Free Apps for Mobile Devices!

Everybody who has a smartphone, tablet, iPad, or iPod Touch no undoubtedly loves apps.  Why?  Because they are the center of our mobile ecosystem.  If you have a mobile device you almost always have to have apps! It doesn't matter what platform you are on.  Whether it be an iOS device utilizing the Apple App Store or an Android based device running the Google Android Market.

But one of the constant complaints from all sides is that there aren't enough free apps out there.  Personally, I have an iPod Touch and an Acer Iconia a500 Android Tablet.  From my experiences, there are more free apps in the Android Market than are available for m iPod Touch.  At least in the categories I search in anyways. So aside from doing the obvious (which we do not condone on this site) is to jailbreak/root and find alternative ways to get your apps that may involve getting them for free.

There are many reasons to stay away from this method.
1- App developers need support too.  Without the support from the purchasers of a given app; future apps or even updates could be hindered.  In short, don't rip off the little guy!

2- Security.  Most of the alternative methods for acquiring apps tend to require you sticking your neck out there and exposing your device (and possibly personal information) to the world.

3- It's stealing!  Being upfront and honest by purchasing your apps not only means you have a clean, safe app.  But it also ensures that the cost of apps can stay down where they are cheap and affordable.  Start stealing them, and watch prices go up.

Since we aren't looking at the shady ways to get our hands on free app, how do we get free apps?

Simple!  If your on an iOS device (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) than swing by: http://www.freeappaday.com/
At FreeAppADay, they give away one app for free everyday just as the name implies.  If you visit it from your PC it will link you up with iTunes to download from the Apple App Store.  If you're on your iDevice, it will launch the Apple App Store for you.  Simply acting as a way to promote to the free app.

They do have a section for Android Apps, but unfortunately it looks like that section hasn't been updated in quite some time.

For those of us Android enthusiasts looking for a free app fix.  Than checkout the Amazon App Store.  Everyday a commercial app is highlighted on the Amazon App Store for free.  There are two catches to this.
1- You have to be registered with Amazon to use the app.  Already have an Amazon account, you're good to go.
2- The Amazon App Store apk file has to remain installed on your device in order to use any apps downloaded via the Amazon App Store. (Regardless whether they were free apps or purchased)

So remember, there are other ways to get apps.  But before you venture down the road to the "Dark Side" be sure to checkout the legitimate ways to get your hands on free apps. Remember, good techie karma!

To visit the sites mentioned in this article:
Free App A Day: http://www.freeappaday.com/
Amazon App Store: http://www.amazon.com/mobile-apps/b?ie=UTF8&node=2350149011