Technology is constantly evolving, and with it, many new and exciting apps are being created every day. In fact, some of the coolest apps out there might not even be on your radar yet. To help you discover some hidden gems, we’ve compiled a list of nine must-have apps you should definitely download:
App #1: Splitwise
Have you ever gone out with friends and struggled to keep track of who owes what? Splitwise removes all that hassle by keeping track of who owes who in real time. You can create groups for different events, enter costs, and then easily split them between people. The app also allows you to pay back your friends directly through it, so you don’t have to worry about chasing anyone down for payment.
Tips:
- Use this app for dinners, vacations, and even rent payments with roommates!
- Make sure each of your friends sign up for the app to make tracking expenses accurate and easy.
How to:
- Download Splitwise from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create a group for your event or outing.
- Add expenses and input who paid for what.
- Split the expenses between participants.
- If someone owes you money, request payment through the app.
App #2: Tunity
Have you ever gone to a bar or restaurant and wanted to watch the game on their TV, but the volume is too low? With Tunity, you can scan the TV using your phone’s camera and it will sync up the audio to your device. This way, you can listen to the game without disturbing others around you.
Tips:
- This app is great for sports bars, gyms, and other public places where the TV volume may be low.
- Make sure the area around the TV is well-lit for the best scanning results.
How to:
- Download Tunity from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and scan the TV screen.
- The app will sync up the audio to your device.
- Adjust the volume to your preferred level.
App #3: Forest
Need help staying focused and productive? Forest can help with that. With this app, you plant a virtual tree and set a timer for a certain amount of time. If you can stay focused and not use your phone during that time, your tree will grow. If you leave the app or use your phone, the tree dies.
Tips:
- Use this app when studying, working, or doing other tasks that require your full attention.
- You can plant multiple trees in a day to help improve your productivity levels.
How to:
- Download Forest from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Plant a virtual tree and set a timer for a certain amount of time.
- Stay focused on your task while the tree grows.
- If you leave the app or use your phone, the tree dies.
App #4: Hopper
If you’re a frequent flyer, Hopper is the app for you. It uses data to predict flight costs, letting you know the best time to book your next trip. Simply input your travel dates and the app will show you the cheapest and most expensive days to fly. It will also notify you when prices drop, so you never miss a deal.
Tips:
- Use Hopper for both domestic and international travel.
- Book flights well in advance or last minute to save the most money.
How to:
- Download Hopper from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Enter your travel dates and destination.
- The app will show you the cheapest and most expensive days to fly.
- You can opt to receive push notifications when prices drop.
App #5: Shazam
If you’re a music lover, you probably already know about Shazam. However, if you’re not familiar with this app, it’s a must-have. Simply hold your phone up to a song that’s playing and the app will identify it for you. It will also provide you with lyrics, music videos, and other information about the artist.
Tips:
- Use Shazam when you’re out and about and want to discover new music.
- Create playlists within the app to keep track of your favorite songs.
How to:
- Download Shazam from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Hold your phone up to a song that’s playing.
- The app will identify the song and provide you with additional information.
App #6: MyFitnessPal
If you’re looking to get healthy and track your calories, MyFitnessPal is the perfect app for you. It allows you to input your weight, height, and fitness goals, and then provides you with a daily calorie count. You can also input your meals and snacks throughout the day to make sure you stay on track.
Tips:
- Use this app to monitor your calorie intake and reach your fitness goals.
- Plan meals in advance to make sure you stay within your daily calorie count.
How to:
- Download MyFitnessPal from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Enter your weight, height, and fitness goals.
- Input your meals and snacks throughout the day to monitor your calorie intake.
- Use the app to track your progress over time.
App #7: Lumosity
Want to give your brain a workout? Lumosity is the app for you. It provides you with a series of games and exercises designed to help improve your memory, attention, and other cognitive skills. The app also provides you with progress reports so you can track your improvement over time.
Tips:
- Use Lumosity when you have downtime to give your brain a quick workout.
- Play the games and exercises a few times a week for optimal results.
How to:
- Download Lumosity from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Complete the introductory games and exercises to get started.
- Play the games and exercises a few times a week to track your progress.
