The Android phone has become a very popular smartphone among firefighters. I replaced my blackberry with the android OS based motorola Droid with service from verizon after having two different blackberries for around 5 years.
I was met with pros and cons of switching phones, operating systems, and service providers.
Firegeezer posted a guest article by Rodney Gentry (Salem, VA FD) on the Droid back in November (link). Rodney is a friend of mine, and a very tech savy firefighter! The article includes some decent applications for the Fire/EMS service!
The biggest thing I miss about the blackberry is the powerful email interface that I don’t believe anyone can beat.
However, the web browsing of a blackberry doesn’t hold a candle to the Droid.
I will admit, while I might know a little about web sites…I have not taken the time to learn a ton about my Droid. Simply put, I am not using it to its fullest potential. I am fine with that, but occasionally I will spend the time to add an application, change a setting, or see what is new.
Brian Rueger, a retired USAF computer/ information systems operator AND retired FD Captain, likes to keep me abreast of the news surrounding the Droid. I get email links to new applications and news sporadically.
I will share some of those with you to potentially further your Droid experience. Check the links out below:
- Master Google Android: 40 Tips and Tricks
- Moto Droid users finally getting Android 2.1 firmware
- Your next TV may run Android OS
I will tell you that my most used applications on the Droid are the following:
- Facebook for Droid
- Tweetsride (formerly twitteride)
- Advanced Task Killer
- PicSay
- Google Talk
- Youtube
- Foursquare
The Droid is fully functional with google. Therefore, getting gmail is easier than most other clients..
I also use many of the standard applications which come with the Droid.
What are your favorite applications? I am ready to learn!