We have been lucky enough to acquire a limited stock of Andrew Bell’s Android Mini Collectibles Series 3!  If you’re interested in purchasing a blind box, an unopened case of 16 blind boxes, or simply want a specific design, check out our storefront on eBay HERE. Don’t miss out!

Android Mini Collectibles Series 3 by Andrew Bell for Sale is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The NCAA March Madness Live Android app has arrived just in time for the greatest month in college sports, the NCAA basketball tournament.

• Version: 1.0.1
• Size: 8.77MB (no apps2SD)
• Category: Sports
• Price: Free

One of the headlining features of this official 2012 NCAA March Madness Android app is that you can watch each and every one of the tournaments’ games from your Android device for a price of $3.99. Note: this fee is for complete tournament coverage accessible also on your computer and iOS devices. The current version of this Android app has a disappointingly short list of officially supported devices (HTC Rezound, LG Nitro, LG Thrill, Motorola Droid Bionic, Motorola Droid Razr, Samsung Droid Charge, Samsung Note, Samsung Epic 4G, Samsung Galaxy S, Samsung Nexus S 4G) and doesn’t guarantee, or offer refunds, for any other Android devices. Even if you don’t pay for the streaming video, all other app content is free.

The app features a fancy bracket viewer which lets you navigate around the 68 team field including the “first four” play-in games as well as the East, Midwest, South, and West regions. Selecting a specific matchup shows the game’s date/time, related Twitter stream, and will have real-time score and stat updates once the game begins.

To make sure you don’t miss out on all of the live tournament drama, the app has built-in tournament alerts.  These toggle-able alerts will notify you of potential upsets (lower seed leads inside 5 minutes), upsets, crunch time (close game inside 5 minutes), and overtime games. Alerts can also be setup for your favorite team(s) to update you when games start and of their halftime/final scores.

If you’re looking to fill out your tournament bracket, hit the Menu button and find the direct link to the “bracket challenge” on the official NCAA site. In your device’s browser you’ll be able to make and save your picks once you’ve logged in or registered.

Pros:

• Live streaming of all 67 NCAA tournament games
• Real-time game scores, twitter feeds, and highlights
• Sophisticated, smooth bracket viewing interface
• It’s March Madness!

Areas for improvement:

• Integration of bracket selection entries into the app itself, without requiring browser
• Expand list of officially support Android devices

Conclusion: The official NCAA March Madness Android app gives you a front row seat to watch bracket-busting cinderellas make a run at top-seeded favorites, all from your mobile Android device.

[AppBrain Link]

NCAA March Madness Android App, Full Tourney Coverage is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

The Fragger Android Game is a grenade launching action adventure, where hundreds of tricky levels meet hundreds of exploding enemies.

• Version: 1.0.6
• Size: 19.09MB (apps2SD enabled)
• Category: Games
• Price: Free

Fragger features over 370 challenging levels spread across 12 different worlds. The mission of each level is to obliterate every single enemy using the limited supply of grenades provided. Throwing grenades is a simple process aided by a large arrow to help fine tune the direction and strength of your throw. Move your finger around the screen to adjust the angle and then move toward/away from Fragger to set the strength. You can perform these actions from anywhere on your device’s screen so that your finger doesn’t obstruct your view.

This Android game boasts solid graphics and an accurate physics-engine that add significantly to its extended playability. Also, a convenient design feature is the fixed menu attached to the right side of the screen, which enables you to pause or reset a level with one quick click (you’ll use this menu more and more as levels get progressively more difficult).

If you get stuck on a level, the developer has built in a couple neat options to help thwart any serious frustration you might experience. For one, there’s the option to view the working solution so that you can then try to execute it yourself. Second, you can also choose to completely skip a level. Note that these options are limited and once they’ve been exhausted you’ll either have to purchase more or earn them for free (the in-game link for free coins/credits was not available at the time of this review).

Pros:

• 370 levels of fragging enemies
• Attractive, cartoon-like graphics
• Physics-engine provides consistent, accurate gameplay
• Options to save you from seemingly impassable levels

Areas for improvement:

• Mitigate problems that arise from having to download large level packs only as they are unlocked (not ideal unless you’re around WiFi at that time)

Conclusion: The Fragger Android game is quite reminiscent of Angry Birds but with the added explosive power of grenades!

[AppBrain Link]

Fragger Android Game, Grenade Launching Action is a post from: Best Android Apps Review

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