App #8: Flashlight
Need a flashlight in a pinch? Instead of fumbling around in the dark, use your phone’s built-in flashlight feature. Most phones have this feature, but if you’re not sure, download a flashlight app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Having a flashlight on hand is always a good idea!
Tips:
- Use this app when you need to navigate in the dark.
- Download a flashlight app that provides additional features like strobe, SOS signals, and different color filters.
How to:
- Download a flashlight app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and turn on the flashlight feature.
- Use the app to navigate in the dark.
App #9: Mint
Want to take control of your finances? Mint can help you do just that. It allows you to link your accounts, create budgets, and track your spending. The app also provides you with alerts when bills are due, so you never miss a payment. With Mint, you can get a clear picture of your finances and make better financial decisions.
Tips:
- Use this app to get a clear picture of your finances and make better financial decisions.
- Link all your accounts to the app to get a complete financial picture.
How to:
- Download Mint from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Link all your accounts to the app.
- Create budgets and get alerts when bills are due.
- Track your spending and make better financial decisions.
12 Things About Christmas You Probably Didn’t Know
With Christmas just around the corner, you might think you know everything there is to know about this holiday. However, there are some surprising facts about Christmas that you might not be aware of.
1. Christmas trees were first used in Germany
The tradition of using evergreen trees as Christmas trees has its origins in Germany. In the 16th century, Christians would bring decorated trees into their homes to celebrate the holiday.
2. The first Christmas card was sent in 1843
The first Christmas card was created by a man named Sir Henry Cole and illustrated by John Callcott Horsley in 1843. It featured a family enjoying a Christmas dinner and was sent to Cole’s friends and family.
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created for a department store promotion
Rudolph was created in 1939 by Robert L. May for a Montgomery Ward department store promotion. The character was an instant hit and later became the star of his own song and television special.
4. Christmas was once illegal in England and the American colonies
Puritans in both England and the American colonies saw Christmas as a pagan holiday and banned it in the 17th century. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Christmas became widely celebrated again.
5. The first nativity scene was created in Italy
The first nativity scene was created by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. He wanted to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas and used live animals and people to create a nativity scene.
6. The largest snowman ever created was over 100 feet tall
The largest snowman ever created was built in Maine in 2008. It stood 122 feet and 1 inch tall and was named “Olympia Snowe” after the state’s senior senator.
7. The tradition of hanging stockings comes from a legend about St. Nicholas
According to legend, St. Nicholas threw bags of gold coins into the stockings of three poor sisters to help them pay for their dowries. This is said to be the origin of the tradition of hanging stockings on Christmas Eve.
8. The color red and green are associated with Christmas because of holly and berries
The colors red and green are associated with Christmas because of holly and berries. In winter, holly bushes have bright red berries and the leaves are a deep green color.
9. The most popular Christmas song of all time is “White Christmas”
“White Christmas” by Irving Berlin is the most popular Christmas song of all time. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it has sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
10. Mistletoe was once believed to have magical powers
It was once believed that mistletoe had magical powers because it could bloom even in the middle of winter. It was thought to be a symbol of fertility and love.
11. The Yule Log was originally an actual log
The Yule Log was originally an actual log that was burned during the Christmas season. The log was meant to bring good luck and prosperity to the home.
12. The tradition of Christmas caroling comes from England
The tradition of Christmas caroling comes from England. It is said to have originated from “wassailing,” which was a tradition of toasting to good health during the Christmas season.
FAQs
1. Is Splitwise a safe app to use?
Yes, Splitwise is a safe app to use. The app uses SSL encryption to keep your data secure and private. It also does not store your bank account information.
2. How accurate is Hopper’s flight prediction feature?
Hopper’s flight prediction feature is very accurate. The app uses data to predict flight prices and can even tell you when prices are likely to go up or down.
3. Can Lumosity really improve my cognitive skills?
Yes, Lumosity has been shown to improve cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. However, it is important to use the app on a regular basis and to not rely solely on it as a way to improve cognitive function.
4. Is MyFitnessPal free to use?
Yes, MyFitnessPal is free to use. However, there is a premium version of the app that includes additional features like macronutrient tracking and customized meal plans.