The introduction of the iPhone and the incredible success displayed by the mobile app market, as a direct effect of the iPhone introduction, has inspired others to not only offer app-ready mobile phones but to also develop and sell the apps.

The applications can not only be valuable tools to provide mobile phone users with information in a far more efficient manner, but can also be entertainment applications that can provide hours of fun and sheer silliness to users.

Google Applications
Google has released applications that work not only for their G1 mobile phone, but are also available for installation on several other smart phones; like the iPhone, or Samsung’s Omnia. Their applications include access to gmail, and also Googlemaps; which can both come in very handy.

Skype

Skype, a free and also heavily discounted phone service that allows users to make calls using the internet or data plan on a mobile phone, is also available for installation on most app-ready mobile phones. Mobile phone carriers are not necessarily thrilled about the availability of the Skype application due to, in large part, it undercutting their profits as users utilize the free of charge capabilities that Skype provides to them. Even international calls can be made for little to no cost to the user.

Several phones are available to the public with Skype already installed on them; specifically used cell phones that have been refurbished by the manufacturer.

Weatherbug
Most people are familiar with the Weatherbug application for desktop use; however, few many be aware of the mobile version of the application. This useful little app will alert users of any and all weather-related alerts.

Radio Apps
There are numerous radio apps that can be installed onto your cell phone; these mobile radio applications will allow you to listen to your favorite radio stations via the internet; or more specifically, using the data connection on your mobile phone. Listening to your favorite radio station on your phone is a fun alternative to listening to MP3’s on your phone.

Silly And Fun
One of the more fun applications for geeks everywhere is the Light Saber app; taking advantage of the accelerometer that most smart phones have in them now, the light saber app will emulate the sounds of one of the light sabers from the Star Wars movies while flashing bright lights on the screen.

Be aware that, while most often very useful, not all mobile applications are free of charge. Before installing an application on your mobile phone, whether your phone is a brand new or one of the compatible refurbished cell phones, know how much the app is going to cost you.
From the fascinating, the useful, and the mundane, there is an app available for every mobile phone user. Visit your provider's website to find out if your current mobile phone is compatible with the applications you’re interested in.