Google’s Android platform is getting an increasing amount of attention, thanks to its growth spurt and availability on a number of devices for multiple carriers. It’s a great way to piggyback some of Google’s own apps, but some device manufacturers, particularly Motorola, have begun to veer from the exclusive promotion of Google apps on Android.
As Google’s relationship with the Chinese authorities currently strained, Motorola plans on making Microsoft Bing’s search app a front-page tool for Chinese customers. Motorola’s workaround to get a major search tool into China, along with the growing desire to push native search apps to Android users, shows the importance of mobile search today. Here are some others to check out.
Major search engine access
Google Maps comes by default on most Android devices, making mobile search and navigation a breeze. Search the world’s map in relation to your location, read reviews and get turn-by-turn navigation. Multiple viewing and directions options combines gives you contextual search with Google’s free app.
While Google and Microsoft may be rivals, mobile developer PeerBuilder has created multiple apps to access both search engines from Android devices. Search the Web, your phone, news, with Instant Answer and media with Instant Search for Google or Bing. Pro versions of the apps will cost you $4.99 and $3.99 respectively.
Search Plus is another third-party search tool with a few more options than Instant Search, particularly for your search settings. Access Google, Bing, WolframAlpha, Twitter, phone contacts and more. This free Android app acts as a portal to multiple search tools, with the option to add your own for a custom feel.
Utility search
Sometimes you just need a business contact number or an address. The Free411 Android app lets you search Yellow Pages, giving you local search results on a large scale. With this free Android app, you can save contacts to your phone, filter results by category, and receive directions.
Phone Search is a useful Android app. Find files on your own Android device, including text messages, contacts, apps, settings, photos, music and more. While the $4.95 price tag may scare off a few users, Phone Search’s feature line-up compared to other bundled options such as Search Plus give the Android app a bit of a leg up.
Niche search
Amazon.com has a robust search tool if you’re seeking a particular product. Going beyond the digital realm, Amazon’s free Android app lets you scan bar codes of products in order to perform a search of its inventory. This is one of the quickest ways to find a low price on a given item.
Yelp’s free Android app does a lot of the same things as Google Maps, granting localized access to venues and their user reviews. Bookmark venues of interest, get directions and contact info. Though missing the ability to post, and facing a number of legal issues, Yelp’s presence in the Android Market marks the importance of location-based search tools.
As iPhone’s competition, Android devices also have an interest in media storage, access and playback. Make the most of this advancement with the free Flickr Searchr Android app, which features a search tool. Find the photo you need, share it with friends and see those taken nearby based on your location.
For job seekers, Voolkan is worth a look. The free Android app serves up job listings posted directly through its network. Voolkan is also powered by Craigslist. Users have an option to apply for jobs directly from the Android app. It’s missing alerts and GPS search options, but is one of the better job search Android apps so far.
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