DCS App Series: Smartphone Staples
Hi, my name is Nick, and I'm an addict.
Before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify. I am addicted to mobile applications.
I often combat fleeting moments of boredom with Google searches that aim to feed my addiction. My cravings are not for any particular genre of app. I am a garden variety app-addict: personalization, productivity, entertainment, communication, news, and more.
In an effort to break the confines of isolation that can often be asSOCiated with addiction, I am reaching out and asking my fellow app addicts to stand up and be counted.
This is not a cry for help, but rather a request for my app-loving brethren and sisters to feed my addiction.
Which brings us to the DCS App Series… Today’s inaugural post will highlight the five applications that are absolute musts.
These are the five applications that I download within minutes of activating a new device. As will be standard for the app series, I plead with you to respond, share, and expose your favorites. The only thing I ask in return is that you feed my craving for apps that organize, summarize, and enhance productivity. So, let’s get to it.
5 Applications I Could Not Function Without
-
Evernote
Evernote organizes and categorizes the chaos of daily life. Downloaded on every internet-accessible device I own, it offers much more than just note-taking.
- Notes
- Reminders
- Photo Integration
- Screenshot and clipping functionality
- Collaboration
- Work Chat
- Storage and Data Backup
- Audio & Handwritten Notes
Evernote teamed up with Moleskine to create a notebook that integrates seamlessly into the app. Capture a picture from your smartphone, and it’s automatically stored in Evernote.
-
IF (Formerly IFTTT - If This Then That)
IF connects your apps and devices, automating tasks with custom workflows called “recipes.”
Examples:
- IF I like a picture on Instagram, THEN save it to Dropbox.
- IF I post to Facebook, THEN post to Twitter.
- IF I arrive at a location, THEN turn on Wi-Fi.
- IF I leave work, THEN notify my significant other.
The possibilities are endless, and pre-built recipes make automation effortless.
-
Pocket
Pocket is a “save for later” app. With a simple tap, articles and webpages are saved for later reading.
To enhance productivity, I even use an IF recipe: IF I save an article to Pocket, THEN add it to my Evernote notebook titled ‘to-read.’
-
Pushbullet
Pushbullet enhances productivity by allowing seamless file sharing across devices.
- Send files between devices instantly
- Send and receive text messages from your desktop
Can you picture how lovely it is to not have to constantly unlock your phone to check messages? Let me save you the effort—it’s fantastic.
-
Reddit
Reddit, the self-proclaimed ‘front page of the internet,’ is an entertainment, Social Networking, and news aggregation site.
It is organized into thousands of subreddits, catering to virtually every interest:
- Food
- News (filtered by political views)
- Hobbies
- Fitness
- Movies, Netflix, and documentary reviews
Once you find your favorite subreddits, Reddit will become your go-to source for content.
Conclusion
There you have it—five apps that are integral to my daily life. If you haven’t tried them, this article may be a turning point for you.
Now, it’s time for you to contribute:
- What five apps can you not do without?
Simply tweet us your five @DCSNY.
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