As a phone technician, I am considerably more savvy than the average user about what apps are out there that allow you to really take advantage of your device.  So I decided to go through the apps I have installed and share with you my “Top 10” favourite Android Apps.  If you're not too technically inclined or maybe a little intimidated about where to start with your new Android device, my hope is that this list will help you on your way to taking advantage of your device in the best ways possible!

So here they are below, in no particular order:

#1 – Facebook

Not at the top of my priorities, but still deserving to be on the list is the Facebook App.  Social media is everything nowadays and Facebook is definitely holding the #1 spot in the category or social media.  The Facebook app makes it simple to see what friends are up to, quickly share photos and videos and update friends and family about what’s going on, and keeps you up to date with your Facebook friends on the web.  As a person who loves photography, I really enjoy being able snap a photo and have it available on my Facebook page immediately.

#2 – Weather Underground

Hands down this is my favourite weather app.  The Weather Underground app developers tell us their app offers a crazy accurate forecast and they certainly don’t disappoint.  I’ve never had a weather app that was this accurate and it includes all kinds of extras like interactive radar, satellite maps and severe weather alerts. Weather enthusiasts report live data from weather stations in their own backyards and this crowd-sourced data generates forecasts targeted to your precise location.  Hands down, this is a fantastic app!

#3 – Barcode Scanner

A simple barcode reading app that’s a must have to read those funky looking square QR codes you see out there.  Lots of people don’t even know how to read the information stored in these codes and that’s exactly what this app is for.  You simply scan the code and let it do it’s magic and the QR code will take you where you need to go.

#4 – Google Maps

You probably already have this one, but it’s not installed on all phones by default.  If you don’t have it, you should definitely install it!  This app eliminates the need for a GPS, and gives you maps of the world at your fingertips.

#5 - Barcode Cards +

The bulk of cards my wallet shrunk by more than half after installing this app.  I had more than 10 loyalty cards and this app helped me bring that down to only 2.  The premise is simple – you scan the barcode on a card and then take a picture of the card and it creates a virtual version of that card available at the tap of an icon.  It also worked with my library card since the local library uses barcodes!  Not only is this one of my favourites, but I also consider this one a must-have!

#6 – iHunter Ontario

OK, this one certainly isn’t for everyone but for those who hunt you will thank me for mention this app.  I can no longer imagine any hunting trip without first consulting iHunter.  The downside is that this is a paid app, but it’s well worth the bucks if you are a hunter.  The app gives you a map of Wildlife Management Units across Ontario, shows you all the regulations, bag limits, and seasons in any WMU you choose, and has a bunch of useful extras including a sunrise/sunset calculator, GPS integration, and the ability to mark out waypoints as you go.  Nobody who hunts should be without this app.

#7 - Google Translate

When I visit my in-laws it always seems like we just don’t speak the same language….probably because for the most part, we don’t!  Google translate is simply the closest thing I have found to a star-trek “universal translator”.  You can literally speak in English what you want translated and it will speak out loud in whatever language you choose.  And it’s made to be simple and easy!

#8 - Google Calendar

There’s nothing worse than forgetting to pick up that thing your wife wanted, or missing a lunch date, let alone being late to an important appointment!  Calendars and scheduling are an unfortunate part of modern life, but Google calendar makes scheduling simple with its calendar app. You can keep your own personal schedule and add an infinite number of other “calendars” that you can then color code to keep track of a busy life.  Best of all, your calendar is available across platforms and you can access it from anywhere you can log into google!

#9 – Calorie Counter – MyFitnessPal

If you want to lose weight, change some habits, or maybe you want to eat better to control diabetes, then the MyFitnessPal app is very useful.  The app helps you count calories, get information about the food you eat by scanning the barcodes, and it will help you keep track of what you’re putting into your body.  The app helps you set realistic goals and reach them.  I don’t keep much in the way of fitness or diet apps in my phone, but this one is a must for me.

#10 - Flipp - Weekly Ads & Coupons

Before doing my weekly shopping, I always check out Flipp first. This is where I’ll find all the flyer deals and coupons being offered this week at the places I’m shopping.  You can even search by item, brand, or category to quickly find the best deals.

Well there you have it, my top ten apps that I enjoy!  I hope my suggestions are useful to you or come in handy at some point!

Not bad for a first blog, if I don't say so myself.  I look forward to blogging some more for you in the future.  Until then!