Top 10 Android app updates for the week ending February 10

"> Tweet

When I got my first Android phone a little over three years ago, one of my favorite things was to browse the Android Market and watch which apps were being pushed to the Android Market. Developers soon began to exploit the Just In section of the Android Market with fake updates to get their app to the top of the list, so Google eventually removed that feature.

Now when I want to see what’s new in the Android Market, I turn to AppAware. I’ve covered the app before and it’s been around for a couple years, but they just relaunched a couple months ago with a completely overhauled version that turned the service into a social network for app discovery.

The developers are awesome guys (you might have noticed they power our app stats widgets around the site), and they constantly update AppAware with exciting new features. Filters allow you to browse apps by category and drill down into your friends apps, location, trending, popular, and yes they even have a Just In tab now.

I’ve found that one of the best ways to discover useful apps is to look at what people are actually updating, and not focus on which apps have the most installs. This shows me which apps have active support from their developers and sometimes reminds me of an old app that I might have removed long ago.

The following is a Top 10 list of apps which were updated in the last seven days and received the most updates during that time period on AppAware. I hope you enjoy this weekly feature and discover some apps that you might find useful.

WhatsApp Messenger - Version 2.7.3581

WhatsApp Messenger is a smartphone messenger available for Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Phone and Nokia phones. It allows you to say goodbye to SMS and provides a bunch of new features like group messaging. I have never used the app, but it currently has over 10 million installs in the Android Market with an average review score of 4.6.

What’s in this version:

Critical bug fix for Samsung devices that would “lose” their registrationNotification coloring bug fix for Ice Cream Sandwich devices.WhatsApp MessengerWhatsApp Inc.MARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWAREGo Launcher EX – Version 2.78

If you hate the custom skin that came with you Android phone then Go Launcher EX is a must install. There are many home replacement apps out there, but Go Launcher has always been one of my favorites. It has a ton of support from the Go Dev Team and there are an endless number of themes available. Go Launcher also has over 10 million downloads with an average review score of 4.7.

What’s in this version:

(New) Click on search button to enter app search in app drawer (also available by long pressing menu button)(Improve) Operation experience and UI details of app search(Improve) Home screen grids when moving icons and widgets(Fix) Blur error after custom the color of app label(Fix) No content error when enter the GO widget listGO Launcher EXGO Launcher Dev TeamMARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWAREAppAware – Version 3.0.9

I’ve already praised AppAware above, so I suggest you just go install the app and try it out. The new version only has between 10-50k installs, but I see it reaching into the millions in the coming months. This is the ultimate app for people who love apps.

What’s in this version:

Added Avatar Picks: curated lists of Android apps you should not miss!Added the possibility to post comments also on FacebookFaster download of images and screenshotsBug fixesAppAware Find Top Apps & Games42matters AGMARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWAREOfficial eBay – Version 1.7.2.7

I haven’t used eBay in years, but I know a ton of people who still check it every week, including my dad. The official app is a great way to manage your account and surf for the latest deals. It currently has over 10 million installs with an average review score of 4.2.

What’s in this version:

Remembers the eBay site you selected, even after you sign outFixes to address application errors reported in the Android market logsOther bug fixes and stability improvementsOfficial eBay Android AppeBay MobileMARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWAREShazam – Version Varies with Device

Shazam is pure magic and one of my all time favorite Android apps. It instantly identifies music and now TV commercials and then provides more information about them. I’m constantly surprised by the new features that get thrown into it with each update. They recently added the ability to display lyrics in-sync with the music, which is a feature I love. Shazam has over 10 million installs with an average review score of 4.5.

What’s in this version:

Speed improvements: we’ve given our App an extra adrenaline shot so you can identify audio even faster!Bug fixesShazamShazam Entertainment LimitedMARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWARETiny Flashlight + LED – Version Varies with Device

Tiny Flashlight is always my flashlight app of choice when I move to a new device. It’s the first to support many new devices and is constantly updated. The latest version improves stability and adds a share option.

What’s in this version:

Minor update – improved stability and optimized internal structuresOption to share Tiny Flashlight with your friends (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, E-Mail)Tiny Flashlight + LEDNikolay AnanievMARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWAREROM Manager – Version 5.0.0.6

Just as the Market description says, ROM Manager is a must have app for any root user. It allows you to make complete backups of your device, flash your recovery image, install ROMs over the air, and a ton more features. They recently passed 3 million installs and have an average review score of 4.7.

What’s in this version:

Fix bug on Rezound and other HTC phones where external sd couldn’t be detectedROM ManagerClockworkModMARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWARETuneIn Radio – Version 5.4

Pandora is my personal choice for streaming music, but TuneIn Radio has gained popularity quickly. TuneIn offers over 50,000 local and global stations and 1.2 million on-demand programs. An update to the previous version 5.3 added a Car Mode, which lets you listen to your favorite music, sports and news simply by speaking a command into your Android phone or tablet.

What’s in this version:

Swipe right and left to easily access presets, recommended stations and optionsOptions to auto-restart your last played station and prevent auto lockImproved car mode experienceBug fixesFixed crashesTuneIn RadioTuneIn IncMARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWAREGoogle+ – Version Varies with Device

Most of our audience is familiar with the Google+ app, that has been adding features at a crazy pace. The latest update improved performance, added a What’s Hot section, let’s users who +1′d content, and added several other enhancements. Make sure you grab this update if you have not installed it yet.

