Review: AirDroid for Android

Let me start this Android app review by quoting the developer’s description: “AirDroid is a fast, free app that lets you wirelessly manage & control your Android device from a web browser Over-The-Air.” Has the author really kept his word? Find out by reading our review!

[tab name=”Market”]
AirDroid is a fast, free app that lets you wirelessly manage & control your Android device from a web browser Over-The-Air.

Enjoy below features after installation from the comfort of your favorite web browser on desktop or other devices:

• Files
  Transfer files between Android devices and computers.
  Cut, copy, paste, search, rename or delete files on the SD card.
• SMS
  Read, send, forward or delete SMS messages.
• Applications
  Install, uninstall, backup, search apps and do batch processing.
• Photos
  Preview, delete, import, export, set as wallpaper and photos slide show from desktop.
• Clipboard
• Share clipboard text between desktop and device.
• Contacts
  Group, search, create contacts, check and delete call logs.
• Ringtones
  Search, preview, import, export, delete and customize ringtones for phone calls, notifications and alarms.*Music
  Play, search, import, export, delete, or set as phone call, notification and alarm ringtones.
• Device Status
  Real-time ROM, SD Card, Battery, CPU and RAM status report & monitor with charts to demonstrate available/used/total resources, and one-tap memory boost.
• Tasks Manager
  Kill or uninstall running apps, batch operation supported.
• Apps Manager
  Uninstall, share or check details of user and system apps.
• Files
  Control Cut, copy, rename, send/share, delete, sort and create visible or hidden folders and files.

What’s the requirements to run AirDroid?

AirDroid should be compatible with most Android devices running Android 2.1 or later (4.0 is not well supported yet). The Web Desktop should be compatible with most modern web browsers, including Chrome 12 or later, Firefox 3.6 or later, Safari 5.0 or later (For best performance IE is not recommended).
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[tab name=”Ease of use”]
A few days ago, I was searching the Android Market to find an app that would allow my computer to manage my HTC Sensation wirelessly. I had one essential requirement: the app had to support adding contacts and send SMS messages. I was surprised to see a web-browser based solution. It always annoyed me when I had to install something on my desktop just to control another device. I’m sure you know the pain when you have twenty-something apps running in the background, and one morning you realize that a half is completely obsolete? Not to mention spilling coffee on your beloved keyboard when you see an stupid error while trying to uninstall all this bloatware! In terms of ease of use AirDroid get 5/5 from me. There is nothing more convenient than a web browser – it’s available on any computer running any platform. It couldn’t be better!
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[tab name=”Features”]
After my flawless and totally easy setup I was a little disappointed with features the program offered. Let’s begin with what we see on our mobile device.

For the first look – nothing I wouldn’t expect. There is a nice looking welcome screen and a large, easily readable font. All right, everything I need! In addition to this, the app offered quite some totally unneeded options. Why does such an app include a task manager, file explorer and device information screen? Seriously, I have no idea. If I would like to manage my files I would download a separate app for that which does it faster and in a more convenient way – without starting automatically a remote server.
Maybe, just maybe someone will use this while managing the device OTA. I, personally, couldn’t find any use for that feature. It’s like ordering pasta and the waiter brings out a pizza.

I think that you will agree that most important part of the app features apply for the PC – that’s the reason the app has – hopefully – been developed.

Using the browser was a pleasure. Windows-like screens worked well and, what’s important, it was intuitive. After spending 5 minutes digging through the UI, I found myself like at home. Well done, AirDroid, well done. On the other hand the interface lacked some functions. Although I know this is a beta release, some basic capabilities where missing. For example adding a new contact doesn’t allow us to specify a website or organization. For a business man, this can be quite a pain. Android has never been really business-friendly, maybe that’s the reason for this oversight.

In terms of features the AirDroid gets from me a 2.5/5. Essential requirements are met, but nothing more.
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[tab name=”Speed”]
When it comes to speed, I don’t have a bad word to say about AirDroid. It works lag-free both on the device and the PC. Maybe my HTC Sensation isn’t the best device to test this, because it has plenty of RAM and a dual-core CPU, whereas other Android devices aren’t quite so capable. However, I saw many other Android apps that where working much slower, so I think that 4/5 is the lowest rating I can give.
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[tab name=”Install or not”]
Having considered all the alternatives, I suggest that you try AirDroid. It’s a great app that does the job, while still being updated, so there is a high chance that the developers will enhance its features making it even more useable. Due to the fact that the application lacks a bit it’s hard to make a clear statement if it is worth installing, but I was delighted to provide a comprehensive install manual. You can’t get lost if you read it at least once.

Pros:

• Fast
• Easy to use
• Essential functions
• Nice design

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features
• Bloatware options on the device

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[easyreview title=”Install or Not Scorecard” cat1title=”Ease of Use” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ cat2title=”Features” cat2detail=”” cat2rating=”2.5″ cat3title=”Speed” cat3detail=”” cat3rating=”4″ summary=””]