My Top 5 Smartphone Apps
I've had my smartphone for a little over a year now, and I have to say, I really do love it.
Because of my Ting wireless plan, I feel like I have all the upsides of a smartphone and none of the downsides:
I have a low bill (usually $12/month) and no contract with Ting, and because of the way the Ting plan operates (You pay for what you use), I am not prone to using my phone when out and about.
Since I'm trying to be mindful of my smartphone habits, I don't use a whole lot of apps.
The few I do use, though, I love passionately.
1. Instagram
Instagram is my favorite social media platform in the (short) history of social media platforms. If I gave up my smartphone, I do believe Instagram is what I would miss most.
Why do I love it so?
It's pictures, pictures, pictures (obviously I adore that), the privacy settings are simple (either it's all public or all private, unlike Facebook), and it's a much more interesting and cheerful place than Facebook.
Since you have to post a picture with each status update, you get a lot less of things like political rantings, complaints about people/work/family/customer service, and so on.
Plus, there's no Facebook-ish clutter in the feed ("So and so liked this article. So and so became friends with Random Person You Have No Interest In Hearing About.")
Can you tell that Facebook doesn't really blow my hair back??
Anyway, reading the Instagram feed of all the people I follow is just pretty much a wonderful experience.
Instagram is also a great deal of fun on the posting end of things. I love to take pictures, as you well know, and it's marvelous to have a quick and easy way to share small stuff that might not make it onto the blog.
(I am thefrugalgirl on Instagram, in case you want to see what all I post over there.)
2. iMessage
Before I got my smartphone, I'd only sent maybe 3 texts in my whole life.
(I had a flip phone, ok?? with nothing but a numeric keyboard. Texting was way too much work.)
But with my iPhone, texting is super easy, and texting with other iPhones over wifi using iMessage is totally free.
(There are ways to text for free over wifi with Androids as well.)
Fortunately, most of the people in my life have iPhones, which means I pay nearly nothing for texting.
Because I am of a slightly older internet generation, I still do adore email. But a lot of people younger than me don't really check their email, so texting is a great way to communicate with them.
Texting has been such a convenient method for checking in on people I care about, asking about how things are going in their lives, and asking how I can pray for or help them.
And my small group from church and I have a fairly constant group text thing going on, where we can ask for prayer and encouragement, organize gatherings, share funny stuff, and just generally build our relationships.
So, I'm a big fan of texting because it is a tool that helps me to connect with people, especially with people I would not normally call.
3. Weather
I love my Weather Channel app. It's free and makes it so easy to anticipate what's coming my way.
Plus I use it faithfully at this time of year to track the extra minutes of daylight we get. ("Ooh, the sunrise time is nearly 7:30! Woo!")
4. My Bank App
I have a pretty conveniently located bank, so I used to deposit my checks thru the ATM all the time.
But they "upgraded" to a more automated system that scans the checks, and 9 times out of 10, it had trouble reading the check and you had to put it in multiple times and multiple directions before it would take it.
And even then I had to park and go into the bank sometimes because the machine just would not take a check.
Now, though, I can deposit checks right from my phone using my bank's app and it is FREAKING FANTASTIC.
So easy and I never, ever have to deal with that stupid automatic machine again.
(Hallelujah.)
5. The 7-Minute Workout
This is the only paid app I have (it's $0.99). It's basically a high intensity interval training kind of workout, where you do 30 seconds of a certain exercise at maximum speed, rest for 10 seconds, do another 30 seconds of an exercise, and so on.
I'm sure it's not as effective as a longer workout, but on days where you think, "Oh, gosh, I do NOT have time to work out." this is perfect.
Because I mean, really, who doesn't have 7 minutes? I probably waste at least 7 minutes before 7:00 each day.
Also, there are other workouts you can download for $0.99 once the first set isn't challenging (I've only gotten to the second set myself.)
____________________________
Those of you that have smartphones, what are your most-used apps?
____________________________
P.S. Mr. FG and I both have refurbished iPhone 4S
's, which we bought on Amazon, and our cell service is through Ting Wireless, where we generally pay less than $24/month for BOTH of our phones. You can read all about how we use Ting right here.
And you can click here to visit Ting and sign up (try their savings calculator...almost everyone will save by switching to Ting, even with early termination fees.)
Signing up through any links on my blog will save you $25!
This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for helping to keep the lights on around here!
