In my post Change of Focus I mentioned that I now the proud owner of an iPhone and intend to write some posts
“to share my experiences, post tips, review Apps for the iPhone” “The App reviews will be restricted to Apps available in the Australian App store.”
So here they start. iPhone applications can really enhance the user experience of the iPhone, they are easy to install and many of apps have a free and paid version. Try out the free version and then if you want more features buy the paid version.
Getting started with Apps:
To download apps you need an iTunes account. I created a free account so I don’t have to hand over payment details, I can buy iTunes credit when I need and am not tempted to spend more than I should. Once you have your iTunes account set up you can download apps directly to your phone (wifi connection is best) or with your Mac or PC. Just be aware that if you are downloading with your phones data plan this can blow it out, some apps can be large and take a while to download.
To set up a “free” iTunes account open iTunes on your PC or Mac go to the App store. Find a free application to download and then create your iTunes account. Having selected a free app should mean you don’t have to enter payment details.
The App Store
Using the app store on your iPhone is very easy. Simply open the App store icon on your home screen. From here you can browse and search for apps. Each app has a description and if you scroll to the bottom it will tell you the version, date created, operating system it will work on. If the app has user reviews it is a good idea to read these also.
Featured: includes New, What’s Hot & Genius.
Categories: includes Top 25- Top Paid, Top Free & Top Grossing.
Search: Look for apps
Updates: Shows updates for your apps, simply click to download & update your apps.
One thing to note with apps is that the prices can change, it can be worthwhile checking in to see of an app you were after but found too expensive has been reduced. An example of this is Jamie Oliver’s app which started out around $25. and is currently available for $5.99.
To finish off here is my list of 7 must haves.
1. Quota
Allows you to keep track of you phone and data usage and more. This app has a free QuotaLite and paid Quota version. The free app restricts you to one account. The paid app ($3.99) has many features and allows you to check you phone, ISP usage, SmartRider balance, Fly Buys and many more. There are many similar apps available but I have found this one very reliable and was a little swayed seeing it was developed in Western Australia. This sort of app is a must have to make sure you don’t go over you phone limits.
2. Ping
Gary Fung
Ping has a free and paid version. It let’s you send free SMS to other iPhone users. You need to create a Ping id, let your friends know the id and then you can send each other free SMS. It also works on iPod Touch.
This is an easy to use app that will save you going over your phone limit.
3. Yoink!
Yoink! is a easy to use app that is a iPhone version of it’s online website.
They say: “Get free stuff from your local area and give things away you don’t need.” and this sums up what it is all about.
Once you become a member (free) you can start Yoinking. Yoink! lets you give things away or get thinks for free. The map makes it very easy to find things and if you Yoink! it before anyone else its yours. You can then message and arrange to pick up the item.
It’s a great way to recycle, get rid of things you don’t want anymore and help each other. You can also use the web version of Yoink! Yoink! is another app by a West Australian Developer.
4. Capdase USB Chargers.
Your iPhone comes with a Charger but I found I needed more than one. This one is made by Capdase. I have 2 of these one has two USB ports and the other has four USB ports. There are a must if you have more than one phone/device to charge. They also come with international adapters.
5. Duracell Instant USB Charger.
This must have provides you with charge for you phone when you are out and about. It is Instant USB Charger made by Duracell. It is small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, you charge it by USB and once charged use your iPhone cable to connect and charge your iPhone. Instant USB charger. Claims to provide up to 3 hours of backup phone charge. With the iPhone it may not be as efficient. I found it took about an hour to charge from 25% to 80% charge while I was using the phone all the time. So charging without using the phone would be a lot quicker.
6. Belkin Retractable iPhone cable.
To make life easy with all of these charging devices I have a Belkin retractable iPhone cable. It is small to carry around and doesn’t get tangled around everything.
I hope these tips are helpful, the more you use and play with your iPhone the quicker you will find it’s many features.
Enjoy!
