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Top 27 Android apps

It's time to round up the best apps for getting started on a brand-new Android phone. Or, if you've already got one, see how your picks line up with ours.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
Jessica Dolcourt
Google Android
CNET/CBS Interactive

Google's Android platform may only command 8 percent of the marketshare, according to Apple CEO Steve Jobs in his keynote speech at WWDC 2010.

But if you let the burgeoning number of Android smartphones in the market, Motorola's commitment to Android phones, and the fact that Sprint stores sold out of the Android-powered HTC Evo 4G guide you, Android is on fire and rocketing toward the top, even in the face of the forthcoming iPhone 4.

With that in mind, it's time we once again rounded up our top picks for getting started on a brand-new Android phone. Or, if you've already got one in hand, see how your picks line up with ours.

We'll just mention that our Android Starter Kit is but a mere sampling of excellent software we find the most useful to the broadest range of  Androidites. It's by no means exhaustive, and we're sure you'll fiercely defend your favorites. So go ahead, if you have a must-have app that didn't make it into the list, share away in the comments.