Some apps are just plain useful for extending your smartphone's actual "phone" functions and PhoneTell does a great job of that for Android handsets (it's coming soon for both iPhones and Blackberries).
Do you frequently find yourself unable to answer calls? Start handling them better. Instead of the usual missed call alert, the app gives you choices in pre-created SMS messages that you can send to the calling party instead. You can choose from three pre-defined messages: "Call back later," "I'll call you back" or "Send me a message instead." For the second one, it can automatically pencil it into your calendar too. A fourth option lets you send your own pre-created message (up to 135 characters).
Even more impressive, when the person who called isn't in your contacts, the app will do an instant reverse lookup. That way, it will have more to show you than just a number. Heck, it will even identify if the number is a known telemarketer!
PhoneTell comes with a lookup feature that lets you search your contacts, along with your Google, Salesforce.com and LinkedIn accounts. It's integrated right into your phone dialer, too, which means you can do a lookup right when you need it. Aside from contacts, you can also type in companies and services on the search bar, with the results drawn out of PhoneTell's own database. Yes, it supports Google Voice, as well.
When it comes to usefulness, this app is definitely worth the space it takes on your phone's storage. Plus, you can't argue with the price: Free.
