100 Best Android Apps for 2014

[wingleader09]

I looked at all the boards and couldn't decide exactly where this thread should go, so I put it here. Mods, feel free to move it to a more appropriate board.

I posted this thread on another motorcycle forum and got no interest in it. It might be that I am just so late in joining the smartphone band wagon that everyone already has all the apps they need or want. Many of us are using smartphones more and more on our bikes nowadays. I only recently joined the 21st Century and I got my first SmartPhone (Galaxy S5) about two weeks ago. I've been looking through the myriad of apps that are available on the Google Play Store and there are so many of them, it makes it difficult to cull through them all for the best, and most useful ones. A quick Internet search turned up an interesting article from "PC Magazine" which lists the "100 Best Android Apps of 2014" that I thought may be useful to others.

Link to article:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2393097,00.asp

I have found several in that article that look very interesting to me and I'll probably be trying some of them. I thought other forum members may benefit from the list as well.

If you have a favorite Android app that's not on the list, post it up so we can have a look. I already know about EMFB (Easy Map for Bikers) and will be taking it for a test spin in the near future.

I just installed another one this morning. It is "GasBuddy.com". I have been using their website for years, but the App is so much better, and it's FREE! By using your smartphone's GPS, it pinpoints the cheapest gas stations in your immediate vicinity. It even shows a map of where they are. Works great!

[Cruiseman]

I use one called Fuelly to track my gas mileage. Works OK.

[jmohme]

I use an app called Gas Log on my iPhone. I had another app that tracked gas prices and helped look for the best prices, but it seemed that I always ended up too far off the path by the time I got there and a penny or two just isn't worth the trouble when buying 5 or six gallons at a time. My time is worth more to me than saving 10 cents on a fill up.

[wingleader09]

I use an app called Gas Log on my iPhone. I had another app that tracked gas prices and helped look for the best prices, but it seemed that I always ended up too far off the path by the time I got there and a penny or two just isn't worth the trouble when buying 5 or six gallons at a time. My time is worth more to me than saving 10 cents on a fill up.

I agree Jerry. But if Texas is like New Jersey, gas prices can vary widely within a short distance of one another. Sometimes by as much as $0.30 per gallon. If I can save a couple of bucks by driving around the corner, I'll do that. But to drive for miles out of the way to save a few cents is not worth it.

Any other good Apps for traveling/motorcycling out there? How about some good games to while away some time at a campsite or in a motel?

[hiyocheeto]

Lumosity is a great brain exercise game. The free version is 3 games per day and is quite humbling sometimes.

CSR Racing is a fun car racing app as long as you don't fall for the buying binge they keep pushing for upgrades and gas.

Kindle is a great app for keeping books available, especially if you are an Amazon Prime member.

Any sizeable newspaper has an app for a direct link if you want to keep up with hometown news on the road.

[jmohme]

I know the question was about Android apps, but since most are available on iPhone too I'll throw a couple more at ya. I keep my phone on a ram mount and an app called Hi-Def Radar loaded. Weather radar is overlaid on a google map and you can zoom in to street level. I also agree on the Kindle app. That's probably my most used app on the ipad. For a fun/educational app, try Spy Sky. Use your devices camera to center on any night time object and identify it. You can also search by name and again use the camera to find it in the sky. It works pretty well too.

[wingleader09]

Thanks guys. I have the Kindle App and I'll check out some of these other suggestions.

[wingleader09]

Just curious about something... The Android App called "EMFB" (Easy Map for Bikers) was developed by a member (wingwing) of that "other" forum. It gets pretty good reviews and wingwing is very responsive to correct or deal with customer issues and problems.

I was wondering if anyone on here is using it and is willing to give it a review? What do you like about it and dislike about it? What are its most useful features and what else would you like to see it offer that it does not currently have?

Wingwing has told me that if I install the app and don't like it for any reason, he will refund the purchase price. I like that he is so willing to stand behind his product. I will most likely install it and see how it performs, but I would like to hear from other users as well.

