Getting started with easy to use, free apps that are already on your smart device
Learning more about apps is a common objective for clients coming to our training programs. Some people have heard of them but don’t know what they are or why they’re important. Making your way through the apps available in the App Store or Play Store can be even more confusing. There are over two million apps (and counting) available to download. Each app is designed to do something specific. For example, the Weather app is used for Weather related information or the Phone app to make phone calls.
What is often overlooked are the free apps that come with your device. We take a look at a selection of free apps that are a great way to get started as they are already on the device. These apps are on iPad or iPhone however in most cases there is a similar app on an Android device.
Weather
For weather watchers the Weather app is a great go to app. The Weather is brought to you in a simple way. Check the forecast, up to 10 days ahead and also find details such as the rain radar and wind information. Your current location is added from your device so that an accurate forecast can be provided. You can also add another city.
Podcasts
The easiest way to access audio content on your device, the Podcast app is full of audio only programs that inform and inspire. Explore shows and interests you love from entertainment and comedy to news and sports, education, comedy, politics to religion, crime and a whole lot more. Being audio only content this app uses very little data but provides hours of content and entertainment.
Calendar
It can be hard to let go of the paper calendar on the fridge door, but the Calendar app is a great way of keeping your schedule, tasks and appointments organised. You can schedule appointments with reminders so you don’t forget where and when you need to be somewhere. Add in the location to your appointment which will link a map to your appointment you can just tap on when it’s time to go and follow the directions. From the calendar app you can also invite others to your appointment too.
Contacts
The Contacts app is arguably the most useful app on your device. Setting up your contacts can make connecting with family and friends in the future simple and easy. You won’t need to remember a phone number or email address and, once set up, you will be able to see other ways you might be able to connect such as FaceTime or messaging. There are also places to add address information and other notes you might want to keep for that contact, perhaps their birthday or their children's names? It’s a sure way to keep all your contact information in one place.
Tips
In the Tips app you can see collections of tips that help you get the most from your iPhone or iPad. Once you have tapped on the app to open it, tap a collection to learn how to take screenshots or use dictation. New tips are added frequently.
Notes
The Notes app is a really useful app to jot down notes, shopping lists or even scan a document. To create a new note open the app, tap on the compose button and create your note. The first line of your note becomes its title. Once complete you can even share your note via text or email. To scan a document through the notes app, open the Notes app and select a note or create a new one. Tap the camera button then tap Scan Documents. Place your document in view of the camera. Drag the corners to adjust the scan to fit the page, then tap Keep Scan and Save to keep the scan in the document.
Clock
The Clock app is another great app that offers all the features of a regular clock and more. The clock app contains easy to use settings for an alarm as well as a stopwatch and a timer. Very handy if you are cooking or even to remember when your parking runs out. Once you open the Clock app there is a menu of options along the bottom of the screen. If you have family or friends in another time zone, the World Clock is a great way to set up the city so you can see the time there easily and never have to count the time difference on your fingers again.
Maps
More than just a map for directions for when you are driving, the Maps app is packed with helpful and extra features. Enjoy the global guides and explore the world without leaving your arm chair. You can also find your location on a map and zoom in and out to see the detail you need. You can find the fastest route whether you are driving, taking public transport or even walking. There’s also a helpful street view which is a great way to get an image of the place you are searching.
For more tips and advice to get online
There are so many apps available today to make life a little easier, some of the more useful ones are already installed and at your fingertips. If there are other apps that came with your device that you have found useful we would love to hear about them in the comments below.
