Best Android apps for 2013

Android is certainly making its way into businesses and boardrooms. But which apps will make you more productive in the workplace? What apps can help you tweak that winning sales pitch make a note of that next big killer business idea? We run down the top 10 best Android apps to download in 2013 in this feature that will be updated on a reglular basis.

1) Kingsoft Office 5.5

URL: http://www.kingsoftstore.comApp Category: Productivity

Description: This mobile office productivity suite claims to have all features you need for free.

Details: This free mobile productivity suite offers business users rich editing features and support for more than 20 file types and documents. It comes with a built-in file manager and email integration and also supports a number of cloud storage services, such as Box, Dropbox, Google Drive and others using the WebDAV protocol.

The business case: While a smartphone or tablet may not have the display size to properly edit office documents, last minute touching up of files on the go could just save that meeting from disaster.

2) LogMeIn Ignition

URL: https://secure.logmein.com/welcome/android/App Category: Remote Access

Description: Access your PC or Mac from your Android smartphone.

Details: LogMeIn Ignition allows business people to access their work or home PC or Mac from their Android smartphone or tablet. With the app users can run any of their computer’s business applications like CRM, ERP, Salesforce, Microsoft Office and so on. Users can also provide PC support to any machine accessed through the app.

The business case: Business users are more mobile nowadays, but there are times when a smartphone can’t do everything a computer can do. This handy app provides a simple way of having all your data at your fingertip.

3) Vault-Hide SMS, Pics & Videos

URL: http://www.nq.com/App Category: Mobile security

Description: Vault-Hide provides an encrypted folder to hide confidential data.

Details: If you are looking for a way to hide confidential text messages, files, pictures and videos, Vault-Hide is one such app that may be of use. It creates a password-protected space on an Android phone or tablet where users can encrypt and safely store private contacts, SMS messages, call logs, photos, and videos. Perfect if you're using your own device to exchange corporate information and want to ensure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. 

The business case: All too often we hear of data leakage so any app that can keep information from getting into the wrong hands is worth considering.

4) Locale

URL: http://www.twofortyfouram.com/App Category: Automation

Description: This app automates the common tasks you perform on your phone, saving time and effort you can use elsewhere. 

Details: Locale can carry out a number of tasks depending on where you are, what time it is or what you are doing. For example, let's say you arrive at work and instantly your ringer goes silent, your wallpaper changes and Wi-Fi switches on. Automated tasks are listed as Situations. More than one Situation can be active at any one time and adding Situations is done via the main screen. It's not only useful, but really simple and easy to use too. 

The business case: This can be a real time saver if you have 'Situations' you encounter on a daily basis. It removes the manual effort of performing repetitive tasks, saving you time, energy and frustration.

5) Bump

URL: http://bu.mp/company/faqApp Category: Social

Description: Bump shares contact information and files by 'bumping' two phones together. 

Details: There are two components to Bump: the app on your Android phone and the developer’s servers in the cloud. The app uses the phone’s sensors to “feel“ the bump. Once connected, it then routes information up to the cloud where it sends that data to the other phone you bumped with using a matching algorithm.

The business case: If you have ever run out of business cards or just want o quickly send information to someone else with another phone, this could be a lot quicker than sending an email.

6) Evernote

URL: www.evernote.comApp Category: Productivity

Description: Save notes and ideas and access them on all your devices.

Details: Evernote lets you take notes, photos, create to-do lists, audio files and enables you access them using whatever devices you have the software installed on. The notes are also searchable so they can be found again at a later date. Notes can be stored in different notebooks in the app allowing you to keep organised.

The business case: Keeping organised can make your work life (and work/life balance) a lot easier. This app allows you to keep track of receipts and expenses as well as other notes that you can later bring up on your work or home computer.

7) Box

URL: https://www.box.com/business/App Category: Storage

Description: Box lets you store and sync files between devices as well as collaborating with other Box users. With Box you get 5GB of free storage (3GB more than Dropbox) as well as the ability to edit files and share content within a team. There is also added security through file-level encryption, passcode access and auto logout when the app is closed.

The business case: Being able to share files among all the devices you own as well as co-workers comes as standard for most cloud storage offerings, but the added security makes Box more appealing for the enterprise.

8) Skype for Android

URL: www.skype.comApp Category: Communication

Description: Skype for Android brings the experience to Android phones as well as IM and free calls.

Details: Skype has become more business friendly over the years and, with the backing of Microsoft, it should continue to do so. As long as the person you are calling has Skype, IM, voice and video calls are free. Contacts on the platform can be searched for by name, email address or Skype name. The app can also send instant messages and pictures for free without the cost of an MMS or the difficulty of sending it over Bluetooth.

The business case: The ubiquity among a plethora of devices makes this app a must-have for any company looking to keep employees in touch with one another within the constraints of a tight budget. The addition of Skype-out minutes to landlines and mobiles makes it pretty hard to beat. 

9) PowerPoint Keynote Remote

URL: http://pptremotecontrol.com/index.htmlApp Category: Tools

Description: Use your phone to control a PowerPoint Presentation quickly and easily whenever you need or want to. 

Details: Billed as a remote control for your PowerPoint presentations, PowerPoint Keynote Remote helps you give a presentation using the Android smartphone’s screen to swipe through slides. All a user has to do is connect the phone to a Windows PC or Mac via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It can run through all slides, including animations and shows notes and slide images on the phone as well.

The business case: With this app you are not chained to your laptop and you no longer need to pack a specialised clicker. It also supports Keynote on the Mac as well.

10) TripIt

URL: https://www.tripit.com/App Category: Travel

Description: Keep your all your business travel needs organised in one handy app.

Details: This travel organiser app for Android is a boon to those business users constantly on the move. Email your travel details to TripIt via the app and it will create an itinerary whenever you need it. It syncs these details with your calendar and on TripIt’s website. It recognises air travel, cruises, restaurants, concerts and more.

The business case: Once installed you will wonder how you ever managed your business trips without TripIt. It keeps all the relevant information together in one app, removing the need to keep lots of print outs.