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Since the arrival of Android and the launch of budget handsets in India there has been rapid development of apps by Indian companies designed for Android users in India. This post is a documentation of the apps that I use on a regular basis and might be useful both for Indian's living in India or abroad. The app vary across different types from movies, navigation to ordering food from your phone.

All the apps mentioned in this post are FREE apart from the map my india app :-



MUSIC 

Listening to music on the cloud is one of the best inventions to have ever happened. The process of manually downloading and then transferring music to the phone is too cumbersome and I end up not doing it most of the time. The apps mentioned below have helped address this problem as they not only provide a repository of all the music you will every need but also have a section of weekly top hits to keep you updated with the latest in music.

Saavn: This is one app that I use almost everyday on my commute to work. Saavn gives me the latest of all hindi music in its weekly top hits, it also has a section on Tamil songs for those interested. It also has a good repository of older songs that you may want to listen to and can be found through the search box in the app.

Dhingana: A close competitor to Saavn, Dhingana also has a list of all the the latest in Hindi music. This app beautifully follows the overall ICS layout of swiping left and right and a swipe to the left or right can show you playlists or New releases.  It also has a social aspect and shows the number of likes that a song or album has got.

MOVIES 

Given the fact that India is a big market for entertainment , especially movies so geting an app to book your weekend movie fix was bound to happen. Now only if we could have a social layer that gives you reviews of movies by your friends :)

PVR: The leader in the multiplex space in India now also offers you the convenience to not only browse movie show timings and locations on your mobile but it also lets you book tickets on it. No more rushing to switch on your computer to book tickets for your favorite movie :)

DT: A close competitor to DT is also competing with them in the all important mobile space. You can use the DT app to do everything that the PVR app does and book tickets on the go. No more going through book my show to book your tickets.

FOOD 

Dominos: Have you ever wanted to get pass the rehearsed lines that domino's pizza greets you with and dreamt of ordering a pizza without them trying to up sell you everything from extra cheese to choco lava cake (okay, the choco lava cake is a good upsell :) Dominos India now has their very own Android app that can be used to order pizza from the convenience of your phone and a simple few actions on your screen. So go ahead order that Pizza you have been craving :)

NAVIGATION 

Map my India for Android: Your Android phone comes built in with Google maps, however for those who want a little extra and want to save on buying that GPS navigation system should buy the map my india app for Android. This app is not available on Google play, but can be directly downloaded from their website and is sold at a price of Rs 1990. A big saving as compared to buying their GPS device. The directions provided in this app are very accurate and this is the same software that is used in their GPS device. The only downside is that this app consumes a lot of battery and you would need a car charger connected while using it.


NEWS 

TOI: India's most read English newspaper (The Times of India) was quick to create an app for Android users that works great on all Android handsets. The App neatly consolidates the latest headlines for you across different sections and gets regular updates from the TOI website. The design is clean and articles can be viewed in full screen mode which provides a white background and text/pictures on it, this UI make reading a pleasure on the go. The App also has a section that shows news from all the major metros in India and you can choose the one of your choice.  A must have app to stay in touch with whats happening in the country whether living in India or abroad.

NDTV: A close competitor to the TOI app with a similar reading experience. The one feature that distinguishes this app from others is the live radio feature, which can be used to listen to all the latest news while on the go. Useful when your on the move and don't want to strain your eyes reading.

Currents: While the top publications have individual apps, most others can be found in a mobile friendly format on Google currents. I read Hindustan times, Mint and IBN live on Google Currents. Personally I prefer the layout that Mint offers as the news is clearly divided into sections along with relevant pictures and articles. This app is great for offline reading too as the news is cached to read at your convenience.


AIRLINE:

Indigo: With the airline industry going through bad times in India, there is one airline that is emerging as a clear winner - Indigo. They are an innovative company and are possibly the only Indian airline with an Android app. the Indigo app is a pleasure to use and has the capability to book tickets or to just browse through their inflight food menu before your flight. You can also use it to check in and block seats for your next flight. A very useful app to book tickets for that imprompto vacation or check whats on the fodo menu while at the airport. Must have for the frequent traveller.


What are your favorite android apps in India? Please leave your comments below.