Top five free Android applications of 2011

WhatsApp Messenger This cross-platform messenger uses a 3G or Wi-Fi connection and enables messaging of friends and family without charge There are plenty of other services out there that do specifically the same thing, assuredly, nevertheless WhatsApp stands out from the crowd with an attractive interface that makes it fun to navigate, and the fact that it can used across multiple platforms, including Symbian, Android, iOS and Blackberry, is a bonus. Like Viber, sign-up is super-simple and you only need to enter a mobile phone number earlier receiving an SMS that allows you to activate it. It uses an auto-matching facility to scan the address book for anyone else using the service. As so then as being able to send SMS, you can send and receive pictures, audio notes, and video messages totally free of charge, even though it does downscale photos to 620x480.

The desktop client

We've long been using Skype to make calls via the desktop client, nevertheless having an Android app has as well meant it's become our preferred way of communication during on the move. Cheap calls to non-Skype users and free calls to everyone you can convince to sign-up is a great incentive and its instant-messaging service is as slick and quick as any dedicated IM service on Android. As the official Skype app, the interface is effectively designed and its simplicity - just four floating buttons - makes it easy to move between functions. You as well get excellent voice quality over 3G and Wi-Fi connections. We regularly use it for calls to Australia and Canada and we've but to experience a drop in quality or a call that prematurely ends due to bad connection. It is disappointing, nevertheless, that you can't participate in group calls.

It comes as no surprise that a social-networking app tops the list of most popular free downloads on the Android store in 2011. Otherwise using our phones for chatting, they've become a hub for social networking throughout the year, with Facebook and Twitter being the most popular ways to keep in touch with friends. The official Facebook app has had plenty of competition from third-party developers who have done then to create some inspiring new interfaces, nevertheless having recently received a major update - sporting a brand-new look more in-line with the official site - Facebook for Android is experiencing a new surge in popularity. The Facebook makeover is much easier to on the eye and more intuitive to navigate between groups, apps and pages than it was before in the year, making it feel instantly welcoming and a great way to check out news feeds, post status updates and "check-in" at places during on the move.