If you browse the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace under the Tools category, the one thing that stands out is the vast amount of flashlight apps that are present. If my count is correct (and I openly admit I may have missed one) there are thirty flashlight apps available.

Most, if not all, simply open a white screen that is bright enough to use as a light source. Some version come with options ranging from having the ability to turn on/off the light to having strobe or colored lights. Flashlight 7 offers a light pattern that spells S.O.S. in Morse Code as well as a police light (blue and red flashing) pattern.  Luckily there's enough variations with the thirty or so flashlight apps to keep them from getting boring.

These flashlight apps can come in handy. If you hunting for keys, the power goes out at the house and all you can find is your Windows Phone, if the kids need a nightlight for nighttime road trips, and other emergency or spur of the moment needs.

I found that most of these apps are free and the most expensive app I could see was only $.99.  All of the pay apps have free trials and some even have an unlimited trial version. So it's not like your going to break the bank trying to find the right flashlight app.

I applaud the creativity of the developers of these apps to try to make their flash light version stand out. You do have some variations on the name (flash light, flashlight, torch, free light, flashlightapp, etc.) but some of these apps jump out because of the features. For example, Mobiletorch not only brightens your screen but you can enter text that can be transmitted in Morse Code.

Another standout is Mood Light that claims to have 60,000 light color selections and suggests setting the light to strobe mode in your pocket at parties to attract attention. This illuminating application has settings for night vision, a party mix, and one for romantic candle light. Mood light is one of the more pricey flashlight apps but throws in just enough novelty to make it worth every penny.

With thirty some odd flashlight apps in the Marketplace it's really hard to single one out as the best.  They all handle their primary task (flashlight) very well.  So, does any single app stand out with our readers? If so, feel free to share your recommendations in the Comments Section.