It seems that almost every time I watch television, I see an advertisement for the iPhone that talks about some of their new, cool applications. In fact, some could argue that the success of the iPhone is a direct result of the numerous applications (apps) that one can download and use on the phone. It isn’t much different than having a mobile computer that fits in your pocket, really. The overwhelming success of the iPhone and apps for cell phones has led others to begin releasing phones and applications for phones that are not the iPhone.
In the beginning, apps that were available were meant to provider users with more information, better organization, and so on….essentially ways to improve productivity and efficiency. However, today there are apps available for just about anything that you can imagine. The purpose of this article is to highlight a few of the apps that are available for most phones (not just the iPhone) and explain ways that users without app-friendly phones can get them at a reduced cost – by purchasing used cell phones.
Apps from Google
Google originally designed applications for their G1 phone that they released about a year ago. However, they’ve expanded their reach by designing apps that function on a number of phones. Their most popular apps are a Gmail app and GoogleMaps – which can help people stay in touch and in the right place at all times.
Skype
Most tech-savvy individuals have at least heard of Skype, if not used it. Skype is an internet based phone service that allows users to make free “phone calls” using their computer and internet connection. Well, now the same service is available on any internet-enabled cell phone. Of course, mobile carriers are not going out of their way to advertise this app since it allows users to make phone calls without using any minutes, but they do earn some profit on the call by charging people for data-transfer plans. However, in cases like international calls, the Skype application can be a great way to make calls on your cell phone without paying international fees.
Weatherbug
Weatherbug is a very popular desktop computer application that supplies subscribers with weather reports in real time, including any severe weather alerts. Now a similar app is available for internet-capable cell phones, which allows users to stay on top of the weather wherever they are at, at all times, in real time. Quite a handy feature…
Radio Applications
Want the ability to listen to your favorite radio station while you travel across the country or commute to work on the train? Well, with the help of a radio application for your cell phone, you now can using the streaming feature of the station’s internet broadcast. This provides an alternative to filling up your phone with MP3 files and allows you to do things like listen to your favorite local morning show during the commute when you’re across the country on business.
Apps Just for Fun
Not all applications for cell phones are aimed at being productive or useful, some are simply designed to be silly or fun. Of course, there are a number of games that can be downloaded and played. Another funny app is the Light Saber application that functions using the accelerometer installed on most new cell phones. This app lights up the screen like a light saber from Star Wars and makes sounds similar to those heard during light saber fights as the phone is moved around.
In conclusion, be warned that not all apps are free and that some apps that are free to download cost money to use. Be sure you understand all terms and conditions of each app that you download to keep yourself from having to pay additional charges down the road. Also, if you don’t currently have an app-ready phone but would like on, you may find that app-ready phones are pretty high end and expensive. One good way to have your cake and eat it, too, is to buy a used or refurbished cell phone from used cell phone vendors that is app-ready. In many cases, these phones can be found as much as 50-60% cheaper than they cost at full retail price.
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