[wingleader09]

Just curious about something... The Android App called "EMFB" (Easy Map for Bikers) was developed by a member (wingwing) of that "other" forum. It gets pretty good reviews and wingwing is very responsive to correct or deal with customer issues and problems.

I was wondering if anyone on here is using it and is willing to give it a review? What do you like about it and dislike about it? What are its most useful features and what else would you like to see it offer that it does not currently have?

Wingwing has told me that if I install the app and don't like it for any reason, he will refund the purchase price. I like that he is so willing to stand behind his product. I will most likely install it and see how it performs, but I would like to hear from other users as well.

Isn't there someone using EMFB?

[jmohme]

If he would port it to the iPhone and iPad, I would try it.
I have heard that it is really a good product, but for any app to be really successful in todays market, developers almost have to support all platforms.

[Wheels]

If he would port it to the iPhone and iPad, I would try it.
I have heard that it is really a good product, but for any app to be really successful in todays market, developers almost have to support all platforms.

With no malice, I will share that I thought I had read that due to changes with "other" platforms that "he" relied on, that not all of the features were still working. I have mounted my Samsung S4 just off to the left of my Zumo 665 and have found that with "My Radar" which is free, coupled with the Zumo/and Google Maps, I am all set. The My Radar program is very timely and will "follow you". A quick touch of a button and it is on, and a simple swipe can mover me around. NO costs.

[jmohme]

With no malice, I will share that I thought I had read that due to changes with "other" platforms that "he" relied on, that not all of the features were still working. I have mounted my Samsung S4 just off to the left of my Zumo 665 and have found that with "My Radar" which is free, coupled with the Zumo/and Google Maps, I am all set. The My Radar program is very timely and will "follow you". A quick touch of a button and it is on, and a simple swipe can mover me around. NO costs.

I use My Radar too, but I've been using Hi-Def Radar for the most part.
My Radar would get a little buggy on me at times, but I just loaded it again and it appears that there have been updates to it so maybe I'll give it another go.

[hparsons]

I'll bite - what does "My Radar" do?

[jmohme]

Weather radar

[wingleader09]

I'll bite - what does "My Radar" do?

It is a weather radar app. I already have it on my phone. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it seems to work well for radar and it's a FREE. The best part is apps are easy to uninstall if something better comes along.

[Wheels]

Once again I am late to the dance and left with watching others do what I wanted to do. Yes Mr. Parsons, as shared, it is a, (in my humble opinion) really cool weather radar app that is in fact free and very easy to use. It will follow you on your travels, and with one "point/touch" update where you are. I like that I can quickly touch the app and wake it up and with another touch, refrersh. Having it installed near the GPS allows for quick review and keeps it in my peripheral vision while riding.

Thanks for posting the link Jim as I should have done that. I really am enjoying my set up, and in the spirit that we have come to know as Goldwingers . . . . . IT'S ALL FREE.

[hparsons]

Thanks. I have weather on the Zumo, but it doesn't always update quickly. Might be nice to have a second source onboard.

[Wheels]

Thanks. I have weather on the Zumo, but it doesn't always update quickly. Might be nice to have a second source onboard.

I did as well with the XM feature and like you, found it to lag. I think you will like it. You can zoom in and continue to see the smaller streets/roads as compared to the Zumo which as I recall, only allowed for 5 miles above. Good luck with it. Would have liked to make it over for the beach camping invite, and actually was thinking of yet another of the "surprise, it's Wheels," adventures but I have been in touch with a young man (Marine) who lost both legs above the knee in Iraq who lives in Alabama so as I turn the bike north, I will be heading over to let him ride the trike to see if he likes it. I'm sure our paths will cross at some point.

[hparsons]

You know, I once knew a girl that kept making excuses for dates, and even stood me up a few times (three to be exact).

I eventually married her.

Boy, was that a mistake (but I do have 3 beautiful daughters to show for it).