Best IM Android App: eBuddy Messenger

eBuddy Messenger lets you chat simultaneously on the most popular instant messaging platforms, all from a single Android app.

• Size: 1.80MB (apps2SD enabled)
• Category: Communication
• Price: Free

To start with eBuddy Messenger you’ll have to create an account which is rather painless (username, password, email). Next, add any and all of the instant messaging accounts you’d like to have synced to the Android app, found under the “Accounts” tab. The list includes the most popular platforms out there, including MSN, Yahoo, AIM, GTalk, MySpace, ICQ, Hyves, and Facebook.

Now when you hit the “Buddies” tab, you should see an updated list of Online and Offline contacts from all of the platforms you’ve added. The buddy list interface is simplistic yet sufficiently informative. You can instantly see whether someone is available or away, what messaging program they are logged in to, and their image/icon.

In the “Chats” tab, you’ll find an interface very similar to what you get with the standard Android text messaging app. A list is displayed containing all current conversations. Selecting one chat displays messages from the other person in bubbles on the left of the screen and your responses on the right. Since instant messaging is all about rapid-fire responses, managing multiple conversations is essential (and we all know people who get upset if replies are delayed). S0, an extremely convenient feature lets you switch from one conversation to the other by swiping your finger left/right. The small blue dots above the text input box assist in this navigation.

When activated, this Android app does run in the background in order to receive new messages, which means you will see some additional battery drain with extensive use (although the app does do a good job in managing resources). Note: battery use is reduced for Android device’s running Android 2.2+ because of improvements to Google’s push functionality.

 

 

Pros:

• All-in-one IM Android app supporting AIM, Gtalk, Facebook, etc.
• One unified buddy list
• Chat interface is easy to navigate, swipe through conversations
• Instant messages are sent as data, not text messages

Areas for improvement:

• Design enhancements to the overall look and feel of the app

Conclusion: One of the best IM Android apps currently available because of its support of the most popular messaging platforms and its minimalistic, functional interface.

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New Twitter King? Top Android App: TweetCaster

What we have here is a new contender in the Android Twitter app discussion.  Many of you have asked the seemingly simple question, “what is the best Twitter app for Android” and have found there is an extensive list to choose from (previously we gave our Top 5 Free Twitter Apps, which will now need updating).  Read on for more!

Size: 814KB

Category: Communication

Price: Free (Pro: $4.99)

Version: 1.0

Overall Score: 4.7/5

User Interface: 5/5

Ease of Use: 5/5

Customizability: 5/5

Originality: 4/5

Indispensability: 4.5/5

Here’s the breakdown of the pros/cons of TweetCaster.

Pros:

• User-interface: Clean layout, icons, options, and functionality
• Multiple accounts: A very desirable attribute of Twitter apps
• Trends, searches, lists, etc.
• Nearby tweets: See what’s going on around you
• Tweet options: Shrink URLs, geotag, add picture, etc.
• Speed: Quick responses throughout the app
• Jump to Top: Feed also leaves off where you last checked
• Real-time updates: Always on top of things!
• Conversation threads

Cons:

• Bubble text boxes: Bulky, and make less room for other tweets on each page
• Heavy on resources: This has been seen with Twidroid too
• No ‘reply all’: Seesmic has this implemented beautifully
• No widget
• No link for #hashtags

Discussion:

TweetCaster brings a new look and feel to the realm of Twitter Android apps.  First off, the UI is very attractive.  Like previous Twitter apps, you have 5 tabs to choose from; tweets, @replies, direct messages, favorites, and lists.  This offers you quick access to your most important content.

Your basic Twitter feed includes tweets in a bubble-like text box, which, depending on your preference, may be a good or bad thing.  Tweets by you have your picture on the opposite side of the page (right) and will be green in color. Similarly, if someone includes you in an @ mention, the tweet will be pink in color. These color settings allow you to quickly scan and search your Twitter feed.

When you write a message, clicking the ‘eye’ will split the screen so you can still see your Twitter feed.  This is  useful if you’re referencing something that someone else said.  Also, hitting the menu button as you write gives you the option to shrink URLs, geotag, or add a picture.  All of these easy-access features really streamline your Twitter experience.

If you click the ‘arrow’ next to your account name at the top, you can add additional accounts, view trending topics, perform a search, or check for a feed of nearby tweets.  This page offers you some really great functions that other Twitter apps have fell short in.  Multiple accounts is a must-have for any new Twitter app as it is one of the most requested features.  Also, you can save a specific search to be reused later.  This is extremely convenient if you’re like me and constantly search the same terms (I like to search for #androidapps to see what’s being discussed). Lastly, the ‘nearby’ feature lets you use your current location (or a zip code) to see what’s being tweeted about around you.

TweetCaster also makes it easy to manage your following/followers list as well as gives you the ability to ‘quick follow’ another user.  Add this to the list of things TweetCaster does very well.

Overall, TweetCaster is a strong threat for the title of top rated Android Twitter app. Twidroid andSeesmic still offer features that TweetCaster does not, and they have the advantage of already being adopted by many early users, but this app gives off a new vibe.  It has room to grow but it’s a great start for such a new app.  Give it a try and see what you think.  Let us know what features you like and which ones you’d like to see added.

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