By Pascal Oparada
Technology is fast changing the way we do things these days. With the tap of a finger, you have the whole world right in the palm of your hands.
From apps that notify you of traffics, even accidents, and the one that notifies people with CPR training of emergencies, to the one that calculates your menstrual, ovulation and safe periods, you literally have gold in your hands with these apps.
Google Translate
The Google Translate app takes the Google Translate you know and loves from your computer to the next level.
Its text translate feature holds 103 languages, but where this app really shines is in its ability to use a phone camera to instantly translate text in images. It also has a conversation mode for instant two-way speech translation. This is extremely valuable for those planning a trip abroad!
Runkeeper
Running is far more bearable (enjoyable, even) if you have an efficient way of tracking your progress. Runkeeper tracks your route, speed, pace, calories burned, and distance via GPS.
You can sync the app with your Fitbit or Apple Watch and connect with friends with the running group chat feature.
Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock
The Sleep Cycle app is an intelligent alarm clock that analyzes your sleep and always wakes you up on the right side of the bed. It uses sound to track movement and snoring.
You give the app a 30-minute window, and it will wake you up when you are in the lightest phase of sleep.
Waze
Move over Maps, Waze is the new way to navigate the world around you. This app will immediately notify you of accidents, police, construction, and traffic on your route.
It tells you the exact time you’ll arrive at your destination, shows you where to find the cheapest gas prices, and always puts you on the fastest path to wherever you want to go.
Shazam
Shazam lets you quickly identify any song you hear. Save songs so you remember what to download later, and see what top artists like Drake, Ed Sheeran, and Bruno Mars are Shazaming.
Before this app existed, people would just hear a new, cool song, and then never know how to find it again. Our only hope was to awkwardly try to sing it to our friends in hopes that they knew which song it was.
Grammarly Keyboard
Grammarly Keyboard checks your Facebook posts, emails, LinkedIn messages, or whatever you’re typing for grammar and spelling errors. The keyboard smoothly integrates with all apps and actually helps you improve your writing.
Never send an email with the wrong “there” again, and spot autocorrect disasters before they happen.
PulsePoint
This app uses GPS technology to notify people with CPR training about cardiac emergencies in their area. PulsePoint also directs citizen rescuers to the exact location of the closest Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
It can take official rescue services a while to get to people in need. This app allows nearby average Joes who know CPR to step in and save lives
Duolingo
Duolingo’s friendly, bright interface makes learning another language fun and easy. It includes engaging mini-games that test your reading, writing, and speaking skills.
The app lets you know your fluency percentage and it lets you compare your progress with your friends’. It offers free lessons in over 30 languages.
MyFitnessPal
MyFItnessPal is an app that lets you monitor your food intake and exercise. It sets a daily calorie budget for you based on your personal fitness goals and then allows you to see if you’re staying within that budget.
Scan barcodes on food wrappers for quick and easy logging, and keep track of all your macro and micro-nutrients
Clue
Clue is a period tracker app that helps you discover unique patterns in your menstrual cycle. You can use Clue to track and monitor your mood, PMS, ovulation, and fertility.
Keep all of your data on hand for doctor’s appointments and sync data from other health apps on your device.
1Password
Never struggle to remember your mother-in-law’s maiden name again with 1Password. This app stores all your passwords in one place, and keeps them safe and secure behind a single password that only you know.
This app lets you create stronger passwords, and it locks automatically to protect you if your device is ever lost or stolen.