Issues > Winter 2012 > Columns > App Addict > App Addict

App Addict

Every so often an app comes along that enhances the use of your mobile device in such a way, that you may wonder how you were able to ever function without it. With a multitude of apps to choose from, how do you know what’s worth the download?

One of the great things about mobile applications is the new capabilities that they offer you. Before the use of this technology, who could have imagined that one day you would be able to do just about anything by simply tapping and swiping? In this issue, I will be reviewing apps that pertain to business, productivity and reference.

Google Voice

Price: Free
Category: Productivity
Compatibility: Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
Rating: 10/10

Powerhouse “Google” has now entered every aspect of the mobile and social networking world and with one of their latest apps Google Voice; they are putting many VOIP (voice over internet protocol) providers in tough competition. Google voice is an app in which you can make and receive calls without using your mobile minutes, as well as without revealing your true phone number to anyone who you wish not to have. When you launch the app it is split into four tabs: Inbox, Dialer, Contacts and Settings. I spent most of my time using the Inbox tab, where you can see incoming calls and messages, complete with a preview of your text or voicemail messages. There are also dedicated folders for Starred messages, History, and Voicemail or Text messages, as well as any recent call activity. There is no charge to make most calls in the United States, however if you plan on placing any international calls, Google will alert you letting you know that a credit needs to be purchased. The rates for international calls do vary.

Adobe Connect Mobile

Price: Free
Category: Business
Compatibility: Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
Rating: 10/10

Ever wanted to Attend Adobe Connect meetings away from the office and not necessarily sitting at a computer? If so, you may want to Download the Adobe Connect Mobile application and enjoy new capabilities that enable you to host online meetings from your mobile device. Launch meetings and control attendee access rights and privileges from your mobile device. Participate in multi-point video conferencing, with 2-way video, using your device’s camera. Watch all the activities happening in the meeting at once, see who is in the meeting, collaborate with others using live text chat, and respond to polls. The app uses VoIP meeting audio to broadcast straight to your tablet or phone over a Wi-Fi or 3G connection, or you can choose to join a telephone conference if the option is provided by the meeting host. You can invite participants by calling them and avoiding the issue of having to punch in codes. Adobe Connect Mobile features a navigation bar that lets users enjoy an overview of all activities happening with the meeting or focus in on one aspect, for example; Slideshows and slide presentations such as Powerpoint shows, PDF documents, videos or screen sharing provided by the meeting host or other presenters.

Pages

Price: $9.99
Category: Productivity
Compatibility: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac OS X
Rating: 7/10

Pages lets you create, edit, and view documents wherever you are and is specifically designed for iOS devices. Though Pages for iOS isn’t as intuitive as the desktop version, it is still an excellent tool for creating word documents on the go. A button in the top part of the interface lets you bring in images, tables, and graphs with only a few touches of your finger. Pages comes with auto spell check and document edge guides to make sure your work is error-free and fits within standard document sizes. When you’re done with your project in Pages, you have a multitude of options for what to do with your document. You can send the document via e-mail, share the document on iWork.com, print the document to a local printer using AirPrint, or export your work in Pages format, PDF, or DOC format. Also, if you are connected to iTunes, you can quickly export your document to your desktop and finish the job there. Pages for iOS devices is a little harder to use on the iPhone and iPod touch, but works beautifully on an iPad. Regardless of which device you choose to use, the app definitely is convenient for users who are always on the go.

Google Translate

Price: Free
Category: Reference
Compatibility: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Rating: 9/10

Google Translate is a simple and easy to use application created by Google to assist users in interpreting another language. The app supports text translations as well as speech translations in virtually every language on earth. The user interface is quick and easy to use and definitely comes in handy when traveling to another country where you do not speak the native tongue. When you launch the app you will see two languages displayed at the top. The “from” language is on the left, the “to” language is on the right. You can quickly swap those by tapping the arrows between the listed languages. Just below that, there is a text box. You can either tap in the box and type some words, or you can tap the microphone button just to the right of the box and speak. If you choose to speak to the app, the app notices when you stop speaking for a second and then starts to process your words. After translating, you have the option to copy the translations and send via email or text message.