As a new iPhone 4 user, I have been blown away by its ease of use and functionality. This cute little phone must be made for people like me – the proud-parent-who-takes-too-many-pictures-social-media-junkie-looking-for-the-latest-time-saver type. Yes, Apple, you have made this girl happy.
And all the apps! Like Kori said, “there is an app for everything!” and there are over 425,000 apps for the Apple iPhone alone. Many are free, or just a couple bucks. I can fit that into my budget. I also like the option of trying out the free “Lite” version when I can, to see if the app fits my needs, before buying the full version.
Similar to choosing social networking apps or WordPress apps, before you download apps for your Smart Phone, do your homework first:
- Ask a tech-savvy friend about their experience with the app
- Look at the reviews and ratings of the app
- Google search for more reviews, videos, and blogs on the app
Besides amusement like taking retro photos with creative apps like Instagram (sorry it’s just for iPhones right now), mobile apps can make your mobile life more productive and social.
Here are a few things that my mobile apps helped me do, while on-the-go last weekend:
Update the Blog
If you have a WordPress blog, it is a must to download the WordPress App for your smart phone. While sitting lakeside this weekend, I got an email about something that had to be changed on my WordPress Blog. Within 5 minutes, I had researched and downloaded the WP app to my phone, logged in, and made the correction to my page. You can easily manage multiple WordPress.com or self-hosted blogs.
Make New Connections
There was a whole conversation happening on Twitter during the weekends that I never became a part of before. Now I can connect with people about rock concerts, grilling, and kayaking, who usually just talk about social media during the week days. Who would have thought we had so much more in common? Whether you use the Twitter app or m.twitter.com on your mobile browser, or apps like HootSuite or Tweet Bot, there are many great apps to support your mobile tweeting habits.
Bring People Together
Location-based apps such as Foursquare, Facebook Places, and the up-and-coming Google+ check-ins bring customer loyalty to a whole new level. By checking-in at favorite businesses and places, a person can make recommendations to friends by letting them know where they are. When I checked-in on Facebook Places to a local restaurant, a friend from out of town commented that she was in the area. We were able to meet on the spot!
Do Research
By scanning a bar code or QR code with the Red Laser app, a person can see all the pricing from both online retailers and some of the larger local retailers. I was even able to scan a QR code on a “For Sale” sign to get all the details about the item for sale, including the seller’s contact information and email address, all saved on my phone. What a time saver!
And you thought that mobile apps were just for games and weather? What mobile apps can you not live without? What apps have you found to be amusing, helpful, or just plain fun?
Jackie,
Great post. I have to confess, I am loving Barcode Scanner app on my Droid, really starting to get into scanning more QR’s. I am also learning to love apps, too. A note of caution, watch out for coverage in certain areas when downloading apps. I had great phone coverage, but downloading speeds were a bit spotty in the Black Hills, but it could have been the terrain, too.
Sarah
Yes, that’s a great tip. I always try to download apps when I am on wi-fi so it is faster and doesn’t count against my data plan.
Jackie if you like Instagram you should check out Hipstamatic. I have found you have more options with purchasing different paks. I hardly ever use the plain camera on my phone anymore.
If your kids like Sesame Street they have a great free podcast to download that has celebrities teaching a word of the day. It has helped avert meltdowns while waiting at the drs office or for sister to get out of class. Plus it’s priceless to hear your 4 yr old while looking at the sunset and say “mom isn’t that just exquisite!”.
Just a couple suggestions. Glad you like your phone I Love mine!!
Leah
Leah, thanks for the comment and app suggestions! I will definitely check those out.