EVO Apps: 12 Apps Perfect for the HTC EVO 4G
June 3, 2010 | by Andrew Kameka
Welcome, HTC EVO 4G users. You’re probably wondering what are the best EVO apps, but I’m here to tell you that’s a tough question. Androinica has covered the 60 Best Android Apps and that only scratches the surfaces of how many apps are in the Android Market.
So instead of overloading you with a long list of the best Android apps, we decided to ease you in and focus on 12 solid titles every HTC EVO 4G user should own. These are just the early recommendations; there are plenty more to grab, so enjoy!
P.S. Use Google Goggles or Barcode Scanner to read the QR codes (barcode squares next to images) and get download links on your phone. Make sure you check out our Android Beginner’s Guide for more tips and tutorials. AppBrain links are available in a widget at the bottom.
Google Goggles
The first thing you need to grab when you get an EVO is Google Goggles. It’s a staple in the Android world because you can use it to perform a visual search, translate text into another language, scan QR codes to get download links or import data, or perform a product search. This will help you manage those freaky barcodes often spotted in articles.
Learn more about Google Goggles
App Brain
Android doesn’t have a simple desktop solution for finding and downloading apps from the Android Market. App Brain is as close as you can get. This fantastic app lets users search the market from AppBrain.com, filter out spam apps, find recommendations, and mark apps that you wish to download. Then open up the App Brain market sync app and start downloading apps.
Learn more about AppBrain with video demo
Fring
Video chat is available on the EVO with Qik, but the problem with that app is that it requires your friends to have Qik, too. Fring makes it possible to have live video calls on your phone using a platform your contacts probably already have: Skype. Fring takes advantage of the front-facing camera to do Skype video and audio calls, and it also supports audio/instant messaging on several protocols, including AIM, Google Talk, and MSN.
Mobile Defense
The EVO is the only phone I use regularly. You know why? Because I’m an idiot who turned off the tracking software that would have helped me find my lost/stolen phone. Mobile Defense is a great system that allows you to go online and track your phone if it is every lost or stolen. The phone can be plotted on a map, locked to prevent compromised data, and wiped completely if you can’t recover it. Download Mobile Defense right now and minimize the risk of losing your phone.
SpeedTest.net Speed Test
Do you really want to pay $29.99 for the Hotspot feature to make your phone a Wi-Fi router on the go? Make sure it’s worth it with this app that can measure how fast Sprint performs in your area. SpeedTest.net’s popular bandwidth meter is also available on Android. This tool can perform multiple tests that help measure how fast your phone consistently and reliably reaches 4G or strong 3G speeds.
Cellular service varies in each market, so use SpeedTest to gauge how fast Sprint performs in your general area before you decide to add this on to your plan.
TV.com
Sprint TV is included in your phone, but it doesn’t have all the content that you might desire. Take advantage of the EVO’s 4.3-inch screen and get more video programming from CBS-owned properties. Watch full episodes or clips of How I Met Your Mother and 60 Minutes, and get plenty more video clips from CNET, CW, or CBS News/Sports.
Be advised that certain clips will not load unless you have access to a Wi-Fi network. This is especially true for full-episodes, so plan according before thinking you’ll get to watch TV out in the boonies.
Homerun Battle 3D
A giant screen and a growing market for 3D games? Yeah, good job on choosing the EVO. There are plenty of games available for Android, but one worth highlighting is Homerun Battle 3D. The graphics in the game are cartoonish but top-level, and there’s plenty of fun to be had as you slug as many balls into the cheap seats as possible. Homerun Battle is a homerun derby game with upgrades and multiplayer supported by Android or iPhone if you upgrade to the paid version.
Seesmic
I’m sure you’re a Twitter fiend, and the extra large screen on the EVO boost tweet browsing. The official Android Twitter app is ok, but we still think quite a few people will be more interested in one of the many third-party alternatives. Our readers voted Seesmic as the best, but there’s also Touiteur, Twidroid, Twicca, and more. Read the full review with feature comparison chart here.
Seesmic separates itself from other Twitter apps because it’s not just a Twitter app. It’s a social networking tool that also supports Google Buzz, with more networks set to be added as new API’s and resources become available.
ASTRO File Manager
There will come a time when you need to get to your SD card contents. You may also need to backup apps to the SD card, read .zip files, view images, search within text and files, or use SFT/SMB/Bluetooth. Astro does all of that. It is simply a must-have, so grab it now.
It’s worth noting that ASTRO bears a “beta” tag set to expire next month, but I’ve been using this app for nearly two years and it has always had an expiration notice. On the off chance that it stops being free, I’ll still pay for it or switch to something similar like AndExplorer.
Dolphin Browser HD (or any browser)
Dolphin is a mobile browser on steroids, packing plenty of features and the ability to enhance the app with themes or plug-ins. It features visible tabs, gesture shortcuts, exporting bookmarks, syncing with Google services, and has a great interface.
