Appy To Be Onboard

Dai Jakes is fairly new to the iPhone craze but it hasn't taken long to get the app bug and what with there being an app (application) for anything and everything (there is even a 'whale alert' app fer Chrissakes), today I am going to list Mr Jakes' favourite ones. I must admit, I initially thought smartphone apps were overrated and silly, only used by geeky teenagers and bored buisnessmen but im willing to admit I was wrong on this score. After using a fair few now I would certainly miss them if they were to suddenly disappear. Im really appy with them (and yes I HAD to do that.) So let us roll out the Jakes apps and remember, this list is in no particular order with number 5 being just as cool/useful as number 1.

1. Flipboard (free)

This lets you have all your social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) and news all in one place. Its simple to use and has a nice design which lets you flip pages upward with one finger swipe. If you happen to be a neat freak and want all your most read news and game/film reviews in one place you should download Flipboard immediately. Top drawer stuff!

2. Morrisons supermarket (free)

Great for shoppers, this app gives you nearest stores, special offers and even lets you create a handy shopping list by simply ticking desired foods from their food list. I was expecting the special offers selection to be out of date for some reason but im happy to report its bang up to date. If Morrisons is your supermarket, get the app.

3. Red Laser (free)

Have a barcode fetish? Want to know the price of a DVD and compare prices to sites such as eBay? Red Laser lets you do just that. You can make lists of wanted items and it can even recognise photographs as well as read barcodes. And it WORKS! Really well! It even recognised my rare coffin edition Cradle of filth CD. I always thought barcode readers were purely gimmicks but they can be very handy, especially as it compares prices from eBay, Amazon, HMV, etc.

4. Playstation 1 Collector (£2.49p)

Being a retro videogame player/collector I was seriously impressed when I stumbled across this app. Best £2.49p ive ever spent. This has EVERY Playstation 1 title ever made, and it tells you how rare and valuable each game is. Want to make a list of your collection and tick off titles as you collect? Sure thing. The app gives fabulous box art and lets you create wanted/remaining list as well. Lists lists! We love a good list on Dai Jake's Book!


The Playstation Collector app


5. Bing (free)

Find your nearest shops, cinemas, restraunts, docors, schools, weather, parks, police, damn near EVERYTHING. Ok some things are out of date, for instance it showed a post office in Carmarthen thats been closed for years, but its a minor gripe when most things are present and correct. It has world/UK news, images and videos too but the local stuff is where Bing shines best.

6. British Red Cross first aid (free)

If you own an iPhone, you really must get this great app. You never know when an emergency might rear its ugly head and this covers everything from treating broken bones to lacerations. It even lets you test yourself and awards you different achievments when you pass. Super cool! You can also call the emergency services by tapping a red box. Brilliant app that could well be a life saver. Download it NOW!

7. Flixster (free)

Movie fan? Then you probably got this already but if you don't, you know what to do. This not only finds nearest cinemas but it also tells you whats playing in them and the times. Want to see a trailer? Can do! It covers all the new releases plus lists the top DVD releases.

8. TV Catchup (free)

Now I don't watch television but I downloaded this for the WOW factor (and for Sky News). This app lets you watch all the channels that you get on Freeview from BBC1 to Price Drop TV. And there is absolutely NO buffering! It streams flawlessly and the sound is good. I dreamt of stuff like this as a child.

9. iBooks (free)

Speaks for itself really. A library in your pocket from the Classics to current bestsellers. At reasonable prices too! And some are free like the app itself. If you don't mind reading from a phone screen, there has never been a better time to catch up on works by the greats. All downloaded books sit on a virtual wooden shelf so it looks very swish.

10. WebMD (free)

Symptom checker, conditions, drugs & treatments, first aid info, local health listings.This app has it all to find out whatever it is that ails you. I found all my prescribed medicines on it and its extremely informative.

So these are Dai Jakes top ten but I must mention Pulse and Feedly also. Both are free and are similar to Flipboard in that they have news from a variety of online newspapers/magazines all in one place. If you are new to apps or are a non believer like I was, download these today and prepare to be impressed and informed. With over 500,000 applications (some paid, some free) its easy to get a bit overwhelmed by it all so hope this helps you get started on your digital journey.

Coming up next: Dai Jake's Book favourite iPhone games.