A recent study by market research firm Nielsen claimed that the average person uses 27 apps a month, which sounds like very few considering that Apple and Google’s app stores both have more than 1 million apps available. The key, of course, is that the 27 apps can be almost entirely different, depending who you ask.
Some apps do have mass audiences: Facebook and Twitter in the social networking category; WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Snapchat for messaging; Google Maps for getting around; Spotify for music; YouTube for video; Kindle for reading ebooks; Instagram for photo-sharing; and so on.
Beyond these 900lb gorillas of the apps world, though, there is a wide selection of software that can improve your smartphone’s capabilities: often replacing the default apps that come preloaded on it, from email and calendar apps to mapping and music.
One of the important trends in this area is apps working better together, whether through partnerships between them - pretty much every fitness-tracking app works with a range of complementary services - or by features in the smartphone software from Apple and Google making it easier to move tasks and content between different apps on your device.
A trend that’s in its earlier stages is the growth of companion apps for smartwatches, usually designed to take two or three key tasks from the main app to your wrist, to avoid you getting your smartphone out of your pocket. Look for Apple Watch offshoots for iPhone apps on the App Store, and separate Android Wear versions for Android apps on Google Play.
App developers also have a growing awareness of issues around privacy, from messaging apps such as Telegram that make encryption one of their key features, to controversies like recent criticism of an update to Spotify’s privacy policy, which was (wrongly, as it turned out) seen as opening the door for its app to root through users’ photos and listen to their conversations.
App makers have to be sensitive to these concerns as apps continue to be big business. In 2014, Apple paid out $10 billion to developers of iOS apps, while Google paid out $7 billion to developers of Android apps. That money includes upfront payments and in-app purchases, but not advertising - a big money-spinner for companies like Facebook, which made $7.5 billion from mobile ads in 2014 alone.
For anyone relatively inexperienced in smartphones and apps, this roundup offers a good starting point to improve your handset: even if you don’t find most of them useful, several will have a meaningful effect on your daily life. Meanwhile, even smartphone veterans may find some apps in here that demand a slot on their homescreens.
Moodnotes for iOS
Moodnotes is a digital diary for tracking your moods, from low to high. It prompts you to explain your feelings to help spot triggers for low moments, and provides tips on how to avoid the “thinking traps” that may cause them.
Clue - Period Tracker for iOS/Android
Part of the trend for quantifying yourself, Clue focuses on the fertility cycle. Use it to track throughout the month, whether your goal is conception or simply understanding your cycle’s pattern better.
MyFitnessPal for iOS/Android/Windows Phone (Free + IAP)
This is one of the simplest ways to quickly log your calories, setting a daily target to suit whatever your current fitness plan is. It works well with other health apps too, from Fitbit to Runkeeper.
Rightmove for iOS/Android/Windows Phone
House-hunting can be dispiriting, but at least the apps for browsing homes are good. Since you’ll be checking Rightmove morning, noon and night, it’s good that it’s so quick and easy to use.
Sleep Better with Runtastic for iOS/Android
More quantification, this time of night habits. Installed on your smartphone at your bedside, it measures your sleeping patterns, while its alarm aims to wake you at the best time within your cycle - avoiding morning grumps.
Bumble for iOS
This aims for a more female-friendly spin on dating. Browse and swipe right like Tinder, but if the woman doesn’t chat for 24 hours, the connection disappears. For same-sex couples, either has to act to stay connected.
Peak - Brain Training for iOS/Android (Free + IAP)
Remember when Nintendo’s Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training was a craze? Peak is doing a similar thing on smartphones and tablets, with dozens of mini-games designed to test thinking skills and track your improvement over time.
Zombies, Run! for iOS/Android/Windows Phone (Free + IAP)
Zombies, Run! has the most creative method of getting you jogging: a horde of (virtual) undead chasing you. A proper story from Naomi Alderman keeps your interest high.
Travel Citymapper for iOS/Android
From tubes and trains to taxis and buses, Citymapper suggests several routes, each with a projected time, with alerts on weather, strikes and other issues. In the UK, it works in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
UK Bus Checker for iOS/Android/Windows Phone
There are dozens of bus-checking apps, but this is the pick of the bunch. Covering more than 300,000 bus stops in the UK, it’s a fast way to check arrivals, or plan your journeys.
Hotel Tonight for iOS/Android/Windows Phone
A growing number of people are choosing not to book accommodation but to pitch up and use this app on the day. Its speed and simplicity play into that: a few taps and you’re all booked up.
Yahoo Weather for iOS/Android
The weather might be grim but at least the forecast looks pretty in this app. Yahoo’s weather tool isn’t just nice-looking though: there’s plenty of detail to dig into as you browse ahead for daily and hourly forecasts.
Duolingo: Learn Languages for iOS/Android/Windows Phone
Of the many language-learning apps, this is one of the simplest, but also most effective. Its bite-sized lessons are a fun way to get up to speed in Spanish, French, German and other languages.
ViewRanger GPS for iOS/Android (Free + IAP)
If your holiday involves walking or cycling, this is an excellent companion. It taps Ordnance Survey maps and trail guides for detailed routes to pedal or wander along, and is particularly good for holidays within the UK.
Hopper - Airfare Predictions for iOS/Android
The fluctuating prices of airlines are beyond the ken of most passengers, which is exactly their point. Hopper gives bargain-hunters an advantage again: analysing prices and trying to predict when they will be cheapest.
WifiMapper for iOS/Android
Frequent travellers know all about the search for a Wi-Fi hotspot when abroad - with a free one being the dream. WifiMapper has a database of more than 500m hotspots around the world, and will guide you to them.
HERE Maps for iOS/Android/Windows Phone
Google and Apple have their respective Maps apps, but Nokia’s HERE has plenty of fans. Its key features include storing maps offline, and its inclusion of public transport and restaurant/shop data.
Microsoft Translator for iOS/Android/Windows Phone
This handy companion will translate words and phrases while you’re abroad, with support for 50 languages and the option to have things read out or displayed on screen for you to try the pronunciation. It also works on smartwatches for even faster access.
The Guardian
