Apps for success
Apps (the colloquial term for applications used on smart phones and tablets) are proving their worth as tools for academic success. But with over half a million apps available through Applie’s Mac App Store alone, it’s hard to come up with a short list of the best and most useful.
Don Dolan, Computer Systems coordinator with Concordia’s Department of Communication Studies, and Gary Ng, founder and editor of the iPhone blog iPhoneinCanada.ca, have done the legwork.
Here is their list of applicable apps for Concordia students. And the good news is most of these apps are free, so they won’t affect the bottom line for Blackberry users promised $100 of free apps following a recent service interruption.
Don’s List:
Finding Great Free Apps
App Shopper
Fantastic app that will actually track the price of any app you want and send you an email when the price drops.
AppMiner
Does pretty much the same thing as App Shopper but with a different look.
HotAppDeals
Yet another that trolls the Mac App Store for freebies and price changes.
And there is of course the iTunes Store's Great Free Apps section
Staying Social
With the release of the new iOS 5 you can save on those text messages by using the new iMessage app (note it's only good between other iOS devices) but there are other free instant message apps like:
Fring
This free app has group video chat, free calls between Fring users, and is also available on Android.
WhatsApp Messenger
This is also a free chat app, but this app allows you to send files between WhatsApp users and is available on Android, BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows phones.
Skype
Skype is the old standby when it comes to online chatting. It’s so popular its name has become a verb.
Web Browsing
Opera Mini Web Browser
This app is a very fast multi-platform browser that can open pages in the background.
Diigo Browser (iPad only)
This app is a lot like Chrome, the popular Google web browser (it was first called iChromy).
Atomic Web Browser and Atomic Web Browser Lite
This is a very comprehensive iOS web browser with too many features to mention.
iCab Mobile
This last browser allows downloads directly to your iOS device.
News and Information
Tunein Radio & Tunein Radio Pro
This app has over 50,000 radio stations available to listen to and record. It even has a timer to record your favourite radio shows, so you can listen to them later.
Pulse
This is one of the best mobile newsreaders I've ever used. The design is quite well done and it uses many sources.
The Guardian
I know this isn't a Canadian newspaper, but it's been on of my reading list for ages, and I am biased towards my former employer.
Newsstand
The new iOS 5 comes with Newsstand. This app keeps all your periodicals in one location, and is a little more current then your local dentist’s waiting room.
Productive Notes and Readers
Simplenote
This app is very easy to use, and makes all your notes available via its website, but you will have to create an account.
PDF Reader Pro
This is one of the many PDF readers that are available via the App Store, and this is one of the less expensive ones and has a few interesting features.
Location Utilities
PadMapper
Looking for accommodation in the city? Look no further, this app maps all available apartments via google maps.
STM Mobile
Wondering whether that Montreal bus will ever show? This app will give you the times and create a favourites list of all the stops you use.
Gary’s List:
Scheduling and Organizing
Cuckoo: Free for iPhone
This customizable cuckoo clock will chime hourly; a helpful reminder to take a break from studying sessions.
Wunderlist
This is a powerful to-do app with free online syncing to each device, and it’s accessible from the web. Online syncing means that your data is stored safely in the cloud.
Study Tools
Evernote Peek
This app turns your Smart Cover into a quick study guide.
iWork Suite: Numbers, Pages, Keynote
These universal apps will allow you to do your homework on the go. Create any spreadsheet, text document, or presentation easily.
Keynote Remote
Control your Keynote presentations on your Mac with your iPhone/iPad, and wow your entire class.
Communicating
HeyTell
Communicate seamlessly with friends on campus using voice. This app turns your iPhone into a walkie-talkie.
Beluga
This app allows you to communicate with other Beluga users in Groups on the iPhone, and receive and reply to messages via the web. This app is great to use for collaborating on projects.
textPlus
This app allows you to send free texts to landlines so you can stay in touch with friends and family. It also provides an actual number, allowing your iPad and iPod touch to receive text messages.
Meebo
This all-in-one instant messenger will allow you to stay in contact with friends from various networks like MSN, AIM, Google Talk, and more.
Entertainment
AccuRadio
Free satellite radio with lots of various genres. Works over 3G/WiFi; the classical channel provides great studying music.
360 Panorama: Free for iPhone
Take easy panoramas. This is great to use if you need to take large photos for a project.
Air Video
Stream any video from your Mac to your iPhone/iPad; If you download movies and TV shows, and want to relax in bed with your iPad, this is a must-have.
Finally, to find out what apps Concordia students are using to get ahead in their studies, check out our video:
Related Links
• JMSB - Concordia’s John Molson School of Business has its own app for checking out course schedules.
• Concordia Library - Concordia’s Library also has a great list of useful apps for students.