Yes indeed, Android lovers. It’s time for the best Android Apps of the week rundown, and what a selection of sizzlers we have for you this time around.
As always, we’ve been burning the midnight oil to concoct a collection of must-have downloads for your pleasure. Here you’ll find the greatest apps and games from the past seven days, lovingly explained and accompanied by links to the relevant download locations.
The QR codes below will take you to the Android Market (or, in the case of Shadow Guardian, the Gameloft website) but you’ll need to make sure you have Barcode Scanner installed beforehand. Clicking the title of the app will achieve a similar result, but with considerably less technological fanfare. The choice, as always, is in your hands.
We’re massive fans of the Android Tasker application, which allows you to automate practically every element of your phone’s functionality. However, it takes quite a bit of effort to get working properly – not to mention a degree in advanced programming – so we’re equally taken with Llama, a solid entry in this week’s best Android apps list that grants a similar level of control, but with less brain-work involved. The user interface is more streamlined, and instead of having to create events yourself you can pick from pre-determined choices. Another plus over Tasker is that Llama is being offered free of charge, so there’s no excuse to not try it out.
Battleheart
Approx £1.80
Android is seeing a steady stream of iOS ports lately, and Battleheart is one of the best yet. This cute and colourful medley of action, strategy and RPG focuses on finger-friendly gameplay, and boasts loads of levels and hordes of monsters to contend with. You’ll also be able to upgrade the equipment of your characters, hire new talent and enhance their skills with special attacks and defensive spells. It may all sound a bit too demanding, but Battleheart has its tongue firmly in cheek and is packed with appealing touches.
LazyDroid
Free
If having to prod your phone’s touchscreen to send messages, edit contacts and perform other tasks is beneath you, then you’ll be very pleased indeed to hear about LazyDroid. It’s an app which allows you to control practically every aspect of your mobile device from your PC desktop – right down to answering phone calls and text messages. All that is required is for both your phone and your computer to be sharing the same wireless network, and the rest is as easy as falling off a log. With LazyDroid installed, you won’t have to worry about scooping up your handset when you’re in front of your PC, and you can focus on more important tasks – such as scratching your bottom.
Ever wonder what it would be like to play the PS3 epic Uncharted on your Android phone? Ponder no longer, as everyone’s favourite copycats Gameloft have produced this highly polished tribute. Part run-and-gun shooter, part puzzle-solving Tomb Raider-style adventure, Shadow Guardian features expansive environments, thrilling set-pieces and plenty of evil enemies to pump full of lead. As is the case with all of Gameloft’s output, the presentation is stunning and stands head and shoulders above most other Android games. Sure, the premise is about as original as a Westlife ballad, but it’s easy to forgive that when you’re happily raiding tombs whilst waiting for the bus.
Prey Anti-Theft
Free
If you’re a keen follower of Twitter, you may have heard about the plight of a fellow called Sean Power who had his beloved MacBook stolen in New York, only to have other Twitter users intervene on his behalf to retrieve it. The program that made all of this possible is Prey, a piece of software which tracks the whereabouts of your computers and smartphones, reporting back to the main Prey website discretely and without alerting the criminal. Prey for Android is activated remotely via text message, and allows a handful of free ‘tracks’ before you need to pay for the upgrade to a ‘professional’ account. If you’re concerned about losing your valuable and expensive handset, then this is a must.
