App-solutely Fabulous

We all know that apps for smartphones (and tablets) are becoming more popular by the day. Since I exchanged my slow, horrible, Windows operated Samsung Omnia for an easy to use, fast, Android operated HTC Desire, I too have discovered their merits. Not that this is the only improvement, but that’s a whole different story… Let’s talk apps.

I won’t pretend that I’m a very intensive app user. However, once in a while I check to see what’s new and if there’s anything available I can use. I take pleasure in the ease with which I can go to the Android Market, browse the popular apps and download those that seem interesting. The “scenes” of my Desire allow me to group them neatly according to what they’re for. One screen for games, one for looking up information, etc. The best word to describe them is ‘nifty’.

My latest addition? The valentine’s edition of Angry Birds, of course! No seriously, I lately found an app that allows me to easily check my college schedule, without needing to log in to the (most terrible ever) “blackboard”-system, used by my university. True, a lot of apps are still facing bug problems, but over all they are a lot easier to use than it is browsing the internet on a smartphone, simply because websites are not made to be viewed on such small screens.

My personal app top-5:

1 IMDb Movies & TV. I use this app almost daily to look up quick facts. I used IMDb before, but now I don’t have to take the trouble of starting my computer just for a quick look-up No more endless wondering what the name of that one actress is. No more difficult decisions which movie to go see. I love it.

2 Endomondo. This very handy tool functions as my running buddy. Endomondo keeps track of my route, distance, speed and calories burnt. I simply turn on my GPS and go. When I get back home, Endomondo’s website allows me to modify data, start competitions and share my performance on Facebook (which I don’t btw, because the world doesn’t need to know that I run with the speed of a turtle).

3 Angry Birds. Just brilliant…

4 NS Reisplanner Xtra. Being a student, I make use of public transportation a lot. This app helps me plan my trips and tells me about delays. The only downside is that it only gives information about the trains, and not about buses as well. But I’m hoping this function will be added soon, because the alternatives don’t come near to the quality of this app when it comes to interface and usability.

5 Robo Defense. Use your robots to defend your fortress from enemy invaders. Very simple, yet very addictive. I’m a sucker for these kinds of games.

If you are interested in finding out more about my favourites or my other experiences with discovering corporate communication, check out my previous blogs, click the follow button for regular updates, or follow me on Twitter (where else?).