If Dolphin doesn’t get the job done, there are plenty of alternatives. Opera Mini is the fastest browser I’ve used and has visual bookmark/tab management; xScope is a Chrome-like browser with great speed and simplicity; and Skyfire is a work-in-progress that looks great and displays Flash video better than Flash Lite on some occasions.
Mediafly
Another advantage of this gorgeous screen: video podcasts look great on it. Mediafly is a great podcast manager for audio and video feeds. Use this app to automatically download certain feeds, browse several channels, and listen/watch your favorite shows in style. Accessing lesser-known content can prove problematic, but this is great if you just need the most-known stuff.
Use Wi-Fi/4G if you can because the streams are high-quality. I’ve been watching Around the Horn and TWiT on it without issue.
Aldiko
The EVO straddles the line between phone and tablet, so take advantage of that large screen with an ereader app. Aldiko opens multiple formats, including ePub, and formats text to fit your screen just right. It also includes night/day modes to optimize lighting conditions, organizes content on a virtual bookshelf, and accesses both free public domain books and for sale titles.
Nice article. I'm on the fence about taking the leap to EVO although I know it's the most awesome phone out right now. But your review of these apps which would improve greatly what I can do with my current phone is reallllly making me want to go and splurge. My fave is that TV.com and the Aldiko app oh I would love to see that beautiful screen in action and probably with less stutter and sputter with this phone I have now.
A BIG thank you.
I pick up my (pre-ordered) EVO tomorrow, migrating from Windows Mobile. The "world of apps" is new and a bit overwhelming. I have been looking and hoping to find a list of essentials and this is a great help.
Thanks again.
Thanks for the tip on AppBrain! It would be convenient if you practice what you preach
and would somehow provide easy access to the AppBrain pages because now I still have to scan barcodes from your site.
Actually, Pete, I should thank you. I just included an AppBrain widget at the bottom based on your response. Users can click on a particular app and get to it on AppBrain. It's a little tougher than having it next to each post, but it's one way to get quick access to them all.
Check out Sprint Family Locator client app. Search for SFL on android market. I think it’s the only Sprint specific app there. You need to have an account on sprint.com/familylocator in order to use the app
Just wanted to say thanks for the list. New Evo this morning and I'm new to Android in general. Your beginners guide and this list have been handy things to have. I really appreciate it.
These were great recommendations. I downloaded all but one. Just what I needed. Who has time to figure this out? I don't, I'm busy! Thanks!
great article
Just bought my new EVO yesterday and am having a great time playing with it. These apps will be great! It's nice to read articles about things you can really use!
Is there anything that will play athde online videos? Also, are there any apps to play windows and real player online radios?
Hello Andrew and thanks for assembling these apps! I just moved to an Evo 4g after having an Instinct and this whole 'apps' thing is new to me, but boy am I having fun now! It's like a whole new world with this phone.
Installed Google Goggles first and couldn't believe how trick it was!
Keep up the great job and thanks again!
Greg
im new to android and i love it….thanks for the suggestions
How many apps are available for the EVO in the Android market?
a little over 50,000
What are your thoughts on Open Advanced Task Killer?
FREE is always a great price for a good app… both the padersyncFM and padersyncDAV apps are free for personal use… combine them with a FREE end-to-end encrypted account from SwissDisk and you have the best of both worlds, secure and convenient… stay safe out there, don't trust your data over unsecure links… and sometimes free does live up to it's name!
yeah so none of the QR codes work in google google i tried each of them more than once and some of these apps dont even show up in the app store
Barcode Scanner works better than googles for scanning codes.
I mean goggles
Are you sure you're scanning correctly? I just tested any all of them come up except Mobile Defense, which isn't available in the Market at the moment. there's nothing we can do about that.
When using Goggles, move the phone close with as little else as possible. Then press the camera button to focus and release when the picture is clear.
I cant find mobile defense in my market
Thanks for sharing the info. Now I want to scan everything!
I was interested in the Mobile defense app. But it was no where to be found in the app store?
The Dolphin browser HD is nice at first, but still has most of the same problems the regular browser the Evo has. i.e. text boxes disappearing.
I have set this up and can finally print photos off my EVO! As a bonus it will also print Gmail, PDF, just about anything on my phone. It ROCKS!
I just got my Evo Jul 31. Thanks for saving my time with best recommendations. Mobile Defense is off the Market,but the apps developer site indicates "closed beta" meaning we should see it soon.
How can I print my pictures that are on my evo? I want to print them so I can clear them out of my phone.
i have had the evo for to months good phone but on my third phone the speaker keeps going out on it they need to fix that
thanks for the comprehensive list of evo apps, and the QR codes. i just discovered that today and really enjoy the convenience!
Is ther any way to get MobileDefense? Is it coming back to the market? In the mean time what locator app would you suggest. It's my first phone and I want to show my parents that I took steps to protect my phone… just in case. As long as it is not much more than 10 dollars its fine but 20 is too high.
can't find mobile defense in the market