Christmas time, a day well known for the presents and the copious amounts of food everyone eats. Or maybe that’s just me. It is true though; Christmas is a time of giving and technology is one of the best gifts you can give (and receive). Maybe you got yourself a shiny new iPhone, or iPad. But where do you start, what apps should you get? We here at Giz have a present for you; 50 essential apps to get you started with your new device.
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iPhone
12 Days of Gifts: [1]  Starting from tomorrow, 12 Days of Gifts will give you one free gift every day until the 6th of January. There is no word on what you’ll get, but hey, it’s free so why not? [Free]
Viber: [2]  Phone networks aren’t always forthcoming with the number of minutes you can have on your contract, and if you go over your allowance your bank account is going to take a serious hit (believe me I know). Viber works exactly like an ordinary phone call but sends the call over the internet instead, leaving your regular minutes allowance untouched. So if you’re connected to Wi-Fi, or out of minutes, Viber is there to help out. [Free]
WhatsApp Messenger: [3]  WhatsApp is very similar to Viber, but instead of doing phone calls it’s a messaging service that aims to replace your texts. The principle is all the same though; rather than using your allocated texts allowance, you can instead use Wi-Fi or a smidgen of data â€" fantastic if you have an unlimited data plan. [Free]
Any Video: [4]  MMS has been around for a long time, but it’s been rather restricted to images. Any Video is trying to change that, and through the app you can record and send video via whichever messaging app you choose. Whether it be WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or even a good old fashioned text message. [Free]
Google Maps: [5]  This one speaks for itself. Google Maps is vital if you don’t know where you’re going. The app has all the basic functions of Google Maps from a browser, with the addition of GPS navigation. Works great in the car, or on foot. [Free]
Around Me: [6]  This one is handy if you’re ever in a new area that you don’t know too well. Around Me is designed to give you a list of businesses and amenities that are in your general vicinity. Things like cash machines, hotels, coffee bars, and so on. [Free]
Facebook: [7]  The world’s biggest social network, available in the palm of your hand. Upload photos, message friends, and keep up to date with your timeline. There’s not much more I can add, it’s just Facebook on-the-go, and I’m pretty sure you already know what Facebook is, right? [Free]
Twitter: [8]  A friend of mine once said, “there’s no point to Twitter unless you have internet on your mobile.†It’s sort of true when you think about it; micro-blogging is the kind of thing you update as and when you have a thought, making Twitter a staple part of your mobile life. [Free]
Google+: [9] Google has pretty much made it mandatory for you to have a Google+ account. You need it to leave reviews on Google Play, or to comment on YouTube. Might as well download the app so you can manage your account on-the-go. [Free]
Instagram: [10]  The world’s favourite app for taking photos of your food, Instagram is a social network devised around your photos. Think Twitter but where photos are an integral part of every post. You can even apply filters to give your photos that faux historical look if that’s your thing. [Free]
Spotify: [11]  Spotify doesn’t need much of an introduction. Access its extensive catalogue of online music, and make it available to play offline to save on that precious data allowance. You can even include your own music into the player just in case your favourite artist isn’t available. A new radio-like shuffle feature will make offline playlists available for free with ads too. [Free -- with optional subscription]
Amazon Cloud Player: [12] A music streaming service from Amazon, Cloud Player is designed to give you access to your Amazon music library from anywhere. You can download your collection, and add any music you already have on your phone. But best of all it doesn’t need a constant data connection â€" offline mode will let you have access to your collection regardless. [Free]
eBay: [13]  Everybody’s favourite auction site, right there on your phone. Search, bid, buy â€" everything. Especially useful for managing those bidding wars on the move. [Free]
PayPal: [14]  If you’re going to buy on eBay then you’ll need a PayPal account. It may not be an obvious choice to stick on your phone, but it’s still useful. You can send payments securely and safely and withdraw any unspent funds. Pretty much everything you could do on PayPal, but in the palm of your hand. [Free]
The Trainline: [15]  The Trainline isn’t just for buying tickets, although that is one of the main selling points. The Trainline has a database of pretty much every single train running in this country too; otherwise it would be useless, right? You can use this to your advantage â€" you can look up trains, see when they’ll leave, and more importantly how long they’ll take. Whether it’s for your own journey, or if you’re giving a lift to a friend, it’s pretty handy to have. [Free]
Amazon: [16] One of the world’s best known internet retailers, Amazon should be a staple part of your mobile life. It’s everything you can do on the full version of Amazon, but with the added bonus that you can use it on-the-go to compare prices. [Free]
Shazam: [17]  You might be sitting in the car, or wandering through a shop when you hear a song you like. But you don’t know who it’s by, or even what it’s called! Shazam will listen to a sound-byte of the song and compare it to a central database â€" letting you know everything you need to know about the song: Title, Artist, Album and where to buy it from. [Free]
Soundhound: [18]  Functioning in much the same way as Shazam, Soundhound has an extra cool little feature. Had a tune stuck in your head all day but don’t quite know where it’s from? In addition to figuring out the song from a clip, you can also sing, or hum the song and Soundhound will tell you what’s been bugging you all day. [Free]
