Engadget and other Best Android Apps of the Week

With news of a Google Android tablet emerging this week, we can expect to see a continued interest in apps that run on the mobile platform. Given the iPad’s most popular app categories being games and entertainment, we’re sure to see an increase in the number of similar apps created for Android devices.

Looking at this week’s top Android apps as well as those with recent releases, we’re finally seeing more entertainment apps gaining recognition for Android’s mobile platform.

Games and entertainment

My Paper Airplane’s free Android game has seen a high number of downloads this week, sparking new interest in 3D games utilizing the phone’s tilt functions. Navigate your paper airplane through a series of obstacles, making for quick game play to test your piloting skills. Levels are generated dynamically, giving you an ever-changing landscape.

Sudoku remains a popular game, particularly for mobile players. In its first major update since launching last fall, Sudoku 10,000 brings new features and improved game play to its popular and free Android app. Most improvements revolve around optimizing the game for smaller screen size, and preserving your phone’s memory.

Dino Eggs Free isn’t the full version of the game, but its price is enticing given game play limitations. Dodge falling eggs and fireballs from a hanging pterodactyl in this Android arcade game, while maneuvering shots to destroy those objects out to get you. Basic in its offerings, this game may be good for younger players.

Myxer’s initial mission to help you customize your phone continues with its new Android app, GeoPix. The free Android app automatically changes your phone’s wallpaper based on your location. Using GPS, the wallpaper’s “rotating” settings pull from Myxer’s large database of uploaded images. Perhaps we’ll see some later integration with apps such as Locale.

Utilities and services

Though restricted to Android users with AT&T or T-Mobile plans, the new Vonage app expands on existing offerings for Android users. The free app lets you make free VoIP calls using your mobile Wi-Fi, including international calls. Importing numbers from your phone makes for a nice integration feature.

Get your tech toy news directly on your phone with the newly updated Engadget Android app.  The free android app now has more widgets and easier article-sharing options.  Updating the app’s content is also easier with a new refresh button. Frankly, it’s nice to see established blogs focus efforts on improving mobile access and interaction.

AppAware is great for those looking to keep tabs on new apps, as this free Android app tracks popularity by crowd-sourcing data. Based on downloads, removals, updates and launches, AppAware clues you in to the best apps to try out. Provide your information if you’d like to be part of the AppAware community, with an option to tweet your app activity as well.

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