Beginner's Guide to Android | Google Android Blog

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Welcome to the world of Google Android. You made a smart move opting for an Android phone, so grab that device and read “The Beginner’s Guide to Android.” This is designed to be a resource for mastering the most useful and exciting apps, tips, and tricks that Google Android has to offer.

So, where should we start? A mobile operating system is only as good as the apps that power it, so I’m sure that’s where you want to begin. Fair enough, but there’s something you should know before going app crazy. There are Key Policies of the Android Market to understand, chief among them the 24-hour refund rule. Read the market policies and then indulge in the fun part: downloading apps!

Apps and Android Market Mania

The Market has thousands of apps and it will be hard to navigate through them. A good place to start is reading 50 Great Android Apps, our selection of a few standouts that Android users should enjoy. Once you’ve got your fill of great apps, share the wealth! Participate in our #androidapps effort on Twitter and let others know what apps you enjoy. Each week, we will highlight the best apps that users recommend in our “Android Apps Alert” post.

Tips and Tricks: Tutorials, hacks, and neat tricks

Android is full of options to customize and control your device as you see fit. This section lists the tips, tutorials, and tricks that boost Android’s worth. Visit the tips section.

Below are links to a few articles that will help you get started on your Android journey.

Common questions and answers for the Android beginner

5. November 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

459111 Commentshttp://androinica.com/2009/11/05/guide/2009-11-05+17%3A31%3A14Andrew+Kameka

There’s an Android phone in your hand and a desire in your heart to push that phone to the limit. The enticing Google Android operating system was too much for you to ignore, so let’s get to work answering those many questions racing through your mind. Before we proceed, understand this key point: Android is a [...]

How to use QR codes [the barcode squares] to get apps

5. November 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

467417 Comments2009-11-05+17%3A30%3A35Andrew+Kameka

I recently got an email from someone asking, “What do I do with the barcode squares?” This is a common question asked on this site, so I figured that I might as well make a post explaining why those black and white lines in a box appear on the website so often. The “barcode squares” are [...]

My Android phone is rooted: now what?

8. September 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

33849 Comments2009-09-08+23%3A18%3A45Andrew+Kameka

The one-click root method inspired quite a few Android device owners to root their phone. Sadly, not all root functions are as easy to implement as the one-click method. Some of the hacks and features that interested me required careful reading and researching multiple guides to find out the proper way to do certain things. [...]

How to Understand Android root terms and procedures

8. September 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

34027 Comments2009-09-08+23%3A16%3A52Andrew+Kameka

Be sure to read our introductory article before proceeding. So you took the plunge and rooted your Android phone. Congrats. Now get to work understanding what that means. First things first: realize that Android devices are different. Before doing anything, make sure it is compatible with your device. That means Rogers Dream owners shouldn’t assume that something [...]

50 Best Android Apps: Tools and Utility Apps [#40-50]

2. September 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

323032 Comments2009-09-02+13%3A39%3A19Andrew+Kameka

Writing a Best Android Apps list is never an easy job. Android inspires passionate fans who believe their favorite app should be named, so no list will please everyone. Though voters selected their favorites in the Android Network Awards, these are my picks for some of the best Android apps. The apps are listed according [...]

50 Best Android Apps: Media and Entertainment Apps [#25-39]

2. September 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

322915 Comments2009-09-02+13%3A38%3A49Andrew+Kameka

50 Best Android Apps: GPS and Location Apps [#16 - 24]

1. September 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

322815 Comments2009-09-01+15%3A30%3A32Andrew+Kameka

50 Best Android Apps: Lifestyle and Productivity Apps [#1 - 15]

31. August 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

322639 Comments2009-08-31+14%3A10%3A06Andrew+Kameka

DoubleTwist will sync Android with your photos, music, and videos

14. August 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

29202 Comments2009-08-14+00%3A24%3A07Andrew+Kameka

DoubleTwist will sync Android with your photos, music, and videos

Have you tired of copying new music, photos, and videos to your SD card? Do you want to stop having to pick and choose which wallpapers or downloaded YouTube videos are new before transferring files on your SD card? Frustrated user, meet DoubleTwist, a free computer program that syncs media between your PC/Mac and your [...]

Round Robin 2: What’s the best Android Twitter app?

10. June 2009 | by Andrew Kameka

133925 Comments2009-06-10+16%3A46%3A26Andrew+Kameka

Round Robin 2: What’s the best Android Twitter app?

What’s the best Android Twitter app? Twitter has gone from tech playground to a place frequented by Oprah, soccer moms, and openly un-tech-savvy politicians like John McCain (or his aides). Those who have survived the great microblogging hype may ask: what’s the best Android app for Twitter? Our first Twitter Roundup suggested that Twidroid was the best [...]