Google reached a significant milestone for its Android mobile operating system today: 100,000 applications are available in the Android Market.

The company announced the news in a post to its Android Developer Twitter account, nearly two years to the day since the Android Market formally opened for business. An unofficial estimate of Android applications by AndroLib had pegged the number at 50,000 in April, but it’s not clear how accurate that was, as AndroLib currently predicts that 150,000 applications are available in the market.

Google is still well behind Apple when it comes to mobile applications, of course, with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad owners having access to over 280,000 iOS-based applications at last count. Still, the milestone is worth noting as Android continues to cement its role as the Apple alternative for developers and consumers.

Before Google made the formal announcement The New York Times posted a story noting the milestone and pointing out some of the challenges that remain for Android developers, such as the subtle-yet-important differences between the hundreds of different Android devices on the market as well as payment issues with Google Checkout.

Content by Tom Krazit
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-20020616-265.html#ixzz13P0JqHOg

How long to you think before Android Market hits 200,000 application?

Foursquare for Android gets a major facelift, adds Tips and To-Do

October 1, 2010 | Content by Andrew Kameka

Lifestyle, Travel

Foursquare’s Android app has often been criticized by users who want something closer to what’s available on that other platform. Those naysayers can finally pipe down because Foursquare has released a major update to its Android app.

The new Foursquare has a more visually-appealing interface that looks smoother and less clunky. It has also added “Tips” and “To-Do” to the main navigation tabs. That will provide quick tips from friends and strangers when visiting a location, or allow users to check their To-Do of places they’d like to visit in a given area.

I’m very pleased with the improvements because the Foursquare app wasn’t the greatest to use. I have always preferred Gowalla because their Android app performed so much better (for me at least) but the small portions of my friends who bother with location-based check-in apps have opted for Foursquare. Good to see the company is continuing to improve the Android experience.

Other new features include:

• Friend information added to venue page
• Access friend requests from Me tab
• Refresh the Me tab
• Switched from xml to json for API calls

[Install this app]

If you’re looking to tone up that body and drop a few pounds before the fall and winter weather set in here are some Android Health Apps to check out.  You can download any of the apps by doing a search on your phone in the Android Market.  Click on the links to find out more information on each app before you download.  Now we just have to stay away from the apps that show us where the fast food restaurants are.  If it were only that easy.  Until then here are the 10 Ten Android Health Apps for week ending 08-28-2010.

Top Health App #1

CardioTrainer – Version 2.5.1
FREE
2.8% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Top Health App #2

eCook网上厨房 – Version 1.9
FREE
1.5% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Top Health App #3

Instant heart rate – Version 1.0.7
FREE
1.5% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Top Health App #4

Endomondo Sports Tracker – Version 3.1.2
FREE
1.4% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Top Health App #5

Calorie Counter by FatSecret – Version 1.14.0
FREE
1.2% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Top Health App #6

DroidFit – Workout,Fitness,Gym – Version 2.5.08042
FREE
1.1% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Top Health App #7

First Aid – Version 1.0
FREE
0.9% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Top Health App #8

Magic day – Version 1.2.1
FREE
0.9% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Top Health App #9

RunKeeper Free – Version 2.3.1.1
FREE
0.8% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Top Health App #10

Lightning Bug – Sleep Clock – Version 2.2
FREE
0.8% active installs rate
Tag:Health

Search: AndroLib . AppBrain . Cyrket . Google

Look for more Top 10 List each week here on GigaDroid.  Remember that all apps can be downloaded in the Android Market by searching for the name of the application.  You can also click on the links above for more information on the app before you download.  Hope you found something useful!

New Cinch App for Android

Source: BlogTalkRadio

Mobile podcasting just got a lot easier for Android smartphone users.

Yesterday we released a new Cinch app for Google’s fast-growing operating system. The free, downloadable software sports the same great features as the Cinch iPhone app released last year.

(Cinch is of course BlogTalkRadio’s sister community, which allows users to share Twitter-like audio dispatches, along with text and images.)

Now recording audio on the go with is a snap, to say nothing of sharing it via Facebook, Twitter and CinchCast.com.

But don’t take our word for it. ReadWriteWeb gives the app two thumbs up.

“I marvel, every time, at the fact that I can publish my thoughts so effortlessly in audio out to the world now, from wherever I am,” writesco-editor Marshall Kirkpatrick.

"It’s absolutely revolutionary and so far could be the best in its class," says Marshall (above) of the Cinch app.

“Just like blogging made text publishing and distribution more accessible and democratic than it had ever been before in human history, mobile audio-publishing apps like this are truly world changing.

“The availability of Cinch on Android is an important event.”

To download the Cinch app for Android,click here.

To checkout Cinchcast.com, click here.

Source: aTrackDog

With the Super Bowl behind us I thought we’d take a look at the Top 10 Sports Apps available for Android phones.  SportsTap at #1 keeps you up to date with the latest scores and stats for all major sports.