I agree with almost all of your points, especially texting...I love, love, love, and adore texting. I have four grown kids, all of whom live in my city (lucky!) and we text constantly. We have a group text open and going nearly all the time. We all have iPhones, so as you said, it's free with iMessage. It is less invasive than calling someone, by that I mean, you don't have to be concerned that you're interrupting a business meeting or something else...the recipient can just text back at their convenience. So much has changed because we have our phones with us at all times. I think this is the biggest technological change since my childhood years. No more house phone! ( I also put personal computers in that general category, but because our smartphones ARE basically computers, I guess it's all under the same umbrella.) I haven't gotten into Instagram so much, but I think I will post some pictures today!
Does Ting do international calling, either built-in or as an add-on?
Yes, for additional fees.
https://ting.com/international_calling
Thank you, Battra!
That's not a long list, is it. Too bad.
Haha, not at alllll.
I love Ting! It's saved me quite a bit of money as well. Of course, our bill is higher than yours since I have family members who like to talk on the phone.
They've opened up the GSM beta testing so if you have an unlocked GSM phone you can bring it to Ting as well. It doesn't do me any good (Sprint gives better coverage near me than GSM does) but it's nice that I have options.
I'm with you on your Instagram vs Facebook opinion. I try to avoid Facebook as much as possible but I love the optimism of Instagram.
I love the library Overdrive app. I always have an audio book to listen to while I am fussing around the house. This app helped me get back into reading after a LONG hiatus.
I am such a dinosaur....! Can you believe that I've NEVER texted in my life? Would not even know how. And, no, I am not 80... I'm 34! I feel so.... old. I think I would love a phone to text, but then I would only use it for that so it would probably not be worth it for me. (I HATE actually talking on the phone, I am an email person).
I almost NEVERRRR talk on my phone. Email and text is how I communicate.
Your bill for a phone for texting would be super low with Ting, especially if you used wifi for most of your texting. It might be worth it!
Ting is not available in Canada (but it IS Canadian, go figure!!)
I love Instagram although I'm not a big picture poster myself. I have had Ting for the past year as well (thanks to you!) and for 4 smartphones my bill averages $50/month. It has been wonderful and I'm saving $200 A MONTH. Other than IG, I'm a big Twitter app user and I love Goodreads for on the go.
The wifi messaging app I use for Android is Telegram. It's a great little app that has come in handy.
My most-used apps are Chrome, Email, Facebook, Messaging, Calendar, Camera, Alarm/Clock, Google Maps, AccuWeather, YouVersion Bible App, Safeway, and ColorNote (for grocery lists/to do lists, little notes I want to keep when I'm on the go).
You know, I don't even have an Instagram account!
Well. What are you waiting for??? 😉
I'm still in the dark ages with my flip phone! I'm kind of reluctant to come out though--it works for me. I don't use my cell phone very much, and though I seldom text anyone except my husband, I can do it by email with my computer. Maybe some day...if life changes in a way that makes it worth the investment. If it does, Ting will be the first place I check. It is downright scary how much money most smartphones and their accompanying plans cost.
I was reluctant too! Ting is what made me come around, though, because of the no-contract thing and the low bill. It's sort of like a pay-as-you go plan, but I get all the features of a smartphone.
I love looking at instagram as well but I like the complicated settings on facebook. When I joined instagram I was shocked at how many people found my profile. Not that I would post anything inappropriate but there are certain things I don't feel comfortable with everyone seeing. For example, I work in a restaurant and some how a few of my regular customers found my page. I love posting photos of my children for friends and family to see but I don't feel comfortable with customers in my personal life. Then again, I could make it private but it is really awkward to deny a request when I try to be friendly with that person when I see him or her.
As for texting, I love it! There are apps that let you text for free and give you a new number for free as well. I also use this for people I meet at work but don't want to be bothered with when I go home. It's easy to shut off the alerts for the app but then I still receive regular texts and calls from family and friends on my actual number.
I have the local radio station, so I can check on weather related cancellations and delays - I used it a lot this winter, for finding out when things were off schedule for me (and my family). I also use it to check traffic and news (and sometimes to listen to the station).
I have email apps, for checking both my email accounts.
I have Weather Bug and NOAA, for checking weather.
I don't use them a lot but I have airline apps, so I can check the status of flights.
I love texting, there are so many times that I just have a quick question for someone and texting is easier than calling. My favorite app is probably checkout 51. You get money back for buying certain foods, even fruits and veggies. Plus you can use it even if you shop at Aldi. I love saving even more at Aldi.
So when you bought your phone online, what search term did you use?
Unlocked or jail broken or open?????
I see phones (plenty) but not sure how to tell if one for say AT&T would work for Ting.
