If you’re like most
Filipinos, you probably have a Yahoo account, a Facebook account and a Twitter
account. Then if you’re a bit more adventurous, you probably have a Gmail, a
Plurk, a Foursquare, and probably even a Formspring. Then when you’ve hung out
for at least a year or so in the social networking arena, you probably have
your own preferences. Even if you have accounts in the other websites, we bet
you have one or two closest to your heart.
Be it Facebook, Twitter or
Plurk, we bet that there’s one or two social network that you’re a rabid
die-hard of. And you may be thinking of getting the app for your Android, if
you haven’t already done so.
However, there are just some
social networking sites that are better used on the browser. Here is our review
of the Top Four Social Networking websites and which ones are better off used
through Android Apps and which would be better used via which browser.
Facebook. Let’s face it,
Facebook is the king of social networking at the moment. Having rendered
MySpace, Friendster, Orkut and even Yahoo 360 obsolete, Facebook, even at the threat of Google+, has yet to die down in
popularity.
Twitter. Twitter is among
the social networking giants because of its commercial value. The major
companies, Hollywood’s celebrities, and even the
Philippines’
stars all seem to bask in the extension of their PR machinery on there.
Stay on Opera Mini. While
the Twitter app’s interface is definitely sleek and gorgeous, the icons are
confusing and not at all like the web version. If you’re new to the app, some
functions are unfamiliar, and even confusing. The first time we used the app,
the “Your Tweets, Retweeted” function somehow appeared on the button denoting
mentions (the @ button). Later, we tried looking for the area to access this
function, but even after tinkering with the buttons accessible from the Home
area or the My Profile area, we turned up with nothing.
Refreshing the app is okay
in the Home area, but times out in the other sections of the app, like in the
mentions or the messages. Also, if you’ve hated the web version of Twitter
because of its heavy, resource-hungry nature, you’ll find that it’s almost the
same with the Android app version.
While the mobile site is
definitely not eye candy, especially compared to the Android App, you may find
that it’s lighter on your system, simpler to use, and won’t take up ROM space.
These are the first of the
Big Four Social Networking websites we’re reviewing for the Android. Wait for
Part 2 of this feature later this evening.
Note: The links to the social network services mentioned lead to the Android App available on the Android Market. We linked it there for your ease, because we're considerate and caring like that. :)
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*Android Alliance Philippines does not necessarily agree with the views and opinions of the websites whose pictures we borrow. We just make it a point to give credit where credit is due.
