the monkey in a cannon ready to be launched. To fire Moki just tap the large, green button directly on the cannon. If the cannon is rotating, make sure to time your shot to happen at the precise angle.

Each level’s objective is to reach the rainbow-colored “goal” surrounding the targeted banana bunch. Depending on the complexity of the level you may need to bounce off walls, shoot by moving platforms, or use the blue bubbles positioned throughout certain levels. When Moki comes in contact with a bubble it will envelop him and then float upwards until you pop it by tapping it (which will release Moki). These bubbles are vital to the second objective of each level which is to collect all three single bananas. Each banana earns you MokiCoin which can be used to unlock new worlds as you progress through the game.

Pros:

• 250+ levels to conquer
• Unlock more challenging worlds as you improve
• Quick-fire gameplay offers uninterrupted fun
• Charming, but very simple graphics

Areas for improvement:

• Rectify issues where Moki gets stuck without falling or any option to move (forces you to restart level)
• Enhance graphics quality and smoothness

Conclusion: If you’re ready to fire monkeys from cannons, eat tons of bananas, and be challenged by hundreds of levels, download the Blast Monkeys Android game.

[AppBrain Link]

Blast Monkeys Android Game, Barrel of Fun is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The FEMA Android app is the official emergency preparedness resource provided by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency.

• Version: 1.1.0
• Size: 633KB (no apps2SD)
• Category: Reference
• Price: Free

FEMA’s mission is to “support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.” Regardless of where you might be from (U.S. or not), the information included in this app is quite universal.

The first section of this Android app addresses the most important question, “Are you prepared?” To be able to confidently answer “yes”, you’ll want to review the information provided for what to do before, during, and after a disaster. The app includes fairly comprehensive instructions for the most likely disasters, e.g. earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. The purpose of this section is to help you understand what you can do now to protect yourself and your family. And if one of these scenarios were ever to occur, you’d have the basic knowledge to handle the situation.

Additionally, the FEMA Android app includes a checklist for creating a Basic Emergency Supply Kit. Included items are things like a flashlight, battery-powered/crank radio, batteries, whistle, and one gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days. Use the +Add button if you’d like to customize the list with personal items, e.g. medications or pet supplies.

The app also lets you save emergency meeting locations you’ve setup with friends/family in advance. The default page includes a primary and secondary in-town location along with an out-of-town location. Examples are places like the end of a driveway, a large tree, or a local community center.

If you are a disaster survivor, the FEMA app even includes the proper channels for applying for assistance through the web and over the phone along with recovery advice and support.

Pros:

• Detailed disaster safety tips
• Emergency kit checklist
• Recovery assistance and centers/shelters
• Offline support for reference information

Areas for improvement:

• Recovery center maps need Google Maps integration for directions
• App does not always respond correctly with hardware Android “back” button

Conclusion: The FEMA Android app offers an excellent starting point for you and your family’s emergency preparedness plan, along with serving as a resource in worst-case scenarios. As Miguel de Cervantes (author, Don Quixote) said, “The man who is prepared has his battle half fought.”

[AppBrain Link]

FEMA Android App, Emergency Preparedness Reference is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The AccuWeather for Android app offers accurate and localized weather all wrapped together in a beautiful, straightforward interface.

• Version: 2.0.10
• Size: 9.08MB (no apps2SD, necessary for widget functionality)
• Category: Weather
• Price: Free

The AccuWeather app includes one of the best weather widgets in its class of weather Android apps. The 4×1 horizontal widget includes a graphic for the current weather conditions (e.g. partly cloudy/sunny), along with the current temperature (plus the RealFeel® temperature), location, and today’s high/low temperatures. Like most other widgets, tapping it launches the full app.

After initially downloading the app, the first thing you’ll want to do (even before creating the widget above) is to set your current home location. You can also manually add as many other locations as you please, and can quickly switch between them with the drop-down arrow. Each location’s page displays the information described for the widget plus humidity, visibility, UV Index, sunrise/sunset times, and wind conditions. An extremely useful feature here is the ability to swipe through the hourly forecast for the next 24 hours without having to switch screens.

