Free and useful Android apps

usignuolo

My OH is now the proud owner of an Android smart phone (an upgrade from his previous elderly model). He is now embarking on the learning curve of using. We have successfully activated the 3g option for web browsing, (hat tip here) and now he wants to download some apps.

The first app he tried to download (Lookout) tells android users to go to the apps page on their phone and download it from there. For apps downloading his phone leads him to an Orange Shop which only has a very limited range of apps available.

How does he download apps not sold in the Orange shop? He has the phone (a Samsung Galaxy Apollo) on a plan from Orange. It has two interfaces, the original Samsung one and the Orange alternative which he is using as it is the default.

While I am here, does anyone know how to extend the time before the screen goes into power saving mode, currently it is about 3 seconds and he needs the screen to stay active for longer.

lucylucky

If you look online for AppBrain then you can find loads of apps.

Does he have a barcode scanner on that model of phone? If so the can scan the QR code which will open the browser on his phone and enable him to download the chosen app.

He can also install AppBrain on the phone and download apps directly.

Best to due the above using Wi-fi or it will eat into his data allowance.

Snakeeyes21

In his app draw there will be an app called Market, just open this its Android Market where you download all your free or paid apps

lucylucky

Snakeeyes21 wrote: »

In his app draw there will be an app called Market, just open this its Android Market where you download all your free or paid apps

app draw?

What is that? Is it specific to this phone?

JJ_Egan

Be aware that Smartphones run up data charges even when not being used .
Check out QuickSettings to turn mobile data off .

jje

System

lucylucky wrote: »

app draw?

What is that? Is it specific to this phone?

The appdrawer is specific to Android, and it's the little button at the bottom of the home screen (the one with 4 circles/squares that looks like a little box)

Just press that and it will bring up all of your applications, scroll down to the Market app and open it, then press on the search icon and type what kind of app you want in there (Facebook, Twitter, Paint, Notes, etc..)

Press the result and then press install

lucylucky

LooieENG wrote: »

The appdrawer is specific to Android, and it's the little button at the bottom of the home screen (the one with 4 circles/squares that looks like a little box)

Just press that and it will bring up all of your applications, scroll down to the Market app and open it, then press on the search icon and type what kind of app you want in there (Facebook, Twitter, Paint, Notes, etc..)

Press the result and then press install

Thanks

I don't have that on my Android which is why I wondered what it was.

I have a small circle with a triangle which is one way of listing all my apps. (Not that I have the Market App as I deleted that)

jayme1

yeah dont use the 'orange app store' only use the 'market' app as that is the proper one, he will need a google account (gmail) if he hasn't got one already.

in the menu (app draw) there is an app called 'homescreens' which you can use to switch between the 'orange' one and the samsung one, there are also many others in the android market such as LauncherPro and AWD launcher, both give the phone a more 'stock' android feel.

to extend the backlight the setting should be in 'sound and display' in the settings app

lucylucky

You don't need a google account to download apps, unless this is specific to Orange phones. Is it?

There are other sources of apps as well as the market, loads all over the internet.

jayme1

lucylucky wrote: »

You don't need a google account to download apps, unless this is specific to Orange phones. Is it?

There are other sources of apps as well as the market, loads all over the internet.

very true, my mistake, I was jumping the gun and thinking of google checkout for paid apps