Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to check our email, connect with friends and family on social media, play games and a whole host of other things. One area where mobile devices have made a significant impact is in the way of so-called lifestyle apps. These applications are designed to make our lives easier in a number of different ways, and countless more are hitting the app store on an almost daily basis. Let’s take a look at ten of the most impactful categories of lifestyle apps that have truly changed the way we live.
1. Finance
There are a ton of great mobile apps that help you stay on top of your finances, from checking your credit report to managing your investments to sending money transfers and even filing your taxes – all at the click of a button. Send an instant payment to someone via PayPal or Venmo, create a budget on Mint or snap a pic and instantly deposit a check via your local bank app.
2. Productivity
Staying organized has never been easier thanks to the many productivity-themed apps that are available. Check your email, update your to-do list, record voice memos, create presentations, sign and send documents and more. Stay on task and never miss another appointment again.
3. Dining
Want to dine at your favorite restaurant tonight? Just use your OpenTable app to make a reservation (no need for a phone call). Not sure where to go? Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon) will let you browse restaurants by location, price, reviews and more. Rather stay home and eat in? GrubHub lets you have your favorite restaurant food delivered (even if they don’t offer delivery). Or, check out the dozens of available recipe apps and get cooking.
4. Fitness
Get in shape, eat healthier, reach your fitness goals – you name it, it can be done. MyFitnessPal lets you track your exercise and weight loss, create food diaries, store recipes and stay accountable. Some apps even let you track your sleep patterns to ensure your body is getting enough rest while others let you create and track new positive health habits.
5. News/Weather
Keep up with everything that’s going on in the world around you with your favorite news apps. Track weather with real-time radar so you never have to worry about rain on your parade again. Some apps, like theSkimm, provide curated, bite-sized news you can read on the go.
6. Navigation
Today’s navigation apps offer much more than just directions on how to get from here to there (although that certainly is helpful). Order a car service from Uber or Lyft, find the closest gas station with the lowest price and navigate public transportation like a boss. You can even find hiking trails for some off-roading adventures.
7. Shopping
Most popular brands now have their own apps which allow customers to shop, track orders, manage returns and more. Others, like Amazon and Jet, let you order just about any item you can imagine – from food to clothing to appliances and more – and have it shipped right to your door for free. Other apps, like ShopSavvy, let you compare prices so you always get the best deal. Some (like Ebates) even let you get money back.
8. Entertainment
Watch your favorite movies and TV shows on the go with apps like Netflix and Hulu. Many networks have their own apps where users can access their favorite series and watch episodes on-demand. If you prefer the big screen, there are plenty of theatre apps that allow you to look up show times and purchase tickets.
9. Social/Dating – Ditch the singles bar and start meeting people the digital way – through dating apps like Match and Plenty of Fish (POF). Looking for something a little more casual? Tinder lets you “swipe right” and chat with others who pique your attention.
10. Travel
No need to call the travel agent – now you can book your entire trip right from your smartphone using any of the available apps, like Expedia or Travelocity. Snag a hot home or apartment rental in your favorite destination through private property rental sites like Airbnb or HomeAway. Find the best restaurants and hot spots using TripAdvisor.
Without question, mobile apps have become an essential part of our day to day lives. They keep us organized, help us get to where we need to be and simplify our lives. And with new apps being developed every day, the sky really is the limit on what they will come up with next.
What’s your favorite lifestyle app? Let us know in the comments below.