AOL, an Internet and media giant if there ever was one, has released a duo of Android applications. While it may be trendy and fun to bash AOL, the fact is that it helped usher in the Internet age, and things would look much different had they not help shaped today's landscape. What does that have to do with an Android app you ask? Think market share, and more importantly, mind share. This is a sign that Android has hit critical mass, and is now a very serious player in the mobile world.
Let's take a look at the apps (which are standouts BTW -- this is how you do it) after the break. [cnet]
AOL
The first app, called simply enough "AOL" is a basic content portal for America OnLine. But the applications quality is amazing. Everything is laid out simple and elegant -- you can tell some thought and talent went into the design. When you start it up, the main interface gives you a choice between News, AOL Sites, AOL apps, and AOL search. Select any of them and you're forwarded to an equally pleasant screen for each category. To top it off, the app is themeable in style and color. Nice touch that often gets overlooked.
For anyone using AOL services, or thinking about it, this app is a godsend. It's easy to use, does exactly what it says, and looks great.
AOL Daily Finance
AOL reminds us that it's not only tweens and chatters who appreciate their services. Their Daily Finance application is another no-nonsense app that does what you think it should, still looks great, but isn't full of useless fluff and whiz-bangs to draw attention away from the content. The top navigation bar gives quick access to financial news, stock trends, your personal stock portfolio, an overall view of the markets and quotes and info about a single companies stocks.
Another winner, and a no-brainer if you're using AOL's services to monitor your portfolio.
Allow me to end with this -- I'm not an AOL fan. I don't use any of their services, in fact I use a competitors service for everything they offer. But I am allowed to appreciate the fact that they have created such a great pair of applications, and spent the time (and money) to do it right. Big guns in the information service and portal world, take notice -- Android is serious, and AOL has set a bar you all need to reach for.
AOL
[Market link | AppBrain]
AOL's Daily Finance
[Market link | AppBrain]
