Since the dawn of the iPhone, the once cottage-sized iPhone apps industry has exploded, with thousands of developers typing away in their local Starbucks, ready to invent the next Angry Birds. But how to know which apps will save you the most time and aggravation, without reading through hundreds of articles espousing the virtues of each app? It’s pretty simple, really – we’ve done the research for you.
Check out the list below and get a head start on filling up your phone with the best (and most fun) apps.
Money Matters
Whether you’re a serial spender or fabulously frugal, there’s a money app for you. First on your list should be Mint, the fantastic budgeting tool that’s now available in a mobile version. Amazon Mobile helps you score the best deals on everything from Mustang accessories to Missoni.
Still not sure you’re getting the best deal? Then download the Red Laser barcode app and find out the price skinny on your planned purchase. You’ll also find out what those mysterious black and white boxes really mean.
A Healthy You
You probably didn’t mean to use your iPhone as a health and fitness tool, but no matter. The fact is, your iPhone is a powerful tool for counting calories consumed as well as burned. My Fitness Pal tracks a variety of athletic endeavors, essential if you’re trying to keep up with an exercise regimen.
Epicurious and Cook’s Illustrated offer great applications when you’re grocery shopping but forgot your list – again. And don’t forget to download WebMD’s useful app, which hopefully you’ll never, ever have to use (but will be so incredibly glad you have it if you do).
You Can Get There From Here
Eliminate the stress of travel with these easy to navigate apps, which help with everything from plane tickets to parking spots to dinner reservations.
Business travelers stay organized with Trip It, the one-stop-app for all of your confirmation numbers, directions and more. Kayak is a terrific, easy-to-use app that offers great vacation deals, and the Yelp app helps you find everything you need, from the most popular local restaurants to the best place to buy CJ Pony Ford Mustang parts.
Visiting New York City on four wheels and want to find street parking? Switchspot is a must. And don’t forget to download The Weather Channel’s weather app for your vacation forecast – it’s better than Apple’s, and that’s not something you’ll read very often.
Because You Can’t Work All the Time
Everyone has heard of Angry Birds and Doodle Jump. But have you heard of Unblock Me? This app, reminiscent of Tetris, requires the player to shift a block through a puzzle-like maze. It’s difficult, frustrating and unbelievably fun.
Alternatively, try the ESPN Score center app, where you can keep track of your favorite team’s progress during the big game (if you can’t watch the big game, that is). Pandora and Mog let you stream music on the go, and Instapaper lets you download articles you haven’t had time to read to one easy location.
If you want to replace your camera with your phone, make sure you download the Camera+ and Adobe Photoshop Express apps. And when you want to have fun with those great photos you just took, get FatBooth and AgingBooth. Your boss will never look the same way again.
Now that you know about the best iPhone apps, learn how to use your smartphone to research more effectively, whether you’re looking for the best CJ Pony Mustang accessories or need to decide which treadmill you want to get. Guest post written by James.
