In the business world of today, the ability to keep in touch with work colleagues has now become more important than ever. People can now access their emails and documents anywhere and on most mobile devices. Mobile devices have changed the way we interact and have given business users flexibility in their day-to-day work.
These are five of the best android apps that let any business professional note down your ideas, edit your documents on the move and contact colleagues from anywhere.
1. Google Docs
Even though Microsoft has now made its Office Suite app free on Android devices, it is still worth looking at Google Docs. Personally, I think Google Docs is far more mobile friendly than the offering from Microsoft and the Google Docs website.
You can download your document to any Android device, make changes to them whilst offline and then synchronise the documents back to Google Docs. The app enables you to create and edit variety of files including text documents, spreadsheets and even PDFs.
2. Evernote
Evernote is an app that lets you note down your thoughts, whether it is in a meeting or you have just woken up in the middle of the night with a new idea. Notes can be taken in either text, picture or audio. Your notes can be shared across all your devices (PCS, laptops, tablets and smartphones).
There are two versions of the app: a free and a paid option. The free version gives you enough space but there is a restriction on how much data you can upload. The Evernote Premium app extends the upload amount and the amount of sharing options you have and you can access the history of notes you make. In addition, you can search for your PDFs alongside image recognition and there are no ads within the app. The Premium app cost £4 a month or you could subscribe for an annual version at a cost of £35/yr.
3. Skype for Android
The Skype app enables you to make free audio and video calls as well as send instant messages to anyone who has an account with Skype (works on an Android, iPhone, Mac or PC).
Within the app itself, users can search their contacts by either name, email address or by their Skype username. To make a voice or video call, all you have to do is to tap on the contact name you want and select from the options. Users can also send contacts pictures, videos and files to their contacts, making it easier and less expensive than send a MMS or via Bluetooth.
4. Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud sharing file service that lets you upload documents, photos and videos and share them between your contacts. When you sign up for an account, you will get 2GB of storage to use and you can easily add and copy files easily. Files are synced within the Dropbox folder on your computer.
You can access your files on an Android, a tablet or PC. Dropbox also allows you to stream music and movies directly to your Android handset. If you need more storage than the 2GB, you can upgrade from £6 a month.
5. AirDroid
AirDroid is slightly different to the usual remote desktop app that let you access your PC from your mobile in that it is totally the reverse. AirDroid lets you manage your phone from your PC. Easily transfer your files from your mobile phone to your computer, answer text messages and lock your mobile if it has been stolen or lost.
Author: Andrew Wall works for technology retailer Box.co.uk in the UK. Connect with Andrew on Google+.
