alstin communications

I’m getting a jumpstart on the 2009 “Year in Review” articles. Just for fun, I’ve assembled a list of my all-time favorite iPhone apps. They aren’t in any special order and they don’t represent any particular app category. They’re just my go-to favorites. The ones I turn to most often for assistance, information, or thrills. Drumroll please.

Shazam – Even if you’re not an iPhone user, this is the app that you’ve probably heard the most about or remember most readily from the Apple commercials. Hear a song you like? Simply double tap your Shazam app, hit “Tag Now,” and hold your phone up to the music. 9 out of 10 times, Shazam will come back with the song name, artist, album artwork, and numerous helpful links, like “View YouTube video” or “Album Review.” Of course, there’s a link to “Preview and buy on iTunes,” too. The cool factor is definitely there, but the app is darned useful, too.

Maps – It’s not an app per se, because it comes bundled with the iPhone, but nothing beats being able to quickly find out how to get where I want to go. And it couldn’t be simpler. I simply search for my goal destination (in the search box) and then route it from my current location. My built-in GPS gives me a real-time visual of my current whereabouts moving along a nifty map. If I prefer, I can flick on “List” and get written directions. I don’t have a GPS in my car, so this app has helped me more times than I can count.

Doodle Jump – I’m not typically a gamer, but this is an all-time favorite. If I describe it, it won’t sound as fun as actually playing it. Download this game and become instantly addicted. The kiddies love it, too. All you have to do is tilt your phone and fall upward. Trust me. It’s a blast.

CNN – If CNN is one of your preferred news sources, this is a great app to add to your iPhone. It is a well-designed news app that updates content frequently. It puts lots and lots of info at your fingertips, including robust video content, that doesn’t require a wifi connection to view. There’s also a “Live Video” option and a “My CNN” function that aggregates local content from your location. My experience with the “Live Video” option has been positive, even through 3G connections.

Flixster – As a big movie fan, I like being able to find theaters, showtimes, and movie information at the tap of a finger. This was the first and only movie app I downloaded and I still love it. I can effortlessly check showtimes, view movie previews, check out upcoming releases, get ratings and reviews, and lots more. I haven’t tried the Fandango app out yet, so the final jury is still out. But, as of this writing, Flixster has served me well.

Author Bio:  Patricia Cara, our Vice President of Creative Services, has an eye for design no doubt honed by years of painting, photography, cooking (and school-projects). Every AE's go-to goddess at deadline time, Patty, with Alstin for more than 24 years, keeps it real with impromptu office dance parties and the latest iPhone apps.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 11:51 am and is filed under Favorite Things. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.