Over the past month of iPhone 4S ownership, I’ve come to depend on several apps to make the device more useful to me. Several of you have been asking what apps I like so it seemed easiest just to list them here. I’ve broken them into the same categories (or folders) I organize them with on the iPhone.
Social
Twitter for iPhone – While not the most full-featured way to access Twitter, it is probably the fastest and easiest app around. Further down this list you’ll see that I also use Hootsuite to access Twitter; but only for two very specific uses. Twitter for iPhone is probably one of my most utilized iPhone 4S apps.
G+ – Almost an exact clone of the Android app I’d become used to on the EVO 4G. It’s also the only game in town for accessing Google+ at this point and I like G+ so it gets utilized several times a day. It’s far faster and easier to use than the mobile browser alternative for this functionality.
Facebook – It works. As with every mobile version of Facebook I’ve used, it has limits. I found I could not delete an offensive comment on one of my posts the other day. It’s just little things like that which make the apps for Facebook frustrating. However, like G+, it’s better than the mobile web version of Facebook so I’ll put up with the annoying limitations.
Foursquare – I’m beginning to find geolocation more and more useful and much of that is my improving experience with Foursquare. On the iPhone 4S, Foursquare almost always works and brings up the correct venue in the first list of choices. I’ve written before about liking to add context to tweets with a geolocation. The problem is that only works if it’s quick and easy and that’s been working out pretty well in the current iPhone release of Foursquare. I also don’t mind getting check-in specials every now and then that probably add up to between $10 to $20 a month.
WordPress – I use it but don’t love it. I like to have access to my blog when mobile and the WordPress app is really the only game it town. Compared to the Android version of the app the iPhone one seems limiting. The WordPress stats are not nearly as comprehensive. It is nice, however, to be able to edit posts and actually create them on the go when necessary.
Hootsuite – As mentioned above in the Twitter for iPhone section, I use Hootsuite for two specific Twitter tasks on my iPhone. First, I schedule tweets when I don’t have easy access to a desktop machine. Second, I follow Twitter chats like #shehechat and others each week.
Utilities
Dropbox – Need access to files anywhere? Dropbox is the answer. Because the iPhone does not have a user accessible file system there are some limits to what you can do with the files but at least you can access them.
QRReader – What can I say – I love QR Codes and here’s an app that makes them easy to scan. There is an awful lot to be said for simple!
AppBox Pro – This is the first app in my list that is not free. It’s only a few dollars, however, and contains a whole host of useful functionality all wrapped up in one app. It includes things like a level, tip calculator, random number generator, loan calculator, flashlight, date math functions and even a password safe keeper function.
Financial
Starbucks Mobile Card – One less thing in my wallet is always a bonus. Now my Starbucks card is just an app on the iPhone. I can check my balance, reload and even keep track of how many more stars I need for my next free drink. It was a little awkward getting my credit card info in for the reload function but once I had that figured out it’s been smooth sailing ever since.
Authorize.Net – Our business accepts credit card with the Authorize.Net payment processing solution. It’s nice to now be able to accept credit cards at trade shows in a quick and easy fashion. I’m sure apps like Square are easier to use but I already have an account with Authorize.Net so this solution makes sense for us.
Entertainment
Kindle – I love to read and having Kindle software on my phone just means one less thing to carry along when I travel. It also means I can scan a few pages of a book anytime I have a few minutes to kill. Would I rather have a Kindle or an iPad? Sure, if it was free and someone else carried it for me.
Redbox – When we have free time, watching movies is something we enjoy doing as a family. Recently while in Chicago we used the app to find a movie at a Redbox within a few blocks of our hotel. We picked up the movie while wandering around, watched it that night and returned in when we got back home. The geolocation capabilities of the app really make it work when you travel.
SiriusXM – Now I can listen to my favorite Sirius stations even when I’m not in my car. It’s not the greatest app and sometimes the streaming leaves a lot to be desired but it’s better than nothing and I’m sure they will improve the app with time.
Travel
TripIt – If you spend any significant time on the road, this is a must have app. I’ve found no better way to organize all the travel planning I do. Plus I can share the trip information with those who need to know. With the Pro option, you even get notifications of flight delays, connecting gate information and baggage claim carousel numbers.
OpenTable – This is another app that’s essential if you travel. On a recent trip to New Orleans, we used the app to find restaurants for all three nights. In all three cases, we found great restaurants and got tables at about the time we wanted. Geolocation capabilities really bring the app’s functionality home.
KAYAK – I really only use the flight tracker. If you are meeting someone at the airport, you can monitor their flight real time. The app also has much of the KAYAK site travel search capabilities but I generally do that sitting at a desk.
Guilty Pleasure
Moxie – The only game I play on my phone. A word game that I hope improves my spelling and vocabulary a bit. Plus it keeps score and I’m bound and determined to outscore Shelby some day!
Your turn, what iPhone apps do you love?