Blackberrys were the default business device until the iPhone came about. Many companies adopted the iPhone because of it’s better web browsing and apps were way more plentiful than on the Blackberry devices.
However, companies still seem overlook Android devices.
Android phones can be fully customized with any number of applications to turn your Android into the ultimate business machine.
Here are 10 applications to get you started:
1. Business Calendar
Half of the battle is won by showing up on time. Business Calendar for Android allows you to manage multiple Google Calendars just like Google’s own web interface. In the Month View, you can easily show and hide calendars from the main window. To change from Month to Week View, simply swipe your finger over that week. Need to see more — or less — than a week? Use the slider at the bottome of the screen to show anywhere from 1-14 days.
Download Business Calendar
2. Evernote
Evernote has become one of the most powerful business tools for anyone who wants to remember and organize anything. Evernote is adaptable to the GTD methodology or pretty much any method you’d like to use. Using Evernote for Android will allow for voice-to-text notes and voice notes. Scanning business cards saves you from losing them after any networking meetings you may have.
Download Evernote
3. Task N Todos
Task N Todos is the easiest task manager for Android. The clean and simple layout, coupled with the All Tasks list and the Summary tasks list, makes Task N Todos much easier to manage multiple lists than on the web-based Google Tasks.
Download Task N Todos
4. LastPass
LastPass is a ray of light in what can only be described as the horrible world of passwords. With extensions for every major desktop browser and the premium option to use LastPass on your Android, there is no reason to have lame (or easy to guess) passwords any longer.
Download LastPass
5. SMS Backup+
So many people are using text messaging for business these days, so it’s really important to be able to save these SMS conversations. SMS Backup+ will save your text and picture messages, along with your call log to your Gmail account. If you’d like, your call log can also be displayed on your Google Calendar. Having your call log here is great when you want to track sales calls.
Download SMS Backup+
6. Dropbox
Dropbox offers several great benefits for Android users. Instantly uploading images and videos taken from your camera can be a lifesaver if your device gets lost or malfunctions. You will also have access to all of the files stored in your Dropbox folders, meaning you will always be “in sync” no matter where you are.
Download Dropbox
7. Skype
Whether you have a Skype number or just make Skype to Skype calls, SMS and video chats, having Skype on your Android is an essential business tool. (That said, unless you have a fast network and fast device, video chatting can be a little choppy at times.)
Download Skype
8. Call Reminder Notes
Call Reminder Notes is the perfect app for remembering information you’d like to talk to someone about. Set a reminder to “Call Dave at 3:30 on Tuesday” and add notes about why you need to talk to him. If the information isn’t urgent, you can also add in a note to pop-up the next time you talk to him.
Download Call Reminder Notes
9. Google Voice
Google Voice is a great option if you want to have more than one phone number going to your Android phone, and even more ideal for anyone looking to keep their personal and business lives totally separate. Think of it as a customizable voicemail service. Contacts can be grouped and a voicemail greeting can be recorded just for them.The voicemails are transcribed and emailed, texted or displayed in the Google Voice Android app. With Google Voice, you have the ability to text message and make calls using either your Google Voice number or your normal cell phone number.
Download Google Voice
10. Pomodroid
One of the hardest tasks when working while mobile is the greater level of distraction. Pomodroid is an app based on The Pomodoro Technique. The basic idea is to work on one task for 25 minutes then take a short break. Pomodroid is a timer to help you keep track of your time — and your breaks.
Download Pomodroid
(Photo credit: Young Businessman on Tablet via Shutterstock)