For an extended forecast, use the calendar icon in the bottom menu to see what to expect for the next 14 days. The satellite icon adjacent to the calendar icon displays a time-lapse, radar view of your surrounding area on the map. This view is best used to visualize when and where a storm might be coming from. If you’re l00king for even more detailed information, the clapboard icon lists local/regional weather videos to watch.

Basic settings let you set your preferred units (e.g. °C/°F, time format), choose whether or not you want notifications, and decide the color of the app’s theme (nice for those who like to “theme” their entire Android device).

Pros:

• Accurate and localized weather forecasts for locations around the world
• Current weather conditions updated every 15 minutes
• Unlimited locations can be stored, plus 10 “favorites”
• Elegant, informative homescreen widget

Areas for improvement:

• Increase length of time-lapse progression for the radar/map overlay
• Option to display both °C and °F simultaneously

Conclusion: AccuWeather for Android is one of the best weather apps available because of its attractive interface, informative widget, and up-to-date weather forecasts for locations around the world.

[AppBrain Link]

AccuWeather for Android, Top Weather App is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The Airbnb Android app offers a trusted community marketplace for searching and booking unique accommodations anywhere in the world.

• Version: 1.0.1
• Size: 7.21MB (apps2SD enabled)
• Category: Travel
• Price: Free

The Airbnb Android app lets you discover unique travel experiences in place of the standard, uninspiring hotel rooms many of us are accustomed to. Whether you’re looking for an “apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for month,” this app has you covered at any price point. Currently there are over 100,000 listings across 19,000 cities in 192 countries!

To get started, you can search through the available listings either by types of places (a.k.a. Collections) or by the specific city you’re interested in visiting. After your initial search, the filter feature is a convenient way to narrow potential places by things like price, # beds/bathrooms, check-in/out dates, and whether the place is a private room, shared room, or an entire residence. Results can then be viewed in either list format or my preferred method of pinpointed on a map. The latter method lets you quickly see how far you’ll be from things like public transportation, restaurants, and main attractions.

One enticing reason to use the Airbnb Android app is that the hosts (the people who you “rent” from) interact directly with you the entire time; from your check-in, to supplying your amenities, to offering up a local’s recommendations for where to go and what to see. From the many reviews I’ve read for countless locations, the hosts were almost always rated like a 5-star concierge. Note: once you’ve signed up, you can list your own abode directly from the Airbnb website.

All in all, Airbnb gives you a way to branch out and try something different (something worth sharing to family/friends).

Pros:

• Uncover one-of-a-kind accommodations around the world
• Search by location, price, dates, amenities, and more
• Sleek, polished user-interface
• Book, confirm, and pay all via the app itself

Areas for improvement:

• Ability to list places from within the app would be a plus

Conclusion: The Airbnb Android app offers a new and exciting way to spice up your travels by letting you discover and book privately owned locations all around the world.

[AppBrain Link]

Airbnb Android App, Book Unique Accommodations is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The My Pregnancy Today Android app is a comprehensive daily pregnancy guide with a wealth of information for all expectant parents.

• Version: 1.1.0
• Size: 21.57MB (app2SD enabled)
• Category: Health & Fitness
• Price: Free

To get started with the app, enter (or calculate) your baby’s due date to instantly jump to the most relevant information in the pregnancy calendar. This calendar is the fundamental feature of the My Pregnancy Today app and provides week-specific developmental updates, videos, checklists, and more.

You’ll interact most with the Checklist tab which includes 40+ weeks worth of tips, activities, and reminders to make your pregnancy as comfortable and stress-free as possible (e.g. helps stay on top of your appointments, classes, and future baby planning). An example checklist section (for 20 weeks) is as follows: 1) celebrate your halfway point 2) talk to your baby, sing, or play music 3) keep track of your baby’s movements 4) pack healthy snacks 5) do some Kegel exercises. Click on a specific item for more information (and in some cases supplemental material linked to the BabyCenter.com website).

Overall, BabyCenter provides the highest quality and greatest quantity of valuable information in any pregnancy Android app.

