Think App Store and the first word that comes to your mind is Apple for the way they revolutionised the mobile application universe. India has gotten its very own App store thanks to Airtel launching its App store in India with almost 1500 apps which can be accessed using Airtel Live on your mobile. The applications are present across a wide range including social networking, utilities, books, entertainment, games etc. Many apps are provided free of cost while the paid apps start from as low as Rs. 3 to the real biggies costing close to Rs 250. Here is a roundup of some cool apps which are a must-have.
Snaptu (Social Networking)
There are lots of apps in the networking segment but this one is definitely the crown jewel when it comes to keeping you constantly connected. Calling this just a social networking application will not do it justice. Besides the ubiquitous facebook and twitter apps it's got a host of other cool services like Flickr, picassa, Reuters, blogs, trivia, BBC etc. You can also customise it to include apps of your own. It's blindingly fast, super stylish, hassle free and most important of all, its free.
Ultimate SMS (Utilities) This app is for all those people who want to turn their mobile into a virtual safe house for their messages and have a pocket assistant. Ultimate SMS helps you customise incoming SMS tones for different phone numbers, create SMS sending schedules and keep all your SMS private and safe by encrypting them and saving it with an application password.
3. SMS Directory 2.0 (Travel)
This is another cool app that is really useful in case of travel and business. Once you install this app you can check for various services across railway booking and air travel. You can also access most of the banks and insurance sites keeping you updated on the go. A perfect app for the frequent traveller.
Cricket
Yes, we are crazy about cricket and Airtel has dedicated a whole section of its app store exclusively to cricket. You can learn about your favourite stars like Sachin, Dhoni et al. There are blogs, games and many more to satisfy the cricket fanatic in you.
Games and Entertainment
Gaming is one of the biggest sections in the App store. Since there are lots of them the games are divided by categories.
Besides the old favourites like Sudoku and Hangman you can find lots of games in the action, racing, adventure and other sections. The entertainment section is heavy on Bollywood content with themes of your favourite stars decorating your mobile. In addition to providing apps for the customers Airtel is also in the process of bringing out an SDK to help young programmers develop and create their own apps based on their own ideas.
KRISHNA KUMAR R., 2008 Batch RMK Engineering College
