Where to Find the Apps You Didn't Know You Needed

Community Manager — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Got a Smartphone and looking to get more out of it? Tired of being the last to know about the newest apps? Sick of Angry Birds and in search of new games? Staying abreast of all the latest apps is like trying to drink from a fire hose: the Apple store alone has a staggering 500,000 available apps with thousands more arriving each week.

We've marshaled some resources to help you stay current.

Android Market

Android users can head to the Android Market to tap into five new features to keep up on the latest; apps are now sorted into top app charts, editors' choice, top developers, trending apps and a category making use of related apps (shows other apps often chosen by people who pick a particular app.)

Apple Store

The Apple Store sorts its hundreds of thousands of apps into categories such as travel, family & kids, business and games and also provides lists of the top free apps, top paid apps and top grossing apps.

Reviewers

Independent third-party app reviews can be found on numerous sites including MacWorld, Androidtapp.com and in mainstream media such as The New York Times, which aggregates all its app coverage and reviews in The App Index: A Guide to Mobile Apps. Many sites also sort app reviews by niche interest; for example parents in search of apps might like to make use of the review sites listed here.

Finally, we leave you with Time Magazine's list of the 50 Best iPhone Apps of 2011 and Business Insider's The 15 Best New Android Apps of 2011.

Enjoy!

Make Smarter Use of Your Smartphone

Community Manager — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:43:00 GMT

Wouldn't it be great if using a Smartphone automatically made you smarter? Until science figures out a way to boost brainpower with a magic pill, let's settle for boosting your phone IQ with our tips for making smarter use of that oh, so smart phone.

Safety First

A Smartphone is like a mini computer in your pocket, so it's crucial to protect your sensitive data. Get smart about phone safety by password protecting your phone just as you do your computer. Consider making use of "lock and wipe" technologies that allow you to lock or erase your phone's memory if it's lost or stolen. The last thing you want is a thief trolling through your data.

Also, be wary of downloading attachments on your phone just as you would your computer. Read the fine print carefully before installing apps; many access data you may wish to keep private.

For more safety tips, read Protecting Your Smartphone.

Phone, Smarts

Texting, games, videos, and apps galore: today's phones do so much we sometimes forget they can be used to make phone calls. Optimize the "phone" in your Smartphone with the tips in 5 Apps that Make Your Smartphone a Smarter Phone. The apps do everything from managing your call log, to blocking unwanted calls to recording phone calls for transcription.

Phone, Plus

Smartphones are so smart they can help you do what you didn't even know you wanted done. Features such as "swype" allow you to bypass the old hunt-and peck method of tapping away to produce texts and emails, instead allowing you to glide, or "swipe" your finger over touch-screens.

Tired of managing your own work expenses? Use application capturengo to scan business receipts and sit back while they are automatically uploaded to your expense reports.

How about never using a fax or a scanner again? Install scanning application Scan2PDF and use your Smartphone camera to scan documents and convert them to PDF files. The app even compresses the output from the camera to improve document quality. Smartphones maximize productivity when used correctly; read 10 Apps to Optimize Your Smartphone for more smart suggestions.

Phone, Fun

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy so be sure to get your fun on with your phone when you can. Smartphones offer endless options for creativity with camera, video and social networking apps not to mention games.

Looking to unleash your creativity? Try the Top 30 Best Photography Apps for iPhone, or the 10 Best Creative Apps of 2010. Music lovers won't want to miss 30 New Music Apps for iPhone, Android and iPad. Sick of Angry Birds? Try something new with App Smart Extra: Top 10 New iPhone Gaming Apps for 2011.

What is your favorite way to use your Smartphone? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Beyond Folders : Apps, mobile office

Where to Find the Apps You Didn't Know You Needed

Make Smarter Use of Your Smartphone