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 the apps as they were being pushed live. 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.
AppAware Find Top Apps & Games42matters AGMARKETQRI’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.
QuickPic – Version 2.0
QuickPicalensw.comMARKETQRWhat’s new in this version:
New clean UI like Android 4.0(ICS), “Share” and “Multi-Select” moved to the title barAdd explorer mode, support hierarchical foldersBigger square thumbnails without borderApp2SD for Android 2.2+Re-add the classic 2×2 grid and list mode, please click the “Gallery” button to select the browse mode!Re-add sort mode by path ascend/descendFix bug of not hide the status bar in some ROMsQuickPic is an app that replaces the default Gallery app. I’ve never used it before today, but I’m giving it a try right now based on the average review score of 4.7 with over 5 million installs. There appear to be a fun of features, this this gallery app is all about speed and performance.
Camera360 Ultimate – Version 3.0.2
Camera360 UltimatePinGuo Inc.MARKETQRWhat’s new in this version:
Front camera is available, and can work full screen on phone with high resolutionNew UI—make operations easierNew photo processing engine—speed up photo shooting and processingNew interfaces of effects selection and scene camera—much easier to select effect and switch to scene cameraNew management of photos—classify ‘MY PHOTOS’ by date, and you can find what you want quicklyNew share function—make share easier and more wonderfulBug fixesCamera360 is another photo app I have never used, but it is well loved among it’s 5+ million users who gave it an average review score of 4.4. This recent update is for minor bug fixes, but version 3.0 added a new UI, new photo processing engine, and allows use of the front camera. If you are looking for an alternative camera app with a ton of effects, then give it a try.
Foursquare – Version 2012.02.27
FoursquarefoursquareMARKETQRWhat’s new in this version:
Fix for search bug when no network connection available.Text input for checkin comments is now multi-line.I travel a lot and Foursquare is my go to app when I’m in a new city. Just like the Market description reads, Foursquare helps you explore the world around you. The latest version is a minor update, but I’d still recommend giving Foursquare another chance if you haven’t tried it since the early days. It now boats over 15 million users and the recommendations for different places are starting to improve.
Dolphin Browser HD – Version 7.4.0
Dolphin Browser® HDDolphin BrowserMARKETQRWhat’s new in this version:
Dolphin Sonar: Dolphin listens and lets you use your voice to search, share, bookmark, navigate and more. it is so easy to use; you may just forget how to type.Webzine Add-on: We have transformed our magazine style reader into an Add-on for our avid readers. click to download：https://market.android.com/details?id=com.dolphin.browser.magazinesAdd-ons: We have preloaded the 2 most popular Add-onsSensitivity of Sidebars: Made Sidebar less sensitive and added indicating arrows.Before Google released Chrome for Android, Dolphin Browser HD was my favorite alternative to the default Browser app. The latest update brings a new feature called Dolphin Sonar that lets you search with your voice. Dolphin already boats 10 million installs so I’m sure many of you have tried it, but go grab the new version if you are bored of the standard browser.
Antivirus Free – Version 2.10.1
Antivirus FreeAVG MobilationMARKETQRWhat’s new in this version:
Improved Tune-UpLists resources consumption to help optimizing the mobile device’s resourcesBattery power saver notifies when battery is below specified threshold and lets turn-off not in use functionsStorage Space saver sorts applications by size and location and allows uninstall or move apps to SD card to optimize space3rd party advertising platform was removedVersion 2.10 of the app will now appear with the AVG logo instead of the orange/white capsule on phone’s app launcherAs long as you only install apps from the official Android Market, an anti-virus app is not really need. However, it’s still nice to have an added layer of security and the peace of mind of extra features like locating a lost phone. I still prefer Lookout as my mobile security app, but AVG Antivirus has a strong following with over 10 million installs and an average review score of 4.4.
Amazon MP3 – Version 2.4.1
Amazon MP3Amazon.comMARKETQR
POWERED BY APPAWAREWhat’s new in this version:
Added “search” button back next to the search bar. You can also search by tapping “Enter” on your keyboard after entering your search term.Fixed lock-screen playback issue on some devices where playback did not go to next song automatically.Fixed unexpected streaming network errors on some Sprint devices (US-only).Optimized layout on tabletsNew color schemePersonalized recommendations added to the store (US-only)Lock screen player control support on ICSThere are many music scores to shop from on Android, but few offer the 19 million songs that Amazon MP3 provides. This latest update is mostly bug fixes but version 2.4 recently added an optimized tablet layout, personalized recommendations, and lock screen player controls.
PicsArt Photo Studio – Version 2.2.5
PicsArt - Photo StudioPicsArtMARKETQRWhat’s new in this version:
New Pattern clip-artsRed Eye Remover, Holgaart, Popart 2, Smart Blur, Face Fix effectsImproved Save to SD card functionCallout now with multiselect and opacityFacebook problem fixedValentine package added to PicsArt ShopAutomatic Color Splash Effects!Cool Retro package and collage framesShape effect – currently only oval supportedOther fixesPicsArt Photo Studio claims to be the most complete photo editor available for free in the Android Market. It has over 5 million installs with an average review score of 4.7, so it appears that its users agree. I’ve never tried it, but it looks to have enough features that it warrants a download.
