only five apps - if i had to choose
I am almost certain that I could make the switch to a "dumb" phone, if not for just a few applications. I would not call my selections critical, but instead, I consider them life enhancements. These are apps that I feel are helpful, or add value. They may not necessarily be my "favorites," but I would miss them the most.
Before I present my list, I am not including the phone or text features, or a simple calendar -- since these were present on my earliest "dumb" phone. However, I am unwilling to revert to multi-tap texting. That would be a deal breaker.
One final disclaimer: I am recently retired (mid-fifties). While I remain active with family and in my community, I do not have "job" responsibilities that would undoubtedly influence my selected apps.
My five apps, in no particular order:
- Safari
Provides the ability to look up information I need, when I need it. I try not to browse the internet on my phone with frequency, but there are times that Safari saves me a significant amount of time. I currently use filters to block social media and news sites (because I do not have the willpower, or maturity, to resist).
- Google Maps
Not just for directions. Google Maps allows me to share my road trip progress with family. And, gives me the ability to locate nearby coffee shops.
- Camera
I love photography and the quality of the iPhone camera would be difficult for me to give up. The ability to carry around a digital camera in my front pocket has helped me become better with lighting, framing, and shot selection.
- Snapseed
See previous entry. I use, and like, Light Room for a lot of my photo editing, but I find the simplicity of Snapseed alluring for spur of the moment photos and quick edits.
- Spotify
Music. Audio books. Podcasts. I use Spotify a lot. Because of its versatility, it makes my top five.
Near misses: email (might have made it if I was still working), Merlin (more on this another time), Todoist (again...if I was working), and Google Keep (close, but I typically jot things in a notebook).
If you appreciated this post, you might enjoy does my phone "own" me? -- from my archive.
Cheers! 🎉