Eight great apps to power-up your Android phone

The G1 and Magic are capable devices straight out of the box. But a quick browse around the Android market will show you just how much more you can do with your smartphone.

Here’s our pick of the eight best Android apps.

Atweeter
Use this app to enter your Twitter status or check the status updates of other Twitter uses. You can also see direct messages and send pictures.

Bonsai Blast
A simple marble game? Sure in the same way that chess is simple. The strategy here is all about timing and dexterity, with finger touch control.

Fbook
This FaceBook client shows you a stream of status updates, allows you to check messages and notifications, and view pictures and other content.

Imeem
One of the best applets for any mobile platform, Imeem allows you to listen to music according to your personal tastes. For example, you can type a band name and listen to similar artists.

Labyrinth Lite
This game uses the accelerometer in the G1 so you have to tilt the screen to guide a marble to its destination, just like in the actual table-top game.

Skype
Skype is available as a beta on the G1, and it means you can place calls over the Internet and avoid any wireless carrier charges. No video support, however.

Super-G Stunt
This colorful and challenging game is all about guiding a stunt plane through several missions, collecting power-ups and flying your way to a high score.

Telenav
This powerful GPS client has turn-by-turn direction and even supports voice input for locations.

Words by John Brandon.

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