Android Market Roundup: The 5 Best of This Week

It's that time again ladies and gents, as we take you on a tour of what the Android Market has to offer. Just scan the QR code we've included with Barcode Scanner or Google Goggles to head right to the Market. If you have any suggestions we should checkout, let us know in the comments.  

So get cozy with your endangered Nexus One, brand-new Droid X, or any other Android goodness and check out these apps.  
 

LogMeIn Ignition

After a short beta testing period, LogMeIn Ignition is available for Android. LogMeIn is a remote desktop app that allows you to access your PC from your Android phone. After you get the app from the Market, just head over to the LogMeIn site to register an account. You will have to install the LogMeIn client on your computer as well. Put your LogMeIn credentials into the LogMeIn app, and you're good to go. 

The LogMeIn app seems to be all about having a well thought-out, efficient user interface. The options you will need to access frequently, like keyboard, special keys, settings, and zoom are all at the bottom of the screen. We also really like the button in that area that allows you to switch between left and right clicks. You trigger clicks by tapping on the screen. The default scrolling method leaves the cursor in the center, and the image just glides around under it. It's a little confusing at first, but we got used to it, and actually rather like it. An option to have the cursor move instead is also available.  

One thing we're not so smitten with is the apparent requirement that the desktop be set to a flat back wallpaper and Aero basic (on Windows) when connected. It's most likely to increase the redraw speed, so we could learn to live with it. The option to switch to other monitors is in the menu, instead of the main screen, where we'd like it to be as well. Overall it's a great remote access program and offers some advanced IT support options like screen blanking, and keyboard lock. However, it's too pricey at $29.99 for most home users to bother with. By comparison, PhoneMyPC is a bargain at $10. But if you're a support pro, or just in need of a highly reliable secure remote access app, look no further. 

Awesome Drop

After investigating Awesome Drop a little, we think it's pretty aptly named. This app is great way to get files onto your phone without plugging it in. It uses a really interesting HTML5 implementation to do it too. When you launch Awesome Drop, you will be presented with screen instructing you to head to the Dashwire website to get a PIN. Type in the PIN on the phone and you have paired your browser and phone. 

The browser window now shows you a rectangular area labeled "Drop files here", and that's just what you do. Drag any files you want into the box, and they will be pushed to the phone. This is similar to the way Gmail handles dropping in attachments now. You can monitor the progress of copying the content from either the phone or PC. We found the transfer was about as fast as we would expect based on connection speed. All the files show up in a folder on the SD card called 'Drop". You'll have to move them manually if you want them somewhere else. 

We tried this with single, as well as multiple files. It went off without a hitch. If you drop in multiple files, it will send them one at a time, not in parallel. The app also keeps track of the files you've moved into the Drop folder for easy access. Awesome Drop is available for free in the Market. 

Astro File Manager Pro

Astro is a file manager for Android that we've mentioned before. In our estimation, this is the most powerful app of its kind available. Just this week a Pro version was released. The free version of Astro is now ad supported, and we feel that this is an app worth supporting financially. There was some confusion initially as the ads rolled out to the free version before a paid version was available.  
 
You can browse and manipulate almost any files on your SD card with Astro, and the integrated test-based file editor lets you edit documents in-app.  There are a number of options for how to display folders, sorting options, and even creating ZIP archives right on the phone. In our experience, the UI is extremely snappy, and even folders with lots of files load quickly. The search function works well and can plow through large cards quickly. Astro also offers an app backup utility, task manager, and SD card usage monitor.  

The Pro version of Astro is selling for $3.99 in the Android Market, and we recommend it highly. You can also run the free version if you don't mind the Google ads at the bottom of the screen.  

Fast Web Installer

You may have noticed we link to AppBrain for most of the apps we discuss. We do that because AppBrain has a speedy, well designed site, and offers device integration if you run their official app. Well, the folks at AppBrain kicked it up a notch recently with the release of Fast Web Installer, making installing apps much easier. You have to have an AppBrain account, and have the official AppBrain app as well before you can use the Fast Web Installer. It's a little bit of a hassle if you're not already an AppBrain user, but the payoff is worth it.  
 
With the Fast Web Installer you can browse apps on AppBrain via a PC, then select any free app to have it automatically pushed to your phone over the air. No interaction is required on the phone to complete the install. You only have to launch the Fast Web Installer once to enable it. Unfortunately, there is no support for paid apps at this time. This is due to the payment system in Android being tied to the actual Market app. 

We were worried at first that this process would confuse the Android Market app, thus interfering with app updates. To our surprise and delight, the apps installed through the Fast Web Installer show up properly and update as normal. Google demoed a similar system at Google I/O, but we don't know when that's going to be a reality. Until then, Fast Web Installer is free in the Market. 

Onion News Network

There are few websites (not called Tested) that we find more entertaining than The Onion. Now you can get the Onion News Network app on Android. This bit of software gives you immediate access to all the videos from the Onion's site. Upon launching the app it will warn you that downloading updates will take some if you're not on Wi-Fi.  

The interface is split up into tabs for Recent, Shows, and Editor's Picks. You can dive into any video and start watching. The player is mostly the standard Android player, but it does have a button for sharing clips, and for returning to browsing mode. The sharing option allows you to use Facebook or Email; we'd like to see Twitter added as an option as well. The hardware menu button pulls uplinks to Home, Popular videos, Search, and app info. The search is fairly fast and accurate. 

We like the easy access to The Onion's excellent satirical videos, but it might be nice to get access to the articles in the same app. The app is currently sponsored by HTC, so there is s a little branding visible, but it isn't too obtrusive. The app is a tad bit hefty a little over 3MB when installed, but it's free and a great time killer.  

So that's the Market roundup for this week. If you noticed any gems in the Android Market, send those recommendations our way in the comments. Just a reminder, you can return any paid market app within 24 hours for a full refund.  Happy downloading!