The applications on the market are widely varied. Some are designed to provide important information to users at all times, while others are simply designed for hours of fun. In either case, many of these apps are valuable tools. Below, I've included a list of some common and some up and coming apps that are available on most app-capable phones.



Google Apps

In it's quest to establish a presence in nearly all areas of the technology marketplace, Google did not waste any time in offering apps for cell phone users to install and use on their mobile devices. They originated for use on Google's G1 phone, but have also released versions that are compatible on other phones, like the iPhone and Samsung's Omnia. They have a wide array of apps available, from a simple Gmail app that allows users to view and sent emails to a GoogleMaps app that can come in handy at any time.

Most people have heard of, and possibly used, the free internet-based phone service Skype. Well, now Skype has rolled out a free app for mobile phones that allows users to make calls via the internet. Needless to say, most service providers are not too thrilled about this release, as it allows users to make "free" phone calls using the internet instead of using their cellular minutes from their contract, but either way the companies are making money by charging for data plans. However, the Skype application certainly cuts in to profit margins for things like international calls. There are several phones available that support the skype application and some manufacture refurbished cell phones even come with the app already installed.

Weatherbug

Many people use the downloadable desktop Weatherbug application on their home and work computers to stay on top of the latest weather in their local area. However, many people are unaware that a similar application is available for use on mobile phones. This app can be set up to warn users of foul-weather warnings in their local area in real time as well as provide detailed forecasts.

Most cell phones these days are capable of playing MP3 files but also have a limited amount of memory for doing so. An alternative to filling up your phone's memory with MP3s is to download one of the readily available radio applications that allow you to stream live radio feeds using an internet connection. Do you have a local radio station that you love to listen to in the morning or during the drive home but miss out because of frequent travel? Here is your solution.

Just for Kicks

As stated above, not all apps for mobile phones are designed to share information or help keep users in touch with each other or the news. One example is the Light Saber app that can be downloaded. This goofy app takes advantage of the accelerometer that most new smart phones have (the thing that "tells" the phone when you are moving it around). It flashes bright lights on your phone's screen and makes light saber sounds like those heard during light saber duels in the popular Star Wars movies.

To conclude, I should warn you that while most mobile apps are free to download, not all are. And, some apps that are free to download are not free to use. As such, do your research before beginning to download every app that you think sounds cool. Likewise, parents of children that have used cell phones may want to consider blocking app downloads on their children's phones by talking with a representative from the service provider. If you don't have an app-friendly phone currently but think that you want one, consider shopping in the used cell phone market for some cost-savings.