The Best Software Apps for the Motorola Backflip

Google Maps

The Backflip has built-in GPS support with assisted GPS functionality. It also has a built-in compass and a 3.1-inch full-color screen. If you’re a traveler or someone who likes to know exactly where you’re going, these features make the Backflip ideal for use with the Google Maps application. Google Maps is a free app that includes access to Google’s voice-guided GPS navigation system, details and reviews on local points of interest, and the ability to check in with friends via Google’s Latitude utility. Google Maps requires Android 1.6 or later, which means it’s fully compatible with the Motorola Backflip if you upgrade the phone’s operating system to Android 2.1.

VLC Direct Pro

The Backflip comes with built-in multimedia support for MP3, eAAC+, WAV, WMA9, MP4, H.263, H.264 and WMV9 files. Installing VLC Direct Pro lets you expand the Backflip's multimedia capabilities by adding the ability to stream any audio and video files directly from your computer. VLC Direct Pro works like a remote jukebox. A list of audio and video files on your computer show up on the phone’s screen. Simply click what you’d like to watch or listen to, and the app does the rest. VLC Direct Pro is 698 KB in size, costs about $4 at the date of publication and requires Android 2.0 or later.

Shazam

In addition to cellular network access, the Backflip has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. It also has an onboard microphone. Shazam makes use of these tools to let you identify songs. Say you’re in your car and a song comes on the radio that you like but don’t know the title. Turn on Shazam and hold your Backflip up to your car’s speakers. The app captures a sample of the song using the phone's microphone. It then accesses the Shazam database over your Backflip's cellular connection and tells you the name of the song and the artist who sings it. The app can also access the database over a Wi-Fi connection. Shazam is a free application that’s 1.6 MB in size and requires Android 1.6 or later.

'Bunny Shooter Free Game'

If you’re looking to have some fun with the Backflip, you can make use of the phone's touch-sensitive screen and download games such as 'Bunny Shooter Free Game.' One of the most-downloaded titles from Android Market, the game combines the principles of physics with fun animations to create a strategy game. 'Bunny Shooter Free Game' is free to download, 8.8 MB in size and requires Android 2.1 or later. Other popular games, such as 'Angry Birds' and 'Ant Smasher,' are also compatible with the Backflip, provided you upgrade the phone’s operating system to Android 2.1.