Bowen lists App Store’s top 6 most useful apps
Since its launch in 2008, Apple’s App Store has housed applications from a wide variety of companies, displaying and advertising them for purchase onto its devices. Soon after, companies began producing smartphones with their own stores, paving the way for millions of new apps to be created by developers all over the world for all types of consumers. Many applications on Apple’s App Store are not worth the money and time used to purchase them, especially for students on a tight budget. Here are six apps for students that are actually worth the time it takes to download.
1. iTunes U
If you have an iPhone 6 or iPad 2 or above, iTunes U will come with your phone. Otherwise, it is available for free on the App Store. iTunes U is a virtual library full of textbooks and lectures from a variety of universities and companies from around the world. Almost every subject and class is available on the app, most for free.
2. EverNote/OneNote
Although the two apps are produced by different companies, EverNote and OneNote serve basically the same purpose. The two are cloud-based, which means they are saved to the internet instead of one computer or phone. You can access the information on any device, as the name implies, providing you have internet access. With EverNote and OneNote, you can make notes, write papers, create calendars, e-mail assignments, and have everything you need for school saved in one centrally accessible place. The only reason to choose one over the other is preference, as both are free to download.
3.Quizlet
Many teachers at HC use the Quizlet app to help students learn vocabulary and essential items. The free-to-download app allows you to create flashcards, generate tests, play games, and listen to each term or phrase. Anyone can create sets and create and join classes based around specific subjects or teachers, but access to all of Quizlet’s services is limited without a premium membership at $15 a year.
4.MyFitnessPal
Officially titled on the App Store ” Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker by MyFitnessPal,” the MyFitnessPal app allows users who are watching their weight to track calorie intake, steps taken, exercise completed, thus anything a dieter could need. The app is geared more towards adults, but can be effective for students because it allows the user to keep everything pertaining to their diet or workouts in one place. The app is free on the app store.
5. iTranslate
Whether it’s used for working on Spanish homework or traveling abroad, the free to download iTranslate app by Sonico GmbH allows the user to speak into their device’s microphone and translate that speech into another language. The app aids in pronunciation of foreign languages, development of language concepts, and understanding of vocabulary. It comes with 42 language dictionaries and voice input/output. A premium membership is available for in-app purchase, benefits of which include voice recognition and the elimination of advertisements.
6. Find My iPhone
On many newer devices, the Find My iPhone app comes loaded onto the phone. Produced by Apple Inc., Find My iPhone allows you to track the location of your phone, lock it down, erase all of the data, and a variety of other protective features. If you ever lose track of your device, you can simply log on to Apple’s website from another device and open the app from there. Retrieving your lost or stolen device is much easier with this app.