Find My iPhone: [19]  An important tool in case you ever misplace your phone, or if it’s stolen. All it requires is that you have the app on another iOS device or a Mac. From there you’ll be able to activate the phone’s ringer, or in a worst case scenario lock your device and erase all the data. [Free]
QR Code Reader and Scanner: [20] Â Nice and simple, this app will scan and decipher those pesky QR codes for your understanding. You can also use the app to create your own QR codes for whatever reason you may need them. [Free]
CamScanner HD: [21]   Sometimes you might need to scan something but you’re not in a position to use one â€" it’s unlikely sure, but it does happen. CamScanner is a life saver in such a situation. Using your phone’s camera, you can use the app to quickly load a document onto your phone. Direct from the app you can then turn scanned documents into PDFs, email them and, if you’re a premium user, you have access to an OCR function that will transform them into a text document. [Free]
Opera Mini Web Browser: [22] Opera was the first alternative browser to be released on iOS way back in 2009. It’s a great app to have if you’re not too fond of the native Safari app â€" it’s simple to use and the home screen even includes the option to bookmark your favourite websites for quick access. [Free]
Chrome: [23]  Another browser, this one is pretty much a miniature version of the Chrome you may be used to using on your computer. While this may seem strange, it comes with its advantages. You can sign in and sync all your bookmarks, settings, and even the tabs you have open. Chrome is definitely one to have if you like an easy transition. [Free]
Gmail: [24] Exactly what it sounds like â€" Gmail is the app for Google’s ever-popular email service. Everything you’d need is right there in the palm of your hand for easy email access on-the-go. [Free]
Inbox Cube: [25]  If you’re like most people, you’ll have set up the email on your phone so you can get them as-and-when they arrive. Chances are you might have multiple accounts for different things as well. Inbox Cube is designed to stick all your emails together in one convenient place, so no fiddling around with multiple apps anymore! [Free]
Evernote: [26] Â A note taking app designed to let you share your thoughts and musings across all of your devices. You can make to-do lists, record voice notes, and share via Facebook and Twitter. Evernote is free, but there is a subscription that will give you access to premium features such as offline note access, or an added layer of password protection. [Free -- with in-app purchases]
Radioplayer: [27] This app gives you access to a whole host of online streams from radio stations around the country. It doesn’t matter where you are you, with it you can listen to your favourite station without any fuss (provided it has an online stream of course). Better yet though, Radioplayer includes a link to iPlayer, so you can catchup on BBC radio from the last few days. [Free]
Mobile Mouse: [28] A handy little tool for those of you who use your computer for a variety of entertainment purposes. Mobile Mouse will turn your phone into a mouse and remote control for your computer. Watching Netflix from the sofa without having to get up just got a whole lot easier. [£1.49]
iPad
Remote: [29] Â Remote is an app that will turn your iPad into a remote control for an Apple TV box, will play iTunes Radio, and will control your iTunes account. Quite simply, it is a way of making your home more interconnected, turning your iPad into a conduit to control your personal media. [Free]
VLC for iOS: [30] Â VLC is well known for being able to play videos of any file type on computers. The iOS version is no different. Simply transfer the video onto your device and you can watch it at your convenience, all without having to do any pesky file conversion. [Free]
MEGA: [31]  Kim Dotcom’s new data storage service, offering a remarkable 50GB of free space. Designed to be secure and easily accessible, it should have ample room to back up all the important data you store on your phone. But say 50GB isn’t enough? For £8 a month, you can upgrade to 500GB of storage, with 1000GB of bandwidth a month. Bargain. [Free -- with in-app purchases]
Dropbox: [32]  A cloud storage service, intended as a backup or to transfer your files between devices. Keep your files nice and safe on the off chance that you lose your tablet, or if you need that important work document off your computer. [Free]
Comics: [33] Â Comics is an app devoted to, you guessed it, comics. With over 40,000 individual issues available for purchase from a variety of publishers, including Marvel and DC, Comics is the ideal way to easily purchase your favourite graphic stories. [Free -- with in-app purchases]
Skype for iPad: [34]  Everybody’s favourite video messaging app, available on the iPad. There isn’t really anything here that you wouldn’t find in the desktop version. [Free]
YouTube: [35]  YouTube hardly needs an introduction, but it should be a staple addition to your tablet. Manage your subscriptions, watch a variety of videos. Standard stuff. [Free]
Netflix: [36]  The popular on demand service is a great addition to your tablet. No longer will you be tied to your computer, or your games console, in order to watch top notch TV and movies. Having it on your iPad is a great way to go on one of those television/movie binges. [Free -- with subscription]
LoveFilm Instant: Similar to Netflix, LoveFilm instant will give you access to the entire LoveFilm catalogue right there on your iPad, or you can stream to your Apple TV box. [Free -- with subscription] [37]
BBC iPlayer: [38]  With the last two weeks of BBC television available at the tap of your finger, iPlayer is one app that you should not be without. [Free]
4oD: [39]  Like iPlayer for Channel 4′s output, 4oD allows you to catch up on the latest programming from the last few weeks. What is different however, is that 4oD contains a lot more than the last two weeks, with full series of some classic and much-loved Channel 4 programming available too. [Free]
