Talking about apps is now like a must have conversation with friends, family and colleagues. It is important to know what apps people around you are using as you don't want to be left behind. With 500000+ applications on both Android and iOS, but only a small number of them that you will ever want to use, or at least want to use regularly, the search for the right app is an uphill task. So I made a list of the 5 apps that I use most on my phone. These are apps that almost everyone knows about and probably uses, but for those who don't, this is my take on the 5 apps that I find most important in my daily life.
1. Whatsapp - This is arguably the most used app on my phone. I am not a very social person, but Whatsapp is just plain convenient. I have a few friends in India, from back in the day and this app just helps me be up to date on whats going on with them. Also, I use it as a texting substitute for people who have it. This saves quite a bit of money as I don't use an unlimited texting plan.
2. Spotify - This is definitely the best way to find music similar to what you like. There was a time when I used Pandora for this, but Spotify just rocks. Keep in mind that Spotify on the phone is different from the one on Desktop. On the phone, only Spotify radio is free. For other options, you have to buy Spotify premium for around $9 per month.
3. and 4. Google Reader/ Flipboard - I list both Flipboard and Google reader because I use them both equally. I am split between the two on the best way to keep in touch with the latest news in various domains. Google reader seems to be more configurable and customizable to your interests. A quick 15-30 minute scan helps be up to date with everything happening around.
You can add feeds of your choice into google reader and organize them in a way that suits you. This post from a friend could help you get started. In case you don't really have a preference of feeds and just want to get started with reading about what is happening around you, then Flipboard is the way to go.
5. One Bus Away - Most of you might not care about this one as it is useful only in Seattle and surrounding areas, but this is one of the most useful apps ever. It gives you real time arrival information of buses and other transit so that you don't have to wait at the bus stop in case your bus is delayed. It does crap out at times, but mostly works. On an average I save around 10(painful) minutes a day because of OneBusAway.
1. Whatsapp - This is arguably the most used app on my phone. I am not a very social person, but Whatsapp is just plain convenient. I have a few friends in India, from back in the day and this app just helps me be up to date on whats going on with them. Also, I use it as a texting substitute for people who have it. This saves quite a bit of money as I don't use an unlimited texting plan.
2. Spotify - This is definitely the best way to find music similar to what you like. There was a time when I used Pandora for this, but Spotify just rocks. Keep in mind that Spotify on the phone is different from the one on Desktop. On the phone, only Spotify radio is free. For other options, you have to buy Spotify premium for around $9 per month.
3. and 4. Google Reader/ Flipboard - I list both Flipboard and Google reader because I use them both equally. I am split between the two on the best way to keep in touch with the latest news in various domains. Google reader seems to be more configurable and customizable to your interests. A quick 15-30 minute scan helps be up to date with everything happening around.
You can add feeds of your choice into google reader and organize them in a way that suits you. This post from a friend could help you get started. In case you don't really have a preference of feeds and just want to get started with reading about what is happening around you, then Flipboard is the way to go.
5. One Bus Away - Most of you might not care about this one as it is useful only in Seattle and surrounding areas, but this is one of the most useful apps ever. It gives you real time arrival information of buses and other transit so that you don't have to wait at the bus stop in case your bus is delayed. It does crap out at times, but mostly works. On an average I save around 10(painful) minutes a day because of OneBusAway.
