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App Attack #004: The Social Networking Edition

By Wong Casandra - 29 Jan 2011

App Attack #004: The Social Networking Edition

App Attack #004: The Social Networking Edition

You like socializing on-the-go and keeping tabs on your friends wherever you are, so where else to do all that other than on your ole trusty smartphone? Best yet, you are spoiled for choices. The important question here is: which are the ones that are worth your time? Here, we take a look at some of our favorite social networking essentials.

 
Facebook

Price: Free
Category: Social Networking
Platforms: Apple iOS / Google Android / BlackBerry / Symbian S60 / Palm Pre / Windows Phone 7

Let's face it (no pun intended) - who doesn't log on to Facebook at least once or twice a day these days? 

If you fit the above profile, the official Facebook mobile app is comprehensive enough, allowing users to have an overview of what's happening on your account  - from profile updates, notifications to friend requests.  Easy access to your message inbox, breezy photo uploading and Facebook Chat options also make this a perennial must-have.

  

 
TweetDeck

Price: Free
Category: Social Networking
Platforms: Apple iOS / Google Android 

A Twitter addict looking for a highly customized Twitter experience? Well, the TweetDeck app offers just that - and more. Those already familiar with the desktop version will know how it works, but for the uninitiated, the app allows users to easily manage multiple accounts and different segments (Direct Messages, Timeline) through a simple column-by-column format. Not to mention, it features Facebook integration which allows you to update your Facebook status at the same time. 

 

 
WhatsApp Messenger

Price:

US$0.99 (Apple iOS)
Free trial for first year (Google Android 2x / BlackBerry / Symbian S60)

Category: Social Networking
Platforms: Apple iOS / Google Android 2.x / BlackBerry / Symbian S60

Perfect for those with an addiction to messaging (and an unlimited 3G data plan), the WhatsApp Messenger allows you to send messages to your contacts without having to fork out a single cent for SMS charges. What's more, you can send unlimited images, video and audio clips for free as long as you have a viable connection to the Internet.

Good news is the app is cross-platform - as long as your friends have smartphones running the above-mentioned platforms, you can message all of them. Provided everyone has the app installed on their phones, that is. 

The WhatsApp Messenger also notifies you as and when your messages have been received and read, so the next time a friend takes a long time to reply even if your message has been read ...

 

 
eBuddy

Price: Free
Category: Social Networking
Platforms: Apple iOS / Google Android / Certain handphone models

Who hasn't heard of eBuddy, the popular web-based instant messaging service? The eBuddy phone app works more or less like its web variation, offering a singular platform for all of your communication needs from MSN, Facebook Chat, MySpace, ICQ to GTalk. You have to simply register for an eBuddy account, and log on to those individual services from there on. Happy chatting!

 

 
FourSquare

Price: Free
Category: Social Networking
Platforms: Apple iOS / Google Android / BlackBerry / Symbian S60 / Palm Pre

The Foursquare app integrates fun and social networking in one tidy package. The location-based platform makes travelling fun by allowing users to collect points, gain statuses and badges when they "check in" at certain locations. It also doubles up as a travel guide of sorts, providing information shared by other users about unvisited venues as well as suggestions for places to visit.

 

 
Tumblr

Price: Free
Category: Social Networking
Platforms: Apple iOS / Google Android / BlackBerry

Are you a rabid microblogger? If you are and happen to have a Tumblr account, the official Tumblr app is a must download. The simple app allows you to easily share short posts with anything from text, quotes, photos to videos with just one click. Don't fret if your smartphone does not support the official version:  you can turn to any of the many third party Tumblr apps floating around.

  

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