9 Apps You Can’t Live Without After Trying Once

Smartphone technology has undoubtedly made life far easier for many. While there's a vast number of apps that don't really do anything, there are some apps you can't live without once you begin using them. Some apps don’t provide much functionality, but others are extremely valuable to your daily life. Here are some of the most useful for making life easier.

Word Processing and Notes

There's perhaps no more helpful act than putting pen to paper. However, it isn't always possible. And like most, you probably can never find a pen when you need one. So notetaking and word processing apps are more useful on the go. Additionally, some note apps can integrate with other apps for scheduling, calendar features, and collaboration. Additionally, note taking is excellent in the office or when researching on your computer. The best way to take notes on a Macbook means your notes are easily readable, formatted, and can be copied with ease.

Apps You Can't Live Without Includes Photography

Photography apps used to be just good enough. Yet over the years, they have advanced significantly. And some of the latest, such as Google Pixel's app, rival some DSLR cameras. The beauty of photography apps is that you don't need to spend time configuring a bulky camera. Instead, with the power of just your phone, some photo apps can automatically set powerful features. For example, they can set a shallow depth of field for portraits, render HDR landscapes, or apply filters in seconds. Some of the best include Bacon Camera.

Calendars and Scheduling

We live in a busy world, that's for sure. And when traveling for business or pleasure, you always need to know your schedule. But it's just not feasible to always carry a bulky journal. Additionally, your journal is very personal and gets lost, stolen, or damaged. Fortunately, scheduling apps are excellent for all the right reasons. Like a paper journal, you can write daily activities or itineraries. However, you can also have apps send text reminders to your phone. You can also connect some of the best to other apps for business purposes and collaboration.

Mapping and GPS

Maps and GPS apps have come a long way since the earliest versions. Today, they don't only offer route guidance but information on local safety, where to eat, and even incoming weather. The features of map apps are so helpful when traveling. You will be lost without one after using them. There are some excellent paid map apps. But to be fair, Google Maps and Apple Maps, both of which are free, are all you will really ever need. They offer all the same advanced features as paid apps and come built-in to your Android or Apple phone. 

Personal Assistants

The last 10 years have seen an eye-opening shift in the sophistication of artificial intelligence. While we aren't anywhere near passing the Turing Test, modern AI is remarkably close to that of Star Trek. Alexa and Siri can control almost any aspect of your life. Some features include:

• Short form note taking
• Setting appointment reminders
• Setting up recurring purchases 
• Hands-free voice and video calling
• Creating and playing music playlists

Beyond increasing productivity and helping with menial tasks, personal assistants are also great for helping you with limited mobility issues. For example, you can buy products enabled for integration, such as washing machines, coffee makers, and even voice-activated showers.

Product Scanning Apps

Shopping. You either love it or hate it. But either way, no one likes to stand there having to read tiny print to find out what's in their products. And this is bad because there are ingredients in food and other consumables that could cause intolerance or even be fatal. Fortunately, you can download product scanning apps to help you out. Apps like Yukka will read the barcode of a food or cosmetic product and instantly provide details of what's inside. Then you can make an actionable decision about your purchase, knowing whether it's safe or not.

eBook Reader Apps

If you were born before 1995 and love to read, then there's nothing quite like the smell of a good book. However, most Millennials and Gen Z'ers prefer digital reading. And even though digital reading can never replace the authenticity of print media, there's something to be said about the features. For example, you can use the storage space of your phone or eReader to download thousands of books. Essentially, you can carry a library in your pocket. Additionally, you can use them for reading reports and other business or work-related documents on the move.

There are Email Apps You Can't Live Without

Some people assume that email is dead. But there are almost 5 billion active email users today. Email has changed how business is done and provides an efficient means of long-distance communication. Additionally, most email clients are free and easy to use. Of course, there are some paid clients. Still, they typically cater to professional features such as integration with other apps for collaboration or scheduling. Yet the way online businesses work, how we get our news, and even book appointments, means email is an essential part of our lives.

Wellbeing and Wellness

Last but not least, it's essential to look after your mental health. Like most people, you might feel stressed and anxious every now and then. But knowing how to ease your mind and take some time out can be a challenge. Sure, you could overpay some yogi or guru to teach you. But even that takes time you might not have. However, there are some excellent wellbeing and wellness apps you can use. Apps like Headspace offer practical guided meditation sessions, remind you when to do it, and even provide soothing sounds of nature when you need to relax.

Summary

Apps are all over the place. And there's typically one for almost anything you can imagine. Some are entering, and others are meaningless. But there are some apps you can't live without. These include note taking apps, AI personal assistants, and health and wellness apps.