Smartphones are multi-purpose and mobile by their nature, so they’re quickly replacing everything else we own. Short of putting a roof over your head, an iPhone will provide you with social networking, news bulletins and online shopping, as well as games, films, music and photography. If you want to do it, there’s an iPhone app for it – unless it’s rude, of course. Apple don’t tolerate rudeness.
But MyVibe aside (definitely one of Apple’s rudest), here’s our top ten iPhone apps that you can’t live without. They’ll make your iPhone a truly functional piece of kit, and your life that little bit easier.
And the best bit? They’re all free.
1. Around Me
In desperate need of a kebab after your night on the town? Don’t stumble around frightening locals – simply consult AroundMe. Whether you’re after the nearest watering-hole or desperately seeking a petrol station, AroundMe will help you find it. This location-aware utility has grabbed the number one spot for a reason: it allows you to find a number of businesses (that’ll be the pubs and kebab shops then) but also services such as cash machines and hospitals (if the night’s ended badly). Pinpoint your location, and find the nearest facility you need – search the alphabetized list, or search for a service you already know about.
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aroundme/id290051590?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
2. RunKeeper
After AroundMe has helped you find all those pubs and takeaways, you’ll be in need of a workout. But don’t pay hundreds of pounds for a gym membership you won’t use – grab RunKeeper instead. Using GPS technology, you can find out how far you’ve travelled, how long it took and what your pace or speed was. You can also check how many calories you’ve burned, and even be coached via audio. This information is then synced to the RunKeeper website (www.runkeeper.com), where you can view your activity history and cumulative stats.
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/runkeeper/id300235330?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
3. Stanza
The Kindle is becoming more popular by the day, but why spend hundreds when you could download Stanza for free? It’s not the only ebook reader on the iPhone, but it’s certainly one of the most popular. You can open a huge number of files, which include DRM-free Amazon Kindle, Microsoft LIT and PalmDoc, as well as Rich Text Format, HTML and PDF. Head to the Library screen and browse through your ebooks by Title, Subject or Author. Swipe to turn a page, and customise the size and colour of your font. The app also provides you with books no longer in copyright, so you won’t have to fork out for a good read.
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stanza/id284956128?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
4. TripIt
Travelling invariably involves hassle. You rummage around in the small hours for online receipts, trying to print out tickets for that mysteriously cheap flight. You get to the airport, and can’t even work out which plane you’re meant to board, let alone whether it’s delayed or cancelled. Enter TripIt – your one-stop app for making travel easier. Access all of your travel plans no matter where you book your tickets by forwarding your confirmation number to the TripIt website. Your ‘smartinerary’ includes maps and directions, and alerts if your flight is late or cancelled. It’ll even provide alternative travel options, and deals on renting a car.
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tripit-travel-organizer-free/id311035142?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
5. Skype
Skype allows you to call anyone in the world for free. Need we say more?
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skype/id304878510?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
6. Dropbox
Dropbox is the simplest way to move media to and from your devices. Place all of your pictures and files in Dropbox, and they’ll be safe if you ruin both iPhone and iPad in a fit of uncharacteristic rage. Stick a PDF in the folder on your computer and it’ll appear on your iPhone instantly. Gone are the days of searching frantically for that USB – you can transfer new media in seconds.
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dropbox/id327630330?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
7. Wikipanion
This list just wouldn’t be complete without Wikipedia. Wikipanion, the reference app to top all others, is the easiest and quickest way to research just about anything. It boasts a minimalist and quick-loading interface, and provides you with an encyclopaedia on the move. With Wikipanion at your fingertips, you’ll settle debates in the pub in an instant.
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wikipanion/id288349436?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
8. Hipstamatic Disposable
Love classic cameras? Don’t care about classic cameras? Either way, Hipstamatic Disposable’s a must-have app. You see, it’s supposed to pay homage to analog cameras from the seventies and eighties – it’s a nod to bygone days of lenses, films, and flash bulbs. Yet to many, this app is the novice’s answer to Photoshop. With a shake of your phone, you can randomise settings to create truly beautiful pictures. Achieve different hues with various types of film, and even frame your pictures in unique, retro ways. If you like funky effects, you’ll love Hipstamatic.
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disposable-hipstamatic/id480528686?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
9. eBay
For online shopping, it has to be eBay. This app brings you the world’s largest marketplace instantly, so you can buy useless junk with the simple touch of a button. Shop and sell easily with tailored alerts, so you know if you’re outbid or an auction is ending. You can also compare prices with the app’s useful barcode scanner, so you’ll never pay too much for an item. Another handy feature is the ability to learn more about the current market – you can find out how much an item is going for, and then use the data for your own listing.
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ebay/id282614216?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
10. Netflix
Netflix had to come last because, well, it’s not strictly free. It’s free to download the app itself, but you have to purchase a membership to stream all of that lovely media. This allows you to watch any movie or television show instantly, and gives you hours of entertainment when you’re bored on the move. It’s a pretty good deal at just £5.99 a month, as it works with both 3G and Wi-Fi. Of course, if you don’t want to subscribe to Netflix, there are plenty of other media players available. But mentioning YouTube, BBC iPlayer and 4OD would have tarnished the ‘top ten’ list…
[button-dark url=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/netflix/id363590051?mt=8″ target=”_blank” position=”right”] Download [/button-dark]
