So you finally bought an Android phone after loving iPhone for a long time.  Or may be this the first time you ever bought a smartphone.  Whatever the case may be, but first question you would have in mind is to know what apps to install.

Hint:  Most apps (if not all) you used to use on iPhone are available for Android too.  So that’s a very good start.

Now beyond that based on my experience and regular use of Android device for over 3 years, I have come to love some apps on Android.  I feel my android phone is incomplete without these apps.  I want to recommend these MUST HAVE apps with you and give you a jump-start in the new Android world.

Without further ado, below is a list of 25 Android apps that you should install right after buying any Android phone:

1. Social Networking

When it comes to Social networking everyone has their preference.  But I am sure most people use Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Google+.  So start by installing these three apps in Social networking category:

  1. Facebook for Android (Market Link)
  2. Twitter for Android (Market Link)
  3. Linkedin (Market Link)
  4. Google+ (Market Link)
Some people like to use All-in-one kind of apps like Tweetdeck, Hootsuite and Seesmic etc.  But I personally prefer the native apps.
2. Music

Search in Music category in Android Market, you will find thousands of apps.  But it comes down to a very limited high quality apps that I would recommend you to install on your new device:

  1. DoubleTwist (possibly with Airsync) (Market Link) :  DoubleTwist is a feature rich Music player for Android.  DoubleTwist comes with a matching Desktop software that allows you to sync media with your computer like you used to do with iTunes.  Also if you spend $4.99 (which I think you should) for AirSync it adds features like wireless syncing with PC.  Airsync also enable Airplay like feature on your Android phone and allows you to stream media to Xbox, PS3 and other DLNA enabled devices.
  2. Google Music (Market Link) : Google Music allows you to stream your music from anywhere.  Google provides online space for over 20,000 songs.  Upload your entire music library in the cloud and enjoy your own music anywhere and everywhere with your Android phone.
  3. iHeartRadio (Market Link) : This apps allows you to listen to local FM radio channels and you can also start listening for a particular artist.
  4. Pandora (Market Link)
  5. Soundhound (Market Link) : Never ever waste time to recognize random songs, find out the song information quickly with this app.
Other notable apps you may want to try are Spotify, ExFM, Amazon mp3, Tunein and Slacker Radio etc.
3. eReading

No, I am not just talking about eReaders but also everything that lets you consume online content on your phone such as news, blogs and obviously books & magazines etc.

  1. Feedly (Market Link) : A must have app for all RSS readers.  Very beautiful interface, swipe left/right to read articles.  Check it out, I am sure you will love it.
  2. News360 (Market Link) : The only single app you will ever install on your Android phone because it consolidate news from various channels so that you don’t read any news twice.
  3. Google Currents (Market Link)
  4. Amazon Kindle (Market Link)
  5. The Washington Post (Market Link)
You may also like to install any specific news channel you subscribe to such as The New York Times, CNN, Fox News and USA Today etc.  They all seem to do deliver a consistent news experience.
4. Games

Well, this is a very personal section to write about.  It will be very biased and individualistic to say what apps are good.  So, install whatever games you like.  But just to give you a quick start on games try:

  1. Angry Birds (Market Link)
  2. Need For Speed Shift (Market Link)
  3. Zynga Poker (Market Link)
Also, your phone should have come with some pre-installed games.
5. Tools
  1. Any.Do (Market Link) : A task management app that syncs with Google Tasks in a really beautiful interface.
  2. Springpad (Market Link) : An evernote like note taking app only better and FREE.
  3. DGT GTD (Market Link) : A feature rich GTD to do app that syncs with Toodledo (covered in detail here).  Even though at this time the app is in Alpha and Beta stage, but still it works flawlessly.
  4. Google Voice (Market Link)
  5. Text plus (Market Link) : Never pay for text messages again.  Install this app and say bye-bye to your network SMS plan.  This app uses your data plan to send messages.  And no, the other party need not have the same app.
  6. Keyring (Market Link)
  7. Mint (Market Link) : Manage all your finances in this nifty little app on the go.  Add your cash transactions and let the app pull bank and credit card transaction to give you an overview of your finances.
  8. Foursquare (Market Link) : Besides publishing your check-in information and earning badges, this app lets you explore the area and provides you area of interest.  Really useful if you are traveling or want to explore a new area.

This list just gives you a set of 25 most necessary apps to start Android journey – There are 400+ Million apps in Android Market.  So keep exploring.  However, let us know in comments which one you liked and use regularly.  Also let me know which Android phone you use and what is your opinion after using iPhone.

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