Do you have any of these apps installed?  Something not on this list you’d like to suggest to our readers?  Post a comment below and let us know.

Sports App #1

SportsTap – Version 2.3.8

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

Sports App #2

Soccer Livescores – Version 1.4.3

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

Sports App #3

Live Scores – Version 1.3

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

Sports App #4

2010世界杯 – Version 0.851

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

Sports App #5

Game Time Lite – Version 1.1.0

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

Sports App #6

FotMob 4.0 – Version 4.0.3

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

Sports App #7

FotMob 4.5 – Version 4.5.5

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

Sports App #8

F1 – Version 1.9.6.2

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

Sports App #9

aStopwatch – Version 1.24

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

Sports App #10

OruxMaps – Version 1.9.6beta

FREE

Tag:Sports

Search: AndroLib . Google

GigaDroid.com

Source: aTrackDog

This week I’m presenting the Top 20 Free Communication apps for Android phones.  I wanted to show 20 instead of 10 because there’s a lot of helpful apps in this list.

Some of my favorites apps that I have installed on my Droid phone are Handcent SMS at #1, Twidroid for Twitter users falls in at #9 and Phonalyzr at #16, which keeps track of call stats.  It lets you know things like who calls you the most, who you call the most, minutes per call and  more.

Communication App #1

Handcent SMS – Version 2.9.29

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #2

Bluetooth File Transfer – Version 2.45

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #3

Wireless Tether for Root Users – Version 2.0-pre3 (Eclair)

FREE

Developer web site: visit . download app

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #4

Google Voice – Version 0.3.0

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #5

Meebo IM – Version 22

FREE

Tag:Communication

App reviews: AndroidTapp

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #6

Hi MSN – Version 6.0.2

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #7

eBuddy – Version 1.5.0

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #8

chompSMS – Version 2.19

FREE

Tag:Communication

App reviews: AndroidTapp

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #9

Twidroid – Version 3.1.1

FREE

Tag:Communication

App reviews: AndroidTapp

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #10

WiFinder – Version 1.5

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #11

Opera Mini – Version 4.2

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #12

ConnectBot – Version 1.7-dev

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #13

antivirus – Version 1.6.8

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #14

Skype (BETA) – Version 1.0.0.5

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #15

K-9 – Version 2.503

FREE

Developer web site: visit . download app

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #16

Phonalyzr – Version 1.5.1

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #17

Nimbuzz – Version 1.2.0 Build: 4154.4183

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #18

Handcent Font Pack3 – Version 1.0

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #19

Handcent FontPack – Version 1.0

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Communication App #20

AnFetion – Version 1.0.3

FREE

Tag:Communication

Search: AndroLib . Google

Do you have any of these apps installed on your Android phone?  Have a favorite?  Least favorite?  Please let others know by leaving a brief comment below.

GigaDroid.com

Source: aTrackDog

Many of us set both Financial and Physical Fitness goals at the beginning of the new year.  New apps continue to pour out into the Android Market to simplify our finances.  Keep checking back for the most up-to-date list.

Here are of some of the top Free Finance apps available for your Android phone right now.

Finance App #1

aCurrency – Version 2.81

FREE

Developer web site: visit

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

Finance App #2

Mobile Banking – Version 2.12

FREE

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

Finance App #3

Finance – Version 2.0.3

FREE

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

Finance App #4

Mileage – Version 2.2.5

FREE

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

Finance App #5

Tip Calculator – Version 1.2.2

FREE

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

Finance App #6

Guia Cambial – Version 1.2.2

FREE

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

Finance App #7

PayPal – Version 1.1.3

FREE

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

Finance App #8

Tap Money Tracker – Version 1.3.18

FREE

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

Finance App #9

EasyMoney – Version 1.2.12

FREE

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

Finance App #10

Quote Pro – Version 1.2.4

FREE

Tag:Finance

Search: AndroLib . Google

GigaDroid.com

Made any New Years resolutions yet?  I find it easy to start with small goals and use apps to help guide the way.  We are all different in our quest to be more productive, pay bills on time, show up on time or find that perfect job. 

Here’s a list of the top 25 Productivity Apps for Android Phones for the month of December 2009.

See one missing for the list that you enjoy using?  Please comment and let others know.