Pros:

• Day by day, comprehensive pregnancy guide
• See what your baby looks like with the fetal development images
• Nutrition tips, birthing videos, and recommended activities
• “Birth Club” community of other women due in the same month

Areas for improvement:

• Integrate BabyCenter.com community forums into the app itself (remove need to leave app for mobile browser)

Conclusion: The My Pregnancy Today Android app is an essential resource for the expectant mother (and probably clueless father) no matter if its your first or fifth child.

[AppBrain Link]

My Pregnancy Today Android App, Daily Guide is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The 2012 Australian Open Android app is a must-have for the diehard tennis fan looking to stay up-to-date with the latest scores, news, and match updates from this year’s first Grand Slam tournament.

• Version: 1.10
• Size: 1.47MB (apps2SD enabled)
• Category: Sports
• Price: Free

The 2012 Australian Open runs from Monday, January 16th to Sunday, January 29th and this app acts as your information hub for the entire tournament (with a straightforward homescreen that offers one-click navigation to nearly all of its content).

Let’s jump straight to arguably the best feature of this Android app, the live Radio coverage you can stream directly from the app itself. If you aren’t able to watch the matches on TV or online, this is easily the second best option. You can even submit questions directly to the announcers in the booth, which they read aloud and answer periodically.

If you’re lucky enough to be attending in person, use the “Event Guide” section to access seating charts, public transportation details, gate opening times, and places to shop/eat once inside (plus a whole lot more information you may want to reference). If you aren’t so lucky, use the “Photos” and “Video” sections to feel closer to the action.

As you’d expect from such an app, the “Scores” section provides the latest point updates for ongoing matches (or final scores for completed matches). For matches that are in progress, scores are updated every 30 seconds for nearly real-time match tracking. If you’d like to find out when your favorite players are in action, use the “Draws” section to view all match-ups in the respective brackets (men’s & women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles).

One apparent drawback to this app is that it seems a majority of the information is being pulled straight from the Australian Open website database, which slows the app’s responsiveness and general loading times for certain sections (e.g. Draws).

Pros:

• Official 2012 Australian Open Android app
• Real-time scores, draws, and schedule
• Live, in-app radio coverage
• Extensive event guide for tournament attendees
• Complete player information database

Areas for improvement:

• Add match scores widget
• Option to “follow” players and get their match alerts/updates

Conclusion: With the 2012 Australian Open in full swing, this Android app is your connection to real-time tournament updates while on the go.

[AppBrain Link]

2012 Australian Open Android App is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The Reversi Paper Blobs Android game is an updated, refreshed take on the classic reversi (aka Othello) board game.

• Version: 1.7
• Size: 2.21MB (apps2SD enabled)
• Category: Games
• Price: Free

If you’re unfamiliar with Reversi (or have forgotten its rules), here’s a quick crash course. Reversi is played against a single opponent on an 8×8 board with two-sided game pieces (which are typically black on one side and white on the other, one color for each player). Pieces must be played adjacent to an opponent’s such that one or more opponent’s pieces are flanked by two of your own. All flanked pieces are then “reversed” (flipped over) to become your own. When the board is completely full, the winner is the player with the most pieces.

This Reversi Android game rendition adds new functional spaces to the board, thereby creating another level of strategy compared with its predecessor. When the “heart square” is occupied, all adjacent opponent blobs will be overtaken after a certain number of turns (displayed on the square), assuming control of the “heart square” is not relinquished. When the “skull square” is occupied, the blob will decay (i.e. be removed from the board) after the specified number of turns. Use these special squares to your advantage but be weary of their ill effects. Note: if you prefer the classic game without these new squares, they can be toggled on/off in the options menu.

Pros:

• Revitalized version of a classic board game
• New board squares require further strategizing
• Four difficulty levels; easy, medium, hard, harder
• Creative, high-quality graphics

Areas for improvement:

• Offer a paid, ad-free version

Conclusion: Reversi Paper Blobs is a reinvigorated version of the classic black/white Reversi board game you’ve likely played in the past. With new board squares, creative graphics, and multiple difficulty options, you’ll surely be entertained and challenged.

[AppBrain Link]

Paper Blobs, Reversi Android Game is a post from: Best Android Apps Review