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Friday, March 29, 2024

Mobile

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Are you getting the most out of your smartphone?  This week, we look at the free applications you should seriously consider downloading.

Basics

At the top of my list are the apps that I think of as tools. Some of them come pre-installed but need to be configured. Others need to be downloaded.  This category includes what I think of as system tools, apps that are about managing my phone. The others are just apps that I think every phone should have because they are generally useful.

In the list of system tools, I would begin with a power optimizer. This is a utility that allows you to create settings that automatically manage settings that affect the usage of power. As I tend to be very mobile, power consumption is extremely important for me. I use Easy Battery Saver. Once you download this app, the first thing you need to do is go to savings mode and choose advanced customized mode and then choose your settings.

My second most important system tool is an anti-virus. There are many available in the market including Kaspersky and AVG. Currently on top of most lists owing to its price (free), its light footprint, 99.9 percent detection rate and anti-theft features is Avast.

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One of the most important general tools on your phone is the clock. It will typically come already installed. It is useful to get to know your clock. You can set your clock either manually with a chosen time zone or automatically by allowing it to use your carrier’s official time.  I tend to choose a manual setting with a time zone as I often go on airplane mode when I am out of country.  Learn to use world clock to keep track of the time in other parts of the world (especially useful when you are scheduling conference calls) and the timer for when you need to keep track of time.

Moving on to general tools, I would generally advice that you download a scientific calculator and, possibly, a financial calculator in addition to the simple one that comes pre-installed on your phone. I use Realcalc scientific calculator by Quartic Software.  Additionally, you will want a unit converter (inches to centimeters? square foot to square meter?).

If you use your phone for long periods and especially if you use it to read or browse, you should download a bluelight filter. This will help reduce the glare for your eyes.

Finally, it is useful to have a flashlight app that uses the LED light on your device. You will need it rarely but during those times, you will be extremely grateful for this.

Organizing and productivity

Once the basics are up, it’s time for the apps that keep you organized. Most important among these are your planner (calendar) and your to do list. I use Google calendar and sync it with the calendar on my phone. I like Google calendar because it syncs across all my devices and allows me to create sub-calendars which can have unique sharing properties.

You can set your phone to set off an alarm for certain appointments. This function is useful for anything that requires precise timing – taking of antibiotics, for instance.

Next on the list is a note taking app. I recommend Evernote. Evernote allows you to organize notes into notebooks. Evernote automatically syncs across all your devices and can be accessed through the Internet. You never again need to lose any of your notes.

In the same general category of having your data at your fingertips, is a file syncing app. Dropbox is tops in this category and Google Drive runs a close second.  I have both running on all my devices. If you have Dropbox on your phone, it is also useful to allow it to automatically sync your mobile pictures into your Dropbox.

You will probably want a way to read your documents. On an android device, you can actually download Microsoft office for free. You can also download Adobe to read PDF files. Polaris Office plus PDF will do both and is also free.

Connecting, photos and navigating

Of course, you will need the apps that allow you to send messages, make calls and otherwise connect to people. These apps that utilize Wifi don’t generate additional carrier fees. My favorite messaging app is WhatsApp. On WhatsApp, you can send text, pictures, sound and video. You can also create group conversations.  Other useful messaging apps are Viber and WeChat (the most reliable messaging app if you need to connect to or in China). I find that Skype is still best for video conferencing although Google Hangouts has many advocates.  If you are on Facebook, you may want to install Facebook Messenger.

You should also configure e-mail (which comes pre-installed in your device) to access your work email. In addition, you should install Yahoo Mail and Gmail for your webmail if you have them.

Install your social network apps depending on which you use. These would be Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter and Snapchat. Twitter is especially useful as many government agencies and news networks tweet important announcements during emergencies. Snapchat is for sending video that can only be seen once. If you are on Instagram, you will want to check out InstapicFrame or a similar app that allows you to combine multiple pictures into one. If you like to take pictures, you should check out Snapseed, an easy to use and really excellent photo enhancement app. If you like to take pictures with special effects, you should check out VSCO Cam.

For finding your way, install Google Maps and Waze. Waze is especially lifesaving in Metro Manila traffic. Waze is supported by a network of users who provide real time traffic information. When on Waze, don’t forget to help others by providing updates of your own.  Consider Grabtaxi and Uber if you need to be able to quickly grab transportation.

Leisure and references

For information at your fingertips, consider Flipboard or LinkedIn Pulse, both apps that allow you to curate feed from multiple sources. If you are a fan of Reddit, there are many Reddit readers available. I use “reddit is fun”.  If you want to keep track of the PSE, you can install PSMonitor.

A good, fast browser is important for all road warriors.  I use Chrome.

I also like having a library of books to read on my mobile. I use the Kindle app. There are literally thousands of free books available on Amazon, including both fiction and non-fiction.

You will also want to be able to stream both video and audio. I use Youtube and Spotify. You can use SoundHound to identify music to help you build playlists of your own.

Have some extra time and want to know what’s on where? Download ClicktheCity. ClicktheCity allows you to find movie and television schedules, restaurants, and promotions.

Finally, for health on the go, I recommend MyFitnessPal will help you keep track of calories and Daily Yoga will be your mobile yoga instructor wherever you are.

So there it is, a starter list of the apps I think you should have on your smartphone. Did I miss your favorite app? Email me.

 

You can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com.  Please like the Integrations Manila Facebook page or visit her archives atmanilastandardtoday.com/author/maya-baltazar-herrera/ or integrations.tumblr.com or www.mayaherrera.aim.edu.

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