3,2,1
3
WhatsApp Messenger
This cross-platform messenger uses a 3G or Wi-Fi connection and
enables messaging of friends and family without charge (data charges
may apply.) There are plenty of other services out there that do
exactly the same thing, assuredly, but WhatsApp stands out from the crowd with an
attractive interface that makes it fun to navigate, and the fact that it can used
across multiple platforms, including Symbian, Android, iOS and
Blackberry, is a bonus.
Like Viber, sign-up is super-simple and you only need to enter a
mobile phone number before receiving an SMS that allows you to activate
it. It uses an auto-matching facility to scan the address book for
anyone else using the service. As well as being able to send SMS, you
can send and receive pictures, audio notes, and video messages totally
free of charge, although it does downscale photos to 620x480.
MMS can be expensive if you haven't got the a decent bolt-on for your
existing data service, so the fact you can send pictures and videos for
free is a major part of its attraction. Group chat for up to 10 people
also makes it stand-out from many rival services, like Skype. Judging
by the comments on the Android store, many users have been
taking advantage of group chat for family meet-ups. It's also gained in
popularity throughout the year, so you might be surprised to
discover that quite a few people in your address book actually use it.
Our only concern – and it's quite a big one - is that
there was security hole reported earlier in the year, which apparently
left user accounts vulnerable. We understand this has been rectified
now with a patch, and it obviously hasn't affected popularity as it
continues to gain new members.
Just be aware that after the first year of using WhatsApp you'll be
asked to stump up £1.99 for each subsequent year you use it.
Download
WhatsApp Messenger.
2
Skype For Android
We've long been using Skype to make calls via the desktop client, but
having an Android app has also meant it's become our preferred way of
communication while on the move. Cheap calls to non-Skype users and
free calls to everyone you can convince to sign-up is a great incentive
and its instant-messaging service is as slick and quick as any
dedicated IM service on Android.
As the official Skype app, the interface is effectively designed and
its simplicity - just four floating buttons - makes it easy to move
between functions. You also get excellent voice quality over 3G and
Wi-Fi connections. We regularly use it for calls to Australia and
Canada and we've yet to experience a drop in quality or a call that
prematurely ends due to bad connection. It is disappointing, however,
that you can't participate in group calls.
Online status updates and profile pictures give the interface a personal
feel, and video calling sets it apart from many other VOIP services,
though it still needs support for more Android phones. We don't always keep logged into our Skype accounts either as it does tend to leech a lot of the battery.
Skype for Android isn't quite perfect just yet, but it's almost
there and a great way to make what can otherwise be expensive long-distance calls for free no matter where you are.
Download
Skype for Android.
1
Facebook for Android
It comes as no surprise that a social-networking app tops the list of
most popular free downloads on the Android store in 2011. Besides using
our phones for chatting, they've become a hub for social networking
throughout the year, with Facebook and Twitter being the most popular
ways to keep in touch with friends.
The official Facebook app has had plenty of competition from
third-party developers who have done well to create some inspiring new
interfaces, but having recently received a major update - sporting a
brand-new look more in-line with the official site - Facebook for
Android is experiencing a new surge in popularity.
The Facebook makeover is much easier to on the eye and more intuitive
to navigate between groups, apps and pages than it was earlier in the
year, making it feel instantly welcoming and a great way
to check out news feeds, post status updates and "check-in" at places
while on the move.
The Facebook for Android app essentially provides all of the functionality of the main site, meaning you can check notifications, browse posts and comment on them, and view photos on the full screen. You can also upload photos and videos directly, too.
With Facebook being the king of social networking, it pays to finally have a decent app on Android, and the new December update has ensured that it's deservedly shot to the top of the popularity charts.
Download Facebook For Android.