Opera Mobile – Version 12.0
Opera Mobile web browserOpera Software ASAMARKETQRWhat’s new in this version:
Added:Support for more than 9 speed dialsWebGL supportHTML5 Camera (Android 2.1+)HTML5 Device OrientationHTML5 parser (Ragnarök)Android Beam support (NFC)Added Flash support on Android 4.0.3RTL text support in UITurkish translationImproved:Keyboard supportScrolling on high pixel devices (Galaxy Nexus)Closing of tabsSSL connection speedUpgraded:Presto core (2.10.254)Opera is not as popular of an alternative browser as Dolphin, and it has lower review scores, but maybe the all new version 12.0 can change its fortune. The latest version includes an upgraded Presto core, tons of new HTML5 features, and improved scrolling on high-end devices.
Any.DO – Version 2.03
Any.DO: To Do List | Task ListAny.DOMARKETQRWhat’s new in this version:
Beaming tasks can now be done also from the main screenSend a task to your friend using Android Beam! (For NFC-enabled devices with Android 4.0+)Set an alert straight from the Missed-Call dialogCall directly from the reminder dialogFixed: Google Tasks sync issuesStepped out of a meeting? Add your takeaways on our new Post-Meeting dialog (For Android 4.0+)Schedule meetings straight from Any.DO! (Android 4.0+)Minor bug fixesAndroid Market has many choices for to-do managers, but I’ve recently been using Any.DO for its simplicity and ease of use. Just open the app and start typing to build your to-do list, and then swipe through tasks to cross them off. There are many more features like syncing with Google Tasks, post-meeting dialog prompts, and missed-call notifications, so check it out if you need help getting organized.
GasBuddy
GasBuddy - Find Cheap GasGasBuddy.comMARKETQRWhat’s new in this version:
Fixed issue that prevented some users to report pricesFixed battery draining issues for some usersAdded new station logosOther minor bug fixesWith gas prices on the way back up, it’s time to install GasBuddy if you have never tried it before. I use this service weekly to find the cheapest gas prices in my area. It also allows users to report gas prizes and earn points for weekly gas card giveaways.
Honorable mentionsDid you see any Android apps that received notable updates in the last week? Share your suggestions in the comments below and we will add them to our honorable mentions list.
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#amazon mp3#Any.Do#AVG Antivirus Free#Camera360 Ultimate#dolphin browser hd#foursquare#GasBuddy#opera mobile#PicsArt Photo Studio#QuickPic#top 10 android app updates 13 Comments Join the discussion!Sort by DateRating Any.do is one of the best designed app I have used.
ReplyYup, thats one slick UI/UX they have going on over there. IMO, perfect for quick task management.
ReplyI especially love the mic button on the widget to quickly add tasks via voice…
ReplyStarted using ANY.DO & QuickPic in the last month or 2 & loving both of them so far. Cant believe the amount of “2do/List” apps i’ve tried in the past 3 years, but i think i have finally found MY sweet spot with a combo of ANY.DO & Wunderlist.
ReplyAviary has a small update.. hi res support, selectable save folder..
FX file explorer now supports video streaming.. can’t remember if this update was this week or last..
Reply
Gunnar FGuest 7 hours ago Thumb upThumb down -7humm.. This section is not very good to discover new apps.. Most of the apps you talk about are on Top 50 in the market… lame
Reply
100Taylor Wimberly 7 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +2That is a good point. Some weeks there are smaller apps and other weeks larger apps. I might start filtering out anything with over 1 million installs.
ReplyKeep up the good work.thank you for these updates.
ReplyAlso let’s not overlook that this is a list of apps that received big updates, which is quite a bit different criteria than what you’d use for app discovery.
Reply
17MitchRapp81 7 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0It’s fun checking out this article every week and seeing that i already use most of the apps mentionned ;)
quickpic has been my #1 gallery app since my first Android (Nexus One) – the new version looks a lot better on my ICS Galaxy Nexus
Foursquare, Gas Prices and Opera updates are a nice addition this week… I would also add:
Dropbox – updated out of beta (with that auto-upload feature for all the pics/vids you take on your phone)
Zombie Dash – now has boss mode!
ScoreMobile – any update is a plus. they’re always improving it…
61DroidPower 7 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0GasBuddy is a fantastic app!!!!
Reply Perry AGuest 7 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0Nice list. I’m a fan of Any.do as well, and based on this list I have a few more interesting apps to try out. I’ve been thinking of giving Dolphin a try for a while, and the camera and gallery apps look good too.
Reading through this made me wonder whether you wrote this on a mobile device with autocomplete. Most of the errors aren’t in spelling, they’re just the wrong word altogether so they look like autocomplete failures.
Things like: “There appear to be a >>fun<>this this<>scores<< to shop from on Android."
Sorry if this sounds negative, I'm just trying to point out a problem and help improve the site.
ReplyMLB At bat was updates to 2012 edition 2 days ago.. it’s now 1 app for both tablets and phones. Although the lost of supported devices is low. Works on my gnex but not my prime
Reply Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Name *Email *WebsiteCommentYou may use these HTML tags and attributes: Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Hotly debated 
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