There’s just two days until the launch of the T-Mobile G1, and while we’ve unboxed it already, we’re still trawling through all the lovely apps the Android Marketplace has to offer.
More than a few have taken that lovely social networking concept and put it to good use, shoehorning in GPS features, using Wi-Fi and squeezing in the G1′s camera and photographic abilities too.
We’ve weeded out the rubbish to bring you the pick of them right here. Who cares if Facebook isn’t making an integrated Android app when you’ve got these friend-finding utilities at your fingertips?
TuneWiki
Taking the concept of social networking beyond simply looking up old school friends and poking them, TuneWiki lets users add lyrics or translations to songs for karoake on the go, and compiles lists of favourite tunes by GPS location. Stay on the cutting edge by finding out what all those Shoreditch weirdos are listening to right now.
Wertago
We have precisely no idea why it’s called this, but it’s a pretty handy way to find out about the hottest nightlife in your neighbourhood. Users can upload their own party details and connect with other oh-so Bohemian friends, but expect plenty more MySpace party crashing horror stories in the Daily Mail with this.
Phonebook 2.0
Lists of numbers are so low tech: with GPS and an Android phone you can now keep track of your mates properly. It’ll plot their numbers are on a map so you know who’s nearby, and let you chat with them via instant messaging. It’ll keep track of all your communication with them in a threaded tree structure, and there’s even the option to add RSS feeds so you can keep tabs on each friend’s status. And because numbers are saved to the cloud, you won’t be nobby no mates if you lose your phone.
Beetaun
Anyone would think Google were handing out prize money based on silly names alone, but this social network mapping app has the potential to be very useful indeed. Using the Google Maps API, users can construct their own sight seeing tours, add photos of points of interest, search for friends and generally just ditch the guide book. As any good adventurer knows, if you want to find the best locations, ask a local. This handy app lets you do just that!
e-ventr
A handy way to consolidate and keep a tab of all the events your and your friends are organising or attending. If your mates are foolish enough not buy a G1 on launch, not to worry, as e-ventr will text them automatically about an event instead. Before long you’ll be a genuine social butterfly, the life and soul of the party, or maybe just the bloke everyone ring up when they want to know where to meet, and what time. You’ve always wanted to work in a call centre, haven’t you?
Marvin
Marvin takes MMS to the next logical step by letting you attach the picture messages you send to friends and family to a location on the map, or even make them move as you do. The more extrovert social networkers out there can publish publicly as well as privately so the whole of the internet will see your mobile snaps, where you took them, and how worldly wise you are.
SocialMonster
One of the few apps on Google’s shortlist with a name vaguely relating to its functions. SocialMonster lets you be just that, by taking the contacts in your G1′s phonebook and sorting events with them. And since it’s always on, you’ll know instantly if someone is running late, which they probably will be. Sounds like the perfect app for us, we’ve never been good with timekeeping.
MySpace
MySpace on Android could help the teen-friendly social network make a comeback as Facebook dithers on the creation of its own G1-friendly App. While this integrated app has all the usual bells and whistles, it also comes with ShaZam built in, allowing owners to hold it up, recognise a song and bring up details instantly. And because it’s MySpace, you can then look at the band’s profile with ease.
SplashPlay
For those who play music as well as listen, SplashPlay lets you practice your guitar chords on the G1′s touchscreen. Sure, you’ll be a finger-picking genius in no time, but what’s so social networky about that, you ask? Why, because you can use SplashPlay to upload and share your favourite songs, scores and tuition videos for others to see and learn from.
Photostream
Everybody’s favourite photo social network, Flickr, comes to Android in the shape of this tidy app. Browse and share photos on your mobile with a slightly less shonky snapper than the iPhone’s, and juggle separate accounts at the same time, complete with homepage shortcuts.
