10 Best Android Apps for Men
By Brett McKay (from The Art of Manliness) on November 14, 2011
If a man wishes to thrive in today's world, he needs to embrace new technology and new tools. For many men, their go-to, everyday tool is their cell phone. What was once just a device to make simple phone calls, now can be used to navigate cities, send emails, and even teach essential man skills. After just a few years on the market, the Android OS has spawned over 500,000 different apps that both entertain and help us be more productive. With so many apps to choose from, it can be overwhelming to sift the wheat from the chaff. With that in mind, we put together this short list of Android apps (many of them free) that a man might find particularly useful (or simply entertaining).
How To Tie a Tie
This app offers simple step-by-step instructions on how to tie 12 different necktie knots. It also gives you tips on which knots work best with certain collar types.
(Free)
If you forgot how to tie the trusty knots you learned in Boy Scouts, The Animated Knots app is for you. This app is filled with animated, step-by-step photo guides on how to tie basic and advanced knots. It also gives you a detailed overview on each knot's correct use and its advantages and disadvantages.
A robust drink mixing app for the budding mixologist. This app has everything: nearly 8,000 drink recipes, a liquor store locator, and a bartending techniques guide. One of the cooler features is the "Liquor Cabinet." Simply enter the drinks and mixers you have on hand and the Mixology app will spit out recipes you can make.
Grill the perfect steak with this steak timer app from Omaha Steaks. This app will ensure all your steaks will come off the grill at precisely the same time, regardless of your guests' doneness preferences or steak cuts. In addition to the timer, the app comes with grilling recipes and a library of how-to videos.
Harness your inner Bear Grylls with the U.S. Army Survival Guide app. Based on the U.S. Army Survival Manual FM 3-05.70, this little app has all the info you need to navigate the wilds, from water and food procurement to creating shelters.
UrbanDaddy
If you forgot how to tie the trusty knots you learned in Boy Scouts, The Animated Knots app is for you. This app is filled with animated, step-by-step photo guides on how to tie basic and advanced knots. It also gives you a detailed overview on each knot's correct use and its advantages and disadvantages.
($4.99)
A robust drink mixing app for the budding mixologist. This app has everything: nearly 8,000 drink recipes, a liquor store locator, and a bartending techniques guide. One of the cooler features is the "Liquor Cabinet." Simply enter the drinks and mixers you have on hand and the Mixology app will spit out recipes you can make.
(Free)
Grill the perfect steak with this steak timer app from Omaha Steaks. This app will ensure all your steaks will come off the grill at precisely the same time, regardless of your guests' doneness preferences or steak cuts. In addition to the timer, the app comes with grilling recipes and a library of how-to videos.
(Free)
The Men's Health Workouts app comes preloaded with over 20 of the magazine's most popular workouts. Additionally, the app features step-by-step instructions on how to perform each exercise and a logging feature so you can record your weight and reps for each exercise.
($1.99)
Harness your inner Bear Grylls with the U.S. Army Survival Guide app. Based on the U.S. Army Survival Manual FM 3-05.70, this little app has all the info you need to navigate the wilds, from water and food procurement to creating shelters.
(Free)
UrbanDaddy
The UrbanDaddy app will help you plan the perfect date. Just tell the app what city you're in, the person you want to meet with, the neighborhood you're near, and whether you want food or drinks. UrbanDaddy then goes to work spitting out the perfect location for you to visit. Date planning has never been easier. The only downside is that it only has info for major metro areas in the U.S. like NYC and San Francisco.
(Free)
In an attempt to live the virtuous life, Benjamin Franklin used a chart he kept inside a little notebook. Each day he would use the chart to keep track of whether or not he had lived the 13 virtues he was striving to follow. With this app you can make like Franklin and track your progress on your path to becoming a better man.
(Free)
For the man who's an aspiring astronomer, the Google Sky Map app is a must-have. It's like having a planetarium in your pocket. Just point your phone at the sky, and Google Sky Map will show the stars, planets, and constellations in your view.
(Free)
If you're an avid outdoorsman, the Backcountry Navigator GPS app is a must have. The app uses your Android phone's built-in GPS to help you navigate hiking trails and mark way points as you recon hunting and fishing spots. The app comes with a library of topographic maps already loaded in. Of course, you can always upload new ones if you want. Best of all, the app works even if you don't have a cell phone connection.
($9.99)
Do you have any favorite Android apps that appeal to men? Share them with us in the comments!
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Founded in January 2008, The Art of Manliness is a blog focused on reviving the lost art of manliness. With over 5 million monthly page views, The Art of Manliness represents a new kind of magazine for men, one that focuses on helping men become better citizens, fathers, husbands, friends, and simply all around better men. Husband and wife team, Brett and Kate McKay head up the up the blog. They live in Tulsa, OK.
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