Aug 5, 2011

My favorite apps

Now that I have an iPhone, I don't know what I did without it. It's become an extension of my body, and I love it with all my heart. Today I thought I'd share some of my favorite apps with you and also ask you which ones are your favorites.


 HootSuite

When I got my iPhone, I immediately started having issues with Twitter. The feed wouldn't update on my phone, and my Tweets weren't always visible to my Followers. After asking for recommendations, I first tried TweetDeck, but I had the same issues. I then installed HootSuite, and (KNOCK ON WOOD) it's been clear sailing ever since. It's nice to be able to read Tweets during lunch instead of having to catch up on hundreds of them every evening. I feel more connected.


Settlers of Catan

Many years ago, our friends Doug and Honor introduced us to the board game Settlers of Catan. It has won many international game awards and is a lot of fun. Come to find out (again, from Honor), there's a Catan app! I downloaded it, and now our whole family is obsessed with it. (Jake: "NO, VINCENT! I WANNA KEEP MY SHEEP!")(That will only make sense to you if you have the app.)



I think if you've never played the game, the app would be hard to understand. But if you've played the game, you'd be able to pick it up effortlessly. So much fun!



Instagram

Instagram is a great photo app. I've had a lot of fun taking pictures with it and then applying one of the filters to them. It makes the pictures look more customized and "pop" a little bit. The only thing I dislike about it is that when you post an Instagram photo to Twitter, it doesn't provide the thumbnail of the picture as part of the Tweet. Followers actually have to click through to see it, and for some people that's just too much trouble.


Hanging with Friends/Words with Friends

 I'm lumping WWF and HWF into the same category because they're both word games and both fun. I rarely win at either of them, but I enjoy the challenge. I play with a lot of Twitter and blog friends that I don't know in real life, so if you're interested, start a game with me! My screen name is grass_stains. And don't miss this really funny piece Jon Acuff wrote about Words with Friends.  *snort* 


Around Me

I don't use Around Me too much in Birmingham, but for traveling it's a terrific tool! It uses GPS to identify your location, and it will tell you where any business is within range of you. If you stop at an unfamiliar exit to get gas while you're on a roadtrip and you want to find out what restaurants are close by, just ask.


If you're at the beach and need the nearest ice cream shop or Pizza Hut, plug it in. It returns results quickly and with maps and phone numbers. A life-saver for traveling families! (Chuck E. Cheese's, anyone?)

What apps do YOU recommend? What am I missing out on that I need?

8 comments:

Plain Chicken said...

Flixster is a must - tells you movie times, I use it all the time!

You left off Angry Birds! die pigs!

Anonymous said...

I love Evernote.

Laura and family said...

I HAD NO IDEA YOU PLAY SETTLERS. Settlers is a serious competition around here. I'll look for you on there!

Other Favorites: Flixster, MobileRSS for my blog feed, RedLaser to scan things I want and find the best prices nearby, our bank app, and a fantasy football app. Fun stuff.

stollison said...

Yay for Apple products!

The only app I use with regularity is RunKeeper, which I absolutely adore.

APA and NBK's Mom said...

Thanks for sharing. I always love to hear what apps other people love. Before having an iPhone I was a totally Blackberry girl and swore I would never have a touch screen phone ... enter iPhone. :) I love, love my iPhone.

Favorite apps ...
The snack app
Key ring
WeReward
Tiny Tower
Open Table

Sewconsult said...

I have an iPad, but don't have that many games on it. I have Studio Art which is great for drawing. I also enjoy the piano keyboard, but only use that when I'm alone. Love the Weather Channel app for when the TV won't receive the satellite signal. Now if I could get some of those apps onto my sewing machine, it would be so COOL!
Beckie

Laura and family said...

Oh, one more app that I love is HeyTell. It's basically voice text messaging- so you can send a quick note vocally instead of text messaging.

Rachel said...

when the Iphone becomes not so daggum expensive for us loyal Verizon customers I plan on getting one. I'm due for an upgrade next spring.

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