Even though I spend a lot of my time writing about phones for a career, I don’t use a lot of different apps. Instead, I have a core set of apps that I use across a number of devices, including the iPhone 13 Pro and some of the top Android phones.
Instead than using smartphones as a platform for a wide variety of various apps, I try to focus on its native functions, such as display settings or camera modes. In light of this, I’ll install or add the following apps to a new smartphone’s home screen as soon as I set it up. They are definitely my important apps.
1. Google Maps
Although it comes pre-installed on nearly all Android phones, Google Maps is the first software I’ll install on a new iOS device even though it is perhaps the most obvious app to everyone. Over the past few years, Apple Maps has advanced significantly and is now a service that is absolutely adequate. However, I feel that Google Maps is the better mapping service because it has never let me down.
The timeline is Google Maps’ most compelling feature in my opinion, but I don’t think those who value their privacy will agree. The timeline shows where you’ve been pretty much ever since the feature was made available in Google Maps, provided you give it permission to do so.
2. Google Drive
I detest wasting time on the road, so having Google Drive and its related apps, such as Docs, Sheets, Keep, and more, is a terrific way to remain productive when traveling. In addition to being able to access shared files and documents while riding the train, Google’s productivity and storage tools perform admirably on smartphones even when they are offline.
Thanks to Google Drive and Docs, I’ve frequently tapped out a quick opinion piece or chewed over a presentation while crammed on the notorious Central Line of the London Underground. Everything then syncs when I have a reliable internet connection, allowing me to continue working on my laptop while in the office.
3. Spotify
Speaking of traveling, Spotify is my preferred music streaming service, not the least because I can download a ton of albums and playlists from it. Granted, you may now download songs from many streaming-focused music providers. But Spotify is my go-to music app because of my familiarity with it and the wide variety of music it offers.
4. Kindle
In keeping with wonderful commuter apps, the Kindle app from Amazon is excellent for the times when I don’t need to write an article while on the go. I can subscribe to our sister journal PC Gamer thanks to Kindle’s magazine selection, which is in addition to its abundance of eBooks.
The Kindle app works pretty well for switching between magazines in a simple text format and cross-device synchronization, despite the fact that it isn’t ideal and may be a little picky when giving up navigation options depending on where I tap the app.
5. Deliveroo
I adore meal delivery apps because I am a gluttonous eater. Deliveroo is the service I like. Deliveroo is great for people who reside in London, but it’s not for readers in the United States.
Deliveroo has a vast selection of eateries, making it very simple to discover delicious meals, such as gourmet burgers, Thai food, and local pizza takeaway. Deliveroo also came into its own during the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, allowing restaurants to continue operating by providing delivery services and keeping foodies like myself fed and sated with an abundance of meals.
6. Otter
Otter is primarily a tool for journalists, but anyone who has to take notes at meetings, interviews, or lectures will appreciate the AI-powered recording and transcription service. It’s free and simple to use, and as long as you’re in a quiet location, you can get fairly good transcriptions of interviews or keynote speeches without having to scribble notes quickly.
7. Hinge
I might be disclosing too much about myself here, but I frequently utilize dating apps as a single person. These days, this is how people meet in the large metropolis. Hinge is one of the best dating applications, in my opinion.
Its simple design and interface really appeal to me. Without overdoing it, Hinge does a good job of making profile photos look presentable. Additionally, it doesn’t constantly bug you to pay for premium features while still providing some useful conversation starters and preference options.