This is the week when everybody picks their ten best and worst things of the year gone by, and I hope we’ll be forgiven if we don’t play the game. But that doesn’t mean we won’t enjoy reading someone else’s Best Picks. I like John Mahoney’s The 10 Best Android Apps of 2008 posted on Gizmodo. It sounds like there are more Android developers than users right now, but the level of initiative in putting the technology to use is amazing.

You’ll remember that Android is an open platform, meaning anyone can play. Whether you’re a serious developer or a Sunday hacker, go to Android’s site and download the code. Our favorite is the barcode scanner application, which instantly compares the price of the product you’re interested in buying with all available prices offered elsewhere, and even directs you to the shop nearest you carrying the bargain. Using your Android in Saks Fifth Avenue calls for a bit of nerve, though, after you point your cell phone at the tag on the six hundred dollar suit you’ve just tried on, then walk out of the store and head for Men’s Wearhouse.

RC