Android News
There’s an [Android] app for that #1
June 3, 2010 | by Ed Clark
Android Apps, Reviews, Video Reviews
OK, we’ve all seen those iPhone commercials that seemingly pop up during every commercial break on every TV show. And if an iPhone user is around, watch out! You will be called on to demonstrate that the amazing capabilities shown on the TV set are not so unique to Apple’s #1 moneymaker after all. If you’re like me, you have also had to deal with friends with iPhones at nearly every social event trying to prove that your Android phone can’t: 1) be a lightsaber (Android equivalent: The Schwartz Unsheathed), 2) be a lighter (Android equivalent: iLightr – Virtual Lighter, many others) or 3) tell you the components of the drink you’re holding (Android equivalent: Bartender, many others).
The Apple marketing machine is truly amazing, and Steve Jobs and Co. deserve huge props for convincing half of the world that their phone is the only one that can do all of those things. However, I’ve had enough. Today, I’m starting a new column to do the marketing work that Android carriers and manufacturers haven’t done (with the exception of Verizon’s Droid). My plan is to go through each iPhone commercial, name the apps displayed, and identify corresponding Android apps with the same functionality. If I get it wrong, let us all know. If there is a better version or a cheaper app, tell us.
iPhone Ad #1: “Family Man”
Today’s iPhone Commercial is titled “Family Man,” released just a few weeks ago. (“Apps from App Store. Sequences shortened.”) Cue the cutesy music:
Doing it the Android Way
OK, first we have the guy looking at pictures and a video from his collection. Hmm, how about the built-in Gallery app? Use the built-in Camera app to make a movie of your daughter eating watermelon.
Next, the guy clicks “App Store” (Try Android Market), and looks through cooking apps, settling on “20 Minute Meals – Jamie Oliver”. The price isn’t shown, but this app costs a hefty $7.99 on Apple’s App Store. For the Android equivalent, I am going with Favorite Recipes, which has 4 stars, over 250,000 downloads, and is free. Not to mention there’s Epicurious.
The next app shown is “Elmo’s Monster Maker” ($3.99) which is good for young children on family trips (at least, so says the guy in the commercial). I found the Sesame Street Puzzle: Jigsaw app (1000-5000 downloads, 5 stars, free) on the Market, but it’s not as cool. Add on Barcode Beasties (50,000-250,000 downloads, 4 stars, free) for some epic fighting action between random items with barcodes in your minivan, and I call this one even. My kids love Barcode Beasties.
The last app, “Viper Smartstart,” looks pretty cool at first glance. It locks/unlocks your car, opens your trunk, and can remote start your vehicle. And the app is free. Wow!
But wait…if you don’t have a “compatible Viper system,” you have to pay $499+ (“$499 and up”) to get one installed. If you do have an existing system, you still have to pay $299 to add Smartstart capability. After the first year, you get to pay $29.99 for each year of service ($49.99 in Canada). Whew. I’ve got a better idea. Get a remote starter installed at Best Buy and use your key fob instead. This will cost you a lot less ($150 and no annual contract), and you’ll probably need actual keys to drive your vehicle anyway.
There you have it: Android’s “Family Man.”
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@edclark Thanks for the favourable review ! Richard (author of Barcode Beasties)
Hi Richard, thanks for the great app!
I love the idea! Keep it up!
Nicely done. Keep pointing us to great Android apps.
Great idea for a series.
Can you make a single page which becomes a DB of iPhone -> Android apps that can become the definitive source?
That sounds like a great idea. Hopefully as this series goes on, we'll have enough data to build something with substance behind it.
Great idea. Can't wait to see the next article in this series.
the viper smart start app is coming the end of this month i talked with an employee who works for directed electronics, who owns Viper and Clifford alarms, and verified. i have the system installed and am waiting for the release date to activate it.
That's great information Jason. If it pans out, I will update the article so keep me posted. How do you feel about the merits of the app vs. its expense? Do you think you would use it instead of your key fob?
I don't mind. i like it for the fact that i could leave my clunky keys in my truck and just carry my phone to lock/unlock, start my truck to cool down or warm up depending on the time of year and receive alarm notifications, if I'm going to a game or the movies or something, i don't think its practical for everyone but i could use its functions plus its pretty cool to be able to do that. as soon as i get the app i will shoot you a video.
Do you have the app yet? I've got it running on my Evo..
Unfortunately more than half of Europe has no access to paid apps
Really nice idea!
waiting for the next update
This is a great idea. Unfortunately I think Apple ads won't supply enough material to sustain this format.
like everyone else…I agree that the format should continue even if Apple fails.
(reminder: login to intensedebate before composing your comment…it sometimes likes to delete half your comment. FF3.6.3 on Ubuntu10.04)
Nice!
Do one on that dog commercial. I would like the Android equivalent app of being able to watch my dog while I’m at work. Qik maybe?
For those of you who are fans of the android and the worldcup 2010 in south africa…well there's an app for that…here's a review of the app
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpNkcaWSKjg
Great new series. Looking forward to future postings!
Barcode beasties thanks for sharing that. loved the barcode battler console when i was a kid
The Power of Marketing
Wow, Android fanboys are so much fun
Than man, love the favorite recipes app
Thanks for the update on the smartstart! I have been waiting for months to hear something.
I wonder if I should have it installed and ready for android, or if it's too much of a chance, in case they change the hardware?
Got the Viper SmartStart for Android app running on my Evo…
http://twitpic.com/28y4og
Has anyone else had problems getting it running on their evo?