Source: aTrackDog

Productivity App #1

ASTRO – Version 2.2.3

FREE

Tag:Productivity

App reviews: AndroidTapp

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #2

AK Notepad – Version 1.9.5

FREE

Tag:Productivity

App reviews: AndroidTapp

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #3

Documents To Go – Version 2.003

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #4

Advanced Task Killer Free – Version 1.5.1

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #5

Voice Recorder – Version 1.9.5

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #6

AndroZip – Version 0.9.2

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #7

Astrid – Version 2.10.1

FREE

Developer web site: visit

Tag:Productivity

App reviews: AndroidTapp

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #8

ES File Explorer – Version 1.2.5.1

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #9

Documents To Go Full Version Key – Version 2.003

$29.99

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #10

Battery Widget – Version 1.5.2

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #11

OI File Manager

- Version 1.1.1

FREE

Developer web site: visit . download app

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #12

Note Everything – Version 2.8.2

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #13

Quick Settings – Version 1.8.5

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #14

handyCalc – Version 0.41

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #15

Root Explorer – Version 2.5.1

UK£1.20

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #16

CalWidget – Version 0.1.37

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #17

Pure calendar widget – Version 1.6.5

€1.49

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #18

GDocs – Version 0.8.0

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #19

gTasks – Version 0.2.58m

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #20

Pure Grid calendar widget – Version 1.2.5

€0.99

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #21

Sticky Memo Widget Lite – Version 1.9.1

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #22

3banana – Version 1.15

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #23

Note Me – Version 1.7.5

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #24

Thinking Space – Version 1.15

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

Productivity App #25

PrinterShare – Version 2.5.7

FREE

Tag:Productivity

Search: AndroLib . Google

GigaDroid.com

Source: Business Week

Google Applications May Reach 150,000 in 2010 Amid Apple Chase

December 23, 2009, 04:55 PM EST

By Hugo Miller

Dec. 23 (Bloomberg) — Google Inc.’s Android mobile software may offer as many as 150,000 applications by the end of 2010, as the company chases Apple Inc. for downloads, according to a mobile-application research firm.

“A lot of developers have come onto the Android platform” because of efforts by Verizon Wireless, Motorola Inc. and Google to promote the system, Flurry Inc. Chief Executive Officer Simon Khalaf said today in an interview. Flurry, based in San Francisco, is a firm that studies applications and their use.

Android currently offers more than 12,000 programs. More than 100,000 are available on Apple’s site for its iPhone and iPod Touch devices. The company may have at least 300,000 applications by the end of next year, Khalaf said. Google will have 100,000 to 150,000, he said.

Motorola, which is rebuilding its phone business around Google’s software, is one of several handset makers that may release more Android devices in 2010. Google, owner of the world’s most popular Internet search engine, disclosed that it was working on a phone in a blog posting on Dec. 12, saying that employees were using the device to provide feedback. Android is free to anyone who wants to develop applications for it.

Apple sold 7.4 million iPhones and 10.2 million iPods last quarter. More than 125,000 software designers are registered to create programs for the devices, Apple said in September.

Google’s press office in Mountain View, California, didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail and telephone call. Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller declined to comment beyond a Nov. 4 company statement.

Source: Business Week

GigaDroid.com

Eight Apps For The Motorola Droid

Source: Information Week

Traveling during the holidays? Droid owners might find their holiday adventures somewhat eased by loading up their device with some helpful apps for the season. Here are eight apps that range from shopping assistants to package tracking and keeping tabs on flight info.

Frequent Flyers: If traveling this holiday season, the FlightStats app is a great way to keep track of flights and stay up to date on airport delays. If airport delays leave you restless, try the Bubble Wrap Game to virtually pop away frustrations with an endless supply of bubble wrap.

Hostess with the Mostess: Before hosting a holiday party for family and friends, check out the Favorite Recipes app to search through thousands of recipes by ingredients, keywords and categories to help plan the perfect meal. If cooking isn’t part of the plan, use the OpenTable app to make instant dinner reservations at more than 10,000 restaurants.

Lost and Found: Before attending a holiday party in an unfamiliar location, use the Google Maps Navigation (Beta) feature on the DROID by Motorola to get turn-by-turn directions to the destination.

Savvy Shopper: Use the NexTag Mobile app to help compare prices on millions of products from thousands of online retailers. Search for products by keyword or use the built-in barcode scanner to quickly look up prices with the phone’s camera. And to be sure to avoid buyer’s remorse come January, manage bank accounts through Mobile Banking by Bank of America designed specifically for mobile phones. Check balances, transfer funds and pay bills.

Shipping Around the Corner or Across the Country: Use Mobile Package Tracker to track shipments from FedEx Basic, FedEx SmartPost, United States Postal Service, DHL, UPS and TNT packages on the phone using the tracking numbers.

Table Talk: Holiday bowl games are always an excuse to get together with friends and relatives and customers can use the SportsTap app for sports scores, news, pictures from recent games, full team schedules, trades and standings. For those needing to distract the conversation from a losing team, check out Google Sky Map and turn the DROID by Motorola into a window to the night sky. Point the phone up to see a map of the brightest stars, constellations, and planets in that part of the sky.

Fitness Fanatic: Looking for a creative way to stay fit amid all of the holiday temptations? Use the CardioTrainer app to keep fitness routines on track. This app comes with a real-time pedometer-guided GPS and records path, climb, pace and calories.

Play DJ with a Personal Holiday Playlist: Create a station with Pandora Radio app – the music genome selects songs based on voting and preferences.

Source: Information Week

GigaDroid.com