MY FAVORITE OPTIONAL APPS

Quite a few persons have asked what apps I use on my smart phone. Most are educational. Some are for fun. Note, I prefer free ones!  

You will see several news apps. I don’t take time to watch TV opinions/news. Consequently, I use quite a few news apps where I can select what I want to learn more about. I usually check them at the beginning of each day.

Please leave a comment to suggest those you can't live without. Let me know your favorite top five smartphone applications.

 

AAA– Only used it once. If I need them, it’s a fast call for a tow up to 200-miles or other assistance.

AP Mobile – Associated Press news. Checked every day. Love the “ODDITIES.”

Audiobooks – When traveling cross country, I listen to novels. I usually get CD’s from the library. However, my Nissan CD player is broken, so I use the iphone instead and listen through the radio speaker.

Aussi Slang – For my MINDREACHER paranormal thrillers, I check how my Australian characters would pronounce and use words.

BBC News – British Broadcasting news gives unbiased international updates.

DAILYART- Each day presents a different classic painting w/details. Love to learn about art!

Diji – Tells me what’s on TV if I ever have time to watch. I prefer old movies, Weather Channel, or the newest summer series, “The Last Ship.” Can’t wait for its 2015 season.

DUOLINGO - I hope to learn Spanish. It will also teach French, Italian, German and others. Uses the microphone to gauge your skills.

Facebook – Used to catch up with friends.

GasBuddy – When I need a fill up, I can find the best prices locally. Since ethanol damages gas lines, I’m having a hard time trying to find ethanol free gasoline.

Gmail – Only turned on when I want to forward/save a news application science article to later pick up on my desktop computer. My AT&T-4G “triple sends” everything to the iphone and I end up with over 2000 eamils per day. That’s why it is turned OFF immediately after using it!

Google – Just in case I need to look something up or find a business location.

Google Maps – Sometimes Google is better than other map apps

Guitar! – Used to tune the baby Martin guitar gifted to me by my beautiful daughter.

iBooks – I prefer real books, but store several electronically. When waiting here or there for someone or something, when not using my lightweight KindleWhite, I use my phone to read.

Hobby Lobby – Used for the instant coupons for art supplies.

Hyperlapse – Haven’t tried it yet. Will speed up videos.

MapQuest – Can give directions when traveling in or out of cities.

Meteor Shower Calendar – Gives me daily updates and tells me where to look

MyRadar – Gives me immediate weather info. I use it driving cross country.  When I have to pull over to let severe weather pass, it lets me know whether I can take a nap or get ready to move on.

Night Sky – Can’t live without it. Use it to tell me where everything is in the sky when I take the dogs out in the middle of the night. Use it when sitting outside to relax at night. Use it to guide the 17-inch Lewis Telescope to the correct sight location and identify anything I see. Just hold it up to the sky and learn. I’ve tried other apps but this one suits me best.

NOAA Free – A second app for weather radar and conditions where I am.

NPR News – National Public Radio news is checked daily. Also gives options for listening to different daily programs.

PassFinder – Lets me know when the International Space Station is passing overhead at night and where to find it.

PopSci – From the magazine, Popular Science. Good stuff! This app is a daily read!

Radio – Use it to listen to Aussi stations to hear pronunciations for my thriller novels

Relevant – Religious,  Internet Radio commentary by Drew Mariani.

Sky Week – Gives me data on what’s happening in the sky.

Smithsonian – Good articles from which to learn.

Solitaire – Usually play a game before bed. I like the one that rewards winning hands with a few seconds of congratulation animation with cards.  Of course I set the game to set up winning hands. Nope, I don’t win them all! J

Square – I can use my smart phone to sell anything with buyer’s credit card.

TODAY’S DOCUMENT- U.S. National Archives places one each day to see.

TuneIn Radio – I select international talk shows or news.

USA TODAY -  Daily read.

Weather – Gives me outside temperature and forecast for the week. Use it for thermostat setting & deciding what to wear for the day.

WIRED Magazine (UK) – Love the magazine. Enjoy the app.