What’s in this version:

Massive performance improvements across the appWhat’s Hot!View who +1′d a post or commentStream posts shortened to fit more per scrollInfinite photos feed in ‘From your circles’Stream no longer jumps to the top for an automatic refreshGoogle+Google Inc.MARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWARETripAdvisor – Version 2.0

TripAdvisor is an app and service that I have never used, but over 1 million people have it currently installed and gave it an average review score of 4.5. Their tagline is “Plan and have your perfect trip with TripAdvisor.” They also supply a number of city guide apps for some of the largest tourist destinations. The latest version 2.0 added a new layout for tablets. I like to travel, so I’m downloading this to my own tablet right now.

What’s in this version:

New design for Android tabletsTripAdvisorTripAdvisorMARKETQRPOWERED BY APPAWARE Taylor is the founder of Android and Me. He resides in Dallas and carries the Verizon Galaxy Nexus as his daily device. Ask him a question on Twitter or Google+ and he is likely to respond. Tagged#android applications#appaware#application updates#ebay#Go Launcher EX#Google Plus#rom manager#shazam#Tiny Flashligh#TripAdvisor#TuneIn Radio#WhatsApp Messenger .nrelate .nr_sponsored{ left:0px !important; }.nrelate .nr_sponsored{ left:0px !important; } 18 Comments Join the discussion!Sort by DateRating BrentGuest 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down +3

Expensify def should have made this list. 3.0 is earth shattering.

Reply 99Taylor Wimberly 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down 0

Looks like it was just updated today. Reviews are pretty good. I’ll have to check it out.

https://market.android.com/details?id=org.me.mobiexpensifyg

Reply 69tmihai20 19 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

I’ve heard about WhatsApp, it is useful if you have many friends with Android smartphones (I don;t have that many) and you tell them to install it. I’ve used Go Launcher on my HD2 until I got my EVo 3D, I am now using Sense for a while. I am really not interested in connecting my Twitter/Facebook to my gaming habits, there is already enough information about me on these sites. I don’t buy stuff from Ebay, I use Soundhound (I purchased it in the 10 cents promotion days). I’ve used Tiny Flashlight when I didn’t have an app for that, now I have one from Sense. I prefer to manually upgrade my ROMs (not through RomManager). I don’t have a mobile data plan to listen to radio online. I use Google+ on the browser, so I don’t need it on my phone. TripAdviser is not that useful in Eastern Europe. My addition to this list would be Route66, I can use it for free after the trial period.

Reply 15ordio 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down 0

Good apps.. i have a few of these installed and love them!

Reply 92spazby 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down 0

love these updates, keep em coming

Reply 22Varemenos 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down -1

>top10-hot-awesome updates
>most of them are just bug fixes

Reply 91thekaz 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down +3

Another great addition to the site. Keep up the great work, guys! There’s a reason this is my go-to site…

Reply 39Vance 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down +2

Thanks! Like a fine cigar, you guys just keep getting better with time.

Reply 96Nathan D. 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down 0

Thanks for the list of apps :-)

Reply 94schofieldesign 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down +1

I like how this also works as a recommended app list, (I don’t have most of these), but I kind of wish it were more like a recommended app list. I understand a lot of sites do that and you guys are bringing something new to the table but I just feel you guys would do it better

Reply 39xfaith 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down 0

I use Rom Manager the most, will have to check some of the other top apps that are listed here.

Reply 11K2theIzzo 1 day ago Thumb upThumb down +1

I’m gonna Tiny Flashlight and AppAware a try. Android and Me is becoming one of my top android sites.

Reply KevintheboxGuest 24 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

Launcher Pro has to be the smoothest Android home launcher in the Market. IMO it just edges out GO launcher.

Reply 2DuDlik 21 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +1

Fine apps

Reply 61honourbound68 19 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

For rooted users, I’d include Titanium Backup. I flashed so many different roms on my 2 sammy epics that I’d be lost without the app.

Reply 0azcapone 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

I’m using two of them. TuneIn is great, but actual only on Wi-Fi, that’s sad.

Reply 30cabrone 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

I’ve long preferred Sound Hound Infinity over shazam. Perhaps I’ll give it another try but last time I did the speed was awful on shazam.

Reply 88Hall Lo 10 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +1

Thanks A&M, please have this kind of articles every week :D

Reply Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name *

Email *

Website

Comment

You may use these HTML tags and attributes:

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Hotly debated Goodbye old Browser, Chrome to become the standard browser on Android 4.0 and above 79 Chrome Beta comes to Android 4.0 devices 77 Can Android 4.0 replace a desktop PC? 75 Apple seeks preliminary injunction against the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in the U.S. 66 How Samsung’s Super Bowl ad should have been 62 Top commentersranwanimator   +108

on I really wish Android 4.0 would have looked more like Chrome

Ps3y3Ops   +41

on Motorola: Google’s hardware choices are why updates take so long

kk   +32

on I really wish Android 4.0 would have looked more like Chrome

Staff © 2012 Android and Me Login

Username

Password

Remember Me

Register | Lost your password?

Register

Username

E-mail

A password will be e-mailed to you.

Log in | Lost your password?

Reset Password

Username or E-mail:

Log in| Register

Powered by SimpleModal Loginimg#wpstats{display:none}