By Ryan Scott | 09-16-2012 | 3:30PM
Within Google Play, Android phone and tablet users have a lot of apps to choose from. In this weekly rundown, we give you a peek at five of the very best Android apps -- both free and paid -- to help you get the most out of your Android mobile device.
Adobe AIR
by Adobe Systems (Free)
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This one's boring but practical: Adobe AIR is basically a dependency app that powers numerous other apps. Not much more to say than that, but you'll definitely want to have it installed so that it's ready when something needs it. Nothing more exciting than that, right!?
NVision App for Android
by Dialect, Inc. (Free)
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Alright, we're getting meta here: If you happen to be reading NVision's articles on the web, you might want to download the shiny NVision digital magazine app for your Android tablet. It's got a nice, flashy layout, it's enhanced for Tegra-powered tablets, and it's the best and most convenient method of browsing all of NVision's daily news, reviews, tech articles, and app recommendation articles like the one you're reading right now. Plus, when you hang out in the local coffee shop, you can boast to all the other hipsters that you're reading a digital magazine. Pffft, the web. While we're at it, why not throw us some love by rating us on Google Play?
ROM Manager
by ClockworkMod (Free, or $5.99 for Premium version)
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This one's for all the root users. ROM Manager lets you manage, install, and update custom system ROMs all from one convenient place. You can also back up and restore your system, snag over-the-air updates, and (in the premium version) receive automatic notifications for ROM updates. If your device isn't rooted, then don't worry about this one. But if it is -- and if you want custom ROMs because, say, you're sick of waiting for your cellular carrier to roll the latest version of Android out -- then this is one handy app to have.
The Weather Channel
by The Weather Channel (Free)
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The official Weather Channel app provides you with local and non-local weather forecasts -- both up-to-the-hour, and for days in advance. It features detailed weather forecasts, animated radar maps that are compatible with Google Maps, severe weather alerts for both the U.S. and Europe, a Weather Channel home screen widget, and a notification bar that supplies you with the current temperature and any critical weather updates. If you need to know what the weather is like -- either in your hometown, or for wherever you're planning your next trip -- then this is one of the better weather app options.
Zombies, Run!
by Six to Start ($7.99)
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This one's kind of hard to describe. It's billed as an "ultra-immersive running game and audio adventure," and essentially acts as a motivational tool for fitness-conscious folks who like to take themselves running. Basically, it throws some post-apocalyptic zombie fiction at you, and casts you as a supply runner that hundreds of other survivors are counting on. The pulse-pounding narrative and guttural zombie noises provide constant encouragement to pick up your pace and go for a good run, and the odd and unique angle makes for a genuinely cool app. So, the next time you don't feel like running, give this app a try -- it might give you some much-needed encouragement!
