Getting the most out of smart phones

The iPhone was first introduced on June 29, 2007. Since then, a series of models have been released, the most recent being the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C. Many people nowadays have an iPhone or some kind of smartphone equivalent, like an Android-based model. Applications that can be downloaded are main attractions to these devices.

Top 10 Free Apps

  1. 1.      Social Media Apps

Everyone should have at least one social media app. Between Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or even Instagram, staying connected is easy – and faster than ever. With social media you can see what your friends are up to, follow local news stations or radio shows, look up old friends and share what you’re up to. These apps are the new norm for staying connected, so if you don’t have one, you’re miles behind.

  1. 2.      Quip

This app is useful for students, professors and professionals alike. It’s a document-making app which enables users to create documents on an iPhone, iPad, laptop or desktop. It was designed to help people take notes, make lists and collaborate within companies. The app is, at the very least, a way to organize important files. Another cool trait is that the files can be converted for use on both Mac and PC.

  1. 3.      Heard

This is an iPhone app that can take you back one minute (or five, with the upgraded version) of a conversation, lecture or meeting. This application turns your phone into a recording device that’s always on and available. It works silently, remembering everything it hears, and when tapped it saves what the user wants it to. Afterward users can send the audio through e-mail or Facebook. The app was designed to save instructions, recipes, stories – anything the user’s heart desires.

  1. 4.      Mynd Calendar

iPhones come with a calendar app pre-installed, but it is nothing like the Mynd Calendar. This calendar, similar to a virtual assistant, was designed to make life easier. It syncs up with other calendar apps, address books and Facebook or LinkedIn information. Mynd tells its users when to leave for an appointment or class, how far your location will be and the weather conditions in the area you’ll be at. It’s great for any unorganized person.

  1. 5.      News Apps

There are many different news applications to download, and every iPhone user should have at least one to stay updated on the latest stories and events. These apps are convenient, especially if you have no time to watch the news or grab a newspaper. Almost every major news station and newspaper has an app waiting to be downloaded – all you have to do is press ‘install’. From CNN to The Wall Street Journal to The New York Times – The Daily Evergreen, perhaps – the options are countless.

  1. 6.      City Maps

This application comes in handy more often than one might think. There are many map apps, but with City Maps you get maps and directions without the need of Wi-Fi connection; it’s all done offline. City Maps also comes with travel guides for the entire world, making it convenient to find entertainment, restaurants or even plan a whole trip with one application.

  1. 7.      My Fitness Pal

Everyone wants to stay healthy and fit, and My Fitness Pal makes it easier to do so. This app is basically a calorie counter. It has more than 3 million foods in its database and tracks exercise entries as well. My Fitness Pal tracks your progress, keeps you connected with friends who also have the app and tells you how many calories you can eat in a day. As an experienced user, I can say this is a reliable app.

  1. 8.      Gas Buddy

Gas can be extremely expensive, and when you don’t know where to find it cheapest, you might end up paying a lot more than you have to. Gas Buddy pinpoints the user’s location and informs where the nearest gas stations are, how far away they are and the price of their gas. It also gives options for finding regular, midgrade, premium or diesel gas. I use it every time I need to fill up my tank.

  1. 9.      Banking Apps

We’re all signed up for a bank account with some company. Instead of having to go to an ATM or banking center to check your account or transfer funds, download your bank’s application. BECU, Chase Bank, Service Credit Union, Bank of America or whatever bank you might use. You’ll be able to keep track of your money more easily and conveniently, no matter where you are.

  1. 10.  Minutely

iPhone users have access to a weather app at the push of a button, so we can see how the weather is going to play out for the day. Minutely is another one of those weather applications. The only difference is that it provides accurate, up-to-the-minute forecasts. Minutely uses crowd-sourced data, giving everyone the ability to contribute to the forecast. Install Minutely to stay in the know and dress for the weather.