On Amazon or ebay I just search "unlocked". You could also search for Sprint phones since Ting uses their network I believe.
Well, when we bought ours, Ting only accepted phones that were Sprint-ready, so that's what we bought. I think their stipulations are more relaxed now, but I would talk to someone from Ting if you're unsure of what to buy.
Since you mentioned it I will vent about facebook. I recently was forced to join FB for something school related. I have to say that I was completely and utterly shocked at what I found after a few short months. I actually had to cancel the account even before the school project was finished. Why people feel the need to belong to such a negative, scare mongering, boasting, "social" network boggles my mind. I feel anything positive FB has to offer is far outweighed by the cr.....p that occupies most of the content. YES, to Instagram for all the reasons you stated!
I guess I am a little bitter about my short relationship with FB......In my rant I forgot to mention that there is actual scientific evidence that short aerobic exercise is more beneficial than long workouts. So bravo for your 7 minutes!
I agree that FB is a easy way for people to post nasty comments. I keep my friends list to close friends and relatives and that eliminated most of the crap that comes with FB. My favorite app-Ibotta, Evernote & The Weather Channel. Some apps are just cool, I lost my FitBit and downloaded LightBlue which picks up bluetooth signals & the device it is coming from..and I found my FitBit..so Yay!
I beg to differ on the 'short workouts being less effective' thing! Not necessarily true! If it's really high intensity it can be more effective. 🙂
I created an Instagram account awhile back, and do follow you, but to be honest, I'm not really sure how to use it! Do you have any suggestions or a quick and easy to follow tutorial so that I can learn to use it more and enjoy it? Thanks!
Oh my gosh, I would love this too - an Instagram tutorial!
Oh, ok! I wouldn't have thought to post about this, but I can try (screenshots might be tricky to get up on my blog.)
Or wait, maybe there's a good tutorial out there. Googling now....hmm, maybe try this one for now: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Instagram
Let me know if that one still leaves you confused, and I can try to put something together.
Did you try here? https://help.instagram.com/371306456286878/
I 3rd this suggestion!
I LOVE Instagram! Thank you so much for sharing the work-out app! I've been looking for ways to work in work-outs and this will be perfect!
We got smartphones a couple of years ago (free on Black Friday) but we live in Timbuktu so Ting doesn't work here, but my favorite apps are: Email, FB and FB Messenger (skip the garbage and just stay in touch with who you want to), Target, Cartwheel, Shopkick, Starbucks, Retail Me Not, Amazon (to compare prices), Walmart (for the savings catcher), Smith's (local grocery), Prayer Mate, Papa John's and for the one time I have traveled to see my elderly parents, the United app was super handy for checking in and getting updates on my flight. I like the deals that come with some of the apps like Redbox as well, we NEVER pay for Redbox and don't even use all the FREE codes that come up. In the summer, I also like Map My Hike to see how far I hiked and how few calories I burned even though I thought I was dying. 😉
Apps I use frequently -- alarm clock, calculator, news, weather. Found a translator one where you aim the camera feature and don't take a picture but it sort of scans and translates to English for you. It doesn't always work, but I figure some time is better than no time.
Can't believe I'm typing this, but since I converted to a smart phone, I frequently text. ITA it's nice to send someone a text and not have to worry about bothering them. They'll text back when they're available. I've used it for the usual staying in touch bit, but also for things like I'm at the store and do you want x? Here's the item and the price. Also, since so many people text, I felt as if I've caught up a bit.
Also true story, I stayed overnight at my cousin's and forgot a sock. So I texted her, and texted a photo so she knew what to look for. Success, I now have my nice wool sock back.
I've also taken pictures of stuff I want to remind myself of, so much faster than writing and having to remember where i put the paper. e.g. schedule of events I was the emcee for, does x look good or should I try again (i've texted those questions to friends to get feedback. It's great if you're not sure and want other opinions), and prices of stuff at different stores.
Unrelated to this post, however a belated "thank you" for posting about Gift Card Rescue. I was gifted a large Lord and Taylor gc 2 years ago and could not come up with something I needed from there! Now I'll have cash that I can use- yeah!!
Yay!!! So glad.
One of my favorite apps is Evernote. In it I keep my dinner list for the week, a running grocery list, and just all my random notes. I love it!
How can you tell if Ting Coverage will work for you? I live in the hinterlands too.
thanks,
t
Here's a handy-dandy coverage page from Ting. http://ting.com/coverage
We also love our smart phones! We got Android because we're Google freaks. We ordered ours from Glyde, which is a great person-to-person option for buying and selling phones, especially if you need to unload a phone from another carrier to switch to Ting. (I think they might even credit you the price difference!)
