The most popular destination for downloading mobile applications, GetJar, has announced its third annual Mobile Awards. The best applications of the year are considered to be Google Maps, Opera Mini, scanR, Twitter and Strands Social Player. These star applications prove that mobile phone programs have become an integral part of consumers’ daily lives.

A basic mobile phone is now able to offer support for browsing the Web, getting directions, connecting with friends, and even copying and faxing. More than 10,000 applications are offered by GetJar for hundreds of handsets to users from around 140 countries. These awards come to emphasize the way consumers are beginning to expand the functionality of their phones.

The Product of the Year Award went to Google Maps for Mobile, a free, downloadable application that provides users with maps, driving directions, business listings as well as a range of other features. One of the most important options it offers is My Location, which enables you to find a location with or without GPS. The application can be used on BlackBerry, Java, Pocket PC and Symbian.

The Best Consumer Application of the year is considered to be Opera Mini. It comes as a fast Web browser that provides users with access to full Internet on their mobile phones. Moreover, it also enables MP3 downloading while on the go. The browser can be used on BlackBerry, Java, Palm, Pocket PC and on about every other mobile platform available.

scanR has been awarded the Best Enterprise App title. It is able to transform a camera phone into a scanner, copier and fax, no matter whether you are at home, at the office or on the road. This application can be used with BlackBerry, Java, Palm and Symbian.

Twitter, the popular free social messaging utility, is now available for mobile phones as well, and has been granted the Best Mobile Web Application award. Users can tweet back at their buddies and can also follow their friends’ Tweets while on the go. BlackBerry, Java, Pocket PC and Symbian owners can enjoy the features offered by this application.

Strands Social Player has been considered the “Up and Coming” App of the Year. This music player works paired with MyStrands and allows users to find music, get in touch with people, as well as share preferences with their friends. The latest version of the app also offers scrabbling to Last.fm. Strands Social Player is available for Java and Symbian.