A couple weeks ago we took a look at some Android Baby Steps, tips to getting started on your shiny new toys. This week, we’re going to dive into some of my favorite Android apps that might help you out as you use your device for yourself and your ministry.
Social
Quicksocial– I’ve mentioned this app in the past, and it makes the list as my favorite app for cross posting content to your twitter, facebook, and google plus accounts. A big draw for me was being able to crosspost pictures as well. Not all clients offer that as an option.
Friendcaster– The official Facebook app is ok at best. They have always paid way more attention to their iOS user base though. Friendcaster has a huge feature set, customizable themes, and is stable to boot. I’d highly recommend this for tablet users, as the official Facebook app has no Tablet UI, but Friendcaster does.
Messenger– Facebook’s main app might be lack luster, but they’ve recently made some very useful updates to Messenger, their chat client. The Android version even outshines iOS devices with their Chat Heads feature. When you receive a Facebook message, a circle pops up on the side of your screen and stays there. This allows quick access to that conversation no matter what app you’re using. Very useful if you communicate via Facebook messages.
Twitter– I actually really enjoy the official Twitter client. Twitter has really shut themselves off to outside developers in attempts to crush competition (and, I’ll add, user appreciation), limiting tokens to apps and restricting their APIs. That said, Twitter has no tablet interface, and for that you can look to apps like Tweetings and Plume for great Twitter experiences on your Android tablet.
Productivity
Timely– Yet another app I’ve mentioned before, Timely is a stuffing alarm app for Android. They recently were acquired by Google themselves. Get in on the action and see what caught Google’s eye.
Workflowy– This service has recently captured my heart, and one kind developer ported an unofficial client to Android that’s pretty darn good. This will help you keep track of projects and tasks in a unique way that works really well with how my brain functions. If you have had trouble with tradition task managers, I recommend you check them out.
Digical– A good calendar app is hard to find on Android. Digical is full of features and looks good to boot. Do I need to say more? Check it out.
Google Drive– Nothing beats the cloud collaborating power of Google Drive. If you want to know more about how to let Google’s ecosystem work for you, check out this piece here.
Content Consumption
Deer Reader (soon to be Amber)- By far my favorite RSS client ever. It has Feedly sync, a great developer, and a gorgeous design layout. My number one source for content consumption on Android.
Pocketcasts– Pocketcasts is to podcasts what Deer Reader is to RSS. With device syncing, great design and hilarious changelogs, Pocketcasts is a must for any podcaster out there (I know you’re out there).
Circa– A different kind of RSS reader. Great for those who are super busy. It’s kind of like Twitter for news. More about Circa right here.
Logos Bible App– My personal favorite Bible app out there. In depth, great layout, and syncs with your Logos account. What more could you ask for?
Google Chrome– Tried and true browser. My favorite since I only use Chrome on my desktop, and Chrome for mobile allows tab and bookmark syncing across devices.
What apps would your recommend to an Android newbie? What are some of your favorite Android apps of all time (links would be great!)?
J Johnston says
Have you checked out buffer as a cross posting app? It’s not bad
Jesse Gruber says
I have in the past, but the app was absolutely terrible and full of bugs when I tried it a while back. Is there a fee associated with buffer?