The Android Market still managed to see some great activity this week, despite the announcement of the new iPhone 4. Norton took a second dip into Android with another security app, and Logitech announced its remote control app that will replace the traditional device.
Not surprisingly, we saw a handful of World Cup apps make their way to the top of the Android Market as well.
New and growing
Norton followed up on its initial Connect app with Norton Security (Beta) for Android. As promised, the free app protects your device from malware, which addresses a valid concern, considering the largely unregulated Android Market. Norton Security also gives you remote lock and wipe of your phone data, in case it’s lost or stolen.
Harmony Link is Logitech’s answer to its upcoming Google TV remote. The company is an early partner of Google TV, so it only makes sense that its universal remote come by way of an Android app. Optimized to work with Google TV, the universal remote will accompany the Logitech companion box for managing your programs and viewing needs.
An app available in the Android Market now is TV Guide Mobile by Roundbox. The free app lets you view listings specific to your local service provider. Pull up listings for exact dates and times, or by time groupings (i.e. prime time). Add shows and channels to your favorites, search by text, and stay updated with the “News” tab.
Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite launched its document management tools in the Android Market recently. At $15, the app is geared towards professionals, with syncing, sharing and editing support for Microsoft Office files. There’s also integration with Google Docs, MobileMe and Dropbox (which also released an update this week).
With apps already available for the iPhone and BlackBerry, MiX Mobile’s latest Android app expands the company’ reach. Live-track and monitor your vehicles with SMS tracking and Google Maps integration; you can also plot trips and generate reports based on your driving. The free app is particularly useful for businesses with driving expense needs.
World Cup domination
World DroidCup is just about all you’ll need, whether you’re in Johannesburg or watching the World Cup from your couch. The free Android app has a game calendar, Google Maps integration for stadiums, real-time bid updates, team and player information, and groups.
A more streamlined tool for tracking the World Cup is World Cup 2010 – FotMob. Acting more like an extension of FotMob’s popular sports apps, this Android app has live-coverage and a news feed, with game tables and stats to keep you abreast of the championship matches.
Games & entertainment
Heavy Gunner 3D has picked up some steam since launching last month. The $2.99 Android app is a shooter game, where you’re armed with heavy artillery to defend your home from aliens. Featuring great graphics, good accelerometer integration and difficulty settings, it’s easy to kill some time with this game.
Line Rider is a fun physics game where you draw lines on the screen to keep your droid from falling into a white abyss. To solve each increasingly difficult level, you can draw and modify your designs until you beat it. Free, the new Android game is reminiscent of several similar games already popular on the iPhone.
Gaining in popularity, the Camera 360 app is fun for kids and adults. The free app adds effects to your photos, with an extensive number of changes that can be made. Make your photos blue-tone with a glittery gold grid overlay, adding image stamps and ghost effects, to start. Additional settings for things like flash and zoom depend on your device’s capabilities.
