Fun, useful and free phone apps
I’ve got dozens of apps on my smartphone but there’s only a handful that make a real difference to my digital life. I haven’t included the high-use apps such as those for email or messaging, or news apps, as those are down to personal taste.
These five apps are welldesigned, fun, useful, and free.
There’s never enough time to read everything you come across online so I use Pocket to save stories I want to read later.
While most apps and websites have their own ‘‘saved stories’’ function, I like having them all in one place.
The app can also be used offline, which is handy for when you’re travelling and can’t get internet access.
Pocket also has a section in the app that suggests articles you may be interested in.
Overcast
Podcasts are becoming more popular and the best app to manage and listen to them is Overcast.
It has a minimalist design, and it’s easy to download and delete podcasts using a simple menu.
It also has a section where you can search for new podcasts.
PhotoScan
I often come across old photos that I’d like to turn into a digital version and PhotoScan is the best app I’ve found for doing that.
After taking a picture of your hardcopy photo, the app guides you to take four more and then it stitches them together into one image. It works flawlessly every time and is significantly better than just using your usual camera app.
Another bonus of the app is that it works for scanning documents.
Bank app
I’m still impressed that I can do just about all my banking on my phone.
I can still remember the days of bank books, cheques and long queues to see a teller. Now I can make payments, transfer money and control my cards.
It’s also secure – no New Zealand bank has had a data breach.
Google Maps
I have a poor sense of direction coupled with a need to be on time which is why I use Google Maps nearly every day.
I find it accurate and easy to use, and I like how it’s adding new features, such as being able to plan multi-stop trips.
The only downside is giving up your personal data to Google.
I’m still impressed that I can do just about all my banking on my phone.