The Best Apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch
More Top Paid For and Free Apps from Apple's App Store
Nov 4, 2009
It's widely recognised that while the iPhone and iPod Touch are leading the world of MP3 players and portable telecommunication, the software (or Apps) built by developers is what really makes these devices worth having.
Whichever App users choose, they can only get it from one place: iTunes. Apple's one-stop shop is set up to enable users to browse and buy music, films, TV episodes and Apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Free Apps
Many apps are free - some are 'lite' versions of full-on versions that cost money, but many are fully functioning pieces of software that allow users to play games, read books, get the latest news, check how their football team are doing, see what the weather's going to do at the weekend... there's an App for just about anything.
Best iTunes Apps for Daily Life
UK iPhone or iPod Touch users have a good selection of apps to help them get by from day to day. The following are among the best for helping them get around on the roads, public transport and elsewhere in life.
Red Laser
Comparing the prices of everyday products in the shops used to be a job for websites such as Pricerunner and Kelkoo. But this app allows users to do it on the move, thanks to software that recognises barcodes. Red Laser uses the device's camera to snap the barcode and a search automatically begins. Results are displayed under section headings, for example Amazon and Google Product Search, with links that take you to the cheapest company's website. Red Laser sometimes has problems identifying barcodes in low light conditions, so the manual input is a useful feature.
In tests, best results were obtained from scanning the barcodes of white goods (fridges, washing machines) rather than groceries, although the number of search engines may be increased to include MySupermarket at some point, which would allow users to scan as they do the weekly shop. Red Laser costs £1.19.
Shazam
Highly rated by users, Shazam is a smart little App that identifies a piece of music that's being listened to. Simply activate the app, hold the iPhone or iPod Touch up to the speaker and press 'Tag Now'. It records for a few seconds, analyses it and, as long as there is a GPRS, 3G or wi-fi signal, it will provide the artist details and track title and may provide a link to the video on You Tube. It's free, although that means there are a few adverts.
Find more iPhone and iPod Touch Apps here.
Summary
New Apps are released on a daily basis, but those previewed here have stood the test of time and are updated by their developers on a regular basis to improve functionality - check them out now.
Please note: the author owns an Apple iPhone 3GS but has no financial interest in any of the Apps recommended, or their developers.
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