Oct 8, 2010 07:51 PM EDT by LAPTOP Editors
Zero. Zilch. Nada. That’s the price tag on all of these apps, and it was the first requisite as we dug through hundreds of possibilities in 20 categories for all the major platforms, including Android, BlackBerry, and iOS. We narrowed the field further by ensuring there were no posers among the group, pretending to be awesome but really just bait for paid versions. The final requirement? That they be the best of the best, regardless of what they don’t cost. So, whether you want to read free books, check the wait time at your favorite restaurant, amuse your toddler for a while, or check the weather in your destination city, these free apps have got you covered.
Browsers
Dolphin Browser HD
(Android)
No other Android web browser rivals Dolphin Browser HD in features. You can peruse pages with up to eight tabs, easily organize bookmarks, and install a plethora of adds-ons, including Adblocker, Bing Search, and Read It Later. Plus, this app is future-proofed up to Android 2.2.
Opera Mini
(Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Symbian, Windows Phone)
Ideal for when you can’t get a strong signal, Opera condenses data before loading it on your smart phone for speedy delivery. The result: clean, well-organized pages that load quickly. A great tabbed-browsing interface, along with the ability to save pages for offline browsing, makes for a great user experience.
Skyfire
(Android, Symbian, Windows Phone)
You don’t need an Android phone that supports OS 2.2 to get some Flash action. The Skyfire web browser features Flash content support that not only lets you watch video at sites such as CNN.com, ESPN.com, and Vevo.com, but conserves battery power while you get your video fix.
October 8th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Communication, try Tango. It’s free and works between Android and iPhone.
October 9th, 2010 at 11:40 am
And what about feed readers (RSS)?
Is there anything for the android platform that matches akregator in terms of functionality?
October 9th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
I use NewsRob on Android for RSS feeds. It syncs with Google Reader, so I can manage subscriptions from my computer and the changes go to my phone.
January 27th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
WTF its only three apps? why does it say 81 if its only three?
January 27th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
Look at the bottom of the post, the other app categories are listed there. We thought 81 apps all on one page would be a bit much.
September 21st, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Hey every1 try the app called (Line2), for a communication app you’ll love it!!!!!!!!