Android Apps: 9 Best, Free Social Networking Choices

Modern social networks let you share thoughts, impressions, frustrations, images, lessons learned, favorite restaurants or whatever else may be on your mind at any minute. But you won't always be at a computer when social-sharing inspiration strikes; on the contrary, you'll probably be out and about when you want you want to share with your social connections.

http://www.cio.com/article/677678/Android_Apps_9_Best_Free_Social_Networking_Choices

GetGlue

GetGlue is the latest social network for media buffs of all kinds. Music lovers, film geeks, reality-show gurus, video-gamers and bookworms can all share their latest interests, along with impressions of those interests, with other 'Glue users. And you can quickly view profiles of other like-minded users for media recommendations. GetGlue also employs a unique "ranking system," based on users' check-ins in different categories, to determine a person's sway in an area. And you get digital "stickers" as rewards for certain types of check-ins, which can be redeemed for real stickers that can be used to, well, stick stuff.

Foursquare for Android
Foursquare is the most popular location-based social check-in service, for good reason. More and more mainstream businesses are jumping on the foursquare bandwagon each day, enticing loyal foursquare users to frequent their establishments by offering deals, discounts and even freebies. Foursquare also can help keep track of friends and contacts around you at a given time and notify you of the most popular bars, restaurants, clubs, etc. And you're rewarded for frequent check-ins, or check-ins at specific types of venues, with "badges" that serve as mementos of where you've been, as well as proof of your foursquare prowess.

Gowalla for Android

Not unlike foursquare, Gowalla's location-based social check-in app helps you share the places you go with friends and other contacts. And like foursquare, you collect Gowalla "pins" and rewards based on the types of places where you check-in. A Gowalla "Passport" keeps track of everywhere you've been, logging states and countries you may visit. How do you choose between foursquare and Gowalla? Determine which services is being used by more of your friends...or just use 'em both.

AppBrain App Market for Android

What makes the AppBrain App Market, a mobile software shop for Android, special? It recommends applications based on the apps already installed on your device, along with new or popular apps. And that's not all. The best part about AppBrain is that you can connect your Twitter and Facebook accounts to locate friends and connections who also use AppBrain, and then access lists of your friends' favorite Android applications.