 iTV Player: [40]  ITV’s on demand service is available so that you can catch up with Coronation Street, The X Factor and countless other programmes without being tied to your computer or television. [Free]
Demand 5: [41]  There isn’t much more that can be said about on demand programmes; Demand 5 is Channel 5′s offering, ensuring that you will never miss a thing â€" and a nice way to complete the terrestrial TV set. [Free]
Sky Go: [42]  Sky Go is designed to let Sky customers watch the latest in Sky programming. Whether it be movies or TV, the app will let you stream or download them to watch at your leisure. [Free]
Sky Movies: [43] One for Sky Movies customers, the Sky Movies app lets you keep a list of upcoming movies, set them to record on your Sky box, and even watch them there and then on your iPad. [Free]
Air Video: [44] Maybe you like watching lots of videos, but you only have so much storage on your iPad. Air Video is there to let you stream your video collection â€" regardless of file type â€" from anywhere, saving your valuable storage space. But, say you don’t want to stream? Air Video will convert the video into an iPad friendly format, so you can save and watch it at your leisure. [£1.99]
TV Catchup Live TV: [45]  TV Catchup lets you watch over 50 television channels live, from the comfort of your tablet. You can personalise your channel list, and even use voice commands to control what you’re watching. [Free]
Garage Band: [46]  The Mac’s famous music creation suite available on the iPad. Use a multitude of instruments and use the touch screen controls to record and edit some tunes. [Free]
Pages: [47] A word processor specifically designed for the iPad, Pages will let you craft word documents and then save them to iCloud for easy access anywhere. With wireless printing, and multiple file type conversion, Pages is the ideal Word processor for you. [£6.99]
Kindle: [48]  Amazon’s eBook store makes it easy and convenient for you to purchase, download, and read books all in one place. Fantastic if you don’t have a Kindle and don’t fancy finding space for brand new books. [Free]
iTunes U: [49] The world’s largest digital catalogue of free educational material, iTunes U gives you access to hundreds of lectures and courses from universities across the world. A handy tool to help you increase your knowledge of skills, with no effect on your wallet. [Free]
Microsoft Remote Desktop: [50]  I have often found myself in situations where I really need my computer but I just don’t have it with me, like if I’ve forgotten a file, or I need to do some work whilst out and about. With Microsoft Remote Desktop this will never be an issue ever again. You can connect to a PC remotely and access your files and resources from anywhere â€" provided you have a steady internet connection. [Free]
Links
- ^ 12 Days of Gifts: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Viber: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ WhatsApp Messenger: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Any Video: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Google Maps: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Around Me: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Facebook: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Twitter: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Google+:Â (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Instagram: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Spotify: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Amazon Cloud Player: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ eBay: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ PayPal: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ The Trainline: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Amazon:Â (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Shazam: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Soundhound: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Find My iPhone: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ QR Code Reader and Scanner: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ CamScanner HD: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Opera Mini Web Browser: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Chrome: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Gmail: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Inbox Cube: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Evernote: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Radioplayer: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Mobile Mouse: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Remote: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ VLC for iOS: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ MEGA: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Dropbox: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Comics: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Skype for iPad: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ YouTube: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Netflix: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ LoveFilm Instant:Â (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ BBC iPlayer: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ 4oD: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ iTV Player: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Demand 5: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Sky Go: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Sky Movies: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Air Video: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ TV Catchup Live TV: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Garage Band: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Pages: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Kindle: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ iTunes U: (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ Microsoft Remote Desktop: (itunes.apple.com)
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