15 Best Google Android Apps for Newbies — All Free

One of the best things about Google’s Android mobile OS is the vast collection of crafty developers constantly working away on new mobile applications for Android phones and tablets. In other words, Android is all about the software. And there’s certainly no shortage of Android apps.

As such, navigating Google’s Android Market can be intimidating for new or beginner users, to say the least. So we handpicked 15 free Android apps that every Google phone or tablet owner, whether you’re a newbie or power-user, could benefit from installing.

Keep moving for details and download links. (Note: The following apps were tested on a Motorola Atrix 4G running Android v2.2.1, but most should run on all new Android devices.)

Slideshow: The Google Android Quiz

Slideshow: A Brief History of Android

Installing the TV Guide Mobile app for Android is like keeping an always up-to-date copy of TV Guide in your pocket; you’ll never have to look beyond the screen of your Android device to determine your current local TV options. Just enter your location and TV provider, and you instantly get all relevant TV listings. And you can set favorite-show reminders that integrate with your Google Calendar so you never miss an episode of 30 Rock or Modern Family.

Download TV Guide Mobile from the Android Market

If you’ve ever found yourself in a strange city with an empty stomach and a hankering for some quality cuisine, Urbanspoon for Android is the app for you. Simply enter your location, pick the kind of food your want, specify a price range and then “shake” the app for restaurant recommendations that fit your parameters. And you can click on the suggested restaurants for more information, including contact details and maps, reviews and Facebook integration for sharing your choices.

Download Urbanspoon from the Android Market

No official Netflix for Android application exists at the moment, but the next best thing is surely Movela’s Netflix Queue Manager for Android. The app lets you search Netflix’s vast movie library and browse films by category, manage both your DVD and “instant” queues, rate movies and find recommendations based on your viewing habits—but unfortunately you cannot view Netflix streaming films.

Download Movela Netflix Queue Manager from the Android Market

Unless you choose to reside in the ground beneath a large stone, you’ve likely heard of the phenomenon that is Angry Birds. Born on the iPhone, but eventually ported to most major mobile platforms, Angry Birds is the most popular mobile game ever—and it’s free on Android. Launch different types of birds in attempts to topple obstacles, foil your piggy-adversaries and save your unborn avian-spawn from total demise. And if the first version isn’t enough for you, Angry Birds Seasons is also available for free download.

Download Angry Birds and Angry Birds Seasons via the Android Market

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