Reissue: 15 must-have apps for an Android v1.6 phone

If you're stuck with a phone that's still running Android 1.6, aka Donut, this list of essential apps, written in June is a great starting point.

The Android experience is incomplete without a sampling of free applications that you can download from the Market. Most of these phones come pre-installed with the essentials - browser, text-input, Twitter, Gmail, Gtalk, and other Android widgets. They can make your phone more fun, and productive, here's a list of applications that will make you an Android addict, alphabetically arranged:

 

1. Aldiko is one the smoothest book readers available in today’s market.

 

2. BlueBox: This is not a functional application but rather a reminder of how hacking started with Phone-phreaking. It works with old analog phones.

 

3. Eco-Charger Save Energy: Save the environment is the call from all quarters of life, and this application does its bit by sounding off an alarm at 100% charge.

 

4. Facebook Widget: Facebook wasn’t pre-installed on my HTC Hero, but I had an option called Social Network Sync, which is pretty amazing. I use the Facebook application which basically is a simple tab on one of my home screens and gives me a Facebook contact list.

 

5. G-mote: Getting geeky! G-mote is a remote application which connects to your desktop via Wi-Fi network. It’s a great way to impress your friends, family and more importantly your date.

 

6. Handcent SMS: The default messaging application on any Android phone is upto the mark. But Handcent SMS gives me some features which just ease the task of messaging.

 

7. Linda File Manager: Does what the names suggests; organizes files, and lets you access the files from your card and phone.

 

8. SayMyName Reads out loud the caller's name, and can also read SMS, Gmail, and Twitter updates as well.

 

9. My Battery Status: This is a very basic application which show’s the percentage of battery; straight and simple, but necessary.

 

10. Nimbuzz: Nimbuzz is amazing; it has nearly all messengers you can possibly imagine.  The application is a boon though a little heavy on battery life but placing a call from Skype was never easier. Sadly, this doesn't work anymore since they had a much publicized breakup.

 

11. PicSay: A basic picture-editing software.

 

12. Prince of Persia: From DOS to Android OS; this game has come a long way and never disappoints. To me Prince of Persia is to computers what Mario is to gaming consoles.

 

13.  Wavesecure Beta: This is a known Anti-Theft software that lets you locate your lost Android, remotely wipe and lock the phone, and Backup and restore data when/if you find it. (Free version has a 7-day trial)

 

14. Advanced Task Killer: An essential tool in all Android phones; though there are many Task-killers available in Market. I prefer Advanced Task Killer for its functionality.

15. Google Sky Map: The coolest app to have on a starry night. Pick out constellations, galaxies, and planets in the night sky. With the latest update, it is time-travel capable.