4 Must Have Free Android Apps for the Next Time you Hit the Road

Driving can be one of life’s finest frustrations. Getting lost, encountering traffic, and not being able to find exactly what your looking for are all stresses that make driving, especially in an unknown area, such an unpleasant experience. Thankfully, through the power of Android, drivers can download several applications that can curb these stresses and make driving a more pleasant experience. So without further adieu, here are four must have free android apps for the next time you hit the road.

1) Waze

Waze is a sweet social mobile application that enables drivers to build and use live maps and real-time traffic updates for an optimized commute. When you use Waze, not only do you get access to constantly updated driving maps and turn-by-turn directions, but you also receive live road condition reports from other users in the area.

On top of getting the best route to your destination, you can also find out about road annoyances such as traffic, hazards, road construction and even police traps before you’ve left your driveway. Ultimately, by using Waze, you will be able to save time, fuel and much of the frustration that comes with day-to-day commuting.

Waze looks like it could be one of the most interesting and useful applications that have surfaced in a long time.

Of course, since it is 100% powered by users, it will only gain value as more and more people start using it.

This app clearly has a lot of potential and I hope it catches on for the sake of my daily commute.

2)Google Maps V 3.1

Obviously many people are familiar with Google Maps but did you know that Google released an updated version for Android with a few new cool features? Aside from a new and improved UI, Google Maps 3.1 now includes the option to search anything through voice recognition.

Additionally, using this new version of Google Maps, you will be able to see ratings & reviews straight from Google Maps Mobile whereas previously this information was only available on the web.

Other cool new features to Google Maps 3.1 are options for directions using either public transportation or simply by walking. As you would expect from Google, it has public transportation coverage for almost every major city in the US.

As of now, this updated version of Google Maps will not come automatically to your Android phone. You must visit the Android Market and download it manually.

3)Where

Driving to an unfamiliar destination? If so, be sure to have this useful app handy.

Where allows you to find everyday needs that are in their proximity at the click of a button.  Need a coffee? Click the Starbucks button. Low on gas? Click the gas button. Simple as that.

If you are looking for a specific business or restaurant, you can simply type it into the free text box and Where will locate it for you using the Yellow Pages directory.  Another option is to search within the Yelp directory, which contains reviews from other Yelpers.

In addition, Where provides you with news that is relevant to your proximity including whether and traffic reports. You can even ask advice about anything from locals living in the area by posting a message on their Where walls, a nice social feature.  Overall Where is an easy app that can help you adapt quickly in unfamiliar places.

4) Zagat nru

Being in a new place can be a lot less fun if you haven’t a clue about good restaurants or bars to check out.

Fortunately the Zagat nru application can direct you to some well recommended restaurants, nightspots and shopping.

Being free, it beats buying a Zagat book or becoming a Zagat member.

The Zagat nru application has a cool UI shaped like a compass where Zagat-rated places appear with their direction and distance from your current location.

Reviews of a specific Zagat locale and maps of its location can be found by clicking on any of the results within the Zagat compass.

For some, you can even reserve a table right from your mobile.