By Lori Soard on February 6, 2013 in
If you recently acquired a new smartphone or tablet, but find yourself a bit lost as to which apps would be best to download, you aren't alone. "I love my new iPhone, but there are so many app choices that I didn't even know where to start at first," says Jen Conner, an iPhone owner from Indianapolis.
According to Apple, in 2012 nearly 20 billion apps were downloaded by their customers. "The revolutionary App Store offers more than 775,000 apps to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users in 155 countries around the world, with more than 300,000 native iPad apps available."
With so many different apps available, if you've never used a tablet before, then you may be unsure of which apps would be best to download. Since some apps cost money, and all apps take up space on your device, you don't want to just start downloading hundreds of apps without knowing which ones are best for beginners.
What is an app anyway?
The best place to start is by understanding what an app is. The word is often thrown out by news media and in casual conversation. Maybe you've never before owned a smart mobile device. Maybe you didn't even ask for the tablet you just received as a gift. When people talk about an "app," you may scratch your head and wonder exactly what they are talking about.
In its simplest terms, an app (short for application) is software developed by a third party. If you use word processing software or play solitaire on your computer, then you've used apps. Mobile apps add functionality--and fun--to your device, such as games, battery monitors, calorie trackers, and even flashlights, and are optimized for smaller screens and touch interfaces.
Learning how to use mobile apps
There are many ways you can learn to use apps on your new smartphone or tablet.
- Many libraries offer classes that teach patrons how to use their mobile devices, install apps and will often recommend specific apps to make daily tasks easier. Check with your local library.
- Apple Stores often offer classes that teach new users how to use the iPad (or iPod or iPhone). The manager at the Cincinnati Ohio Kenwood Towne Centre Apple store confirmed that they offer classes on getting started with the iPad and are always happy to answer questions about apps. A look at various Apple brick-and-mortar store websites confirms that most of these stores have free classes available for customers.
- The Apple website offers help to new iPhone and iPad users as well. There are tutorial videos and a chat community where users can ask questions and get advice from other iPad users. The Apple support line confirmed that they offer 90 days of phone support for new users as well.
- This may sound simple, but just ask someone you know. Seek out people who already have smartphones and tablets and know their way around.
Apps for beginners
When it comes to deciding which apps are best, there are as many answers as there are iPad users. Candy Fox, a Jeffersonville Indiana business analyst and part-time business owner, loves the Over 40 app. It's a magnifier and flashlight in one. Fox said, "I am a beginner even though I have had my iPad for a year! I love the Over 40 app, because it magnifies and lights up menus in dark restaurants...folks tease me but still ask to borrow my phone!"
Other users, like stay-at-home mom Mary McDowell of Abilene, Texas, and Becky McGraw, a published author in Indianapolis, Indiana, swear by the Kindle reader app, which allows users to download e-books from Amazon and read them on a mobile device. The Kindle app even syncs across devices so you can start a book your smartphone and continue reading where you left off, on your Kindle eReader or tablet.
Frequently recommended apps
- Find My iPad, iPhone and Mac (Free; Apple only) If you misplace your iPad, you can send out a message via iCloud.com or from another device and track where the iPad is located. You can also immediately lock your device and send a message with your phone number. The message notifies the finder to phone you to let you know they have your iPad.
- Dropbox (Free; Android, Apple) This app lets you easily share files, such as pictures, between different devices with little effort. This means you'll never lose another video or picture taken on your tablet.
- Songza (Free; Android, Apple) Turn your mobile device into a music streaming device.
- Google Maps (Free; Android, Apple) Never get lost again. You can even sync directions from your computer to your tablet or telephone.
- Gas Buddy (Free; Android, Apple) Who doesn't want to save money on gas these days? This free app will search for gas stations in your area and give you a list of prices, so you can choose the one with the lowest price.
- Games! Take your pick: Angry Birds, Words with Friends, Cut the Rope, Temple Run. There's bound to be a game that will appeal to you and help you pass the time.
With such a plethora of apps available, you'll need to decide which ones match your interests most closely. Stick to free apps until you get your bearings. That way, if one isn't meeting your needs, you can just delete it and download another.
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