By Dennis Powell, e-Management
A couple of years ago Apple (with its flagship iPhone devices) launched TV and radio ads to persuade people, who swore they’d never buy a smart phone, that they could not in fact live without the devices. Out of those commercials, the pop culture expression “There’s an app for that” was born. Other smart phone providers using the rivals Android platforms quickly followed Apple’s lead. Given that smart phone penetration in North America was a little more than 60% at the end of 2011, I’d say that smart phone providers were very successful in getting people to become hopelessly addicted to the applications, or apps, which live on the ever popular smart phones.

Smart phones allow you to listen to music, read books, check the stock market, get directions, and find new ways to cook. No wonder so many of us are hooked on apps.
I became a “smart phone addict” once I had to replace my older Android with a new Samsung Galaxy II with a larger screen, bold colors, and longer battery life. Since three of out of every five mobile phone users own smart phones like the iPhone, Android, or Microsoft based devices, I decided to pull together a list of apps that can get you hooked.
Drum roll…Here are my picks for six kinds of app that you must have:
- Apps to protect against bad guys: Android users who are prone to misplacing things will love the AntiDroidTheft app. Features include special e-mail alerts when your phone’s SIM (subscriber identification module) card has been removed. It also allows you to track your phone online using GPS or mobile technology. You can even activate your camera remotely to take photos. So bad guys beware.
- Apps for foodies: Do you like delectable cuisines? You might want to check out the Digital Recipe Sidekick (DRS) in the Android marketplace. The app allows you to import all recipes from Allrecipes.com directly to your smart phone or Android device. There you can add your own recipes to your phone and edit existing recipes. But the app is more interactive than that, it also acts as a “GPS” and actually reads the instructions while you cook. iPhone foodies might want to try the Allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner app that boasts more than 40,000 recipes! Great thing about this app is its “Shake for Ideas” feature. How does it work? Whenever you are indecisive about what you want to cook or eat, simply shake your phone or touch “spin” and voila, it serves you up a random selection of dining ideas! Bon appetite.
- Apps for shopaholics: QR Code readers are must haves for “your inner smart consumer.” Basically, QR codes are those strange looking rectangular, two-dimensional bar code that stores information about products and companies such as addresses and websites. When the app is installed you can use your smart phone camera to scan the barcodes. QR codes can store a lot more information that the barcodes most of us are accustomed to seeing. Why are QR code apps a must have? Well, mainly because more and more companies are using them in their marketing in magazines and online. In the past, you had to write down the information or rely on your memory; QR codes make it a cinch. Just snap your camera and all of the information you’ll need will be stored on your phone.
- Apps for the literature enthusiasts: e-Book apps are great for those who love to read and want to leave the bulky books at home rather than on public transportation, during flights, or on vacation. iPhone has several apps such as B&N e-Reader, Kobo, and Kindle to name a few. Android e-readers include Google Books.
- Apps for music lovers: If you were to ask me what’s the best thing since slide bread, I’d probably tell you music apps. My favorite is Pandora® Internet radio. First of all, it’s free! Next, the app allows you to stream your favorite music from the web to your smart phone for free. It allows you to personalize your play list so you only listen to the music you love! I cannot get enough of my jazz, Motown, and classic rock channels!
- Apps for sports junkies: Sports fans will love sports apps such as Android’s College Hoops Radio or the iPhone’s College Basketball Radio Live, which allow you to listen to your favorite sports team events live! If “hoops” isn’t your thing, you can always follow your favorite athletes and sports team on the go with ESPN Radio app. In addition to regular ESPN content, users will have access to more than 35 different ESPN Radio podcasts.
So, yes there really is an app for everyone!
There are apps that can tell you how much to eat; where there are speed traps; and even how to dump someone. There’s probably an app to help curb my new smart phone dependence. But why would I want that? Besides, I cannot be the only apps junky out there. What are you favorite apps? How have apps helped you in your day to day activities? On the other hand, are apps and the app-crazed people annoying? I want to hear from you. Let’s chat…because there’s an app for that too!