No one can deny that computer animation in movies has come a long way since 1995’s Toy Story. Aside from looking more realistic by itself, today’s 3D animation is often tough to distinguish from the live actors, props, and sets with which it shares the silver screen.

Marvel’s The Avengers has already earned a huge $185.1 million internationally, and it opens in the United States tomorrow, May 4.

Android’s app market, Google Play, doesn’t have the stringent guidelines Apple does, so it’s generally regarded as more vulnerable to attack. In truth, both operating systems have built-in safeguards, but malware has a way of learning and spreading its tentacles. Even if your phone itself isn’t brought down, it can be a carrier for desktop infections.

Fortunately there are a number of apps specifically made to combat this kind of nastiness.

Getting the best price used to be a laborious task – checking flyers, driving around to local stores. Even with Internet access in every home, you could only check prices at, well, home. Great for online shopping, not so much for brick & mortar excursions.

A few mobile apps aim to change that. When something catches your eye at the store, just scan it with your phone’s camera and see what you could be paying elsewhere. All the apps listed below are free and work on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.