Our Ting bill tends to be higher because we don't have a home phone. But I've been trying to cut down on minutes by using Google Hangouts Dialer when we're at home--it lets you make phone calls using your WiFi connection instead of 4G. It doesn't always sound perfect, but hey--free!
What did we do before smartphones? 🙂
I use mine for edeposit at my credit union.
Love the idea of the 7-Minute Workout. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Which 7-minute workout is it? There are lots!!
I have the original...the screenshot in the post is from that particular workout. It's got a green theme, if that helps distinguish it!
My favorite of all apps: YNAB (You Need a Budget). It costs $60 to download the software for your computer, though they have offered it numerous times at 50% off. I paid $30 for the software and the app is free. The app syncs with the software. This app has taken the place of my checkbook register and, because it links to my home budget (which is on the software), I can see how much I have remaining in my budget in any given category at any given time. It is wonderful.
Epantry has an app that I use and Disney has a tooth brushing timer app that my daughter uses for 2 minutes twice daily!
I've been without a cell phone for seven months. I lost mine. I can't say I miss it much. It was a "dumb phone". (Oh! I LOVE texting with only the keypad of numbers. I can text without looking because there are only 9 buttons to push, and I'm an excellent speller. I find predictive text much harder.) Pay phones aren't on every corner anymore (I'm only 35, but that's what I used as a teen to call my parents), so I decided to buy an iphone 4 s at your recommendation. I bought it from Ting with your link and saved $25. It was $168 with shipping and tax. I hope you get a good bonus on your account for that!
My husband uses Republic Wireless. It's a flat $25 a month for unlimited 3G data. He uses 98% over wifi most months, but having the option for 3G is lovely. Unlimited, so when we're traveling, we can use it. You can change your plan once a month with them too. We like 3G for GPS use. It helps our marriage. 😉
I have an android (but us apple apps for my ipad) I have a monthly plan with spring - I fall in the gap of wanting use of the phone where wifi isn't always available and not getting my money's worth for what I'm paying. since I have unlimited data, etc with my plan I like to use Pandora for streaming music. I also started using map my walk which estimates calories and shows where I've walked- it links to myfitnesspal (another app I like having handy for keeping track of calories and exercise). I occasionally use Biblegateway on my phone but usually I use it on my computer since that screen is a lot bigger! I also hve the weather app
I just got a smartphone two weeks ago and love it even more than I expected to! My favorite apps are eMeals (because $5/month is worth the food waste I save and the guilt/time I no longer spend procrastinating meal planning), Kindara (a beautiful fertility tracking app) and YNAB (the app is so easy to use for logging transactions compared to the pc version). The convenience of having apps on my phone vs needing to go on a computer has been mind-blowing. Oh, Evernote has been a useful app for me as well - with my old phone if I wanted to remember something I'd type it into a text message and save it as a draft.
Ting coverage didn't work for us here in the South even though the coverage map indicates it would. Just like with T-mobile, we couldn't use our cell phones in our home because of the spotty coverage. My husband did some research and found out about Page Plus which is a similar plan on the Verizon network. It's been a great fit for us with a base plan for a smartphone around $12.95/mo. The only catch is that when we purchased a used iPhone 5, it requires a plan that is a step up because of the 4G. Still, we pay less now for the two smartphones than we paid for two basic phones when we had a plan with Verizon.
How is security with some of these apps? A lot of the apps I considered using stated that they needed access to my contact list, my files, etc. Is this safe? Thanks!
Well, I'm not super schooled on this, but I would venture to guess that if the app is from a respected source, it's probably fine.
I've been trying to get my family and friends to use Google Hangouts rather than SMS or iMessage. It's free, has all the same features as iMessage, but is open to everyone not just iPhone/iPad users. Also you can text people from any internet connected "thing" you might be in front of (computer, iPhone, Android, whatever). I've also found that it seems to have less problems than iMessage with messages getting lost or arriving out of order. No matter what device you're on your whole chat history is there so you can pickup a conversation right where you left off.
I'll keep this in mind in case I snag some friends who aren't iphone users! So far, I've been lucky in that almost all the people special to me have iphones.
I made the jump to an Android phone a few months ago, since my iPhone 4 (non S) was starting to really show its age (and doesn't get OS updates) anymore. But now I'm out of the iMessage loop, so while my iPhone using friends can still use SMS to text me, I had to find another option for my friends that don't have unlimited texting plans.